Which SSD in the new MBair ?

[Macintox]

hello
Some of the new macbook pro 17" have been reported shippping with a Toshiba SSD. According to the results it stands for Super Snail Drive
Should I be scare to find one of those in my next MBair 1.86 SSD ?
which drive is shipping normally , Samsung ?

 

[Mactagonist]

The Air uses a Samsung. It is a totally different type of drive compared to the MBP.

It isnt the fastest on the market, but it is a good drive.

 

[Scottsdale]

My new 1.86 GHz MBA with SSD is definitely the fastest Mac I have ever owned. The SSD is amazing. Yes it is a Samsung, but uses a different connection than the 17" MBP. Uses an LIF - SATA-II SSD controller technology.

I read that the overall read speed is something like 4x faster (but some marks 10x faster) for the SSD than for the HDD. You definitely would notice the difference if you used both. My MBA with SSD boots in about 20 seconds... that's fast. Applications open instantly. The write speed is supposedly similar in both the SSD and HDD in the MBA.

SSD technology is changing rather rapidly. However, if you buy a new MBA with SSD, you will see a BIG difference in boot up and application/file opening speed. It isn't the 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn 45 NM SSF w/6 MB L2 cache CPU that is making the difference in speed (although the CPU is really nice and actually a better chip than the new MB has). The SSD is the reason my MBA is so very fast.

I don't think you would be disappointed at all. If you can go to an Apple Store, they generally have both MBA w/SSD and HDD side by side. You can test speed of opening a bunch of apps... then for the boot up speed, shut down both and startup both at same time... you will see what I mean about FAST BOOTING.

Last bit, you cannot buy just any SSD and put it in a new MBA. It uses a special size and connector (LIF) only found in new MBA. Last I checked there was no supply of an available SSD for the new MBA, unless you get it straight from Apple.

I absolutely love my SSD. I would like double the storage space. I think we will definitely see a new 256 GB SSD option in the MBA this year. I will probably have to upgrade my entire MBA then, as I doubt there will be a 256 GB SSD for the rev B MBA - but maybe that is all Apple will do is make some more BTO options. The rev B MBA is pretty amazing. It doesn't really need an update, other than a 4 GB RAM option and a 256 GB SSD option.

There are my two cents.

 

[Macintox]

Ok many thanks for this detailed answer. I am ordering a 1.86 with SSD.
Although for DVD drive I was thinking to buy the LaCie, it has a power supply and thought that may come in handy in some situations.
Years ago I was a big fan of the 2400 , the smallest mac ever ( still have it ). Amazing what I did on its 10" screen. With all the options and upgrades ( 400$ for 80.MB RAM !) I had payed more than 3700 $ !!! this MBAir seems cheap in comparison. But I can feel the same passion over this forum. Great... it won't be too long before it is my only computer.

 

[Scottsdale]

Ok many thanks for this detailed answer. I am ordering a 1.86 with SSD.
Although for DVD drive I was thinking to buy the LaCie, it has a power supply and thought that may come in handy in some situations.
Years ago I was a big fan of the 2400 , the smallest mac ever ( still have it ). Amazing what I did on its 10" screen. With all the options and upgrades ( 400$ for 80.MB RAM !) I had payed more than 3700 $ !!! this MBAir seems cheap in comparison. But I can feel the same passion over this forum. Great... it won't be too long before it is my only computer.

This MBA 1.86 with SSD will be by far the most amazing Mac you have ever owned. Within a few minutes of using it, I am sure you will become as addicted as I have. I cannot believe the power and speed that make it like a desktop, yet the small form factor that makes it ultra portable with a beautiful display. I connect mine to an LED 24" ACD, and am amazed every time just how fast it is and the beautiful picture on the Apple Cinema Display is generated by this tiny little MBA.

One thing to think about, with the external DVD drive... the one that is made for the MBA is powered specially by the MBA's USB port. I agree there are some cheaper, and powered drives on the market that will do the job... however, if you ever want to use it away from a power source, the drive built for the MBA is powered by it. I think a lot of the externals by other manufacturers you always have to have separate power for them. There could be others powered by USB, I don't know. I just know the one that is built for the MBA works really great and is nice that the MBA powers it.

Best wishes with your new MBA.

