Larger capacity MBA ... When?

[Bongolo]

Hi guys, been wanting a MBA for some time but need at least 120HD capacity. (Not worried about SSD)

can we expect a bump any time soon??

TIA

Bongolo

[glitch44]

can we expect a bump any time soon??



Nope.


(no one actually knows this. but given that 1.8" SSDs of the capacity you seek don't even exist yet, I doubt this will happen soon. unless your definition of soon is around Q1 2009.)

[i0Nic]

I'm hoping for a November bump in time for Christmas, with the base model at the same price but with a 120gb 5400rpm hd and 1.8ghz processor. Also for the 64gb SSD to be dramatically reduced in cost, and 128gb introduced at a slightly higher price than the current 64gb model.

$1799 USD- 1.8ghz, 120gb 5400rpm, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$2599 USD- 2.2ghz, 64gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$3299 USD- 2.2ghz, 128gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)

That's what I'm hoping anyway :) at least if not by November sometime in the early new year.
I think by Christmas 2009 there won't even be a hard disk option, only SSD.

[glitch44]

I'm hoping for a November bump in time for Christmas, with the base model at the same price but with a 120gb 5400rpm hd and 1.8ghz processor. Also for the 64gb SSD to be dramatically reduced in cost, and 128gb introduced at a slightly higher price than the current 64gb model.

$1799 USD- 1.8ghz, 120gb 5400rpm, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$2599 USD- 2.2ghz, 64gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$3299 USD- 2.2ghz, 128gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)

That's what I'm hoping anyway :) at least if not by November sometime in the early new year.
I think by Christmas 2009 there won't even be a hard disk option, only SSD.

I don't see your hopes coming true on this one.

- the current MBA drive spins at 4200rpm. there are 1.8" 5400rpm drives, but they are 8mm thick, while the MBA uses 5mm thick drives.

-the CPU bumps you listed don't seem to correspond to any CPUs in the penryn line that could fit in the MBA chassis. the most likely candidates for a CPU bump are the Core 2 Duo SL9300 and the Core 2 Duo SL9400, which operate at 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz respectively. But they're 45nm processors which run a little cooler (3 TDP from current processor).

-the RAM is directly soldered onto the MBA logic board, so how exactly is it supposed to be "expandable"? since 2GB runs OS X just fine, and this isn't supposed to be a powerhouse rendering machine, I don't see a 4GB version for a long time.

[i0Nic]

I don't see your hopes coming true on this one.

- the current MBA drive spins at 4200rpm. there are 1.8" 5400rpm drives, but they are 8mm thick, while the MBA uses 5mm thick drives.

-the CPU bumps you listed don't seem to correspond to any CPUs in the penryn line that could fit in the MBA chassis. the most likely candidates for a CPU bump are the Core 2 Duo SL9300 and the Core 2 Duo SL9400, which operate at 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz respectively. But they're 45nm processors which run a little cooler (3 TDP from current processor).

-the RAM is directly soldered onto the MBA logic board, so how exactly is it supposed to be "expandable"? since 2GB runs OS X just fine, and this isn't supposed to be a powerhouse rendering machine, I don't see a 4GB version for a long time.

Fair enough you're probably right. However I do remember reading about a 1.8" drive that could fit in the MBA with a high capacity than the current one. Surely they can improve the density of the drive over time and at least increase capacity, even if keeping the 4200rpm speed.

I agree with you on the penryn processor, but I'm thinking about the revision after the SL930/940. No idea when they are due though and what the specs are, just hoping for early new year.

With the RAM I didn't mean user expandable, I meant you could upgrade to 4gb RAM through Apple if you wanted it.

In any case, they will have to update the Air no later than Macworld 2009, just don't know what the specs could be. I would be happy if the specs stayed similar though and the prices lowered, but that's not really the Apple way.

[Cyburnclassic]

I'm hoping for a November bump in time for Christmas, with the base model at the same price but with a 120gb 5400rpm hd and 1.8ghz processor. Also for the 64gb SSD to be dramatically reduced in cost, and 128gb introduced at a slightly higher price than the current 64gb model.

$1799 USD- 1.8ghz, 120gb 5400rpm, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$2599 USD- 2.2ghz, 64gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$3299 USD- 2.2ghz, 128gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)

That's what I'm hoping anyway :) at least if not by November sometime in the early new year.
I think by Christmas 2009 there won't even be a hard disk option, only SSD.

