What reasonable things would you like to see in the MBA version 2?

[DrivinWest]

I stated reasonable in the topic title as we'd all like Core 2 Extremes, 1TB SSDs, and 8GB of RAM!

Beyond the obvious storage and CPU bumps, I'd like to see a power brick that functions as an Ethernet port and transmits via WiFi to the MBA. The Voodoo Envy 133 does this and I think it's flippin' genius! If Apple could one-up Voodoo by adding a modem and a couple USB ports to the brick that would be fantastic.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Apple had a patent a few years back for collapsible ports. As in, all of the ports are smaller than the regular spec. I think we'll see built-in Ethernet and one FireWire in the next MacBook Air.

 

[sushi]

I think we'll see built-in Ethernet and one FireWire in the next MacBook Air.

If we see any more ports, I agree with your guess. We might see an additional USB port as well.

Firewire would be the best option of the three IMHO.

With Firewire, you could put the MBA in Target Mode with your desktop which would be fantastic. Plus it would allow for faster data transfer to/from an external HD.

 

[Tosser]

The sides (and bezel) cut off, so there will be no need for mechanically hinged ports.
It would also make it easier to plug decent headphones into it.

Another USB-port (i.e. two in all)

And, I'm in doubt whether I would want a real FW-port, or "simply" an expresscard-slot (I could use an expresscard-fw adaptor, other people could use the slot for, say, an SDHC-adaptor, an ethernet-adaptor or whatever they chose). This is not just a preference, I really cannot do without a FW-connection (my recorder uses fw).

A MATTE screen – at least as an option.

Better resolution. At least as the Thinkpad X300

Swappable batteries. I'm not buying an over-mature over-sized iPhone.

Also, they could do well if they skipped some of that taper, if not all of it, and also ditched the alu-part and made a proper computer.

 

[phalewhale]

Apple had a patent a few years back for collapsible ports. As in, all of the ports are smaller than the regular spec. I think we'll see built-in Ethernet and one FireWire in the next MacBook Air.

Whilst I wouldn't write this off, the trend seems to be moving away from wires. I'm sure I've seen/heard a quote from Jobs somewhere to that effect. In pro environments though, ethernet will continue to be a must for some time I reckon. Hence the USB>Ethernet adapter.

I would just like to see:

• More USB ports
• User upgradeable battery
• Smaller screen option (say 10")
• eSATA port

 

[DrivinWest]

One obvious thing about the power brick idea is that it could probably be made to work with MBA version 1. I suppose my wish isn't so much for the MBA but for the brick.

I like the idea of the expandable/collapsible ports but I think the implementation could be awful. I just see them as being far to delicate, all the more reason why I think a WiFi power brick is a better solution.

Oooh, how about a "slice" that mates to the bottom of the MBA and adds a 2.5" HDD, Superdrive, and ports!? If it could add additional processing power too that'd be very cool. Put the whole thing in a package that 's as thin as an MBP and they'd sell like mad.

 

[Tallest Skil]

eSATA port

There isn't even eSATA on the Mac Pros. I don't think so for a consumer notebook.

Okay, there's a wireless USB spec. What if Apple added that? To compliment it, they'll come up with a Wireless FireWire spec.

 

[Tosser]

Whilst I wouldn't write this off, the trend seems to be moving away from wires. I'm sure I've seen/heard a quote from Jobs somewhere to that effect. In pro environments though, ethernet will continue to be a must for some time I reckon. Hence the USB>Ethernet adapter.

And for transfers and audio/video, nothing beats wire. If for nothing else, then for audio/video quality (less risk of interference), simpler set up and so on.

• More USB ports
• User upgradeable battery
• Smaller screen option (say 10")
• eSATA port

I didn't know one could make a list on forums like that. 'Tis good to know


Edit/Add (using the new-found list-code:

I forgot to mention:

• Better thermal paste than on the MBA 1
• Faster charging, than with the MBA 1 (45 watts – puhlease!)

 

[sushi]

A MATTE screen – at least as an option.

Would really like to see this option.

 

[mkrishnan]

Weight loss is the major thing I'd like to see....

The idea of the power brick being a hub is an interesting one; I'm not sure if I'd use it or not, but it is an interesting idea.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I'd give it firewire. and a 2nd USB port, and ethernet. Then I'd consider buying it, but honestly I'm probably just going to get a Dell E and then get desktops from now on.

 

[sushi]

Weight loss is the major thing I'd like to see....

Even a 12 inch screen would be fine in that regard.

A lighter model would be nice.

 

[DrivinWest]

I'd give it firewire. and a 2nd USB port, and ethernet. Then I'd consider buying it, but honestly I'm probably just going to get a Dell E and then get desktops from now on.

As much as it pains me to do so, I'm probably going to buy a Dell D430 or D630 in the next few weeks. I need a new machine for grad school and as much as I'd love, love, love an MBA, I don't think it's the right solution for me.

What I really need is a 12" MacBook Pro... grrrr

 

[glitch44]

I stated reasonable in the topic title as we'd all like Core 2 Extremes, 1TB SSDs, and 8GB of RAM!

