Once you go thin, you'll never go back (even if the air isn't for you)

[thejadedmonkey]

Oh puh-leaze. How presumptuous. The fanboys continue to miss the point or are in some serious denial: its a horrible investment decision. Try to rationalize "thin" all you want, but there are objectively superior and more affordable options. So no, until thin doesn't entail paying an absurd premium for a litany of compromises, then I'll happily putz along on my now "roamy," uncompromising, more compact and much more affordable lappy.

But hey, go ahead and revel in your gadget-lust and the conspicuous consumption it enables.

I can see you've never used a thin laptop before.. After having used one for 3-4 years, it makes my MBP (15") seem huge and heavy. The Air isn't for me (no Firewire) but I completely agree with the OP.

 

[ob81]

Trying to win the hypocrite post of the year award? You're completely overreacting here. But I guess if you want to see idiots and enemies everywhere it would be nice if you expressed your oh so valuable opinions in a little more civil manner.

If I saw enemies and idiots on macrumors, I wouldn't be a member of the forums. Maybe you are over-reacting? Unlike you, it isn't my job to defend/oppose the Macbook Air. After being a Mac fan for this long, this is the first time I have seen other like minded mac users act this (for lack of better term) lame. I guess I am venting. Still doesn't make you or anyone else here my enemy though.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I have to agree with the OP that this size will eventually become the standard. I don't claim to be a guru or anything but this is the first mac my friend bought and he has me help set things up. I really actually find myself wanting one but I need a desktop a bit more right now so perhaps in 3-6 months.
I simply love the trackpad.

 

[etorres]

OK I know the MBA is thin, I know that is lacks feature, and I know that it is less powerful than a macbook pro, but I like it and I bought it.

I am so tired of people criticizing the MBA and people who bought it as if there is something wrong with the MBA, or us.
Stop comparing it with the MBP, I know what the capabilities and features of the MBP are, and decided I DID NOT WANT ONE! I know a MBP is $200 more, I dont care.

It kinda gets me angry that some people want to piss on us because they somehow think they are the ones who decide what a computer should or shouldnt be, and what is best for ME.
It smacks me of arrogance that they feel the need to belittle us MBA for purchasing such a great machine. If you are happier with a MBP or even a MB then by all means by those instead. The MBA isnt made for you.

I have my macbook air a week already and I take it with me everywhere. It was exactly what I was looking for in a laptop and I dont miss any of the "missing" features (well maybe firewire, as I have a firewire external drive) but it's nothing I cant live without.

Many of these posters are just mean spirited and feel a compulsive need to belittle those of us just because the MBA doesnt meet some kind of personal requirements. If you are bitching about the MBA, then it obviously isnt for you. Please, by all means, buy a MBP and write about how superior you are to us mere MBA owners... in the MBP forums.

I apologize for going on, but I just had to say something. This forum is for those of us who own or are interested in owning MBA's. Talking about the "lack" of features is ok, but lets do it in a respectful way people. I resent people who dont know me insinuating things or being plain desrespecful simply because they dont agree with my purchase.

 

[diabolic]

It kinda gets me angry that some people want to piss on us because they somehow think they are the ones who decide what a computer should or shouldnt be, and what is best for ME.

I guess I am a complete idiot that just went, "Ooh, shiny!" and blew a bunch of money on something that I'll regret later.

 

[ahaxton]

OK I know the MBA is thin, I know that is lacks feature, and I know that it is less powerful than a macbook pro, but I like it and I bought it.

I am so tired of people criticizing the MBA and people who bought it as if there is something wrong with the MBA, or us.
Stop comparing it with the MBP, I know what the capabilities and features of the MBP are, and decided I DID NOT WANT ONE! I know a MBP is $200 more, I dont care.

It kinda gets me angry that some people want to piss on us because they somehow think they are the ones who decide what a computer should or shouldnt be, and what is best for ME.
It smacks me of arrogance that they feel the need to belittle us MBA for purchasing such a great machine. If you are happier with a MBP or even a MB then by all means by those instead. The MBA isnt made for you.

I have my macbook air a week already and I take it with me everywhere. It was exactly what I was looking for in a laptop and I dont miss any of the "missing" features (well maybe firewire, as I have a firewire external drive) but it's nothing I cant live without.

Many of these posters are just mean spirited and feel a compulsive need to belittle those of us just because the MBA doesnt meet some kind of personal requirements. If you are bitching about the MBA, then it obviously isnt for you. Please, by all means, buy a MBP and write about how superior you are to us mere MBA owners... in the MBP forums.

