EEE-like MacBook Air? [Archive]

pscoble

May 24, 2008, 06:09 PM

the solution is an OSX "light" version or a 16GB SSD + an external HDD

I doubt the average user could fill 5GB of disk in a few hours' travel :)

.

Not sure what a OSX "light" would mean I know if I were always on the road for business I wouldn't want a "light" version of OSX. Still that's not very practical think about how only 5GBs would last you over the course of several years? It wouldn't be great especially if you are a business man on the road who needs to have lots of important documents over time they would add up. If they were to make a cheaper MBA it would probably be slightly bigger yet still less powerful rather than smaller knowing Apple. Also the "average" user wouldn't want a MBA most likely. They would go for a MB or similar so they could have all of their media. Not so they could travel.

Prometheus2000

May 24, 2008, 06:31 PM

.

the MacBook Air is beautiful but too expensive for many, so, following the Asus EEE trend, Apple could make a smaller, slimmer, ligher and cheaper MacBook Air with a low cost 12 GB solid state disk

a possible alternative is to sell an accessory that fits the 64GB SSD but has a 12-16GB SSD and an extra battery, so, the smaller SSD and the 2nd battery, may give it a stronger operation time

.

Maybe apple will counter the EEE Hype with the rumored iTablet, hopefully with excellent battery life, 3G etc. I heard the EEE just has like 3 hours battery life even when you get a mini display and lots of ultra lower power components. But then, there is no much space for a good battery...

Also, for doing long time work, I find these mini notebooks (also these UMPCs) to uncomfortable (I own a Vaio TX5MN/W besides my MBP). And for browsing and email on the go, I find my iPhone far more practically...add the rumored iChat, GPS, 3G and additional apps like Voice over IP in the next Gen and it can compete the EEE. Size the iPhone up to a Tablet with some good onscreen keyboard and let the competition for the ultra portable begin :)

But I never used an EEE PC, I just get ache in my hands all the time when using the Vaio longer. Its a good pieace of engineering work, excellent screen, great battery life and sooo transportable, but as so often, not very ergonomic...my dream computer gear on the move:

- Macbook Air with 120GB HD or SSD for programming/writing due to its full keyboard.
- iTablet for notetaking, OneNote support (for the beginning before some kick-ass killer notebook app from Apple takes over the world), document reading and annotating
- 3G iPhone which serves as portable wifi hotspot for the devices above, so they are always connected like the iPhone....

Ok, waking up again :)

And as a true believer in Slate Tablet PCs (can't do without my trusty HP TC1100) I pray to Steve Jobs photograph on my desk everyday that he might give as a multitouch penable Tablet :) Its so hard to be part of a niche group, but Apple has shown how to bring niches to the mainstream (have you noticed how they evolved the iPod Touch from an MP3 player slowly to a full PDA which can compete WinMob devices, with the app store completing the transformation soon)

Aegelward

May 25, 2008, 07:22 AM

Maybe apple will counter the EEE Hype with the rumored iTablet, hopefully with excellent battery life, 3G etc. I heard the EEE just has like 3 hours battery life even when you get a mini display and lots of ultra lower power components. But then, there is no much space for a good battery...

AFAIK the EEE uses standard components since they're cheaper, and an extended battery is available that pushes the life up to 5-6 hours.

an 11" air is feasible, and SSDs are getting cheeper all time now

Foxglove9

May 25, 2008, 08:56 AM

I have Tiger installed on my 4GB Asus EEE PC. It's true the OS does take up a lot of space, but I still get a good 1.5 GB left for extra space. I can also add an SD card which gives me more room if I need it. It's good for basic stuff like web surfing, word documents, etc...

If it wasn't for the screen resolution and timing issues, I like the small form factor of the machine running OS X. I'd love to see a MiniAir.

mkrishnan

May 25, 2008, 09:11 AM

AFAIK the EEE uses standard components since they're cheaper, and an extended battery is available that pushes the life up to 5-6 hours.

Yeah, that's true... the Eee is still lighter than the MBA, I think, even with an extended battery (I don't have an ext battery though).

OTOH, Apple has fantastic growth and profitability playing in the stratosphere of the market. Why should Apple emulate Asus in this regard, even if Asus's strategy works well for them?

speakerwizard

May 25, 2008, 10:08 AM

I thought about an ee, then i realised my iphone is about the same power, more ram and storage and will soon have downloadable apps, and is a hell of a lot more portable.

glitch44

May 25, 2008, 01:17 PM

H$R

May 25, 2008, 03:46 PM

the MacBook Air is beautiful but too expensive for many, so, following the Asus EEE trend, Apple could make a smaller, slimmer, ligher and cheaper MacBook Air with a low cost 12 GB solid state disk

a possible alternative is to sell an accessory that fits the 64GB SSD but has a 12-16GB SSD and an extra battery, so, the smaller SSD and the 2nd battery, may give it a stronger operation time

Sure they could do that. But why should they? There are already enough companies in the game for subnotebooks. Ok, none of them has OS X, but with such a tiny (also slow) subnotebook, you don't really need the power of OS X. The Air is already pretty good for portable producitvity (though an exchangable battery is missing IMHO). I think the EEE PC is already perfect for the tasks like Skype, Internet and mail. For its price I consider it as a second notebook, for trips and such. But at the moment my MacBook just serves me right.

Apple is already pushing the mobile internet with the iPhone and the iPod Touch.
But who knows, what's coming in the future..with all this Mac tablet rumors floating around. I believe it when I see it.

Aegelward

May 25, 2008, 04:22 PM

The Air is already pretty good for portable producitvity (though an exchangable battery is missing IMHO).

