List of Members Waiting for their Macbook Air to Ship and Arrive and Photos!

[eddietr]

my bet is that the early adopters will get screwed by means of getting a product plaqued with some major deficiency..

I hope I'm right because that is my bet and I'm not an early adopter no more..

Cool, you hope we get screwed. How nice of you.

[PDE]

I want one soooo badly, but it just doesn't make sense given how much I love having everything in one machine: the MBP. But my gadget lust is incredibly strong when I see all those pictures of it. I told my girlfriend a few days ago that I don't need one and don't want one because of all the 'lacks'. She looked at me , smirked and walked away knowing that it's just a matter of days before I change my feelings about it. Today is that day.

I agree thought that there will be problems. After all, there hasn't been an Apple laptop that hasn't had problems in its first iteration. I will never buy a revA Apple again. I won't, won't won't. I won't. Won't. : )

[Anderson3133]

I want one soooo badly, but it just doesn't make sense given how much I love having everything in one machine: the MBP. But my gadget lust is incredibly strong when I see all those pictures of it. I told my girlfriend a few days ago that I don't need one and don't want one because of all the 'lacks'. She looked at me , smirked and walked away knowing that it's just a matter of days before I change my feelings about it. Today is that day.

I agree thought that there will be problems. After all, there hasn't been an Apple laptop that hasn't had problems in its first iteration. I will never buy a revA Apple again. I won't, won't won't. I won't. Won't. : )

Almost every kind of product that is a brand new concept/idea/product has issues, that's how the company learns, and then makes that product much better progressively. Therefore, I will be purchasing just an updated MB (whenever the updated version comes out) and getting the MBA when College/University starts.

[scottkifnw]

The reviews are starting to pour in, and some make very cogent arguments against getting a 1st gen MBA. Of course there are also negative posters here.

I came across this well written article, and I was wondering what other posters think (link enclosed). this will be my first Mac, so I have no experience evaluating the article. I am still going to get one and hope for the best!

http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/macbook_air_notebook_design_philosophy_bellwether_or_cube_esque_overreach/

[ahaxton]

Loving the reviews so far, looks good! Maybe this Tuesday will really be a Super Tuesday! haha

[JCT]

The reviews are starting to pour in, and some make very cogent arguments against getting a 1st gen MBA. Of course there are also negative posters here.

I came across this well written article, and I was wondering what other posters think (link enclosed). this will be my first Mac, so I have no experience evaluating the article. I am still going to get one and hope for the best!

http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/macbook_air_notebook_design_philosophy_bellwether_or_cube_esque_overreach/

Yes, every pundit/expert has an opinion and every last one of them thinks they are right. As you are new to the world of Apple, it can be hard to sift through all of the baggage that comes with being a Mac user. I only switched 4 years ago and it turned out to be the right decision. I had several fire-breathing PCs at home, all self-built, all filled with great, hand-picked hardware and software. One optimized for photo/video, one for gaming, etc. One day after a particularly frustrating OS and video hardware upgrade I realized that I was just sick and tired of the endless fiddling and just wanted my computer to work reliably without seemingly endless interventions. I also had a souped-up laptop for travel and PS on the road but the thing sounded like a flipping plane taking off with all the fan noise-- drove me nuts.

So I took the plunge into the world of Apple (I had one of the early Win iPods and really liked it) with one of the low-end G4 iBooks (my PC notebook blew it's doors off, mind you) and really just fell for the whole experience. The iBook wasn't fast-- but it didn't annoy other people with it's noise and I was able to get my work done-- an overall great experience. I followed that with a used Cube for fun -- and was hooked for good. Note that neither of these machines were the latest or greatest and my existing PCs dusted them, but my productivity didn't suffer and my computing experience improved. Worth it to me.

I now own one of the original 15" MBPs -- probably the best computer purchase I ever made and a Quad G5. And an iMac for work. My only complaint is that the 15" MBP is no fun to travel with -- requires a separate bag and is overpowered for what I need to do on the road. And my air travel has gone up tremendously of late. I was considering a MB when the Air was released. I had come close to buying the MB several times for travel, but always held off because it's capabilities seemed so redundant to my MBP, the only difference being the footprint and 0.5 lbs. I just couldn't talk myself into it.

So I bought an Air (1.8Ghz + SSD) because it fits my needs -- much lighter than the MBP and a smaller footprint like the MB. I like my computers to have clearly defined roles and this one does -- I will never hem and haw over whether I will carry it, it will nicely handle my computing needs on the road, it won't make my MBP redundant-- plus I lose an entire carry-on when I fly, awesome. Yup, it's slower than my other Macs-- and according to these brilliant pundits I'm getting screwed. Nope, I'm getting a machine that does what I want without having to squint at one of these 10-11" screens (been there, done that with a Fujitsu Lifebook -never again). I could care less if my MBP is more powerful if I don't use that power on the road.

So assess your needs as carefully as you can and choose. If I owned a MB instead of a MBP I probably would have stuck with the MB because the differences are smaller. I happen to think that the MB is one of the best deals in computing, period. It might be the best bang-for-the-buck way to start out for you.

And don't let many of the Apple folks make you crazy-- they've been dealing with Apple for a long time and have a bit of baggage -- not to mention a lot of very specific desires/opinions about how Apple should do things. I think they put up with a lot of crap before the current Mac upswing, so they have earned their crankiness when Apple doesn't deliver for them. I just think that these decisions are very personal and making blanket pronouncements like "MBA = Cube" is just bizarre.

Oh, and 4 years later that iBook has a new hard drive and optical drive that I installed and it is used everyday as my lab's general laptop. No one complains that it isn't "teh snappy" -- they just do their work. And the Cube? A 24/7 personal fileserver.

Good luck and enjoy your Mac. :D

JT

[btnnaz]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

[neilk2350]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

the macbook air is gonna be a travel, surfing email computer. without the video card i really doubt it will even work with fcp let alone be any good.

[Anderson3133]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

Yep. Final Cut Studio will probably not do you any good on a Macbook Air. Their is no dedicated video card, the power is kind of low, and the hard drive is a little small for what you want to be doing. Definately go with a Macbook Pro. They are the same price!

[JCT]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

Final Cut Studio? Get the MBP. The current model is very powerful -- hell, I even have a portable SATA-RAID setup that I use via the Expresscard slot.

If you hold tight a little some of the new things on the Air (trackpad) may end up on the MBP.

MBA is not a good fit for video, IMHO.

JT

[scottkifnw]

Thank you for that well thought out and written reply.

Technologically, I am where you were 4 years ago. Vista capped it for me.

I have been saving for a Mac, and going to the Apple store for about 2 years waiting for the right time, the right machine, the right amount of power, etc. In essence, my ocd has been having a field day.

I won't be using this as a power rig, and it will be easy to take anywhere as you pointed out. If I fall in love with the MBA and OSX (as I am sure I will), I can always buy a bigger stay at home unit later.

I feel better already.

Thank you.

[Tejasfilm]

I do video editing/graphic design/basic web work for my company. When on the road I've taken my MBP all the time, but never really needed the power except for one event throughout the whole year. That event needs the power! So no if your going to need portable video editing, FINAL CUT STUDIO, then I would safely say this isn't the right machine for you. This is a machine for a user who needs basic things while on the road, email/document writing/blogging/chatting/surfing. That's why I got it, I can take it to my grad classes type away my notes and stick it my my bag. I too try to have specific machines to do what I need. When at work I've got my Mac Pro, when on the road on video gigs I've got the MBP, just fun travel and school work I have the MBA.

You've gotta assess your needs and find the right fit for what you want...

[Tejasfilm]

Has anyone else gotten a shipment notice yet? This is killing me, two weeks from the keynote is my birthday, and my parents were nice enough to combine X-mas and my b-day into one big gift. I really want this machine.

[SteveSparks]

Some one post a fake screen shot, or some other "something". I need some speculation.

[growinglogic]

Some one post a fake screen shot, or some other "something". I need some speculation.

Here you go.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7457/picture1xb9.png

[SteveSparks]

Here you go.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7457/picture1xb9.png

OMG! That made my day!

Woo Hoo my macbook air as shipped overnut express! :D

[Coatsy]

I came across this well written article, and I was wondering what other posters think (link enclosed). this will be my first Mac, so I have no experience evaluating the article. I am still going to get one and hope for the best!

http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/macbook_air_notebook_design_philosophy_bellwether_or_cube_esque_overreach/

I have to say, these kinds of people really irritate me. I just can't see the logic they use.

The reviewer above, for example, claims to use 2 Powerbook G3s as his road warriors. I like the Pismo, it was my first computer. But these people then go on to complain about the MBA being underpowered. You see it time and time again, people saying 'I want to replace my 4 year old iBook, which still does everything I want to do. But 1.6 GHz, I can't even edit 1080p real time on two 30" monitors on that!'

I'm sorry, but does anyone else see the discrepancy here? If you're accomplishing what you need to do on a machine that ranges from 230-500 MHz, what can't you do on 1.6 GHz?

[aiongiant]

i think thoese ppl were hoping to get a ultraportable laptop with quad 3ghz cpu but they got a dual core 1.6ghz instead

then again a quad 3ghz ultraportable does sound awesome LOL

[Coatsy]

i think thoese ppl were hoping to get a ultraportable laptop with quad 3ghz cpu but they got a dual core 1.6ghz instead

then again a quad 3ghz ultraportable does sound awesome LOL

I laughed so hard when people came on the forums after the keynote, and were already frothing at the mouth.

'Apple is doomed, their stock price is like... 50 cents or something. Because they made their ultraportable too thin. It should have been like 2.4 GHz with a 512 MB GPU. And what about the 80 GB hard drive? I need at least a TB for all my HD editing. But the footprint is too big too, I wanted 11". And who cares about thickness. Ultraportables are all about screen size and weight man! Apple should have done this

http://www.fayerwayer.com/2005/06/g5_powerbook.jpg

That's a UP!'

[Mykbibby]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

I'm a final cut user. DO NOT GET IT IF THAT IS YOUR PLAN! How do you plan on importing footage? Do you see a firewire port? For a video editor this is a nightmare. No chance it will even run. Wait a month or so, and shell out for the newly refreshed Macbook Pros.

I want one sooo badly... but can't have it.

[lostfan916]

The reviews are starting to pour in, and some make very cogent arguments against getting a 1st gen MBA. Of course there are also negative posters here.

I came across this well written article, and I was wondering what other posters think (link enclosed). this will be my first Mac, so I have no experience evaluating the article. I am still going to get one and hope for the best!

http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/macbook_air_notebook_design_philosophy_bellwether_or_cube_esque_overreach/
Well I didn't read all of it, but I read enough. It seemed like another one of the "the MBA isn't like the *insert Apple product here* so therefore it fails."

I mean, he's totally right. How CRAZY of Apple to create something different, that isn't like something they already sell. Those idiots. :rolleyes:

[Coatsy]

The same applies to this 17" aluminum PowerBook I'm typing on right now... it would be a better computer if it was somewhat thicker

Just buy an Alienware then. Two products in one, you see. You can use it as a laptop during the day and then use it as a door stop when you're at home.

And thanks to its clamshell design, it also makes a handy sandwich grill.

http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/10462.jpg

[eddietr]

Just buy an Alienware then. Two products in one, you see. You can use it as a laptop during the day and then use it as a door stop when you're at home.

And thanks to its clamshell design, it also makes a handy sandwich grill.


I'm embarrassed to say I've made that mistake before. Got a Sager behemoth like that once. I was like "oh, come on. what's an extra 3-4 lbs and an extra 0.75." Small sacrifice for RAID (!), and a desktop processor and 3GB RAM. I NEED the power!

Of course they didn't tell me the powerbrick weighs more than an MBA!

Most expensive computer I ever bought, because I used it for about 3 months before I started to want to leave it in the car and not ever take it out again. :)

That thing is sitting on the floor right near my feet still, next to the MP. Feel too stupid to toss it out. I don't even want to remember what it cost. :)

[sknighti]

anyone else get their confirmations in?
:(:(
im dying to get my hands on the MBA

[JackSYi]

anyone else get their confirmations in?
:(:(
im dying to get my hands on the MBA

Nope. Very sad.

