Another thing the slightly more compact(screen and body wise) Lenovo U100 had the same specs as the original Air(LV SL9x000 cpu and intel 3100 gpu) in an 11in body. So, I don't see why Apple didn't just put the LV cpu in the 11.6in MBA, or at least give it as an option.
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Your thoughts on new MBA?
- Thread starter DannyNguyener
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An iPad runs circles in battery life around any MacBook - that's a promise. I use my iPad for days without charging.
The previous Macbook Air also had a glossy screen without the glass covering.
Apple has three different types of display:
1) Anti-Glare LCD panel with no glass.
2) Glossy LCD panel (the LCD itself has a glossy coating) with no glass (as seen on the white Macbook and the previous MBA)
3) Glossy LCD panel with glass on top (As seen on iMacs and in the Macbook Pros)
I think it's seriously over priced like most macs,you could get the same specs if not better for half or even a third of the price on a pc. I'm not being a hater but only sharing my opinion.
I'm going to think about it for a few days and wait for the reviews. There's no reason to leap right into this. If they come back and say it's decent at multitasking and is reasonably speedy, I'd strongly consider it.
I think it's a huge step up, but I'm not sure next year's 13 inch won't be a better machine.
I think it's a huge step up, but I'm not sure next year's 13 inch won't be a better machine.
I'm curious...
In everyone's opinion, can any of the MBA lineup serve as a replacement and be the go-to Mac in someone's lineup? With the help of the super drive?
In everyone's opinion, can any of the MBA lineup serve as a replacement and be the go-to Mac in someone's lineup? With the help of the super drive?
My main concerns:
1. Higher res on 13" (see topic)
2. 1.86GHz C2D on base 13" (only upgradable when you go all out)
3. Will it be cool enough?
Before I'd consider buying this, I'd like to know if:
1. If the text and such aren't too small. I'll be using it for a long time in the store before deciding
2. The flash storage will make a huge enough difference to compensate for the not-too-powerful CPU
3. If multi-tasking (10 apps minimum, many tabs in browser) works without problems
4. How much can it handle without the fan kicking in? I hate loud machines, and watching a flash or 720p video or doing some serious multi-tasking should be possible without much noise from the fan.
Apart from that, I think it's a great machine. I looks great. LED backlit screen. It's light and super thin. For 90% of all people it's enough for most of what they'll be doing every day. For me too, although I do need it for some serious multi-tasking from time to time.
Edit
Check out the hands on video:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/macbook-air-13-inch-first-hands-on/
That 11.6" looks pretty damn cool
1. Higher res on 13" (see topic)
2. 1.86GHz C2D on base 13" (only upgradable when you go all out)
3. Will it be cool enough?
Before I'd consider buying this, I'd like to know if:
1. If the text and such aren't too small. I'll be using it for a long time in the store before deciding
2. The flash storage will make a huge enough difference to compensate for the not-too-powerful CPU
3. If multi-tasking (10 apps minimum, many tabs in browser) works without problems
4. How much can it handle without the fan kicking in? I hate loud machines, and watching a flash or 720p video or doing some serious multi-tasking should be possible without much noise from the fan.
Apart from that, I think it's a great machine. I looks great. LED backlit screen. It's light and super thin. For 90% of all people it's enough for most of what they'll be doing every day. For me too, although I do need it for some serious multi-tasking from time to time.
Edit
Check out the hands on video:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/macbook-air-13-inch-first-hands-on/
That 11.6" looks pretty damn cool
The couldn't legally put an Intel Core i CPU and use an Nvidia GPU/chipset model. That is the whole reason these still have C2D. Steve came out and said the performance of the Intel IGP was too incapable, in some other words, and that users are much better off with 2x GPU and similar CPU performance.
This really tells me, that Apple is definitely going to switch up and use AMD/ATI combo with the next updates. I think it's really late in the game to be using C2D, so Apple must just loathe the Intel IGP just as I do. I would take the same speed and type of CPU for the next few years... as long as Apple did as it did today.
The NAND Flash from SSD/HDD switch improves the speed by an unbelievable amount. It is a true way to speed up the computer for users.
The Nvidia 320m provides 2X the graphics performance.
And Apple made the software and hardware combo so good that it's INSTANT on. I find these upgrades far more revolutionary and innovative than Intel's Core i-series CPUs. And for the vast majority of users, they will by far benefit from the Nvidia GPU and C2D over Intel Core i-CPU and integrated IGP. Not all, but most will have a better experience even though they want a Core i-series CPU... most don't realize how bad the Core i-series IGP truly is. Sandy Bridge isn't ready, and even it's only been tested on Windows which is far different/faster/better when it comes to OpenGL.