Yeah, Macbook Air SSD model definetly needs a price drop as I checked how much the 64GB SSD was on it alone and it is £639 in UK ($999 in US).
On Dell laptops THE 64GB SSD options costs £375-420 ($800 in US)

[vendettabass]

120GB HDD or 64GB SSD at £290 1.6Ghz Core 2 Duo (45nm 1066MHz FSB) £1099
128GB HDD 1.8Ghz Core 2 Duo (45nm 1066MHz FSB) £1799


Way overpriced 4GB DDR800 RAM options
Wireless USB?
1400x900?
GMA X4500 Integrated Graphics

[Scott6666]

the most likely candidates for a CPU bump are the Core 2 Duo SL9300 and the Core 2 Duo SL9400, which operate at 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz respectively. But they're 45nm processors which run a little cooler (3 TDP from current processor).


I agree these look like the next processors. I did not realize that they run cooler though (although they should). So the spec TDP is 14W vs today's 17W processors.

BTW I would be interested if they used the 1200Mhz 10W processors, although it sounds like people are approximating with Coolbook!

[glitch44]

In any case, they will have to update the Air no later than Macworld 2009, just don't know what the specs could be. I would be happy if the specs stayed similar though and the prices lowered, but that's not really the Apple way.

well, let's be honest: Apple doesn't have to update the Air. They don't have to do anything. They could kill the whole project if they want to. i think they will update it, but it will be incremental. a CPU refresh, possibly a hard drive bump.

let's remember their most important computer is the regular macbook line, with sales numbered in the multi-millions. i think it's been selling well, but the Air is still a specialized model for users that usually already have another apple computer. their prime focus (besides the 3G iPhone) is most likely updating the regular macbook chassis to aluminum with LED displays and getting it done to sell for Christmas.

i don't see many of your dream updates happening anytime soon.

[glitch44]

I agree these look like the next processors. I did not realize that they run cooler though (although they should). So the spec TDP is 14W vs today's 17W processors.

BTW I would be interested if they used the 1200Mhz 10W processors, although it sounds like people are approximating with Coolbook!

As far as I know, the CPU in the Macbook Air right now is 20W. The new penryn's run at 17W.

[iToaster]

You know, there exist 128 Gb 1.8" SSDs out there, the only issue with them is that they cost thousands and thousands of dollars.

[Cyburnclassic]

Theres a Toshiba laptop which has a 128GB SSD which is in the Portege R500 Series for £1599 (ex VAT)

Toshiba Protege R500 128GB SSD Model (http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/productPage.do?service=UK&PRODUCT_ID=150908&toshibaShop=false)

[feelthefire]

You know, there exist 128 Gb 1.8" SSDs out there, the only issue with them is that they cost thousands and thousands of dollars.

Approximately $3500, to be exact.

[Jack Flash]

The iPod classic uses an 160GB 1.8" HDD, right? Is it 8 mm or 5mm?

[Bongolo]

Thanks for the replies guys. :)

The iPod classic uses an 160GB 1.8" HDD, right? Is it 8 mm or 5mm?

Exactly! I cannot believe apple puts a 160G HDD in an iPod and bring out a new laptop with an 80 Giger!!

If there was a 160Gb version, I and many of my friends would buy it immediately! :(

[PlaceofDis]

The iPod classic uses an 160GB 1.8" HDD, right? Is it 8 mm or 5mm?

too big of a drive, has two platters, the MBA has one.

[Aegelward]

With the increasing amount of SSD use they should be dropping pretty sharply in price over the next 6 to 12 months... hopefully anyway

[pgflmac]

Thanks for the replies guys. :)



Exactly! I cannot believe apple puts a 160G HDD in an iPod and bring out a new laptop with an 80 Giger!!

If there was a 160Gb version, I and many of my friends would buy it immediately! :(


I agree. I have been trying to squeeze stuff off my 160GB MacBook and I still have just over 90GB. 120GB would work but 160GB be perfect. Until MBA gets more capacity I need to sit tight.

[dudup]

I'm hoping for a November bump in time for Christmas, with the base model at the same price but with a 120gb 5400rpm hd and 1.8ghz processor. Also for the 64gb SSD to be dramatically reduced in cost, and 128gb introduced at a slightly higher price than the current 64gb model.

$1799 USD- 1.8ghz, 120gb 5400rpm, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$2599 USD- 2.2ghz, 64gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)
$3299 USD- 2.2ghz, 128gb SSD, 2gb RAM (expandable to 4gb)

That's what I'm hoping anyway :) at least if not by November sometime in the early new year.
I think by Christmas 2009 there won't even be a hard disk option, only SSD.

Believe me, don't worry about CPU speed or RAM. The MBA's Leopard version handles very well with these. All you'll want from a MBA will be better disk space and/or performance, and more battery.

Also, a slot for a 3G chip would be AMAZING.