The new MacBook Air

[Lincoln]

I realize that most of the discussion around is based on 1.1.3, but Steve also introduced the new MacBook Air (http://www.apple.com/macbookair/) at the Keynote today.

The new MacBook focuses on being very lightweight and completely wireless. It has a 3.3 inch display at the same resolution as other Macs with a full-sixe, backlighted keyboard.

The trackpad features the same multi-touch technology on the iPhone nd iPod Touch. With it you can pinch, swipe, or rotate to zoom in on taxt, flick through photos, or adjust an image.

It has only 4 ports; a USB 2.0 port, a headphone jack, a micro-DVI port, and the magnetic power cord port. It comes with 2MB of RAM and an 80 gig Hard Drive, with the option to update to a 64 gig solid-state Hard Drive. Just like the other current Macs, the Air has the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. It also has a built-in iSight camera.

The Air is entirely wireless. It has the 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR built in. The disc drive has been wiped from the Air; movies can be rented from iTunes and files can be backed up via the new Time Capsule. When software needs to be installed, a new feature, Remote Disc, lets you access discs in other computers. Migration from other Macs is also done through Remote Disc.

The 13-inch 1.6 GHz MacBook Air can now be pre-ordered for $1,799, and the 13-inch 1.8 GHz can be pre-ordered for $3,098. Alternatively, you can get the MacBook Pro (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/), at 17 inches with a 2.4 GHz processor and a 160 gig HD for only $2,799. I recommend it over the Air.

- John

[420greg]

3.3 inch display and only 2 megs of RAM? Does not sound like a very good computer to me....

:)

[sl0ppyshat]

I Alternatively, you can get the MacBook Pro (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/), at 17 inches with a 2.4 GHz processor and a 160 gig HD for only $2,799. I recommend it over the Air.

- John


Agreed.. Air seems like a neat concept but not worth the price for pretty much a motherboard in a pretty housing. Get the PRO!

[Lincoln]

I personally prefer a larger computer. Don't get me wrong, I'm spoiled; I hate monitors and computers being separate. But I like to have a bit of size and a nice big screen.

- John

[patrickj]

The price for the SSD version is huge. I think a UMPC / Newton type device would've had a lot more 'boom' factor ...

[chris]

I really wanted to get a MacBook Pro, but held off in anticipation of MacWorld. I'm not sure about the MacBook Air. If it came in a 15", then I think it would warrant consideration. For now, I'm going to remain on the sidelines. This of course could all change when I find myself in front of the thing at my local Apple Store.

How much is the SuperDrive? I couldn't locate it in the store.

[Sleeper]

Superdrive is $99.

Macbook air is a bit of a waste of time to be honest.

[psylichon]

How much is the SuperDrive? I couldn't locate it in the store.

Thought I saw a picture on Engadget from the keynote showing it at $99....? That was before my coffee, though...

[chris]

I guess it fits neatly between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. It'll probably get buyers from both groups. Potential MacBook buyers will step for the thin, aluminum casing. MacBook Pro buyers might find value, plus of course the super thin size.

Is it me or will anyone consider a MacBook Pro purchase? They are way overdue for an update. I'm surprised it wasn't refreshed with the Mac Pro desktops last week. I thought a Penryn processor was definitely in the cards for MacWorld.

[JoHnOfDaDeAd]

2MB and 3.3 inches?

I hope you mean 2 GB and 13.3 inches.

[Lincoln]

2MB and 3.3 inches?

I hope you mean 2 GB and 13.3 inches.

2MB of RAM. It has an 80 gig Hard Drive.

- John

[Sleeper]

No, it's 2Gb of RAM. Read the specs please.

[acosmichippo]

No, it's 2Gb of RAM. Read the specs please.

no, it's 2GB of RAM. There is a difference.

at any rate, i was very unmoved by this product.

completely wireless? what does that even mean? it's no more wireless than my crappy Acer laptop. It just lacks the ABILITY to use wires... for what? a little extra space?

and no optical drive? no thanks.

[patrickj]

no, it's 2GB of RAM. There is a difference.

at any rate, i was very unmoved by this product.

completely wireless? what does that even mean? it's no more wireless than my crappy Acer laptop. It just lacks the ABILITY to use wires... for what? a little extra space?

and no optical drive? no thanks.

I'm finding it less impressive as the evening rolls on as well - no optical disc, one USB port, and a non-removable battery are pretty big trade-offs for the 'thinnest' label ...

