Macbook air Rev. C?

[ganos-lal]

Im new here... my names Mike, im 22 from the UK. So hey! :)

I have a question. If anyone can answer it for me then id be greatful.

Im thinking of getting the air. But i really love the new mackbooks black bezel around the screen and the edge to edge glass, i also like the new trackpads.

Does anyone know whether apple are intending to put these to features into the rev. C of the macbook air, (and when will rev. C be launched?). Or whether there sticking to the current looks, aluminium bezel around screen etc?

Thanks guys!

[chrmjenkins]

I'm just guessing here, but I'd say they will unify the line and have it adopt the other macbooks' looks. That being said, I won't expect a revision for a while, very possibly into 2010. I say this because Intel's product roadmap doesn't really allow for anything new until that time. It's probable they could push out a speed bump, but that wouldn't necessitate a case overhaul.

[aaquib]

There have been some rumors about the Rev.C containing a 2.13GHz processor, with it being even quieter and more power efficient. However, as usual, nothing has been confirmed.

Personally, I think the next revision will include a glass trackpad, as it really is a joy to use (although, some believe that the glass trackpad is too thick for the MBA). However, I don't think we will see the glass display, as I'd imagine that the glass adds a relatively significant amount of weight to the product. Plus, it adds a huge amount of gloss to it, which Apple likes, but I don't.

[aaquib]

I'm just guessing here, but I'd say they will unify the line and have it adopt the other macbooks' looks. That being said, I won't expect a revision for a while, very possibly into 2010.

Why 2010? Apple won't wait for mobile Nehalem's when Intel just introduced the new 17W Core 2 Duo's. Plus, it's a MacBook. Apple refreshes their MB/MBP lines nearly every 6 months. The first MacBook Air revision occurred just 8 months after the initial release. I don't see why Apple would wait 14+ months for the Rev.C.

[PaperMacWriter]

Im new here... my names Mike, im 22 from the UK. So hey! :)

I have a question. If anyone can answer it for me then id be greatful.

Im thinking of getting the air. But i really love the new mackbooks black bezel around the screen and the edge to edge glass, i also like the new trackpads.

Does anyone know whether apple are intending to put these to features into the rev. C of the macbook air, (and when will rev. C be launched?). Or whether there sticking to the current looks, aluminium bezel around screen etc?

Thanks guys! Well, I think its safe to say that you won't find anyone who has an authoritative answer to that - in other words, no one but Apple know this for sure.

You are one of the few people who want a ultra-glossy display(I don't care strongly, but the black bezel is pretty cool), and I would guess(again, just a guess) that it will not be coming to the Air. That is because the glass would add substantial wait and bulk.
And the release date, well, we can hope for June-August, but not likely for a major update till November. Depends on how badly you want/need a laptop now. If you need it soon, I'd say old out al long as possible, then get it, if a new one comes out within 14 days, you can return yours. Good luck!
SG :apple:

[chrmjenkins]

Why 2010? Apple won't wait for mobile Nehalem's when Intel just introduced the new 17W Core 2 Duo's. Plus, it's a MacBook. Apple refreshes their MB/MBP lines nearly every 6 months. The first MacBook Air revision occurred just 8 months after the initial release. I don't see why Apple would wait 14+ months for the Rev.C.

That will be a speed bump. Same chipset, same form factor (likely I'm guessing). Nehalem will be the next full-fledged update.

[iMacmatician]

That will be a speed bump. Same chipset, same form factor (likely I'm guessing).In other words, an update.

[PaperMacWriter]

That will be a speed bump. Same chipset, same form factor (likely I'm guessing). Nehalem will be the next full-fledged update.

Its still going to be called rev c even if its just a speed bump...
SG :apple:

[ganos-lal]

Apple are awful at letting things slip about future releases! It never happens! I bought a white macbook last jan. within 3 weeks theyd anounced the refresh! Really irritating. I did sell it 6 months later tho. lol Found leopard as buggy as vista and got fed up dual booting so i could use autocad. i found parallels to slow.

i then bought a top top spec dell xps m1330. This is my grunt machine. The one i will do all my autoCAD on and all technical stuff. I want the air to be word processing, media and internet, and, with me at all times.

I love the thinness, but was looking at macbooks in the local shop and, i must admit i fell for the new macbooks. and theres very little in the weight between the two. But i am a sucker for thin/light/tiny technology

[chrmjenkins]

What mandates it being called Rev. C? Where's the precedent? Rev. B got a whole new chipset. What makes you think that isn't the threshold?

A speed bump is an update, but the OP is specifically referring to a new Rev, possibly including case design changes.

[iMacmatician]

What mandates it being called Rev. C? Where's the precedent? Rev. B got a whole new chipset. What makes you think that isn't the threshold?What makes you think it is?

If the chipset is the threshold, then the Rev. B MacBook Pro would be the Santa Rosa one, when Mac Guides says it's the May 2006 update. (If you ask me, that change is too small for a Rev. increment and I would have called the Merom MacBook Pro "Rev. B.")

A speed bump is an update, but the OP is specifically referring to a new Rev, possibly including case design changes.The OP is referring to whether or not the Rev. C will have those changes.

[chrmjenkins]

What makes you think it is?

If the chipset is the threshold, then the Rev. B MacBook Pro would be the Santa Rosa one, when Mac Guides says it's the May 2006 update. (If you ask me, that change is too small for a Rev. increment and I would have called the Merom MacBook Pro "Rev. B.")

That's my point. We don't know what a new Rev will constitute. That's why we need to be clear what kind of update constitutes a new Rev in order to properly answer the OP.

[iMacmatician]

That's my point. We don't know what a new Rev will constitute. That's why we need to be clear what kind of update constitutes a new Rev in order to properly answer the OP.And no, I don't think it's "new chipset."

[chrmjenkins]

And no, I don't think it's "new chipset."

That's fine and dandy, but I'm trying to determine when the next possible case revision could happen, since the OP is looking forward to that if it's going to happen. Because of that, I guessed next year. If he's only looking for a small processor bump in an update, it will likely happen this year as there are new low power chips coming from Intel, as noted.

[aaquib]

I love the thinness, but was looking at macbooks in the local shop and, i must admit i fell for the new macbooks. and theres very little in the weight between the two. But i am a sucker for thin/light/tiny technology

Maybe on the surface, but pick it up and you'll say otherwise. When you really do own an Air and see how easy it makes taking a notebook around, and how you can still be just as productive on it as a notebook double the weight, then you realize why people buy it over the less expensive, better-speced MacBook.

1.5LB seems like an insignificant amount on the surface, but after integrating the MacBook Air into your life, that 1.5LB's is colossal.

[PaperMacWriter]

Maybe on the surface, but pick it up and you'll say otherwise. When you really do own an Air and see how easy it makes taking a notebook around, and how you can still be just as productive on it as a notebook double the weight, then you realize why people buy it over the less expensive, better-speced MacBook.

1.5LB seems like an insignificant amount on the surface, but after integrating the MacBook Air into your life, that 1.5LB's is colossal. It's a tiny amount of weight, but when you think about how 1.5LBs is half the weight of the MBA, you realize the difference. Doesn't make a huge deal when comparing heavy laptops, but when its ultra-portables, you realize the difference.
SG :apple:

[dudup]

The first MacBook Air revision occurred just 8 months after the initial release. I don't see why Apple would wait 14+ months for the Rev.C.

Yes! And that took 8 months considering it got a huge reengineering to address the issues on the Rev. A.

A Rev. C could be just a bump on the system specs, adjusting it to match manufacturing costs according to its current price tag.

I think that we won't be seeing any major design changes for a quite time. 14 months later, it's still a wonderful piece of engineering and design, and still wasn't beat by rival companies -- I think only that Lenovo can match it from a configuration perspective, but definitely not on design and aesthetics.

[dubhe]

Historically apple products get several refreshes between major redesigns. I would predict at least one but more likely two or three internal updates before the external case/screen/trackpad are updated.

And yes, each update is a revision, they are generally spaced 6 or more months apart and it is what the MacRumors buyers guide uses to predict updates.

[qubex]

Just to echo the original poster's sentiment: I too am looking for an ultraportable to replace my heavy-but-not-fast-enough MacBookPro (mid-2008). I'm also hoping for a black bezel/glass trackpad revision. I've been resisting the temptation of buying a Rev. B 1.8GHz/128GB SSD machine for several weeks now, I'm really hoping there'll be a refresh soon so I can make my purchase certain in the knowledge it'll be obsolete-proof for at least six months.

