MacBook Airs have Arrived

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/01/24/170514-mbaiz_300.jpg

First review MacBook Airs have arrived (80GB, HDD, 1.6GHz): Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/348576/macbook-air-is-here), Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/the-macbook-air-has-landed/), Macworld (http://www.macworld.com/article/131794/2008/01/mba_arrives.html)

Some early notes:

- Wireless Remote disk details (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/remote-disc-no-movie-playback-no-hd-support-and-everything-el/): can't play DVD media, can't burn a CD, can't listen to a music CD,
- The Novatel U727 (3G USB modem) won't fit in the MacBook Air (http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/adding-insult-to-injury-usb-3g-modems-wont-fit-in-the-macbo/) without a USB extender.
- MacBook Air's MagSafe charger works in the MacBook/MacBook Pro and vice-versa but the regular MagSafe won't stay attached (http://gizmodo.com/348587/confirmed-macbook-air-incompatible-with-macbook-macbook-pro-chargers-while-on-a-table) to the Air when it is sitting flat on a desk.
- Size comparison (http://gizmodo.com/348621/biggest-macbook-sizemodo-ever) between MacBook Air and other laptops.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/01/24/macbook-airs-have-arrived/)

[tgildred]

god, that photo looks filthy...

[Eidorian]

That's a good size comparison. Will the wireless remote disc be available for other Macs? My department wants me to install it on our local image.

[Littleodie914]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused:

[nagromme]

I really think I'll get mine without the external optical drive.

If I can't live with Remote Disc I can always buy it later. But I can probably just save the $99. Disc-based copy-protection is my main question there.

Burning CDs and DVDs has a pretty easy workaround: iDVD and Disk Utility can both burn to a disc image. Move the image to another machine (even a PC) to do the actual burn.

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused::mad:

If it had an internal drive, it would be humming too.

Still, if you were putting the disc in the remote machine anyway, I'd use its larger screen too, and not the Air's screen.

This is surely not a reason Apple should have added optical-drive bulk and made the MacBook Air into a regular MacBook.

(And iTunes rentals and Handbrake are movie options that don't need you to tote a drive.)

[weblogik]

WHO CARES IT FITS IN AN ENVELOPE!!! IT FITS IN AN ENVELOOOOOOPE!!!!


blah

[Samarium]

It doesnt look as thin as in apple.com

[slffl]

Looks great! Can't wait to see one in person.

[eddietr]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused::mad:

Assuming you carry DVDs around. We keep our DVDs organized in our basement where we watch them on a much bigger screen with surround sound.

One the go around the house or outside the house we watch them from iTunes or on iPods/Phones either from ITMS or Handbrake. Keeping the DVD's safe and scratch free in the basement.

Personally, I'm not even getting the external superdrive. I don't see any use for it. I hardly ever use the one in my MBP anyway.

[nbs2]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused::mad:

Somewhat disappointing, but it makes sense. The speed/quality of a given connection may not be enough to support watching a movie. Of course, if that were the case, they could simply buffer the stream.

I am surprised you can't burn CDs - only DVDs.

[PCMacUser]

The reality is, folks, that you will need to buy an external DVD drive if you want DVD functionality on this laptop. 'Wireless' drive options are not enough. Although having said that, I can at least play CDs wirelessly on a PC network... :rolleyes:

[mainstreetmark]

I believe the technology behind the remote CD thing is that it copies an image of the CD locally and runs it locally. It doesn't, in other words, make a symbolic link to a network device -- it makes a local mirror.

That explains all the stuff, except for watching DVDs, which are simply too big to watch in real time.

[psychofreak]

Somewhat disappointing, but it makes sense. The speed/quality of a given connection may not be enough to support watching a movie. Of course, if that were the case, they could simply buffer the stream.Apple already have that technology (http://www.apple.com/appletv/) down :)

[sikkinixx]

The wireless drive utility sounds like its amazingly useful.............

[Eidorian]

Somewhat disappointing, but it makes sense. The speed/quality of a given connection may not be enough to support watching a movie. Of course, if that were the case, they could simply buffer the stream.

I am surprised you can't burn CDs - only DVDs.If you can burn a DVD why can't you read a DVD movie? :p

I can't find the post where a user did bandwidth calculations over wireless. Help...

Note: BANDWIDTH considerations.

[shadowfax]

A number of disappointments there, But I really hope that Apple will adopt the MBAir MagSafe connector style on their other laptops. it looks like it will take stress a LOT better than the current ones, although I have no particular complaint with the current ones.

[iCeFuSiOn]

What I want to know is if it comes with Mac OS X 10.5.2 or not :P

[Unspeaked]

god, that photo looks filthy...

They've learned to reproduce!

And so the war begins...

;)

It doesnt look as thin as in apple.com

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing - it doesn't look much thinner than some of those other laptops. It's the illusion they created with the teardrop shape that makes it look thinner in Apple's photos.

[bacaramac]

Are guys sure your looking at the photo correctly? It looks pretty darn thin to me. At least as compared to the other laptops in the picture.

[PCMacUser]

Hmm, I'm interested to see what the Achilles heel will be on this model... Dodgy display? Overheating? Faulty HDDs? Or will Apple break into something new - faulty trackpads perhaps?

[wordmunger]

IF YOU WANT TO PLAY A DVD GET A MACBOOK.

Save $600 and watch all the movies you want. Some people want a more portable computer and don't care about watching movies on their computer. That's what TVs are for.

[PCMacUser]

Are guys sure your looking at the photo correctly? It looks pretty darn thin to me. At least as compared to the other laptops in the picture.

Yep it's thin. It's just rather wide and long too. The birds-eye photo doesn't show the size properly because of the fish-eye effect of the wide angle lens being used.

[cohibadad]

Hmm, I'm interested to see what the Achilles heel will be on this model... Dodgy display? Overheating? Faulty HDDs? Or will Apple break into something new - faulty trackpads perhaps?

have you ever posted a non-FUD comment?

[syklee26]

my 2 cents for MBA:

1. I am not all that hot for the design of the MBA, contrary to many. Other than it being really thin, I don't find it all that pretty or good looking. I still like the design of MBP more.

2. I am not so sure about using 1.8 inch HD. Didn't Apple tell people that using iPod as a HD for computer is not really a good idea and it may damage the HD down the road?

3. If Apple is billing the computer as wireless centric notebook, I find it confusing that MBA does not have Express 34 slot to put 3G cards in. Maybe there are USB-based 3G modems, but I haven't seen one.

4. Since Apple wants you to buy music through iTunes, not being able to import music remotely kinda makes sense.

5. I honestly don't know who will be up for purchasing this notebook. For about $500 less you can buy a faster computer (Macbook). what you get for $500 more is aluminum casing and 2lbs less. If you find 2lbs extra that troublesome, you need to spend $500 for gym membership, not for purchasing MBA.

[nagromme]

I like that the included VGA and DVI dongles (two ports a regular MacBook lacks out of the box) are two different shapes: one squared, one rounded. Tossing the wrong one in your bag could be a real problem! This way they look clearly different.

And it looks like they still include both long and short power cord options.

[phoxrenvatio]

has anyone thought of watching the movie on the computer they're using remote disc on?

[wallaby]

A number of disappointments there, But I really hope that Apple will adopt the MBAir MagSafe connector style on their other laptops. it looks like it will take stress a LOT better than the current ones, although I have no particular complaint with the current ones.

Seconded. Lots of students lease MBPs from the college here in my design program, and lots of them have bent/weirdly shaped magsafe connectors from extended use.

[PCMacUser]

IF YOU WANT TO PLAY A DVD GET A MACBOOK.


Has anyone done a side by side comparison yet of MB vs MBA?

Size: MBA
Weight: MBA
Noise: Presumably MBA
CPU Performance: MB
HDD Capacity: MB
DVD Functionality: MB
Compatibility with accessories: MB
Practicality: MB

Feel free to elaborate...

[filmguy15]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused:

Why would Apple include the ability to play DVDs? They just released their shiny new Movie Rental Service....(which I have high hopes for) and they want you to use that. Steve even said in the keynote how they have covered all of the uses for a built in optical drive with other services, except software installation. Which is now covered with this feature. Makes sense to me, and if you are the type of consumer the MacBook Air is designed for, then it should cater to your needs perfectly. Now if you're just someone who buys EVERYTHING mac comes out with, expecting each product to do EVERYTHING you want, then that's another story....

[PCMacUser]

have you ever posted a non-FUD comment?

You expect me to go through 943 of my posts to answer that? Let's stay on topic.

[colocolo]

Although having said that, I can at least play CDs wirelessly on a PC network... :rolleyes:

On an Apple network you can, as well; it has NOTHING to do with the Remote CD concept.

[batmccoy]

The color and the operating system make it seem like a normal laptop, but in reality, it's an iPod touch with a keyboard and large screen.

The price also adds to this.

I agree with others, if you want to play disks, get a MacBook.

Apple has missed here. The cube made more sense than this. This product's size and capabilities should price it UNDER the MacBook. Like $799 or something. It's a second computer.

[Clive At Five]

Any Apple Store sightings yet??

-Clive

[Snide]

has anyone thought of watching the movie on the computer they're using remote disc on?

But that would mean one less thing to complain about. :rolleyes:

[Capn_Moho]

It doesnt look as thin as in apple.com

It's like the stealth bomber: it looks different from every angle. If only it had radar-absorbing paint.

[MacRumorUser]

3. If Apple is billing the computer as wireless centric notebook, I find it confusing that MBA does not have Express 34 slot to put 3G cards in. Maybe there are USB-based 3G modems, but I haven't seen one.

There are plenty of 3g USB modems. I'm using one right now and all the other operators here use the exact same modem to provide mobile broadband.

[latergator116]

Why would Apple include the ability to play DVDs?

Why wouldn't they? :confused: (unless there is some technological reason, of course) It's pretty sleazy to intentionally cripple it like that.

[pixelbart]

Not so long ago, my MacBook was small and tiny compared to other notebooks.... Now it's just 'one of the fat ones'... Thanks, Apple :(

[Mindflux]

my 2 cents for MBA:

3. If Apple is billing the computer as wireless centric notebook, I find it confusing that MBA does not have Express 34 slot to put 3G cards in. Maybe there are USB-based 3G modems, but I haven't seen one.





Article, meet guy who lives in a cave. Guy in cave, article.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/adding-insult-to-injury-usb-3g-modems-wont-fit-in-the-macbo/

[RichP]

Am I the only one that is just less and less impressed by this machine all the time? It doesnt do this, it doesnt do that... I cant believe the 3G USB modems dont fit! Granted, you can carry an extender, but all these little dongles and accessories completely take away from the point of the machine.

And companies like Sony and Toshiba have machines that address these issues, why not Apple?

[0racle]

This product's size ... should price it UNDER the MacBook. Like $799 or something. It's a second computer.

There comes a point where shrinking something down makes it significantly more expensive. I don't think it's hard to see that the Air has definitely hit that point.

has anyone thought of watching the movie on the computer they're using remote disc on?You mean watch the movie on their larger Mac? Ya, I think that's been tried before.

[latergator116]

Seconded. Lots of students lease MBPs from the college here in my design program, and lots of them have bent/weirdly shaped magsafe connectors from extended use.