[acosmichippo]

they should have announced these last week, and unveiled the Mac Pros today. Dual Quad Cores have a much bigger "wow" factor... to me, at least.

[patrickj]

they should have announced these last week, and unveiled the Mac Pros today. Dual Quad Cores have a much bigger "wow" factor... to me, at least.

I think that might be true - the Air feels a little like the old jokes about Chinese food and being hungry again an hour later - it was super-thin and pretty during the speech, but an hour later when you look at its specs ...

[iBen]

My vision must be going really bad because i dont see any speakers anywhere on the thing. Except those little speakers by the isight camera, and im guessing those aren't really good sounding.

[Sleeper]

Woops! Small b error!

Yes, it's 2GB not 2Gb.

[acosmichippo]

the more I think about it, themore I realize this thing is apple's most expensive accessory... because you really can't use it without another mac.

[iPaul]

Is it me or will anyone consider a MacBook Pro purchase? They are way overdue for an update. I'm surprised it wasn't refreshed with the Mac Pro desktops last week. I thought a Penryn processor was definitely in the cards for MacWorld.

I'm in the same boat, Chris. I've been way overdue for a new laptop for months now, and I had my heart set on a MBP. I had decided to wait until Macworld for an update, and if not to go ahead and buy...now some people say there will be a quiet update post-Macworld, but then others say "wait until Feb, updates sure to come in Feb"

...or June.

I know I'd be happy with a currnet model, but if it's only ONE more month to wait... gaahhh, what to do.

[chris]

the more I think about it, themore I realize this thing is apple's most expensive accessory... because you really can't use it without another mac.

Good point. You'd need either the SuperDrive or a another Mac.

The Air looks pretty amazing...in particular the front shot with the lid closed.

A quick look at the specs (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=916FC32&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_air) reveal it's nothing more than a pancaked MacBook. In fact, the MacBook actually has a better processor, same video card and as expected a bigger hard drive. The Air certainly isn't for someone considering a MBP. It reminds me of the Cube. The looks draw you in, but then you realize your paying more for less.

I completely lusted after the Cube when it was released, but never pulled the trigger. I suspect I'll wait for the next MBP refresh. With PC manufacturers announcing Penryn chips in their new laptops, it shouldn't be long before Apple joins the fray. I suspect they didn't want to announce them on the same day as Air.

-Chris

[deac]

Chris and iPaul

I'm right there with you. So torn now on what to do re the MBP...... I just know I have a 20 year history of buying and every dang time, a new one comes out right afterwards!!! But I've waited about as long as I can. Where did you see this Feb information on updating it? The Air looks cool and all but its not a MBP.

[chris]

From a MacRumors article today...

" We have also heard unconfirmed rumblings that MacBook Pro updates are to come shortly, though no exact timing is indicated."

[iPaul]

Chris and iPaul

Where did you see this Feb information on updating it? The Air looks cool and all but its not a MBP.

Oh, just opinions on another forum...

And y'know, if it was just a question of waiting for a processor bump I'd take the plunge, if the multi-touch will be included in the refresh, jeez I'd def kick myself later.

[minivini]

The Air is really geared towards the road warrior type. I can see an advantage this would have over similarly priced UMPCs for those who have to spend hours a day walking around the city or on public transportation. I mean a 13in screen but about the same weight as those cute little UMPCs? That's a no brainer!
That's about it, though. I wouldn't choose it to replace my Latitude D630. Though I DO wish the D630 had been available with an LED backlight. Still, it's light, really fast, and two batteries last literally a whole business day! Can't ask for a lot more...

[jjvaldez]

just saw the air..... looks ok but just a toy.. no firewire???? i need this while doing video editing ... i too waited till MW but noting that i personally need, ill just get the MCP

[Lincoln]

Basically, the Air is the kid version of the MacBook - but really expensive. If you want a MacBook, but don't want to pay for the Pro, get the regular MacBook. Especially if you don't have another Mac.

I think the lack of the disc drive was avery bad decision on Apple's part. Several people buy MacBooks as their first Mac - and without another, there's no software installation. Even though I have several Macs, I would find the task of popping the disk in the desktop Mac, then turning on Remote Disc, then turning it on on the Air, finding the disk, and installing the software very irksome.

- John

[KNK]

Basically, the Air is the kid version of the MacBook - but really expensive. If you want a MacBook, but don't want to pay for the Pro, get the regular MacBook. Especially if you don't have another Mac.