I really wish Apple made their refresh times more widely known. I know they do it to maintain their sales volumes, but it really does put consumers into a constant state of anxiety.

[Veinticinco]

Im thinking of getting the air. But i really love the new mackbooks black bezel around the screen and the edge to edge glass, i also like the new trackpads.

If those are your main priorities, then I'd say you're better off getting the top-end MacBook, either now or when they bump it a little in the next couple of months. Will save you disappointment further down the road.

The MBA will never get the black bezel IMO - not only is the glass front not adaptable to the MBA (for weight and possibly closing tolerance reasons) there is already a design precedent...the MBA is not the only 'odd one out'. The new unibody MBP 17 with optional 'matte' display has a silver bezel just like the MBA.

[Veinticinco]

I too am looking for an ultraportable to replace my heavy-but-not-fast-enough MacBookPro (mid-2008). I'm also hoping for a black bezel/glass trackpad revision.
Just curious but what do you do usage-wise that makes a mid-2008 MBP with a Core 2 Duo Penryn 2.5GHz CPU "not fast enough" that you feel a slightly tweaked 1.86GHz similar CPU-powered MBA will solve?

I really wish Apple made their refresh times more widely known. I know they do it to maintain their sales volumes, but it really does put consumers into a constant state of anxiety.
As you say yourself, why would they? That 'anxiety' is like ambrosia to their beancounters. Or should that be blood? ;)

With WWDC coming up early June, you only technically have to hang on another month (mid-May) just on the (very good IMO) off-chance they'll update the MBA at that time at which point you can always return for the updated model. But don't expect any black bezel/glass gimmicks, it will almost certainly be a CPU and HD refresh only. I say only but that's what really matters at the end of the day. At a push, the only 'cosmetic' things I'd like is higher screen resolution and a thinner display bezel.

[qubex]

Just curious but what do you do usage-wise that makes a mid-2008 MBP with a Core 2 Duo Penryn 2.5GHz CPU "not fast enough" that a slightly tweaked 1.86GHz similar CPU-powered MBA will solve?
It's a fairly convoluted line of reasoning: my present machine is both bulky and slow. Thus it loses on both fronts: performance is so frustrating there's no point dragging it with me everywhere I go. However, if I had something drastically more portable and only half as fast, the overall index of satisfaction would sky-rocket.
As you say yourself, why would they? That 'anxiety' is like ambrosia to their beancounters. Or should that be blood? ;)
Most other hardware companies provide roadmaps to their corporate clients so they can make reasonable upgrade decisions.
With WWDC coming up early June, you only technically have to hang on another month (mid-May) just on the (very good IMO) off-chance they'll update the MBA at that time. But don't expect any black bezel/glass gimmicks, it will almost certainly be a CPU and HD refresh only. I say only but that's what really matters at the end of the day. At a push, the only 'cosmetic' things I'd like is higher screen resolution and a thinner display bezel.
Think of this: if I purchase a current model and they next refresh carries significant stylistic changes, my machine is not only obsolete but also manifestly so on an aesthetic level. If the next refresh does not carry a black bezel, nothing new; the risk is inherent not in them probably keeping things the same but in them possibly changing something.

That said, I have the feeling that the aesthetic disconnect between the MacBook/MacBookPro and MacBookAir lines probably annoys Mr. Jobs no end. If Apple decided to have black bezels around everything, pretty soon they'll all get it.

[Veinticinco]

It's a fairly convoluted line of reasoning: my present machine is both bulky and slow. Thus it loses on both fronts: performance is so frustrating there's no point dragging it with me everywhere I go. However, if I had something drastically more portable and only half as fast, the overall index of satisfaction would sky-rocket.

Most other hardware companies provide roadmaps to their corporate clients so they can make reasonable upgrade decisions.

Think of this: if I purchase a current model and they next refresh carries significant stylistic changes, my machine is not only obsolete but also manifestly so on an aesthetic level. If the next refresh does not carry a black bezel, nothing new; the risk is inherent not in them probably keeping things the same but in them possibly changing something.

That said, I have the feeling that the aesthetic disconnect between the MacBook/MacBookPro and MacBookAir lines probably annoys Mr. Jobs no end. If Apple decided to have black bezels around everything, pretty soon they'll all get it.
If your current 9-month old Penryn MBP is 'slow' then I suggest you address that directly with utility apps such as Activity Monitor for example. Doesn't sound right. I ask again, what are you using it for? What quantifies 'slow'? Because even with tweaked bus speeds and DDR3 as opposed to DDR2 memory, I don't think you'll notice a massive difference in performance (aside from if you go for the SSD but then that's a slightly different argument).

Not having a go but you sound like someone who is a bit p****d off because their less than 1 year old Mac now looks like an old one and doesn't like being seen with anything less than a 'new' model. In which case, just get the unibody MBP, no lighter than your current MBP of course, but it looks 'new' and will do so for a good 18 months at least. Plenty speedy too.

Not judging you by the way, each to their own, but I just wanted to clarify your real reasons for dumping your MBP to avoid giving advice that ultimately left you disappointed with a new purchase.

As I've already said, don't get hung up on the black bezel issue. There's no reason to expect convergence in terms of design, quite the opposite actually - it is sometimes better to visually delineate between models. Look at the white MB for instance still going strong. And as I also said, the new MBP 17 with matte option has the same silver bezel as the MBA, see?

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1232/silverbezeledmacbookpro.jpg

[qubex]

If your current 9-month old Penryn MBP is 'slow' then I suggest you address that directly with utility apps such as Activity Monitor for example. Doesn't sound right. I ask again, what are you using it for? What quantifies 'slow'? Because even with tweaked bus speeds and DDR3 as opposed to DDR2 memory, I don't think you'll notice a massive difference in performance (aside from if you go for the SSD but then that's a slightly different argument).
Seventy-thousand statement Mathematica financial models. I don't care if it's "fast" or "slow" (quantified in terms of brutal seconds between issuance and completion: modest number crunching session can last three or four hours on my current laptop), but I do desire it to remain "snappy" while it grinds away in the background. As a ballpark, if it handles moderately-hefty multimedia tasks suitably (such as light iMovie editing), you can be fairly sure it'll be reasonable while under heavy strain. While on the corporate network I can just offload the job to a cluster so it doesn't really matter, provided, as I stated, it remains non-frustrating.

I'm beyond doubt that the next refresh MBA will be slower than my current MBP (though I will opt for whatever SSD they have); my argument is that it will be more usable despite being slower because of the decreased annoyance of carrying it around.

[Veinticinco]

One more thing....whilst I don't agree the black bezel/glass design will make its way to the MBA for the reasons I've outlined above, if the product survives into 2010 and a rev.D, then it's very possible we will see aesthetic changes to the form factor, except it will be totally different to both the current MBA and MB/MBPs.

The carbon fibre rumour is still doing the rounds, but it wouldn't surprise me given the popularity of the old BlackBook (MB) to see a black/anthracite anodized aluminium finish on a rev.D MBA, similar to the finish on the black iPod nano and new shuffle. A stealth-like appearance for a stealth-like product.

[Veinticinco]

Seventy-thousand statement Mathematica financial models. I don't care if it's "fast" or "slow" (quantified in terms of brutal seconds between issuance and completion: modest number crunching session can last three or four hours on my current laptop), but I do desire it to remain "snappy" while it grinds away in the background. As a ballpark, if it handles moderately-hefty multimedia tasks suitably (such as light iMovie editing), you can be fairly sure it'll be reasonable while under heavy strain. While on the corporate network I can just offload the job to a cluster so it doesn't really matter, provided, as I stated, it remains non-frustrating.

I'm beyond doubt that the next refresh MBA will be slower than my current MBP (though I will opt for whatever SSD they have); my argument is that it will be more usable despite being slower because of the decreased annoyance of carrying it around.
Ok so now we get down to the crux of it aye? It's not about speed, it's just about being a pain in the backside having to lug such a weight about. Perfectly understandable, but should have said so originally - like the teenager nervously asking the pharmacist for cough drops when really he wants condoms :D

If it's snappy interface you want, then the SSD will do the job. Buy a rev.B now and relax safe in the knowledge that the rev.C will almost certainly (99.9%) not look any different to the rev.B. Forget about black bezels and crap like that, and just enjoy the sensation of not having aching pain in your shoulder.

[qubex]

That thing has dug a trench in my roadwarrioring shoulder. I've learnt to despise every bloated item it entails.:rolleyes:

[Veinticinco]

That thing has dug a trench in my roadwarrioring shoulder. I've learnt to despise every bloated item it entails.:rolleyes:
I shared your pain once. My old but minty fresh and trusty G4 PB. It's now been put out to stud, enjoying its retirement at home, still very active, but it doesn't venture out much. And my love for it has been reborn, and the previous cursing and evil looks I used to give it for causing me discomfort have been forgiven and forgotten.

