Why do some people appear to HATE the MBA?

[kuwisdelu]

It doesn't take a poll to figure this one out. All you have to do is compare laptops feature to feature and price to price to see the Macbook Air comes up short, way short. Now I said it is a POOR VALUE, not that it is a poor computer or there is anything really wrong with it. All I am saying is that you can get a lot more computer for your money then the Macbook Air. You really are paying for "the look of thin" and that's about it. Honestly in the price range of the Macbook Air, can you really think of a laptop with less features?

Obviously, you haven't tried comparing it to other ultraportables, which is the market that this thing was made for. I wasn't that familiar with ultraportables until the MacBook Air came out either, so it's okay. But it's pretty standard that you'll see price skyrocket once you hit a certain size and get smaller, because the price of making things that small is expensive. That's just how it is; the technology is expensive, and it's worth it to a lot of people to have the added portability.

If you compare it against computers like the Sony TZ and IBM/Lenovo's Thinkpad series, you'll see how the MacBook Air really compares. Now it definitely makes different compromises, but the price is about the same. Compared to those kinds of laptops, yes, MacBook Air is definitely lacking in some features like ports and connectivity, but it also has a much faster processor than most of them and often more or equal drive space. It also has a normal screen and keyboard size, which is important to a lot of people who don't want to work on the tiny screen most ultraportables offer.

Check out other ultraportables. They'll all cost just as much. They all make compromises. Some of the statements in this thread are getting pretty silly.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Again, portability can be quantified in different ways. You have to look at the whole package and presentation. Its not all about specs in the portable market. Some value the thinness and portability more than the actual specs, you obviously don't. You just look at the specs and compare it to other laptops out there without any consideration on the design and functionality of the product.

Ok, let's just take the fashion factor out of the equation for a moment. Let's compare the Macbook and Macbook Air. I would say for MOST...not all...but MOST consumers the Macbook would be plenty compact and light. Now considering that most consumers would find the Macbook's size and weight acceptible the only reason you would choose the Macbook Air is because of it's looks. That's it.

There is a very small percentage of consumers that will purchase on looks alone and the Macbook Air is their computer. For the rest of consumers they will choose the Macbook or Macbook Pro depending on their needs.

I don't have a problem with Apple building the Macbook Air. Its fine if they are using it as an engineering experiment. There are a few people that might really like it, but I am just trying to point out the fact that this computer will be a sales flop just like the G4 Cube.

 

[MazingerZ]

Ok, let's just take the fashion factor out of the equation for a moment. Let's compare the Macbook and Macbook Air. I would say for MOST...not all...but MOST consumers the Macbook would be plenty compact and light. Now considering that most consumers would find the Macbook's size and weight acceptible the only reason you would choose the Macbook Air is because of it's looks. That's it.

There is a very small percentage of consumers that will purchase on looks alone and the Macbook Air is their computer. For the rest of consumers they will choose the Macbook or Macbook Pro depending on their needs.

I don't have a problem with Apple building the Macbook Air. Its fine if they are using it as an engineering experiment. There are a few people that might really like it, but I am just trying to point out the fact that this computer will be a sales flop just like the G4 Cube.

You make a lot of assumptions for the mac community in general. Care to lay out your credentials? Pollster? Tech insider?

 

[DakotaGuy]

Obviously, you haven't tried comparing it to other ultraportables, which is the market that this thing was made for. I wasn't that familiar with ultraportables until the MacBook Air came out either, so it's okay. But it's pretty standard that you'll see price skyrocket once you hit a certain size and get smaller, because the price of making things that small is expensive. That's just how it is; the technology is expensive, and it's worth it to a lot of people to have the added portability.

If you compare it against computers like the Sony TZ and IBM/Lenovo's Thinkpad series, you'll see how the MacBook Air really compares. Now it definitely makes different compromises, but the price is about the same. Compared to those kinds of laptops, yes, MacBook Air is definitely lacking in some features like ports and connectivity, but it also has a much faster processor than most of them and often more or equal drive space. It also has a normal screen and keyboard size, which is important to a lot of people who don't want to work on the tiny screen most ultraportables offer.

Check out other ultraportables. They'll all cost just as much. They all make compromises. Some of the statements in this thread are getting pretty silly.

All I have said is that MOST but not ALL Apple customers will compare the Macbook Air to other APPLE laptops and walk out of the store with a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

I think a lot of people would have rather seen a small Macbook Pro instead of the Macbook Air even if it was a little thicker.

