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Apple Announces MacBook Air
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I did a forum and Google search of this first. It does look like the MacBook Air is using a Penryn processor. The developer notes mention an 800 MHz Front Side Bus and SSE4.
http://developer.apple.com/document...loperNote.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP90004866
http://developer.apple.com/document...loperNote.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP90004866
Thats funny.
There have been many out there that, in response to all the criticisms, have compared the MacBook Air to the iPod. Both were touted for ugly design, both were touted for not having enough memory, both were touted for being to expensive. Here's the main difference, however, that I see. The iPod was a completely new product, something very few companies at the time (including Apple) had designed. The MacBook Air, however, is a thin notebook, and isnt a groundbreaking new product. It is not an iPod, it is not a Newton (which failed, but was a groundbreaking product). Its simply a thin notebook, and seems a bit to big to be a subnotebook, in terms of screen size. Shouldnt a true subnotebook be under 10inches in screen size? All Apple did was take a MacBook Pro and send it to a fat farm. Granted, the multi-touch trackpad could be its saving grace, but this product, this overall idea of a subnotebook that is extremely portable, is a failure. It still requires a wire to get power, and another, seperate drive to play a DVD. Will it sell? Of course. But it could have been so much more. Thats what we expect out of Apple, because they have supplied us with so many amazing products in the future. Maybe in a couple of years, after some updates, Apple will have realized all the potential for this tiny machine, but for now, its a sad try.
Too pricey for most but breaks new ground...
My thoughts on this MBA, not that anyone cares, is that it's impressive, nice, almost a prototype for what's to come, too expensive, lacking too many features, and will not sell huge numbers BUT...
it is an important product in that it paves the way for the future and opens new doors.
It is innovation, and although most of us cannot afford it or don't want it due to its limitations, we'll be happily buying something like it a year or a few years down the road that will have been directly influenced/inspired by this machine.
My thoughts on this MBA, not that anyone cares, is that it's impressive, nice, almost a prototype for what's to come, too expensive, lacking too many features, and will not sell huge numbers BUT...
it is an important product in that it paves the way for the future and opens new doors.
It is innovation, and although most of us cannot afford it or don't want it due to its limitations, we'll be happily buying something like it a year or a few years down the road that will have been directly influenced/inspired by this machine.
I'd like to point out that the Sony VAIO TZ price range is from $2099 to $3699.
People are comparing the MacBook Air to other Mac models which is silly. Each model exists to fill needs that aren't met by each other model.
What really needs to be done is a side by side comparison with a truly equal model... and Steve Jobs made a very good point that basically amounted to this:
If Apple had released a competitor to the Vaio TZ and its contemporaries, but didn't include a full size keyboard or larger than 12" screen, it would have no distinct advantage over those products. Translation: Failure.
If people want to complain that portability comes at a premium, well... DUH. Look at how much any company's line of laptops cost compared to their desktops, with what features.
Also look at the materials used... name me another ultraportable that uses aluminum and glass as its case components.
Also, find me another portable that is this thin.
Point being... what MBA has is a unique mix of features, thinness being one of them, that is not matched identically by any other model out there. Therefore, to compare it to any other model of equal price and say this one doesn't add up is patently absurd.
I believe, as a financial analyst myself, that the pricing model is well-justified. I also believe that, as with every other product venture of Apple's, subsequent iterations will follow that contain revisions that are dictated by the positive and negative feedback to this one.
Apple is wise not to invest in perfecting a swiss army knife all-in-one solution on the first go... They could spend twice as many years, many times the R&D dollars, and end up with a dud on their hands that loses them a lot of money. Instead, they are entirely about gradualistic evolution.
A co-worker, formerly a product engineer at Apple, told me that their product cycles last 2-3 years from concept to deployment, and each product class is introduced as minimally as possible to mitigate risk and to identify what consumers want with practical, real-world, dollars-to-doughnuts feedback and not marketing surveys in which people can articulate what they want but then end up actually buying something else. So they put a feeler out there that has a handful of features that work well, as opposed to a lot of features that work poorly... and they start tinkering simultaneously on revision 2, 3, etc.
So don't pull your hair out, folks. MBA 2 and 3 and 4 are only going to get better. Your problem may stem from the fact that people want to rush right out and get the latest gadget and have bragging rights. Seriously, if you think about it... that is really all that you win when you are a first mover. That and the satisfaction of knowing that you have bragging rights. But bragging rights are not worth much... and in the tech world they depreciate rapidly. Patience pays off better.