[aiongiant]

no updates here either
booo

[thedealmaker]

I cancelled my Apple Online Store order yesterday (placed 1h after the Keynote) and pre-ordered the MBA at my local Apple dealer in Cologne/ Germany. They except the MBA to arrive within the next week - hopefully.

Estimated delivery time of Apple Online Store Feb 14th.

Best,
- thedealmaker

[CD3660]

http://gizmodo.com/348733/first-macbook-air-benchmarks

the macbook air did pretty well against the macbook...

....but they were comparing the MBA with a Core Duo MB not the current Core 2 Duo:

• The MacBook (a generation old) has a 2 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 RAM, and a 120 GB, 2.5", 5400 HDD.

Bit of a difference!

[netdog]

SwamiDog says expect to see 10.5.2 today which will allow the MBAs to start shipping!

[Malcster]

....but they were comparing the MBA with a Core Duo MB not the current Core 2 Duo:


If your buying an MBA to do fluid dynamics its clearly the wrong choice.

A 1.6 Gig Dual Core CPU will be more than enough power for 99% of Mac Applications. Hell, i was using a G4 not that long ago.

some of the comments here are crazy.

[zedsdead]

Just buy an Alienware then. Two products in one, you see. You can use it as a laptop during the day and then use it as a door stop when you're at home.

And thanks to its clamshell design, it also makes a handy sandwich grill.

http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/10462.jpg

That made my day.

On a side note, hope the Air's ship today. Would be nice to get it by Monday/Tuesday, but I doubt it.

[SteveSparks]

I really like the look of the macbook air. I pre ordered one but no im kinda doubting if it was the right choice for me. I want a computer that runs final cut studio. do u recommend getting a macbook pro instead

Yes. I have a MBP, and wlll be getting a MBA as a second computer. I doubt imovie etc will be that great on a MBA much less FCP.

[SteveSparks]

I'm embarrassed to say I've made that mistake before.


Biggest and most bloated Laptop I ever purchased Dell 9100

http://www.billigdrucker.de/images/hardware/notebooks/dell/dell-inspiron-9100_schraeg_hinten.jpg

[bjdraw]

SwamiDog says expect to see 10.5.2 today which will allow the MBAs to start shipping!

What makes you think the MBA needs 10.5.2?

The review unit they sent Engadget was running 10.5.1.

[bigbadnewill]

What makes you think the MBA needs 10.5.2?

The review unit they sent Engadget was running 10.5.1.

Did Apple not say that the MBA needs 10.5.2 in order to do wireless installs etc?

[PieMac]

If your buying an MBA to do fluid dynamics its clearly the wrong choice.

A 1.6 Gig Dual Core CPU will be more than enough power for 99% of Mac Applications. Hell, i was using a G4 not that long ago.

some of the comments here are crazy.

It is nuts...has anyone looked at the comparisons to other subnotebooks? They aren't any more capable of running these high end apps, and in fact are less powerful Ghz-wise. If I remember correctly, I think Dell made the only one that could possibly compete with the MBA in this respect. Sheesh.
As it's been said time and time again-the MBA is not intended to be a primary computer. I just sold my much more powerful MBP because after I got my new aluminum iMac this past October, I really didn't need that powerful of a laptop. To me, the size and weight is worth the trade-off and I suspect there are plenty of folks out there who feel the same. The MBA may not be a power computing machine, but it's no slouch either. Don't think Steve Jobs & co. didn't thoroughly consider all of these angles. The Cube incident was a long time ago and Apple and Jobs have come along way since then.

[CD3660]

If your buying an MBA to do fluid dynamics its clearly the wrong choice.

A 1.6 Gig Dual Core CPU will be more than enough power for 99% of Mac Applications. Hell, i was using a G4 not that long ago.

some of the comments here are crazy.

Baffled as to why you quoted my post to make this observation. :confused:

I said nothing about fluid dynamics nor did I suggest that a 1.6 Gig Dual Core CPU will not be more than enough power for 99% of Mac Applications.

I merely pointed out that the review was comparing the MBA with an old generation MB which should be borne in mind by those seizing upon the fact that the MBA faired well in the Gizmodo test against the MB.

[Phil A.]

Just ordered mine (1.8Ghz with SSD) and been quoted a 2-3 week wait for build :( Must be the SSD that's causing the delay I think

[n0de]

I realized a couple of years ago how much money I had wasted on CPU horsepower because I was not realistic about what I had been going to use my computers for.

I always had to have the latest, greatest and fastest, both laptop and desktop - but all I do is Excel!! WTF!! The most bloated app I have on my aging PB 1.67 is Entourage (please don't flame me, I need basic Exchange compat). It still runs great!

So I stopped buying the latest and greatest, and only started buying gadgets/computers that for some reason had an outside value to me personally, or only upgraded when the performance actually started to degrade. While I am not a designer myself, I do hold alot of value in the effort to design well. Not just the shape but also the materials used, ergonomics and long term value.

As I said before, my PB still runs great, the only reason why I want to replace it is to have the newer arch (intel) as we are far enough along in it's lifecycle I expect support for the PPC models to start to drift. The plastic shell of the basic Macbooks does not appeal to me and I do not expect it to wear well. The MBP's are well designed, but they are heavy and hot (remember "heavy" is relative to an individual's perspective). The MBA is "just right". It has the Al shell, it's smaller, it's lighter and in my perspective will be a considerable upgrade to my old PB.

So to all you detractors, remember that "value" is in the perspective of the buyer and criticizing those of use who did order a MBA is no different than making fun of someone's clothing choices. Don't you worry your little heads about how other people spend their money. You only sound like gossipy high schoolers complaining about the "rich kids". Sure some people may regret their purchases, but the majority of us who have decided to make this leap have done so with our eyes open and reasonable understand of what we are getting.

Oh and by the way; for those that expect the MBA to tank and that it is a horrible business move by Apple, remember that if SJ had not come back when he did, making the decisions he has, Apple would no longer be in existence.

[n0de]

By my calcs, the performance boost of the MBA to a PB1.67 (both with 2GB ram) is about 6x!!

[PieMac]

Amazon was offering the MBA 1.8/80 GB version for 5% off and that knocked $104.00 off the price and lowered it to $1999.00. I was lucky enough to catch it, so I ordered it. Now, I also have a 1.6 ghz on order with Apple online store. They knocked $100.00 off when I told them that I was going to cancel and go with the Amazon deal, so I decided to hold off canceling and mull it over. I also have a $25.00 Amazon gift certificate in the mix, so the grand total comes to $1964.30 for the 1.8 configuration (there's also no tax which is another 100+ dollar savings) and free shipping.
Do ya'll think it's worth getting 1.8 ghz at this price?

I had concluded that paying $300.00 more for the 1.8ghz processor wasn't worth it, but this comes out to a little over half that amount. Is investing another $163.00 worth it for the 1.8? Of course the only downside is that it will no doubt ship a little later. My current order with Apple is set to ship by 2/11 whereas Amazon still has a blanket date of March 24th (they always ship sooner, though-I've bought many Macs thru them) but I do have my iMac, so it's not a huge deal- just me with a case of major want-lust and I want it here ASAP! :p:)

[designed]

Just ordered mine (1.8Ghz with SSD) and been quoted a 2-3 week wait for build :( Must be the SSD that's causing the delay I think

It'll be interesting to see will the SSD cause any delays. Currently the Apple Store shows 2-3 weeks for the 1,8 + SSD and 3-4 weeks for the 1,6 + HDD.

I'm on hold for two 1,8GHz + SSD Airs as well.

[n0de]

Do ya'll think it's worth getting 1.8 ghz at this price?


Considering it is less than $100 more than what I am getting my 1.6 for (taxes) YES I do think that is a good deal.

[PieMac]

Considering it is less than $100 more than what I am getting my 1.6 for (taxes) YES I do think that is a good deal.

You think? Keep in mind, though, that I'm only paying $1800.94 total (taxes, etc. included) for the 1.6 ghz. MBA. So, basically we're looking at grand totals of $1964.30 from Amazon for the 1.8 MBA or $1800.94 for the 1.6 base MBA from Apple online store which translates into $163.36 difference...of course, I have a feeling I might be upgrading my shipping for a small fee...:rolleyes::)

[n0de]

All things being even, the $100 discount from Apple is just luck. They have caught on and are not doing it any more (I just tried). Amazon has corrected their pricing now too.

So yeah, I would still do it.

[mzd]

PieMac - for the prices you're getting, i'd go the 1.8 route as well. :cool:

[n0de]

If a cd/dvd rw is attached to the USB port of an Airport Extreme, can a user attached to it use it for media playback/ripping? What about burning?

I know the wireless will slow it down, but if connected to a wired network (everything on my network except the gateway is base/1000) I would think the performance would be OK.

[switched to mac]

Let's hope that Apple takes care of those who pre-ordered first! I would be very disappointed to have them show up at Best Buy or Amazon first! If that ends up the case then why bother with the pre-order process to begin with? The last few Macs I bought came from China in 2 days so let's hope we'll start seeing some shipping notifications over the weekend.

[memberako]

My current order with Apple is set to ship by 2/11 whereas Amazon still has a blanket date of March 24th (they always ship sooner, though-I've bought many Macs thru them) but I do have my iMac, so it's not a huge deal- just me with a case of major want-lust and I want it here ASAP! :p:)

i considered buying at amazon but i can't wait that long... this would be my first mac so i want to get it as soon as possible...

[memberako]

Let's hope that Apple takes care of those who pre-ordered first! I would be very disappointed to have them show up at Best Buy or Amazon first! If that ends up the case then why bother with the pre-order process to begin with? The last few Macs I bought came from China in 2 days so let's hope we'll start seeing some shipping notifications over the weekend.

i agree...

[PieMac]

PieMac - for the prices you're getting, i'd go the 1.8 route as well. :cool:

Thanks for your input, n0de and Mzd...that's pretty much the conclusion I've come to as well...just didn't want to cancel and regret. Guess I'll give Apple a call, although I doubt they will make it worth my while twice! Now I just have to bite the bullet and be faced with the fact I'll more than likely be waiting a little longer-think I'll spring the additional $17.12 for two day shipping, though. I'm not that patient! :D

Update: As expected, Apple didn't cut me another deal, but I did finally decide to sign-up for Amazon Prime with free two day or $3.99 overnight shipping (been thinking about doing this for a while as I buy a lot from Amazon) and, of course, I changed my shipping on the MBA to the next day air option. I know I'll still have to wait a little longer, but it'll pay off in the long run. Gotta find a bullet to bite on in the meantime!

[PieMac]

i considered buying at amazon but i can't wait that long... this would be my first mac so i want to get it as soon as possible...

Know what you mean, but trust me when I tell you that Amazon just about always ships within a week of Apple. They just give a blanket date until the first shipments arrive. I've bought 3 Macs from them upon release and this has happened every time.

[HLdan]

I cancelled my Apple Online Store order yesterday (placed 1h after the Keynote) and pre-ordered the MBA at my local Apple dealer in Cologne/ Germany. They except the MBA to arrive within the next week - hopefully.

Estimated delivery time of Apple Online Store Feb 14th.

Best,
- thedealmaker

Wow, really? That was a bad idea. Apple has always satisfied their own customer's orders before a reseller. You WILL wait longer through the reseller on something that hasn't shipped yet, it hasn't failed.

Never order through a reseller on an Apple product that has yet to be released. What would make you think the reseller would get it faster than Apple's own customers? Well it was your choice but that was a bad one!

[Malcster]

Baffled as to why you quoted my post to make this observation. :confused:

I said nothing about fluid dynamics nor did I suggest that a 1.6 Gig Dual Core CPU will not be more than enough power for 99% of Mac Applications.

I merely pointed out that the review was comparing the MBA with an old generation MB which should be borne in mind by those seizing upon the fact that the MBA faired well in the Gizmodo test against the MB.

