Anybody planning to get an elegant MacBook Air?

[geordisjd]

To go with their elegant iPhone?

Some people are pretty enthousiastic
and some are not. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=505)

[Youngbinks]

I'm going to wait and hope that they introduce a new one that actually has an internal optical drive, otherwise I don't really see how it can be ultra-portable if you need to lug around the drive externally.

[abian2]

I'm going to wait and hope that they introduce a new one that actually has an internal optical drive, otherwise I don't really see how it can be ultra-portable if you need to lug around the drive externally.

They have a feature called "Remote Drive," that can install programs via bluetooth from a PC or Mac. There's a clip on apple.com. Looks pretty cool.

[Youngbinks]

Yeah that is pretty cool, but it still requires you have another computer. If I'm on a flight and want to play a game that requires a CD or watch one of my own DVDs then I'm out of luck unless I lug around something new. Then again, I guess I could get a fellow passenger to install the "Remote Drive" software on their computer and bum off of them.

[abian2]

Yeah that is pretty cool, but it still requires you have another computer. If I'm on a flight and want to play a game that requires a CD or watch one of my own DVDs then I'm out of luck unless I lug around something new. Then again, I guess I could get a fellow passenger to install the "Remote Drive" software on their computer and bum off of them.

LOL, that is so true.

[dimensiondvdrob]

Yeah that is pretty cool, but it still requires you have another computer. If I'm on a flight and want to play a game that requires a CD or watch one of my own DVDs then I'm out of luck unless I lug around something new. Then again, I guess I could get a fellow passenger to install the "Remote Drive" software on their computer and bum off of them.


or, you can rip some dvds and cd games to a small portable hard drive and plug it into your usb port and play/watch away.

[gijohn]

One USB ...... no Firewire. Neat little machine, but nope.

[geordisjd]

I guess if you travel a lot and spend many hours on planes in the business section, it's a great sexy toy to have. Those sections have outlets to plug-in laptops. I would even copy a couple of DVD's right on the HD if needed. I don't think the add-ons would weigh too much in a traveling case, anyway.
The thing is, I don't travel a lot. And the only reason for me to buy this is because I'm spoiled rotten and I can do it:p.

[DUKEL]

No diskdrive, no deal. I understand the importance of thin, but c'mon. It is just not practical.

[jdm726]

No diskdrive, no deal. I understand the importance of thin, but c'mon. It is just not practical.

ditto

and only 1 usb, no firewire, no card reader---- those are basic essentials i look for

but i love the design, its emaculate.... but like previously stated, just not practical.

[gary88]

Come on now, I mean ONE USB port? Even my Compaq Presario I had in 1999 had two!! With my USB hub I'm using 7 ports right now. Everything these days is USB. No optical drive is just a flat-out dumb move. Right now it's the least practical laptop on the market.

[iamtko]

*all of the following statements are opinions of iamtko and are not stated to offend anyone that actually likes that P.O.S.*

i think that the MacBook Air is so highly unpractical that it was fail and Steve Jobs will lose his mind. i can just see him saying over and over "BUT IT FITS IN AN ENVELOPE!!!".

reasons i will not buy it:
- no optical drive (my favorite): what am i supposed to do without this?? oh i know, i'll just spend $99 to lug around a separate O.drive! this means that i'll also need to get another case of some sort(or maybe a backpack..) to carry all this crap in. sure the thing is small but it gains its weight back in other things i'd have to carry around! also, i like burning things for my friends because they need to know what their missing in music :P

- 1 usb port: really? one? ok well i guess i won't be charging my PSP/DS/iPhone/iPod all at the same time anymore..

- this thing is too thin: sure it looks amazing but i really think it'll be a problem for everyday use. i think the macbook pro is the perfect size and has enough durability so i don't have to be super careful while typing.

- just another step between me and my music: if i did get this, it would be my only computer so i would have to use it for my iTunes for both my iPod and iPhone. do you know how much fun it will be uploading all my music, from CD's back onto this thing?? not fun. i would have to shell out the money just to have my iTunes updated with music i already own! now maybe if apple sent someone to your house to upload the hours of music onto it, i might buy it. no, i wouldn't actually.

there are more reasons but i really don't feel like typing anymore.
i just remember how hard i laughed when job's said he would get rid of the CD. /sigh

[dimensiondvdrob]

i think it's pretty practical, since they bundled the software to be able to use a local computer as a remote disc... a lot of other computers you can buy, like the OQO may be more pocketable, but they are not running OSX and dont offer external drives or a remote drive software. if you are planning to really 'go mobile' this would be the perfect mac in my opinion. most people today that i know don't burn CDs anymore or DVDs, everything is on HDD or on USB flash key drives. everything I do is on my idisk, key drive or on my ipod, iphone.

[Sleeper]

The biggest issues for me are:

* No DVD drive. Downloading software just isn't a practical option at the moment besides which I like backup hard copies in case anything goes wrong. Oh and don't mention Time Capsule because that's a stupid idea too - the purpose of a backup is for it to be remote like BT Vault is. Having it in your house isn't going to save you from a house fire or burglary.
* Fixed battery. On a laptop. I mean... WTF? All other things forgiven this is just an unbelievably stupid idea.
* Poor connectivity. Others have already said why so I won't go into this.
* Aluminum sounds nice but prepare yourself for dent city.
* It's thin but it's footprint is bigger than, say, a Dell M1330 which weighs less than a pound more. It doesn't matter if it fits into an envelope since, you know, you have to open it to use it.

Bluntly the only people who are going to buy this are retards with too much cash. It's neither fish nor fowl and you'd be better with a Macbook Pro or a M1330.

Apple have dropped the ball here big time which is why their stock has dropped from the near $200 to $160ish. Even Gene "comedy" Munster can't put a spin on this.