Extending battery life should be the priority of the Air to be honest, performance boosts should be treated as secondary. Who needs 2ghz when your battery life is just 2 hours, give me half that and 6 or 7 hours of wireless use

alphaod

May 25, 2008, 11:50 PM

the solution is an OSX "light" version or a 16GB SSD + an external HDD

I doubt the average user could fill 5GB of disk in a few hours' travel :)

Well asking users to buy an external HDD is not practical sense. Yes you can install OS X with like 3 GB maybe, but it won't have foreign language files, drivers, etc. Then they can't advertise everything is plug and play.

QCassidy352

May 26, 2008, 12:24 AM

I thought about an ee, then i realised my iphone is about the same power, more ram and storage and will soon have downloadable apps, and is a hell of a lot more portable.

I know others will mock us, but I totally agree with you. I think the eee is a silly device. It lacks the true "pocket portability" of an iphone or a blackberry, but it also lacks the full-fledged usability of a macbook air or lenovo x300. Once I'm taking more than what fits in a pocket (i.e. something bigger than a blackberry/phone) I'll just take a real laptop. The eee is a compromise solution, and IMO, not a good one.

I doubt apple will make something like the eee because they like each mac to be a fully capable machine. Of course, the air is something of a step away from that with its lack of ports and no optical drive, and the renewal of the "tablet" rumor may yet prove me wrong. But I don't see apple trying to compete with the eee, nor do I think they should.

gaetanomarano

May 26, 2008, 06:34 PM

But I don't see apple trying to compete with the eee, nor do I think they should.

it's not to compete with the EEE but to have "something" in the market's segment between the MBA and the iPhone, with (about) HALF the dimensions and weight of the MBA, evidenced in the (possible) "eeeAir" specs shown in this article (http://www.gaetanomarano.it/articles/036appleee.html) and clearly visible in this image:

http://www.ghostnasa.com/appleee.jpg

however, are you sure the rumored "MacTablet" isn't an EEE-like micro-notebook with (also) a touch screen?

gaetanomarano

May 26, 2008, 10:00 PM

.

just to add one point missed in my article (and here) about the advantage a low cost "eeeAir" may give to Apple to enlarge its notebooks' market share, since, an economy's law, say that, when the price of a product "falls to half", it's seeling "more than doubles"

.

apple will counter the EEE Hype with the rumored iTablet

or (simply) the rumored "iTablet" will be an EEE-like MBA with touch screen and some iPhone features

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deputylove8

May 26, 2008, 10:16 PM

Personally, I love the Air. However, I fall into the group who find
the Air overly priced for its features. But dang! I do like it a lot though.

I understand that this thread is comparing the AIr to the EEE. Here, I would like to add another contender. The HP 2133. Yes the specs are different but here, they serve the same type of consumers.Those who want mobility, light, wireless connectivity minus the optical drive.

The pirce is aslo a big diff. Its about $600 I reckon....the drawback...its running on windows. Haha. :D:D:D:D:D

http://h40059.www4.hp.com/hp2133/

Hehehe..yeah like what everyone has said. The Air suits some but not others :)

twist2b

May 26, 2008, 11:49 PM

what you are suggesting is useless.... why not get a iphone or itouch if you want that little GB space..

THE WHOLE POINT of making a mac air was to make it the smallest, withought taking away from a basic laptop..... they were close, I admit that they missed the mark slightly, but any smaller thinner crappier then why not just make a garage sale at apple and bring some hippies?

Seriously, if you are not satisfied with what they released, want smaller or cheaper:

GO iPhone or iTouch!!!!!!!! That simple.
its a niche market product, accept that.

gaetanomarano

May 27, 2008, 05:57 AM

I understand that this thread is comparing the AIr to the EEE. Here, I would like to add another contender.

not exactly... it's about suggesting Apple to sell (also) a notebook with HALF the size, HALF the weight and HALF the price of the MBA

.

...why not get a iphone or itouch if you want that little GB space...

the "eeeAir" design and specs I suggest are exactly those that make the EEE a large and worldwide success

.

Foxglove9

May 27, 2008, 06:21 AM

waaaa? the guides i read on tiger on the eee made it seem like tiger is too sluggish. did you find a solution for this or are you just living with the sluggish-ness?

You can tweak and speed the OS up using 3rd party apps. It's not blazing by any means but it's definitely usable for small tasks and that's about it until they work out the kinks.

Aegelward

May 27, 2008, 06:32 AM

not exactly... it's about suggesting Apple to sell (also) a notebook with HALF the size, HALF the weight and HALF the price of the MBA

.

Half is too much to expect, lets go with a more conservative 25% (or so) reduction in proportions and cost ;)

11 or 10" will be far more acceptable, and a thinner bezel. i know i keep saying this but even the 2cm (at the top and sides) reduction of the 13" models bezel will make a huge difference to its size

wordmunger

May 27, 2008, 06:39 AM

Well, as an actual MBA owner I thought I'd weigh in here. I don't think there's actually much of a gap in Apple's line between the iPod touch / iPhone and the MBA.

In fact, all Apple would really need to do to fill the gap is to offer an external keyboard for the iPhone / touch. (or allow a third-party vendor to offer one). Problem solved.

Maybe I'm a bit biased, but I wouldn't want a slightly smaller, crippled version of the MBA. It's awesome as is, and I love having a full size screen and keyboard in a tiny package.

gaetanomarano

May 27, 2008, 07:44 AM

lets go with a more conservative 25%

every new product needs a giant investment, so, if the new MBA can't be smaller than -25%, the better choice is to don't make it

.