Buying an MBA for my own travels (usually meetings, airport to airport, Europe-based) was like having an amazingly sexy new mistress but with a lovely and understanding wife at home. Still working on that goal in real life....

Just be careful of falling into the trap and using the same bag....for some people buying a smaller/lighter/thinner laptop just means they fill up their bag with more crap and paperwork which offsets the gain in the first place.

[qubex]

Buying an MBA for my own travels (usually meetings, airport to airport, Europe-based) was like having an amazingly sexy new mistress but with a lovely and understanding wife at home. Still working on that goal in real life....

Just be careful of falling into the trap and using the same bag....for some people buying a smaller/lighter/thinner laptop just means they fill up their bag with more crap and paperwork which offsets the gain in the first place.
Hey, trust me, I'm a financial analyst: I already have a new MBA-intended backpack and felt sleeve ready to accomodate the Device itself. I plan ahead to a level that is truly obsessive.

[Veinticinco]

Hey, trust me, I'm a financial analyst: I already have a new MBA-intended backpack and felt sleeve ready to accomodate the Device itself. I plan ahead to a level that is truly obsessive.
Also explains why you're so risk-averse and neurotic about Apple bringing out a new version :p

Ah don't worry, I too ascribe to the buy accessories before you have the hardware for them. It's not so much obsession or even incentive, it's more like a Field of Dreams thing...if you build it they will come, or like those Italian/Swiss villagers who built that Alpine railway long before there was a locomotive engine capable of enough power to tackle the incline.

[dubhe]

One more thing....whilst I don't agree the black bezel/glass design will make its way to the MBA for the reasons I've outlined above, if the product survives into 2010 and a rev.D, then it's very possible we will see aesthetic changes to the form factor, except it will be totally different to both the current MBA and MB/MBPs.

The carbon fibre rumour is still doing the rounds, but it wouldn't surprise me given the popularity of the old BlackBook (MB) to see a black/anthracite anodized aluminium finish on a rev.D MBA, similar to the finish on the black iPod nano and new shuffle. A stealth-like appearance for a stealth-like product.

I thought this when the first black iPod classics came out a couple of years ago. But, we still wait...

I also think we will see Rev.E before a refresh on form factor, apple has obviously put a lot of money into the MBA and it isn't about to put a lot more money into a new one.

What apple needs to do is fix the screen lines, fix the hinge, improve the QC and implement the new intel processors and increase the SSD capacity. Once the current design has achieved what it can then it will be time for a refresh.

[dubhe]

I shared your pain once. My old but minty fresh and trusty G4 PB. It's now been put out to stud, enjoying its retirement at home, still very active, but it doesn't venture out much.

Buying an MBA for my own travels (usually meetings, airport to airport, Europe-based) was like having an amazingly sexy new mistress but with a lovely and understanding wife at home. Still working on that goal in real life....

I too have a trusty PB at home but prefer to be seen out with my MBA. I'm tempted by the MBP too, it might be a little bigger but makes up for it in performance :D

[qubex]

Neurosis is a way of life. As an Italian who lives within 30 km of the border I know exactly what you refer to: I take it as a point of inspiration.

Seriously, I can hold out until mid-June, but what if nothing's announced by the time WWDC is closed?

[PaperMacWriter]

Neurosis is a way of life. As an Italian who lives within 30 km of the border I know exactly what you refer to: I take it as a point of inspiration.

Seriously, I can hold out until mid-June, but what if nothing's announced by the time WWDC is closed?

Then you'll have a Rev. B MBA. Will not having an ultra-portable until June seriously affect you?
SG :apple:

[mojibake]

Let's make it simple. Here is the spec sheet for Rev. C:

CPU -> speed bump to 2.17 high-end or 1.87 GHz low-end
Glass trackpad -> added
Black glossy bezel -> no change
Storage -> slightly bigger SSD on the high end
One Battery Is All You Get -> no change
2G RAM Is All You Get -> ????? (increase?? Hopefully??)
Screen Resolution Limited to 1280x800 -> no change
Wide display bezel & thin but overly broad chassis -> no change
One USB Port Is All You Get -> no change


Announcement in June. :mad:

[queshy]

My predictions for Rev C:

-"glass" screen a la Macbook
-buttonless glass trackpad
-perhaps a battery charging meter
-bigger HDD, 4 GB ram BTO
-same pricepoint
-release date unknown! Sometime in 2009, or perhaps early 2010

[dubhe]

My predictions for Rev C:

-"glass" screen a la Macbook
-buttonless glass trackpad
-perhaps a battery charging meter
-bigger HDD, 4 GB ram BTO
-same pricepoint
-release date unknown! Sometime in 2009, or perhaps early 2010

No
No
No
Yes, Yes but you can't BTO soldered RAM
Yes
mid-late 2009

The screen and trackpad will require a design overhaul, and the form factor is still relatively new.

[qubex]

Well, for what it's worth today I splurged on a refurbished MacBookAir Rev B. with 1.8 GHz processor and 128 GB SSD.

We're 190 days from the last refresh, versus an average (based on a sample of one) of 273 days. That's a residual of 83 days.

In so doing, I have virtually ensured that within three months:

A new MacBookAir will be released;
It will feature a processor speed bump, double RAM (to 4 GB), and an enlarged SSD (perhaps 256 GB);
It will sport a black bezel and a glass trackpad.

I expect the rumouring to begin in a week or less, so as to coincide with the delivery with the unit and spoil any transient joy I might've otherwise experienced. Hopefully you other guys shall benefit from my sacrifice. Myself? I'm planning to use it until the new models are out, and then sell it on before it loses too much value.

[dudup]

http://9to5mac.com/pro-apps-macbooks-updated-wwdc

Makes sense to me. Just a small bump on the configs.

I'm game anyway! :D

[HLdan]

This Rev A, Rev B jargon has become so second nature to many of you that you don't even know when you are using the terms wrong. The so called "Rev B" MBA is not really revision B, it's really revision A. The first MBA was not a revision of anything, it's the first model ever made. the latest MBA with the Nvidia GPU IS "Rev A".

[iMacmatician]

http://9to5mac.com/pro-apps-macbooks-updated-wwdc

Makes sense to me. Just a small bump on the configs.

I'm game anyway! :DI'm not surprised, although I expected neither the 3G nor the WWDC release date.

Pro App updates should be good too.

[Scottsdale]

This Rev A, Rev B jargon has become so second nature to many of you that you don't even know when you are using the terms wrong. The so called "Rev B" MBA is not really revision B, it's really revision A. The first MBA was not a revision of anything, it's the first model ever made. the latest MBA with the Nvidia GPU IS "Rev A".

I tried to make that argument once... waste of my time. The saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." It's better to just speak the lingo of the other forum members.

However, I agree. Then I calling them original and revised MBAs and everyone was confused. Seemed only normal to me.

:D

[qubex]

This Rev A, Rev B jargon has become so second nature to many of you that you don't even know when you are using the terms wrong. The so called "Rev B" MBA is not really revision B, it's really revision A. The first MBA was not a revision of anything, it's the first model ever made. the latest MBA with the Nvidia GPU IS "Rev A".

Indeed, we must start referring to model successions in the "correct" n+Δn, n∈Z, n>0 notation, or perhaps Russell-Whitrehead's Principia Mathematica successor syntax (s0+s0=ss0 et al.).

This is why Intel (amongst others) internally refers to steps: step 1, step 2, and not revisions, which I concur, are by definition nonzero only after a first review.

[qubex]

http://9to5mac.com/pro-apps-macbooks-updated-wwdc

Makes sense to me. Just a small bump on the configs.

I'm game anyway! :D

On cue, the rumouring has begun.

[Scottsdale]

http://9to5mac.com/pro-apps-macbooks-updated-wwdc

Makes sense to me. Just a small bump on the configs.

I'm game anyway! :D

No word about the MBA from what I read about it here on MR. It sure would be nice to get a MacBook Air rev C in less than two months.

[iMacmatician]

Indeed, we must start referring to model successions in the "correct" n+Δn, n∈Z, n>0 notation, or perhaps Russell-Whitrehead's Principia Mathematica successor syntax (s0+s0=ss0 et al.).Absolutely.

Does that mean we use (n + Δn) + (m + Δm)i for all the features that people are wishing for? :D

[qubex]

Oh!