[iamtko]

Bluntly the only people who are going to buy this are retards with too much cash. It's neither fish nor fowl and you'd be better with a Macbook Pro or a M1300.

enough said.

[gcvt]

I will not be buying one for the following reaosns:

1. Way too expensive

2. VERY small hard drive

3. Just bought a MacBook Pro last June

[geordisjd]

While I agree with most of this, I don't think there is any reason to call anybody who buys the MB Air "retards" just because they have more cash than you. You may reach a time in your life when you have more cash than now. Do you want to be called a "retard" on that account?
Meanwhile, I agree that most of the criticisms are true if you plan to use your laptop as your primary computer. If it's only intended to complement the one(s) you already have, for travel, commuting, visiting the in-laws, etc...I think it's a great toy.
Apple stocks started falling with the rest of the market before the Air was announced. The Dow Jones was at 13930 a few weeks ago and is today at 12099, Google went from 742 to 601, etc, which means the whole market went down about 20%. That has nothing to do with "dropping the ball" by anybody.

[Lincoln]

I think that Air itself is a wonderful idea; but the lack of an optical drive, firewire port, one USB port, etc., has convinced me not to.

Jobs stated that it took them 2 years and over 100 models to get to this. I don't think ti would have hurt to wait 1 more year and made a few more models.

- John

[geordisjd]

I think that Air itself is a wonderful idea; but the lack of an optical drive, firewire port, one USB port, etc., has convinced me not to.

Jobs stated that it took them 2 years and over 100 models to get to this. I don't think ti would have hurt to wait 1 more year and made a few more models.

- John

I'm not worried. They (the other models) will come.

[iamtko]

Jobs stated that it took them 2 years and over 100 models to get to this. I don't think ti would have hurt to wait 1 more year and made a few more models.

- John

this made me laugh because even after so many attempts, to me it is pure garbage.

$1799 for a side-kick to a computer i don't already own? no thanks..

[geordisjd]

this made me laugh because even after so many attempts, to me it is pure garbage.

$1799 for a side-kick to a computer i don't already own? no thanks..

You guys have convinced me: I'm buying it! I can't wait to see all the disgusted looks in everybody's face when I take it to Starbucks!

[iamtko]

You guys have convinced me: I'm buying it! I can't wait to see all the disgusted looks in everybody's face when I take it to Starbucks!

lol. i really wouldn't care if you bought one because that's just more money going towards apple developing the next best thing. i mean they've gotta make mistakes sometimes i guess.

and i will be making a trip to my apple store soon to check it out and laugh at anyone buying it :tounge:

[Youngbinks]

I'll join you in laughing at them at the Apple store Taylor. It really is nothing more than a glorified iPod Touch.

[geordisjd]

I'll join you in laughing at them at the Apple store Taylor. It really is nothing more than a glorified iPod Touch.

When the iPhone allows me to run Aperture, Photoshop and FCS (and a few other things), and I get a new pair of magnifying glasses, I might agree with this.

[iamtko]

I'll join you in laughing at them at the Apple store Taylor. It really is nothing more than a glorified iPod Touch.

that is exactly what i was saying. and when the SDK comes out, the gap between them will become even smaller.

[Youngbinks]

When the iPhone allows me to run Aperture, Photoshop and FCS (and a few other things), and I get a new pair of magnifying glasses, I might agree with this.


The MBA isn't even as good as the iPhone. The iPhone as least has EDGE, therefore you're not required to use WiFi as the only means of access. What if you don't have a wireless router? BAM, extra charge. External hard drive? Bam, extra charge. Optical drive? BAM, extra charge. It's ridiculous how poorly planned this computer seems to be.

[iamtko]

The MBA isn't even as good as the iPhone. The iPhone as least has EDGE, therefore you're not required to use WiFi as the only means of access. What if you don't have a wireless router? BAM, extra charge. External hard drive? Bam, extra charge. Optical drive? BAM, extra charge. It's ridiculous how poorly planned this computer seems to be.

you don't really look like Emeril there in your picture.. :tounge:

i still think you're making totally valid points.

[geordisjd]

The MBA isn't even as good as the iPhone. The iPhone as least has EDGE, therefore you're not required to use WiFi as the only means of access. What if you don't have a wireless router? BAM, extra charge. External hard drive? Bam, extra charge. Optical drive? BAM, extra charge. It's ridiculous how poorly planned this computer seems to be.

OK, fine, guys, you win. I can't argue with anybody who thinks iPhone is great. I do too. I'll post my iPhone pics of MBA as soon as I receive it. If it fails, I'll just add it to my collection of old Macs that still work.

http://gallery.mac.com/jacdem/100125/IMG_0092/web.jpg

This is an iPhone pic of my Color Classic.

I might open a museum, eventually.

[Youngbinks]

OK, fine, guys, you win. I can't argue with anybody who thinks iPhone is great. I do too. I'll post my iPhone pics of MBA as soon as I receive it. If it fails, I'll just add it to my collection of old Macs that still work.


This is an iPhone pic of my Color Classic.

I might open a museum, eventually.

I actually never said anything about the iPhone nor did I make a comparison to it. I stated that it was a glorified Touch, not an iPhone, so don't just jump to conclusions about people being blindsided by the awe of the iPhone. If my iPhone was so great and perfect I wouldn't have jailbroken it, which I did.

[geordisjd]

As my kids would say: "Whatever..."

[iamtko]

As my kids would say: "Whatever..."

lol. i like how you used new tech.(the iPhone) to take pics of old tech. :tounge:

[williamrob42]

I believe I will just continue to use my ibook. To me it seems the Macbook Air is to $$$$$$

[divabimbers]

I've got to point out that it does come with a SuperDrive though it is optional. So it's not like you wouldn't be without an optical drive. I'm thinking about this as a secondary computer for traveling but that's down the road though so it may be much more improved by the time I can afford it. I think Apple has to start somewhere and this will evolve to become a nice secondary computer that is sufficient enough for traveling or commuting.