I really believe users would have had the same types of problems with Arrandale's IGP that users had with the original Intel IGP. Even though it's definitely far better than the 3100 was, we are using vastly more needy apps that desire GPU performance. Nvidia has Intel beat, and Intel is the TRUE BULLY, not little ole Scottsdale, lol.
The last MBA also had a glossy display. Didn't Jobs say today that the new displays were glass? I thought I heard that. I also read that the specs are identical in terms of color gamut to the current 13" MBPs. Maybe that wasn't correct, but the MBA does one better as it's higher resolution giving us a much bigger workspace within the 13" display.
I cannot wait to see these and get some info on how they look. I wonder if local stores have them?
My main concerns:
1. Higher res on 13" (see topic)
2. 1.86GHz C2D on base 13" (only upgradable when you go all out)
3. Will it be cool enough?
Before I'd consider buying this, I'd like to know if:
1. If the text and such aren't too small. I'll be using it for a long time in the store before deciding
2. The flash storage will make a huge enough difference to compensate for the not-too-powerful CPU
3. If multi-tasking (10 apps minimum, many tabs in browser) works without problems
4. How much can it handle without the fan kicking in? I hate loud machines, and watching a flash or 720p video or doing some serious multi-tasking should be possible without much noise from the fan.
Apart from that, I think it's a great machine. I looks great. LED backlit screen. It's light and super thin. For 90% of all people it's enough for most of what they'll be doing every day. For me too, although I do need it for some serious multi-tasking from time to time.
Edit
Check out the hands on video:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/macbook-air-13-inch-first-hands-on/
That 11.6" looks pretty damn cool
You know you can turn the resolution down to 1220 x 800 on the 13" MBA. If you want that, it's fully available on every 13" MBA they sell right in the software. This needs to be better explained to everyone, because a lot of people like yourself thinks they're stuck with the higher res, when that's not true. It's simple. You can go change it to a lower res right now on the current MBA too.
I just spent a little time at the Apple store.
Why are they still selling the low-end MacBook? Is there any reason any longer to spend $1K on this when you could get a more portable machine for the same price? If you don't need the portability and it's all about price, there is always the Mac Mini and the entry level iMac, so isn't the entry level MBA a no-brainer over the low-end MacBook?
You can only BTO the 2.13GHz processor on the 256GB 13" MBA. That sucks. I have to pay for the extra 128GB of flash storage that I don't need in order to get the better processor.
Why are they still selling the low-end MacBook? Is there any reason any longer to spend $1K on this when you could get a more portable machine for the same price? If you don't need the portability and it's all about price, there is always the Mac Mini and the entry level iMac, so isn't the entry level MBA a no-brainer over the low-end MacBook?
You can only BTO the 2.13GHz processor on the 256GB 13" MBA. That sucks. I have to pay for the extra 128GB of flash storage that I don't need in order to get the better processor.
Ordered the low-end model with 4GB config ($1099). Annoying that the 4GB is only BTO option, but at least it's available this time.
I don't mind slower CPU. All I needed was a portable machine with full OS X (need to run certain applications for work) in the tiniest possible package. 4GB RAM is a big plus.
I'm planning to leave the MBP 13" at home most of times and just carry this little puppy everywhere from now on.
I don't mind slower CPU. All I needed was a portable machine with full OS X (need to run certain applications for work) in the tiniest possible package. 4GB RAM is a big plus.
I'm planning to leave the MBP 13" at home most of times and just carry this little puppy everywhere from now on.
Like these previous posters I have never really got the wedge design. Very tempted with the 11.6 " model as a replacement for my 12" iBook but would have preferred a squared up version with bigger batteries. Footprint size is very important but would trade a little weight and a uniform thickness for the battery life
Non backlit keyboard is a dealbreaker
Apple blew it bigtime for me. I'll never upgrade to the new Air. I have a current Air with SSD and the backlit KB is a must-have.
Why in the world diod they pull that? Sorry Steve. you aren't perfect. What are you thinking? Lame....lame...lame.
Apple blew it bigtime for me. I'll never upgrade to the new Air. I have a current Air with SSD and the backlit KB is a must-have.
Why in the world diod they pull that? Sorry Steve. you aren't perfect. What are you thinking? Lame....lame...lame.
And that's what we wanted since the death of the 12" PowerBook -- a small-footprint Mac ideal for commuting and tray-tables on airplanes and trains.
Think I'm gonna get one.
I am pretty sure my mother Vaio F, only has the nvidia GT330 and no intel IGP. But, then again that could be because it running the i7 quad-core cpu.
Since i got my first Apple laptop 3 years ago i have used alot of "PC" laptops since then and every single one of them have a trackpad that sucks, on the go the input device will always be the trackpad and since it sucks on all other PC:s then Apple i dont care if the Acer, HP, Dell, Asus laptop cost 100USD, to use a input device that gives 0% frustration with Apple vs 80% on others, that is well worth the price. If the trackpad doesnt work, the computer is dead to me.