I think the lack of the disc drive was avery bad decision on Apple's part. Several people buy MacBooks as their first Mac - and without another, there's no software installation. Even though I have several Macs, I would find the task of popping the disk in the desktop Mac, then turning on Remote Disc, then turning it on on the Air, finding the disk, and installing the software very irksome.

- John


I agree, as well as the ommision of the firewire port, for chris sake that port is tiny.:angry:

[deac]

We're far from the only ones stuck in the mBP quandry.

An article on Gizmodo today.

MacBook Pro Woes: What Should I Do (http://gizmodo.com/345236/macbook-pro-woes-what-should-i-do-now)



http://gizmodo.com/345236/macbook-pro-woes-what-should-i-do Now? (http://gizmodo.com/345236/macbook-pro-woes-what-should-i-do-now)

[acosmichippo]

poor babies... that's what we call a "high class problem".

:) <-note the smiley

[jjvaldez]

this is an ok computer....

i prefer this...


http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x189/josejesusvaldez/Picture4.png

last yrs MWC

[uPhone559]

Air might be kinda cool.... if it werent 3k! ne1 know the difference the solid state ram would make over the cheaper model?

[sl0ppyshat]

time for me to walk down to the testing lab to see if they have their hands on one so i can "test" it

[patrickj]

time for me to walk down to the testing lab to see if they have their hands on one so i can "test" it

Funny how test could be such a negative word in school days, but once you're in a IT (or various other probably) type job, testing can be a lot of fun ...

[KeKe]

it has some very cool features but too little space but a very cute laptop

[hexonxonx]

Air might be kinda cool.... if it werent 3k! ne1 know the difference the solid state ram would make over the cheaper model?
It has to be a flash drive such as what the iPhone and Touch use. Since it is 64GB, that would explain the huge price difference since flash memory is expensive. This is why we only have 8GB iPhones now and 16GB Touch.

[acosmichippo]

yeah, so the MB air is basically a bigass iPod touch.

[Youngbinks]

I've been wanting to make the leap into the Mac world for quite some time (for things other than iPods and such, of course) and was extremely excited when I saw the MBA in the Keynote. I was prepared to come home and pre-order mine as soon as I turned my computer on. Then I realized there's no optical drive and only 1 USB port. I have all 3 of my USB ports full right now, so that's automatically an instant turn off. The other would be the obvious lack of an internal optical drive. I don't see how it can be ultra portable and leave out the fact that you're going to require an EXTRA accessory to even be able to install software or run DVDs or CDs (let alone the fact that the price of the MBA doesn't even include the external drive, which seems even more ridiculous). Another thing deterring me from the purchase is the cost of the time capsule, $299 for a 500GB external hard drive? I got my 500GB external for $87, I could have 1.5 TB for LESS than that price. I dunno, maybe MBA 2 will clear up the inconsistencies. Or maybe I'll hope for a MBP update soon.

[IphoneTony]

Id rather buy 4 iphones then the new air

[Lincoln]

I've been wanting to make the leap into the Mac world for quite some time (for things other than iPods and such, of course) and was extremely excited when I saw the MBA in the Keynote. I was prepared to come home and pre-order mine as soon as I turned my computer on. Then I realized there's no optical drive and only 1 USB port. I have all 3 of my USB ports full right now, so that's automatically an instant turn off. The other would be the obvious lack of an internal optical drive. I don't see how it can be ultra portable and leave out the fact that you're going to require an EXTRA accessory to even be able to install software or run DVDs or CDs (let alone the fact that the price of the MBA doesn't even include the external drive, which seems even more ridiculous). Another thing deterring me from the purchase is the cost of the time capsule, $299 for a 500GB external hard drive? I got my 500GB external for $87, I could have 1.5 TB for LESS than that price. I dunno, maybe MBA 2 will clear up the inconsistencies. Or maybe I'll hope for a MBP update soon.

I say that it if you don't want want to pay for the Pro, just get the MacBook. It's a much fairer price and still has the productivity of a regular computer. I have the Pro and I do prefer it over the MacBook, but it definetly wins over the Air.

- John

[Youngbinks]

I've been trying to decide on a Mac for the longest time. One of my main concerns is that I will have no idea how to do anything. I finally got used to many of Windows quirks so getting a computer with no right click seems like blasphemy. I need to go into an Apple store and talk to a rep for a while and find all the exact differences in the comps they carry. Like, I know they have the black and white MBs, but is there a difference other than just color because the price is different (if memory serves me correctly)?