[hexonxonx]

I will probably get one once I finish paying my MBP off. Tax refund is going for that purpose than I will have all my BestBuy card to buy one once they are at BestBuy.

[cdinca]

I was really hoping that the air would have been less of a machine. I wanted a smaller screen, smaller hard drive. I already have a desktop and a laptop, so I was hoping for something else...just a toy to play with around the house. and 1499 would have been my magic number.

[jjvaldez]

nice comp man... this is my babay..

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x189/josejesusvaldez/vs-apple-macintosh.jpg

[google pic of course, mine is at my moms house in a closet]

she wont start up though

[phsycology]

With the introduction, and growing use of Wireless USB, which is estimated to be commonly used later this year, why would we need any more USB ports???
I think this is a great idea but IMO the price is a bit high for the hardware you receive, considering an Asus eee is £1000 cheaper. This is a great sign of what is to come, CES showed off many companies going wireless, and Apple has jumped on the train and gone with Intel to the next gen of wires......no wires :D

What on earth am I waffling on about????? lol

[Lincoln]

With the introduction, and growing use of Wireless USB, which is estimated to be commonly used later this year, why would we need any more USB ports???
I think this is a great idea but IMO the price is a bit high for the hardware you receive, considering an Asus eee is £1000 cheaper. This is a great sign of what is to come, CES showed off many companies going wireless, and Apple has jumped on the train and gone with Intel to the next gen of wires......no wires :D

What on earth am I waffling on about????? lol

I agree with this. I just think the the Air is a bit ahead of everything else. If Apple waited for more products to have wireless USB, added a drive, and waited a year or two more before introducing this, it might have more of a wow factor.

- John

[phsycology]

I agree with this. I just think the the Air is a bit ahead of everything else. If Apple waited for more products to have wireless USB, added a drive, and waited a year or two more before introducing this, it might have more of a wow factor.

- John

Yes I agree, but like the iPhone was their first step into the phone business, this is their first attempt at an ultra-portable laptop. This is just a sign of what is to come, and like Steve said at his keynote, 50 weeks left :D

[Tinman]

I guess I am not a Mac person, because I am drooling over the Macbook Air! In fact that could be where I finally use my $100 credit.

I have always been a fan of ultra-portable laptops, and to me this is it. And for me, thin is a major part of "portable" as I still want at least a 12" screen (but would much rather 13"+!). Weight is a big concern and statements like "[some other model] is only 1 lb. heavier" make me laugh.

As for no optical drive? No biggie for me. I don't think I've used it more than a few times on the laptop I bought last March--and each time I was near other PCs. I always rip a DVD into an ISO to watch on my laptops--and desktops--and the ripping is done on my desktop anyway. I already keep two DVD images on a 16 GB USB key-ring drive so it doesn't much matter to me. I'd prolly update to a 32 GB flash drive so I can keep installation discs on it (and prolly an emergency bootable USB drive just in case--and I assume the MBA can boot from USB).

I doubt I'd even buy the external DVD drive, unless it really is needed to install Windows for Boot Camp (which I will have to do). I just wouldn't use the thing.

The single USB port is kinda lame but certainly not a deal-killer for me. Heck, I already have a tiny USB hub that travels in my laptop case.

The biggest issue for me is the 80 GB hard drive--would prefer at least 160 GB. But in looking at my current laptops (I have a 12" and 15", the 12" being a year or two older) I realized the big space-killers were DVD ISOs--several of which I already have on the USB key-chain flash drive. So I think I could manage OK with that--as long as it's not a very slow 80 GB drive.

I should note I travel a lot and really prefer a thin-and-light laptop. Moving through airports is just easier for me, and since I've only been traveling with the 15 incher for the last 10 months I really miss thin-and-light. I don't like grabbing a heavy laptop--with one hand--by a corner (and I often have to do that while going through security). It's also much easier to slide out of the case, should I want to work/play in-flight.

All in all I want one!



--
Mike

[geordisjd]

At last, the Voice of Reason.

[Tinman]

At last, the Voice of Reason.

OMG. Ladies and gentlemen, it's official: hell has frozen over. Geordisjd and I are in full agreement!!! Sound the alarms...

:) :) :)



--
Mike

[kylegod]

ditto

and only 1 usb, no firewire, no card reader---- those are basic essentials i look for

but i love the design, its emaculate.... but like previously stated, just not practical.

exactly what you said. Plus I can't see spending that much more just for a thinner better looking laptop. MacBook is fine for me. But just like you said, it is sexy as hell

[Elbacanazo920]

I'll Pass. I'm Looking to upgrade from my iBook since it got messed up, but i think i'm going to go for a mac mini has enough memory for what i need and i'm also Thinking of adding a nice Display to it. The Air looks nice, thin but not my taste.

[Sleeper]

While I agree with most of this, I don't think there is any reason to call anybody who buys the MB Air "retards" just because they have more cash than you. You may reach a time in your life when you have more cash than now. Do you want to be called a "retard" on that account?

Two points:

1) I have more than enough cash to buy a Macbook Air. Hell, whilst I don't claim to be the richest person here by a long way, I have enough to buy one for every room in my house. I put 'retards with too much cash' because the retards without cash couldn't afford it.
2) I'm not going to buy one because I honestly think you would have to be retarded to fall for what is a pretty poor marketing ploy.

Meanwhile, I agree that most of the criticisms are true if you plan to use your laptop as your primary computer. If it's only intended to complement the one(s) you already have, for travel, commuting, visiting the in-laws, etc...I think it's a great toy.And that's what it is - a toy. An $1,800 toy. An underfeatured piece of crap that die hard Appologists are already trying to make excuses for although, thankfully, even most of the fanboys have stood up and said "Steve, WTF are you playing at?".

