Not a Netbook!

[bchreng]

How about comparing it to similarly sized/weighted computers?

People always need to come up with the 4.4lbs alienware m11x to beat it. Double the weight.

Not much else out there at the moment to compare it to. Have to wait for the other manufacturers to copy/catch up!

edit: though it is kinda nice to have the option to upgrade the thing yourself with off-the-shelf parts from your local computer store.

 

[bruinsrme]

Is everyone really this bored or are you serious about this?

me bored at work

 

[gianly1985]

Not much else out there at the moment to compare it to. Have to wait for the other manufacturers to copy/catch up!

Actually there's a number of CULVs around (and for a while):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Ultra-Low_Voltage#CULV_Laptops

But other manufacturers, while providing similar ULV CPUs to the ones seen in the Airs, tend to stick to crappy Intel GPUs and mechanical HDDs. Also, getting below 1,4kg (3lbs) is uncommon.

Not to mention the crappy LCD panels. Not sure they wanna copy/catch up much about that, since they haven't done it for years on regular laptops.

 

[bchreng]

Actually there's a number of CULVs around (and for a while):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Ultra-Low_Voltage#CULV_Laptops

But other manufacturers, while providing similar ULV CPUs to the ones seen in the Airs, tend to stick to crappy Intel GPUs and mechanical HDDs. Also, getting below 1,4kg (3lbs) is uncommon.

Not to mention the crappy LCD panels. Not sure they wanna copy/catch up much about that, since they haven't done it for years on regular laptops.

Like you mentioned, there's a lot of them around, just not many that have dedicated GPUs. I wouldn't compare those to the MBA at all. If there's a good demand for the new MBAs, I'm sure we'll see more CULV laptops with dedicated GPUs in the near future. Had it not been for Apple, I don't know if many PC notebooks today would have latchless lids, island-style keys, gesture support on the trackpad, and backlit keyboards.

 

[abriwin]

Jeez, does it really matter what you call it?

As long as it works and provides the owner with what he wants.

 

[MikePA]

Jeez, does it really matter what you call it?

It matters to people who get their self esteem from arguing on the Internet.

 

[maflynn]

Netbook Pro

Best post of the thread

 

[chrono1081]

Netbooks are defined by price and size. They need to be small and cheap. Often they use an Atom chip, but you can see AMD Neo chips in there and sometimes Intel Celerons. Those details aren't super important. Its just some combo of small and cheap, which the Air is not(cheap, it is small)

+1. People calling it a netbook don't understand computer classifications. I'm sure they'd call a laptop a desktop just because someone uses it on their desk.

Sure people can be weird and call them whatever they want, but in a forum where people come here for help and advice it tends to confuse things when people call a full blown computer a netbook simply because they don't understand what the difference is.

 

[maflynn]

+1. People calling it a netbook don't understand computer classifications. I'm sure they'd call a laptop a desktop just because someone uses it on their desk.

I'd say that the anandtech folks are pretty computer savy and certainly understand the computer classifications. Yet they call the 11" MBA a netbook

Apple won’t call it a netbook, but that’s exactly what the 11.6 inch MacBook Air is: a netbook with much better hardware. You get a full sized keyboard, an old but faster-than-Atom processor and a great screen. If you’re a writer, the 11-inch MacBook Air is the perfect tool just at an imperfect price.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the 11" MBA, but its a netbook, and if I opt to buy one, will replace my netbook. since it is better hardware then other netbooks, but make no mistake it is a netbook and while people here and other fanboys get a hair across their butt and are insulted that we are calling that, most other people I've seen/talked with and dealt with call it this

 

[chrono1081]

I'd say that the anandtech folks are pretty computer savy and certainly understand the computer classifications. Yet they call the 11" MBA a netbook

Don't get me wrong, I really like the 11" MBA, but its a netbook, and if I opt to buy one, will replace my netbook. since it is better hardware then other netbooks, but make no mistake it is a netbook and while people here and other fanboys get a hair across their butt and are insulted that we are calling that, most other people I've seen/talked with and dealt with call it this

Well then Andantech isn't very accurate then are they if they are calling the air a netbook. Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

The problem is people may want this computer could be swayed away because of the misinformation calling it a netbook. When people hear netbook, they think small, underpowered computers. Airs are NOT underpowered. They are not netbooks they are ultra portables. I don't see anyone calling the dell adamo a netbook, or the voodoo envy a netbook, or even the old macbook air a netbook. No one calls the 11 inch sonys a netbook.

The air is a full blown laptop and its powerful. Hearing people say things like "well it has an old processor so its slow" just shows they know nothing about computer science or how computer architecture works and are basing their bad assumptions off of their knowledge of computer marketing terms.

You can wave the "fanyboy" flag all you want but in reality people calling it a netbook cant handle the fact that they are wrong. Whos the fanyboy now?

