3G Iphone makes MBA obsolete?

[Emrtr4]

A friend and I were discussing this the other day, we both agreed that Apple has done something it rarely does, create two products that both accomplish pretty much the same thing.

The Macbook air was created primarily as a machine for email, web surfing, and document writing; however the Iphone already does two of these tasks well-very well and is much smaller than the Macbook Air. Additionally, with SDK what is stopping people from carrying whole presentations on their iphones and connecting them (perhaps wirelessly) to projectors at presentations.

As someone who was considering buying a MBA, I subsequently decided that the Iphone accomplishes most of what I need when I want to be mobile; in contrast if I go on a trip of significant length I would want the power and tools (disk drive, dedicated graphics, decent processor, etc..) provided by either a Macbook or a Macbook Pro.

Any thoughts on the Iphone cutting into the usefulness of the MBA and ultra-portable computers in general?

[iPhil]

Well the MB doesn't have dedicated graphics.. it's on-board like the MBA...

[Badandy]

Ridiculous thread.


Go on a one week business trip and try responding to 10 emails with a response longer than a paragraph (just as an example) and writing 10 pages on Word.


MBA, ftw.

[sushi]

Go on a one week business trip and try responding to 10 emails with a response longer than a paragraph (just as an example) and writing 10 pages on Word.
Agreed as the iPhone/Touch is today.

However, if someone were to develop an external keyboard that can be used like for the Palm OS and Pocket PC/Windows Mobile devices, that might change things a bit.

[zainjetha]

dont know why i get the feeling this is going to happen very soon - apple launching a dockable kb for iphone, that would RULE

[btaussie]

I would really like an Apple keyboard that would hook up with an iPhone and allow for keyboard usuage. Interesting times...

[01jamcon]

dont know why i get the feeling this is going to happen very soon - apple launching a dockable kb for iphone, that would RULE
I dunno, that's so un-Apple-esque to launch some tatty extra keyboard dock thing. Even if they applied their style and finish to it, I'm really not convinced there's a large enough market out there willing to pay close to the price of a macbook (including contract), plus, then it really would be cutting into MBA sales, with the added bonus of 3g mobile communication which is not built in on any Apple laptop.

[DrCoffee]

but Apple does not need to create another accessory, if only iPhone would support bluetooth input devices like... say... apple wireless keyboard?

I currently carry a Nokia N800 and use an apple bt keyboard to do extended typing, it works well and saves me from carrying my MB most places (I do research in tropical rural areas... don't really want to carry my laptop around if I can avoid it).

If it were possible to use a bt keyboard on an iPhone, I would switch in a minute (or at least when I get back to the states since there are no apple stores for a few thousand miles from here).

[Mord]

laptop ≠ phone.

They are like not the same thing.

[Phil A.]

The resolution of the iPhone is far too low to even attempt to use it as a laptop replacement. It is, IMO, the best hand-sized device available for browsing and e-mail by a large margin but it's still a way off being able to replace a notebook computer.
I'd question your assertion that it was created primarily as a machine for email, web surfing, and document writing - my view is that it is a machine for people who want a full computing experience without the weight or bulk of a standard notebook: This is why it's got a full sized screen and keyboard.
I run VMWare Fusion, Photoshop CS3, Office 2008, Aperture and Zend Studio on mine regularly, and unless a hand held device comes along that can do all that with a similar screen resolution, nothing even comes close to replacing it :)

[neiltc13]

It really is stupid that they don't support the wireless keyboard on iPhone. It's not as if this would be hard to accomplish.

[netdog]

If you just need an iPhone for mobile Internet (beyond the phone) and don't need flash (who really does?) or Internet apps that don't run in a browser, then yeah.

Otherwise, the display, keyboard and open platform of the MBA make it a totally different beast. For school, the MBA is fantastic in lectures and an iPhone just wouldn't cut it, docking keyboard or not.

[Vanilla]

What would be really interesting is if they added 3G capability to the MBA....

[miniConvert]

What would be really interesting is if they added 3G capability to the MBA....
I agree. Unfortunately I need a MBA now, so I'm taking the plunge. I'll have to use my dongle.

I believe the iPhone will be a very useful mobile Internet device as it evolves. It'd be hopeless for what I'm buying the Air for, though... I think they fulfil different needs.

[tdhurst]

I dunno, that's so un-Apple-esque to launch some tatty extra keyboard dock thing. Even if they applied their style and finish to it, I'm really not convinced there's a large enough market out there willing to pay close to the price of a macbook (including contract), plus, then it really would be cutting into MBA sales, with the added bonus of 3g mobile communication which is not built in on any Apple laptop.