Apple stocks started falling with the rest of the market before the Air was announced. The Dow Jones was at 13930 a few weeks ago and is today at 12099, Google went from 742 to 601, etc, which means the whole market went down about 20%. That has nothing to do with "dropping the ball" by anybody.Look at the Apple stock chart for Jan 15th before you spout such utter nonsense. Whilst it's true that the stock fell from $200 to $180 as part of the downturn the drop on the 15th was due to market disappointment.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200801161630DOWJONESDJONLINE001083_FORTUNE5.htm

[geordisjd]

Whatever, dear, if it makes you feel better.:smile:

[ColsTiger]

To go with their elegant iPhone?

Some people are pretty enthousiastic (http://pretty%20enthousiastic)
and some are not. (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=505)

Naaaa. I hate to say it, but for $1,800 I can buy three laptops.

[lman]

yeah i dont see the laptop as being very useful unless you do an extravagent amount of travel...the mac book pro and even the mac book are better if your looking for power

[Sleeper]

Actually, my reply was a bit strong. That's what happens when you come in after a night on the piss and post in the wee small hours.

You are, of course, right. It's up to you - if you want to get one feel free. At least you're being honest and admitting it's just a lovely toy.

[thegasguru]

I guess I am not a Mac person, because I am drooling over the Macbook Air! In fact that could be where I finally use my $100 credit.

I have always been a fan of ultra-portable laptops, and to me this is it. And for me, thin is a major part of "portable" as I still want at least a 12" screen (but would much rather 13"+!). Weight is a big concern and statements like "[some other model] is only 1 lb. heavier" make me laugh.All in all I want one!
--
Mike


Man, the ONLY thing keeping me from ordering one is the hard drive. 80 gb is pretty small by today's standards (the iPod Classic is 160!), but even more worrisome to me is that is spins at 4800 rpm. What's up with that? Even the Macbooks spin at 5400. I come from the windows world, and my hard drives all spin at 7800. All the ram in the world is wasted if your HD is pokey.

I have a behemouth desktop uber-power computer that crushes all that come before it. My laptop does not need to be all-powerful. Like Tinman, for me light weight is a critical factor. I need something easy to travel with. I'm hoping that there is something magical about an Apple computer that a slow-spinning hard drive still has fast seek times, sort of like how the Mac OS does more with less ram than an XP box.

Tinman, if you get an Air, let us know how you like it. I'm praying that I'm stong enough to resist the temptation until I get more real-world user info.

But I am so weak...

[Tinman]

Man, the ONLY thing keeping me from ordering one is the hard drive. 80 gb is pretty small by today's standards (the iPod Classic is 160!), but even more worrisome to me is that is spins at 4800 rpm. What's up with that? Even the Macbooks spin at 5400. I come from the windows world, and my hard drives all spin at 7800. All the ram in the world is wasted if your HD is pokey.
Keep in mind those 5400 RPM drives in laptops are 2.5". The drive in the MBA is 1.8." I'd say due to its physically smaller size it should be able to compete favorably to 5400 RPM 2.5" drives. But I'd need to see more reviews about it first, of course.

One thing I didn't realize when I first posted to this thread was the lack of an Ethernet port. Uh oh, that could be a problem for me. While I havn't stayed at a hotel without broadband for years now, that doesn't mean they all had WiFi. I'd say 15%-20% of them had wired broadband.

And when I am at a client location, it's the other way around: I usually can use WiFi only 20% of the time. Even if the client location has WiFi, it might only be for 'Net access and not the kind of access I need.

So that means carrying around that $30 Ethernet dongle, or a small WiFi router. I guess I could go with the router, as I was thinking about adding that to my "travel tech kit" anyway.

I am starting to wonder just how many concessions I need to make for this thing.


Tinman, if you get an Air, let us know how you like it. I'm praying that I'm stong enough to resist the temptation until I get more real-world user info.

But I am so weak...
I still want one!

I think many people that dislike the MBA are looking at it from being their sole computer: I seriously doubt that is the intended market. Heck, you'd need another computer just to load the discs included with the Air. Clearly this machine is not supposed to be a primary workhorse machine anymore than the similarly priced Sony VAIO VGN-TZ150 or the Toshiba R500.

In fact most machines that are close to the MBA's size have slower processors, and often less memory. The Sony has a 1.06 GHz processor, 100 GB hard drive, and 1 GB memory. All for $2,000.

So while I'd certainly prefer a better price on the MBA the reality is that it is not priced overly in the ultra-portable arena.

So the main issues, again:

Price:
It's in the ballpark of similarly-sized machines. Yes they have optical drives. But they only run Windows too. And less face it, nothing out there is as sleek as this machine.

Lack of optical drive:
The more I think about the more I think it's a non-issue for me.

Only one USB port:
Yep, don't like this. But it's not like other UPs have dozens of USB ports: the Sony mentioned above has two.

No Firewire:
Don't use it, so I couldn't care less.

No Ethernet port:
This one is a biggie for me right now. Seems a bit premature to yank the Ethernet port.

HD Size:
Very concerned about this one. It's been at least five years since I bought a laptop with a HD so small.

HD Speed:
I predict it'll be OK, but I would need to know for sure before buying.

Non-removable battery:
Not an issue for me at all. I don't think I removed the battery from my last three laptops and I'm not likely to start doing it now. On long flights I usually have power available on the plane (though I would prolly want an airplane power adapter for the Air).


Ironically my biggest reason for not pre-ordering yet is Apple. I'm not sure I am comfortable with Apple's behavior of not revealing what is forthcoming. If it weren't for the iPhone modding community I prolly would have already given up on the iPhone by now. It's not just Apple's lack of communiction about what's coming, it's about their failure to even aknowledge certain missing features on the iPhone (it's embarrassing that in 2008 we not only don't have copy and paste, we have zero comment from Apple saying we will ever get it). I might put up with that kind of mystery for my phone, but I'm hesitant in doing so for my laptop--especially when said laptop costs 4 times the price of the iPhone.