I don't think there's actually much of a gap in Apple's line between the iPod touch / iPhone and the MBA.

probably you're right, but it's the market that wants it... the EEE-lke notebooks are a success, so, if Apple don't sell its model, the users could buy the product of a competitor

.

wordmunger

May 27, 2008, 07:58 AM

probably you're right, but it's the market that wants it... the EEE-lke notebooks are a success, so, if Apple don't sell its model, the users could buy the product of a competitor

.

Hmmm... I've seen more MBAs in the wild than EEE PCs... and TONS more iPhones. The iPhone has sold over 4 million and the EEE has sold around 350K. We don't have sales figures for the MBA but I suspect it's sold at least as well as the EEE.

Kebabselector

May 27, 2008, 09:36 AM

I'd love a small laptop, eeePc size that I can plug my camera into and upload images to my server. Sadly the Air is too large (mainly as it doesn't fit in my camera bag - I could get a larger bag, but then I might as well use my MB) the alternative offered by some here is the iPhone, which for my use would be useless. So really the only option I have for a portable device is not made by Apple.

Abraxsis

May 27, 2008, 10:04 AM

I dont see how you can even begin to compare these two numbers. Asus has done next to zero advertising for the EEE, where as iPhone and MBA ... well lets just say I can't watch a prime time TV show without being hit with these ads, not to mention a good Mac vs PC ad for good measure. Trust that I am a huge Apple fan, and I am always amazed with what the Apple teams come out with, but in terms of price and usability there is ZERO comparison with the MBA and the EEE. The EEE is not, and never was, intended to be a desktop replacement or even a solid Ultramobile. The original EEE came from the OLPC project, and Asus simply decided to test the waters. This computer is designed for internet based applications and basic writing/spreadsheet/etc use. Essentially a PDA with more functionality and better usability. The entry level EEE is 299.00, 250.00 on sale, 500.00 for a really nice one. Whereas the MBA is 1700 out of the gate. I just can't understand how people can logically attempt to compare them. However, I can say that after using both, I would go with the EEE 100%.

Last week I was called into the local PC place to work on a MBP, they keep me on retainer even though my actual profession is a graphic artist for a toy company. When I arrived I came upon a pristine Macbook Pro 17", a MAXED OUT one at that. When I removed the newspaper covering half the device, to my horror, the thing had been dropped right on the corner. HD was shot, the logic board had fractures in it, and surprisingly the only thing that survived was the LCD. A total waste. The great part is one of the techs told me that the owner normally kept the thing at home, never took it anywhere. First day she did, to surf the net in the library, she dropped it. Now had she been carrying a MBA the devastation would have been just as great, but had she been carrying an EEE for net surfing and messaging she wouldn't have wasted thousands of dollars, nor would she have broken down into tears when we told her that Apple was going to want well over 1200.00 to fix it cause I might have been able to fix some nasty breaks, but Im hardly a miracle worker. Beyond that, the primary "storage" is an SD card in a EEE, which is much less likely to be damaged to a total loss of data like the MBA, or MBP, or even an iPhone. (yes yes "regular backups" but not everyone does that)

Next up is the iPhone, first off .... the iPhone is a "consumer" device. It was not designed for the average business user. Until apple improves the WPM that is capable on a touch panel, to those of a mini QWERTY, the blackberry and the palm centrinos of the world will continue to dominate. On my Blackberry curve I can type roughly 30 WPM, on my friends iPhone he can type maybe 10-20 depending on complexity. Obviously this is not a scientific test, but given we are both more than adequate typers, it doesn't bode well for the iPhone. Now the Curve ball, even for the business user the iPhone is still a better deal, IF Apple brings the introductory price down to match that of the Blackberries, Centrinos, HTCs etc. This is because overall the monthly fees for an Enterprise capable iPhone 2.0 will be significantly less than a Blackberry. As a staunch Blackberry user I am also considering the iPhone jump, just to save 50.00/month.

Hmmm... I've seen more MBAs in the wild than EEE PCs... and TONS more iPhones. The iPhone has sold over 4 million and the EEE has sold around 350K. We don't have sales figures for the MBA but I suspect it's sold at least as well as the EEE.

wordmunger

May 27, 2008, 10:55 AM

Next up is the iPhone, first off .... the iPhone is a "consumer" device. It was not designed for the average business user. Until apple improves the WPM that is capable on a touch panel, to those of a mini QWERTY, the blackberry and the palm centrinos of the world will continue to dominate. On my Blackberry curve I can type roughly 30 WPM, on my friends iPhone he can type maybe 10-20 depending on complexity. Obviously this is not a scientific test, but given we are both more than adequate typers, it doesn't bode well for the iPhone. Now the Curve ball, even for the business user the iPhone is still a better deal, IF Apple brings the introductory price down to match that of the Blackberries, Centrinos, HTCs etc. This is because overall the monthly fees for an Enterprise capable iPhone 2.0 will be significantly less than a Blackberry. As a staunch Blackberry user I am also considering the iPhone jump, just to save 50.00/month.

That's why I suggested that Apple allow vendors to produce external keyboards for iPhones/touches. That gives you just as much computing power as an EEE, and when the new apps come out in June, I suspect there will be plenty of business-class power for the things.

Look, the MBA isn't for everyone, but I'm not convinced that Apple should be designing a Mac-lite to compete against the non-threat from EEE.

Dagless

May 27, 2008, 11:26 AM

I'm planning on buying a mini laptop next month, probably get an MSI Wind (Bluetooth=yey). But yea if Apple had a cheap laptop then I'd be buying that in a second.
Though I only plan on using it for writing and bedside internets.

gaetanomarano

May 28, 2008, 06:32 PM

So really the only option I have for a portable device is not made by Apple.

this is (exactly) the market's "slice" for the eeeAir

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The entry level EEE is 299.00, 250.00 on sale, 500.00 for a really nice one. Whereas the MBA is 1700 out of the gate. I just can't understand how people can logically attempt to compare them.

