Why do some apple user hate the MBA

[costabunny]

Well I love the air - does exactly what I want it to and not brimming with extras I dont want (like ports to catch dirt, spinny annoying optical drive etc)

It is far more portable than MB's that I have used and yes I like the looks too..

Stop knocking it - If you havent owned one, SHUT UP! lol

Its like Ford owners knocking Toyota - give up and be happy with what you have.

 

[aleksandra.]

There is not advantage to the macbook air. It's not that portable the damn thing is the size of a macbook. Not that light it weighs 3 pounds. So why pay $700 more for something that is just thin? The day the air came out I thought it was stupid for the air to be 13.3". Apple needs an ultraportable to have a well rounded line up.

I know I'm repeating myself, but portability isn't only about size. It's about weight as well. Are you so brainwashed by Apple's advertising of Air's thinness that you can't see it's almost a kilogram lighter than MacBook? It's Air's key feature - specs are worse than MacBook's, footprint's similar, weight is only 60% that of the MB. There're other differences like LED, backlit keyboard, SSD option, but I think it's only a matter of time until they make it to other notebooks.

 

[puffnstuff]

I know I'm repeating myself, but portability isn't only about size. It's about weight as well. Are you so brainwashed by Apple's advertising of Air's thinness that you can't see it's almost a kilogram lighter than MacBook? It's Air's key feature - specs are worse than MacBook's, footprint's similar, weight is only 60% that of the MB. There're other differences like LED, backlit keyboard, SSD option, but I think it's only a matter of time until they make it to other notebooks.

I don't know if you read my post but I noted the weight as well. Shaving off some of the size will also shave off some of the weight you know.

 

[Ardchoille]

Nothing new to add

I have nothing really new to add, except to say that the MBA is perfect for me.

I need a light laptop since I travel around a lot and it is easier to carry than my previous MB. I primarily do email, write reports, and browse. It functions as my full time computer. I have not found the lack of an optical drive any problem at all (it would be nice to have more than one USB, but I have a USB extension with four ports and no need to plug it in separately). Almost everywhere I am in meetings, I plug it in, so the battery life is unimportant to me. I like the keyboard and trackpad.

It does get a little warm watching Youtube, but I have never had it shut-down. It is possible that I am susceptible to vanity from the responses it gets in meetings from others, but that's Apple products period.

I want a full-size keyboard so the smaller offerings are of no interest to me (e,g, asus eee), and besides they do not run MacOS, so they are not an option for me. I write my reports in AppleWorks or iWork; never use MS products. I have no use for more power or a larger hard drive.

I have been using Apple computers since 1983 and this is the continuing evolution. I think most negative comments are from people who cannot believe that people want different things from a computer than they want. In my mind, it is the best computer from Apple since the //c, which still worked fine when I got rid of it a few years ago.

 

[bytodaystandrds]

Everyone loves the Air!

What I hate about it is the absolutely(for what it really is) unfair price.
Let's all expect a considerable drop in $...

...and maybe the "Air" suffix...
reminds me of all those kitschy sneakers...
... so close to that Michael Jordan badge...

 

[Phrasikleia]

Everyone loves the Air!

What I hate about it is the absolutely(for what it really is) unfair price.
Let's all expect a considerable drop in $...

...and maybe the "Air" suffix...
reminds me of all those kitschy sneakers...
... so close to that Michael Jordan badge...

It surely cost Apple a pretty penny to develop the MBA, so the early waves of customers are going to help them recoup costs by paying very high prices. The intrinsic value of the machine's components and casing might not be a lot, but that's only a fraction of Apple's total expenses on the project.

 

[*Sandy*]

I had one the minute they were released, but the fans are just plain a PITA, moved back to the MB, Nice to look at but the MBA is not for me.

 

[RichardF]

I would think it's because it doesn't fit their needs or rather what they perceive to be their needs.

The MBA is best laptop out there IMHO. It's a real laptop not a laptop meant to be a desktop replacement.