Apologies, skimming through this thread i was getting a little narked that some people think a 1.6 Ghz CPU is going to be slow! Took your response as a slight against the CPU. I stand corrected :cool:

[memberako]

The Apple online store knocked $100.00 off when I called to cancel my order a few days ago. I was cancelling because I had decided to order my MBA from Amazon instead (which is where I usually get my Macs unless I need a custom configuration). Amazon would still be cheaper by around $30.00 dollars because of the no tax and I have a $25.00 credit, but I figured that I would probably get my MBA quicker if I ordered from Apple. I still have the Amazon order in place-whoever ships first, gets my business!

One thing about Amazon that I love is they have a no hassle returns/exchange policy as well as a price adjustment policy for 30 days, so if there's any problem at all or price drop, they'll take care of it with no issue-great CS!

i might try this one... maybe i could also get $100 off...

[sknighti]

do they use fedex mostly to ship to canada?

[Cybergypsy]

WOW its Friday the poster who said his is arriving today wheres the pics( Wink Wink)

PS dont try to find pics because we all have seen just about every one!

[dexpot]

I sent him a private message few minutes ago. Let's see what happens. Think it's a fake.

[growinglogic]

I just saw a Fedex truck go by my house without stopping. If I were to get a shipment today from anyone it would be around now. Not today, folks. :(

[sanford]

You're reasoning is why I bought a MacBook for about $1300 when I went into an Apple Store to replace my PowerBook G4 with a $2500+ MacBook Pro, and by chance they had just received the then brand new MacBook line. The plastic case has worn better than any metal-cased Mac laptop I've ever owned. Far better. And the fit and finish is better, too; the lid and case of the metal ones never seem quite "on" like the MacBooks.

I've begun using my MacBook as a quasi-desktop with external display, etc., so I'm thinking about an MB Air as secondary, carry-about computer. A laptop for my laptop, but bear in mind the MacBook is most of the time connected as a desktop -- external FW hard drive, external display, USB hub and and devices, semi-pro studio monitor stereo loudspeakers, etc.

Performance on the Air will be about equal performance on the MacBook, which is perfect for me as I'm not terribly fond of maintaining two Macs, I *can't stand* switching back and forth between Macs where one is noticeably more responsive than the other. A pretty good match for me in this case.

But if you're thinking of buying an MB Air as your primary Mac, in my opinion, you will be *miserable* having traded out from the various connection capabilities and other features of a PowerBook line Mac.

I realized a couple of years ago how much money I had wasted on CPU horsepower because I was not realistic about what I had been going to use my computers for.

I always had to have the latest, greatest and fastest, both laptop and desktop - but all I do is Excel!! WTF!! The most bloated app I have on my aging PB 1.67 is Entourage (please don't flame me, I need basic Exchange compat). It still runs great!

So I stopped buying the latest and greatest, and only started buying gadgets/computers that for some reason had an outside value to me personally, or only upgraded when the performance actually started to degrade. While I am not a designer myself, I do hold alot of value in the effort to design well. Not just the shape but also the materials used, ergonomics and long term value.

As I said before, my PB still runs great, the only reason why I want to replace it is to have the newer arch (intel) as we are far enough along in it's lifecycle I expect support for the PPC models to start to drift. The plastic shell of the basic Macbooks does not appeal to me and I do not expect it to wear well. The MBP's are well designed, but they are heavy and hot (remember "heavy" is relative to an individual's perspective). The MBA is "just right". It has the Al shell, it's smaller, it's lighter and in my perspective will be a considerable upgrade to my old PB.

So to all you detractors, remember that "value" is in the perspective of the buyer and criticizing those of use who did order a MBA is no different than making fun of someone's clothing choices. Don't you worry your little heads about how other people spend their money. You only sound like gossipy high schoolers complaining about the "rich kids". Sure some people may regret their purchases, but the majority of us who have decided to make this leap have done so with our eyes open and reasonable understand of what we are getting.

Oh and by the way; for those that expect the MBA to tank and that it is a horrible business move by Apple, remember that if SJ had not come back when he did, making the decisions he has, Apple would no longer be in existence.

[aiongiant]

i might try this one... maybe i could also get $100 off...

i don't think apple would do that to everyone
it's more likely they just gave him student discount is all..

[scottkifnw]

You're reasoning is why I bought a MacBook for about $1300 when I went into an Apple Store to replace my PowerBook G4 with a $2500+ MacBook Pro, and by chance they had just received the then brand new MacBook line. The plastic case has worn better than any metal-cased Mac laptop I've ever owned. Far better. And the fit and finish is better, too; the lid and case of the metal ones never seem quite "on" like the MacBooks.

I've begun using my MacBook as a quasi-desktop with external display, etc., so I'm thinking about an MB Air as secondary, carry-about computer. A laptop for my laptop, but bear in mind the MacBook is most of the time connected as a desktop -- external FW hard drive, external display, USB hub and and devices, semi-pro studio monitor stereo loudspeakers, etc.

Performance on the Air will be about equal performance on the MacBook, which is perfect for me as I'm not terribly fond of maintaining two Macs, I *can't stand* switching back and forth between Macs where one is noticeably more responsive than the other. A pretty good match for me in this case.

But if you're thinking of buying an MB Air as your primary Mac, in my opinion, you will be *miserable* having traded out from the various connection capabilities and other features of a PowerBook line Mac.

Very well thought out. No matter what we buy or don't buy, we make trade offs.

[Cybergypsy]

I can't refresh the tracking order anymore...my hand is getting sore!

[thedealmaker]

@HLdan

...hopefully not - the (premium) reseller has to match Feb 14th - this was the
arrival day quoted in my Online Shop confirmation. They expect the MBA to
arrive next week.

Let's see... it's like XMAS as we were young.

[growinglogic]

I can't refresh the tracking order anymore...my hand is getting sore!

I have a feeling that the dates on our order pages are real. Here's to February!

[JackSYi]

I have a feeling that the dates on our order pages are real. Here's to February!

next week for sure. I can sense it. lol

[ahaxton]

I'm telling you Super Tuesday! This upcoming Tuesday, I am ready!

[PieMac]

i don't think apple would do that to everyone
it's more likely they just gave him student discount is all..

No, I'm most definitely not a student-well past that stage! LOL

I told the Apple CS that I was ordering through Amazon because it was $100.00 less and he offered to match the discount. I've had Apple do this twice before with two other orders in the past. They knocked $50.00 off my iMac that I bought in October and a few years back they discounted my PowerMac $100.00. I think it really depends on the CS rep-some are more willing to please than others.

[TorchMusic]

I called the Apple Store to change my shipping from Free 4-day to 2-day. When I asked what the difference in price would be, the phone rep said he could do it for free.

YIPPEE! 48 hours less of anxiety!

[Superjanne]

ups.... lol

[mashoutposse]

WOW its Friday the poster who said his is arriving today wheres the pics( Wink Wink)

PS dont try to find pics because we all have seen just about every one!

I sent him a private message few minutes ago. Let's see what happens. Think it's a fake.

His 0.4kg package was delivered (actually, left at the front door) at 11:14AM. Can't wait for pics! :rolleyes: :p

[Cybergypsy]

His 0.4kg package was delivered (actually, left at the front door) at 11:14AM. Can't wait for pics! :rolleyes: :p


Yea...this is getting better

[bjdraw]

Did Apple not say that the MBA needs 10.5.2 in order to do wireless installs etc?

The wireless installs is bios level, and despite being on 10.5.1, the wireless install works now.

[mashoutposse]

Yea...this is getting better

Shipping status changes are reserved for tech bloggers and musicians :apple:

[HLdan]

@HLdan

...hopefully not - the (premium) reseller has to match Feb 14th - this was the
arrival day quoted in my Online Shop confirmation. They expect the MBA to
arrive next week.

Let's see... it's like XMAS as we were young.


I hope for your sake that it works out like you expect however promised shipping dates have been changed many times especially in terms of Apple. I have purchased quite a few things from Apple's online store only to get an email 1 day before my ship date stating that it would be a delay.

Remember, Apple has control on the shipping not the reseller so if Apple doesn't have any to satisfy your reseller's ship date you will get delayed shipping. Apple WILL satisfy THIER online buying customer first especially if quantity is limited.

Keep the reseller order if you prefer (especially if you are getting a deal) however I would've kept the Apple order as you most likely will get it faster.

[scottkifnw]

I went by the Apple Store here in Texas (Southlake), and they said that they expect shipment this week. They also reminded me that they are always kept in the dark about these things.....

No evidence of new displays at the store as of a few minutes ago either.

Feb 1st is in 1 week too.

[designed]

I just read the Engadget review and I just keep wondering about how much reaction for and against the Air seems to create. It's as if no other ultraportables (or ultraportableish) ever existed and now Apple is the first to make one. I like how Apple has decided on a different approach to the whole concept by making the compromises elsewhere than others.

I especially adore how every other subnotebook or ultraportable is being compared to the MBA at the moment. People seem to read "World's thinnest notebook" as "World's smallest/thinnest/lightest/bestest notebook" and then they mock when this-or-that is 0,7" smaller - and usually a bit thicker. :rolleyes:

[aiongiant]

i think all the shipment will leave the factory all at once or the same day anyways.. so the stores and online preorders will prob get it them roughly the same time

[aiongiant]

I just read the Engadget review and I just keep wondering about how much reaction for and against the Air seems to create. It's as if no other ultraportables (or ultraportableish) ever existed and now Apple is the first to make one. I like how Apple has decided on a different approach to the whole concept by making the compromises elsewhere than others.

I especially adore how every other subnotebook or ultraportable is being compared to the MBA at the moment. People seem to read "World's thinnest notebook" as "World's smallest/thinnest/lightest/bestest notebook" and then they mock when this-or-that is 0,7" smaller - and usually a bit thicker. :rolleyes:

haha i noticed the same thing too.. it's either ppl love it or hate it.. not much ppl inbetween...

i read some review site i think it was gizmodo about the air
and i love it he was saying that it's hard to fit the air into his life.. but the more he played with it and notice how nice and simple it is.. the more he think that maybe he should get it and figure out where it fits in his life after LOL

[growinglogic]

I called all the stores in Illinois and used the happy "5" option and got a random person. I asked them "When does the new MacBook Air going to be in stock?" Here's what they said:

Chicago, Michigan Ave.: "In about 2 weeks"
Deer Park, Deer Park: "I do not have this information!"
Northbrook, Northbrook: "Within the next week"
Oak Brook, Oakbrook: "Week in a half or so, this tuesday or next"
Orland Park, Orland Square: "Tuesday, 2 weeks from keynote -- 29th or 30th"
Schaumburg, Woodfield: "Hopefully in a couple weeks"
Skokie, Old Orchard: No clue!

[memberako]

i tried to cancel my macbook air order hoping that the customer rep would offer me a discount.. guess what? he didn't say a word and almost cancelled it completely! good thing i stopped him and told him i'd think about it again and call back later... well, at least i tried... lol

[netdog]

I called all the stores in Illinois and used the happy "5" option and got a random person. I asked them "When does the new MacBook Air going to be in stock?" Here's what they said:

Chicago, Michigan Ave.: "In about 2 weeks"
Deer Park, Deer Park: "I do not have this information!"
Northbrook, Northbrook: "Within the next week"
Oak Brook, Oakbrook: "Week in a half or so, this tuesday or next"
Orland Park, Orland Square: "Tuesday, 2 weeks from keynote -- 29th or 30th"
Schaumburg, Woodfield: "Hopefully in a couple weeks"
Skokie, Old Orchard: No clue!

At least #2 and #7 told the truth.

And who was it who said that Apple employes don't know what they are talking about?