[Lincoln]

I've been trying to decide on a Mac for the longest time. One of my main concerns is that I will have no idea how to do anything. I finally got used to many of Windows quirks so getting a computer with no right click seems like blasphemy. I need to go into an Apple store and talk to a rep for a while and find all the exact differences in the comps they carry. Like, I know they have the black and white MBs, but is there a difference other than just color because the price is different (if memory serves me correctly)?

Since when is there no right click? Just because there isn't a second button doesn't mean it isn't there. In System Preferences, you can set right click to work with the Mighty Mouse (comes with desktop Macs). With MacBooks, you put a finger on track pad and double tap the click button to right click. I just miss-spelled Preferences and right-clicked to correct it.

- John

[sl0ppyshat]

Since when is there no right click? Just because there isn't a second button doesn't mean it isn't there. In System Preferences, you can set right click to work with the Mighty Mouse (comes with desktop Macs). With MacBooks, you put a finger on track pad and double tap the click button to right click. I just miss-spelled Preferences and right-clicked to correct it.

- John

or hold Ctrl then click

[psylichon]

Or get a Kensington trackball so you'll have 11 buttons! (not to mention "chording" combos)

[Lincoln]

or hold Ctrl then click

That too. But just clicking the right side of the mouse gets a right click.

The Might Mouse goes alone with Apple's feat of buttons, one click, two buttons on the side, and a scroll wheel.

- John

[coolie]

I think I'm going to get this. All I want is its portability. I have no need for optical drive, firewire, or anything else. I already got a laptop to do all that stuff.

[Hondamaker]

I agree, as well as the ommision of the firewire port, for chris sake that port is tiny.:angry:
Yeah, I thought the 'air' was the ****, till I realized the lack of an optical drive would be a problem, as well as the mission of a firewire port. But it is still a sweet piece of hardware, in my opinion.

[Hondamaker]

Since when is there no right click? Just because there isn't a second button doesn't mean it isn't there. In System Preferences, you can set right click to work with the Mighty Mouse (comes with desktop Macs). With MacBooks, you put a finger on track pad and double tap the click button to right click. I just miss-spelled Preferences and right-clicked to correct it.

- JohnI recently discovered this, and it's a relief to find it there.

[acosmichippo]

i just don't see a need for having a laptop that thin... especially when sacrificing so much to attain it. of course, there has to be a trailblazer. maybe this will prompt other manufacturers to slim-down their computers even more.

oh, and solid state heard drives are UBER-cool. uber-expensive, yes, but WAY better suited to mobile computers than a magnetic disk. like everything else, these will only get cheaper. It WAS only a few years ago you rarely saw an HDD over 64GB...

[Ramesh]

John - Why haven't you edited your first post to correct your specs?

Anyway - I was just fartin' around in the Apple store, and as a student, they only knock off $100 off the MBA, but $300 off of the MBP. So I could have a MBP for $100 more than a MBA. To me, the MBA wins hands down. I'll probably wait a little longer, hoping for an update to MBP's, which hopefully isn't too far from now.

The MBA most definately has the WOW factor, but I KNOW I'd get frustrated at the processor speed. The lack of optical isn't TOO much of a dealbreaker - my iMac is always on, and the optical drive doesn't seem too big to haul around on trips when I need it.

I guess my final decision will be made when I can see an MBA in person, but now it's 90% MBP.

[acosmichippo]

so you mean "the MBP wins hands-down," right?

[Ramesh]

so you mean "the MBP wins hands-down," right?
Pretty much. The price you pay for the MBA is the eye candy and the newness and of course the "cool" factor. If the MBA was $1500 - I'd by that. But not for $1800...

[AppleSVT]

I currently have one of the first MacBook pros (1.83ghz Core Duo), so its getting close to being time for a new macbook. Considering the fact i do a lot of graphics work and web design (not to mention all the WoW and Eve i play), i think i'm just going to get a new MBP instead of the Air...Integrated graphics just doesn't do it for me...plus I'd feel like I would break the damn thing

[x666x]

I'm getting an Air. I've been using my Samsung Q1 to fill this role on my vacations to Europe and such. It's fared nicely, but theres been a lot of times I could have done with more power to speed things up like compressing a video to something I can email to friends back home. While you're on a metered wifi connection, the whole "time" factor can start to weigh in pretty heavily.

That said, the devices limitations are within the boundaries of my expectations for a device of this magnitude. Now all thats left is paying off my 2nd iMac Alu 24" for the lady friend and I'll be in business! Bleh, too bad I'm only making 200 dollar payments a month, lol!

Oh well, good things come to those that wait, at least thats something I've heard in the air.