What would you like to see in your next MBA?

[2IS]

I currently have a 2010 13" MBA and really like it so it got me thinking about what improvements I would (realistically) like to see for the next one.

1) Ivy Bridge processor
2) Thinner bezel for a larger screen but maintaining the same overall dimensions
3) Better camera
4) USB 3.0 with gigabit ethernet adaptors made available
5) Larger storage options
6) Even better battery life
7) Backlit KB (not a game changer, but would be a nice option)
8) Another resolution bump (again, not a game changer, but would be nice)

 

[impulse462]

For me, options 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 i would like to see.

If they could include a powerful integrated nvidia GPU like the 320M with an ivy bridge/sandy bridge I'd like that as well.

 

[alust2013]

1. Sandy Bridge isn't even out yet, much less Ivy Bridge.

2. That's all but impossible, as they need the extra space for wires and the reinforcements so the screen doesn't break

3. I could definitely see that

4. That's pushing it I think, unless other Macs start getting USB3

5. quite possible, although likely pretty expensive. You can get up to 360GB from OWC at the moment.

6. Not sure about that. There isn't more space for batteries, so they would probably have a bit of trouble with that one

7. That's possible, although I think it may require a slight change in design

8. I suppose that would be possible, but I don't think I could do that. I like screen space just as much as everyone else, but I imagine that would be similar to 1920x1200 on a 15" screen, and that hurts my eyes. I could maybe see a 1680x1050 upgrade option though.

Just my take on it. I really do like the current Air, kinda wish I had the money for one.

It would be nice to see them use SandForce-based storage, as that would likely make the already zippy SSD seem even faster.

 

[Hellhammer]

1. Smaller bezel; i.e. smaller form factor (make the body smaller so 13.3" screen fits better) or bigger screen with same form factor (14"?).
2. 1680x1050 resolution or better (with better support for higher res in OS X).
3. IPS screen (or OLED/AMOLED etc if they are ready and better).
4. +10 hours of battery life.
5. Quad core CPU with +3GHz Turbo.
6. Light Peak or USB 3.0.
7. Upgradeable RAM (up to 16GB).
8. Lighter than 2.5lb.
9. Decent discrete GPU.
10. Backlit keyboard

I didn't even try to be realistic, this is just what I would want sometime in 2013/2014.

 

[alust2013]

1. Smaller bezel; i.e. smaller form factor (make the body smaller so 13.3" screen fits better) or bigger screen with same form factor (14"?).
2. 1680x1050 resolution or better (with better support for higher res in OS X).
3. IPS screen (or OLED/AMOLED etc if they are ready and better).
4. +10 hours of battery life.
5. Quad core CPU with +3GHz Turbo.
6. Light Peak or USB 3.0.
7. Upgradeable RAM (up to 16GB).
8. Lighter than 2.5lb.
9. Decent discrete GPU.
10. Backlit keyboard

I didn't even try to be realistic, this is just what I would want sometime in 2013/2014.

Haha, stuffing a Mac Pro in a netbook size, eh? I like it.

 

[Hellhammer]

Haha, stuffing a Mac Pro in a netbook size, eh? I like it.

Basically yeah. I can see some of the things like quad core CPU and +10-hour battery life happening in few years. Current MBAs are nearly beating the fastest PowerMac G5s in GeekBench and those are only ~6 years old.