[PieMac]

i tried to cancel my macbook air order hoping that the customer rep would offer me a discount.. guess what? he didn't say a word and almost cancelled it completely! good thing i stopped him and told him i'd think about it again and call back later... well, at least i tried... lol

Oh well! At least you stopped them in time...and weren't you being daring! When I called, I was prepared to let them cancel it and just go with my Amazon order. I figured, what the hey-nothing to lose. Guess I lucked out again-it really does depend on who you get, I think. I had one Apple CS rep send me out a $50.00 Brenthaven sleeve for my MBP just because he had fun talking with me and was in a good mood-I didn't really need it, so I sold it on Ebay! :D

[Tejasfilm]

I just called and was told that my MBA was going to be shipped out on the 5th, this is two days earlier than what my ship date says on Apple's site. So we'll see what happens. Guy told me that there's a large number of orders for these, I was like really and there weren't a lot of orders for the iPhone. Told me that the best thing is that it would ship sooner but definitely no later than the 5th.

[memberako]

Oh well! At least you stopped them in time...and weren't you being daring! When I called, I was prepared to let them cancel it and just go with my Amazon order. I figured, what the hey-nothing to lose. Guess I lucked out again-it really does depend on who you get, I think. I had one Apple CS rep send me out a $50.00 Brenthaven sleeve for my MBP just because he had fun talking with me and was in a good mood-I didn't really need it, so I sold it on Ebay! :D

Some Apple CS reps just give away stuff huh... i wasn't lucky enough to get a generous one... anyway, i'll just have to pay the tax and hope that the MBA ships sooner than expected...

[aznkid25]

According to CNET's review, it says that Apple is releasing the Macbook Air on 2/8/08.
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-core/4505-3121_7-32818756.html?tag=bubbl_1

[ahaxton]

Make this Tuesday Super! Seriously, would make for a perfect Tuesday.

[eddietr]

Make this Tuesday Super! Seriously, would make for a perfect Tuesday.

I have a feeling we're going to be saying that again the NEXT Tuesday.

I can't believe it's still only Jan 25. Feb 14 is a long way out still. :(

:)

[ahaxton]

I have a feeling we're going to be saying that again the NEXT Tuesday.

I can't believe it's still only Jan 25. Feb 14 is a long way out still. :(

:)

I'm still hoping! With the review units all coming in, makes me hope it'll be sometime this upcoming week.

[eddietr]

I'm still hoping! With the review units all coming in, makes me hope it'll be sometime this upcoming week.

That would be nice if they show up at stores this week.

Then I'll have to figure out if I cancel my order what happens to the AppleCare I bought. It's already marked as "complete" on my order, and I've already paid for it.

Hopefully they can just apply that to the one I buy in the store if the SSD model shows up in the store in the next 3 weeks.

[joegomolski]

I wonder at what point it'll be too late to cancel a custom configured MacBook Air?

[bayol05]

The AppleCare will come in a small box, all it is is a code that you register to your computer's serial number. So keep the AppleCare that you bought and you can register it with whatever computer you get.

[ahaxton]

That would be nice if they show up at stores this week.

Then I'll have to figure out if I cancel my order what happens to the AppleCare I bought. It's already marked as "complete" on my order, and I've already paid for it.

Hopefully they can just apply that to the one I buy in the store if the SSD model shows up in the store in the next 3 weeks.

I imagine SSD would be available in stores at the same time as the HDD.
If they have 1.6 SSD in stores I might be swayed actually to go SSD. If it's just 1.8 SSD I'll go HDD.

[CaptainCaveMann]

I'm definitely going SSD, you just can't compare the performance. But 2868.00 edu Apple? Ouch, to rich for my blood. My guess is 2.0 ghz 45nm 100gb SSD for 2500.00 in September. They might keep the 1.8 64gb SSD for 2000.00. Again all in September or around that time, and I also predict the HDD to be eliminated in the next revision. :D

[HLdan]

I imagine SSD would be available in stores at the same time as the HDD.
If they have 1.6 SSD in stores I might be swayed actually to go SSD. If it's just 1.8 SSD I'll go HDD.

Nah, Apple generally offers their specialty items at the online store only. The SSD is not something they will make mass production of and they will leave that as a BTO item. There weren't any at Macworld, only standard config models were there. It's not like everybody buying a MBA will be dropping 3G's for the SSD. Don't expect them at the brick and mortar store.

[CaptainCaveMann]

Nah, Apple generally offers their specialty items at the online store only. The SSD is not something they will make mass production of and they will leave that as a BTO item. There weren't any at Macworld, only standard config models were there. It's not like everybody buying a MBA will be dropping 3G's for the SSD. Don't expect them at the brick and mortar store.

SSD is STANDARD CONFIGURATION in the 1.8 models. Just clearing that up.

[HLdan]

SSD is STANDARD CONFIGURATION in the 1.8 models. Just clearing that up.

Right, that wasn't my point. I have the 2.8Ghz iMac and it wasn't and still isn't available at the Apple retail brick and mortar stores. Once in a while one will pop up but Apple wants this model to only be sold at the online store. It's considered BTO but it's a standard config.

Just clearing that up.

[Cybergypsy]

Gee guess the person who had the air arrive friday, forgot to post pics.....lol owned!!!

[zapp]

Gee guess the person who had the air arrive friday, forgot to post pics.....lol owned!!!

He must be too busy using his new Macbook Air to post. Of course they did leave it on the porch so maybe someone stole it, yeah that's it someone stole it. Now he can start the "Official list of Macbook Air owners that got their Macbook Air shipped before the rest of the country, but had it stolen of their porch before they got home" thread.

[bigbadnewill]

He must be too busy using his new Macbook Air to post. Of course they did leave it on the porch so maybe someone stole it, yeah that's it someone stole it. Now he can start the "Official list of Macbook Air owners that got their Macbook Air shipped before the rest of the country, but had it stolen of their porch before they got home" thread.

:D

I just don't get why people could really be bothered to doctor an image, and try convince people that theirs had shipped. I just think it's a HUGE waste of time!

Oh well, hope you all receive your Macbook AIR's soon!!! :D

[PieMac]

Unreal-checked my the gold box this morning and there it was: 1.6 discounted to $1703.30! Anyone who's interested, check it out-it may be there only a day and it may or may not be in everyone's gold box-I think Amazon may offer specials according to member's buying history. Keep in mind too, that with Amazon, there's no tax and you get the free shipping option! Good luck!

Oh crap, now I'm back in a quandry! I already ordered the 1.8 ghz when it was offered as a gold box special for $1964.30 shipped. Now I can get the 1.6 ghz for even less for $1708.29 shipped...that's a $256.00 difference! Should I cancel my order for the 1.8 ghz and order the 1.6 ghz instead and save the $?? What to do!

[zedsdead]

Unreal-checked my the gold box this morning and there is was: 1.6 discounted to $1703.30! Anyone who's interested, check it out-it may be there only a day and it may or may not be in everyone's gold box-I think Amazon may offer specials according to member's buying history. Keep in mind too, that with Amazon, there's no tax and you get the free shipping option! Good luck!

Oh crap, now I'm back in a quandry! I already ordered the 1.8 ghz when it was offered as a gold box special for $1964.30 shipped. Now I can get the 1.6 ghz for even less for $1708.29 shipped...that's a $256.00 difference! Should I cancel my order for the 1.8 ghz and order the 1.6 ghz instead and save the $?? What to do!

Since you already have an iMac, you really are using this for its portability, not raw power. I really do not think you are going to see a noticeable difference between the 1.6 & 1.8. The difference between the SSD and the 1.8 HDD however is probably significant. I would save the money personally, unless you opt for the SDD, then at that point you might as well go all out.

[n0de]

Remember, every time you screw with your order you are probably delaying delivery ;)

It was not in my goldbox today, did you put it in your wishlist first?

[PieMac]

Remember, every time you screw with your order you are probably delaying delivery ;)

It was not in my goldbox today, did you put it in your wishlist first?

Nope, not in my wishlist ever but I did have both in my saved cart for a few days. Same for the 1.8 ghz-just checked my goldbox one day and there it was. Keep trying throughout the day-you never know.

I went ahead and ordered the 1.6 so I could secure it at that price and the delivery date is just one day apart. Now it's a matter of which one to cancel. I'm leaning towards canceling the 1.8-$256.00 is still a chunk of change for a small speed difference.

[mashoutposse]

Nope, not in my wishlist ever but I did have both in my saved cart for a few days. Same for the 1.8 ghz-just checked my goldbox one day and there it was. Keep trying throughout the day-you never know.

I went ahead and ordered the 1.6 so I could secure it at that price and the delivery date is just one day apart. Now it's a matter of which one to cancel. I'm leaning towards canceling the 1.8-$256.00 is still a chunk of change for a small speed difference.

At those prices, I would cancel the 1.8. I agree with the previous poster who suggested that a Fall update will see much friendlier prices on the SSD model -- the smart approach would be to get the base model for now and resell once that model hits.

[PieMac]

At those prices, I would cancel the 1.8. I agree with the previous poster who suggested that a Fall update will see much friendlier prices on the SSD model -- the smart approach would be to get the base model for now and resell once that model hits.

That's what I'm thinking too...I know when the SSD option prices drop, I will be sorely tempted. For what little extra I could get out of the 1.8 in resale value, it probably isn't worth the extra $ now.

[illian]

hey,

i need a laptop on the 9th Feb. u think i'll get my mb air until then? oh i know....i’m not the most patient person:rolleyes:

[mashoutposse]

We'll definitely have Air by 2/9. I'm thinking they will become readily available in the coming week.

PieMac: Exactly. I can't wait for the October update complete with C2D 2.2GHz and 64GB SSD for $2499 ;) :D

[switz]

Build 9C23 was released last night (25 Jan). Until it reaches golden master (which allows MBA to utilize remote disk on other Macs), the product will not ship. It will take several days to create the DVDs, install the software and test the assembled units before shipment. If we reach Golden Master by next Wednesday, the projected out the door date of 6 Feb seems reasonable.

I checked the credit card yesterday and the pre-authorization for the BTO computer plus sales tax has disappeared. So shipment is NOT happening that soon. :(

'Tis a shame to see all the rants about cost and missing features. If one does not like it, move on to a competitive product if you like those features better. Frankly, since we are not able to make a lot of changes in this product, we have to live with the two choices of CPU and two choices of disk storage.

We know that the first MBA will be obsolete sooner than some models because of the proximity of the new Intel chip sets. Another website has comments to the effect that this is the easiest laptop to open that Apple has ever made. Seems like we would be able to upgrade the battery and internal drive in the future. So all is not lost if one is an early purchaser.

With over 15 Macs ranging from towers to laptops to minis, this MBA fills the bill for my travel needs. Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yes.

"Get er done" so I did and ordered at 10:40AM PST on 15 Jan. It gets here when the FedEx truck shows up. I have plenty to do in the meantime, so I will not be bored. :D

[PieMac]

"I have emailed and called Amazon, and was told that the March date is only a placeholder, orders should begin shipping sometime next week."

This was posted yesterday in the discussion forums at Amazon. Hope that the CS rep they were talking to is right. I know Amazon does blanket dates from past purchasing experience with them-right now my delivery date is March 27th-would love to see that change to sometime next week!

I just cancelled my 1.8 ghz order and went with the 1.6 ghz from Amazon: $1682.29 total with overnight shipping! :D

The 1.6 MBA is still offered as a Gold box special as of a few minutes ago if anyone's interested...worth checking out, anyway...you might luck out!

[mashoutposse]

"I have emailed and called Amazon, and was told that the March date is only a placeholder, orders should begin shipping sometime next week."

This was posted yesterday in the discussion forums at Amazon. Hope that the CS rep they were talking to is right. I know Amazon does blanket dates from past purchasing experience with them-right now my delivery date is March 27th-would love to see that change to sometime next week!

I just cancelled my 1.8 ghz order and went with the 1.6 ghz from Amazon: $1682.29 total with overnight shipping! :D

The 1.6 MBA is still offered as a Gold box special as of a few minutes ago if anyone's interested...worth checking out, anyway...you might luck out!

Smart move :D

BTW, the MBA isn't in my Gold Box... :(

[PieMac]

Smart move :D

BTW, the MBA isn't in my Gold Box... :(

Try putting it and leaving it in your cart...that's what I did. I had both the 1.6 and the 1.8 and left them both in my cart and now I've been offered both in my gold box. Worth a shot...good luck!