I believe that Apple can do something better than an EEE at a price around $500-600

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mkrishnan

May 28, 2008, 06:39 PM

I believe that Apple can do something better than an EEE at a price around $500-600

With 50% margins?

Aegelward

May 28, 2008, 06:41 PM

I think the 'eee' isn't exactly the market apple, or we want apple to compete in... its just that some people wish for a more petite and slightly less pricey air.

gaetanomarano

May 28, 2008, 06:43 PM

That gives you just as much computing power as an EEE.

but the screen is too little compared with the upcoming EEE900

Look, the MBA isn't for everyone, but I'm not convinced that Apple should be designing a Mac-lite to compete against the non-threat from EEE.

there is not an EEE vs. MBA competition... the reason why Apple should (and, maybe, already IS going to) make an "eeeAir" is to offer something smaller than a MBA and bigger than an iPhone

.

But yea if Apple had a cheap laptop then I'd be buying that in a second.

second "eeeAir" buyer found! :)

.

I think the 'eee' isn't exactly the market apple, or we want apple to compete in... its just that some people wish for a more petite and slightly less pricey air.

not compete WITH the EEE product but compete IN the EEE segment

.

costabunny

May 28, 2008, 06:56 PM

well I love my Air and wouldnt want it any differently.

I will, however, get an Eee901 when they are out (atom powered) as I have a use for a really small linux machine.

The thing about the mac is its entire user experience and I m not convinced that it would be the same on an eee type platform.

Lets see the new iPhone develop with enterprise tools, the tablet and leave it there :)

dudup

May 28, 2008, 10:20 PM

Do not forget the "MacBook" on "MacBook Air"! ;)

wordmunger

May 29, 2008, 11:37 AM

Abraxsis

May 29, 2008, 01:48 PM

I myself, having just gone to all desktops, am also looking at a cheap Netbook to replace the portability that I lost moving to desktop machines. I dont need the power of a MPA (nor its effect on my wallet) and I dont WANT the weight and heft of comparably priced PC laptop or Macbook. BUT I do want the functionality of hooking up my camera to it in the woods and offloading a few gigs of photos, even retouching them in PS2, or maybe some in bed surfing/IM at night, all of which can be accomplished with my chosen Netbook, the MSI Wind. A 10" screen, 80GB HD, atom proc, 512RAM (which I will max out first thing) built in wifi, and a memory card slot. OH AND IT HAS 3 USB PORTS. And all that for 399.00 entry (note: this doesnt include Win XP, Ill install that myself with my site license). Not to mention the lack of tears, or complex insurance claims, if I drop it or it gets stolen.

The MBA is too much "machine" for simplified tasks, and the iPhone cant do most of the "interaction" that a Netbook would be able too with other physical devices without costly wifi/bluetooth bridges (which only serve to slow things down). Its a no-brainer to me.

gaetanomarano

May 30, 2008, 12:01 PM

This is all beginning to sound like the people asking for a mid-priced desktop tower. Of course people would love to have a cheaper Apple computer, but I really don't think it's going to happen. I don't think Apple is going to be willing to put up with the EEE compromises: smaller keyboard, lack of HD space, etc.

as explained in my "eeeAir" article's update, another good reason why Apple must/should make as soon as possible an "eeeAir" is that, thanks to the "open design platforms" (from VIA and others) also small companies will be able to design and sell under $300 sub-notebooks able to perfectly install and run (also) the Apple OSX and its software, so, the Mac users that think the MacBook Air (still) is too big and/or too heavy and/or too expensive, could save over $1000 on the Air's price

.

krye

May 30, 2008, 02:11 PM

Apple won't cannibalize its own sales to make your dreams come true. Sorry.

gaetanomarano

May 30, 2008, 02:51 PM

Apple won't cannibalize its own sales to make your dreams come true.
then, the growing choice of EEE-like computers will cannibalize the Apple notebooks' market :)

Kebabselector

May 30, 2008, 03:19 PM

Apple won't cannibalize its own sales to make your dreams come true. Sorry.

The people spending £1,199 ($2400) on a MacBook Air, wouldn't be the same people buying a £300 ($600) EEEpc.

Kebabselector

Jun 2, 2008, 02:50 PM

Found this today. A Dell mini laptop Link (http://gizmodo.com/393815/exclusive-dell-mini-inspiron-their-first-mini-laptop).

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2008/05/medium_2532644528_3a2c009065_o.jpg

Looks o.k., hopefully it'll force others (like Apple) to consider this type of device.

albusseverus

Jun 2, 2008, 06:32 PM

There's times I wish Apple would allow Bluetooth keyboards for the iPhone.

The iPhone could be a bit bigger (but lighter), with more functionality (Skype, some audio & video editing and Open Office or iWork) - not so much a tablet, but one portable device.

I'm seriously considering an Eee for my portable needs. I've got an iMac for the desktop and I won't be doing serious audio or video on the run (although apparently the MBA is quite capable in this department). A small, cheap, functional Eee would suit my needs. Bummer that it won't run anything like OS X (and believe me, I'm a big fan of the Eee with OS X videos, but I don't think it's there, yet).

Apple has never shown any interest in the bottom of the market. The cheapest device they make is a Shuffle and on pure function, it's shockingly expensive compared with other brands. The Mac Mini is likewise no bargain (over $1000 here in Australia).

I keep looking at my wireless Aluminium keyboard and thinking... 'you know, with a flip-up screen, this would make an ideal portable device. In fact, the keys could be closer together (I find the current spacing a bit of a stretch). Not as close as the Eee, which frankly is it's only down-side - even small fingers can't use that keyboard for anything serious.