Beyond the obvious storage and CPU bumps, I'd like to see a power brick that functions as an Ethernet port and transmits via WiFi to the MBA. The Voodoo Envy 133 does this and I think it's flippin' genius! If Apple could one-up Voodoo by adding a modem and a couple USB ports to the brick that would be fantastic.

oh, man.... you're asking for trouble with this thread. as a whole, i don't think MBA fans in this forum quite know the definition of reasonable-- "I WANT 4 USB PORTS AND FIREWIRE AND A NEW CPU AND 12 HOUR BATTERY LIFE AND I WANT IT THINNER AND $1000 CHEAPER!"-- that's the general sense I get from some people.

Realistic refresh: new 45nm CPU with lower TDP, larger hard drive options

Reasonable MBA 2.0: one more USB port, ethernet port would be nice, and a place for a security cable

 

[phalewhale]

There isn't even eSATA on the Mac Pros. I don't think so for a consumer notebook.

Okay, there's a wireless USB spec. What if Apple added that? To compliment it, they'll come up with a Wireless FireWire spec.

I know. I have a MBP. It doesn't stop me from wanting to see one on the Air though does it?

The MBPs still have the latch instead of a totally magnetic closure...

 

[bandaros]

Just one thing for me - longer battery life.

 

[nintendude]

would that docking patent count as "reasonable" cause that would open a whole boatload of possibilities

 

[accrane]

Weight loss is the major thing I'd like to see....

seriously? I never considered the MBA even the slightest bit heavy even for its size. It has to weigh something....

 

[ayeying]

Better heat management.

 

[wordmunger]

Before you ask for the powerbrick/hub, think about what you'd be sacrificing. The HP's brick is enormous compared to the MBA's brick. I'd much prefer to have the small brick and an ethernet port. If you really want a hub, you can always bring an airport express with you -- the airport express plus the MBA brick is probably about the same size as the HP brick.

 

[Mactagonist]

I think some people missed the 'reasonable' part of the title.

Apple will not be making the screen smaller. They decided on 13.3" to keep it usable for the majority of buyers.

Apple will not be adding esata, firewire (a dead standard unfortunately), ethernet or anything like that. The design concept behind the MBA is 'wireless'. Note the 'Air' in the name.

Apple will not be making the battery removable. Get over it.

Apple will not be changing the tapered design of the MBA's case. It is an intentional way of making the MBA look even more thin then it is.

We might see an additional USB port as a nod to those users who really need it, but I doubt it. As Intel finalizes the wireless USB standard I think that will be the way the MBA heads.

We may see an option for a larger amount of preinstalled RAM. I think it is an even money bet that they will keep it at 2gb though. 2gb is more then enough for most consumers.

We may see an integrated HSPA modem and SIM card slot. I think that the lack of a WWAN option was a glaring fault in the original MBA. Now that Apple has partnerships with carriers in over 70 countries for the launch of the 3g iPhone I think it is a perfect time for Apple's ultraportable to get some 3g love.

Apple will definitely be using Intel's newer 45nm processors. They will be cooler and faster then the current ones while using less power and allowing a longer battery life. They will definitely move to a SATA HDD and SSD due to the simple fact that there arnt many new PATA drives being made. This will allow larger and faster drive options.

My personal belief is that we will see the newer 45nm Intel processors, larger faster drive options and integrated HSPA. That is it. Anything else is wishful thinking.

If your needs include a plethora of ports, lots of speed and storage or removable batteries then you should not be considering the Air. Apple has very clearly segmented their laptop offerings, there is never going to be a Macbook Air Pro.

 

[Sesshi]

I would like it to work like a Sony, Dell Latitude or Lenovo. No 'out of the box' issues. Mind you, I'd like that of everything I buy from Apple.

A bit lighter, one more USB port, built-in LAN, better Bluetooth implementation, better WLAN implementation, built-in HSDPA, significantly longer real (I believe the people out there reporting 6 hours are on whatever Apple put in the water in their HQ, and 6 real "wireless productivity hours" would suit me well) battery life would all be nice features. Not too worried about the rest.

Mind you, given Apple's track record to date even those may be far, far too much to ask.

 

[mkrishnan]

seriously? I never considered the MBA even the slightest bit heavy even for its size. It has to weigh something....

Ya rly... I don't expect it to weigh as little as my current notebook does, but a 10% weight savings isn't unreasonable -- that would bring it at least into the high two pounds range. IIRC, both the Macbook and MBP (or perhaps PBG4) lines had mid-cycle weight savings on the order of 5%, and in both designs there is clearly no great premium placed on notebook weight. Apple has successfully removed weight in successive generations of their handheld products as well. So it doesn't seem like an unreasonable request to me.

 

[rangerdanger]

I would really like at least one more USB port. The powerbrick ethernet and more USB ports is also a nice addition. Those are the two major things for me, everything else I can live with.

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

-Another USB - it shouldn't be too hard to make that little door just slightly longer.
-WWAN.
-New processor (but that's a given)
-Better cooling.
-HDD upgrade...