If you go to the apple online store and search for the Magsafe power adapter, you'll see it has a 1.5 star customer rating. Seems like a design flaw to me.

[cohibadad]

You expect me to go through 943 of my posts to answer that? Let's stay on topic.

lol. kinda funny that you couldn't answer off the top of your head;)

[Transeau]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused:

If you are on the couch, couldn't you just use a normal DVD player and TV?

[Fossie]

What a stupid computer :/

[shadowfax]

If you go to the Apple store and search for the Magsafe power adapter, you'll see it has a 1.5 star customer rating. Seems like a design flaw to me.

I wouldn't call it a design flaw. It's not the easiest thing to make a heavy, tough cord that's not ugly and too big. Looks like they figured it out with the Air. I have 2 magsafe connectors, and other than bite marks on one from one of my stupid cats, they're both in great shape. And I tug on mine to get them off, a lot of the things Apple recommends against. I think the 1.5 stars on the Apple site is just a case of the fact that people with 0 problems would never review a product like that, and people that have any problem always write in and complain.

Again, not to say that Apple couldn't do better, but I really think the current MagSafes are 4 star-worthy, or at the very least 3.5. Looks like the MBAir might hit 5 stars, though I am concerned that the cord may not be very heavy gauge.

[iCeFuSiOn]

What a stupid computer :/
Depends on what you're using it for.

[me_94501]

I eagerly await Ars Technica's review.

[brop52]

You guys are missing the point. There is a reason for the lack of certain features. You have more than one computer for a reason or the option to buy a computer other than this one.

[MLeepson]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/01/24/170514-mbaiz_300.jpg


What is this, find the MacBook Air?

[encro]

If you have received a MacBook Air please open Terminal.app and enter the following command and report back with the info returned:

hwprefs machine_type cpu_type

Cheers :)

[iCeFuSiOn]

What is this, find the MacBook Air?
Yes. :p

[gwangung]

Apple has missed here. The cube made more sense than this. This product's size and capabilities should price it UNDER the MacBook. Like $799 or something. It's a second computer.

Absolutely not.

It's an ultraportable machine and the market for those START at $1600. The product's size (i.e. WEIGHT) puts it into a different market.

Pay attention.

[PDE]

Hmm, I'm interested to see what the Achilles heel will be on this model... Dodgy display? Overheating? Faulty HDDs? Or will Apple break into something new - faulty trackpads perhaps?

I totally agree. There will be something and it won't be pretty....never a rev A Apple product again!

[craigatkinson]

LOL
has anyone thought of watching the movie on the computer they're using remote disc on?

[SheriffParker]

Hmmm. Well it certainly is thin.

I really don't know how this one left the building though.... There's lots of room for improvement.

[craigatkinson]

I don't think this machine is for the type of people who frequent these forums. People like us like lots of features and capabilities. Apple didn't release the Air for us. This machine is for people who want something they can use while on the run and don't require a lot features. As long as they can do email and word processing and maybe listen to some music while they are at it, then they are set.

[latergator116]

I wouldn't call it a design flaw. It's not the easiest thing to make a heavy, tough cord that's not ugly and too big. Looks like they figured it out with the Air. I have 2 magsafe connectors, and other than bite marks on one from one of my stupid cats, they're both in great shape. And I tug on mine to get them off, a lot of the things Apple recommends against. I think the 1.5 stars on the Apple site is just a case of the fact that people with 0 problems would never review a product like that, and people that have any problem always write in and complain.

Again, not to say that Apple couldn't do better, but I really think the current MagSafes are 4 star-worthy, or at the very least 3.5. Looks like the MBAir might hit 5 stars, though I am concerned that the cord may not be very heavy gauge.

I don't have one, so I can't really comment personally, but Apple has made sturdier power adapters before, why not now? It just seems like there's so many complaints about the Magsafe compared to before. To be fair though, wasn't there a recall a while ago for adapters that would overheat and possibly catch on fire?

[Mindflux]

I don't think this machine is for the type of people who frequent these forums. People like us like lots of features and capabilities. Apple didn't release the Air for us. This machine is for people who want something they can use while on the run and don't require a lot features. As long as they can do email and word processing and maybe listen to some music while they are at it, then they are set.


You dont need 'features and capabilities' to frequent forums.

[Mindflux]

Hmmm. Well it certainly is thin.

I really don't know how this one left the building though.... There's lots of room for improvement.

Or not? Have you seen the guts. Show me where anything else can go?

[em500]

There comes a point where shrinking something down makes it significantly more expensive. I don't think it's hard to see that the Air has definitely hit that point.
The Air does a lot more "leave them out" than actually shrinking.

[diamond.g]

If you have received a MacBook Air please open Terminal.app and enter the following command and report back with the info returned:

hwprefs machine_type cpu_type

Cheers :)

I don't have a MBA, but I was curious to the output of the command you posted. Just a FYI, it comes back and tells me command not found.

[eddietr]

You dont need 'features and capabilities' to frequent forums.

:D

How fast of a processor and how many ports do you need to spend time complaining about other people's laptops when you aren't buying that model yourself?

[stevechollet]

Everybody seems to be chiming in on the MacBook Air, so I might as well too.

To me (opinion here), the MacBook Air misses the mark in many ways, but at the same time, I believe it is a computer that needed to happen (I'll explain this later)

Here are some issues, pro's and cons style compared to the MacBook:

Pros:
- Thinner
- Lighter
- Nice looking (subjective)
- Slightly longer battery life?
- MultiTouch Trackpad

Cons:
- Slower Processor
- Less hard drive capacity
- Slower hard drive
- Less connectivity (Optical, firewire, etc)
- Higher price (+$700)

The thinner & lighter thing is cool, but it's no more portable than any other MacBook. The footprint is the same, and the bag you carry it in isn't much different if at all than what you would carry any MacBook in. Also, the trackpad feature will undoubtedly be available on the MB and MBP on their next respective revisions.

So let's sum it up; you get a computer that is not really any more portable, has less connectivity, is slower, has less space, etc, etc, and you pay $700 more for this. Doesn't add up for me. As someone else mentioned, this is more of a second computer, but it is priced at a pro level, and clearly not a pro machine.

However, I said this computer needed to happen...here is what I mean. As impractical as this computer is (based on it's price), this is a great looking and well functioning machine for the right person, which is the consumer level user. I think a realistic expectation is to see this design become the MacBook design, a thin lightweight computer for the consumer, and at the current MacBook pricepoint, people would be all about that. And then, the pro user would have the MacBook Pro, a portable with all of the connectivity and speed that pro users need. I hope that made sense. Again, I think the design and the idea is great, but it's position in the product line makes no sense to me. Unless you are impractical and want to pay a premium for the über-trendy, then it makes complete sense.

I hope they eventually split the line to the MacBook Air design, and a Pro design...I think that would make sense for everyone. My opinion.

Steve

[peestandingup]

Somewhat disappointing, but it makes sense. The speed/quality of a given connection may not be enough to support watching a movie.Bologna. Windows users do it all the time. If that were the case, then why can you boot from a disc over the air with this thing??

[pjarvi]

Hmm, I'm interested to see what the Achilles heel will be on this model... Dodgy display? Overheating? Faulty HDDs? Or will Apple break into something new - faulty trackpads perhaps?

Moving parts would be my guess. The USB/headphone/mini-DVI connectors in particular. A number of the remote users at our company have a habit of not unplugging things when they put their laptops away. It wouldn't surprise me to see people leave a USB adapter for something left plugged in when they put the system away, and cause damage to that part of the laptop. Other than that, it will be interesting to see how well the hinge for the display holds up.

[RichP]

Its understandable the machine would lack some features in the quest for lightness. We never expected to have an optical drive, we never expected it to be a powerhouse, we never expected it to have a completely full feature-set. However, this machine lacks SO MANY features (namely useful ports) it begins to lose some of the Apple design flair for simplicity. The machine isn't that portable if I need to carry around a bunch of little attachments and adapters.

And other manufacturers have roughly figured out how to do it, why not apple?

[AidenShaw]

WHO CARES IT FITS IN AN ENVELOPE!!! IT FITS IN AN ENVELOOOOOOPE!!!!

So does a three year old Dell X1 (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=4790002&postcount=333)

blah2

[PNW]

I'm amazed at all the negative press about the lack of an optical drive. A couple of years a go when our IT dept handed me a lenovo x40 I said "nice size, where's the dvd drive", the guy said (while rolling his eyes) "if you really need one we'll get you an external." They did, I never use it.

If you want to watch a movie on your MBA rip it to another computer and copy or stream it to the MBA.

I take my laptop when I travel and I bike to and from work with it on my back everyday. When you're lugging something around all the time, 2lbs makes a huge difference.

As others have mentioned the MBA was never meant to be anyone's primary box. And as to the price I imagine that having Intel redesign a processor for the MBA wasn't cheap.

[batmccoy]

Absolutely not.

It's an ultraportable machine and the market for those START at $1600. The product's size (i.e. WEIGHT) puts it into a different market.

Pay attention.

I am paying attention. Are you? This is an Apple product and requires a second computer. Most if not all of the people that would use this would have a Mac.

It doesn't matter how thin something is. Did the people asking for a thinner laptop realize that options would be lost? With reduced capabilities of a MacBook, it should be priced less than a MacBook, no matter what anyone else is selling an ultra portable for.

[zedsdead]

I really want one of them to address how the 80gb Hard Drive performs. Walt made a comment about the Macbook Air being speedy, but I wasn't sure if he was addressing this specifically.

[eddietr]

With reduced capabilities of a MacBook, it should be priced less than a MacBook, no matter what anyone else is selling an ultra portable for.

But how on earth do you propose to make something smaller than a normal laptop and still have an overall cost lower than the larger devices?

Why do you think other manufacturers also charge a premium for their smaller, thinner notebooks which are also generally less powerful than their bigger, cheaper notebooks?

[MacRumorUser]

I think all those whining were not the target audience that apple was aiming at, pure and simple.

Yes the battery may be the most realistically contentious aspect but everything else is just nonsense.

If you need a computer that does 'everything' Apple already give you an array of models and options to suit your needs.

The reason I'm getting a MBA is simple.

I need somthing very portable that i keep all my contacts, addresses, calender, accounts, surf the internet and emails, check files clients send to me on the fly, or provide quick proofing...

I already have had a MB and a MBP, both fine machines but there are parts I dont like or need about both and where the MBA fits my needs perfectly.

The macbook is a great value laptop, but aesthetically for me it lacks somthing which may seem trivial but it is important to others.. I much prefer Aluminum macs as a previous powerbook user, they look more professional, and have extra features such as back lit keyboard that I really like.

The macbook pro is a very powerful desktop replacement, but I already have one (a mac pro) and whilst aesthetically its great it is overkill for my needs. I never ever use the drive and I prefer if it was a little smaller and lighter...

Enter macbook air... Does everything I want out of laptop.

Sure it's not super cheap, but Apple knows it's demographic and know that the people who would be attracted to the MBA as a ultra portable secondary computer, one that has been geared towards those that really care about aesthetics, well they know generally we can afford the price tag and not grumble about it.