I've finally found someone to crack mathematical jokes with.

Shall we indulge in beers until the marginal benefit of the next integer unit attains zero?

[Veinticinco]

As an Italian who lives within 30 km of the border I know exactly what you refer to: I take it as a point of inspiration.
Finally someone who believes me about the railway! :D It is an inspirational example I agree, a perfect demonstration of forward-thinking, something so often lacking in these pecuniary times in a world run by beancounters.

Seriously, I can hold out until mid-June, but what if nothing's announced by the time WWDC is closed
Then you either pony up for the rev.B complete with a duodenal ulcer just thinking about what July or September may bring, or just wait some more safe in the knowledge that it WILL eventually arrive sooner rather than later.

Although I'm currently back to being without an MBA (damn lines), thankfully I have enough Apple hardware to keep me occupied during this cold turkey period.

Interestingly enough the MR story today about speed bumps for the MB/MBP at WWDC makes no mention of the MBA - the machine which of the entire lineup I think NEEDS a refresh most, as much for perceptual as well as commercial reasons. Either that's an oversight by the editors, or the leak source didn't see anything and/or didn't think it worthy of a mention. The latter alternative does not bode well. As much as I'm rational in thinking the MBA may end-of-lifed in the not too distant future (next year even) it won't be until the tablet/netbook project is up and running. Which means there'll be a rev.C soon and probably a rev.D sometime in Q1 2010.

[Veinticinco]

No word about the MBA from what I read about it here on MR. It sure would be nice to get a MacBook Air rev C in less than two months.
Yep, doesn't bode well does it? But then as I outlined above they'd have to certifiably insane not to announce/release/ship the rev.C at the same time.

Worst case scenario is the tacit acknowledgment that even in-house, the MBA has finally become that ginger-haired stepchild. Before you know it, we'll all be swapping tips about elegant and bespoke upgrades on something like AirOwner.com and laughing at how stupid Apple were to mothball a classic piece of design and computing genius. (yes I am one of the 150,000 ;))

[Scottsdale]

Yep, doesn't bode well does it? But then as I outlined above they'd have to certifiably insane not to announce/release/ship the rev.C at the same time.

Worst case scenario is the tacit acknowledgment that even in-house, the MBA has finally become that ginger-haired stepchild. Before you know it, we'll all be swapping tips about elegant and bespoke upgrades on something like AirOwner.com and laughing at how stupid Apple were to mothball a classic piece of design and computing genius. (yes I am one of the 150,000 ;))

I have thought about this a bunch, and I think the MBA will see an update with the other Mac notebooks before WWDC. I just think Apple has learned its lesson selling desktops that after six months, people expect a speed bump update at a minimum. We are coming up on six months of the unibody MB and MBP. The MBA took an extra three weeks to ship. But, I really think it will get updated at the exact same time as other two.

And I was originally thinking September for upgrade, but rumors of Mac notebooks should mean all mac notebooks.

Here is what I expect...

Unibody MB... CPU bumps??? battery upgrade to new tech possible. nothing else.

Unibody MBP... Quad Core? NO... Not much room for CPU bumps so very little speed bump upgrade if stick with core 2 duo. Maybe video RAM doubled. Definitely officially support 8 GB RAM on all Pros. Definitely new upgraded battery tech. Would be real reason to upgrade.

MACBOOK AIR... 2.13 GHz SL9600 CPU. Either 4 GB RAM, or two dimm slots instead of soldered on board RAM. Glass trackpad. New battery for certain! This is a luxury or premium brand it will definitely get the battery which will probably increase battery life to real four hours. This is not all I am wishing for but I think is all very logical for the rev C. I think the 256 GB SSD may come as a BTO option later, but I haven't read of it possible in 1.8" form. Maybe HDD up to 160 GB. Maybe SSD to 192 GB??? Maybe still only 128 GB SSD??? Just don't know.

If the MBA rev C doesn't come before WWDC, I fear Apple will be modifying the shell to be thinner than Dell's Adamo. God, I sure hope not. I love the MBA size and shape as is.

[tubbymac]

I'm not as optimistic about significant changes to either the MB, the Pro, or the Air at the June WWDC. The reason for this is simple economics. I think any significant changes to the notebook lines will be closer to xmas to take advantage of thanksgiving and xmas sales.

There's no reason to really upgrade the machines significantly in the summer since students who need to buy the machines before school starts will buy them anyway. Students are usually looking for discounts and deals so they don't mind getting end of line units.

At most I see a refresh and not an update. By refresh I mean simple stuff like swapping in a better CPU or more ram or a different hard drive. The big changes I do not anticipate happening until Snow Leopard is released.

[qubex]

Apple needs to stop believing their customers are lay hicks. I don't see why they should expect me to pay heavy premiums for machines that are below the standard of comparable machines elsewhere. I'm perfectly willing to pay extra, but I want extra for my delta.

Hopefully they have an inkling that their sales will slide if they do not keep their line up to date.

(I've pretty much decided I'm returning that Air as soon as it's delivered on Monday.)

[iMacmatician]

Here is what I expect...

Unibody MB... CPU bumps??? battery upgrade to new tech possible. nothing else.

Unibody MBP... Quad Core? NO... Not much room for CPU bumps so very little speed bump upgrade if stick with core 2 duo. Maybe video RAM doubled. Definitely officially support 8 GB RAM on all Pros. Definitely new upgraded battery tech. Would be real reason to upgrade.I agree with most points, but I also see a good HDD bump across the line (like the late 2006 and early 2008 MacBook Pro and the May 2007 MacBook) and 4 GB RAM on the low-end MacBook Pro.

I see CPU bumps but on the order of 133 MHz. 267 MHz on some models if we're lucky.

[JonHimself]

I'm in a similar situation to those that are waiting. I thought I would share my plan and see if it helps anyone.
I have a broken-ish MBP that needs to be replaced. My plan is to buy a mac mini and a macbook air OR the ultra-portable if it fits what I want (I'm ok with spending the extra cash to get the mba but if there's a smaller version that does more or less the same thing I would take it).
I have committed myself to waiting until WWDC to see what happens (if they end up announcing a new product in sept-dec then I'll just have to deal with it). The benefit being that if they release a new product (or even annouce one so I know what I'm waiting for) then I won't miss out on that opportunity and also if they sneak in a spec bump I'll be able to get that. As much as I want the black bezel (the trackpad is lower on the list of what I'd like to have) I can do without it.
So, short version of that is that I'm waiting to WWDC to see if anything new is released/announced and then I'll make my purchase (if nothing new, it'll be a refurb rev b).
The other factor at play is Snow Leopard. I'm hoping they announce the release date for that so I can figure out if it's worth waiting for that as well. It could be a blessing in disguise.. imagine if nothing new is released/announced at WWDC (in terms of portable computing) but the snow leopard release date is September.. then I wait until September to buy the machines and there ends up being a new MBA (spec bump or even black bezel, trackpad, etc) released along with it then I'll be happy I didn't pull the trigger at WWDC.

[applecultvictim]

I think there is a possibility that they just silentle upgrade the air by 100+ mhz per pricepoint and then go to arrandale, or even go arrandale directly around december. By the way have we heard anything about arrandale's schedule, will it be q4 2009 or has it slid to q1 2010?

[iMacmatician]

I think there is a possibility that they just silentle upgrade the air by 100+ mhz per pricepoint and then go to arrandale, or even go arrandale directly around december. By the way have we heard anything about arrandale's schedule, will it be q4 2009 or has it slid to q1 2010?Q4 production, although release may be in Q4 or Q1.

[Scottsdale]

Apple needs to stop believing their customers are lay hicks. I don't see why they should expect me to pay heavy premiums for machines that are below the standard of comparable machines elsewhere. I'm perfectly willing to pay extra, but I want extra for my delta.

Hopefully they have an inkling that their sales will slide if they do not keep their line up to date.

(I've pretty much decided I'm returning that Air as soon as it's delivered on Monday.)

I think Apple learned with the Mac mini, iMac, and even Mac Pro, that if they wait too long, people stop buying anticipating an update.

With Apple's system, buyers have no incentive to buy once systems are five months old. Apple needs to discount systems as they age, but they refuse to budge on price. The result is people wait for the update to buy. Apple has been updating Mac notebooks approximately every six months.

In order to keep sales moving, Apple absolutely must update the notebooks. Thinking of this, and Apple needing to keep sales up, a June refresh makes a lot of sense. Let's just hope Apple has learned its lesson and sticks with six month refreshes.

Snow Leopard could throw a wrench into this if buyers are waiting for SL to buy their next Mac. But I sure hope bumps are coming and the MBA gets some nice bumps.