But I still want that MBA!


--
Mike

[Sleeper]

I think you need to compare the Airbook to the Lenovo ultraportables rather than the Sonys or Toshibas as that's the market they'll be competing against.

Can't see it displacing the X61.

Of course, what I really want is this:

http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked

[thegasguru]

I think you need to compare the Airbook to the Lenovo ultraportables rather than the Sonys or Toshibas as that's the market they'll be competing against.

Can't see it displacing the X61.

Of course, what I really want is this:

http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked


Some people think the IBMs are butt ugly, but I think they're cool.

But there is nothing as sexy as that Macbook Air. Just like there is no other phone a smokin as the iPhone for design.

[thegasguru]

Tinman, my take on the Macbook Air is just about spot on with yours. I would never buy that machine as my only computer. It seems obvious to me that the MBA is targeted for users looking for a second, very portable machine. Because of this, I also could care less about a built in optical drive. I would only use it to install software, which I don't do when travelling anyway. Plus, like you, I watch all my movies on my laptop off rips on my hard drive. In that respect, I sure would like a bigger hard drive. I wonder if my $100 rebate that I'll get after Apple drops the price of the MBA 2 months after I buy it will be applicable to swapping out a bigger hard drive. :laugh2: But I do hope that the HD is fast enough. You're right, a 1.8 inch HD should seek faster than a 2.5. Let me know if you get any reports from in the wild any time soon confirming HD speed performance.

I come from the Windows world, and won't ever be able to abandon it because of work, so I don't care about firewire.

But USB is another matter. Just one? To be honest, I rarely use more than one at a time on my mobile computer...but it sure does feel restrictive.

I thought the lack of a swappable battery was a killer for me, but now that you mention it...I never swap a battery any more either. My battery usually survives long enough for whatever flight I'm on, and I always travel with my recharger so....why do I care if I can't swap the battery. Sheech...I've got tons of backup batteries laying around that I always buy upon initial purchase of a device, so I have one "just in case". All those dead, unloved soldiers, laid to waste in my Drawer of Obsolescence...

Price? Ultraportables always go for a premium. Honestly, I thought Apple would gouge us worse than this for the MBA. I thought they'd try to spin it as a techological cousin - different but equivalent - to the MBPros, and try to charge nearly as much. I can live with the price. Like I said...it sure will suck when they announce the MBA "refresh" 3 months later, with the 160gb HD it should have had in the first place, and a 2nd USB port.

But there is one area where I differ from you: I think a small travel wifi router is a must. Life is just so much better - even in a hotel room! - without the cable. Plus, I used to travel with my own extra long ehternet cable and coupler, so I could strectch my tether to as far around the hotel/conference room as I wanted. Heck...a travel router isn't any bigger than a wound up 15 foot ethernet cable. Tinman, take the plunge! With a travel router, you'll never have to be concerned about the 20% yes/no WiFi at your destination. You'll KNOW you have Wifi.

In that respect, I should say that the Airport Express wireless router is soooo simple to use. It was my second ever Apple product (iPhone was the first), and I highly recommend it. However, if you do a lot of work at client locations, it does have a significant drawback: it has an internet-in jack (which it then broadcasts as a wifi cloud), but NOT an ethernet-out jack. This is a problem at client destinations, in that you have to unplug their internet access in order to plug it into your AE, but you can't then run a passthrough cable back into their LAN to allow them uninteruppted access to the internet. Therefore, I now travel with the Linksys travel router
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1122062241008&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

This allows me to unplug the ethernet cable from the back of one of their computers, plug it into the Linksys, then run a cable from the Linksys back into their computer. To them they see not change in internet/LAN access, but to me, there is now a lovely wifi cloud. Try it, you'll like it. The built in AC outlet prongs (which are also on the Airport Express) are a great touch, and really cuts down on the travel size, since it's one less power adapter I have to pack.

You know what...I think I've just talked myself into purchasing a Macbook Air!! I live 10 minutes from an Apple store, so I won't preorder...I'll wait till I can run my grubby hands all over one in the store, and leave all my lustful fingerprints all over it. What are the odds I'll have the fortitude to walk out without buying one?...

[Lincoln]

I think you need to compare the Airbook to the Lenovo ultraportables rather than the Sonys or Toshibas as that's the market they'll be competing against.

Can't see it displacing the X61.

Of course, what I really want is this:

http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked

Yuck! What is it with these guys and nasty color schemes? I just don't get it. All PCs seems to be ugly with their logos and stickers and bad color choices.

I mean seriously. There isn't a sticker on my Mac that says it runs Leopard.

- John

[jjvaldez]

yea.... if you like the MBA i think sure get it... it is just not for me......i need the fire wire and thicker comp like the MBP .. my GF on the other hand likes it and is ganna get it as soon as it comes out... i think that it is cool for her ......

yea i always thought that it was silly that PCs have that sticker that says everything that is included ... they are annoying..... i have never owned a PC but have seen my hommies with all the stickers on their comps.

[scandalex]

Like the iPhone, I think the MBA is the start to what other companies will try to do. I dont think the MBA can be used as a primary computer; unless your needs are minimal. Due to the many hours I am away from home, I would need something that offers me the same "home benefits."

I think the MBA is a great 1st concept; just not for everyone in its current state.

[Sleeper]

Yuck! What is it with these guys and nasty color schemes? I just don't get it. All PCs seems to be ugly with their logos and stickers and bad color choices.

I mean seriously. There isn't a sticker on my Mac that says it runs Leopard.

- John

Lenovos are kind of iconic because they don't change the look. Sure, some people don't like their retro chic but then most people buy them for what they do and because they're so hard wearing. I have a T60 and it's brilliant.