You make a lot of assumptions for the mac community in general. Care to lay out your credentials? Pollster? Tech insider?

I did not realize that you had to be one of these people to post here. Are you an insider? pollster? etc? I am just giving my theory about the Macbook Air. It is just my opinion. Yours might be different. You might think the Macbook Air is the best laptop ever built and that everyone wants to buy one because it is such a great value, but I feel differently. That's all. Our opinions on the product differ. Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am right.

 

[MazingerZ]

And if the MBA turns out to be a flop, so what? I'm sure many innovations that came from the development of the MBA will trickle to the other product lines of Apple.

 

[NAG]

I find it funny that so many people are talking about the Macbook Air as a niche product as if that is some sort of startling realization. Niche≠bad. One could say hard drive based mp3 players were a niche market (because they were when the iPod was released).

 

[DakotaGuy]

And if the MBA turns out to be a flop, so what? I'm sure many innovations that came from the development of the MBA will trickle to the other product lines of Apple.

If you took the time to read any of my posts about the Macbook Air since it was introduced you will notice that I said it was a great experiment in engineering. I hope that we see new ideas from the Macbook Air being passed on to different products. It still does not change my opinion on the overall value to the consumer.

 

[ankushpatel]

real reason i dont like

The real reason i dont like the mba is that your paying so much for so little. The 1.8 is 3000 dollars i mean come on for god sakes. Yes weight is nice but still very very costy. Also i buy macs so that they last me, looking at the air it looks very "cheap made" unlike the solid macbook pro's. Id sacrifice some pounds.

 

[MazingerZ]

The real reason i dont like the mba is that your paying so much for so little. The 1.8 is 3000 dollars i mean come on for god sakes. Yes weight is nice but still very very costy. Also i buy macs so that they last me, looking at the air it looks very "cheap made" unlike the solid macbook pro's. Id sacrifice some pounds.

I think you need to go to the apple store and try one for yourself. As for 3k, its 3k with a SSD drive.

 

[kuwisdelu]

All I have said is that MOST but not ALL Apple customers will compare the Macbook Air to other APPLE laptops and walk out of the store with a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

I think a lot of people would have rather seen a small Macbook Pro instead of the Macbook Air even if it was a little thicker.



I did not realize that you had to be one of these people to post here. Are you an insider? pollster? etc? I am just giving my theory about the Macbook Air. It is just my opinion. Yours might be different. You might think the Macbook Air is the best laptop ever built and that everyone wants to buy one because it is such a great value, but I feel differently. That's all. Our opinions on the product differ. Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am right.

I've certainly never said that everyone wants to buy one. But for the people who do, it is a great value for them. Ultraportables are and have always been a niche product, but there are definitely people who want and need them, because otherwise companies would have stopped making them a long time ago. You say that "Apple customers will compare the Macbook Air to other APPLE laptops and walk out of the store with a Macbook or Macbook Pro." Many, probably, but not everyone. Why is it a bad thing that the choice of a Mac ultraportable is there? Someone who turns it down for a MacBook or MacBook Pro wasn't going to choose a TZ or one of the smaller Thinkpad's over your run-of-the-mill Dell either.

But of course, everything always comes down to the smaller MacBook Pro replacement of the 12" PB... Always...

Personally, I hope Apple releases a 13" MacBook Pro. I'd buy that in a second. 12" is just too small for me.

The real reason i dont like the mba is that your paying so much for so little. The 1.8 is 3000 dollars i mean come on for god sakes. Yes weight is nice but still very very costy. Also i buy macs so that they last me, looking at the air it looks very "cheap made" unlike the solid macbook pro's. Id sacrifice some pounds.

That's strange; I think that MacBook Air's look great. Certainly don't look "cheap made" to my eye. And if you mean that it looks like it will be fragile; it's not. Look at the anecdotes from the people who've dropped/seen one been dropped. I know anecdotal evidence is never the best kind, but I certainly hope no one does a "real" drop test study of MacBooks... But those MacBook Air's are built solid as rocks. They're just a strong as a MacBook Pro, and less likely to be damaged in an impact from a fall.

 

[Tiquina]

All I have said is that MOST but not ALL Apple customers will compare the Macbook Air to other APPLE laptops and walk out of the store with a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

I wonder if the MBA might bring PC users into the Apple store. Then even if they walk out with a Macbook or Macbook Pro, Apple wins.