 

[lsvtecjohn3]

not me I love my MBA

 

[Phrasikleia]

not me I love my MBA

Cute, but someone needs a spellchecker. I count five errors, not including the missing capitalization of "apple".

 

[Abstract]

Yeah, and they accidentally put "i" before some of those words. Silly buggers.

 

[ntrigue]

Own a MBA for 30 days...

Coming from a MBP that Geekbench'd at 3300 ...

... I am thoroughly pleased with my MBA at 2460.

Sure I see the spinning-beach-ball every once in a process but it doesn't disturb my productivity. I use Pixelmator instead of CS4 and have never had a slowdown.

 

[MooneyFlyer]

Been considering an MBA for some time

I've been considering an MBA since they came out. I'm a slightly different user profile than most people that have been posting. I travel ~110 work days a year and ~175,000 air miles. Currently for work I carry a Lenovo X41 which is a little over 3 lbs, 12.1", XP, and "average" battery life (with a new battery and everything turned down it's about 3.5-4 hrs). And, perhaps most importantly, it is rugged. My current laptop has traveled over 300,000 air miles and been beaten up. For those that don't travel much, in my experience, a few pounds in your bag makes quite a difference -- especially trudging around Asia on trains/etc for weeks at a time with luggage.

So, the MBA would seem to meet my needs. But, I've been put off by the comments and reviews that I've found on the net. For me the size and weight are fine as is the disk space (80GB+) and OS X (big improvement actually). The tricky parts are:
Connectivity: This matters!
- 1 USB is ok, I can survive with a mini-hub for the times where I'd like to charge my iPhone and use the in-room ethernet (wireless isn't always available). Does require me carrying a dongle and mini-hub though. (more stuff)
- mini-DVI: This is a problem because it means another dongle to carry for presentations. Most projectors only have a VGA input. Again, not a big deal but lose this and you are screwed.
Battery life:
- I've had a tough time getting an estimate for the battery life for my profile. This means processor on the lowest setting (if this is possible), screen turned down, no wireless, nothing in the ports, no movie playing, no iTunes, etc. (Yes, I'm the guy that uses email, docs, and presentations...). I'd really like this to be 5+ hours. The new Dell claims 19 hrs (!) for a 2.2 lb machine. That is a game changer -- though I suspect the box is disposable after a year. In any case, the best review I've seen for the MBA was approaching 5 hrs -- but haven't been able to confirm that.
- Also, the battery charge time would be a slight problem. Quite often I'm trying to get every bit of juice in the box before hopping on the next long flight or train ride. From what I've read it takes a long time to charge this battery. For people sitting at home and charging over night, no problem -- but try not having access to a plug for ~24 hrs and see how this works when you need a quick power up.

One other smallish problem for me is the port drop down box. Some big companies in Asia require you to secure most of your ports with security tape before going in to their facilities -- usually everything except for the monitor port. Certainly all USBs, cameras, etc. If you do not have these secured when you attempt to leave, you will not be taking your laptop with you -- no exceptions. (imagine the room with the giant magnet in it). It is harder to get out of these companies (like Samsung) than it is to get into most airports. I haven't figured out if their security tape will go over just the USB WITH NO CHANCE OF COMING OFF and without covering the mini-DVI allowing me to give a presentation on a projector.

So, yes, I'm willing to pay more money for a small laptop that is "under powered" -- but it fits my use model very well.

I'm eagerly waiting the MBA update but suspect I'll be disappointed. The rumored larger disk sounds nice as does the 60W power supply. But, if the processor speed goes up I suspect battery life won't... a 12" MB would probably be a great box for me if they would re-release it.

I'd be very interested in hearing from others use the MBA in this use model.

Thanks

 

[Cheffy Dave]

I have no Idea, the only thing I can think of is they have never had one in their hands. I am smitten, since i went to the Apple store and spent some time with one. I had no feelings one way or the other before I went, now, when the next version is released October 16, I'm in, especially with a 120 Gb HDD

 

[aleksandra.]