[mashoutposse]

OK, I just tried that... I'm going to navigate away from the site and wait for the good news by the end of the weekend :)

[PieMac]

OK, I just tried that... I'm going to navigate away from the site and wait for the good news by the end of the weekend :)

Also be sure and browse some other Apple products on a regular basis. A lot of what's offered in my gold box are things related to my past purchases as well as my interests. May the force be with you! :)

[mashoutposse]

Damn, that's a lotta friggin' work for $100 :p I've put practically every MBA-related item in my cart (Time Capsule, SuperDrive, multiple MBA configurations). My wishlist is bursting at the seams with Apple computers. Hopefully, their servers get the hint ;)

[PieMac]

Damn, that's a lotta friggin' work for $100 :p I've put practically every MBA-related item in my cart (Time Capsule, SuperDrive, multiple MBA configurations). My wishlist is bursting at the seams with Apple computers. Hopefully, their servers get the hint ;)

Yeah, but when you factor in the tax you save-it's more like $208.00! :D

[Anderson3133]

We'll definitely have Air by 2/9. I'm thinking they will become readily available in the coming week.

PieMac: Exactly. I can't wait for the October update complete with C2D 2.2GHz and 64GB SSD for $2499 ;) :D

With a BTO of a 128GB SSD, seeing as how they are being put into production during the first quarter :D

[mashoutposse]

I would buy a 128GB SSD for the current $3k. I will sell the current MBA immediately once this option becomes available in that price range.

Yeah, but when you factor in the tax you save-it's more like $208.00! :D

And that's why I'm doing it anyway ;)

[sknighti]

Build 9C23 was released last night (25 Jan). Until it reaches golden master (which allows MBA to utilize remote disk on other Macs), the product will not ship. It will take several days to create the DVDs, install the software and test the assembled units before shipment. If we reach Golden Master by next Wednesday, the projected out the door date of 6 Feb seems reasonable.



Wasn't 9C23 released on wednesday?

[netdog]

Wasn't 9C23 released on wednesday?

I thought it was Thursday. For all we know, it went Gold on Friday afternoon and will ship Monday, allowing the presses in China to be whirring away right now. We'll see.

[aiongiant]

have you guys seen the cnet video review for the macbook air??

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-core/4505-3121_7-32818756.html?tag=bubbl_3

it shows a pretty good prespective on how thin and small it is
when the guy is holding it around it so small.. unless that guy is huge LOL

omg i can't wait!!! hurry up and ship apple!

[mashoutposse]

I'm not sure about the reliance on 10.5.2 before shipping. All of the current review models are on 10.5.1 and the Remote Disk feature is active.

have you guys seen the cnet video review for the macbook air??

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-air-core/4505-3121_7-32818756.html?tag=bubbl_3

it shows a pretty good prespective on how thin and small it is

omg i can't wait!!! hurry up and ship apple!

My jaw dropped when he closed it that first time at the beginning!

[Hansii]

Build 9C23 was released last night (25 Jan). Until it reaches golden master (which allows MBA to utilize remote disk on other Macs), the product will not ship. It will take several days to create the DVDs, install the software and test the assembled units before shipment. If we reach Golden Master by next Wednesday, the projected out the door date of 6 Feb seems reasonable.


I am pretty sure I read a spec sheet for the MBA that said it ships with 10.5.1, plus they have already sent out review units with final software (10.5.1) with the remote disc added.

[netdog]

So after all those MBAs showed up as Prepared for Shipping and then went back to Not Yet Shipped, what do you suppose we are waiting for? Are they just going to suddenly unleash a huge shipment?

[ahaxton]

So after all those MBAs showed up as Prepared for Shipping and then went back to Not Yet Shipped, what do you suppose we are waiting for? Are they just going to suddenly unleash a huge shipment?



Guess so. It all looks like we're going to have MacBook Air's in our hands sometime next week, that is if reviewers and store reps have some sort of clue.

[mashoutposse]

So after all those MBAs showed up as Prepared for Shipping and then went back to Not Yet Shipped, what do you suppose we are waiting for? Are they just going to suddenly unleash a huge shipment?

I think they initially went to "Prepared for Shipping" because of whatever automatic mechanism Apple has in the background to manage their online ordering system. Apple likely has an internal launch date which is partially based on the delivery of samples to professional reviewers and deployment of the ad campaign.

If 10.5.2 was the reason for the 'holdback,' there is no way "incomplete" 10.5.1 units would have found their way into the hands of people like Mossberg and Ed Baig.

[ahaxton]

I think they initially went to "Prepared for Shipping" because of whatever automatic mechanism Apple has in the background to manage their online ordering system. Apple likely has an internal launch date which is partially based on the delivery of samples to professional reviewers and deployment of the ad campaign.

If 10.5.2 was the reason for the 'holdback,' there is no way "incomplete" 10.5.1 units would have found their way into the hands of people like Mossberg and Ed Baig.


And with all the advertising. So many factors that makes me think next week is it!

[mashoutposse]

And with all the advertising. So many factors that makes me think next week is it!

The biggest being that Steve Jobs said "two weeks"... two weeks ago :D :apple:

[ahaxton]

The biggest being that Steve Jobs said "two weeks"... two weeks ago :D :apple:



haha yeah that too.

[ProPedderKustom]

Well...we are getting at least one report of demo units in stores. From the Apple forum for MBA:

Evangelist-
"Wrong. As I have posted previously in this Forum, my local Apple Store (Raleigh NC) DOES HAVE a MacBook Air available for hands-on use! There was actually a waiting line to get it and time limit to use it. I would seriously doubt the Apple Store in North Carolina is the only store to have a MBA demo unit."


Hmmmm

[JCT]

Gosh I hope you guys are right -- I have to take 3 trips in the first 3 weeks of Feb and I am already jazzed to try traveling with just 2 carry-on bags -- I love my MBP, but not when I'm on the road.

JT

[ahaxton]

Somebody want to call the Raleigh store and find out for sure? and ask when the actual units for sale come in.

[bigbadnewill]

Stop this nonsense! You're all making me want a MBA, and i just can't afford one! :D

I hope you're all gonna get them soon though, i can't wait to hear some proper user reviews, rather than the standard bumf from review websites etc.

[Anderson3133]

Stop this nonsense! You're all making me want a MBA, and i just can't afford one! :D

I hope you're all gonna get them soon though, i can't wait to hear some proper user reviews, rather than the standard bumf from review websites etc.

I understand, I am the exact same way. But, I am absolutely waiting for Version 2 of it.

[MBAUser]

I think they initially went to "Prepared for Shipping" because of whatever automatic mechanism Apple has in the background to manage their online ordering system. Apple likely has an internal launch date which is partially based on the delivery of samples to professional reviewers and deployment of the ad campaign.

If 10.5.2 was the reason for the 'holdback,' there is no way "incomplete" 10.5.1 units would have found their way into the hands of people like Mossberg and Ed Baig.

What makes you say that 10.5.1 is so incomplete? From what i heard about 10.5.2, a big update there is for time machine, possibly for the upcoming time capsule wireless backup feature, not so much the remote disk option. And with time capsule being release in a couple of weeks yet, why wouldn't they be focusing that update for the time capsule release, as opposed to the MBA release?

[mashoutposse]

Somebody want to call the Raleigh store and find out for sure? and ask when the actual units for sale come in.

Called; they don't have it out (according to the guy to whom I spoke).

I called all 3 NC stores; none have it on display.

What makes you say that 10.5.1 is so incomplete? From what i heard about 10.5.2, a big update there is for time machine, possibly for the upcoming time capsule wireless backup feature, not so much the remote disk option. And with time capsule being release in a couple of weeks yet, why wouldn't they be focusing that update for the time capsule release, as opposed to the MBA release?

If we are to believe those who suggest that the MBA is being held back for a preinstalled 10.5.2 update, then the 10.5.1-equipped MBA review samples currently out there are indeed "incomplete." IMO, there is no way Apple would let high-visibility reviewers make final judgments based on a product that is not in fully shipment-ready form.

[ahaxton]

Called; they don't have it out (according to the guy to whom I spoke).

I called all 3 NC stores; none have it on display.


Should have guessed...

[ahaxton]

Latest response from one of my local stores:

Hello,

We will have both "standard" configurations in store. ($1799 and $3098). We hope to have them within the week.

Thanks!

Apple Store, North Point
http://www.apple.com/retail/northpoint
770-754-3992 phone
678-319-9621 fax
northpoint@apple.com

[JCT]

Latest response from one of my local stores:

Hello,

We will have both "standard" configurations in store. ($1799 and $3098). We hope to have them within the week.

Thanks!


Awesome. This would jive exactly with what Jobs said. Frankly, this makes sense -- he was very precise in his "2-week" comment, he didn't just say "very soon" or "next month". Would you really want to be the head engineer (or whomever) that told SJ the wrong date and let him announce it at MWSF?

And that's also nice to hear about the higher cost standard config being available.

Hopefully we're on the edge of a big shipment from China.

JT

[aiongiant]

im guessing all the preorder ppl units and the store units .. will be shipped at the same time in one big shipment

but i hope our preorders ship a day or 2 before the stores hehe

[ahaxton]

im guessing all the preorder ppl units and the store units .. will be shipped at the same time in one big shipment

but i hope our preorders ship a day or 2 before the stores hehe


Some pre-orders will probably get theirs like a day before the store I am guessing. Some might even after depending on where you are and how far down the pre-order list.

[ahaxton]

Look at this: http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes/any-of-us-adding-macbook-airs-our-hermes-239556.html

[Jimmie Geddes]

My local Apple Store (Short Hills Mall) in NJ said that they will definitely have MacBook Airs in stock next week.

[JCT]

Look at this: http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes/any-of-us-adding-macbook-airs-our-hermes-239556.html

Well, that was scary :eek: -- and I'm a woman.

LOL.

JT

[Sandy*]

Any news on shipping at this time?

[matthewHUB]

kind of annoying they won't have any other models other than the two standard. I was hoping to pick up a 1.8ghz with 4200 HD and upgrade at a later date when i walked into the store next week. =(

[Sandy*]

kind of annoying they won't have any other models other than the two standard. I was hoping to pick up a 1.8ghz with 4200 HD and upgrade at a later date when i walked into the store next week. =(

That would have been nice.

[scottkifnw]

2 PM Central.

Just got back from the store. No confirmation on ship date to the store, just we hope next week.

Interestingly, the sales rep said that they have all the sales displays (didn't mention any actual units) in the back ready to put up. I didn't ask when they would actually put them up however.

[netdog]

Anybody know anything from Regent Street in London?

[Cybergypsy]

Remember guy please post all pics and reviews on this thread, so it will be easy to read :)

[ahaxton]

Well, that was scary :eek: -- and I'm a woman.

LOL.

JT

haha, it gives us some extra insight into the MBA though I think.

[JCT]

haha, it gives us some extra insight into the MBA though I think.

Yeah, well Hermes Birkins bags can easily cost more than $15,000 so for these women-- buying an MBA to them is like buying a compact.

But I agree with you-- there is definitely the "high-style" aspect to the MBA. Somehow I can imagine these women getting together at some Manhattan midtown bar -- and then descending on the 5th Ave Apple store so the "have-nots" can join the "haves".

JT

[ahaxton]

Yeah, well Hermes Birkins bags can easily cost more than $15,000 so for these women-- buying an MBA to them is like buying a compact.

But I agree with you-- there is definitely the "high-style" aspect to the MBA. Somehow I can imagine these women getting together at some Manhattan midtown bar -- and then descending on the 5th Ave Apple store so the "have-nots" can join the "haves".

JT


I'm giving my mother a Birkin bag lol and unfortunately I'm also the owner of some Hermes products lol. Though I get it purely for image in business relationships. LOL I do agree with you totally about the bar and apple store haha!

[Cybergypsy]

I think purses are plain stupid, and I am a woman.........

[instant hit]

thought i'd chime in on this one. checked the apple discussions forum on the mba and there was a thread regarding the battery charge time.