Also, my 3 year old Macbook Pro feels as fresh today as it did 3 years ago, yes i spend 2500USD on it but in the same time my sister have bough 1 new Asus laptop every year and it takes like 5 month before it feels sluggish, even with Windows 7 it feels like the performance degrade, to much bloatware and so on.
And ontop of that, yes a Mac is more expensive then a Asus computer but first of all, during it livespan you will remember it with a smile on your face, the Asus will not be remembered, other then in hate, and secondly, when i sell it my MBP is much more worth on the second hand market then my sisters Asus, so in the end, my sister have payed alot more for her computer usage then i have, even though my initial price was higher.
I had been thinking no. But the pricing is better than I expected, and the storage/RAM space is acceptable to me.
I'm going to take a look at it at the store. I had been intending to get a nice MBP configured good enough to go 4 years or so. Just a little over 1/2 that price for a Macbook Air may be an acceptable choice for me. Especially since I already have a nice desktop.
I'm going to take a look at it at the store. I had been intending to get a nice MBP configured good enough to go 4 years or so. Just a little over 1/2 that price for a Macbook Air may be an acceptable choice for me. Especially since I already have a nice desktop.
Nvidia 330GT is a discrete GPU. The Nvidia 320m is a GPU/chipset combo board. There isn't much difference, but Intel pulled a fast one and said since it moved part of the chipset to the CPU via an extra DIE, Nvidia's license is void to provide chipsets for Intel CPUs beyond C2D.
Therefore, unless the justice department steps in, or until Nvidia wins this battle in court, we customers are losing big and must be stuck with Core i-series CPUs and their integrated IGPs. Intel didn't want to lose out on potential chipset sales, so we're stuck with their IGP for now.
It's unfortunate as it means Apple isn't loving the IGP and will not use it as a sole graphics non-solution. Therefore, Apple will have to either go with the Intel IGP or provide a discrete solution for every Mac paired with a Core i-series CPU.
This is the problem that Jobs made mention of when Apple kept the C2D in the 13" MBP/MB and etc. I believe Apple's continued avoidance of the IGP means that it will possibly switch to the AMD/ATI CPU chipset model with the next round of mobile Macs - 13" MBA, 11" MBA, MB, 13" MBP, and Mac mini.
In the long-run, Apple is probably better off with AMD/ATI solutions. The short-run will provide backlash of people hating the move. However, it will provide a better overall experience, and it should show Intel that being a big dog anti-competitive bully means its days are numbered. ARM is the way of the future anyways.
Nice.. but
These Airs look amazing - just don't know which to choose. However, the lack of backlit keyboard when the keyboard is black is a major stumbling block - I know you get light from the display but the first low-end unibody MacBook had no backlit keyboard and it drove me bananas in low light. No doubt it's to do with battery life but I envisage many complaints and major frustration and it being an option on the next version. It's in-built silliness.
I'm also not sure about the tapering - because it's so thin at the front it means the typing is kind of bouncy compared to the MBP. Think I'd prefer less taper + more battery life. If Apple are only doing this so they can say they have the thinnest notebook around then they're just being silly. And their 5 hours doesn't end up like 5 hours in the real world.
The guy in the video could not be worse; whiny voice, dopey sunglasses, mishandling the product. Duh. Endgadget; please find someone else.
These Airs look amazing - just don't know which to choose. However, the lack of backlit keyboard when the keyboard is black is a major stumbling block - I know you get light from the display but the first low-end unibody MacBook had no backlit keyboard and it drove me bananas in low light. No doubt it's to do with battery life but I envisage many complaints and major frustration and it being an option on the next version. It's in-built silliness.
I'm also not sure about the tapering - because it's so thin at the front it means the typing is kind of bouncy compared to the MBP. Think I'd prefer less taper + more battery life. If Apple are only doing this so they can say they have the thinnest notebook around then they're just being silly. And their 5 hours doesn't end up like 5 hours in the real world.
The guy in the video could not be worse; whiny voice, dopey sunglasses, mishandling the product. Duh. Endgadget; please find someone else.
I definitely think that AMD will be the future for their Mac Mini/MacBook Air/13" MacBook Pro lineups.
Those laptops don't have enough room for both a discrete graphics card and processor so an AMD APU (GPU + CPU) will both be a lot cheaper, lighter, and more compact. Plus Llano (The AMD Platform for early 2011) is supposedly supposed to be the next big thing in the processor industry... both in terms of power efficiency AND bang for buck.
Those laptops don't have enough room for both a discrete graphics card and processor so an AMD APU (GPU + CPU) will both be a lot cheaper, lighter, and more compact. Plus Llano (The AMD Platform for early 2011) is supposedly supposed to be the next big thing in the processor industry... both in terms of power efficiency AND bang for buck.