So -

Eee = quite functional, small device. Plenty of bang for $. And it can -nearly- run OS X. Reason enough to buy one.
I'd like the iPhone to be bigger with more computer-like function & a Bluetooth keyboard. +Knock the Kindle out of the park.
If Apple made a device like a flip-up screen for their wireless Al keyboard, I think they'd have a winner.

gaetanomarano

Jun 2, 2008, 07:32 PM

A Dell mini laptop

and this is an "eeeTablet" with Vista from Vye:

http://regmedia.co.uk/2008/05/14/rh_s37_06.jpg

.

em500

Jun 3, 2008, 08:56 AM

To me the MSI Wind (http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/msi-wind.aspx) looks the best to of the slew of budget mini laptops terms of features and design. It really looks a lot like a miniature MacBook (but you don't have to pay extra for the black version :)).

Normally it would be strange to compare these $400-$500 laptops to the $1800 MacBook Air. But the usage scenarios of these are pretty similar: a secondary take-with-you-anywhere machine for internetting, emailing, office tasks, media playing, maybe a little photo editing. The Air has a much faster CPU, a better display and keyboard. But the MSI has it's own advantages: bigger and faster HDD, 3 USB ports, swappable batteries (buy one extra and you can really work an entire day without power plug), built-in card reader and ethernet. While the Air's big screen and keyboard are nice, they do add to the size (and I can tell from experience that the MSI keyboard is very usable, much more so than the smaller Asus Eee's). And the Air's fast CPU advantage is somewhat moot for the type of applications that most people would run on these machines.

Personally, I feel the Air's appeal (which was pretty niche to begin with) is considerably diminished by the coming of these new cheap mini laptops. Of course, the Air still have some things going for them, like the classy aluminum design and OS X. But I really don't see that being worth a $1200 difference. Apple being Apple, I don't think they'd be willing to compete in the low cost laptop arena any time soon, which is a real pity.

It has often been said that due to its limitations the Air is really meant as a secondary computer, especially to complement a powerful desktop. But its pricing just doesn't support that. For the price of one MacBook Air, one can buy a powerful 20-inch 2.4Ghz iMac as a primary computer plus an ultra-portable MSI Wind as a complementary secondary computer. For my money I sure know what I would choose.

samwise

Jul 30, 2008, 06:14 AM

I'll be picking up an Acer Aspire One in the next couple of weeks:

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/06/AS_one_family-1.jpg

This is to replace my current Dell Latitude C400 ultra-portable.

Specs are Intel Atom 1.6ghz, 512Mb RAM pre-loaded (can add extra ram, but means taking machine apart to get to the slot), 8Gb SSD and Linpus Linux OS.

It comes with 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 SD card slot that can be used to boost the storage (people have fitted 16gb SD cards already), one 5-in-1 card reader (the only netbook so far that accepts my camera's xD card), VGA port, 10/100 ethernet port, b/g WiFi.

Comes with an 8.9" LED backlight widescreen (1024 x 600), 3-cell battery as standard in the Linux version that'll give up towards 3 hrs life, with a 6-cell battery available as an optional extra, and with the 3-cell battery it weighs 2.2lb.

I'd buy an OS X version like a shot, but Apple don't make one, so I can't. I'll be using it for travelling around on my motorbike, so shock-resistance is a priority, along with light weight. It is missing Bluetooth, but that's probably the only thing I wish it did have.

iSpoody 1243

Jul 30, 2008, 06:29 AM

since when has apple been about stripped back computers with less than normal functionality, come on there will never be a mac notebook slower than the macbook!!! :mad:

chrono1081

Jul 30, 2008, 07:18 AM

If apple made an Eee like device I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

Seriously most people bashing the Eee have never used one. Ever.

I bought one just to play online when I travel because it is MUCH smaller then any normal laptop and fits nicely in my camera backpack. Well, after a little bit with it I started using it for lots of other things like large data backups from one drive to another, downloading, setting up wireless networks, etc. This thing is a HUGE convenience and is great not only as a travel computer, but as a task computer as well.

The only reason I would give mine up is if apple came out with their version that ran mac OSX :D

iMacmatician

Jul 30, 2008, 01:06 PM

since when has apple been about stripped back computers with less than normal functionality, come on there will never be a mac notebook slower than the macbook!!! :mad:They aren't. That's why the MacBook Air doesn't have a ULV processor and has a full-size display and keyboard. A larger iPod touch is more likely, if you ask me.

alphaod

Jul 30, 2008, 07:12 PM

Apple will never sell a notebook for less than $999; simply said the MB is their consumer line and if it's selling so well, why bother making one for $500 when they can sell it for $1000 and people will buy one since it's made by Apple?

They aren't. That's why the MacBook Air doesn't have a ULV processor and has a full-size display and keyboard. A larger iPod touch is more likely, if you ask me.

The MBA has a LV processor. This full-size display crap is all marketing. What exactly is full-size display? By who's definition?

Full size keyboard? Yeah that's why the foot print is the size of the 15" MBP!

Rondue

Jul 30, 2008, 10:08 PM

Apple will never sell a notebook for less than $999; simply said the MB is their consumer line and if it's selling so well, why bother making one for $500 when they can sell it for $1000 and people will buy one since it's made by Apple?

The MBA has a LV processor. This full-size display crap is all marketing. What exactly is full-size display? By who's definition?

Full size keyboard? Yeah that's why the foot print is the size of the 15" MBP!