Originally Posted by Gizmodo
An alarming find is that the 45watt Magsafe adapter (an ipod adapter sized brick) will charge the Air from empty to full in 8:30 with the Air in sleep mode. We've confirmed this twice. Will test with a Macbook Pro adapter to see if that changes anything. (I doubt it, but we'll see.)

if there's second-party confirmation on gizmodo's findings, this could be the deal-breaker for me.

[SteveSparks]

So after all those MBAs showed up as Prepared for Shipping and then went back to Not Yet Shipped, what do you suppose we are waiting for? Are they just going to suddenly unleash a huge shipment?

Today the apple person at the apple store told me that they don't expect to see them in the store next week. They were told that all online preorders where going to be filled before any are sent to the store.


If there were 5 demo units per store that is a lot of unhappy pre-order customers when they see them at the store. I was also told that online is getting them first so their is not a lot of cancelled orders, as all cancelled and then get them at the store, screws up inventory.

Probably all BS, but that is what I was told..

[JCT]

I'm giving my mother a Birkin bag lol and unfortunately I'm also the owner of some Hermes products lol. Though I get it purely for image in business relationships. LOL I do agree with you totally about the bar and apple store haha!

Now that's an awesome gift and yup, it can be very important to dress the part when it comes to business/professional life. I have a relative who works in the fashion industry and is the most down-to-earth person in the world, but she needs to pay attention to things like this.

And yup-- I think the Air will finally break her away from the PC side.

C'mon, Cybergypsy -- you will need to carry that nice MBA in a slick bag. ;) I just bought a new bag from Waterfield (http://www.sfbags.com) for my Air.

JT

[aiongiant]

Today the apple person at the apple store told me that they don't expect to see them in the store next week. They were told that all online preorders where going to be filled before any are sent to the store.


If there were 5 demo units per store that is a lot of unhappy pre-order customers when they see them at the store. I was also told that online is getting them first so their is not a lot of cancelled orders, as all cancelled and then get them at the store, screws up inventory.

Probably all BS, but that is what I was told..

yea probably bs.. but still
makes us online preorder ppl happier haha

[Cybergypsy]

Now that's an awesome gift and yup, it can be very important to dress the part when it comes to business/professional life. I have a relative who works in the fashion industry and is the most down-to-earth person in the world, but she needs to pay attention to things like this.

And yup-- I think the Air will finally break her away from the PC side.

C'mon, Cybergypsy -- you will need to carry that nice MBA in a slick bag. ;) I just bought a new bag from Waterfield (http://www.sfbags.com) for my Air.

JT


I dont plan to take it out of the house and if i do my crossfire has a net behind the seat

[bjdraw]

Lets not forget that this Tuesday is two weeks from the promised date, but the site always clearly stated 2-3 weeks and 3 weeks is the date that our estimated shipping date is based on.

I remember when I ordered the first MacBook Pro the day it was announced, one or two days after it was promised Apple announced it would be delayed and gave everyone a free CPU bump (1.8 to 2.0). When I finally did receive it a week or two later, I went to the Apple store to buy a case and all the Apple employees asked to see it since they'd yet to play with one. But I'd bet the demand was much higher for the first Intel MacBooks than it will be for the MBA.
But when I ordered a Apple TV when it was announced it arrived the same day it was the store, but we know how popular those were.

I still think the Apple.com pre-orders will ship by Tuesday and it'll be in the stores within a week that the pre-orders are filled.

Also, although the MBAs sent to reviewers were 10.5.1, they were a different build number (9B2324). As mentioned in the beginning of the software section of the Engadget review.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/macbook-air-review/

[netdog]

I see a huge warehouse of MBAs all prepared for shipment. Hence the announcements of "Prepared for Shipment" that were then pulled back to "Not Yet Shipped". Watch for FedEx to get a huge haul sometime tomorrow or Monday for dispatch from China.

[PieMac]

C'mon, Cybergypsy -- you will need to carry that nice MBA in a slick bag. ;) I just bought a new bag from Waterfield (http://www.sfbags.com) for my Air.
JT

I love Waterfield! Which one did you order-the WF sleevecase or the new Hardcase? I'll probably be ordering one for my new MBA too...I've owned the sleevecase before and it's excellent, but that new hard case is really sharp and I keep having to talk myself out of it...I just won't be using it that often to justify spending that much for it (at least that's what I keep telling myself!) :rolleyes::p

[Clix Pix]

I dont plan to take it out of the house and if i do my crossfire has a net behind the seat

Um.....what's the point of buying an ultralight laptop -- the MBA -- if you're not planning to take it out of the house? For most people the appeal of this thing is that it is so light and thin, easy to carry with them everywhere, whether it be around town or on a out-of-town trip.... Seems to me that if a machine is going to be housebound it might as well be either a desktop or a 17"/15" MBP.....

I have to say that I agree with you about purses! Hate carrying them! I especially dislike fussy ones or ones in which you have to dig around to find anything. My style is more in the direction of messenger bags, but even then I don't like to carry a lot of stuff with me on a day-to-day basis and often I just use a small little bag made by Eagle Creek which is intended for travelers. When I'm going out shooting (photography, not guns!) I can easily tuck this thing into the camera bag. It has a very narrow, thin string-like strap and I've found that in winter it works nicely to hang it from my shoulder before I put a winter coat on -- that avoids the hassle of a purse slipping off the shoulders of a coat and also is an added security measure when out and about, as the bag is not even seen beneath my coat.

For some women a purse is a status symbol. For me, it's just a nuisance.....

[illian]

I see a huge warehouse of MBAs all prepared for shipment. Hence the announcements of "Prepared for Shipment" that were then pulled back to "Not Yet Shipped". Watch for FedEx to get a huge haul sometime tomorrow or Monday for dispatch from China.

yep, when i close my eyes i can see this huge warehouse too. :D

[JCT]

I love Waterfield! Which one did you order-the WF sleevecase or the new Hardcase? I'll probably be ordering one for my new MBA too...I've owned the sleevecase before and it's excellent, but that new hard case is really sharp and I keep having to talk myself out of it...I just won't be using it that often to justify spending that much for it (at least that's what I keep telling myself!) :rolleyes::p

The hardcase is a beaut! If I just needed to carry the Air + minimal paperwork that's what I would have bought. I have several of their bags - one is over 5 years old and looks new even though I have taken all over the world. Wanted a different style and a bag that I could use as a single carry-on when I travel for work so I went with a Sleeve + small Cosmo. It's a *great* bag and a fantastic company.

The hardcase is really nice though....;)

JT

[designed]

yep, when i close my eyes i can see this huge warehouse too. :D

Huge warehouse and since the MBA packages are quite small, there's an insanely great amount of them side by side, waiting... :D

I was thinking of the Waterfield sleeve too. I have the WF sleeve I used for my ex-Macbook and I guess I'll give it a go before deciding will I get anything else. I'm tempted to get just a small protective sleeve (maybe even the AirMail MBA-manilla envelope thingie) and fit it inside a normal messenger/sling bag, which would be a nice excuse to get a new sling bag, probably in vertical orientation for a change... This (http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/canvas-vertical-sling-cl55036/2) caught my eye, since the WF VertiGo just somehow falls a bit short...

(I'm a bit of a shoulder bagist and I'm a man. And straight. And I have absolutely no sense of style.)

[Cybergypsy]

Um.....what's the point of buying an ultralight laptop -- the MBA -- if you're not planning to take it out of the house? For most people the appeal of this thing is that it is so light and thin, easy to carry with them everywhere, whether it be around town or on a out-of-town trip.... Seems to me that if a machine is going to be housebound it might as well be either a desktop or a 17"/15" MBP.....

I have to say that I agree with you about purses! Hate carrying them! I especially dislike fussy ones or ones in which you have to dig around to find anything. My style is more in the direction of messenger bags, but even then I don't like to carry a lot of stuff with me on a day-to-day basis and often I just use a small little bag made by Eagle Creek which is intended for travelers. When I'm going out shooting (photography, not guns!) I can easily tuck this thing into the camera bag. It has a very narrow, thin string-like strap and I've found that in winter it works nicely to hang it from my shoulder before I put a winter coat on -- that avoids the hassle of a purse slipping off the shoulders of a coat and also is an added security measure when out and about, as the bag is not even seen beneath my coat.

For some women a purse is a status symbol. For me, it's just a nuisance.....

I am disabled in my right arm/hand, lighter is always better.......cant use a desktop bad discs, so bed is the only place I am comfie :)

[PieMac]

Huge warehouse and since the MBA packages are quite small, there's an insanely great amount of them side by side, waiting... :D

I was thinking of the Waterfield sleeve too. I have the WF sleeve I used for my ex-Macbook and I guess I'll give it a go before deciding will I get anything else. I'm tempted to get just a small protective sleeve (maybe even the AirMail MBA-manilla envelope thingie) and fit it inside a normal messenger/sling bag, which would be a nice excuse to get a new sling bag, probably in vertical orientation for a change... This (http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/canvas-vertical-sling-cl55036/2) caught my eye, since the WF VertiGo just somehow falls a bit short...

(I'm a bit of a shoulder bagist and I'm a man. And straight. And I have absolutely no sense of style.)

Other than Waterfield, my other favorite bag maker is Tom Bihn-they are equally excellent as far as craftsmanship and customer service. If you like vertical orientation bags, check this (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0223) Tom Bihn bag out as well...I'm still going back and forth between the two. Yet another decision to made-ah, well. ;)

[mich73]

Just noticed that Best Buy is taking pre-orders. Their estimated time of arrival is 2/4 - 2/11.

[netdog]

Actually, I hate to say it, but I have a Hermès sleeve/pouch that is just perfect got the MacBook Air and I am not a woman. So there!

[HLdan]

I am disabled in my right arm/hand, lighter is always better.......cant use a desktop bad discs, so bed is the only place I am comfie :)

Now Clix Pix, would you like a glass of water to wash down your foot?:p

This should tell you that YOUR needs are not the same everyone else's. Cybergypsy needs a thin and light based on HER needs.

[robpow]

Anybody know anything from Regent Street in London?Yeah, we were passing by there today so thought I'd ask about the MBA but the guy said there was no news and that they wouldn't be told until the day it turns up...

Matt

[teerexx52]

Now Clix Pix, would you like a glass of water to wash down your foot?:p

This should tell you that YOUR needs are not the same everyone else's. Cybergypsy needs a thin and light based on HER needs.

A personal computer is all about what you want and what makes you happy. Doesn't have to please anyone but yourself. In my case I have to ask my wife but she usually goes for it:) I'm retired and a light notebook to carry around and on trips seems good to me. I have a total of 12.8gb on my MacBook pro so space is not an issue. Can't wait to get my hands on one.

[Clix Pix]

A regular (15") MBP or a 13" MacBook doesn't work well in bed? It would seem to me that for the money, either of them offers much more in other features than the MBA due to their additional ports, built-in optical drive, etc. If I were looking for a laptop that I would be able to use primarily in bed I don't think I'd be eyeing an MBA, I'd be looking at either a MBP or a MacBook. The impression I'm getting about the MBA is that it's really primarily designed for the person who will be carrying it around, day after day or on trips, and therefore in order to get that ultra-thinness and light weight, Apple sacrificed a few features....

But, yes, to each his/her own and what one person perceives as a "need" another dismisses, or vice-versa. Some purchasers will indeed have a real need for this new machine, others may not but can still justify it to themselves anyway, and still others don't care about genuine or perceived "need," they just want the newest thing on Apple's block.....

(That said, I'm still trying to figure out how I can truly justify purchasing an MBA for myself...!!!)

[HLdan]

(That said, I'm still trying to figure out how I can truly justify purchasing an MBA for myself...!!!)

I don't see how you can. Based on your sig you have all the toys from Apple. :D

Now this is not only towards Clix Pix but some of the posters on MR need to be more empathetic to the buyers of the MBA. (I'm not currently one of them but in the future). Apple may have a targeted market for this machine but anyone can buy it for any reason they want, there's no wrong answer.

I just hate people on this forum telling people to buy the Macbook because of all the extras and lower cost. The Macbook may not satisfy a persons needs. It's the same argument when people say, "You can get a cheaper PC notebook with the same specs as a Mac for a lot less".