We are not dumb buyers, but some buyers don't see much value in waiting if they need it at this time. Let's hope the majority keep demanding updates to buy Macs.

[Balthezor]

I'm also waiting for this rev. C. I'm going to medical school in August, so I don't need the machine now and I'm also willing to wait even longer for the Rev. C. I really want the newest, and fastest Air I can possibly buy this year. This is gonna be my last laptop purchase for several years, so I want to make it count.

And I regret being cheap on a laptop purchase due to a previous Mac purchase. I should have bought that 12" Powerbook instead of that iBook which has been MIA for years now.

[queshy]

No
No
No
Yes, Yes but you can't BTO soldered RAM
Yes
mid-late 2009

The screen and trackpad will require a design overhaul, and the form factor is still relatively new.

Why not? Apple rolled out the "new look" starting with the iMac, and the MacBook Pro and MacBook eventually followed. I'm not saying I want a glass screen or a buttonless trackpad, but it only makes sense that Apple brings it in line with the rest of the gang. And I probably retract my Ram statement, Apple is really stingy with ram and I don't think the Air is ready to get 4 GB, even with rev C.

[kyrian]

With WWDC coming up early June, you only technically have to hang on another month (mid-May) just on the (very good IMO) off-chance they'll update the MBA at that time at which point you can always return for the updated model. But don't expect any black bezel/glass gimmicks, it will almost certainly be a CPU and HD refresh only. I say only but that's what really matters at the end of the day. At a push, the only 'cosmetic' things I'd like is higher screen resolution and a thinner display bezel.

any thinner, and Apple's gonna have to include bandaids and neosporin with the Air :rolleyes: I know, cheesy, but I seriously don't think the MBA's LCD bezel should be thinner. As of now, there are a lot of MBA users accidentally broke their LCDs just by picking their MBAs up. (wrong finger positions, but there's a big chance one might for get and use the wrong amount of force)

Back to the OP's question, I use the Apple online store's Refurbished item page to gauge the timelife of an Apple product: when you first see it, you're halfway to the speed bump/ update/ revision. Not accurate, but reasonable and layman enough to me.

[qubex]

Back to the OP's question, I use the Apple online store's Refurbished item page to gauge the timelife of an Apple product: when you first see it, you're halfway to the speed bump/ update/ revision. Not accurate, but reasonable and layman enough to me.
An interesting quantitative approach. And, do tell me, when did the Rev B 'Air first turn up under the Refurbs? I need a bit of data to compute my metric. Does anybody track this data?

[JonHimself]

An interesting quantitative approach. And, do tell me, when did the Rev B 'Air first turn up under the Refurbs? I need a bit of data to compute my metric. Does anybody track this data?

It was within the last two weeks (I believe). There is a thread that was in this forum that had a bunch of posts letting people know they were available. Might be able to get the exact date that way.

[qubex]

Well, I bought one of the Refurbs (but it had lines, and so I would've returned it anyway).

Now, lets think this through: we're at 192 days, two weeks ago would be 178 days since refresh. 178 * 2 = 356. Mid-October + 356 days = beginning of October.

Hmm.

I'm hoping you're wrong. :rolleyes:

[iMacmatician]

An interesting quantitative approach. And, do tell me, when did the Rev B 'Air first turn up under the Refurbs? I need a bit of data to compute my metric. Does anybody track this data?I would also like to know the standard deviation / variance as well as any trends within the trend.

Well, I bought one of the Refurbs (but it had lines, and so I would've returned it anyway).

Now, lets think this through: we're at 192 days, two weeks ago would be 178 days since refresh. 178 * 2 = 356. Mid-October + 356 days = beginning of October.

Hmm.

I'm hoping you're wrong. :rolleyes::(

[kyrian]

Well, I bought one of the Refurbs (but it had lines, and so I would've returned it anyway).

Now, lets think this through: we're at 192 days, two weeks ago would be 178 days since refresh. 178 * 2 = 356. Mid-October + 356 days = beginning of October.

Hmm.

I'm hoping you're wrong. :rolleyes:


I was not that exacting and referring to the approximate of the timeline. besides, one might want to factor in the SL release and the economic situation of the US in general into the anticipating the rev C.

here is my thinking: if you want to buy an apple product and you don't necessarily need it this month. look at the history of the refurbish page, if the item you want has not made it there at all, you're safe to buy now, rather than wait it out. if it has been offered as a refurbished item, I'd wait it out for the next :apple: revision.

I hope this helps ...

[Veinticinco]

It was within the last two weeks (I believe). There is a thread that was in this forum that had a bunch of posts letting people know they were available. Might be able to get the exact date that way.

It was within the last two weeks (I believe). There is a thread that was in this forum that had a bunch of posts letting people know they were available. Might be able to get the exact date that way.

Two weeks? In the US perhaps but the rev.B has been available as a refurb in Europe since February, 10 weeks or so. Stick that into your calculations.

Also, don't think Snow Leopard will have any bearing on anticipated sales or how long people wait.... hardware and software traditionally follow completely independent launch paths. Say those of us waiting impatiently for a rev.C got our wish the week before WWDC in June, at which time they announce the release schedule for SL, which is likely to be Sept/Oct. Who would then say "no no I'm going to wait until Sept as then my new MBA will have Snow Leopard pre-installed.....". Nobody of course, they'll just upgrade the OS when the time comes. What was Leopard Retail? $99 or so? And that was quite a leap forward from Tiger, whereas SL is being downplayed as much as I've ever seen an OS release downplayed - they may as well call it Leopard Lite - the leaner, greener and ever so slightly meaner OS.

Honestly I'm at the fingernail-chewing point where if they just released a refresh with the SL9600 CPU and 256GB SSD, I'd bite without hesitation. Anything else of worth (for me, 4GB RAM and battery tech only, not in the slightest interested in the extra glass others seem to crave) would just be a nice bonus.

[cyberwolf777]

Honestly I'm at the fingernail-chewing point where if they just released a refresh with the SL9600 CPU and 256GB SSD, I'd bite without hesitation. Anything else of worth (for me, 4GB RAM and battery tech only, not in the slightest interested in the extra glass others seem to crave) would just be a nice bonus.

I think you'll be lucky.

My predictions after consulting the crystal ball:

SL9600 CPU: 99% probability.. Apple has, with only very few exceptions, always upgraded the CPU. The minor speed bump will move the MBA above the psychologically relevant 2Ghz threshold, too.

256GB SSD: 99% probability. The 256GB SSD from Samsung offered by Apple for the MBPs is also available from Samsung in the 1.8" form factor.

4GB RAM: 70%. Similarly, RAM prices are down considerably from the level of last summer so 4GB would also be possible. If Apple will not offer more memory, then the fact that upgrading RAM is not possible would make buyers more and more hesitant to pay the "apple tax" in a time of economic crisis, especially since netbooks are moving towards 2+ GB.

glass trackpad/black bezel: 50%. I'm sure Apple is trying to fit those in. If they manage without compromising size or weight then it will be done.

15" MBA/16:9 ratio/OLED: 25%. If the OLED rumor is true and that 15" LG panel will be used in an Apple notebook this would pinpoint to the introduction of a 15" MBA and a shift to a 16:9 ratio for the Macbook Air series only. The resolution of the OLED display (1366x768) is too low to be used in a MBP and the 16:9 ratio could be a "feature" exclusive to the MBA. The 13" model wouldn't have an OLED display and for the 15" it would be BTO. Even if the OLED won't be used we could still see a 15" MBA soon - there was a page 2 rumor about this a while ago...

increased screen resolution: 25%. There is currently no proper 13.3" panel available, and especially not from Apple-partner LG that has a 1440 resolution and delivering acceptable quality. The one used in the Lenovo x301 is crap. Similar situation as with moving the 15" MBP to a 1680x1050 resolution. But should there be something available, I think Apple might consider it also to set the MBA further apart from the consumer Macbooks that might cannibalize its sales more and more since the unibodies are lighter and of higher build quality. This speculation is not compatible with the OLED rumor above, however.

carbon-fiber bottom plate: 25%. There was a rumor about that a while ago. As with the glass trackpad and bezel, I'm sure that Apple is likely to be working hard on that and if it can be done it will.

firewire-port: 10%. With the MBA further developing, Apple might find space to include a FireWire 800 port especially for fast storage solutions. I would welcome this but I fear this is more wishful thinking than anything else.