If you buy a PC because of what it looks like then you're sort of missing the point. As for your Mac, I do believe the all come stamped with that bloody Apple sign on the lid, do they not? Logos appear everywhere.

As for people suggesting that the Airbook isn't a primary unit, I rather think they're kind of not understanding what a laptop actually is.

Oh and one more thing:Apple tout the battery life as 5 hours. I'd actually like to see road tests as to what it really is.

[Tinman]

Lenovos are kind of iconic because they don't change the look. Sure, some people don't like their retro chic but then most people buy them for what they do and because they're so hard wearing. I have a T60 and it's brilliant.
1995 called. They want their laptop back.


As for people suggesting that the Airbook isn't a primary unit, I rather think they're kind of not understanding what a laptop actually is.
Nonsense. My desktop PCs are always more powerful and more upgradeable than most laptops on the market at the same time. No reason for me to compromise by solely using a laptop just because I need it for travel.

And, more importantly, my home desktop PC has work to do. It has jobs scheduled each night, and also serves up other functions such as a media server. It's there for me via remote control 24/7, from any Internet PC, should I need access to it. That's how I take that machine on the road, not by physically schlepping it around. I do likewise with my work PC. In fact I primarily use a laptop as a window to other, usually more powerful, machines.



--
Mike

[electoman]

Having used Tablet PC's for years now and looking for a change, the lack of a optical drive doesn't bother me. In face, I have been operating without an installed drive for the same amount of time. I returned the MacBook simply because of all that I do that involves Windows. I really liked the Apple and can't give up the iPhone at all.

That said, I will not be the early adopter. But, I will work to ween myself of this windows machine. Yes, I can add Windows to a Mac but, why?

[Sleeper]

1995 called. They want their laptop back.

LOLno. That would be more relevant to the Airbook's feature set or, indeed, lack thereof. Like I said, Lenovos are iconic in their design. Not one for the gadflies I'm afraid.

Nonsense. My desktop PCs are always more powerful and more upgradeable than most laptops on the market at the same time.

No reason for me to compromise by solely using a laptop just because I need it for travel.

A lot of people aren't interested in having two PCs though and just want one that will do the job. Most of the people I know who have laptops don't have desktop PCs because they don't need them. I actually do - a Quad Core rig - but that's because I'm an avid PC gamer and filesharer. I seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

And, more importantly, my home desktop PC has work to do. It has jobs scheduled each night, and also serves up other functions such as a media server. It's there for me via remote control 24/7, from any Internet PC, should I need access to it. That's how I take that machine on the road, not by physically schlepping it around. I do likewise with my work PC. In fact I primarily use a laptop as a window to other, usually more powerful, machines.

Good for you but I doubt that's typical. Most college students or travellers aren't going to have that set up. So, whilst an Airbook suits your needs, I doubt it's going to be a practical solution for many others. Although, in fairness, I don't think Apple ever intended it to be.

[thegasguru]

As for people suggesting that the Airbook isn't a primary unit, I rather think they're kind of not understanding what a laptop actually is.


Actually, I think you might be missing the point here. Like Tinman, my desktop is a monster. An equivalently powered laptop would definitely be too big/heavy/costly by comparison. Plus - and I think this is the main point you might not be considering - my desktop stays plugged in 24/7, and does computing for me, unattended, 24/7. A laptop can't do that, by it's very nature: it's mobile, so it's not connected *at all times*, like my desktop is.

My desktop does unattended disk maintainence, unattended full hard drive image backups to an external drive, and it records my favorite tv shows unattended, strips the commercials, then converts and imports into iTunes. All unattended. Before I leave for work in the morning, I sync my iphone/ipod, and I have a mobile TiVo in my pocket.

I use gotomypc to access my pet monster desktop anytime from the internet, and I have scanned copies of all my important documents (right down to birth certificates and car insurance cards), financial info, etc on that computer, all highly encrypted yet available to me from any internet connection. I would *never* carry around all that stuff on a laptop, not nearly secure enough. Yet with my desktop setup, I can immediately produce a copy of a client contract, or even my last tax return if I needed to, from anywhere in the world.

I'm beating a dead horse here, but just because some folks are happy to live out of a single laptop computer doesn't mean that other folks don't have plenty of good reasons for a powerful desktop computer. And *those* folks tend to look at a laptop as a secondary machine.

[geordisjd]

Yuck! What is it with these guys and nasty color schemes? I just don't get it. All PCs seems to be ugly with their logos and stickers and bad color choices.

I mean seriously. There isn't a sticker on my Mac that says it runs Leopard.

- John

I agree with you, John. PC's ARE ugly. I guess it matters for some people, not for others. It's not the Apple Logo. The Apple hardware is more stylish, the OS has always been prettier than Windows and user friendly.
I get actual pleasure from getting my MBP out of its bag at work. I doubt my Dell-using partners get any pleasure out of their laptop. It's just a tool for them.
I wouldn't drive a used brown Toyota either, unless I am forced to.

[Tinman]

But there is one area where I differ from you: I think a small travel wifi router is a must. Life is just so much better - even in a hotel room! - without the cable. Plus, I used to travel with my own extra long ehternet cable and coupler, so I could strectch my tether to as far around the hotel/conference room as I wanted. Heck...a travel router isn't any bigger than a wound up 15 foot ethernet cable. Tinman, take the plunge! With a travel router, you'll never have to be concerned about the 20% yes/no WiFi at your destination. You'll KNOW you have Wifi.
Thanks. I actually have no problem with carrying around a portable WiFi router, and was planning on getting one anyway. But the issue with the Air is that I would likely need the Ethernet dongle too. There are certain client locations I go to where WiFi, at least for internal company data, is prohibited.

