No offense, but 11 inch has too many compromises.

[63dot]

I agree about the MacBook, but not the 13" Pro. I think that there may be a 13" Pro without an optical drive, but with a Core i5/i7 and discrete GPU. There isn't enough room in the MacBook Air profile for a discrete GPU, but there would be in the Pro if they dropped the optical drive. The Pro would also include Firewire or Lightpeak (though the latter may also make its way to the Air over time).

That would be a great 13" inch MBP. The one they have right now is great but as we all know technology moves very fast.

If somehow the MBA and MBP eventually merge into one line, it may be a good time to enter the netbook market. While we are not big enough and we don't have a PC sized market share, we can probably make a very decent Macbook for $500 dollars.

I don't think our iPad is a netbook, but actually much better and worthy for the rest of technology to copy which it will, but still in its own category.

With laptops, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, software, and desktops, the only major market that seems logical are the netbooks.

While we didn't have the capital to go into too many markets back in the late-1990s, we can expand now and maybe even do some Apple games and/or partner up with gaming companies. Call of Duty has been good investment for MS.

 

[rrl]

Hey, check my sig....how can I possibly be jealous of something I already own?

So, your sig is for devices you bought, not for devices you use? If so, don't you think that's kind of shallow and meaningless? Should I list my son's hardware?

But I quit developing my own software over twenty years ago. I now pay a staff to do that for me.

And then there's those of us who cashed in early this decade while getting real work done on teeny tiny, very expensive laptops, but we continue to code because we choose to, not because we have to.

And you are still paying a premium for the smallest and lightest computing devices made. Its called an Apple tax.

No, with the introduction of the netbook prices flipped. I was paying double for devices that were smaller and lighter. Netbooks came along, and the prices of those same devices were cut by 75% almost overnight. Desktop replacement prices weren't similarly affected. The Apple tax would probably be double for the MBA 11" if netbooks never existed. This is similar to Linksys' immediate affect on the router market.

 

[gwsat]

No, with the introduction of the netbook prices flipped. I was paying double for devices that were smaller and lighter. Netbooks came along, and the prices of those same devices were cut by 75% almost overnight. Desktop replacement prices weren't similarly affected. The Apple tax would probably be double for the MBA 11" if netbooks never existed. This is similar to Linksys' immediate affect on the router market.

I think you may be right about this. It seems to me that Apple made a conscious decision to design its 11 inch MBA in such a way that the entry level model could be sold for less that $1,000. I doubt that Apple would have worried about that price point were it not for the competition of cheap, Windows based, netbooks.

 

[KPOM]

I think you may be right about this. It seems to me that Apple made a conscious decision to design its 11 inch MBA in such a way that the entry level model could be sold for less that $1,000. I doubt that Apple would have worried about that price point were it not for the competition of cheap, Windows based, netbooks.

Consider that the first MacBook Air started at $1799 and was $2999 for the SSD model in February 2008. By November of that year it was down to $2499 for the SSD model, which had doubled in size to 128GB. Before the latest refresh, it was $1499 for the HD model and $1799 for the SSD model.

I'm not sure what impact $300-500 netbooks had on Apple's decision. Clearly they had targeted the iPad at the netbook market with the $499 pricing. However, I think that the $999 price point has long been their minimum for a "mainstream" notebook, and clearly they wanted to make the MacBook Air mainstream rather than the niche device it had been for the first 2.5+ years. From a components perspective, they stuck with a lot of 2008/early 2009-era hardware, so this enabled them to hit that price point while still offering far more than an inexpensive netbook.

 

[sigamy]

Earlier comment about getting in shape wasn't rude.

This is what rude looks like.

I didn't even see that comment! But I did see one that basically implied that a part of one's anatomy was lacking and that is why the poster could or couldn't deal with a 1" difference in size between the two MBA models. That got me upset. But, yes, two wrongs don't make a right so I will apologize for my comments.

That being said, believe it or not, I am genuinely interested in hearing how folks use 3+ devices in their day to day lives.

There was a time when I had many computers and PDAs in simultaneous use. But it got old. I was spending time mucking with computers and not computing. In addition, life got very busy. I needed effective tools that get out of the way and allow me to do work. This was years ago before today's cloud solutions fixed many of the syncing issues of the 90s.

 

[a2applegirl]

I think you may be right about this. It seems to me that Apple made a conscious decision to design its 11 inch MBA in such a way that the entry level model could be sold for less that $1,000. I doubt that Apple would have worried about that price point were it not for the competition of cheap, Windows based, netbooks.

I think the air is targeted at the Sony Vaio series. The Vaio P, W, and X all have similar price points and features. (of course the Air is better. )

 

[mcdonaldtosh]

Basemodel Boy

Anyone having any technical proof, I mean like devastating, that the 11inch 2GB 64SSD wont work as a main computer?