If your whining about lack of this, lack of that, too pricy etc... Then its quite simple the MBA was not designed for you. So please stop complaining, go out for a long walk, find the nearest bridge and simply..... get over it......

I mean if your not going to buy one, why moan about it ? Have you nothing better to do ?

[JGowan]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused:Who watches movies on the couch with their laptop?!? You watch a movie on a TV. Personally, when I travel, I HandBrake a movie or 3 and Quicktime them hoes on the go.

[Airforce]

Who watches movies on the couch with their laptop?!? You watch a movie on a TV. Personally, when I travel, I HandBrake a movie or 3 and Quicktime them hoes on the go.

Well, according to Engadget:

You can't rip DVDs over the network using a tool like Handbrake.

[eddietr]

The iPods are a great example.

If all people wanted was maximum storage size and capabilities and reasonable physical size and weight, then there would be only one iPod. The classic.

The nano has *far* less storage. Their total cost per gig of content is way more than the classic. It even has a smaller, not as bright, screen.

And yet people buy them even though they are very similar in cost? Why?

Because size matters. And making things smaller costs money and adds value for those who want small things. And people are willing to give up 80-90% of the capacity to get the smaller device. Even though the classic will still fit in most pockets.

[LeviG]

OK, it can't stream video etc via the remote disk software, but can't you just share the optical drive normally not got a mac to test it but on a pc you can share any drive you want and it will let you stream a dvd, I would assume the same options are available on a mac. I was under the impression that all the remote disk does (on windows) is allows the pc to read the disk, something that doesn't always work well.

[eddietr]

Well, according to Engadget:

You can't rip DVDs over the network using a tool like Handbrake.


Why do you need to rip them on the Air?

Who is buying the Air who doesn't already have other computers? And already probably have lots of ripped content?

Why would I want to rip on my laptop, when I have an MP that does it way faster than my MBP?

[minik]

Hate the picture, love the rest.

[MacRumorUser]

Why would I want to rip on my laptop, when I have an MP that does it way faster than my MBP?

EXACTLY!! Just going to say the same thing. We would rip the file on our MacPro and just transfer it to the MBA for playback later. Why use a 1.6/1.8 to rip when we can use our 4 or 8 cores....

People are making issues that most MBA users simply wont have.

[synth3tik]

god, that photo looks filthy...

:D

I concur

[quantumbits]

I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.

Nope, not working. Sorry Steve, I remained unconvinced. Way to deliberately compromise functionality for the sake of monopolizing media content (i.e. iTunes content).

[MacRumorUser]

I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.

Nope, not working. Sorry Steve, I remained unconvinced.


Then the MBA is not for you. Buy one of the other MacBooks or MacBook Pro's that apple offer and get over it :rolleyes:

[happydude]

I don't think this machine is for the type of people who frequent these forums. People like us like lots of features and capabilities. Apple didn't release the Air for us. This machine is for people who want something they can use while on the run and don't require a lot features. As long as they can do email and word processing and maybe listen to some music while they are at it, then they are set.

or, it could be for people who frequent these forums . . . or well at least myself. i'm totally in the market for a subnotebook (obviously waiting for one from apple). while i'm disappointed it isn't 12" (was hoping for a replacement for the 12" PB) i do respect that the keyboard is full sized and not uncomfortably scrunched. when it comes down to it, what's an inch? big deal. but as to the point of being for people like us on the forums, i have my power computing model that i use all the time for editing video, pictures, games, etc. but i really really need something portable since for my job i'm on the road almost every day. and yes, the 2 lost pounds would make a difference in my brief case, as does its thin-ness. i'm excited. i'm going to wait until i see it first hand, also contemplating on waiting for rev B, but that depends on the status of my current PB and it's impending death. i don't need an optical drive, if at some point i need a wireless card, i'll get a usb one, i don't need blazing fast processors or super powerful graphics cards, i don't need a huge HD . . . i need something small that will surf the internets and the google, word process, create keynote presentations, etc. that's all i need and this fits the bill perfectly. i know i'm not the only one out there (or in here) for whom this will be awesome. so to all you complainers, dude, buy a dell.

[AppleMojo]

I like that the included VGA and DVI dongles (two ports a regular MacBook lacks out of the box) are two different shapes: one squared, one rounded. Tossing the wrong one in your bag could be a real problem! This way they look clearly different.

And it looks like they still include both long and short power cord options.

lol

I can speak with experience there.

Flying 2,200 miles to teach a seminar and had the wrong connection for the Powerbook. Was very bad, I don't even want to talk about it anymore.

[MacRumorUser]

i have my power computing model that i use all the time for editing video, pictures, games, etc. but i really really need something portable since for my job i'm on the road almost every day. and yes, the 2 lost pounds would make a difference in my brief case, as does its thin-ness. i'm excited. i'm going to wait until i see it first hand, also contemplating on waiting for rev B, but that depends on the status of my current PB and it's impending death. i don't need an optical drive, if at some point i need a wireless card, i'll get a usb one, i don't need blazing fast processors or super powerful graphics cards, i don't need a huge HD . . . i need something small that will surf the internets and the google, word process, create keynote presentations, etc. that's all i need and this fits the bill perfectly. i know i'm not the only one out there (or in here) for whom this will be awesome. so to all you complainers, dude, buy a dell.

Thank god I'm not the only one who gets it... Its for those exact reasons that I'm getting one.

[quantumbits]

Then the MBA is not for you. Buy one of the other MacBooks or MacBook Pro's that apple offer and get over it :rolleyes:

Get over it? Assuming there was anything for me to "get over," then I'd like to formally introduce myself: my name is Kettle. Would you happen to be Pot? Yes, it would appear so...

After all, heaven forbid anyone voice any opinion that falls short of gleeful obsequiousness.

[Cloudane]

LOL same old arguments in every single thread that even mentions the MBA. Yes, it's a niche product. It's amazing though, and those who can justify it will love it.

Did you lot see the disassembly video on Gizmodo? Something that tiny and thin, and yet so easy to take apart! No need to fret over the battery, looks very easy to replace (and those who say they want to carry a spare battery around are missing the point of something this light)

[seashellz2]

dont these things require 10.5.2 to run optimally?
Rumors of tomorrows release

[MacRumorUser]

After all, heaven forbid anyone voice any opinion that falls short of gleeful obsequiousness.

There is a vast disparity from voicing an opinion, and the ceaseless drone of posters grousing over a product they are incontrovertibly not the demographic that the said product is aimed at.

Moaning over lack of features in product (A) when you are ultimately given a choice from a range of products (B) & (C) which do; is an utterly fruitless exercise in tedium.



It's seems clear that..

People want something cheaper, with an optical drive.... Well let me introduce the Macbook.

People wanting something more powerful, a full desktop replacement with the extra features LED screen, back lit keyboard, express card slot.. then may I present the MacBook Pro

[quantumbits]

Thank god I'm not the only one who gets it... Its for those exact reasons that I'm getting one.

Oooooo. Sounds like the foundation for a secret society. How about something along the lines of "The Official Keepers of the Macbook Air Secret?" You know, that way all of you who "get it" can lavish praise upon one another in perpetuity for figuring out why spending $1500 on an iPod deluxe makes sense.

Don't get me wrong: I'm all for choices. I'm glad the computer works for you. But it doesn't work for other folk. As someone *ahem* remarked earlier: "Get over it." IOW, no one's opinion reigns supreme.

[Techguy172]

Am I the only one feeling sorry the the Macbook and Macbook Pro thats in the picture.

[twoodcc]

nice comparisons. looking forward to testing one myself in the apple store.

[batmccoy]

But how on earth do you propose to make something smaller than a normal laptop and still have an overall cost lower than the larger devices?

Why do you think other manufacturers also charge a premium for their smaller, thinner notebooks which are also generally less powerful than their bigger, cheaper notebooks?

I understand that's how things work...smaller = more money. But when it comes to a notebook, I may choose to sacrifice speed for mobility, but not functionality. The existing Apple laptops may already be as small as a "laptop" can be, with all the desired functionality. If going smaller means less functionality, than maybe the product should cost less too.

If I wanted an Apple laptop, I would opt for one that had a complete set of connection options. Especially if I had to pay more for mobility. The final size and weight of the MBA is not enough of an improvement to justify reduced capability and a HIGHER price than MacBook.

[Wild-Bill]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!! :apple:


Am I the only one feeling sorry for the Macbook and Macbook Pro thats in the picture.

No, but I am admiring the sexiness of the little gem resting atop the MBA. ;)

[quantumbits]

There is a vast disparity from voicing an opinion, and the ceaseless drone of posters grousing over a product they are incontrovertibly not the demographic that the said product is aimed at.

Oh really? So you presume to know my needs better than me. Based on what? One post? Ok, I'll play along and suspend my disbelief over your implied omniscience. In fact, I'd like to pique your infinite knowledge just as the Professor Farnsworth did with his What-if machine in Futurama:

::Lighting inscence::
::kneeling before you::

Oh great, noble and exclusive knower of Apple's market strategy: whom comprises the target demographic? Better yet, am I the target demographic? What's that? You need more information? Ok. 1) I travel A LOT. 2) I have a dedicated IX server at home and run my intensive sims (for work) on my lab compute cluster. 3) I like to pack as little as possible. 4) I administer various servers remotely. 5) I find pretty, shiny things really neat.

I eagerly await your answer.

[mashinhead]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!!

ah the glorious and exciting future. i suppose i will have to wait until my next trip to japan to see such marvelous wonders at the 2010 world's fair

[Sweetbike40]

My only problem with this laptop is battery life. I would expect at least 6 hours battery life. What a drag to have to worry about the battery running out on the go. You give up a lot of features on this slim laptop, which i think is ok but don't even gain more battery life which is not ok. Does the ac adapter fit as nicely in that envelope?

Otherwise, it's a beauty. It's re-thinking how you use it. Just like all the iPod users who thought they could never live without an iPod that is under 80gigs. It's nice just having a 16g iPod Touch and not carry your entire library around. It just isn't necessary. Same thing with the MBA.

[tirant]

Express Card, Ethernet and 1 USB more and it would be perfect... :(:(

[soLoredd]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!! :apple:


Yeah, I'm all for the MBA but I am not for the direction that Apple seems to be going. They spend more time on niche products and "hobbies" and not enough time progressing on already existing products.

And the folks who will be buying the MBA should already know something: rev A products from Apple almost 100% of the time bring with it a "bend over" factor. All I'm saying is, that $1799 better include some lube.

[eddietr]

I understand that's how things work...smaller = more money.



If going smaller means less functionality, than maybe the product should cost less too.



So in the span of a few sentences you forgot how things work. :) If you look at other laptops in 2008 that are in the real world, the 3 lb ones are generally more expensive and less capable than the 5 or 6 lb laptops. This is just a reality. So if you want to save money, get the 5 lb laptop.

I don't see how it would have been possible to make it cheaper than the Macbook.


If I wanted an Apple laptop, I would opt for one that had a complete set of connection options. Especially if I had to pay more for mobility. The final size and weight of the MBA is not enough of an improvement to justify reduced capability and a HIGHER price than MacBook.