Yea I agree with this guy in saying I don't believe apple has any need or want to make a computer thats more affordable, especially since they really don't have to since their market share is growing more and more.

deputylove8

Jul 31, 2008, 04:14 AM

The thing is...EEE etc doesnt run MAC os.haha..

kitch95

Jul 31, 2008, 07:23 AM

How about a notebook called the macbook mini? With a 10 or 11 inch screen, 32gb ssd that would leave 22gb left after you have put osx on it. And you could have that over the air optical drive borrowing thing. Ow yer and it would be in that nice durable black macbook plastic to separate it from the air.

Yer I no im dreaming but that would awsome:D

MacRumorUser

Aug 1, 2008, 04:47 AM

But yea if Apple had a cheap laptop then I'd be buying that in a second..

Apple don't do 'cheap' ;)

Even if they did release a mini note you could almost guarantee it will be $900 + or more.. and people will still buy it.

If only HP hadn't screwed up the 2133 with the Via processor, it would have been a perfect powerbook styled mini or a poor choice of linux that doesn't even support the 2133's hardware fully :rolleyes: ... curses them.

em500

Aug 1, 2008, 06:59 AM

The MSI Wind already looks like a miniature MacBook clone as it is

http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum/view_message/30480059

and with just a tad more work you can get this

http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum/view_message/30489548

Come on, let's cut the "underpowered", "too small", "not full featured", crap. Who wouldn't buy this

http://gizmodo.com/5020490/msi-wind-running-mac-os-x-also-thinks-its-a-mac-pro

if Apple sold it for $700 with OS X instead of MSI for $600 with Windows/Linux? Let's be honest, the only reason Apple doesn't do it is that it would cannibalize their more profitable models. Not because there is not enough interest or demand, or that it isn't useful/usable enough.

question fear

Aug 1, 2008, 10:23 AM

Here's the thing: the EEE is hugely successful because its ultra portable, tiny, and cheap. I bought my 2g surf for studying at the library, watching movies, etc, and it works perfectly. It doesn't replace my macbook, nor would I expect it to.

If it were over 500, I probably wouldn't have bought it. It's perfect as a tiny extra machine. I don't mind using linux, I like learning a little bit more about a new OS. In the future, assuming mini notebooks keep up somewhat with tech trends, I could see myself replacing my macbook with a nice iMac or mac mini setup, and then getting a slightly more powerful netbook for surfing around and portability reasons.

I don't see Apple doing this for less than 500, though...it's just not their style. Only way I could see it happen is if they bundled it with a desktop: buy an iMac, get a portable minimacbook for 500, or something like that. Throw in mobile me and you can keep them up to date with each other easily. Since Apple has something against using bluetooth keyboards on the iPhone (WHY? Seriously. Would make it 900x better), they could bridge that ultraportable gap easily. But that's the only way I'd see them offering it at anything affordable.

coupdetat

Aug 11, 2008, 12:21 PM

It really pisses me off that Apple appears to be totally ignoring a huge market for small notebooks. The MSI Wind and EEE 901 have everything I need in a notebook. The problem is that Windows apps tend to be low-quality, and I have grown dependent on programs like Adium, OmniOutliner, OmniGraffle, Pages, Keynote, etc. as a student. These don't have similar-quality counterparts on Windows.

Basically I feel like Apple has abandoned innovation in the computer field. Previous Macs put useability and design first. The MB and MBP have been stagnant for years except for speed bumps. The MBA is good for bragging rights but ultimately useless for me, thanks to its huge footprint and crap battery life.

Ultimately, Asus and other manufacturers took Apple's place in leading the next hardware frontier, but they don't have the execution that Apple can do. And even if they had well-executed hardware designs (the Wind comes very close), the software will always let it down.

Give me a slower, smaller, longer-running laptop anyday. Who the hell needs even 1.6ghz to write papers or manipulate spreadsheets? (Well, that is arguable if you are using Numbers)

J&JPolangin

Aug 17, 2008, 02:56 PM

...Who the hell needs even 1.6ghz to write papers or manipulate spreadsheets? (Well, that is arguable if you are using Numbers)

...its now called the intel atom processor and my eeePC1000H is on the way - to bridge the gap between my old computer and the MB update when ever it may happen:D

AppliedMicro

Aug 17, 2008, 05:14 PM

Previous Macs put useability and design first.
So does the MacBook Air. Undoubtedly. That's why it has a 13.3" screen and a full-size keyboard like on bigger notebooks or Desktop PCs. Battery life is only worse-than-could-be cause Apple needed a strong dual-core CPU for OS X (10.5), Rosetta and marketing purposes, and Intel didn't have anything better.

I believe, with Apple you can pretty much take one thing for granted:
They won't do crappy user interfaces by design.
They might charge some steep amounts on their hardware or service.
They might cut down on components (HD size, RAM, PC Card slots).
But again: They won't do crappy user interfaces by design.

That's why the MacBook Air got a 13.3"-widescreen display with comfortable resolution and a normal-sized keyboard. With Apps like MS Office, the menu bar wasn't always wide enough on my PowerBook 12" some years ago. And that has not exactly gotten better with Leopard. Unless they modify the OS X itself, the user experience just won't be on the same level on some 9-inch screen. But modifying OS X in that way would (almost) be the same as establishing a third extendable software platform (to complement the classic OS X platform and the iPhone/iPod touch platform). Something I cannot see them to do soon.

For pretty much the same reason does the iPod shuffle lack a display (it's just does not deliver a great user experience), or was Apple so reluctant to let the iPod have video support back then (small screen, insufficient CPU?, short battery runtime = no great user experience). They'll rather omit something or won't cater to a specific market than compromise on some things, especially user interfaces. And 9" screens are a so-so compromise (at least they're cheap).

darngooddesign

Aug 18, 2008, 12:22 PM

Basically I feel like Apple has abandoned innovation in the computer field. Previous Macs put useability and design first. The MB and MBP have been stagnant for years except for speed bumps. The MBA is good for bragging rights but ultimately useless for me, thanks to its huge footprint and crap battery life.