Photoshop, TextMate, Cyberduck, FontExplorer X and about 3 browserwindows with a horde of tags. Can anyone convince me that I can use it for that for about 10 hours a day, If it helps your cause, I got a screen hooked to it about half of the day.

In the weekends I edit books in Indesign as well, so take that into the consideration.

Do I have to wait for 4GB or do I need to climb up to a higher spec 13"? Or can I just go in the store an fetch the basemodel 11"?

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

So, your sig is for devices you bought, not for devices you use? If so, don't you think that's kind of shallow and meaningless? Should I list my son's hardware?

What an amusing poster you are. You can list all your son's hardware if you feel the need. I don't.

And why do you think I don't use all my iDevices? I've got a hobby shop full of tools of all shapes and sizes and I don't think I've ever used them all at the same time. I pick the right one for the job and use that and am happy that I'm not one of those morons who uses a hammer to drive a wood screw.

I use the 11" netbook model for profiling purposes. Congratulations. You've proven it works.

 

[mcdonaldtosh]

This feetguy is spending all his sparetime on this forum, so I bet he has enough time and money between his coke and pizza to axe out for bragging rights.

 

[dmelgar]

IThat being said, believe it or not, I am genuinely interested in hearing how folks use 3+ devices in their day to day lives.

There was a time when I had many computers and PDAs in simultaneous use. But it got old. I was spending time mucking with computers and not computing. In addition, life got very busy. I needed effective tools that get out of the way and allow me to do work. This was years ago before today's cloud solutions fixed many of the syncing issues of the 90s.

In my case, I currently have a phone (Android, HTC Incredible on Verizon, great phone), iPad, 13" MBP and now 13" MBA. My plan is to sell the MBP. I wouldn't normally keep the iPad but I use it to develop iPhone and iPad apps.

I'm still debating between the 13 and 11" MBA. The 13 MBA doesn't seem all that different from the 13" MBP. It does NOT feel much more portable to me, but I really like the battery life, fast SSD and higher res display. I had an 11" for 2 weeks. When I had it I never found a use for the iPad because the 11" seems as portable as an iPad. The 13" not so much.

 

[mcdonaldtosh]

dmelgar, interesting, what specs are did it the 11 have?

 

[rrl]

And why do you think I don't use all my iDevices?

This is why:

I had already ordered the 13" MBA at that point and then later ordered the 11" model a week or so later. After hanging out with it for a week, I'm thankful I bought it to give to my assistant. She's a very small lady and the petite nature of the machine will suit her well. But for me....no thanks. Its just too many compromises. Awesome premium netbook, however....best in class.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Consider this:

Today, I had to put my MBA 11 away in the car before leaving, I didn't know where so I put it in the glove box.

THE GLOVE BOX!!!!

It also fits on those side pockets on your car doors. Compromise that.

 

[ERdoc]

11 inch just fine

Look, I've been lurking in these parts for at least a year. The conversations by Scottsdale, Big Feet and Dammit Cubs have really helped in terms for figuring out if Apple would be a computer for me. I bought two macs this week, which were my first Macs since the 512Ke. I was a PC guy and really use the computer for powerpoint, word and webmail. Yep, not a gamer and no coding. I'm an ER doc.

So, the 11 inch was the best for me. and...that is exactly the point. It was for me. The iMac 27 inch mid-level was for my wife and kids. Yes, there are tradeoffs for me. I still can't figure out certain clicks and where things go, but that will come in time. I'm an Android phone guy, so my phone doesn't sync. You know, I don't care, because I never synced my phone with the PC either. It was through cloud based sharing such as Dropbox that worked for me.
In any event...this is really a "thank you" to the posters to this forum. Without the back and forth, good and bad posts, meaningless contributers, thoughtful contributers, I would have had a more difficult time.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

This is why:

Well then see, I use the 11" MBA a lot. Just not personally. My assistant works out of my home office so she sits across the desk from me when I'm here. When she's not, I'm using the 11" as a media center. That's what its doing right now.

Consider this:

Today, I had to put my MBA 11 away in the car before leaving, I didn't know where so I put it in the glove box.

THE GLOVE BOX!!!!

It also fits on those side pockets on your car doors. Compromise that.

My 13" MBA fits in the glove box, I've done that once already when I ran with it to a job site and I didn't want to take it inside. It was inside a Padfolio at the time, so both devices went in there. I think it depends on the size of the glove box...again, the difference in size between the 11" and 13" is about 1 inch on all sides so we aren't talking a major compromise if you interested in "glovebox computing power" with either device.

Never tried the door pockets. With my luck, I'd forget its there and slam my door too hard or something.

 

[a2applegirl]

Consider this:

Today, I had to put my MBA 11 away in the car before leaving, I didn't know where so I put it in the glove box.

THE GLOVE BOX!!!!

It also fits on those side pockets on your car doors. Compromise that.