To you. You don't think it's worth the higher price. To others it is worth the price. Which is why it's a good thing Apple offers both the MB and the MBA. It would be really silly for them to offer only one or the other.

Because for me, for example, if they offered only an MB and an MBP, I would have started looking around for a way to install linux on a little Sony. Because I want a lighter laptop. But I prefer OS X as a "daily driver" so to speak and I don't like small screens. So this MBA is perfect for me (or at least the best real world option out there that I can actually purchase today)

And not so much for you.

What I run on my MBP now is primarily: Eclipse, Textmate, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Word and Safari and Firefox. That's pretty much it. It doesn't make sense to me to carry a 5 lb laptop when 3 lbs will do all of that fine. My MBP can run all of that without even running at full speed most of the time.

On my MP I run: multiple VMs, Aperture, FCE, iTunes (with a big library), plus the things I run on the MBP. And for that I use terabytes of drive space and 12GB of RAM and 8 cores and all that.

If I could only have one computer it would be the MBP. But since that's not the case, for me having an MP and an MBP just doesn't make sense.

So each case is different. But I'm not bashing my MBP or saying it's silly. Because although it doesn't make sense for me, I can totally understand how it's a good choice for other people.

[BigJohno]

Yeah its all thin and stuff but really thats all it has going for it. Steve should have made that second priority and made it more powerful. well I hope version 2 is actually worth the money.

[sikkinixx]

For everyone who hates on the mba (including myself) just remember





12" G5 Powerbook next tuesday baby!!!!11 :apple:

[Agathon]

After all, heaven forbid anyone voice any opinion that falls short of gleeful obsequiousness.

No. It would just be nice if some people stopped saying patently moronic things. If you need a notebook with an optical drive, then good for you. HEY EVERYONE!!! QUANTUMBITS NEEDS A NOTEBOOK WITH AN OPTICAL DRIVE!!! STOP THE PRESSES!!!

Some of us only ever use the optical drive on our notebooks to install software. We are the people the MBA is aimed at. Not you. Apple didn't make the new notebook especially for you, so you feel the need to cry about it. Spare us your whining. You have absolutely no argument other than "It doesn't suit me so it sucks", which is an obviously fallacious inference.

[batmccoy]

Maybe this is semantics.

Reduce the size = "I understand more money".

Reduce the size, reduce the speed, remove some ports, remove CD-ROM and DVD drive = it should cost less.

[cohibadad]

Maybe this is semantics.

Reduce the size = "I understand more money".

Reduce the size, reduce the speed, remove some ports, remove CD-ROM and DVD drive = it should cost less.

can you think of any example from any other company where this is the case?

[digitalbiker]

Absolutely not.

It's an ultraportable machine and the market for those START at $1600. The product's size (i.e. WEIGHT) puts it into a different market.

Pay attention.

Except that it is not really an ultra-portable. Weight is only part of the equation in ultra-portability. Size and battery life are also important in a portable.

The MBA is a unique, product. It isn't an ultra-portable and it isn't a standard full laptop. It is in between. It has yet to be seen what this market will pay for this product. $1799 may be spot-on or it may be way out of line.

Only time will tell. Either Apple has a new iphone or it has a new cube.

[eddietr]

Maybe this is semantics.

Reduce the size = "I understand more money".

Reduce the size, reduce the speed, remove some ports, remove CD-ROM and DVD drive = it should cost less.

Why?

You think all that money goes into engineering a smaller case and tiny board and then the elimination of a $20 drive is going to make up for that? Or some 50 cent ports?

Again, look at every other 3lb notebook. They all have less capability than 5 lb notebooks from the the same manufacturer. And yet they are all still relatively expensive.

And many of those actually have ultra lower power processors that are even less powerful than the MBA. Like the 1 Ghz core solos and stuff that you see in this weight class.

[NYCMacFan]

I really want one of them to address how the 80gb Hard Drive performs. Walt made a comment about the Macbook Air being speedy, but I wasn't sure if he was addressing this specifically.

A problem is that Walt - or I or many others - don't care about performance so much and so we get vague comments.

We want:
-light and small w/ full sized keyboard and screen
-reasonable battery life

I use MS word, Powerpoint, Excel, itunes and Firefox on ibook G4. Please tell me what a MBP with a 2.4 does for me. How does it help me at all? Why should I care about the speed?

Only answers I could come up with were the lack of ports and the 4200 RPM HDD is slow. Oh and I'd like a faster startup time. So perhaps I go with SDD.

[AppleMojo]

Maybe this is semantics.

Reduce the size = "I understand more money".

Reduce the size, reduce the speed, remove some ports, remove CD-ROM and DVD drive = it should cost less.

These people are ludicrous!

Hello? iPhone... name those features and then give me the initial release price one more time?

Cost is related to technology. Once technology is paid for (including R&D), then the price lowers and reflects more accurately.

So smaller usually means more technology / R&D and this translates into more bucks, which in the end drives more R&D for the next revolution in technology. It's a completely normal evolution here.

[AppleMojo]

Except that it is not really an ultra-portable. Weight is only part of the equation in ultra-portability. Size and battery life are also important in a portable.

The MBA is a unique, product. It isn't an ultra-portable and it isn't a standard full laptop. It is in between. It has yet to be seen what this market will pay for this product. $1799 may be spot-on or it may be way out of line.

Only time will tell. Either Apple has a new iphone or it has a new cube.

Since when is a 13" notebook not an ultra-portable?

If thats the case, a 12" screen in a 10 pound enclosure that sports 20 hours of battery life is perfect.

[Sandfleaz]

It's a great design exercise, but I can't see it replacing my MacBook Pro as a work tool and I can't justify having 2 laptops.
.

[quantumbits]

Apple didn't make the new notebook especially for you, so you feel the need to cry about it. Spare us your whining.

First of all, take a deep breath and calm down. Feeling better? Good. Second, I'm not whining. Rather, I'm voicing my opinion about the product, which I personally find deficient for my needs. I believe that my opinion is valid if indeed the target demographic for this computer are users whom travel a lot and whom place a premium on size and weight, even at the expense of performance.

I don't begrudge anyone for whom the product works. You like the computer. Kudos. Come on here and rave about it. I promise I won't attack your opinion. In fact, you may eventually sway my opinion, especially if the initial user feedback is overwhelmingly positive. However, note that my original post was aimed at no board user. Rather, I was voicing my own opinion; in this case my disatisfaction with the technical specifications. That opinion is being dismissed. Furthermore, it is being dismissed via broad generalizations, my perceived standing within some ill-defined target demographic or (in your case) gross mischaracterizations of my arguments.


You have absolutely no argument other than "It doesn't suit me so it sucks", which is an obviously fallacious inference.

Nonsense. Ironic too...since you rely on a strawman to invalidate the logic in my argument.

But let's get back to the point at hand. Originally, we were sold on the idea that the lack of an installed optical media device was mitigated, in part, by the remote use of a CD/DVD drive on another machine. Ok. Now we find out that this work-around does not provide MBA users with full optical drive functionality. I think that knocks some of the luster off of the remote drive workaround as it requires that you either become beholden on iTunes media or that you purchase an external drive. Maybe I'm being cynical, but I can't find any reason for the limitation other than the fact that Apple is using it as leverage for pushing more iTunes content.

[NYCMacFan]

My question from the start has always been the following. Let's assume we want to keep the same keyboard and screen and don't care about thickness. Could we shave abuot 0.5 inches off each side of the keyboard and another 0.5 off the top? I think so. So you'd have a slightly smaller footprint. To accommodate the battery and other needs you'd have more space internally by going with say a uniform .8 thickness. It would be more box like such as with other macs. But you'd keep a sleek aluminum industrial design. You'd have no special claim to fame, but perhaps an extra port or two. Perhaps it could even be a touch lighter, but not sure.

Which would you prefer?

[MacRumorUser]

But let's get back to the point at hand. Originally, we were sold on the idea that the lack of an installed optical media device was mitigated, in part, by the remote use of a CD/DVD drive on another machine. Ok. Now we find out that this work-around does not provide MBA users with full optical drive functionality. I think that knocks some of the luster off of the remote drive workaround as it requires that you either become beholden on iTunes media or that you purchase an external drive. Maybe I'm being cynical, but I can't find any reason for the limitation other than the fact that Apple is using it as leverage for pushing more iTunes content.

But your missing an important detail...

So if you have another computer that you are using the drive from. Then surely you would / could just rip your CD or DVD on that computer and simply send the file over to your MBA via your wireless network already ripped. It would probably be a lot faster than trying to rip a DVD or CD wirelessly anyway.

You are not beholden to iTunes at all.

[digitalbiker]

Since when is a 13" notebook not an ultra-portable?

It's not. The footprint is too large to be considered ultra-portable. Portable yes. Ultra-portable no.

If thats the case, a 12" screen in a 10 pound enclosure that sports 20 hours of battery life is perfect.

No, an ultra-portable weighs 3 lbs. or less. You are again describing a portable with great battery life.

That's why I say the MBA is unique. It's an untested market. Big but light. In the past, ultra-portables have been small and light.

[anonymosity]

5. I honestly don't know who will be up for purchasing this notebook. For about $500 less you can buy a faster computer (Macbook). what you get for $500 more is aluminum casing and 2lbs less. If you find 2lbs extra that troublesome, you need to spend $500 for gym membership, not for purchasing MBA.

For crying out loud! Will people stop saying stupid stuff like that? Seriously... gym membership... and that's gonna do what? Take away 2 lb from your computer? The damn thing will still weigh the same. So what if it feels lighter after your work out? You don't even need to spend that $500. Just do push-ups in your spare time.

How about this? Anyone familiar with Dune? Train your mind so it works better than a computer. Voila, saves you that $1000 too. Or you can merely do away with calculators, by learning to do the calculations in your head and memorizing Pi and the trigonometric function values, among other things. Saves you from tapping too.

There is A REASON that people want a LIGHT portable... So they don't have to go to a gym in order to carry one around!

[clevin]

great

slowest mac
external DVD won't work with pc
remote disk does not support CD music, DVD movie.
remote disk is super slow
DVD rippers like handbrake won't be able to use remote disk
remote disk supports none of the 3rd party firewall on pc....

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2008/01/medium_2217210662_5a30d95553_o.jpg

$1800. way to go.

[louden]

WHO CARES IT FITS IN AN ENVELOPE!!! IT FITS IN AN ENVELOOOOOOPE!!!!



blah

Does anyone have a 12" PB and an interoffice envelope? I'll bet it would also fit! I have the 12" but don't have an envelope handy...

[ltldrummerboy]

Am I wrong in thinking that the Air has a significantly larger footprint than the 12" iBook?

[digitalbiker]

Is anyone else surprised by the slow graphics scores?

I thought that it would have been very close to the macbook but the scores posted on engadget's site look much slower. Isn't it using the same integrated graphics chipset as the macbook?

[SteveSparks]

Because size matters. And making things smaller costs money [.

Yes, Size always matters, even when she/they say that it don't.

[Wild-Bill]

Is anyone else surprised by the slow graphics scores?
Isn't it using the same integrated graphics chipset as the macbook?