I apologize for going on, but I just had to say something. This forum is for those of us who own or are interested in owning MBA's. Talking about the "lack" of features is ok, but lets do it in a respectful way people. I resent people who dont know me insinuating things or being plain desrespecful simply because they dont agree with my purchase.

Me too! I take it everywhere I go. What I like about the MBA is it doesn't give you that weird feeling "why am I lugging this around everywhere?". Better yet from other people, "why are you lugging that iBook, MB, MBP etc around?"

Its so portable that it really is as much of a everyday accessory as my iPhone. I don't feel weird at all

 

[saltyzoo]

Me too! I take it everywhere I go. What I like about the MBA is it doesn't give you that weird feeling "why am I lugging this around everywhere?". Better yet from other people, "why are you lugging that iBook, MB, MBP etc around?"

Its so portable that it really is as much of a everyday accessory as my iPhone. I don't feel weird at all

Yeah, they know exactly why you're lugging the air around. To show off.

Just kidding. Seriously though, you guys should take the chip off your shoulder. Who cares if people think you're silly? Let them. Or you're in danger of having people think you are defensive because you realize you made a mistake. Just kidding again.

Enjoy the silly thing and don't worry about what people say. I sound like a teacher in grade school now.

 

[ob81]

OK I know the MBA is thin, I know that is lacks feature, and I know that it is less powerful than a macbook pro, but I like it and I bought it.

I am so tired of people criticizing the MBA and people who bought it as if there is something wrong with the MBA, or us.
Stop comparing it with the MBP, I know what the capabilities and features of the MBP are, and decided I DID NOT WANT ONE! I know a MBP is $200 more, I dont care.

It kinda gets me angry that some people want to piss on us because they somehow think they are the ones who decide what a computer should or shouldnt be, and what is best for ME.
It smacks me of arrogance that they feel the need to belittle us MBA for purchasing such a great machine. If you are happier with a MBP or even a MB then by all means by those instead. The MBA isnt made for you.

I have my macbook air a week already and I take it with me everywhere. It was exactly what I was looking for in a laptop and I dont miss any of the "missing" features (well maybe firewire, as I have a firewire external drive) but it's nothing I cant live without.

Many of these posters are just mean spirited and feel a compulsive need to belittle those of us just because the MBA doesnt meet some kind of personal requirements. If you are bitching about the MBA, then it obviously isnt for you. Please, by all means, buy a MBP and write about how superior you are to us mere MBA owners... in the MBP forums.

I apologize for going on, but I just had to say something. This forum is for those of us who own or are interested in owning MBA's. Talking about the "lack" of features is ok, but lets do it in a respectful way people. I resent people who dont know me insinuating things or being plain desrespecful simply because they dont agree with my purchase.

Well, noone is pissing on you. There is nothing wrong with owning a Macbook Air, especially if you have the dough to burn. Dive in. I almost bought one myself, but went with the macbook becuase the cons were a bit much for me. Preference.

Now the issue: Does the Macbook look crap to me, or is the MBP too heavy since the Air was announced? No. If more Air users just simply enjoyed their systems and stopped making excuses for purchasing them, less innocent individuals like yourself would feel offended.

 

[mashoutposse]

LOL, the "self-convincing" continues...

If more Air users just simply enjoyed their systems and stopped making excuses for purchasing them

Do you think that the majority of MBA owners aren't enjoying their systems?

Not to pick on you, but we can see perfectly clearly that you want believe that everyone is dissatisfied with their MBAs so you can feel better about your BlackBook purchase. It's a great computer -- why have you spent the majority of your time here instead of in the MB forum? Dude, you just bought your MB yet only 4 of your last 50 posts were made on the MB/MBP forum -- wanna take a guess at how many were made here? LOL!

I agree with you; we're all fans of Apple products -- there's no reason for all of the backhanded comments and trolling and whatever. All of the machines are great and properly serve their respective purposes.

 

[ahaxton]

Yeah, they know exactly why you're lugging the air around. To show off.

Just kidding. Seriously though, you guys should take the chip off your shoulder. Who cares if people think you're silly? Let them. Or you're in danger of having people think you are defensive because you realize you made a mistake. Just kidding again.

Enjoy the silly thing and don't worry about what people say. I sound like a teacher in grade school now.

lol, it does get a lot of attention, a bit more than I got when I got my iPhone, weird eh?

The people that think we are stupid have just been limited to a minority of individuals on tech addict forums.

I have a ton of people in awe over it and in the past few days asking if they can buy it yet in the store.