I completely agree. I really don't see it happening either. Pain in the ass to see what you're typing to the screen when using a full keyboard anyway.

[sushi]

I dunno, that's so un-Apple-esque to launch some tatty extra keyboard dock thing.
I doubt Apple would be the one to launch a keyboard to use with the iPhone/Touch. More than likely, it would be some third party who does it.

[ucfgrad93]

For me, my iPhone is a nice compliment to my MBP, but it is not a replacement for it. Don't think it would be a replacement for a MBA either.

[andiwm2003]

if all you do is surfing the web on a tiny screen and checking email than you wasted money on the MBA. if you have to prepare powerpoint slides on the fly, show pics to clients, take notes on conferences, create a quote for customers, read puplications on pdf's then i guess you need more than an iphone. and lugging a mbp vs. a mba all day on a conference with talks in 35 different rooms and an exhibition hall...well...i wish i had an mba....

[sushi]

For me, my iPhone is a nice compliment to my MBP, but it is not a replacement for it. Don't think it would be a replacement for a MBA either.
Agree that the iPhone is not a replacement.

However, in some cases when folks travel, all they need is browsing, e-mail, and being able to type in text.

So for a trip of this type, it becomes a decision of whether you take your MB/MBA/MBP or a small lightweight keyboard.

[brn2ski00]

It really is stupid that they don't support the wireless keyboard on iPhone. It's not as if this would be hard to accomplish.

Its the version of bluetooth the doesn't support it. Just like the iPhone's BT won't stream music over BT.

[soms]

Agreed as the iPhone/Touch is today.

However, if someone were to develop an external keyboard that can be used like for the Palm OS and Pocket PC/Windows Mobile devices, that might change things a bit.

Heh I remember those things, they were all the rage in highschool for notes.

[hondje]

Agreed. My iPhone certainly does not replace my MBP. Emails longer than a paragraph (which I sometimes do) are truly a pain on any device so small. For real work with Mail, I need my MBP. For my Keynotes too, I need my MBP.

I definitely think there is a market for the MBA. The lightness of it is definitely appealing. However, at least for me, when Apple or another 3rd party releases a BT keyboard, that will definitely be my device of choice for taking notes when I go to Grad. School this fall. I don't want to carry my MBP. I wouldn't even want to carry a MBA.

At least for me, when 3G is out, and a BT keyboard, the chances of me getting a MBA are very very slim. But nevertheless, the MBA is a sweet computer. Way to go Apple!

[johnnyjibbs]

Actually, last time I looked you could do much more on a an MBA than an iPhone. Full speed internet, computer networking, Final Cut and iMovie - don't see anyone being able to do that on an iPhone any time soon.

Nice idea, but ridiculous! ;)

[brn2ski00]

[QUOTE=hondje;5321196]Agreed. My iPhone certainly does not replace my MBP. Emails longer than a paragraph (which I sometimes do) are truly a pain on any device so small. For real work with Mail, I need my MBP. For my Keynotes too, I need my MBP.

I definitely think there is a market for the MBA. The lightness of it is definitely appealing. However, at least for me, when Apple or another 3rd party releases a BT keyboard, that will definitely be my device of choice for taking notes when I go to Grad. School this fall. I don't want to carry my MBP. I wouldn't even want to carry a MBA.

At least for me, when 3G is out, and a BT keyboard, the chances of me getting a MBA are very very slim. But nevertheless, the MBA is a sweet computer. Way to go Apple![QUOTE]

Explain to me what is the difference between an iPhone/BT Keyboard and the MBA. First of all, the MBA will probably be lighter and secondly, the BT Keyboard and MBA will probably take up the same amount of room.

[ucfgrad93]

Explain to me what is the difference between an iPhone/BT Keyboard and the MBA. First of all, the MBA will probably be lighter and secondly, the BT Keyboard and MBA will probably take up the same amount of room.

For me, the deciding factor would be the screen size. I would find the iPhone screen to small to take notes on it in class on a regular basis. But if it works for you thats great.

[gothamm]

laptop ≠ phone.

They are like not the same thing.

they will be sooner than you think

[Kan-O-Z]

This is like saying the following:

Why buy a car when you can buy a motorcycle. Both accomplish the same thing. They get you from point A to point B. The motorcycle is a lot smaller and a lot cheaper!

Well, try commuting on a motorcycle everyday of your life or taking long trips on them. Yes some people do, but for the majority of us, we prefer our more expensive cars.

The MBA and iPhone cannot be compared! There is only so much you can do on a tiny 3" screen of the iPhone along with it's virtual keyboard. Yes it's ok for on the go to check an email or check a website.....anything more than that I would be all over the MBA! If you really need a portable device for business on the road, the iphone won't cut it.