The Air, with its full sized screen and keyboard, has significantly better usebility than some toy-sized 80% keyboard.

Kebabselector

Aug 18, 2008, 12:59 PM

The Air, with its full sized screen and keyboard, has significantly better usebility than some toy-sized 80% keyboard.

I think you're missing the point. It might be slim and light, but ultra portable it isn't.

iMacmatician

Aug 18, 2008, 02:34 PM

AppliedMicro, you took the words right out of my mouth.

I believe, with Apple you can pretty much take one thing for granted:
They won't do crappy user interfaces by design.I don't think Mac OS X on a mini-laptop would be a good user experience.

That's why the MacBook Air got a 13.3"-widescreen display with comfortable resolution and a normal-sized keyboard. With Apps like MS Office, the menu bar wasn't always wide enough on my PowerBook 12" some years ago. iMovie classic requires a 1024·768 display, and iWork's Contextual Format Bar needs a 1280·x display to fit its entire width. In iTunes 7's Album Art view, you can only see two full album art thumbnails at once on 1024·768 (default thumbnail size).

And that has not exactly gotten better with Leopard. And it won't with Snow Leopard either. Snow Leopard will, however, reduce OS X's footprint, but it's not enough for a handheld device.

If a mini-laptop is going to run Mac OS X without serious limitations, then it'll be expensive and large (≈10", ≈$1000). Smaller than the MacBook Air, sure, but still much larger than an Eee or similar device. Such a device might cater to the "MacBook Air is not an ultra-portable" crowd, which is good, but I think a 11" MacBook Air might work just as well as that mini-laptop.

If a mini-laptop is going to reduce its hardware specs to minimize size and price (≈$500, ≈8"), then there'll be big sacrifices. You could barely multitask iLife and iWork without seriously lagging, and everything would be really cramped on the 800·500 (or whatever) display. The OS and apps themselves would take up many GB's of space that take away from the flash storage. You won't be running Photoshop or anything like that on the device, and at that point, why not just use the iPhone OS? It's designed for mobile devices, and I'm sure it can be extended to support multitasking, iLife, iWork, tabs, etc. A much better user experience with a significantly smaller footprint. Which comes to the next point.

For pretty much the same reason does the iPod shuffle lack a display (it's just does not deliver a great user experience), or was Apple so reluctant to let the iPod have video support back then (small screen, insufficient CPU?, short battery runtime = no great user experience). They'll rather omit something or won't cater to a specific market than compromise on some things, especially user interfaces. And 9" screens are a so-so compromise (at least they're cheap).Apple doesn't do hybrids. A product is either all the way in one area, or all the way in another. Nothing in-between. And a mini-laptop or tablet running Mac OS X is a really good definition of an in-between device.

This is another reason why, assuming Apple makes an iPhone OS mini-tablet, it will not just be an iPod touch with a bigger display.

darngooddesign

Aug 19, 2008, 12:34 PM

I think you're missing the point. It might be slim and light, but ultra portable it isn't.

The original point was that Apple sacrificed usibility with the Air's design, but because of its full sized keyboard and screen they didn't. If the point had been that the air is too large to be considered an ultraportable then I would agree. They only sacrificed the ability to call it ultraportable.

With Netbook-sized machines defining what is considered to be ultraportable I think we need a new category for those porky 11" laptops. When you now have a 8" laptops there is no way you can consider 11" and 12" ultra portable. Its just more portable. We could take an existing term and make it extra snazzy by messing with the capitalization, subNOTE maybe?

since when has apple been about stripped back computers with less than normal functionality, come on there will never be a mac notebook slower than the macbook!!! :mad:

The Duo series and the original iBooks all had fewer ports compared to the full sized Powerbooks. The 2400c needed a separate floppy. I found them all great to use, but the 2400's 80% keyboard really was a pain to use for anything much and I have slim fingers.

iMacmatician

Aug 19, 2008, 01:22 PM

With Netbook-sized machines defining what is considered to be ultraportable I think we need a new category for those porky 11" laptops. When you now have a 8" laptops there is no way you can consider 11" and 12" ultra portable. Its just more portable. We could take an existing term and make it extra snazzy by messing with the capitalization, subNOTE maybe?Airportable, miniportable, nanoportable, and ultraportable. :D

Macky-Mac

Aug 19, 2008, 01:36 PM

included in the OP's list is the idea that Apple would sell this ultra portable for half the price of the Air......and that's exactly why what he wants will never happen! if it did, I would buy one!

I considered an eee for a bit but then I got a chance to try one.......ouch! talk about SLOW !!!!

iMacmatician

Aug 19, 2008, 01:44 PM

I considered an eee for a bit but then I got a chance to try one.......ouch! talk about SLOW !!!!And it runs Linux or Windows XP. An Apple version with Mac OS X would be even slower, and that's why Apple won't release an Eee-like Mac.

J&JPolangin

Aug 19, 2008, 04:49 PM

...I considered an eee for a bit but then I got a chance to try one.......ouch! talk about SLOW !!!!

...yes they are if you were trying any model lower than the 901/1000...they only had 900 Mhz celeron processors in them...

...the 901/1000 have the new 45 Nm Intel Atom processor in them and they can be over clocked to 1.9 Ghz via user interface and max out at 2 GB of DDR2 RAM as well...

AppliedMicro

Aug 19, 2008, 07:34 PM

If the point had been that the air is too large to be considered an ultraportable then I would agree. They only sacrificed the ability to call it ultraportable.
How much of a sacrifice is that?
Depends on how you define "portable"...