Knowing Apple, it's most likely an underclocked GMA x3100. :rolleyes:

[NYCMacFan]

Okay so decision time is approaching and I think I am going to go with the 1.6 over the 1.8 because the processor speed is meaningless to me and I'd rather save that extra 10-20 minutes of battery life.

Question: Do I go with the SSD or the HDD. Comes out of my expense account. So I am not really paying, but ultimately it limits other office purchases albeit only so slightly.

1. Anyone care to guess how many minutes of battery life I get with an SSD?

2. Anyone care to guess the increase in speed or boot time with the SSD?
(I thought I read in tests it took 45 seconds to boot the HDD version.)

3. Am I naive in assuming that the 1.6 will yield an extra 10-20 minutes of battery life?

4. I assume the saved weight of the SSD is 1 ounce or something like that.

Advice?

[SheriffParker]

Or not? Have you seen the guts. Show me where anything else can go?

I didn't mean that there is unused space in the enclosure.

I was referring to the fact that there is "room for improvement" in the ultra-portableness of the MacBook Air. In my opinion, there is a lot more that this computer could be for a similar cost and a different form-factor. IMO thinness should not be the ultimate design goal. I think footprint and functionality need more emphasis.

[clevin]

Okay so decision time is approaching and I think I am going to go with the 1.6 over the 1.8 because the processor speed is meaningless to me and I'd rather save that extra 10-20 minutes of battery life.

Question: Do I go with the SSD or the HDD. Comes out of my expense account. So I am not really paying, but ultimately it limits other office purchases albeit only so slightly.

1. Anyone care to guess how many minutes of battery life I get with an SSD?

2. Anyone care to guess the increase in speed or boot time with the SSD?
(I thought I read in tests it took 45 seconds to boot the HDD version.)

3. Am I naive in assuming that the 1.6 will yield an extra 10-20 minutes of battery life?

4. I assume the saved weight of the SSD is 1 ounce or something like that.

Advice?
3. yes

PS. goto purchase advice board, or MBA board for these information.

[hippo206]

LMFAO

a bunch of laptops spooning each other... Nice.

[JGowan]

Well, according to Engadget: "You can't rip DVDs over the network using a tool like Handbrake."Who said anything about ripping the DVD over a network? Just rip the file on your main computer and transfer the MP4 file (or VideoTS folder of the actual MacTheRipper goodies) over to your MBAir and watch in either QuickTime or DVD Player… oooh… I wonder if this thing will have a slightly different version of Leopard that doesn't include DVD Player. I doubt it though -- DVD Player allows you to open VideoTS folders so Apple totally knows people have ripped DVDs on their computers and completely allows to play them. Plus it would easy enough to copy the 5MB program over if they did leave it off. I'm sure it would be work.

[MegaSignal]

I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.

Nope, not working. Sorry Steve, I remained unconvinced. Way to deliberately compromise functionality for the sake of monopolizing media content (i.e. iTunes content).

I was like you many years ago when Apple introduced the very first iMac:

I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.
I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.
I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.

The rest, they say, is history.

Here we go again. . .

[clevin]

Who said anything about ripping the DVD over a network? Just rip the file on your main computer and transfer the MP4 file (or VideoTS folder of the actual MacTheRipper goodies) over to your MBAir and watch in either QuickTime or DVD Player

yeah, I agree MBA is a SECONDARY computer.

You can NOT use it alone and expect too much.

[sonictonic]

Doesn't anyone else besides me wanna know what version of Leopard is on these things?! I'm dying to know if they shipped with 10.5.2 :confused:

[clevin]

Doesn't anyone else besides me wanna know what version of Leopard is on these things?! I'm dying to know if they shipped with 10.5.2 :confused:

My guess is no.

a ~450MB patch of 10.5.2 should be downloaded pretty fast on any high speed internet.

[lostfan916]

Doesn't anyone else besides me wanna know what version of Leopard is on these things?! I'm dying to know if they shipped with 10.5.2 :confused:
Same here. There's special System Pref panes for the touchpad gestures, so I'm thinking they would've done that with 10.5.2 But seeing as developers where just seeded a build I guess that they have 5.1 just like the rest of us. Someone needs to get us an about this mac pic!


oOOoOoO! Macbook Air commercial on the 52" HDTV. God DAMN that was sexy! :D

[DTphonehome]

Only time will tell. Either Apple has a new iphone or it has a new cube.

I don't think that in Steve Jobs' wildest dreams this will sell even half as well as the iPhone. Not that it won't be successful, but an iPhone it aint.

[skinnylegs]

I was like you many years ago when Apple introduced the very first iMac:

I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.
I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.
I don't need a 3.5" floppy drive.

The rest, they say, is history.

Here we go again. . .Pretty lame comparison. It may not have had a floppy drive but it *did* have a CD drive which is simply another form of removable media. :rolleyes:

[ccrandall77]

I don't understand all the fuss about the MBA lacking a built-in 3G mobile broadband card. I have a MB with a Blackberry Pearl from Sprint. All I do is make a bluetooth connection and I'm online with pretty decent speeds. I definitely do not want Apple to add in something that'll probably only work with ATT (the WORST cell carrier on the planet!!). All it'll due is take up space and probably consume some power even if it's not in use.

Really, I just don't get all the people whining about this that and the other thing about the MBA!! It's not like they are discontinuing the other laptops. If you want to watch a frickin' DVD, or have a bunch of ports, then get something else and move on with life. My MB is tied to my hip all day and evening. I've probably only used the superdrive 2 or 3 times in the entire time I've owned the 2 MBs that I have (since May 2006). I also cannot think of a time that I've needed more than 1 USB port. Other than occassionally sticking a thumb drive in or attaching my iPod Touch (and if they'd add wireless syncing over wifi, I wouldn't need the USB port for that either).

Someone else had mentioned this elsewhere, but I think the lack of an optical drive on the MBA is somewhat similar to the lack of a floppy drive on the original iMac and may be signaling the end of optical drives altogether. Flash is so cheap now and a thumb drive can store a helluva lot more than a CD. It's only a matter of time before flash is cheap enough and small enough to replace HD media... and it won't oxidize either.

As soon as I figure out whether or not the IRS is going to bend me over this year, I'm getting rid of wifey's MB, giving her mine, and getting myself a MBA.

[ccrandall77]

Pretty lame comparison. It may not have had a floppy drive but it *did* have a CD drive which is simply another form of removable media. :rolleyes:

Uh, flash is removable too. Just use a thumb drive... fits in the pocket much better than a CD/DVD, doesn't scratch, doesn't oxidize. Optical drives are heading towards obsolescence.

[Fukui]

That thing (MBA) looks like a freaking space ship!
Gimme 4GB RAM and I'm on that thing like hair on a monkey!:eek:

[ATG]

Wow... Can't even play DVD's? So if I want to watch a movie on my Macbook Air on the couch, I have to plug in that superdrive and have it sitting there humming next to me? :confused:
Get VLC and point it to the Video_TS folder of a remote disk? Might even work for DVD Player.

[akadmon]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!! :apple:

No, but I am admiring the sexiness of the little gem resting atop the MBA. ;)

Right on, brother! Fits Apple's mantra to the cee: cripple it to keep them craving.

[filmguy15]

The machine isn't that portable if I need to carry around a bunch of little attachments and adapters.

Why does no one understand? If you have to carry around "a bunch of little attachments and adapters" to do what you need, then this model is NOT FOR YOU. Buy a macbook or macbook pro.

Peoples are acting as if they discontinued all of the other macs. Will I be buying one? No, because it doesn't meet my needs. You also won't see me complaining that it doesn't meet my needs, because I know the product wasn't made for my needs right now.

I cracks me up how you all LUST for the newest product, and complain when it doesn't do what you need it to. The only reason you're pissed is because you can't buy the NEWEST model and have to "settle" for one of the other models so you can get things done. It breaks your heart that you won't turn any heads with a MacBook or MacBook Pro, even though you've got all of the functionality you're asking for in those machines. Apple made it clear that the MBA is an ADDITION to the MacBook line, made to fill the needs of the uber-traveller/business person. The other models fill their respective needs as well. Remember the key words here....addition, NOT replacement.

[coday182]

Why would Apple include the ability to play DVDs? They just released their shiny new Movie Rental Service....(which I have high hopes for) and they want you to use that. Steve even said in the keynote how they have covered all of the uses for a built in optical drive with other services, except software installation. Which is now covered with this feature. Makes sense to me, and if you are the type of consumer the MacBook Air is designed for, then it should cater to your needs perfectly. Now if you're just someone who buys EVERYTHING mac comes out with, expecting each product to do EVERYTHING you want, then that's another story....

If only more people realized this... I'm sure that Steve has mad love for all of us fanboyz, but he isn't making any proucts specifically for us... atleast for now anyways :)

[Compile 'em all]

has anyone thought of watching the movie on the computer they're using remote disc on?

Not if you want to bitch about the Macbook Air.

[batmccoy]

Apple made it clear that the MBA is an ADDITION to the MacBook line, made to fill the needs of the uber-traveller/business person. The other models fill their respective needs as well. Remember the key words here....addition, NOT replacement.


So funny!

And highlights the issue...the MBA is a second machine and has LESS features than a MB. Sorry guys, it is just my opinion (of course what else are these posts for if not opinions) but if it has LESS features, it should cost LESS. It doesn't matter what the rest of the world is charging for "ultra portables" especially if it's a second machine.

[carlgo]

Who said anything about ripping the DVD over a network? Just rip the file on your main computer and transfer the MP4 file (or VideoTS folder of the actual MacTheRipper goodies) over to your MBAir and watch in either QuickTime or DVD Player… oooh… I wonder if this thing will have a slightly different version of Leopard that doesn't include DVD Player. I doubt it though -- DVD Player allows you to open VideoTS folders so Apple totally knows people have ripped DVDs on their computers and completely allows to play them. Plus it would easy enough to copy the 5MB program over if they did leave it off. I'm sure it would be work.

My God!

[BWhaler]

I bought the 1.8 with the SSD. Yup, $3,200 spent on the MacBook Air. And I feel great so far about the purchase and I can't wait to take 3.5 pounds out of my bag when I travel to Asia.

Does it have everything I want?

Basically, yes, with one exception. (I'll even share some of my fears too.)

Why I Bought the MacBook Air

1. It's light and thin. I don't care about the other dimensions since I am not buying a less wide bag. Thin means I can put more books, files, etc. in my bag. This is why THIN matters to global executives.

3. I don't bring DVD or CD's with me on the road.

4. Full sized keyboard and screen. Awesome.

5. CPU speed is more than fine. Remember where we were 3 years ago. I just hope the SSD gets rid of the bottleneck with the hard drive so this is a fast computer overall.

6. I always travel with an Airport Express. (I like to be able to work anywhere in a hotel room.) And for the 1 or two times a year I need an ethernet cable, I bought the dongle. Honestly, this really is not that big of a deal.)

The ONE MAJOR bummer for me:

1. No swappable battery. Yes, I fly business class with power plugs, but there are times when I am giving presentations all day long and I need a second battery. This is a major bummer.

My Fears:

1. Is the GPU powerful enough? I give photo rich presentations with builds and I can't have a computer which lags. I hope this is not the case.