Frankly, $1799 is currently a competitive price for what the MacBook Air is and what its competing with. I know you will say "but I can buy a MacBook Pro with this and that and".. ok, so buy one. No one's telling you to get the MacBook Air except that greedy little voice in your head intoxicated by the sight of new and shiny toys. Relax... it's not the end of the world, for you or for Apple. They have plenty of cash, they'll survive if they don't see you back at the store until WWDC 2008.
That being said, if you've got $1799 burning a hole in your pocket right now and you need to satisfy that appetite for new and shiny... run, don't walk, to the Apple store and preorder one of these ego boosters (which also happen to be decently designed minimalist laptops... the features they do have are not, as far as I can tell, rife with design flaws).
If you can't stand the thought of $1800 in your pocket for a few more months, I'll be more than glad to relieve you of it. I'm an Apple shareholder, and I'll thank you personally for every gadget you buy that takes that money from your pocket and puts it into mine.
People are comparing the MacBook Air to other Mac models which is silly. Each model exists to fill needs that aren't met by each other model.
What really needs to be done is a side by side comparison with a truly equal model... and Steve Jobs made a very good point that basically amounted to this:
If Apple had released a competitor to the Vaio TZ and its contemporaries, but didn't include a full size keyboard or larger than 12" screen, it would have no distinct advantage over those products. Translation: Failure.
If people want to complain that portability comes at a premium, well... DUH. Look at how much any company's line of laptops cost compared to their desktops, with what features.
Also look at the materials used... name me another ultraportable that uses aluminum and glass as its case components.
Also, find me another portable that is this thin.
Point being... what MBA has is a unique mix of features, thinness being one of them, that is not matched identically by any other model out there. Therefore, to compare it to any other model of equal price and say this one doesn't add up is patently absurd.
I believe, as a financial analyst myself, that the pricing model is well-justified. I also believe that, as with every other product venture of Apple's, subsequent iterations will follow that contain revisions that are dictated by the positive and negative feedback to this one.
Apple is wise not to invest in perfecting a swiss army knife all-in-one solution on the first go... They could spend twice as many years, many times the R&D dollars, and end up with a dud on their hands that loses them a lot of money. Instead, they are entirely about gradualistic evolution.
A co-worker, formerly a product engineer at Apple, told me that their product cycles last 2-3 years from concept to deployment, and each product class is introduced as minimally as possible to mitigate risk and to identify what consumers want with practical, real-world, dollars-to-doughnuts feedback and not marketing surveys in which people can articulate what they want but then end up actually buying something else. So they put a feeler out there that has a handful of features that work well, as opposed to a lot of features that work poorly... and they start tinkering simultaneously on revision 2, 3, etc.
So don't pull your hair out, folks. MBA 2 and 3 and 4 are only going to get better. Your problem may stem from the fact that people want to rush right out and get the latest gadget and have bragging rights. Seriously, if you think about it... that is really all that you win when you are a first mover. That and the satisfaction of knowing that you have bragging rights. But bragging rights are not worth much... and in the tech world they depreciate rapidly. Patience pays off better.
Frankly, $1799 is currently a competitive price for what the MacBook Air is and what its competing with. I know you will say "but I can buy a MacBook Pro with this and that and".. ok, so buy one. No one's telling you to get the MacBook Air except that greedy little voice in your head intoxicated by the sight of new and shiny toys. Relax... it's not the end of the world, for you or for Apple. They have plenty of cash, they'll survive if they don't see you back at the store until WWDC 2008.
That being said, if you've got $1799 burning a hole in your pocket right now and you need to satisfy that appetite for new and shiny... run, don't walk, to the Apple store and preorder one of these ego boosters (which also happen to be decently designed minimalist laptops... the features they do have are not, as far as I can tell, rife with design flaws).
If you can't stand the thought of $1800 in your pocket for a few more months, I'll be more than glad to relieve you of it. I'm an Apple shareholder, and I'll thank you personally for every gadget you buy that takes that money from your pocket and puts it into mine.
Except, the MBA works with Windows to start with. That's right, first generation Windows-capability.
Nice piece of engineering but not for me. Seems more of an effort to push the industry to wireless everything device.
If it was 10"-12" I would have been interested - a true ultra-portable. As others have said, a smaller footprint would make it appeal to many more people. MB and MBP thickness/thinness is already fine.
Two other major issues:
1. 4200rpm HD. Terrible performance (a real machine crippler) so SSD is the only option... but the premium is too much at this moment in time.
2. Battery. Another money maker to replace when it goes bad.
I'm sure some road warriors will appreciate it though. And the 'I check my email at Starbucks' generation.
As for the Keynote overall, a disappointment. Especially for people outside the US where Movie Rentals are a non-announcement.
I can't help thinking the iPhone took so many resources the past few years that we're feeling the effect now. Leopard delayed last year, MBP redesign, real desktop CPU in iMac, displays...