For the record, in case I was blinded by lust for the Air I went and looked at other ultra portables. I really didn't see anything that stood out for me like the Air does, and prices were usually higher. Moreover since I have no Mac, and am about ready to replace last year's laptop, this seems like it could possibly kill two birds with one stone (new laptop and new Mac).

Main issue is still the HD size, especially since I need to run Windows: I'd guess OS X and Windows alone would eat up a lot of space on that 80 GB drive. And of course HD speed.

Also want to know if the remote disk feature works when in Windows via Boot Camp (and/or via VM). I know you can mount a remote disk on a Windows box to be used on the Air. But I want to know if you can read remote disks--mounted on either a Mac or PC--when running Windows on the Air.


--
Mike

[KNK]

I disagree on the laptop, the Dell XPS M1330 in the red is very nice and for the price of $1399 for a 2.2gHz, 250GB, DVD+RW that is hard to beat.:gasp:

I agree with you, John. PC's ARE ugly. I guess it matters for some people, not for others. It's not the Apple Logo. The Apple hardware is more stylish, the OS has always been prettier than Windows and user friendly.
I get actual pleasure from getting my MBP out of its bag at work. I doubt my Dell-using partners get any pleasure out of their laptop. It's just a tool for them.
I wouldn't drive a used brown Toyota either, unless I am forced to.

[Sleeper]

Actually, I think you might be missing the point here. Like Tinman, my desktop is a monster.

Not really since you fall into the desktop and laptop category like Tinman and I do.

I'm beating a dead horse here, but just because some folks are happy to live out of a single laptop computer doesn't mean that other folks don't have plenty of good reasons for a powerful desktop computer. And *those* folks tend to look at a laptop as a secondary machine.

No arguments there but I'm not convinced that's the typical picture.

[JackiesTouch]

You guys have convinced me: I'm buying it! I can't wait to see all the disgusted looks in everybody's face when I take it to Starbucks!


Hhahaha! What are you going to do with your old machines? Are you willing to sell it??

[Tinman]

Actually, I think you might be missing the point here. Like Tinman, my desktop is a monster. An equivalently powered laptop would definitely be too big/heavy/costly by comparison. Plus - and I think this is the main point you might not be considering - my desktop stays plugged in 24/7, and does computing for me, unattended, 24/7. A laptop can't do that, by it's very nature: it's mobile, so it's not connected *at all times*, like my desktop is.

My desktop does unattended disk maintainence, unattended full hard drive image backups to an external drive, and it records my favorite tv shows unattended, strips the commercials, then converts and imports into iTunes. All unattended. Before I leave for work in the morning, I sync my iphone/ipod, and I have a mobile TiVo in my pocket.

I use gotomypc to access my pet monster desktop anytime from the internet, and I have scanned copies of all my important documents (right down to birth certificates and car insurance cards), financial info, etc on that computer, all highly encrypted yet available to me from any internet connection. I would *never* carry around all that stuff on a laptop, not nearly secure enough. Yet with my desktop setup, I can immediately produce a copy of a client contract, or even my last tax return if I needed to, from anywhere in the world.

I'm beating a dead horse here, but just because some folks are happy to live out of a single laptop computer doesn't mean that other folks don't have plenty of good reasons for a powerful desktop computer. And *those* folks tend to look at a laptop as a secondary machine.
Bingo. And as such that secondary machine doesn't necessarily need all the features of a desktop machine, especially if size and weight are concerns.

And as far as buying it for beauty, I actually read about the Air while in a car driving through the desert, during the keynote (I was a passenger). All I had were the specs, no photos, and I wanted it. I like small laptops.

Ten years ago I traveled with a video tape-sized Toshiba Libretto (hardware overclocked!). You wouldn't believe the work I got done on that little gem (wish I still had it). Heck that thing was so small as long as it was closed flight attendants didn't even ask me to put it away during takeoffs and landings.

Before that I had a Portege, and before that the ingenious IBM Thinkpad 701, with the amazing butterfly keyboard. It's too bad that design wasn't still around (could fit a full size keyboard in a 15" laptop, or a bigger keyboard in 12" models).


--
Mike

[KNK]

9 years ago I bought the Sony Vaio N505VX small and lightweight with Win 98 on it. To me the MacAir is so much like the vaio and it made me then work differently because because it did not have a cd/dvd drive in it. If I wanted to add software or content, I had to connect it to another desktop to run the software etc etc.

Anyway last year my 8 yr old, finds that and pulled it out, cleaned it up, googled and said the OS could be upgraded to Win 2000 Pro (which I had the disk) he upgraded it, I then bought a wireless card for him, so now he uses it like the air to connect to his desktop for software running etc. And when he saw the TV commercial he said Daddy that air is just like my laptop.:wink:

Bingo. And as such that secondary machine doesn't necessarily need all the features of a desktop machine, especially if size and weight are concerns.

And as far as buying it for beauty, I actually read about the Air while in a car driving through the desert, during the keynote (I was a passenger). All I had were the specs, no photos, and I wanted it. I like small laptops.

Ten years ago I traveled with a video tape-sized Toshiba Libretto (hardware overclocked!). You wouldn't believe the work I got done on that little gem (wish I still had it). Heck that thing was so small as long as it was closed flight attendants didn't even ask me to put it away during takeoffs and landings.

Before that I had a Portege, and before that the ingenious IBM Thinkpad 701, with the amazing butterfly keyboard. It's too bad that design wasn't still around (could fit a full size keyboard in a 15" laptop, or a bigger keyboard in 12" models).


--
Mike

[fury]

I would bet everyone who is claiming the missing optical drive as a reason not to buy it hasn't ever used a computer without an optical drive before.

It's fairly easy. Just get some virtual drive software, and keep ISOs (image files) on your hard drive. Voila, instant access to your CDs/DVDs. (You can't really get the picture just trying that on a computer that has a real drive, though.)

I used that trick on my old Motion Computing M1200 tablet and my current Lenovo X60 tablet. Despite my initial hesitation, I never found myself missing the optical drive. At all.