- I've had a tough time getting an estimate for the battery life for my profile. This means processor on the lowest setting (if this is possible), screen turned down, no wireless, nothing in the ports, no movie playing, no iTunes, etc. (Yes, I'm the guy that uses email, docs, and presentations...). I'd really like this to be 5+ hours. The new Dell claims 19 hrs (!) for a 2.2 lb machine. That is a game changer -- though I suspect the box is disposable after a year. In any case, the best review I've seen for the MBA was approaching 5 hrs -- but haven't been able to confirm that.

The new Dells claim up to 19 hrs battery life for a machine starting at 2.2 lb. Meaning you can buy additional battery to swap or attach (I'm not sure about this model), not super-capacity one.

Edit:
More precisely:

19 hour battery life resulted from testing a Dell Latitude E6400 configured with solid state drive, Mobile Intel® GMA 4500MHD graphics, 9-cell primary battery, and 12-cell slice battery. Battery life varies by configuration, operating conditions, and other factors.

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/latitude_landing_e6400_battery_life.pdf

 

[MooneyFlyer]

The new Dells claim up to 19 hrs battery life for a machine starting at 2.2 lb. Meaning you can buy additional battery to swap or attach (I'm not sure about this model), not super-capacity one.

Edit:
More precisely:



http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/latitude_landing_e6400_battery_life.pdf

Thanks for clarifying -- very appropriate additions.

 

[RichardF]

I'd be very interested in hearing from others use the MBA in this use model.

Thanks

Hi there - I travel quite a bit too (about 17-20 flights/ year to Europe and South East Asia). Wholeheartedly agree about the importance of shaving-off weight when you are moving around.

Here are my thoughts on the topics you mentioned:

1) Yes, indeed, if you need to have several USB devices connected *at the same time* then you need a small USB-hub.
In my case, I just alternate when I do have several things to plug in but that's rare: a USB thumb drive, the USB cable to my camera and my iPhone. That's it. Not really an issue for me.

What do you need to connect to your laptop via USB currently?

2) Indeed, mini-DVI to VGA adaptor: have a couple in two different bags to lessen the likelihood you'll be without one when you need it.

3) I haven't tested the battery under the use you described: I do turn off BT when I don't use it, but I have WiFi on at all times. I will test it like you use it and report back. As it is I can get 3.5 hours easy with WiFi and about 5 apps running (I have SSD on my MBA).

4) You are correct, it does take some time I have noticed but note: charging takes more time on 220V (outside of the US) than on 110V it seems, which is odd. If anyone has any theory why, I'd love to read it.

If you find yourself away from a plug for a while, carry a battery with a 110V plug like not necessarily this one but this is an example. It's more weight but better than no juice at all when you need it. I haven't use one of these myself but photographers friends (also sensitive to total weight carried around) do and they never go out with it.

5) The tape would have to be cut small to cover the USB port alone but it is feasible and you could even do it yourself beforehand.

6) I recommend the SSD as opposed to the HDD which spins "only" at 4,200 rpm (hence the spinning beach ball if you try and multitask).

You won't believe how light and pleasant it is to carry around but, yes, do wait for mid-october/ the next refresh before jumping and then some more if you can in order to avoid the eventual problems generally associated with the first batch produced.

Hope this helps.

 

[PowerFullMac]

That iPoor thing is very funny!

 

[joopdor]

Inspiration

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[RichardF]

I am a long time macrumors reader, but this topic made me REGISTER to the forum. Here's why, it inspired me for a story on how Apple will become the next Sony. LINK

Very nice write-up there. I agree with the analysis.

People populating internet boards and discussing the MBA in real life to criticizes it, don't get it IMHO and don't even own one I might add. It may need tweaking but Apple is pulling the whole industry in the direction of their choosing...again. REV B wil better etc. as usual. I like thin!

Remember Ford: “If I’d asked my customers what they wanted, they’d have said a faster horse”.