Bleh.
EDIT: looks like the battery replacement is $129
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/macbook-air-battery-replacements-129-free-install/
If it was 10"-12" I would have been interested - a true ultra-portable. As others have said, a smaller footprint would make it appeal to many more people. MB and MBP thickness/thinness is already fine.
Two other major issues:
1. 4200rpm HD. Terrible performance (a real machine crippler) so SSD is the only option... but the premium is too much at this moment in time.
2. Battery. Another money maker to replace when it goes bad.
I'm sure some road warriors will appreciate it though. And the 'I check my email at Starbucks' generation.
As for the Keynote overall, a disappointment. Especially for people outside the US where Movie Rentals are a non-announcement.
I can't help thinking the iPhone took so many resources the past few years that we're feeling the effect now. Leopard delayed last year, MBP redesign, real desktop CPU in iMac, displays...
Bleh.
EDIT: looks like the battery replacement is $129
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/macbook-air-battery-replacements-129-free-install/
I'm married to the niche!
Man, there a lot of people in this thread that just don't get who this laptop is for. I just went through a surreal experience in my house today and I know exactly who it's for.
My wife has NEVER expressed any interest in owning her own laptop but likes the fact that I'm an Apple guy because the designs of toys I bring home are so much nicer than those of the Windows world. So, like a good Apple lover, I was following along with the keynote this morning and she popped her head in the office every so often to see if I was drooling over anything that would put a dent in the old credit card.
When the pics of the MBA came up she actually stopped me and wanted to know what she was looking at. I told her all about all of the rumours I had seen posted and explained what this computer was supposed to be all about (which I see most of you still don't understand).
Two hours later she, sheepishly, comes out of the office and tells me she just spent $1800 CAN and is that OK? I ask her on what and says that she just bought a Mac Book Air.
Now, my wife is a bank exec and never spends more than $50 without agonizing over the implications it will have on our bottom line for at least a week. So needless to say, I was a little blown away at this "reckless spending" by her but, meh, it's on a Mac so I don't really care.
I asked her why and her answer was that it does everything she needs it to do (which is primarily Excel based) and looks "amazing" so she bought one. This also turned into good news for me as I then proceeded to convince her to let me buy a Time Capsule as we'll need to back up the data on her new toy.
She is by no means the tech junkie that I am but I don't think that's who Apple is targeting with these. And the more I think about it, the more I think that this could be a usable solution for me, too. I'm a DJ and I use my MB with Final Scratch for all of my gigs. Having a computer like this in the booth would definitely increase my "cool" factor at my shows, too. I already store all of my music externally so HD size isn't a problem and we have an Imac as our main home computer.
I'm definitely gonna play with this thing when it arrives and, who knows? Maybe Apple will already have sold 2.
Man, there a lot of people in this thread that just don't get who this laptop is for. I just went through a surreal experience in my house today and I know exactly who it's for.
My wife has NEVER expressed any interest in owning her own laptop but likes the fact that I'm an Apple guy because the designs of toys I bring home are so much nicer than those of the Windows world. So, like a good Apple lover, I was following along with the keynote this morning and she popped her head in the office every so often to see if I was drooling over anything that would put a dent in the old credit card.
When the pics of the MBA came up she actually stopped me and wanted to know what she was looking at. I told her all about all of the rumours I had seen posted and explained what this computer was supposed to be all about (which I see most of you still don't understand).
Two hours later she, sheepishly, comes out of the office and tells me she just spent $1800 CAN and is that OK? I ask her on what and says that she just bought a Mac Book Air.
Now, my wife is a bank exec and never spends more than $50 without agonizing over the implications it will have on our bottom line for at least a week. So needless to say, I was a little blown away at this "reckless spending" by her but, meh, it's on a Mac so I don't really care.
I asked her why and her answer was that it does everything she needs it to do (which is primarily Excel based) and looks "amazing" so she bought one. This also turned into good news for me as I then proceeded to convince her to let me buy a Time Capsule as we'll need to back up the data on her new toy.
She is by no means the tech junkie that I am but I don't think that's who Apple is targeting with these. And the more I think about it, the more I think that this could be a usable solution for me, too. I'm a DJ and I use my MB with Final Scratch for all of my gigs. Having a computer like this in the booth would definitely increase my "cool" factor at my shows, too. I already store all of my music externally so HD size isn't a problem and we have an Imac as our main home computer.
I'm definitely gonna play with this thing when it arrives and, who knows? Maybe Apple will already have sold 2.
I understand that I'm not the target audience for MBA. I don't understand Steve's obsession to thin products - I'd rather get a little bit thicker iPod if that means better battery life or other extra features. I don't understand why laptop should be ultra thin, the footprint is more important to me. I think Apple's obsession to form has gone too far. However, I'm still waiting for a new MBP (with maybe some features of MBA) and I hope that Apple doesn't cripple that by putting the form over function.