 

[ctt1wbw]

OMFG people, can't we drop this? If you don't like, don't buy it. Stop trying to reason with people to get them to accept your opinion, because they won't. End of story.

 

[cedar]

OMFG people, can't we drop this? If you don't like, don't buy it. Stop trying to reason with people to get them to accept your opinion, because they won't. End of story.

Gosh, I thought everyone was required to buy one, based on all of the whining and gnashing of teeth I've been observing. Free market means, at least when I went to school, buy it if you like it, don't if you don't. If I got screwed by buying one, so be it. It was my free choice and I made the decision based on my perceived needs and wants. Please people, don't feel that anyone is forcing you to do the same.

 

[tstarks33]

OMFG people, can't we drop this? If you don't like, don't buy it. Stop trying to reason with people to get them to accept your opinion, because they won't. End of story.

If you don't like us talking about it, then don't read our posts. Seems pretty simple? Coming into this thread to tell us to "drop it" is pretty silly. Isn't this the entire point of these message boards?

 

[kyleen66]

The real reason i dont like the mba is that your paying so much for so little. The 1.8 is 3000 dollars i mean come on for god sakes. Yes weight is nice but still very very costy. Also i buy macs so that they last me, looking at the air it looks very "cheap made" unlike the solid macbook pro's. Id sacrifice some pounds.

I got the 1.8 with a hard drive, and it didn't come to 3K.

I also buy my macs to last a VERY long time. My MBA will finally retire the 2400c I've been dragging around for writing. I've also had the 12' PB (and loved it and used it to the point that the hard drive, monitor, and keyboard had to be replaced before I passed it down to my daughter--- thanks AppleCare!).

Honestly, there is NOTHING "cheap made" about the MBA. It's a very solid machine.

I do believe that it's a great computer for some people, but not so much for others.

In truth, I believe most of the MBA "hate" is not due to jealously, but rather disappointment. It wasn't what some people wanted Apple to come out with. And I'm sorry for them. But for me it's great. It's all a matter of perspective.

 

[ctt1wbw]

If you don't like us talking about it, then don't read our posts. Seems pretty simple? Coming into this thread to tell us to "drop it" is pretty silly. Isn't this the entire point of these message boards?

Well, coming here and bitching about it seems pretty silly to many people.

 

[dwc]

[QUOTEI got the 1.8 with a hard drive, and it didn't come to 3K.

I also buy my macs to last a VERY long time. My MBA will finally retire the 2400c I've been dragging around for writing. I've also had the 12' PB (and loved it and used it to the point that the hard drive, monitor, and keyboard had to be replaced before I passed it down to my daughter--- thanks AppleCare!).

Honestly, there is NOTHING "cheap made" about the MBA. It's a very solid machine.

I do believe that it's a great computer for some people, but not so much for others.

In truth, I believe most of the MBA "hate" is not due to jealously, but rather disappointment. It wasn't what some people wanted Apple to come out with. And I'm sorry for them. But for me it's great. It's all a matter of perspective.



here, here......I also got the 1.8 but, with the ssd, couldn't be more pleased. I still have my mbp, sold my mb & the MacBook Air is replacing it.
Now, I agree they aren't for everyone & I'm sure we haven't heard all the reasons yet. I have no regret for $ spent for I got. I believe we'll all benefit from some of these features in near future. You guys will be expecting.........ssds, new trackpad features & such in you next laptops & the MBA just happened to be the first.

 

[HLdan]

I don't have a problem with Apple building the Macbook Air. Its fine if they are using it as an engineering experiment. There are a few people that might really like it, but I am just trying to point out the fact that this computer will be a sales flop just like the G4 Cube.

And if sales fly off the roof with the AIR and it becomes a financial success for Apple then what will you say? Would you be willing to admit you were wrong or would you do what most people would do, get lost from the forums until the fire goes away?

 

[CyberBob859]

Apple made their own decision on what is an ultraportable

The basic, fundamental issue, in my opinion, is that APPLE decided what they considered important in the design versus asking their customers.

They decided that they weren't going to compromise the screen and keyboard size, and defined ultraportable as thin and 3 lbs of weight.

To meet that, something had to be compromised, so goodbye ports, optical drive, use an iPod hard drive, etc.

The problem - many of Apple's loyal customers looked at the 12" PowerBook as a great size, and wanted a current technology replacement for that. Take away an optical drive and make it external, thin it out a little, and give it that Powerbook form factor, along with the current crop of ports found in other laptops, and I think many, many people would gladly hand over money to upgrade their PowerBooks. That design would also still attract a whole new group of customers looking for something thinner and lighter than the MacBook or MacBook Pro.