Well maybe people don't want to run Windows so posters need to be more empathetic to a persons buying decision, not what THEY think you should buy and for the reasons THEY think is suitable for you.
That's my rebuttal of the day. :D

[Cybergypsy]

A regular (15") MBP or a 13" MacBook doesn't work well in bed? It would seem to me that for the money, either of them offers much more in other features than the MBA due to their additional ports, built-in optical drive, etc. If I were looking for a laptop that I would be able to use primarily in bed I don't think I'd be eyeing an MBA, I'd be looking at either a MBP or a MacBook. The impression I'm getting about the MBA is that it's really primarily designed for the person who will be carrying it around, day after day or on trips, and therefore in order to get that ultra-thinness and light weight, Apple sacrificed a few features....

But, yes, to each his/her own and what one person perceives as a "need" another dismisses, or vice-versa. Some purchasers will indeed have a real need for this new machine, others may not but can still justify it to themselves anyway, and still others don't care about genuine or perceived "need," they just want the newest thing on Apple's block.....

(That said, I'm still trying to figure out how I can truly justify purchasing an MBA for myself...!!!)

Yes I have a new 2.2 with 4G of ram but, if i walk to the livingroom my hand sometimes gets stiff and the macboook is a bit heavy for me, anything to lighten the load :)

[Clix Pix]

Yup, that's the brick wall against which I keep running up.....I've got some pretty nice Apple toys already, do I really NEED an MBA???!! There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with my first-gen CD 15" MBP or my later-gen 17" C2D MBP.....and yet fantasies keep dancing in my head along the lines of, "well, I could sell the 15" MBP since I've got the 17" MPB for more heavy-duty tasks, and that way I could have a neat combo of MBA and 17" MBP...." (Not to mention my Mac Pro and my very first Mac, my beloved G5 iMac, which is still running flawlessly.)

Do I travel a lot? Uh, well....no. Do I need to carry a laptop with me every day wherever I go? Uh, well....no. Do I need to have a particularly lightweight laptop for any particular reason? Uh, well....no.....

Do I want an MBA? Am I starting to really lust for an MBA?

<whispers> yesssss!

[teerexx52]

Yup, that's the brick wall against which I keep running up.....I've got some pretty nice Apple toys already, do I really NEED an MBA???!! There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with my first-gen CD 15" MBP or my later-gen 17" C2D MBP.....and yet fantasies keep dancing in my head along the lines of, "well, I could sell the 15" MBP since I've got the 17" MPB for more heavy-duty tasks, and that way I could have a neat combo of MBA and 17" MBP...." (Not to mention my Mac Pro and my very first Mac, my beloved G5 iMac, which is still running flawlessly.)

Do I travel a lot? Uh, well....no. Do I need to carry a laptop with me every day wherever I go? Uh, well....no. Do I need to have a particularly lightweight laptop for any particular reason? Uh, well....no.....

Do I want an MBA? Am I starting to really lust for an MBA?

<whispers> yesssss!

Well if I never bought a new computer because my current one was good enough for what I do I'd never get a new one.:)

Trouble I have is having more than one computer, Always find it difficult to choose which one to use. It's a great problem to have. So....if ya like it buy it right??? Of course its nice to have the cash to pay for it:)

[sosnow]

I too am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the MBA.
I saw the recent reviews about the fact the aux. dvd drive will not work in other macbook or mac book pros.
But I am assuming that it will work when we have it connected to a USB hub (due to the lack of ports on the MBA)? Right?

Also I wonder if it will work with the USB ports on the back of the iMac?

[rittchard]

Um.....what's the point of buying an ultralight laptop -- the MBA -- if you're not planning to take it out of the house? For most people the appeal of this thing is that it is so light and thin, easy to carry with them everywhere, whether it be around town or on a out-of-town trip.... Seems to me that if a machine is going to be housebound it might as well be either a desktop or a 17"/15" MBP.....

My feeling/hope is the MBA may be just as useful around the house as it is for travel. I can imagine curling up on the sofa with it, or sitting outside in the yard, or maybe even bringing it in the bathroom :) Not having owned a MB, I'm not sure how much difference the 2+ less pounds will make, but from past experience I believe the 3 pound threshold might just change the ways (and places) I would typically use a laptop/computer.

It's interesting to see a lot of naysayers focus so intently on the exact specs and "missing" features. Tradeoffs are inherent in any engineering design; I don't think anyone can really judge the MBA until they've personally put it into use over a period of time. Seriously, if all that matters are specs per dollar, then why not pick up a PC notebook?

I had similar discussions with people over the iPhone. There are/were certainly phones with more/better features (3G, MMS, video, etc etc) but in terms of pure usability, the iPhone still blows away anything the competition has yet to offer. Until someone shows me another phone that allows navigation of the internet with just my thumb while I'm eating a Big Mac, I'm sticking with my "less powerful" iPhone.

As for the MBA, I'm hoping it will likewise surprise me with day to day usefulness, and fill an elusive space between my iPhone and desktop.

[zapp]

....... but in terms of pure usability........

This is the key to Apples success. Everyone is concentrating on what the -insert hardware here- doesn't have, but in the end it is all about using it.

[designed]

Other than Waterfield, my other favorite bag maker is Tom Bihn-they are equally excellent as far as craftsmanship and customer service. If you like vertical orientation bags, check this (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0223) Tom Bihn bag out as well...I'm still going back and forth between the two. Yet another decision to made-ah, well. ;)

Hey thanks for umm... making my life a bit harder again, actually. :D That Tom Bihn you linked really does look nice and certainly went for the #1 on my favourite list currently. Waterfields are bloody excellent but they're just so bland in that "quietly being a tool of choice" kind of way so I guess I might want some color now. And more in the ways of a messenger bag which takes MBA instead of a laptop bag which takes other stuff as well.

As for the "MBA is my other mac": MBA will be taking the day-to-day laptop duties from my current generation 15" MBP, which in return is taking the day-to-day desktop duties of my 24" prev-gen iMac, which got a new assignment ("I want that, get yourself something else"). A new 24" iMac was also in consideration but I decided that three machines is a bit much and I'd rather get a 30" Cinema Display for the MBP to perform it's desktop duties instead.

This way I don't have to lugg around excessive laptop when I don't need it (usually) and when I need "moooree poweeeeer" (to quote Jeremy Clarkson), I take the MBP to the field. Not an ideal solution for many but I'm guessing it will pretty much match my needs exactly for a few years to come.

The topic of the hardware duels is a good one. Everyone seems to have gone mad about the MBA, most being quite negative about it (some for a reason, some more in the terms of anti-hype). Thankfully I've been making some of these "idiotic" decisions for a while now so I can pretty much make my point quickly: "I think this is the best for me and that's it." - I've already run through a couple of potential conversations about the MBA in my mind:

"So you got one of those new Air Macs huh?"
"Yeap" *insert the stupid fresh-owner-of-a-mac grin here since you can't help it*
"You know, my 500 Euro Acer has this-and-that-and-this more than that."
"And where is it?"
"At home."
"Exactly."

[ivan1234]

I ordered a MBA a few days ago and it should arrive by the end of feb. :D

[robby818]

I too am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the MBA.
I saw the recent reviews about the fact the aux. dvd drive will not work in other macbook or mac book pros.
But I am assuming that it will work when we have it connected to a USB hub (due to the lack of ports on the MBA)? Right?

Also I wonder if it will work with the USB ports on the back of the iMac?

I don't think so....the USB port on the MBA carries a lot more power over it than a standard USB port found on a hub. I think IBM used a similar port on a ThinkPad x40 for exactly the same purpose to power an external CD drive without an AC adapter.

[scottkifnw]

A regular (15") MBP or a 13" MacBook doesn't work well in bed? It would seem to me that for the money, either of them offers much more in other features than the MBA due to their additional ports, built-in optical drive, etc. If I were looking for a laptop that I would be able to use primarily in bed I don't think I'd be eyeing an MBA, I'd be looking at either a MBP or a MacBook. The impression I'm getting about the MBA is that it's really primarily designed for the person who will be carrying it around, day after day or on trips, and therefore in order to get that ultra-thinness and light weight, Apple sacrificed a few features....

But, yes, to each his/her own and what one person perceives as a "need" another dismisses, or vice-versa. Some purchasers will indeed have a real need for this new machine, others may not but can still justify it to themselves anyway, and still others don't care about genuine or perceived "need," they just want the newest thing on Apple's block.....

(That said, I'm still trying to figure out how I can truly justify purchasing an MBA for myself...!!!)

"It's all good!"

[BWhaler]

1.8 SSD

Shipping the 12th. Delivery expected on the 18th.

I am envious of those who are shipping a week before me. But, this is what I get for being in denial for a week after Macworld thinking I wasn't going to order the Air.

[Cybergypsy]

this wait is driving me nuts

[illian]

this wait is driving me nuts

same here :rolleyes:

Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

doh

[teerexx52]

this wait is driving me nuts

You and me both!:)

[dexpot]

All of us. Buargh. :rolleyes:

[Malcster]

same here :rolleyes:

Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

doh

Yeah, it goes down most sundays.

doesnt help any with the wait though does it! :D

[ob81]

Hopefully they have a decent stock in the stores. Seems like people that recently ordered will see units arriving at the end of February.

[aiongiant]

this wait is driving me nuts

hha yea i know! man come on apple!

but at least we dont' ahve it the worst haha
new mac pro bto is 3-5 weeks
my friend that ordered his mac pro the same time i ordered my macbook air
he won't get his till march sometime lol

[PieMac]

Hey thanks for umm... making my life a bit harder again, actually. :D That Tom Bihn you linked really does look nice and certainly went for the #1 on my favourite list currently.

I'm definitely considering that one too. With my MBP, I was using a Tom Bihn Brain cell with the TB Ego bag. Great combo, but really a bit more than I need...if I traveled a lot, it would different. I want to scale down so, I currently have the other two TB bags for sale on EBay and I'll probably be getting the TB Ristretto and thinking about picking up a Waterfield sleeve as well for when I want to carry my MBA in a different bag (yes, I tend to be a bit of a bag fanatic)! Now we just need the MBA's to go with! ;)

[Cybergypsy]

I was going to cancel and pick it up at the store but I think they might only ship each store so many.......so I left it alone :)

[teerexx52]

I was going to cancel and pick it up at the store but I think they might only ship each store so many.......so I left it alone :)

Where is your closest store? Tampa?

[Cybergypsy]

Where is your closest store? Tampa?

yea or Orlando.....

[JCT]

I've always loved Tom Bihn's stuff -- very broad product line.

I work in a rather conservative field so the most "out there" bag I've carried is a taxi yellow Waterfield messenger bag-- still get comments about it because it stands out in the sea of black bags at meetings.

Now that I'm a bit older I finally went to a (slightly) more conservative bag -- but did get the one with pink accents.

I would definitely carry that Tom Bihn bag into NYC when not working, though.

Oh, and another nice Waterfield is the Racer-X. A great all-in-one bag and the laptop compartment is so "cushy" there is no need for a sleeve. My husband carries one.

I wish they would ship the machines!

JT

P.S. Oh, and PieMac -- I just noticed, I'm coupling my Air to a 2.8 24" iMac as well, my first iMac and I love it.

[teerexx52]

yea or Orlando.....

When I was visiting in November to Hudson I was going to go to Tampa store. Have you been to that one? Is it in a mall?

[mich73]

When I was visiting in November to Hudson I was going to go to Tampa store. Have you been to that one? Is it in a mall?

It's near the airport at International Plaza Mall, second floor. I think it's next to Dillards.

[Cybergypsy]

When I was visiting in November to Hudson I was going to go to Tampa store. Have you been to that one? Is it in a mall?

Been there a few times like the orlando store or Jax store better......

[PieMac]

I've always loved Tom Bihn's stuff -- very broad product line.

I work in a rather conservative field so the most "out there" bag I've carried is a taxi yellow Waterfield messenger bag-- still get comments about it because it stands out in the sea of black bags at meetings.

