No Facetime HD Camera?

[blueskye]

If I'm understanding this properly, does the new MBA not have the new HD camera? I've been waiting for the new MBA for months, but if it's true then that is pretty disappointing.

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookair/specs.html

This is kind of a letdown, as I'm leaving overseas for Grad school and I was really looking forward to having HD video calls with family back home.

Seems like Apple always leaves that one thing out so it can be put into the next update, huh.

 

[sniffies]

I find it totally absurd.

The most portable Mac with a mediocre camera.

Less portable Mac with the best camera.

Does it make sense to you?

Not to me.

Dumb dumb dumb.

F you, Apple!

 

[defected07]

You can always get an ACD

But that doesn't help your portability needs.

 

[Jobsian]

Good point, I'd have loved to see HD cameras on these, especially with Apple promoting FaceTime. The current ones aren't that good really. It's probably a technical limitation.

 

[sniffies]

Well, at least, I won't feel as bitter for not having the latest.

My ultimate 13" from 2010 still kicking the ass and looks classy in public.

 

[blueskye]

Good point, I'd have loved to see HD cameras on these, especially with Apple promoting FaceTime. The current ones aren't that good really. It's probably a technical limitation.

It's particularly a letdown for me because I can only afford to get a new computer every few years, and as it stands I'm upgrading from a 2006 MBP, so essentially I'll be stuck with the same, old low res camera again for the next few years...

 

[shurcooL]

Yeah, I'm pretty pissed off about this too.

Not only do they leave out FaceTime HD, but SDXC card slot is missing also.

Why must the Air always be one or two minor features away from perfect? It's a shame they get everything else so right, yet manage to piss you off with the small things.

 

[urkel]

I find it totally absurd.

The most portable Mac with a mediocre camera.

Less portable Mac with the best camera

What? You're not down with FaceTime VGA?

You're totally right though. I have an iPod touch and iPad 2. Both are insanely portable and practical devices for video chatting, but they're equipped with camera tech straight out of 1998. So to see this still happening with the Air is disappointing.

Does it make sense to you?

The only people who this makes sense to are their loyal apologists who are sure to come up with ridiculous excuses just like they did with how "The Air is too thin for backlit keyboards" or "Who needs Sandy Bridge performance in A machine meant for portability"

 

[Cheungsth]

Is it really a big deal, No HD camera? If you don't have enough bandwidth (both side) it probably get downscale anyway..........

 

[urkel]

Is it really a big deal, No HD camera? If you don't have enough bandwidth (both side) it probably get downscale anyway..........

We do have enough bandwidth on each end. So what other reasons are there for why a modern computer shouldnt have modern capabilities?

(BTW. A better camera not only gives a better picture but it enables you to take footage in "less than optimal conditions" without being grainy or too dark. The camera they use in the Touch, iPad and MBA is really outdated and not what you'd expect from a company trying to push FaceTime to be a new standard)