 

[kuwisdelu]

Now the issue: Does the Macbook look crap to me, or is the MBP too heavy since the Air was announced? No. If more Air users just simply enjoyed their systems and stopped making excuses for purchasing them, less innocent individuals like yourself would feel offended.

Excuses for purchasing them? I'm pretty sure they're just trying to put some reason into this discussion by explaining to the haters just why the MacBook Air is a good purchase for some people, and why it doesn't deserve to be hated. Reasons != excuses.

Does the MacBook look like crap to me or did the MBP get heavier since the Air came out? Certainly not. But then I don't think anyone's saying that. I have a MacBook and I think it still looks great, but I think the MacBook Air looks great, too. I got the MacBook because--actually--I did find the MBP too heavy and bulky and didn't want to lug that around every day to class. But that doesn't mean it's not a great machine for those who don't mind that/need it/want it. It's certainly a great machine! I didn't buy an Air because I don't need a new computer yet, but if I did would it be because the MacBook is too heavy? No! The MacBook didn't get any heavier. It would be because the MacBook Air is even lighter and thinner--which isn't to say that the MacBook is suddenly too think...it's just saying there's an even lighter and thinner option which may or may not be more convenient, if that's what you want and you don't mind the trade-offs.

LOL, the "self-convincing" continues...

In my opinion, any of those haters that talk about MBA owners needing "self-convincing" of their purchase are just trying to convince themselves that their MacBook or MacBook Pro is really what they wanted, when deep down they yearned for an Air... If that weren't the case, I imagine they'd be off "enjoying their system" in the MB/MBP forums rather than trying to assure themselves they have a "better" machine in here...

 

[mashoutposse]

In my opinion, any of those haters that talk about MBA owners needing "self-convincing" of their purchase are just trying to convince themselves that their MacBook or MacBook Pro is really what they wanted, when deep down they yearned for an Air... If that weren't the case, I imagine they'd be off "enjoying their system" in the MB/MBP forums rather than trying to assure themselves they have a "better" machine in here...

Exactly.

I feel that the MacBook and MacBook Pro are excellent computers. As long as Apple keeps making them, there is no reason to be so down on the idea of a third and completely separate product line.

 

[ob81]

LOL, the "self-convincing" continues...



Do you think that the majority of MBA owners aren't enjoying their systems?

Not to pick on you, but we can see perfectly clearly that you want believe that everyone is dissatisfied with their MBAs so you can feel better about your BlackBook purchase. It's a great computer -- why have you spent the majority of your time here instead of in the MB forum? Dude, you just bought your MB yet only 4 of your last 50 posts were made on the MB/MBP forum -- wanna take a guess at how many were made here? LOL!

I agree with you; we're all fans of Apple products -- there's no reason for all of the backhanded comments and trolling and whatever. All of the machines are great and properly serve their respective purposes.

I got my MB after the announcement of the Air. I don't need to feel better about my purchase. I had 14 days to change me mind. You are kind of off on that one. I had urges to get the Air, but due to everything it lacks, I was never going to take back the Macbook, only get the Air as an addition (which would be silly, but every apple fan should feel tempted. A new apple product was released for Christ's sake).

The novelty of new Apple products has worn off for me. The Air is the hot topic. I had a Black Macbook CD the day it came out. That was ober a year ago. My new Blackbook looks just like it, only fast and bigger harddrive. I rarely post in the iMac forums either. I have owned like 4 already. My new one is just a different color. After owning a few, you tend to realize that Macs are simply a fast, faster, fastest type of deal, and they all pretty much are the same. I think that is why the comparisons seem idiotic to me. As they all are pretty much the same.

 

[mashoutposse]

After owning a few, you tend to realize that Macs are simply a fast, faster, fastest type of deal, and they all pretty much are the same. I think that is why the comparisons seem idiotic to me. As they all are pretty much the same.

Continuing along that path, the MBA is simply another form factor in the line of boxes that run OSX. Asking Apple to make it into another MBP or MB doesn't make sense as both computers already exist.

I think the furor will die down once the MBPs are updated and all the disgruntled waiters get their release.

 

[ob81]

Continuing along that path, the MBA is simply another form factor in the line of boxes that run OSX. Asking Apple to make it into another MBP or MB doesn't make sense as both computers already exist.

I think the furor will die down once the MBPs are updated and all the disgruntled waiters get their release.