 

[Macintox]

OK many thanks. I am addicted even before receiving it.
As for the external drive, yes the original one is very appealing although I am not sure it will work on a powered USB hub along with the printer, modem, keyboard, scanner ? any experience with that ? the tech specs are not clear on this point .

 

[smoked]

My new 1.86 GHz MBA with SSD is definitely the fastest Mac I have ever owned. The SSD is amazing. Yes it is a Samsung, but uses a different connection than the 17" MBP. Uses an LIF - SATA-II SSD controller technology.

... (although the CPU is really nice and actually a better chip than the new MB has). The SSD is the reason my MBA is so very fast.

The two things you said above popped out at me. I've been thinking about getting the new 17" MBP with SSD, since I like my MBA's SSD so well... how do you think the MBA stacks up against the new MBP, other than having a bigger screen and more ports? Thanks

 

[eVolcre]

how do you think the MBA stacks up against the new MBP,

Are you serious?

eV

 

[Macintox]

I checked some reviews and comments about the special USB powered superdrive . Nice but seems that it does not work on a USB hub !

then I checked the ultra light Lacie and it works on a hub with a Y USB cable or with a power supply ( included in the box ) so I am really thinking to go for it... has anyone tried any other powered drive ..i suppose that through USB anyone will work ?
I also read some review saying that some USB hub do not worl with the MBair ! that is more of a potential problem. Anyone of you had this problem ?

 

[Mactagonist]

I checked some reviews and comments about the special USB powered superdrive . Nice but seems that it does not work on a USB hub !

then I checked the ultra light Lacie and it works on a hub with a Y USB cable or with a power supply ( included in the box ) so I am really thinking to go for it... has anyone tried any other powered drive ..i suppose that through USB anyone will work ?
I also read some review saying that some USB hub do not worl with the MBair ! that is more of a potential problem. Anyone of you had this problem ?

The Apple SD does not work in a hub, unfortunately.

For anyone considering the 17" dont buy Apple's SSD. Install you own. It is a 10 minute job at most.

 

[Macintox]

OK thanks for the info.
I am buying a lacie external USB slim superdrive. Work on any USB hub with an included Y cable.
http://www.lacie.com/de/products/product.htm?pid=10986

 

[Scottsdale]

The two things you said above popped out at me. I've been thinking about getting the new 17" MBP with SSD, since I like my MBA's SSD so well... how do you think the MBA stacks up against the new MBP, other than having a bigger screen and more ports? Thanks

Well, the new 17" MBP is beautiful and the battery is an excellent feature for portability. I wonder how many people need eight hours of usage between charges with that heavy and huge "notebook?" To me, the 17" isn't really portable for most. Try opening it in an airplane seat. At the same time, I can see a student using it at school. Other than students, it seems like a real professionals computer. A computer that will definitely have a power source nearby not needing an eight hour battery.

I sure would love six or eight hours out of my truly portable MBA. I fully expect Apple to use the technology in the 15.4" MBP. And will probably improve the battery in the MBA. Although even if Apple can make the battery more dense and keep it in the same space for the limited size of the MBA will it add weight? Is that acceptable? I don't know.

I have been dreaming a rev C MBA with 2.13 GHz CPU, 256 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM, and glass trackpad. But I completely left out the possibility of a six hour battery. Usually I have enough battery, but I would probably change my usage pattern if I did have a six or eight hour battery.

 

[Macintox]

I have been dreaming a rev C MBA with 2.13 GHz CPU, 256 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM, and glass trackpad. But I completely left out the possibility of a six hour battery. Usually I have enough battery, but I would probably change my usage pattern if I did have a six or eight hour battery.

I have no doubt this air will come sooner than later, if only because sales of the actual will go down and it wil be time to re-hook most of the happy owners. That said 4MB and 2.1Ghz look easy and may come before 256 SSD are available.
I can see a path of incremental upgrades to the MBAir, all the way to larger screen too. And why not a beautiful brushed balck Aluminiun option ? now that the Dell Adamo is out in two colors Apple will be under pressure .