That said, I wouldn't buy it either; they STILL haven't caught on to the idea of integrating a tablet/touchscreen to the Mac. This thing costs more than my tablet PC did.

[Tinman]

9 years ago I bought the Sony Vaio N505VX small and lightweight with Win 98 on it. To me the MacAir is so much like the vaio and it made me then work differently because because it did not have a cd/dvd drive in it. If I wanted to add software or content, I had to connect it to another desktop to run the software etc etc.

Anyway last year my 8 yr old, finds that and pulled it out, cleaned it up, googled and said the OS could be upgraded to Win 2000 Pro (which I had the disk) he upgraded it, I then bought a wireless card for him, so now he uses it like the air to connect to his desktop for software running etc. And when he saw the TV commercial he said Daddy that air is just like my laptop.:wink:
Nice embellishment. Here's the real story:
"Dad, look at the neat Macbook Air! Can we buy one? Please!"

"Shut up and enjoy the laptop I just gave you. It's practically the same thing. Ask again and there will be no ColecoVision for a week!"


--
Mike

[KNK]

Nice embellishment. Here's the real story:
"Dad, look at the neat Macbook Air! Can we buy one? Please!"

"Shut up and enjoy the laptop I just gave you. It's practically the same thing. Ask again and there will be no ColecoVision for a week!"


--
Mike


That is so funny what you said because, because that is exactly what he said.

Also the battery that it came with as cylced past its worthiness, and will only last a few minutes so it has to stay on the elec cord. I told him to search for a new battery.

[coolie]

The MBA is for me alright. I will mostly be using it for websurfing and microsoft words.
I rarely use the optical drive, the only thing I would use it for is buring dvds.

[BamBam]

Yep, I'll almost certainly get the Mac Book Air.

I don't want to get one.

I have no reason to get one.

But I know once I see it in the Apple Store, I'll be helpless.

[Sleeper]

The first main reviews are in (from the usual favourites) and most are fairly ambiguous. Yes, they all say it's lovely and, yes, they all agree that it has major issues, the key one being the battery. According to the reviews you're only going to get about three hours out of it on heavy usage (watching a DVD) and about 4 on normal. All are equally in agreement that you would have to be bonkers to have it as your main computer.

I think the main thing to me is the amout of compromise involved. If you want to use more than one USB device you need a hub. If you want to install software (like XP) you need an optical drive. If you want to connect to the ethernet you need a connector. All of these add to the weight and spoil the design so you have to ask yourself what's the point?

I still maintain it's neither fish nor fowl and will only appeal to those who want a limited secondary machine or those who are more concerned with style than substance. Anyone else should probably opt for a different option.

[JackiesTouch]

I am quoting this from someone who attended the Mac World 2008 Conference.

Someone mentioned that the Air is similar to the G4 Cube. They said "overpriced" and nothing really spectacular.... It didn't do so well and this is just like it...

I hope not... Why do we have to go back to that again... Why can't Mac move ahead and stay there and relax.... There is no room in the market to make mistakes...:frown::foot::embarrassed:

[jpmihalk]

Seeing as how I have never owned a Mac (used them many times at work and school, just never owned one) and how I am dependent on Windows for my work-realted stuff, I could see myself getting an MBA as a personal second machine for travel, etc. I will wait to look at it at the Apple store first to see how fast it is and see what kinds of things are included. I'm in a situation a lot like Tinman, I have lots of other resources besides the optical drive and a single USB port is no show-stopper for me. I also have WiFi access pretty much everywhere I go.

It's not about the money, it's about how well the device works for the individual. If I like it, I will buy one.

[Lincoln]

Yep, I'll almost certainly get the Mac Book Air.

I don't want to get one.

I have no reason to get one.

But I know once I see it in the Apple Store, I'll be helpless.

I feel your pain. I cannot walk out of an Apple Store empty handed.

- John

[JackiesTouch]

That is so True! Word!

I feel your pain. I cannot walk out of an Apple Store empty handed.

- John

[geordisjd]

I am quoting this from someone who attended the Mac World 2008 Conference.

Someone mentioned that the Air is similar to the G4 Cube. They said "overpriced" and nothing really spectacular.... It didn't do so well and this is just like it...



I don't think so. The Cube was a fluke. The MBA is flawed, but it's the first of a new line. There will be more.

[JackiesTouch]

:frown:I hope so.... I am an Event Photographer and I need something fast and light... I wanted to get the MacBook Pro (laptop) but it was a bit expensive...

I pray this little thin son-of-a-gun is nice and equivalent to what's out there and or better....

Thanks! :frown::foot:

I don't think so. The Cube was a fluke. The MBA is flawed, but it's the first of a new line. There will be more.

[IphoneTony]

NO NO NO AND ONCE AGAIN NO... Not worth it..

[dimensiondvdrob]

I was going to get one and have it replace my 17" macbook pro. However, after extensive thinking about it, i would rather have my macbook pro for n-the-road activities, since it can handle final cut studio and photoshop tasks, etc. mind you, this is not my only computer, as i have a mac mini at home as my media server, etc. i just figure since i have a great computer, why replace it. i am looking forward to a slimmer macbook pro coming (hopefully) soon.

[x666x]

I plan on getting a Macbook Air. I've got to pay off this 2nd Mac first :(

I don't think I need this many Macs but Steve says I do, so I'll go ahead and get one. This will make me completely PC-less now :O The last of the PCs I use is my beloved Samsung Q1, but the Air will replace that nicely. VMware will satiate my windows needs under Leopard so I'm golden :)

[mikeKICKz]

i currently have and macbook pro and a combo drive macbook. i decided to sell my macbook and not buy a macbook air but instead an imac. i think this would be more practical for me. and plus selling a macbook for a macbook air is a big downgrade.