 

[bartzilla]

So I'm an apple convert. My first laptop is MBA. I had it for six months and I'm completely happy with it. It replaced my sony vaio sz and it tops it performance and speed wise. When I bought it last march many people are against me on buying it (including apple employees in the apple store). But I still bought it because its right for my needs.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase. However it puzzles me because everytime I visit the macforums outside of the Macbook air thread, many people bash the MBA calling it a "useless underpowered machine" or something similar along those lines. I don't understand why some other apple users themselves hate the MBA like it's kinda like the "black sheep" of the apple notebook lineup. Can anybody explain to me why this is the case?

Well I wouldn't use the word useless but I'd go for "underpowered" - at least for my needs. To me as well, the cut down number of ports is a step too far, especially when you consider other manufacturers making similar kit seem to have managed. But that's just my feelings, it doesn't mean the product is "useless", just not something I would buy.

Were my needs less about power and more about portability then I'd probably have a different view. I think the apple store employees might be right to ensure people understand the compromise they're making when they buy a MBA but assuming it fits your needs there is nothing wrong with buying it.

 

[MooneyFlyer]

Very nice write-up there. I agree with the analysis.

People populating internet boards and discussing the MBA in real life to criticizes it, don't get it IMHO and don't even own one I might add. It may need tweaking but Apple is pulling the whole industry in the direction of their choosing...again. REV B wil better etc. as usual. I like thin!

Remember Ford: “If I’d asked my customers what they wanted, they’d have said a faster horse”.

Agreed.

I work for an emerging company attempting to bring a disruptive technology to market. The reason we have an opportunity is because the existing technologies are attempting to "sustain" their advantage -- ie, "give me something that is 10% [faster, smaller, better, etc.]." This makes it difficult for the current leaders to truly innovate to the next level because it is not what their customers are asking for and it is quite expensive to put the resources on the "next generation" problem with no real revenue expected for years.

There's a great book on this (probably many) called "The Innovator's Dilemma" (Clayton M Christensen). It's a very good read if you are interested in these types of things.

The author gives many examples of the (then) current day leaders either completely failing or not leading in the next round (anyone remember Wang, DEC, the steam shovel, etc.?)

One potential point -- Apple has always seemed to buck this trend and I tend to believe they will do it again. Sometimes it is best to "not listen" to your customers.

In any case - this discussion has been useful for me because it is giving me a bit more confidence that, for my use model, this box might fit the bill. Come on MBA UPDATE -- the waiting game continues.

 

[puffnstuff]

I think people are mad because the Air is not really marketed well. The macbook is the budget laptop. Macbook pro is more for professional designers,etc. Macbook Air is ? it cannot be marketed as an ultraportable it is big and heavy. I was shocked when I felt how heavy it is. What is it made of?

 

[Abstract]

(snip long post)

Personally, if I were you, I'd stick with Lenovo. In fact, I'd probably think about either the X200 or X300. I'd consider the Sony TT, HP Elitebook 2530p, Asus U2E, but if Lenovo has worked for you, I'd stick with it. They have ports galore, will probably be as physically "sturdy" as any of them, but I wouldn't bet the farm on being able to throw an MBA around without consequence. Sure, plastic breaks/cracks while aluminium dents. However, it takes a lot to crack the plastic on some of these laptops, while I think dents can be pretty easy to cause on aluminium. I don't think that sturdy design was what Apple designers were thinking of when they design Apple laptops. Great for general use, but not for what you described. I could easily survive with an MBA. You probably can't.

Also, you need a battery that's changeable yourself, and one that's easy to get into and repair if it really comes down to that. And some of the Sony and Asus models really do get around 7 hours of real-world battery life. The MBA's battery life is good, but not THAT good.

I think it would be irresponsible for someone to recommend a Mac, when what you need is to stick with Lenovo for what you do. They don't have the reputation they do because their stuff isn't sturdy.

 

[polaris20]

I certainly don't hate the MBA, though I wouldn't buy one......unless I already had an iMac or Mac Pro. To me it really makes sense as a companion laptop to a more powerful main machine. I can't imagine using it as my only machine, whereas you definitely could with the MB or MBP.

When I am away from the office, I never use the optical on my current laptop, nor do I ever jack into hardwire. So from that standpoint, I don't find it limiting.