 

[smoked]

Are you serious?

eV

Yes, I am serious. We are the happy owners of a Rev B MBA. I really like how light it is, and that it is quite a bit faster than the other pee-cees we have. I've looked at the older MBP my father-in-law has, and also the MBPs in the Apple store. Granted these aren't the new ones, but they don't seem as snappy as the MBA and they run quite a bit hotter. I've been torn on which one to get for myself, Scottsdale's comments popped out at me, and I figured he'd be a good one to ask about comparing the two.

 

[wetrix]

Are you serious?

eV

At least the macbook air has something unique about it. The 17" MacBook Pro is an overpriced Mac Pro that is less powerful but approximately the same weight and size.

 

[Scottsdale]

I checked some reviews and comments about the special USB powered superdrive . Nice but seems that it does not work on a USB hub !

then I checked the ultra light Lacie and it works on a hub with a Y USB cable or with a power supply ( included in the box ) so I am really thinking to go for it... has anyone tried any other powered drive ..i suppose that through USB anyone will work ?
I also read some review saying that some USB hub do not worl with the MBair ! that is more of a potential problem. Anyone of you had this problem ?

I have had mine work in a powered hub. I have read others who used theirs in a non-powered hub that worked.

 

[imax2k2]

Kinda OT, but if any1 planing to get the new Fastmac blu ray, Dvd rw drive for the air it works with the single usb pwer, I'd suggest getting that instead of the dvd drive from apple.

 

[Scottsdale]

Are you serious?

eV

I don't have a 17" MBP. The only MBP I can compare my rev B MBA to is a v 2,2 15" MBP (originally $2499) with 2.33 GHz C2D, 256 MB dedicated graphics RAM, 7200 RPM HDD and 4 GB RAM. Also use against 2.4 GHz Unibody Aluminum MB with 4 GB 1066 MHz RAM and 7200 RPM HDD. The unibody MB seems to do most things about same speed as MBP.

My SSD rev B MBA with 1.86 GHz C2D is FASTER than the MBP. However, overall speed feels or seems to be faster in MBA because boot speed is incredibly fast and apps and files open instantly with the SSD. I am certain via CPU computation, the MBP has to be faster (as does the 2.4 GHz MB), but you would never know it by using the MBA. I don't ever spend time waiting on the CPU actually. So, it's not that the MBA doesn't have a fully capable CPU especially having 6 MB L2 cache.

Supposedly, the SSD in the new 17" MBP is limited compared to others available on the market that fit in the 17" MBP which uses a SATA SSD.

However, I am certain the 17" MBP, with an average SSD SHOULD run much faster than a MacBook Air. The ONLY thing that makes my rev B MBA seem like my fastest Mac ever is the SSD. I would assume the 17" MBP to be on a completely different scale and not comparable in a fair manner as the two have completely opposite purposes (to me). I don't think a 17" MBP is truly portable. Yes, the 17" MBP is extremely powerful but most buyers are completely different users then those who would buy a MacBook Air. Display size, component quality, resolution, capabilities, power, batter life, and etc are all easily WON by the 17" MBP in heads up comparison. The ONLY thing the MBA would score better on is portability. It's the extremely thin, light and portable shell that makes us all want the MBA... But a real "professional" user needs higher resolution, more power, and etc which is offered by the 17" MBP.

Two completely different markets in my opinion. If you want to compare, it all comes down to do you want portability or display size and power? You cannot have both as the MBA CPU is only 60% as fast as MBP. The RAM capability is only 25%. The resolution and display size offers has a much smaller working area in MBA. The graphics in MBA are nice, but cannot do graphics intensive work like dedicated and dual graphics of MBP.

The thing is most MBP owners do NOT need power, but rather they want a 15" or 17" display and the only option is "Pro" for those buyers.

 

[Macintox]

Kinda OT, but if any1 planing to get the new Fastmac blu ray, Dvd rw drive for the air it works with the single usb pwer, I'd suggest getting that instead of the dvd drive from apple.

very interesting...but price is too high, and for what I really do, it's an overkill. I just need to read some CS & DVD, burn one from time to time.

 

[imax2k2]

very interesting...but price is too high, and for what I really do, it's an overkill. I just need to read some CS & DVD, burn one from time to time.

The price for the cheapest drive is the same as the superdrive, $99 for a blu ray reader and dvd writer, aint bad!

 

[Macintox]

Ok thanks, I had not seen that offer . But I cannot find if it has a power supply or run on USB power only ?