 

[Hankster]

+1. People calling it a netbook don't understand computer classifications. I'm sure they'd call a laptop a desktop just because someone uses it on their desk.

Sure people can be weird and call them whatever they want, but in a forum where people come here for help and advice it tends to confuse things when people call a full blown computer a netbook simply because they don't understand what the difference is.

Well then Andantech isn't very accurate then are they if they are calling the air a netbook. Do you believe everything you read on the internet?
The air is a full blown laptop and its powerful. Hearing people say things like "well it has an old processor so its slow" just shows they know nothing about computer science or how computer architecture works and are basing their bad assumptions off of their knowledge of computer marketing terms.

You can wave the "fanyboy" flag all you want but in reality people calling it a netbook cant handle the fact that they are wrong. Whos the fanyboy now?

It seems anyone who disagrees with you is wrong. What kind of attitude is that? Unless there are clear cut features to distinct laptop from netbook it's a gray area. Also, your argument that the MBA 11" is "powerful" so it's not a netbook...look around at HP and a few others, there are netbooks with more processing power than the MBA. My HP Mini that's $800 does everything my MBA does with a faster processing chip.

 

[netdog]

I love that the whole world thinks of the 11.6 as a netbook except for those who own want and don't want it seen as a netbook.

Think whatever you want, but the rest of us think of it as a netbook, and frankly there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[maflynn]

Well then Andantech isn't very accurate then are they if they are calling the air a netbook. Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

No of course not, as your post is a prime example of this. I mean to state Andantech is not very accurate is a laughable statement as they are a highly accurate hardware site, that does give Macs a fair review. Many hardware sites tend to look down on macs, such as Toms Hardware, but Andantech is pretty fair.

Like I said in an earlier post, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quakes like a duck - its a duck.

this puppy looks, and sounds like a netbook, so its a netbook, regardless of the price.

 

[snorkelman]

Think whatever you want, but the rest of us think of it as a netbook, and frankly there's nothing wrong with that.

Personally I saw the 11.6 announcement and thought that's one hell of a netbook, something I can finally replace the old creaky plastic MSI U100 I've still got knocking around here somewhere. Going on to check the spec of it didn't disappoint me.

However on seeing the announcement had my immediate thought been wow that's one hell of an ultra-portable, then my expectations would have been higher and checking the detailed spec would have left me less impressed (probably why I never had much interest in the original 13.3)

the oversized bezel, the lack of firewire, the lack of ethernet, the lack of SD card slot those would have been way harder to swallow when it came to evaluating the 11.6 as an ultra portable

so 'best netbook ever' or 'so-so ultraportable' I know which I prefer

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

The problem is people may want this computer could be swayed away because of the misinformation calling it a netbook. When people hear netbook, they think small, underpowered computers.

How do you know what "people think?"

Here's a likely scenario:

Potential Customer: Hey, I need a small computer that I can use to surf the web, do email, access my office files and maybe even watch a movie I've downloaded. It needs to be small and light, but with a real keyboard on it...not one of those tablet thingies.

Apple Employee: Well have you looked at the new Macbook Air? It should meet all of your requirements.

Best Buy Employee: Well have you looked at any of our netbooks? Most should meet your requirements.

Its a branding difference to "most people" I'm guessing. They are going to be comparing the MBA to a whole host of netbooks. Smart customers may notice that the MBA has a far nicer build quality, runs OSX natively and in general just seems like a "premium" product. Average joe will likely decide with their wallet, particularly in today's economy.

But the point is that the 11" MBA is now Apple's "entry-level" computer, side by side with the plastic Macbook. People will compare the two and if their needs are simple, they'll likely snap up the 11" MBA before the plastic Macbook behemoth.

I don't think "people" will mind whatsoever that they are comparing a MBA to a netbook...they will, in fact, be doing so on a very regular basis from here on out.

I think owners of the MBA, particularly the 11" MBA, have a problem being lumped in with "most people" and want to be seen in a certain light. And thats the crux of this entire argument. It has nothing to do with the device itself...it has everything to do with your feelings. Calling a MBA a netbook hurts your feelings.

And if THAT is your REAL argument, then just say so. I've no desire to hurt your feelings in a callous manner. I'd be happy to refrain from doing so if I knew that was the real reason...which I highly suspect is now the case after reading these posts.

 

[bowlerman625]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8B117 Safari/6531.22.7)

Call it what you want. After the FedEx person gets here today, I'm calling one mine!!!!

 

[maflynn]

Call it what you want. After the FedEx person gets here today, I'm calling one mine!!!!

I guess we can call you happy, then

 

[chrono1081]

It seems anyone who disagrees with you is wrong. What kind of attitude is that? Unless there are clear cut features to distinct laptop from netbook it's a gray area. Also, your argument that the MBA 11" is "powerful" so it's not a netbook...look around at HP and a few others, there are netbooks with more processing power than the MBA. My HP Mini that's $800 does everything my MBA does with a faster processing chip.