Rev. C / MBA II release date: May/June 90%. The main reason Apple held off for so long (273 days compared to around 190 for MB/MBP average) with Rev. B was that the components (CPU, 120GB harddisk) were just not available earlier. Also, since the new iPhone will be introduced at WWDC, it would be convenient if Apple then would focus on the subject of mobility in general. Introducing a new MBA and/or the rumored netbook/tablet would then be just fitting.

[applecultvictim]

Hey cyberwoolf that was one incredible post right there. Thanks so much. Post of the week for me. Btw how long has the 256gb ssd 1.8 been available and how much would it cost?

[Scottsdale]

Hey cyberwoolf that was one incredible post right there. Thanks so much. Post of the week for me. Btw how long has the 256gb ssd 1.8 been available and how much would it cost?

Has to be very recent. I did some research maybe a month ago and did not find a single 1.8" SSD, that also fit the other thickness measurement requirement, that was larger than the 128 GB Samsung.

I have been under the impression that an enlarged SSD in the 256 GB size may be the only thing holding up a rev C MBA. Seems the CPU has been ready for a few weeks. The RAM is not an issue. One would think the graphics would stay 9400m Nvidia. Glass trackpad has to cost pennies to manufacture. Battery tech has been ready since 17" MBP.

I think the SSD could be the hold up, or like I said in several other posts, what if Apple decides to change the size to be thinner than Dell's Adamo? It would suck, and I sure hope Apple is happy with the current form of the MBA.

I want 4 GB RAM, 2.13 GHz SL9600, 256 GB SSD, glass trackpad, new battery. I do not want the black bezel but do want a completely line free display. Also rather than soldered on RAM, I would really be happy with 2 slots capable of up to 4 GB each. An 8 GB MBA would be unbelievably awesome. In fact, I think I would fall in love with it and keep it for several years not caring what rev D had to offer... ugh oh, for that reason we will not get two RAM slots! and maybe missing something else that I think would be there.

Really thinking this Mac notebook bump would happen right before WWDC and not at it. I guess it happened that way two years ago for the MBPs???

[applecultvictim]

I agree with the other fellow air fans here let me just add that a 15 or14 inch screen would be to me by far the best way to go for the air, far above anything else, cause the speed bumps are going to be minimal anyway in CPU, the ssd can be a mod to any rev b, but the screen can't be moded, let's see how it will turn out!

[iMacmatician]

Great post there cyberwolf777.

The 256GB SSD from Samsung offered by Apple for the MBPs is also available from Samsung in the 1.8" form factor. Does it meet the thickness requirement?

Assuming a 15" MacBook Air will be released (with 1366x768 and the MBA lineup going 16:9), I would think the resolution of the smaller (13"?) MacBook Air would be 1280x720, unless Apple decides to bump its resolution to 1366x768. It might be possible for the 15" to be even thinner than the existing and new MacBook Air (and the Adamo) because the larger display size might give more room to shuffle components around. I'm also thinking a higher mass and a larger battery. Maybe the 15" will have 4 GB and/or 2 RAM slots. Price-wise, I guess I'm thinking that the 13" Airs will move down while the 15" will be about where the high-end 13" is right now.

Oh!

I've finally found someone to crack mathematical jokes with.

Shall we indulge in beers until the marginal benefit of the next integer unit attains zero?Pretty much (although I don't drink). I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait for that though, the sequence doesn't seem to converge to 0.

[qubex]

We're all obsessed. :)

[stoconnell]

Great post there cyberwolf777.
Assuming a 15" MacBook Air will be released (with 1366x768 and the MBA lineup going 16:9), I would think the resolution of the smaller (13"?) MacBook Air would be 1280x720, unless Apple decides to bump its resolution to 1366x768.

Apple seems very committed to the 16:10 aspect ratio. If they go up in resolution it would likely be to 1440:900. The extra horizontal space afforded by 1366x768 would be nice for multiple windows, but the loss of the vertical would kind of suck for web browsing ;)

[macbook123]

I find it hilarious that some people here are digging the black bezel and glass screen. The black bezel is a way of making a *fat* bezel look interesting, because a fat bezel is something bad in a laptop, which should have maximal real-estate/size ratio. The bezel on Apple laptops are getting fatter and fatter since the Ti-Powerbook, and many consumers don't even notice.

The glass screen is a simple way to make a laptop cheaper, while adding lots of unnecessary weight (bad for the Air!). It has no advantage, except for movie watching in low-light conditions, something people who use their laptops for work don't view as a most important criterion.

People are talking about necessity of bringing the Air in line with the other products. The screen part of the MB and the MBP were a huge step back from the last versions (the unibody of course being a step forward), which is why they had to re-introduce the mate screen and silver bezel in the 17 inch MBP. In the future, the black bezel will with certainty disappear, because bezels will disappear on laptops. The glass screen will disappear because it only adds weight and reflections.

The only thing that's really timely on the Air (as on the MB and MBP) is to have a less gigantic bezel and a higher resolution screen. They could fit a 1440x900 screen with close to 14 inches in the same footprint. And please don't tell me "oh, I don't want higher resolution because the font gets too small", because that's BS because the minimum font size can be adjusted in OS X and higher res fonts at a fixed size are crisper and more easily legible.

PS: Now that I mentioned the MB and MBP, I should also say that optical drives will disappear. They're the modern floppy drives. Like the glass screen, mostly folks who use their laptops for entertainment want optical drives. The current line of MB and MBP, while I own one of the latter, are dinosaurs, except they'll only last 2 years.

[mojibake]

^^^ macbook123 speaks the troof

[queshy]

I find it hilarious that some people here are digging the black bezel and glass screen. The black bezel is a way of making a *fat* bezel look interesting, because a fat bezel is something bad in a laptop, which should have maximal real-estate/size ratio. The bezel on Apple laptops are getting fatter and fatter since the Ti-Powerbook, and many consumers don't even notice.

The glass screen is a simple way to make a laptop cheaper, while adding lots of unnecessary weight (bad for the Air!). It has no advantage, except for movie watching in low-light conditions, something people who use their laptops for work don't view as a most important criterion.

People are talking about necessity of bringing the Air in line with the other products. The screen part of the MB and the MBP were a huge step back from the last versions (the unibody of course being a step forward), which is why they had to re-introduce the mate screen and silver bezel in the 17 inch MBP. In the future, the black bezel will with certainty disappear, because bezels will disappear on laptops. The glass screen will disappear because it only adds weight and reflections.

The only thing that's really timely on the Air (as on the MB and MBP) is to have a less gigantic bezel and a higher resolution screen. They could fit a 1440x900 screen with close to 14 inches in the same footprint. And please don't tell me "oh, I don't want higher resolution because the font gets too small", because that's BS because the minimum font size can be adjusted in OS X and higher res fonts at a fixed size are crisper and more easily legible.

PS: Now that I mentioned the MB and MBP, I should also say that optical drives will disappear. They're the modern floppy drives. Like the glass screen, mostly folks who use their laptops for entertainment want optical drives. The current line of MB and MBP, while I own one of the latter, are dinosaurs, except they'll only last 2 years.

Hey, I'm not saying I dig the black bezel, I'm just looking into my crystal ball. I just think the Air will converge with their other products on the design-front. It makes sense to me that Apple would do that.

[applecultvictim]

Hey, I'm not saying I dig the black bezel, I'm just looking into my crystal ball. I just think the Air will converge with their other products on the design-front. It makes sense to me that Apple would do that.

Also (although I don't think they will converge myself) we have to factor in the netbook/tablet and I am sure apple will factor that in to place the air and change it accordingly, which could mean anything from not changing it at all to going to the 14 inch screen we would so like a lot of us here. I sure hope not the dreaded 16:9 though.:)

[cyberwolf777]

Great post there cyberwolf777.

Does it meet the thickness requirement?



thx.

Well, I don't know if it does. Hard to find any specs. But I'm guessing that thickness for SSDs is not that much of an issue than with traditional hard drives.

Apple seems very committed to the 16:10 aspect ratio. If they go up in resolution it would likely be to 1440:900. The extra horizontal space afforded by 1366x768 would be nice for multiple windows, but the loss of the vertical would kind of suck for web browsing ;)

If Apple is that committed to the 16:10 ratio, then the OLED rumor has to be treated as fake since the display that LG intends to use features a 16:9 ratio. I tend to believe that more and more anyway.

[stoconnell]

If Apple is that committed to the 16:10 ratio, then the OLED rumor has to be treated as fake since the display that LG intends to use features a 16:9 ratio. I tend to believe that more and more anyway.