Well, in agreement, I think people wanted a Macbook Pro in a 12" case. It sounds silly to people who were aware of the "ultraportable" scene, but unfamiliars think that it is absurd to make a "weaker" spec comp. An ultraportable shouldn't be about power, but portability. I guess people would drop dead seeing Sony's 1.06ghz ultraportable

 

[mashoutposse]

Well, in agreement, I think people wanted a Macbook Pro in a 12" case. It sounds silly to people who were aware of the "ultraportable" scene, but unfamiliars think that it is absurd to make a "weaker" spec comp. An ultraportable shouldn't be about power, but portability. I guess people would drop dead seeing Sony's 1.06ghz ultraportable

I think their handheld UX units are still on Core Solo Starting at the low, low price of $2499!

I don't see Apple going back to 4:3 screens. A smaller MBP would simply be a MacBook in aluminum -- now who's valuing form over function

 

[etorres]

Well, in agreement, I think people wanted a Macbook Pro in a 12" case. It sounds silly to people who were aware of the "ultraportable" scene, but unfamiliars think that it is absurd to make a "weaker" spec comp. An ultraportable shouldn't be about power, but portability. I guess people would drop dead seeing Sony's 1.06ghz ultraportable

Actually they expected a 12" macbook pro with a 4 GHz quad core CPU, 32 GB of RAM, two 512 MB video cards for gaming that weighed 12 ounces. The battery, while nuclear powered, would be user replaceable of course.

Anything less would automatically be considered an utter and complete piece of crap not worth your money.

 

[Anuba]

I'm sold on the size... problem is I can't afford the SSD model, I'll have to go with the one with the 'iPod HDD' in it. Is it livable? I mean, I gave up 4200 RPM drives aeons ago, I have 7200 in my current notebook. If the performance is noticably sluggish compared to a regular MacBook or MacBook pro, I really don't care how razor thin this thing is...

 

[kyleen66]

I'm sold on the size... problem is I can't afford the SSD model, I'll have to go with the one with the 'iPod HDD' in it. Is it livable? I mean, I gave up 4200 RPM drives aeons ago, I have 7200 in my current notebook. If the performance is noticably sluggish compared to a regular MacBook or MacBook pro, I really don't care how razor thin this thing is...

I got one with the 1.8 and the 80 GB HD.

To me, it seems almost as fast as my first gen MacBook Pro. The only thing I noticed is that it takes a HINT of a bit longer switching applications. But once in the program, I don't see a discernible difference. I'm sure there is, but I don't keep up with nanoseconds.

 

[Sweetbike40]

I can't see why anyone would think it's silly to have a MBA. People that say that are clueless. I'm talking about people you may come into contact throughout the day, not on MacRumors. If i had to carry a laptop with me everyday, i'd upgrade my desktop and get an Air. My MBP is much more powerful than my 1st generation G5 so now it's become my main computer and i store stuff on the tower. But if i HAD to take it with me everyday... i have to admit... it's heavy. So yeah..... thin is in.

EDIT: I should add that IF i ONLY had to carry my MBP with me, i'd be ok. It only gets heavy for me because of all the other stuff i take with me everyday. Lunch, purse, and gymbag. I feel as though i'm packing for an overnight stay everyday i walk out the door. It drives me nuts how much i have to take.

 

[raremage]

I can see you've never used a thin laptop before.. After having used one for 3-4 years, it makes my MBP (15") seem huge and heavy. The Air isn't for me (no Firewire) but I completely agree with the OP.

Agreed, although I never thught of the MBP as particularly bulky, I've preferred a lighter notebook (had a Dell x300 for a couple years, as well as a Thinkpad x40) for the past several years as well. I accept the fact that I will make compromises when away from my office in order to reap the rewards of less weight.

In my opinion, the MBA minimizes many of those compromises - the keyboard and display being two key considerations.

The biggest inconvenience for me so far is the single USB/lack of ethernet combo. If the MBA has either a second USB port or an ethernet port, it would be much more convenient for me. This is not a deal breaker though - I can work around the issue, but it would cut down on the stuff I carry with me, that's for sure.

 

[BlakTornado]

I want one so badly

But I think "I can get a Macbook for half the price with a lot more power". I won't be buying until 2009, I don't think, though... so no worries yet. I'll see how they turn out in the next year Who knows? They'll likely get thinner anyway.

 

[ob81]

I want one so badly

But I think "I can get a Macbook for half the price with a lot more power". I won't be buying until 2009, I don't think, though... so no worries yet. I'll see how they turn out in the next year Who knows? They'll likely get thinner anyway.

Doubt they will get thinner. The technology inside the Air is likely to advance and be availiable in high capacity/smaller sizes.