So, Apple comes out and says "we created the world's thinnest notebook" and alot of customers are saying "so what - its not what I want. Too many compromises to get that sales moniker"

You can easily dismiss them and say "if you don't like it, don't buy it." How does this help Apple? They just lost a potential sale from somebody who WANTS to buy a product from them, if only it was the right product.

The Air is creating a lot of controversy simply because there are customers who have their own design ideas on what constitutes an ultraportable, versus Apple's own ideas. A little bit of communication up front on Apple's part to talk to their customers to find out WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO THEM would've produced a laptop that got much broader market acceptance on its introduction, in my opinion, and created an instant hit. Instead, they get division and controversy.

How is this good for the Air and Apple?

 

[ctt1wbw]

I've bought 5 Dell laptops in the last 5 years. Dell has never asked me what is best for me.

 

[mhaas]

I think you need to go to the apple store and try one for yourself. As for 3k, its 3k with a SSD drive.

and in any version you get an LED screen, which you cannot get in a macbook as either...

 

[glhiii]

MBA Screen

Not many people have mentioned one of the important advantages (for me) of the MBA -- the screen with its LED backlighting. It is extremely bright and clear and is clearly superior to the current MB's screen. I also think, after using the MBA for a couple of days, that anyone who carries the MBA around will never want to go back to something that weighs over 2 pounds more. It makes a much bigger difference than you would think.

 

[diabolic]

The basic, fundamental issue, in my opinion, is that APPLE decided what they considered important in the design versus asking their customers.

Do you really believe that they designed the Air without any focus groups or customer input? The chance of that is zero. I am certain they consulted their target market extensively.

If anything, it looks more like a design based on customer surveys and opinions. Most people don't need more than 1 USB port. They don't need firewire. They hardly use the optical drive. Most people I know would never willingly use a shrunken keyboard or screen. Most people want less weight. Sounds perfect to me.

 

[NAG]

The basic, fundamental issue, in my opinion, is that APPLE decided what they considered important in the design versus asking their customers.

And why shouldn't they? If you want a computer designed by comity go buy a Windows computer (remember how many people it took for them to design the off button). And if you really want one designed by comity put linux on it.

Seriously, designing to meet everyone's needs meet no ones needs. Get over yourself. The Macbook Air isn't for you. The Macbook Pro isn't for me. You don't see me complaining about it.

 

[mhaas]

The basic, fundamental issue, in my opinion, is that APPLE decided what they considered important in the design versus asking their customers.

They decided that they weren't going to compromise the screen and keyboard size, and defined ultraportable as thin and 3 lbs of weight.

To meet that, something had to be compromised, so goodbye ports, optical drive, use an iPod hard drive, etc.

The problem - many of Apple's loyal customers looked at the 12" PowerBook as a great size, and wanted a current technology replacement for that. Take away an optical drive and make it external, thin it out a little, and give it that Powerbook form factor, along with the current crop of ports found in other laptops, and I think many, many people would gladly hand over money to upgrade their PowerBooks. That design would also still attract a whole new group of customers looking for something thinner and lighter than the MacBook or MacBook Pro.

So, Apple comes out and says "we created the world's thinnest notebook" and alot of customers are saying "so what - its not what I want. Too many compromises to get that sales moniker"

You can easily dismiss them and say "if you don't like it, don't buy it." How does this help Apple? They just lost a potential sale from somebody who WANTS to buy a product from them, if only it was the right product.

The Air is creating a lot of controversy simply because there are customers who have their own design ideas on what constitutes an ultraportable, versus Apple's own ideas. A little bit of communication up front on Apple's part to talk to their customers to find out WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO THEM would've produced a laptop that got much broader market acceptance on its introduction, in my opinion, and created an instant hit. Instead, they get division and controversy.

How is this good for the Air and Apple?

With the macbook introduction Apple switched completly to widescreen format. I don't think they will bring a 12" notebook anymore, it just does not fit with Apple's product lineup.

As to Apple loosing sales because of the AIR, do you really think so? I don't! Maybe you have noticed how many Apple owners are adding an AIR as their second or third Apple computer and this forum is only a small part of real buyers.

Plus the AIR will attract fashion buyers who see it as the gadget of the year.
So, I already now think it will be a success, I have not decided to get, but I believe Apple knew what it was doing...