Anything is possible. Apple seemed fairly committed to firewire :rolleyes:

My point only was that all of their current offerings are 16:10 (1280x800 macbook and macbook air, 1440x900 macbook pro 15", or 1920x1200 macbook pro 17")

[applecultvictim]

thx.

Well, I don't know if it does. Hard to find any specs. But I'm guessing that thickness for SSDs is not that much of an issue than with traditional hard drives.


It is though, there were other 1.8 ssds before that just didn't fit in the air, do you have the specs page at samsung was it?

[cyberwolf777]

It is though, there were other 1.8 ssds before that just didn't fit in the air, do you have the specs page at samsung was it?

That's the thing, there is only some mysterious model-numbers flowing through the net. One of these is apparently used in the Sony Z series:

MMDPE56G8DXP-0VB00
and
MMDPE56GFDXP-MVB00

Also, an old Appleinsider news post from May 2008 said that Samsung planned the introduction of a 256 GB SSD in 1.8" format by Q4 of 2008.

[qubex]

Today Apple's courier collected my refurb-MacBookAir Rev B (or more correctly, rev 1, step B, for the ordinal-centric amongst you). It had to go anyway because it suffered from a serious case of grey lines, and I wouldn't accept it in that condition even if it had been perfectly new. Seriously, Apple should pay more attention to quality of their premium products.

Frankly, I found the machine to be essentially perfect: the form factor is exactly what I need and, though not a great performer, it remained responsive while under strain. What it really need is a dose of 3G networking and... well, yes, it definitely needs to loose the vestigial button on the trackpad. An inbuilt GPS receiver? Heh. One can dream, but that shan't occur. If the SSD is doubled in capacity, it could even entirely replace my main machine.

This general lack of rumours is really disturbing me.

I need to know, and I need to know now!:rolleyes:

[Scottsdale]

This general lack of rumours is really disturbing me.

I need to know, and I need to know now!:rolleyes:

I agree here. We have had almost NO MBA rev C "rumors." We have a lot of guesses about what it should be based upon what we see in the MB and MBP, and what we think are natural progressions. At the same time, as far as hard evidence, it has been non-existent for several months. We recently got the rumors for an updated MB and MBP before the June WWDC. But nothing to do with the rev C MBA.

Here are the big problems I see...

The Dell Adamo. I don't think it's a real contender. It is thinner than the MBA at the MBA's thickest part. Does Apple feel the need to make the MBA thinner? I really hope not. I feel the MBA is just right. But I fear some at Apple really want to OWN the thin title outright.

Intel released the SL9600 17W Penryn SSF 45 NM Process 2.13 GHz CPU several weeks ago. The rev B MBA's SL9x00 17W CPU eliminated all of the terrible heat problems of the original MBA's 20W Merom CPU paired with Intel 3100 graphics. One would imagine that with the success of the rev B MBA, due largely to its CPU, that Apple would stick with the same line of CPU which is the SL9600 running at 2.13 GHz. However, we have heard NOTHING from Apple or any rumors related to when this CPU could be used. Surely Apple wouldn't stray for a different ULV CPU in its next MBA???

The rev B MBA is far superior in EVERY way to the original MBA, but do the sales numbers support a rev C MBA? I know a lot more people who bought the original MBA than bought the rev B MBA. Now, almost all who I know, who bought the original MBA in its infancy, have moved on to something else.

A lot of original MBA buyers have resented Apple and the MBA. It took a lot for me to really switch to the rev B MBA from the MB after the original MBA was so problematic for me. I really loved everything the original MBA represented, but with its heat problems, it was unusable for me even as a secondary computer. At the same time, the rev B MBA was my primary computer for several months (recently stolen). Many I know feel that way about the MBA not differentiating between the rev A and rev B MBAs. I fear that the original MBA's reputation has damaged the brand of the MBA.

The original MBA as a refurbished unit, with Cool Book, could be stealing a lot of rev B MBA sales. At the same time, I am inclined to believe that the refurbished rev A MBA and the rev B MBA are not really competing. The rev A refurbished is taking sales from the MB.

The rev B MBA is truly what the A was meant to be, a business professional or otherwise premium computer. It could take away sales from the MBP, but Apple would surely have intended that. The quality is high to compete with the MBP, yet is super portable and with a smaller display. The original MBA refurbished is a low-end computer meeting the requirements from very light users or as secondary computers.

The refurbished rev A MBA buyers expect a little from their MBA but still get the beautiful display, tiny form factor, and EXCLUSIVE Air ownership while running OS X. The rev B MBA is selling to the MBA's original intended market - business professionals, Mac enthusiasts, consultants, college professors, grad students, and those wanting similar performance to the MB yet with an elite "Air" form factor that is super portable, light, and fits inside a business briefcase along with papers and a book.

In the long run, I believe the future of the MacBook line depends on the current form of the MacBook Air. I sure hope Apple sees a real reason to have faith in the MacBook Air and makes the rev C MBA everything we all want it to be.

But the logical progression does not match up with any rumors... please Apple, give us the rev C MBA!

[iMacmatician]

I'm taking the wait until late May before jumping to conclusions route. But I agree, the lack of MacBook Air rumors so far is not a good sign…

Also, the 2.13 GHz LV C2D is released (and so is a new ULV) while the speed bumped Penryns are a late May (or so) release. So it would make sense that the MacBook Air will be updated earlier than (or at the same time as) the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

And while some sort of design change may push the release date back, it also increases the number of rumors.

[applecultvictim]

I think one of the points we might need to consider is that they are not rushing to update the cpus if they cant accompany these with an increase in ssd capacity and (the most probable) phasing out of the hd completely. So I would think we might see a small bump in cpus in the coming months but unless we hear or verify some real ssd product for the air with increased capacity a rev. c (with the speed bumps I mentioned considered as rev. b update) wont be out. Let's not forget that was the very reason they delayed the rev b., not due to the cpu, but due to the fact that they had been waiting for an appropriate hd to come out. So, minor speed bumps for me and a rev b. update and arrandale and a new more roomy ssd in late 2009 or early 2010 accompanied possibly by some design changes, fingers crossed a larger screen.

Also like I have said before it will be interesting to see where the air will fit in with the mactablet which to me is a given, sooner or later, and this will determine the identity of the new air. A larger screen par example would go nicely with the smaller screened mactablet. So you get your 10" tablet to browse the web and do very minor typing and your air with a 14" so the two products get well differentiated. Of course the likely iphone os will differentiate the tablet too.

[iMacmatician]

I think one of the points we might need to consider is that they are not rushing to update the cpus if they cant accompany these with an increase in ssd capacity and (the most probable) phasing out of the hd completely. So I would think we might see a small bump in cpus in the coming months but unless we hear or verify some real ssd product for the air with increased capacity a rev. c (with the speed bumps I mentioned considered as rev. b update) wont be out. Let's not forget that was the very reason they delayed the rev b., not due to the cpu, but due to the fact that they had been waiting for an appropriate hd to come out. So, minor speed bumps for me and a rev b. update and arrandale and a new more roomy ssd in late 2009 or early 2010 accompanied possibly by some design changes, fingers crossed a larger screen.That makes much sense. Plus a minor speed bump would not be rumored until right before the update.

[qubex]

At t=199 since the last refresh, I'll take my time to vent some of my neurosis.

Firstly, it goes almost without saying that the glass trackpad is a must: the vestigial single-click button on the current generation of Airs is entirely laughable. It takes up space that could otherwise be devoted to trackpad real-estate and, as far as I can observe, runs against the screen. It also provides a mechanical point of failure for an otherwise almost solid-state machine (notable exceptions being keyboard, fans and hinge). Why they haven't removed it already is anybody's guess, especially since the current Airs were released slightly after the Unibody MacBooks and MacBookPros. My feeling is that the decision was inventory-related.

Secondly, why do I laughably covet a black bezel? Simply because I favour not being constanly reminded of where the edge of my screen ends. I'm in the habit of working in the dark, and setting my desktop to have a black background. With a black bezel, the sense of diminished desktop clutter will be further enhanced. As remarked, Apple's bezels have been getting wider for almost a decade, and this is bad. The first two MacBookAir releases have been particularly bad, with a high linear incidence of bezel versus screen diagonal. Eyeballing it, I'd estimate that probably 12% of the lid's area is devoted to unproductive aluminium. Since it's unlikely Apple will reduce the overall footprint of the machine (internals being already crammed enough), and since evidently Apple is not undertaking a policy of adopting broader, more expensive LCD panels, I favour the uniformly shiny, black-framed bezel look. Of course I wish the screen might stretch to the outermost edge of the lid, but this shan't occur - any more than inbuilt "3G" and/or GPS capability. Apple has found they can sell the Air at a premium price without incurring the costs of premium paraphrenalia - why should they chang their ways if we collectively buy their stuff at the prices they set?