2. Apple quality. We all know Apple's quality has been on a rapid decent in the past few years. Horrifically buggy software, heat issues, fit and finish, displays, etc., etc., etc. After spending so much for a laptop with some known specification tradeoffs, I really will be upset if there are quality issues.

3. Battery life needs to be 5 hours. Apple really needs to stop lying--and it has been lying--about battery life. (When I turn off all wireless, dim the screen all the way, and leave my laptop idle until the battery dies and still only get 70% of Apple's claim, it is lying.) Steve was very clear when he discussed 5 hours of battery life: wireless is on and using office-class applications. I expect this to be the case, and if I have wireless off on the plane, I expect to get a lot more than 5 hours. Again, these lies really hurt the integrity of Apple's brand.


So, I am pleased enough with the MBA specs and trade-offs to buy the top-of-the-line model. If the lack of swappable battery means I have to bring my MBP or if I can't run the presentations seemlessly with no lags between builds, I will sell the MBA and take the loss.

But I for one am hopeful the MBA meets my needs.

[digitalbiker]

But I for one am very pleased with the MBA and have no buyers remorse yet.

I hope you enjoy your purchase. If you get it soon, please post here your impressions and hands-on experience.

I think a lot of people have the same questions and wonder how this machine performs with the SSD on real world apps.(keynote, photoshop, acrobat, word or pages, mail, itunes, etc.) Battery life with the SSD would also be interesting to know.

Personally I am curious as to the performance of the remote disk and if it is extremely slow loading software from a remote optical disk.

[LeviG]

My Fears:

1. Is the GPU powerful enough? I give photo rich presentations with builds and I can't have a computer which lags. I hope this is not the case.


If the built in x3100 graphics cant handle a powerpoint presentation with lots of still images (and even video - codec dependent) in it then I would be very concerned as it is one of the best inbuilt graphics available on a laptop.

[quantumbits]

So if you have another computer that you are using the drive from. Then surely you would / could just rip your CD or DVD on that computer and simply send the file over to your MBA via your wireless network already ripped. It would probably be a lot faster than trying to rip a DVD or CD wirelessly anyway.

You are not beholden to iTunes at all.

But it wouldn't be faster than popping a DVD or CD into the drive and watching or listening to it, respectively, on the laptop as I bang out some code or a document. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping and zoning out to a particular movie helps me fall asleep. I like to fall asleep in a bed (versus a couch or at a desk), so the laptop is especially handy in these cases.

Second, I don't like to copy optical media that I already own. Its a waste of hard drive space and it unnecessarily prolongs the backup process, which is borderline ritualistic to me.

Third, I don't trust SSDs or even enterprise-level HDDs for critical backups. I've experienced SSD failures well before the published reliability thresholds. HDDs are failure prone because of the mechanical components involved. On the other hand, the lowest bound to which I'm privy for the reliability of a properly etched DVD is 50 years. My wedding photos are all backed up to several DVDs; I wouldn't have it any other way.

In short, I don't think optical media is going the way of the Dodo any time soon. Comparisons with the floppy drive are flawed. By the late 1990's, floppy disks had long been obsolete for the role of backup or software delivery media. Their continued presence was more of a legacy-driven issue (e.g. OS 9 support in earlier variants of OS X).

[Project]

I bought the 1.8 with the SSD. Yup, $3,200 spent on the MacBook Air. And I feel great so far about the purchase and I can't wait to take 3.5 pounds out of my bag when I travel to Asia.


Hope it goes well for you. Let us know.

[Cloudane]

Definitely becoming too much of an Appletard - just been watching the latest Naruto Shippuuden (anime series, as avatar). Character hands character a manilla envelope, exact same type where you unwind the string to open it. "What's this" he says.... you can guess what I was half expecting him to pull out of it :D

If the manga wasn't already written way ahead of time I'd think they did that on purpose :p

[MacsAttack]

Why does no one understand? If you have to carry around "a bunch of little attachments and adapters" to do what you need, then this model is NOT FOR YOU. Buy a macbook or macbook pro.


The fun example was somebody who shoots digital video... A van full of camera and sound equipment and he thinks the MBA is rubbish because it is not well suited for video editing in the field. Yah. Sure. The extra weight of that MBP is going to be a real killer. How dare Apple make such a heavy full-featured pro laptop!!!!

I've got an office full of people here - each of which would find the size and form factor of the MBA perfect (only corporate use of Dell and Windows standing in the way). Light weight and thin. Fits in the folio along with their MBA-sized documents (one less bag). More than powerful enough for their requirements (document processing, e-mail, presentations). Good screen. Good keyboard. Half of them could live without a battery at all - they just hop from desk to desk in different offices.

Most people who ask me - I tell them to get a white MacBook. One or two I reluctantly point at the MacBook Pro (it has some real serious issues that need working out - which with the new keyboard and a bit of case redesign we may see some time this year), but there are also several for whom the MBA is the perfect answer. The interesting thing is that there is little overlap between the three groups.

[iAmLegend]

It breaks your heart that you won't turn any heads with a MacBook or MacBook Pro.

And here we have a perfect example of the only people who will be buying a MacBook Air...trend whores who like to show off new gadgets. Pathetic.

[filmguy15]

And here we have a perfect example of the only people who will be buying a MacBook Air...trend whores who like to show off new gadgets. Pathetic.

That's exactly what I'm saying. Buy it for practical use, not because it's Apple's "new thing".

[paulbaker]

my 2 cents for MBA:

1. I am not all that hot for the design of the MBA, contrary to many. Other than it being really thin, I don't find it all that pretty or good looking. I still like the design of MBP more.

2. I am not so sure about using 1.8 inch HD. Didn't Apple tell people that using iPod as a HD for computer is not really a good idea and it may damage the HD down the road?

3. If Apple is billing the computer as wireless centric notebook, I find it confusing that MBA does not have Express 34 slot to put 3G cards in. Maybe there are USB-based 3G modems, but I haven't seen one.

4. Since Apple wants you to buy music through iTunes, not being able to import music remotely kinda makes sense.

5. I honestly don't know who will be up for purchasing this notebook. For about $500 less you can buy a faster computer (Macbook). what you get for $500 more is aluminum casing and 2lbs less. If you find 2lbs extra that troublesome, you need to spend $500 for gym membership, not for purchasing MBA.

Several USB 3g wireless....

[Cloudane]

Again, I can't justify it myself. But what I can say is... there's nothing wrong with carrying around accessories for this thing. The point of it is, when you do want to travel light, you have the option of leaving all that stuff behind. If it's built in, that option doesn't exist. That's the flexibility people are paying for IMO.

BTW I'm not averse to showing off gadgets :D I wouldn't buy something for that sole purpose, but I'm willing to admit that as a human being I like that kind of attention. I often wonder if those who slag off "show offs" drive the ugliest cars, use the ugliest phones etc etc.

[kuwisdelu]

I'm with MacsAttack and Cloudane on this. I'd probably get a MacBook Air if 1) I had an iMac/Mac Pro to supplement it, 2) I had the money, and 3) my MacBook hasn't even had its 1 year birthday yet. Otherwise, I think it's a perfectly reasonable tool.

Honestly, I don't use most of the accessories most people here seem to think of as "necessary." And I even tend to think of myself as having greater computing needs than "average." But hell, I don't even know what 3G is or what I would do with an ExpressCard or whatever those things are. You guys are making me feel really out-of-the-loop.

What I do know is...

-Only four of the applications on my MacBook have required CD's to install: VMWare Fusion, Windows XP, SAS Statistical software, and XCode. The rest I downloaded as free, open-source software.

-I've never used my optical drive away from home. I haven't once. I rip music and movies at home and take them with me.

-I've never had more than one thing plugged into my USB drive at once, and then it's usually a flash drive, printer, or my iPod.

-I've never used my firewire, line in, or video ports at all.

-I've used my ethernet once. Once. And it wasn't even necessary.

-I don't need a small footprint; I carry a briefcase for my schoolwork and notebooks, etc.

-A thinner laptop gives me more room for schoolwork in there. 2lbs make not sound like much, but it's the difference between laptop alone vs. laptop + textbook I may need. Trust me, I'm in shape, but it still makes a difference when you're carrying them several miles to and from campus.

-I've never even touched my battery. My MacBook usually lasts me through the whole day, and if I really, really need there's usually outlets in at least one of my classrooms which can give me 50 min of charging. So much for needing extra batteries?

Wait, what?

But you're telling me the MacBook Air is inherently flawed? You're telling me if I bought one, it'd just be to be a trend-whore and turn heads, not because of any of the legitimate reasons above? Oh. Well. Nevermind, then.

If my MacBook needed replacing and I had the money, I'd go for the MacBook Air. Yes, it's expensive, but that's not a flaw of it; that's me being a poor college student. I'd have an iPhone, too, if I had the money, but most here agree the iPhone isn't an "inherently flawed" Apple product destined for failure. If my MacBook is getting old when MBA 2.0 comes around, I think I'll be in line for one. Right now, I'm just not in the market for any computer.

[eddietr]

-Only four of the applications on my MacBook have required CD's to install: VMWare Fusion, Windows XP, SAS Statistical software, and XCode.

You can even download Fusion and XCode.

[kuwisdelu]

You can even download Fusion and XCode.

Hmm, oh yeah, you're right. :cool:

I didn't happen to, but I could have easily, if needed. If I'd wanted to play illegally, I technically could have downloaded Windows XP, too. And in the job world, even SAS would be provided for me on a company licensed computer, rather than on my own...

[Tensakun]

Hi guys, my first post in this forum, so sorry if my question seems clueless:o.

Someone mentioned, either in this or a similar thread, that the MBA doesn't work well with a Windows XP install via Bootcamp:confused:. Is this really the case? Didn't notice a post giving the reason. Guess is that there's some compatibility issue with the new 'Remote' disk software. Would the USB disk option resolve this?

Any clarification on this appreciated--unfortunately (don't get me started), I need to run Win sometimes in my work situation.

One more Q to the wizards: I know that the optional disk drive doesn't work with other machines (!), but wouldn't any old USB CD/DVD drive off the shelf work with MBA?

[eddietr]

Hi guys, my first post in this forum, so sorry if my question seems clueless:o.

Someone mentioned, either in this or a similar thread, that the MBA doesn't work well with a Windows XP install via Bootcamp:confused:. Is this really the case? Didn't notice a post giving the reason. Guess is that there's some compatibility issue with the new 'Remote' disk software. Would the USB disk option resolve this?


My understanding is that you can't install Windows within Bootcamp from a remote disc. So you need the external superdrive to install Windows.



Any clarification on this appreciated--unfortunately (don't get me started), I need to run Win sometimes in my work situation.



If it's for work and not for games, you might be better off with Fusion or Parallels instead of Bootcamp. Have you considered that? Certainly more convenient than rebooting.


One more Q to the wizards: I know that the optional disk drive doesn't work with other machines (!), but wouldn't any old USB CD/DVD drive off the shelf work with MBA?

Good question on the USB CD/DVD drive. Someone will have to try that.

[kuwisdelu]

Hmm, well no one really knows for sure yet. I don't remember reading anything like that. I really have no idea how well the remote disc would work in Bootcamp.