I fit mine in my glove box too, when I didn't want to take it into the store I was going to, and didn't want to put it in the trunk, and I drive a small car.

 

[a2applegirl]

Well then see, I use the 11" MBA a lot. Just not personally. My assistant works out of my home office so she sits across the desk from me when I'm here. When she's not, I'm using the 11" as a media center. That's what its doing right now.



My 13" MBA fits in the glove box, I've done that once already when I ran with it to a job site and I didn't want to take it inside. It was inside a Padfolio at the time, so both devices went in there. I think it depends on the size of the glove box...again, the difference in size between the 11" and 13" is about 1 inch on all sides so we aren't talking a major compromise if you interested in "glovebox computing power" with either device.

Never tried the door pockets. With my luck, I'd forget its there and slam my door too hard or something.

The 13" would not fit in the glove compartment of most cars. If you could fit your air in the glove compartment then you could fit a mbp in there as well. Your glove compartment must be super large or something.

 

[itommyboy]

Glove Box Storage - Really?

What in the world are you people who are claiming you store your MBA in the glove box driving? Our main roll is a Sienna XLE Limited - yeah baby swagger wagon more like a Lexus than a mini van - but I doubt either of our MBAs 13 or 11 fit in our quite large glove box. Not that I'd put them in there if they did fit; the nice leather slips behind our seats not only conceal but our MBAs say they are comfortable in there to.

As for compromises, they are within the eye of the beholder, same as features.

 

[foiden]

My glove box is so small....

(How small is it)

My glove box is so small that I can't even fit an iPad in there, much less any kind of machine that's bigger than that.

^Truth, but I figured I'd change the delivery.

Anyway. I actually went with the 13" because I had lot of discussions about what is right for me. I wanted to stick with the 1.86 because it's actually powerful enough for my mini-portable needs CPU-wise (actually 1.6 was, but 1.8 gives me some headroom), plus I also want it to run cooler than the 2.13 configuration. I wanted to go for well enough, but at a specification where heat will also be more of a non-issue.

Battery life, screen real-estate, and direct access to expand my storage using high-speed expansion cards (which the 13" can access) was the deciding factors for which that 1 inch of space was a worthy trade. Not only good for photo transfer, but also for using it as a tiny external (SSD-like) drive, since at least SDHC cards are compatible. Would be nice if it is found they can also use the next level up, but a possible 32GB extension on a pretty fast medium is nothing to snicker at.

I love the 11 inch size, but I figured this config is still a great ultra-portable config that I believe I can use in as many places without being a machine overlap.

 

[gwsat]

My 13" MBA fits in the glove box, I've done that once already when I ran with it to a job site and I didn't want to take it inside. It was inside a Padfolio at the time, so both devices went in there. I think it depends on the size of the glove box...again, the difference in size between the 11" and 13" is about 1 inch on all sides so we aren't talking a major compromise if you interested in "glovebox computing power" with either device.

Never tried the door pockets. With my luck, I'd forget its there and slam my door too hard or something.

My iPad easily fits into my car's glove box, so I feel sure an 11 inch MBA would fit, too. I have a very thin and light Incipio sleeve for my 13 inch MBA and have discovered that when I have the MBA in it I can stand it on the floor between the inside edge of the passenger seat and the center hump. That's not quite as neat as the ability to put it in the glove box would have been but it's not chopped liver, either.

 

[dmelgar]

dmelgar, interesting, what specs are did it the 11 have?

Ultimate, 1.6/4/128

 

[Dammit Cubs]

What in the world are you people who are claiming you store your MBA in the glove box driving? Our main roll is a Sienna XLE Limited - yeah baby swagger wagon more like a Lexus than a mini van - but I doubt either of our MBAs 13 or 11 fit in our quite large glove box. Not that I'd put them in there if they did fit; the nice leather slips behind our seats not only conceal but our MBAs say they are comfortable in there to.

As for compromises, they are within the eye of the beholder, same as features.

The glove box analogy was to prove a point. The MBA 11 is small and thus the MBA 11 vs the MBA 13 are two different groups. The MBA 11 brings a portability thats goes beyond the 13. They are both thin, but I have carried both around and the 11 is worlds different. I'm on vacation now in Chicago and I have been carrying around the MBA 11 everywhere. I didn't see the true value of my MBA 11 until I went traveling. It is unreal.

MBA 11 vs MBA 13 is like comparing tangerines to oranges.

 

[nizmoz]

Ultimate, 1.6/4/128

I thought a MBA only became a ultimate when you had the best specs available for it? So 4MEG, 256GB, 2.13ghz. That is considered the Ultimate.

 

[MikePA]

I thought a MBA only became a ultimate when you had the best specs available for it? So 4MEG, 256GB, 2.13ghz. That is considered the Ultimate.

Hello, there are two (2) models of MBA. dmelgar listed the ultimate MBA11.

 

[boogers]

The only compromise I see with an 11 inch is a faster heartbeat.