Kan-O-Z

[gothamm]

This is like saying the following:

Why buy a car when you can buy a motorcycle. Both accomplish the same thing. They get you from point A to point B. The motorcycle is a lot smaller and a lot cheaper!

Well, try commuting on a motorcycle everyday of your life or taking long trips on them. Yes some people do, but for the majority of us, we prefer our more expensive cars.

The MBA and iPhone cannot be compared! There is only so much you can do on a tiny 3" screen of the iPhone along with it's virtual keyboard. Yes it's ok for on the go to check an email or check a website.....anything more than that I would be all over the MBA! If you really need a portable device for business on the road, the iphone won't cut it.

Kan-O-Z

cars will be motorcycles sooner than you think

[Zwhaler]

they will be sooner than you think

I don't think so. Unless of course, if the MBA starts having the ability to make phone calls on a wireless cellular provider, be shrunk down to the size of the iPhone, and have a built in camera. Or, if the iPhone features a full size 13.3 inch screen, full size keyboard, and complete computer version OSX.

One is a phone, and one is a computer. Neither of them will be going away or be replaced by another, unless we can make size morphing technology

[Abraxsis]

if all you do is surfing the web on a tiny screen and checking email than you wasted money on the MBA. if you have to prepare powerpoint slides on the fly, show pics to clients, take notes on conferences, create a quote for customers, read puplications on pdf's then i guess you need more than an iphone. and lugging a mbp vs. a mba all day on a conference with talks in 35 different rooms and an exhibition hall...well...i wish i had an mba....


I still don't get it. Its only a 2.4lb difference. Its not like its 4 or 5 pounds lighter. 2.4 pounds is well worth having a superdrive, bigger screen and a properly clocked CPU where more than "here look at this picture and word document i made" can be completed. Last weekend I finally got my hands on one of these, and frankly I was not at all impressed. Flimsy feeling for 1700.00, especially considering that the Macbook is 3x the machine for 700.00 less and only 2 pound heavier. Personally, in my kind of a$$hole opinion is save yourself the 700.00, buy the Vanilla Macbook for 1000.00 and get yourself a gym membership.

[sushi]

I still don't get it. Its only a 2.4lb difference.
For those who travel a lot, this can make a difference.

I remember when I used to travel extensively overseas. If I could lessen the weight of 10 items like this, I would be very happy as the overall decrease was significant. Each little bit adds up and makes a difference.

I've known a few folks who have international traveling down to a science since they are on the go just about every week. Anything to save space or weight was worth it to them so they didn't need to check their luggage.

So while a 2.4 pound difference might not be much, when you consider the whole travel package it can end up contributing to much larger weight difference.

[Abraxsis]

Trust that I am aware of this. Between Hong Kong for plush/toys and Germany for the games I do my fair share of nights in the air. Adding to that, I was a backpacker in my younger days, I know all about the importance of shaving weight. I still don't see the point in shaving the 2 pounds to go from a MBA to a regular Macbook, at least a significant difference that makes the 700.00 additional fees worth it. To reference my backpacking days its like spending 700.00 on a super light tent that removes the weight by putting a big hole in it. Sure, its lighter to carry, but come time to sleep its not the best choice.

Now on the flip side, I know people buy this stuff for the "chic" of it. And if that is the case, and you can afford it, then by all means buy away. This is all my opinion.


For those who travel a lot, this can make a difference.

I remember when I used to travel extensively overseas. If I could lessen the weight of 10 items like this, I would be very happy as the overall decrease was significant. Each little bit adds up and makes a difference.

I've known a few folks who have international traveling down to a science since they are on the go just about every week. Anything to save space or weight was worth it to them so they didn't need to check their luggage.

So while a 2.4 pound difference might not be much, when you consider the whole travel package it can end up contributing to much larger weight difference.

[Mebsat]

but, depending on your actual work style and responsibilities, the iPhone can certainly replace a laptop for much business travel now.

Support for a Bluetooth keyboard would make it a 90% replacement for me while travelling. It wouldn't however discourage me from buying a laptop, and I won't be buying a Dell.

Between airport security, the extra weight, adapters, hotels with no safes, I'd even *plug in* a keyboard if it would support it.

Maybe a hack is already out there, anyone?

[Eric Lewis]

well can you watch porn on a 13.3 screen on the iPhone? i think not~

[cohibadad]

Its the version of bluetooth the doesn't support it. Just like the iPhone's BT won't stream music over BT.

the version of software. not the version of hardware. iPhone is perfectly capable of supporting keyboard, streaming music, etc. with a software revision.