Now that I'm a bit older I finally went to a (slightly) more conservative bag -- but did get the one with pink accents.

I would definitely carry that Tom Bihn bag into NYC when not working, though.

Oh, and another nice Waterfield is the Racer-X. A great all-in-one bag and the laptop compartment is so "cushy" there is no need for a sleeve. My husband carries one.

I wish they would ship the machines!

JT

P.S. Oh, and PieMac -- I just noticed, I'm coupling my Air to a 2.8 24" iMac as well, my first iMac and I love it.

My first Waterfield bag was the small Cargo with the Taxi yellow flap...we have good taste! :D

I decided to sell it after a while because I bought a MacBook Pro and wanted a larger bag so I could carry it with me as well when needed. So I bought the Waterfield Sleeve with the strap and piggyback combo for my then 17" MBP, decided it was great, but a bit large for my tastes, so I sold it and got the 15" MBP and that's when I discovered Tom Bihn bags. I have to say, that Waterfield and Tom Bihn both excel in every respect. I never look beyond these two companies for my bag needs. The customer service is outstanding for both-super nice people!

And I love my iMac! The MBA is the perfect complement...I really have a feeling they will ship this week...my Mactuition at work! :apple:

[NYCMacFan]

Anyone know when the stores will actually get them so i can see a floor model?

I'm leaning toward the 1.6 with SSD, so don't expect stores would have too many of those. But I like to see before I buy

[Cybergypsy]

Anyone know when the stores will actually get them so i can see a floor model?

I'm leaning toward the 1.6 with SSD, so don't expect stores would have too many of those. But I like to see before I buy
I wish we did :( maybe when they start shipping.....

[Malcster]

Anyone know when the stores will actually get them so i can see a floor model?

I'm leaning toward the 1.6 with SSD, so don't expect stores would have too many of those. But I like to see before I buy

Thats the spec i went for, i want the SSD and im happy with the 1.6 CPU, no real difference in speed and saves me a few quid over the 1.8

UK is always last so you'll be enjoying yours before i see mine im sure! i have feb 11th ship/18th delivery currently.

[JCT]

Anyone know when the stores will actually get them so i can see a floor model?

I'm leaning toward the 1.6 with SSD, so don't expect stores would have too many of those. But I like to see before I buy

If your "nickname" reflects your location-- I would be shocked if the 5th Ave (and likely SOHO as well) stores weren't very high on the list to receive initial shipments. Especially 5th Ave given that high traffic area around 60th-- these will be big sellers at that store.

I have spoken to a couple of folks at the area stores and the general consensus seems to be (no one was willing to be definitive) early-mid next week.

JT

[illian]

Thats the spec i went for, i want the SSD and im happy with the 1.6 CPU, no real difference in speed and saves me a few quid over the 1.8

UK is always last so you'll be enjoying yours before i see mine im sure! i have feb 11th ship/18th delivery currently.

mine is 11th shipt/15th delivery and i'm in germany. so what with the 3 days?

[matt4077]

mine is 11th shipt/15th delivery and i'm in germany. so what with the 3 days?

Shipping 8th/arriving 14th, Germany seems to get them in 3 workdays. I hate the lazy bastards that don't work weekends :-)

[malone]

Any speculation on why the 1.8/SSDs are showing up as CTOs? (even though no customization was selected) Think they'll ship at the same time as the 1.6/HDDs? (I certainly hope so!)

And for all those naysayers who think the MBA is far too lacking in ports, drives, etc., perhaps the MacBook AirCraft is your computer:

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2221194388&size=o

[shahidhaque]

mine is 11th shipt/15th delivery and i'm in germany. so what with the 3 days?

I went for 1.8ghz and 64 gb SSD. I bought it yesterday and it ships by Feb 19th. I really hope it actually arrives earlier! (Should have bought earlier but I was debating...)

[matt4077]

I went for 1.8ghz and 64 gb SSD. I bought it yesterday and it ships by Feb 19th. I really hope it actually arrives earlier! (Should have bought earlier but I was debating...)

So it seems like Apple now sold about 13 days worth of MBAs to lab rats like us. I wonder how many they make per day.

[Cybergypsy]

Just called Apple, talked to a nice rep, he said they had a macbook air laying in a yellow envelope for days till some one opened it LOL

OK heres the news He gave me free overnight shipping so here are my new ship dates


MACBOOK AIR 13/1.6/2GB/80GB-USA
MB003LL/A

$1,699.00

1

$1,699.00
Add a gift message
Ships by: Feb 6
Delivers by: Feb 7

LOL.......so they have to be shipping this week :) or they are not coming from china

[illian]

Just called Apple, talked to a nice rep, he said they had a macbook air laying in a yellow envelope for days till some one opened it LOL

OK heres the new He cave me free overnight shipping so here are my new ship dates


MACBOOK AIR 13/1.6/2GB/80GB-USA
MB003LL/A

$1,699.00

1

$1,699.00
Add a gift message
Ships by: Feb 6
Delivers by: Feb 7

LOL.......so they have to be shipping this week :) or they are not coming from china

well thats good news! wanna make a call for me too? :D:rolleyes:

[Cybergypsy]

well thats good news! wanna make a call for me too? :D:rolleyes:


Give it a whirl :)

[illian]

Give it a whirl :)

hmm it's sunday 18:28 and i'm a man ^^

[Cybergypsy]

hmm it's sunday 18:28 and i'm a man ^^


LOL you have all the good road and cars there, so we are even:) my crossfire was designed by karmaan :) plus i am german..LOL

[bitty417]

I just called Apple for the hell of it and asked to upgrade shipping -- CSR bumped me up to next business day for free.

No information on when exactly they'll be shipping. This was expected.

[Flyer0815]

Just called Apple, talked to a nice rep, he said they had a macbook air laying in a yellow envelope for days till some one opened it LOL

OK heres the new He cave me free overnight shipping so here are my new ship dates


MACBOOK AIR 13/1.6/2GB/80GB-USA
MB003LL/A

$1,699.00

1

$1,699.00
Add a gift message
Ships by: Feb 6
Delivers by: Feb 7

LOL.......so they have to be shipping this week :) or they are not coming from china

Your lucky Cyber! I just called to give it a shot, and was told that there is no way to overnight the MBA since it is being shipped directly from Shanghai. I guess its a different story depending on who you get on the other end of the phone :)

[illian]

LOL you have all the good road and cars there, so we are even:) my crossfire was designed by karmaan :) plus i am german..LOL

really? ;)
yeah indeed wonderful cars...aber für studenten viel zu teuer :p

it's just a little notebook and i'm not a real apple fan but... i'm so excited about this little beauty. this is getting weird :rolleyes:

[mcvaughan]

My Tumi bag is begging for some relief from my MBP! :)

[Cybergypsy]

really? ;)
yeah indeed wonderful cars...aber für studenten viel zu teuer :p

it's just a little notebook and i'm not a real apple fan but... i'm so excited about this little beauty. this is getting weird :rolleyes:
Its not normal to love these shiny things so much :)
Aber für Gebrauch oldsters, haben wir die Mittel

[illian]

Its not normal to love these shiny things so much :)
Aber für Gebrauch oldsters, haben wir die Mittel

uhm what? :D

[Cybergypsy]

uhm what? :D

when you get older you will have them :)

[sodaftl]

Just checked shipping- no change.

Check out this site http://www.manilamac.com/

I just purchased this sleeve for my MBA- I think it is way cool, and funny too. Too bad they don't make one for the superdrive!

I was going to use an actual intra-company mail envelop if I could find one to carry the MBA, but now, I'm an adopter..!

[aiongiant]

you prob don't want an actual real envelope to use for your air lol
if it gets wet and stuff it'll turn into oatmeal.. and plus i don't think they have much protection

[Cybergypsy]

Funny but don't :)

[PieMac]

I think I may just have to order one of these AirMail sleeves before it's over with-funny and it's actually functional. :p

[shuffles]

I just ordered a amcbook air 1.6Ghz 80GB and Office 2008. Shipping date is 18th Feb and Delivery is 3rd of March!! Hopefully ill get it sooner than that. Usually when i order stuff from apple the delivery date is always a lot sooner than what they say...heres hoping....also, im from Ireland.

[shuffles]

Wats the best cover or sleeve to get for the macbook air??????????

[dexpot]

Laptop pouches by Crumpler. http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?categroy=Laptop_Pouches&page=products&category=12

I got two big bags from Crumpler. They're just awesome.

[Cybergypsy]

Give it a few weeks there will be tons out :)

[joegomolski]

Just order MBA sleeve from sfbags, aka Waterfield.

Beautiful and functional.

Leaving for HI 2/4, I want my MBA!

[netdog]

Just order MBA sleeve from sfbags, aka Waterfield.

Beautiful and functional.

Leaving for HI 2/4, I want my MBA!

Guess you will be stopping in here (http://www.apple.com/retail/alamoana/week/20080127.html).

[matt4077]

Wats the best cover or sleeve to get for the macbook air??????????

I was thinking about carving a proper space out of the pages of a book, kind of like the way they sometimes smuggle guns or booze in movies. Maybe line it with something soft and it should make a perfect, cheap and stylish case.

[Cybergypsy]

Anyone else get the free overnight shipping?????

[aiongiant]

i tried but no go oh well

from experince before once it gets to canada its usually only 1-2 day shipping for me so not too bad..

but overnight would have been awesome lol

[Cybergypsy]

i tried but no go oh well

from experince before once it gets to canada its usually only 1-2 day shipping for me so not too bad..

but overnight would have been awesome lol



try again :)

[JCT]

I hope the shipments do go out soon as Chinese New Year is approaching and that can definitely slow things down coming out of China.

JT

[illian]

hmm maybe apple waits for some more orders...

[teerexx52]

Just order MBA sleeve from sfbags, aka Waterfield.

Beautiful and functional.

Leaving for HI 2/4, I want my MBA!

My wife is making me one:) Waterfield is excellent too

[TorchMusic]

Anyone else get the free overnight shipping?????

I was upgraded from 4-day to 2-day for free.

[CaptainCannabis]

I hope they ship this week, I cant wait any longer, I need the MBA to do my papers and stuff. My pb17" broke 2 days b4 the macworld and I've been without a computer since then. I go to the computer lab to do my stuff :(

[kming05]

2 macbook airs on order, one going to nyc one to oc,ca

tried calling to inquire how much it was to upgrade, and they comp'ed two day shipping on both

so now:

superdrive ships: 6, arrives 8 (domestic)
macbook air ships: 6, arrives 11 (one day earlier)

[pjohnny]

Anyone else get the free overnight shipping?????

Yeah, I got free overnight shipping. :D I called for more info and I made some mention of preferring to get the MBA sooner rather than later and the person suggested upgrading me to overnight shipping for free.

I thought long and hard about it and decided to accept the gracious invitation :p

So, my MBA should arrive no later than Feb. 7th. But I'm hoping for earlier...

[shimmer11]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/27/macbook-air-in-stores-tuesday-empty-pocketbook-in-your-future/

-Andy

[tokensonly]

So, Engadget is reporting that they are already in stores, and will be available for sale on Tuesday:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/27/macbook-air-in-stores-tuesday-empty-pocketbook-in-your-future/

I don't see any sources cited, so it might be fishy. Here's hoping. The article doesn't mention anything about the online orders.

[ahaxton]

I hope they ship this week, I cant wait any longer, I need the MBA to do my papers and stuff. My pb17" broke 2 days b4 the macworld and I've been without a computer since then. I go to the computer lab to do my stuff :(


Wow that does suck. Hopefully they'll be shipping this week and in stores. It sucks that you either have to wait it out or not get a MBA.

[tokensonly]

Ha, looks like I got beaten to the punch.

[larryj]

I called this morning to upgrade my shipping (before I read the posts here, it's just something I had been meaning to do). They upgraded me for free, but my order status still says (Feb. 6/Feb. 12).

For those who were upgraded today, did your ship/delivery dates change to reflect that?

[aiongiant]

i tried calling again..
but no go.. i guess stricter in canada
oh well