This just proves you are one of the people who don't know anything about computer architecture. Its obvious you are only comparing processor speed and not looking at the underlying processor architecture. Simply because one processor says 1.4, and another says 1.6 does not mean the 1.6 is faster. HP minis have ATOM processors, these processors are extremely weak. Not even close to what is in the MBA.

I'm done with this thread, if none of you can't tell the difference between a netbook and an ultraportable thats your problem not mine. All I know is that my MBA is a full blown computer and its sad that some people won't get to enjoy a MBA because someone told them it was a netbook not a full computer and they don't want a netbook.

Oh, and as for the ridiculous comments like "Calling a macbook air a netbook hurting feelings". No one cares what you call it, just don't miscatagorize it an mislead others. You all seem to have a problem calling it a real computer so whats the difference if me and others wont call it a netbook?

 

[jeznav]

Powerful netbook

I have an HP Mini which I just gave away to my uncle half away across the world because I had upgraded to the MBA 11.6".

I really don't care if people call the MBA a netbook or not. What makes me smile with glee is the fact that when people see me using this 11.6" and running FPS games like COD, L4D2, and even SC2, they have the weird look on their faces because it clashes with their predefined idea of a netbook as underpowered.

So they ask "Is that even a netbook? How the heck are you running games on that?" Then I say, "Oh, It has an NVidia graphics card like the ones on the laptops." Then I swiftly close the lid like a book and off I go to my classes and over-hearing them say "Thats a really thin yet, powerful netbook."

 

[gianly1985]

Like I said in an earlier post, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quakes like a duck - its a duck.

this puppy looks, and sounds like a netbook, so its a netbook, regardless of the price.

Yeah...keep ignoring my posts and the other "puppies" I posted....are those netbooks too?

These puppies quack like a duck. (GMOs anyone?)
So they're donkeys.

The 11" MBA is just the grandson of this kind of product, slimmed down thanks to 2010 technologies. Not a glorified netbook. The idea behind a netbook is using a crappy CPU and crappy BUILD quality. But the "small screen", the feature in common, already EXISTED. Don't need to learn that from 2008-invented netbooks.

 

[gianly1985]

Kid Micheal Jackson in the Jacksons5 was really a Justin Bieber.

He's a kid, he sings. That puppy smells like a puppy.

Let's call old stuff with names of stuff invented last year. It's fun.

 

[kp98077]

I totally agree!!

Honestly--i dont know a lot about computer but know enough that the 2gb is not equivalent to what was in the prior air or ANY of the current pros, it's a flash based system so in reality 2 is the new 4
I have a newer MBP and last night this 11" 2g air was faster in EVERY WAY than the MBP...If that's not proof I dont know what is, sometimes real world experience are much more trustworthy than looking at a bunch of specs.

Well then Andantech isn't very accurate then are they if they are calling the air a netbook. Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

The problem is people may want this computer could be swayed away because of the misinformation calling it a netbook. When people hear netbook, they think small, underpowered computers. Airs are NOT underpowered. They are not netbooks they are ultra portables. I don't see anyone calling the dell adamo a netbook, or the voodoo envy a netbook, or even the old macbook air a netbook. No one calls the 11 inch sonys a netbook.

The air is a full blown laptop and its powerful. Hearing people say things like "well it has an old processor so its slow" just shows they know nothing about computer science or how computer architecture works and are basing their bad assumptions off of their knowledge of computer marketing terms.

You can wave the "fanyboy" flag all you want but in reality people calling it a netbook cant handle the fact that they are wrong. Whos the fanyboy now?

 

[OllyW]

I can't believe those thieving bastards at Sony copied the MacBook keyboard 2 years before Apple "invented" it.

 

[gianly1985]

I can't believe those thieving bastards at Sony copied the MacBook keyboard 2 years before Apple "invented" it.

Yeah noticed that too

 

[gwsat]

Why do we insist on perpetuating this non issue gang? The 11 inch MBA is of course not a "netbook" in the sense Steve Jobs used the word when he said that Apple would never make a netbook. At the time, the generally understood definition of "netbook" was a cheap and very small, usually $500 or less and 10 inches or less, underpowered computer with a non standard keyboard that sacrificed power and ease of inputting data for portability.

Apple has redefined the term, "netbook," with the new 11 inch MBA. It is small and easily portable, just as conventional netbooks are. There the comparison ends, though. The 11 inch MBA is twice as expensive as conventional netbooks but uses an Intel C2D chip instead of an Atom, has up to 4GB of RAM, a high resolution display, and a standard keyboard.

The bottom line is that, while the 11 inch MBA is, indeed, a netbook, it is a new kind of netbook, not heretofore dreamed of.