But if you want to use Fusion or Parallels to run Windows inside OS X, I see no reason that wouldn't work just fine with the remote disc. And if you want to use a USB drive, like you said, I know Fusion can certainly install Windows from a disk image if you don't have the physical CD in the drive.

And luckily, they put 2GB RAM in the MBA, so if you were to use Fusion or Parallels, Windows would run just fine on it.

Edit: Oops, you meant USB CD drive. Misread your question. Apologies. Yes, I see no reason why it shouldn't work, either. The special MBA Superdrive is just recommended and talked about so much because it can be used wirelessly, I think.

[AidenShaw]

The special MBA Superdrive is just recommended and talked about so much because it can be used wirelessly, I think.

I couldn't find the reference, but I saw one story that said that the "special" thing is that the USB port on the MacBook Cube Air is a non-standard port that supplies more than the 2.5 watts of power set by the standard.

The external MBA drive requires the extra power, therefore it will only work on the MBA.

Any other external DVD drive should work, especially if it uses a power brick to provide power.

[Rendwich]

For crying out loud! Will people stop saying stupid stuff like that? Seriously... gym membership... and that's gonna do what? Take away 2 lb from your computer? The damn thing will still weigh the same. So what if it feels lighter after your work out? You don't even need to spend that $500. Just do push-ups in your spare time.

How about this? Anyone familiar with Dune? Train your mind so it works better than a computer. Voila, saves you that $1000 too. Or you can merely do away with calculators, by learning to do the calculations in your head and memorizing Pi and the trigonometric function values, among other things. Saves you from tapping too.

There is A REASON that people want a LIGHT portable... So they don't have to go to a gym in order to carry one around!

It's pretty hard to find a person in Europe or the US today who can't afford to lose 2 pounds. If you're one of them, I congratulate you on the extra $600 you're spending to lighten your load by 1-2%.

Losing 2 pounds doesn't require a gym. It requires an incredibly small amount of self-control. Or a good sitting on a toilet.

The Airball is the greatest Apple train wreck in 10 years. That's actually a big complement to Apple, because any other company has them much more frequently.

[Tensakun]

Thanks for quick-n-clear replies Eddie, Kuwis, and Aiden!

If it's for work and not for games, you might be better off with Fusion or Parallels instead of Bootcamp. Have you considered that? Certainly more convenient than rebooting.

Have never owned an Intel-based Mac, so don't have any hands-on experience here. My thinking was that, since I don't need Win more than half a dozen times a week, I can put up with a reboot while grabbing a coffee or staring out the window; anyway, beats moving over to a 'doze machine. My thinking was that, given the extreme on-board space limitations of the 64 gb SSD, Parallels or Fusion might take up too much precious disk space.

I know Fusion can certainly install Windows from a disk image if you don't have the physical CD in the drive.

Right. I was guessing (hoping) that by moving a disk image of the Win XP install disk into the MBA the install could be done just under Bootcamp.

Am really enjoying these discussions, with all of the different viewpoints. (Tho some suggestions like hitting the gym seem a bit far afield.) As with all of you, my Mac is a pretty important part of my life. Still, I don't expect Apple to deliver my dream machine or solve all of my problems...

[kuwisdelu]

Thanks for quick-n-clear replies Eddie, Kuwis, and Aiden!



Have never owned an Intel-based Mac, so don't have any hands-on experience here. My thinking was that, since I don't need Win more than half a dozen times a week, I can put up with a reboot while grabbing a coffee or staring out the window; anyway, beats moving over to a 'doze machine. My thinking was that, given the extreme on-board space limitations of the 64 gb SSD, Parallels or Fusion might take up too much precious disk space.


Parallels or Fusion wouldn't take up any more space than Bootcamp would. The only extra memory required is RAM, which is only a temporary thing, and which the MacBook has enough of anyway. If you can install it easily via Bootcamp (which no one really knows yet), and that works for you, then that's great since Bootcamp is free. We won't really know until they start arriving to see how the remote disk works under Bootcamp, but seeing as it can boot remotely, I would think Apple would make Bootcamp compatible with it, too.


Right. I was guessing (hoping) that by moving a disk image of the Win XP install disk into the MBA the install could be done just under Bootcamp.

Am really enjoying these discussions, with all of the different viewpoints. (Tho some suggestions like hitting the gym seem a bit far afield.) As with all of you, my Mac is a pretty important part of my life. Still, I don't expect Apple to deliver my dream machine or solve all of my problems...

I have no idea if Bootcamp can install from a disk image. Hopefully someone else here does. I do know for certain that Fusion can.

[Horst]

There is a vast disparity from voicing an opinion, and the ceaseless drone of posters grousing over a product they are incontrovertibly not the demographic that the said product is aimed at.

Moaning over lack of features in product (A) when you are ultimately given a choice from a range of products (B) & (C) which do; is an utterly fruitless exercise in tedium.

It's fortunate not everyone has your attitude towards controversial discussion... :rolleyes:

I'm in the market for an 'ultraportable' , yet fully featured and fairly powerful laptop ; the rumors about the MBA got me quite excited, I was hoping to get a replacement for my 15" MBP, basically a modern version of the 12" PB.

Hence I feel entiteled to comment - not that voicing an opinion should require any excuse in an open discussion forum...

The shortcomings of the MBA are obvious, as it has been pointed out numerous times by all the 'whiners and moaners' , the advantages few.

You like the MBA, and don't need a more capable computer ? Fine by me, I sure won't slap anyone for getting one, each his own.

But quite a few people seem to be looking for technological advancements in such a product, people who travel for work and require a laptop that delivers when needed and isn't such a hog like the MBP.
For those the MBA is a disappointment, 2 steps back in technology and user friendlyness; Apple used to do better than that with new products, top of the line prices used to buy you top of the line performance and the design and useful features.

I hope the MBA is just a stepping stone to better things to come...

[Manic Mouse]

Definitely becoming too much of an Appletard - just been watching the latest Naruto Shippuuden (anime series, as avatar). Character hands character a manilla envelope, exact same type where you unwind the string to open it. "What's this" he says.... you can guess what I was half expecting him to pull out of it :D

If the manga wasn't already written way ahead of time I'd think they did that on purpose :p

Danzou was bribing Orochimaru with a MacBook Air.

[Cloudane]

:D

Can just see him wrapping his tongue round it and swallowing the thing (noooo!)

"Air today gone tomorrow, is that the best you have to offer?"

[deathstar]

great

slowest mac
external DVD won't work with pc
remote disk does not support CD music, DVD movie.
remote disk is super slow
DVD rippers like handbrake won't be able to use remote disk
remote disk supports none of the 3rd party firewall on pc....

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2008/01/medium_2217210662_5a30d95553_o.jpg

$1800. way to go.

:eek:dude don't buy it!

seems that lot of people here don't understand that the MBA is not a new MB. It's a new line of laptop, not a substitution. What are you looking for?? a core 2 duo 2,4, 4gb of ram, ultra-light, all connectivity, ultra-thin and for 900$???? Who will buy a MB or MBP then??

If you don't like the MBA please don't buy it and stop throwing unuseless comments.

My personal view:

Imagine the situation of being in a central market with your laptop surfing or working:

- You don't need Ethernet connector
- You don't need optical drive.(in the most of cases)
- With a multi-touch trackpad you don't need a mouse.
- Of course you don't need a printer.


Conclusion:

You still have your USB port unused, for using with a pendrive or a 3g modem, for example. This is not a laptop to use at home, it's a laptop to go "in the air".

[hanoimac]

Clearly MBA is not for everyone, it is just a new line product, right-in between current MB and MBP ( at least Jobs said so.. :rolleyes: )

For me, MBA is what i'm looking for: it's light weight, 1,36 kg is ok for me to carry with all day, it's beautiful, which is helpful because it will attract my audiences when i'm on my keynote... :p

I've already have a powerful desktop system (Mac, of-course!) that handle all my works (graphic and video). So my MBA only have to pick up all the done works to the client meetings and show_'em_off..

My only wish is that Apple would make graphic card more sophisticate so my keynotes will be more...eyecandy!

[Lord Sam]

The foto looks sorta weird. But that is one good-looking machine! I need one of them!

[eddietr]

Have never owned an Intel-based Mac, so don't have any hands-on experience here. My thinking was that, since I don't need Win more than half a dozen times a week, I can put up with a reboot while grabbing a coffee or staring out the window; anyway, beats moving over to a 'doze machine. My thinking was that, given the extreme on-board space limitations of the 64 gb SSD, Parallels or Fusion might take up too much precious disk space.



Yes, I'm getting the SSD myself and I was working this morning on getting my MBP organized and under 50GB in preparation for the transition. So I know what you mean.

But I think you'll find that fusion or parallels is more efficient for a small drive like that. Because remember you have to partition that drive for Windows if you use bootcamp. So you then have a fairly hard limit in the Mac side. Especially if you want to leave any spare room on the windows side.

Whereas with the fusion or parallels, the windows drive will start as small and just grow only as needed. And so the spare space that you need to have to work is effectively shared across both operating systems.

You can also avoid having to even install office in windows. Windows can be just those applications that you really need for work.

[BlackSmp]

You know that there is a market outside of USA? We have plenty of 3G carriers to chose from... and that the higher speed 3G modems have higher transfer rates than Bluetooth (if supported by the carrier)?


I don't understand all the fuss about the MBA lacking a built-in 3G mobile broadband card. I have a MB with a Blackberry Pearl from Sprint. All I do is make a bluetooth connection and I'm online with pretty decent speeds. I definitely do not want Apple to add in something that'll probably only work with ATT (the WORST cell carrier on the planet!!). All it'll due is take up space and probably consume some power even if it's not in use.

[quantumbits]

I had some time to kill and need a break from work, so I headed over to the mall and the local Apple Store. I chanced on a really cool, ::real:: (i.e. willing to talk, not just spout off brand b.s.) and informed rep. Among the things that he mentioned:

1) The MacBook Air will be secured using the same mechanism as for the iPods and iPhones (i.e. sticky pad). I hadn't noticed until now, but the MacBooks are secured with an alarm that plugs into ethernet port (or was it the firewire port?)/

2) The "official" target demographic for the MacBook Air is rich business travellers. Big surprise.

3) 802.1x functionality in the iPhone and iTouch is a certainty upon the availability of the SDK. This is the main reason why I haven't purchased a touch.

4) According to him, they don't expect to have spare batteries on hand for the Macbook Air. IOW, a replacement (e.g. faulty battery) will require that the laptop be shipped to a repair center.

I don't know if any of that is useful to anyone. But there it is. Have a nice weekend all.

[Belly-laughs]

Air is the trademark for Apple´s lights/ultra lights. We´ll see the Airs go smaller in June. One without keyboard, two versions full-size keyboard. Current Fat Air will touch MacBook prices, not specs. The MacBook will be phased out. The Pros will get a fully featured 13" version – and new shapes all round.

[kuwisdelu]

3) 802.1x functionality in the iPhone and iTouch is a certainty upon the availability of the SDK. This is the main reason why I haven't purchased a touch.