For me, it's more about weight than size.
Regarding size, portability is a rather "binary" concept, so to speak:

a) Does it (comfortably) fit into my pants pocket? Yes or no?
b) Does it fit into my small backback I carry to university, or into my briefcase / business case I carry to work? Yes or no?*

Any serious backpack, briefcase etc. is of course designed to hold a few files and sheets or a small folder, "A4" sheet size it is called in Europe (≈ 8" x 12").* And the MacBook Air goes beautifully alongside them in the bag, especially since it's s thin. We have all seen the TV ad, have we? Now, if Apple would make the footprint 10, 20 or even 50% smaller, the product doesn't get better in my opinion - it rather gets worse! Screen size and / or resolution and keyboard will be smaller, the cooling system will be less efficient, etc.

To cut it short: Larger is better, as long as it fits into a briefcase or similar.
Unless, of course, I can put the thing into my trousers, and carry it on my body all-day, like an iPhone.
No need to make the MBA smaller.*

Regarding weight, less is always better, unless too much stability and sturdiness is sacrified. But mind you, the MacBook Air weighs in at about the same as the 10" Asus EEE (which I think is more about affordability and weight than size; it's not very thin either).

I don't see Apple, offering anything "in-between" soon.
And frankly, except for maybe the price point, I don't really miss anything there in Apple's line-up.
I would welcome some price drop for the MBA however ;)

* women with their fashionable but often smaller handbags might disagree in that regard though ;)

DaveOZ

Aug 19, 2008, 07:43 PM

I agree with AppliedMirco. I have an EeeePC which I used before I bought my Air. I just found it too small to type on an the screen was a joke. Not enough resolution and too hard to read. It was still too big to carry in my pocket so it went in the bag. The Air is a proper computer. Does everything I need, has a real keyboard, the screen is devine, is not much heavier than the Eeeee and fits in the same bag.

I keep an iPhone3G in my pocket for those time when I want instant email and web access.

NorCalLights

Aug 19, 2008, 11:05 PM

it's not to compete with the EEE but to have "something" in the market's segment between the MBA and the iPhone

That is a *very* small segment of the market you're talking about... it is also a segment of the market where no device has been successful.

Apple genius is evolution in developed (or at the very least, developing) market segments.

J&JPolangin

Aug 20, 2008, 06:58 AM

... I have an EeeePC which I used before I bought my Air. ...

...what model?

a456

Aug 20, 2008, 07:09 AM

Not sure what a OSX "light" would mean ...

Maybe this will help:

Snow Leopard dramatically reduces the footprint of Mac OS X, making it even more efficient for users, and giving them back valuable hard drive space for their music and photos.

Also think about the iPhone and iPod touch. If the SSDs increase in capacity and the OS shrinks in demands then we get closer to a fully functioning computer in a small form factor - and if the rear touch area ever becomes a reality that would also be a great boost too. Once workable and convenient versions of Excel, Word, etc. or equivalents are on this machine it covers the majority of business needs - of course you'll never be able to use InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop, etc. but the majority of everyday users don't anyway, they type a document and email it off.

AppliedMicro

Aug 20, 2008, 11:06 AM

Once workable and convenient versions of Excel, Word, etc. or equivalents are on this machine
...which would probably take at least considerable months, if not years, as the functionality is apparently non-existent. And I strongly doubt Apple to have given Microsoft (a potential rival in this market) inside information about an upcoming device as this.

And there's only so much much scope to shrink user interfaces. Common word documents, PDFs and the like are formatted to fit onto a standard sheet of paper, printed - which probably isn't going to change anytime soon. Unless you equip users with magnifying glasses or "beam" contents directly in user's eyes, there is no elegant and consistent way to shrink them. Granted, Apples Safari zooming technique is pretty nifty - but this works on web sites, containing few textual information.

Am I going to flick through dozens of pages of Word documents or PDFs zooming in and out on some 4" or 5" screen? Definitely not. Not even on a smallish 9" if I can avoid that...

iMacmatician

Aug 20, 2008, 12:51 PM

And there's only so much much scope to shrink user interfaces. Common word documents, PDFs and the like are formatted to fit onto a standard sheet of paper, printed - which probably isn't going to change anytime soon. And things like toolbars, palettes, and sidebars generally have a fixed width, making a lower limit on the size of the display they are on.

DaveOZ

Aug 20, 2008, 05:15 PM

...what model?

the first 701. I know the new ones are faster and bigger but the Air still rules.

amamboking

Aug 22, 2008, 04:11 PM

listen im a die hard apple afficionado.:cool:.... and nothing competes with my MBP 17 and Imac g5 especially with teleport:D..... any case was given an eeepc 701 (stock 4gs ssd and 512 ram)as a gift,:confused: and had no idea what to do with it.... but after some research and tinkering i have since then have added a 32 gig pci-e ssd, touch screen, bluetooth and 8 gig sd. Oh and its running tiger....:p
in total i paid a little over 150:) for the parts and the result is an ultra portable macbook that i take everywhere... it has office 2004, photoshop cs and many more. it does not take the place my MBP but it serves its purpose i.e. / an ultra portable macbook with touchscreen (great for photoshop)... as for the speed issue yes:(, osx has a problem with the processor speed but with apps like tweek freak you can minimize the problems. the biggest problem is watching video files (online video is fine) because of the timing issue, but it was never meant to be a portable dvd player!!! It was meant to be a portable notebook that is very easily mod-able.....

Burn it. Criticize it. all you want but guess what I got and you don't....
7 in macbook mini
built in camera,
32 gig ssd,
touch screen
blue tooth
wifi

all for a grand total of about $450:cool:.....

eat your heart out:D

amamboking

Aug 22, 2008, 04:38 PM