My recent experience with my tranisent refurbished Air was educating: it's a great little machine, a snappy performer thanks to the SSD in a wonderful form factor designed *ahem* for portability-obsessed people such as *ahem* myself who seemply need to process data while on the go. Now, having tried one, I'm ever more eager for the next line of machines to be released - hopefully a line that entails fewer compromises. A 256GB SSD will allow me to carry all my digital life around without needing to choose or edit before leaving. 4GB of RAM would give Mathematica some space to breathe and actually spawn another kernel. A 3G chipset would allow me to check mail while on the go without needing to flip open the ports hatch and plug in a perilous little dongle and networks' notoriously crappy drivers.

In short, the next one needs to focus on perfecting the whole experience of mobility. Forget netbooks or greasy, iPhone-esque funcionally crippled iPads with their Apple-imposed limitations, App Store-only downloads and network-centric behaviour. Haven't you folks ever been stuck without connectivity on a plane, perhaps needing to crunch through some kind of custom database for which no standard analysis tools exist? This is the kind of flexibility that portable computers must continue to offer. This is why I'm still looking forward to the next revsion of the MacBookAir.

[Barbie]

Concerning the thoughts on a black rim around the display: my opinion is that the MacBook Air didn't use glass because Apple decided to give the option for a mutant 'matte' MacBook - due to the fact that the new MacBook and the new 15-inch MacBook Pro don't have matte options.

Therefore... anybody who wants a less glossy display can pay extra for MacBook Air !!! (this personally rings true to me, as my decision between Air and MacBook was primarily display.)

Barbie.

[qubex]

It is entirely likely that I'm the latest in the lineage of people who don't Get It, but: I've opted for glossy screens on every BTO MacBookPro I have purchased since late 2006 or thereabouts. I find matte screens to be aesthetically inferior to glossy screens in every way. I'm in the habit of adjusting my workspace to suit my computing needs rather than opting for matte displays on the one-off chance that I'll be afflicted by reflections upon the screen.

It might be that reflections can be distracting, but insofar as the current Air *does* feature a glossy screen, isn't it auspicable that they surround it with a black bezel to reduce clutter (and detract from the overly prominent iSight camera "up there")?

Anyway, we're 38 days from WWDC09. I'm anxious to see what happens. Really, really anxious. I need a machine of this size, but I also want it to be as current as possible.

[pesc]

Therefore... anybody who wants a less glossy display can pay extra for MacBook Air !!!)


Hmmmm... The Air still has a glossy screen. I won't consider one until there is a matte option.

[qubex]

It's apparent that everybody here has their likes and dislikes regarding, in particular, screens. That's fair and square.

What worries me is that there's no indication Apple is actively developing the small form-factor/high-end machine package anymore: even if we assume rumours of iPads and MacBookMinis are true these devices will inevitably cater to the lower end of the market in terms of price and performance. I can't help but shudder when I think that Apple let more than a year pass between the latest refreshes for the Mac Pro and the Mac Mini - how can that attitude be taken seriously now they compete with commodity Intel hardware?

Speculation regarding probable specifications, as we have indulged in so far, are all right and well but perhaps they're assuming as true something that might not be necessarily so: namely, that a refresh will occur sooner or later, and that what is to be divined ex ante is the date and technical details of the revision.

It strikes me as possible that they might've abandoned this "niche" product already, like they've abandoned the AppleTV. If they did, it would be a terrible shame. There's a genuine demand for this kind of product, it serves an important function in the line-up (and serves an important role in many professionals' lives).

Hopefully somebody can barge in here and tell me I'm dead wrong for N reasons. Indeed, I keep my eyes on every RSS feed that might carry news of this topic.

[enfanteribl]

It's apparent that everybody here has their likes and dislikes regarding, in particular, screens. That's fair and square.

What worries me is that there's no indication Apple is actively developing the small form-factor/high-end machine package anymore: even if we assume rumours of iPads and MacBookMinis are true these devices will inevitably cater to the lower end of the market in terms of price and performance. I can't help but shudder when I think that Apple let more than a year pass between the latest refreshes for the Mac Pro and the Mac Mini - how can that attitude be taken seriously now they compete with commodity Intel hardware?

Speculation regarding probable specifications, as we have indulged in so far, are all right and well but perhaps they're assuming as true something that might not be necessarily so: namely, that a refresh will occur sooner or later, and that what is to be divined ex ante is the date and technical details of the revision.

It strikes me as possible that they might've abandoned this "niche" product already, like they've abandoned the AppleTV. If they did, it would be a terrible shame. There's a genuine demand for this kind of product, it serves an important function in the line-up (and serves an important role in many professionals' lives).

Hopefully somebody can barge in here and tell me I'm dead wrong for N reasons. Indeed, I keep my eyes on every RSS feed that might carry news of this topic.

I would be surprised if they abandoned this design - Apple must have invested a fair amount in designing quite a cutting edge casing etc. I suppose the Cube didn't last that long, and people generally were big fans of that design. Still the Air is still pretty new given how long Apple sticks with its designs.

[HLdan]

I would be surprised if they abandoned this design - Apple must have invested a fair amount in designing quite a cutting edge casing etc. I suppose the Cube didn't last that long, and people generally were big fans of that design. Still the Air is still pretty new given how long Apple sticks with its designs.

Apple most likely won't discontinue the MBA. There's a huge market for it which is why Dell has entered into this with the Adamo. The business user on the go needs this type of computer. It's not the same as the Cube or the AppleTV or iPod HiFi although I don't see the AppleTV going anywhere either but it needs to be more than it is.
Anytime a company comes out with something new it looks like a failure to the public but the MBA Rev B has been selling very well. :)

[PaperMacWriter]

The MBA will only be dead when the MB & MBP are as slim and light as it, which won't be anytime soon, especially if the MBA gets the carbon-fiber treatment (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/30/apple-researching-carbon-fiber-composite-materials-for-exterior-shells/).
SG :apple:

[pesc]

...but the MBA Rev B has been selling very well.
How do you know that?

I see these kind of statements from time to time. I thought Apple didn't disclose the sales numbers for various models. So how do you know that MBA Rev B is selling well?

[iMacmatician]

How do you know that?

I see these kind of statements from time to time. I thought Apple didn't disclose the sales numbers for various models. So how do you know that MBA Rev B is selling well?I also see various statements saying that the MacBook Air is not selling well.

[mojibake]

I'd imagine there is a fair amount of politicking going on inside Apple about controversial products like the Air. What eventually happens to the Air product line probably has as much to do with internal political support as with technical aspects. Apple has never been any good at engineering small/light laptops anyway; just look at the 13 screws used to hold the Air keyboard in place as an example.

The carbon fiber bottom ain't going to happen. That was just some silly speculation based on some guy's DIY mod. The Titanium G4 had a carbon fiber chassis and as you see that is a totally different kind of mechanical engineering than milled aluminum which is Apple's current fad.

As i posted earlier, the Rev C MBA is going to have the current shell and a faster CPU and maybe a few small surprises, that's about it.

[qubex]

the Rev C MBA is going to have the current shell and a faster CPU and maybe a few small surprises, that's about it.
When?! :confused:

[manhattanboy]

personally i hate the new trackpad
the whole button thing feels really cheap to me

now tap to click is brilliant though

[manhattanboy]

When?! :confused:

the day they release it:p

[applecultvictim]

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13484&Itemid=1
Is this old news?

No it isn't bad it's not good news either, tdps are very high, what's going on here? This is suppose to be an upgrade, why are the c2d getting better numbers? Is it the crappy integrated graphics on die?

[qubex]

Call me naïve, but I don't really consider current performance much of an issue - and therefore, I'm not particularly concerned about the TDPs of proposed upgrades either. The present unit is responsive enough, and arguably intended users won't be wanting to use it for gaming or graphics-intensive operations. Therefore it makes sense to maintain the actual performance more or less constant and concentrate effort on reducing thermal output and enhancing battery life. 10.6 will introduce the possibility to offload compute-intensive tasks to the GPU for processing: this will already provide a huge boost in performance for those few tasks (such as video compression and graphic rendering) that truly require it, an order of magnitude of enhancement for those users who will truly notice it without a need to revise hardware.

Insofar as the core system components are sound, I'd much prefer Apple to address those peripheral elements that enhance the end user's actual commodity of use. Hence my long rants about what external aspects I'm hoping they'll address (sooner, much sooner, rather than later).