Well that, for one, is pretty awesome news for me. My university's main wireless internet is 802.1x and the only thing keeping me from getting an iPhone/Touch was that it'd be difficult to VPN into their old WiFi. I'm still hoping for an upgrade on them before buying, though. I either want more than 16GB Touch or a better iPhone battery/provider :D

[justflie]

Well that, for one, is pretty awesome news for me. My university's main wireless internet is 802.1x and the only thing keeping me from getting an iPhone/Touch was that it'd be difficult to VPN into their old WiFi. I'm still hoping for an upgrade on them before buying, though. I either want more than 16GB Touch or a better iPhone battery/provider :D

Ditto!!! I have an iPhone and it has been a pain to be surrounded by a high speed wireless connection that I can't use! My school uses TLS certificates so hopefully someone makes provisions for that too. Fingers crossed...

[puckhead193]

does anyone know if they are in stores yet for playing around with?

[BioChron]

I'm still unsure about the MacBook Air, but it's not *that* bad of a machine.

[quantumbits]

does anyone know if they are in stores yet for playing around with?

I went to the Chestnut Hill, MA store and they were nowhere to be seen. Friday, maybe?

[twoodcc]

does anyone know if they are in stores yet for playing around with?

i didn't see any tonight at the apple store

[puckhead193]

I went to the Chestnut Hill, MA store and they were nowhere to be seen. Friday, maybe?

umm maybe i'll go to south shore plaza tomorrow

[eddietr]

None yet today on the Apple Store in Tysons Corner, VA. And the person I spoke with isn't expecting any this week. He's thinking around Feb 8 or 9.

[peterlobl]

Rumor has it MBA may be in PA Apple stores next week... by friday...
(Ardmore / King of Prush)

was a little on the fence, ouch those metal twisties hurt! -
but the large screen & full keybd combined w/ 3 lb weight will make this my first MAC since SE/30!

can not wait .. much.. longerrr.....

[peterlobl]

my 2 cents for MBA:
....
5. I honestly don't know who will be up for purchasing this notebook. For about $500 less you can buy a faster computer (Macbook). what you get for $500 more is aluminum casing and 2lbs less. If you find 2lbs extra that troublesome, you need to spend $500 for gym membership, not for purchasing MBA.

i actually canceled my gym membership and diabetes meds just to pre-order my MBA.. but please don't hold it against me, toughguy

[~NeonFire372~]

I wish the Air didn't have a non-user-replaceable battery. That's the one thing that's preventing me from even considering buying one.

[craigatkinson]

I really hope your joking about your diabetes meds.

i actually canceled my gym membership and diabetes meds just to pre-order my MBA.. but please don't hold it against me, toughguy

[craigatkinson]

Why is that preventing you from buying it? If its because you want to be able to buy more than one battery and swap them, then I could see why it would deter you from buying it, but if its because you want to swap the battery later when it gets worn out then I wouldn't sweat it. The macbook air has already been taken apart to see how hard it would be to replace the battery and its been decided it would be pretty simple to replace.

I wish the Air didn't have a non-user-replaceable battery. That's the one thing that's preventing me from even considering buying one.

[adamtki]

It's too thin!

They should've made it a tad thicker so that you can have an ethernet port and a larger replaceable battery, and another USB port.

I just want a smaller macbook pro without the optical drive and a smaller size hard drive.

I'm not too crazy about this remote CD thing.

[quantumbits]

The price point is what kills me. Personally, I just don't see the value added (arg...buzzword bingo!) in the price difference between an MB and an MBA. But that's just me. Other folks are genuinely excited. Personally, I look forward to playing with one in person. Friday is a big decompression day. Maybe I'll finally indulge myself with a Touch and play around with the MBAs then.

What would truly get my juices flowing is a smaller footprint. Again, that's just me expressing my desires. Maybe the success of the MBA will further motivate Steve and friends to release such a variant in the near future. I'm a little less perturbed about the battery after the disassembly demonstration at Gizmodo. But again, I would really like some more battery life. My MB, though a pain at first, is pretty stable by now. It will likely suit my needs for another 2 years. Hopefully SSDs will drop quite a bit in price by then. These are exciting times for portable computing!

[inkhead]

Apple made it pretty clear in the announcements that this was designed for the business traveller. 95% of the people who visit MacRumors do NOT fit into this category. However if you were to sell this thing only in Northern California it would be one of Apple's best sellers.

A business traveller to me is somebody who flies at least twice a month and is on the road all the time.

[Tara Davis]

Okay, there are several posts over the last few pages of this thread saying, "what are you complaining about??? If it's not right FOR YOU, the other MacBooks are still around!"

People are complaining for the simple reason that, every since the 12" G4 Powerbook was discontinued, we've been waiting for a smaller MacBook. We finally got one, and it's entirely unsuitable for almost everybody.

- Same big-ass footprint as the MacBook

- No security lock

- Not enough battery life to travel from NYC to LA with it unless you tote some kind of charger with it.

- Lots of goofy design compromises for the sake of "thinness", when in fact you're only shaving off about a third of an inch from the actual thickness and sloping the edges off to make it look pretty.

- Absurd price. (I don't care how much it cost to get Intel to make a boutique chipset for it. I don't care what the R&D cost was for that fancy little USB trap-door. Those are reasons why Apple must charge more for it, but not reasons why it's worth more to a consumer. Adding cost without adding value is a huge design mistake.)

If they had doubled the size of the battery, it would still only be, what? 3.5 pounds? 4 pounds? Doing so would have allowed users to more frequently leave their wall chargers & airplane chargers at home or in their checked baggage. That would REALLY save carry-on space, far more than making an already-thin item (a notebook computer) a little bit thinner.

If they had worked on removing most that excess bezel space instead of obsessing over thinness, they could have reduced the footprint nearly an inch each in two directions even before considering a reduction of the screen/keyboard size (which also would have been a good idea.)

If they had simply chopped the drive and most of the connectors off the MacBook, shipped it out is a slightly smaller case with a slightly lower cost, people would have bought it. Take the additional step of making a smaller laptop with a smaller screen, and it would have been a sensational hit.

If you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro, the Air is neither fully-featured enough to replace it, nor a big enough improvement in portability to justify owning a second computer, especially one with such a high price tag.

If a MacBook really is too much for you to carry around, I suggest going with an iPod Touch (or perhaps an iPhone.) I hate the touch-screen keyboard, but in terms of design concept, it's far closer to what a Mac ultra-portable should be than the MacBook Air is.

[Tara Davis]

Apple made it pretty clear in the announcements that this was designed for the business traveller. 95% of the people who visit MacRumors do NOT fit into this category. However if you were to sell this thing only in Northern California it would be one of Apple's best sellers.

A business traveller to me is somebody who flies at least twice a month and is on the road all the time.

But so many of the design choices that went in to the MacBook make it a lousy computer for business travel.

One thing about travel, is you need to be prepared for uncertainty.

You might be stuck in an airport where free outlets are hard to find (especially if there's a flight delay, and hundreds of passengers are crowding around the few available plugs to charge their phones). That means you NEED long battery life and/or the ability to quickly swap in a spare battery.

You will sometimes find yourself in places were there is no Wi-Fi signal, or it's prohibitively expensive, or it's so weak that it's nearly useless. Most laptop owners can keep an ultra-thin retractable Ethernet cable handy for such situations. MacBook Air owners must also carry a USB network adapter dongle, and (as it turns out) a USB extension cable because no adapter on the market can fit into the Apple USB port!

You may occasionally get handed something from a customer, client, boss, etc., on CD or DVD and be expected to work with it. A business traveller with a MacBook Air will have to wait until they get back to the office to do so, unless they bring an external drive along.

With a length (and open height) that is nearly the same as any other MacBook, it will suck to be you if you find yourself flying coach (which does occasionally happen) and the person in front of you decides to recline their seat when you're trying to work or watch a movie.

Need to pee when you're alone in a coffee house in a distant city? Better take the MBA into the john with you, because there's no way to lock it to the furniture while you're gone.

All this for $1800.

If the "business traveller" market really is what they are counting on to sell this thing, it's going to make the Cube look like a massive hit in comparison.

[kuwisdelu]

Okay, there are several posts over the last few pages of this thread saying, "what are you complaining about??? If it's not right FOR YOU, the other MacBooks are still around!"

People are complaining for the simple reason that, every since the 12" G4 Powerbook was discontinued, we've been waiting for a smaller MacBook. We finally got one, and it's entirely unsuitable for almost everybody.

- Same big-ass footprint as the MacBook

- No security lock

- Not enough battery life to travel from NYC to LA with it unless you tote some kind of charger with it.

- Lots of goofy design compromises for the sake of "thinness", when in fact you're only shaving off about a third of an inch from the actual thickness and sloping the edges off to make it look pretty.

- Absurd price. (I don't care how much it cost to get Intel to make a boutique chipset for it. I don't care what the R&D cost was for that fancy little USB trap-door. Those are reasons why Apple must charge more for it, but not reasons why it's worth more to a consumer. Adding cost without adding value is a huge design mistake.)

I have no problem when people complain for the lack of a 12" MacBook Pro to replace the 12" PowerBook. I think that would be pretty cool, myself. But you have to remember that it was never meant to be a replacement for the 12" PowerBook; it's just a different type of computer. Anyone looking for a replacement of the 12" PB is going to be disappointed, because that's not the niche it's supposed to fill; Apple went in a different direction.

Saying you're disappointed that it's not a replacement for the 12" PowerBook is one thing; but saying it's a failure of a computer for not being a replacement for the 12" PowerBook is kind of silly. (I'm responding to this sentiment in general, not directly to you.) It appeals to a different consumer (and I'm not saying it's perfect for every business traveler, either; I know it's not), and that's all.

[noservice2001]

have you ever posted a non-FUD comment?

are u always an optimist?

[maruf42]

I think before considering MBA, one must understand its purpose. It is not meant for hard core usage, neither it is meant to be the first computer.

For me, I would like to use an MBA for my everyday traveling, not considering LA to Washington flight. Very few people actually fly LA to Washington on a regular basis, and if they do, they get company paid Business class, where they can plug their MagSafe power adapter.

Another use I can think of MBA, is my data mining task that is running on my Windows XP based server or Mac Pro for hours, and I can actually control those processes using remote desktop, having my MBA on my lap while watching TV.

I think it is a perfect companion for my daily life. After all, I don't expect a C++ programmer to create some visual effect or even an eye catchy splash screen for the program he has been writing.

[BongoBanger]

I honestly can't see the point in the Macbook Air as it's neither fish nor fowl - it's not a stand alone PC nor is it a true ultraportable like the Eee is.

There are better alternatives for this kind of thing - the Lenovo X61 (and the prospective X300) spring to mind as does the, dare I say it, Dell XPS M1330.

Not impressed. Would have preferred the announcement of a new Macbook.

[BongoBanger]

Apple made it pretty clear in the announcements that this was designed for the business traveller. 95% of the people who visit MacRumors do NOT fit into this category. However if you were to sell this thing only in Northern California it would be one of Apple's best sellers.

A business traveller to me is somebody who flies at least twice a month and is on the road all the time.

I disagree. Show me one serious business traveller who isn't paranoid about battery life and having a back up and I'll show you someone who doesn't really do that much 'on the road' work.