Like FM/AM radio or other ueseless junk? What you want is not an iPod, but it's probably available from Creative and others. Oh, and the battery life isn't that bad if you're not watching films on it for hours (which your optician is going to tell you not to do anyways).
When, oh when we we see a reworked MacBook Pro
So there I was waiting in anticipation of the MacBookPro receiving a well earned upgrade physically...
Now what to do - wait a few months or just go with the current model?
Thanks guys.
So there I was waiting in anticipation of the MacBookPro receiving a well earned upgrade physically...
Now what to do - wait a few months or just go with the current model?
Thanks guys.
While I think that MBA looks gorgerous and is a great feat of engineering... I feel that it's an halfway-attempt.
If they wanted to make a ultraportable laptop, why no go the extra mile? Yes, they made a big deal about MBA having a big screen and "full-sized keyboard". But still. It has similar footprint as MB and MBP has, it's just thinner and lighter. Is it REALLY a subnotebook?
They should have used a 11" screen for example, making the device even smaller than it is, not to mention a bit lighter still. That way there would have been a clear differentiation between it and the other laptops. What you have now is a device that has more or less similar price, smaller size but same footprint, less weight, slower CPU and less ports.
Speaking of ports.... I would have been OK with the port-selection if it were a 11" subnotebook. But for 13" notebook.... no.
If they wanted to make a ultraportable laptop, why no go the extra mile? Yes, they made a big deal about MBA having a big screen and "full-sized keyboard". But still. It has similar footprint as MB and MBP has, it's just thinner and lighter. Is it REALLY a subnotebook?
They should have used a 11" screen for example, making the device even smaller than it is, not to mention a bit lighter still. That way there would have been a clear differentiation between it and the other laptops. What you have now is a device that has more or less similar price, smaller size but same footprint, less weight, slower CPU and less ports.
Speaking of ports.... I would have been OK with the port-selection if it were a 11" subnotebook. But for 13" notebook.... no.
Inches
For a company that prides itself on new inventions and leading the pack into the future, simple things like using inches to measure screen size is becoming almost funny.
For a company that prides itself on new inventions and leading the pack into the future, simple things like using inches to measure screen size is becoming almost funny.
So i guess this explains Apple's lack of enthusiasm to get Blu-Ray drives installed, they are going for a totally 'disc-less' solution now with the iTunes movie rentals in HD and all...
Some people seem to be complaining about the 'footprint' of this thing but wasnt that the point? Some people are really fed up with the tiny squished keyboards of 11inch laptops and the letters being too small on the sreen etc so I think a 13 inch at that weight is in fact a good thing no?
Now for those Blu-Ray macbook pros... when are they coming out!!!
Some people seem to be complaining about the 'footprint' of this thing but wasnt that the point? Some people are really fed up with the tiny squished keyboards of 11inch laptops and the letters being too small on the sreen etc so I think a 13 inch at that weight is in fact a good thing no?
Now for those Blu-Ray macbook pros... when are they coming out!!!
Lots of people are complaining about the HD vs expensive SSD issue. Their SSD prices may be currently competitive but I wouldn't buy one right now. In 6 months time, the price will have reduced by about half (meaning you wasted all that money) and soon 128G versions will be available.
I'm pretty sure that in the next revision, HD will not be an option. Its a stop-gap until the SSDs are a little more affordable, which why they're giving that option now.
I need a new laptop to replace my 12" PB. But at around £50-100 more for the 15" MacBook Pro, I simply can't justify this computer. I'm going to wait until the new 15" comes out (hopefully with some touch capabilities) and then get that. An inch is thin enough for me.
I'm pretty sure that in the next revision, HD will not be an option. Its a stop-gap until the SSDs are a little more affordable, which why they're giving that option now.
I need a new laptop to replace my 12" PB. But at around £50-100 more for the 15" MacBook Pro, I simply can't justify this computer. I'm going to wait until the new 15" comes out (hopefully with some touch capabilities) and then get that. An inch is thin enough for me.
I asked all over the Apple Booth and no one at Apple even KNOWS which family processor is inside. Does anyone know?Loaded Air with 80GB HD and all the dongles + AppleCare is $2500. With the 64GB RAM Drive it's $3500. No 4GB upgrade option. Have A Nice Day!
Not sure what your point is here. But the smiley shows you're not angry with me which is always nice so .......? Anyway, for me in France, the best Air is $4722 ( £2408 ) It's a lot for lap-top. (A Lot-top anyone?) I had no problems carrying my iBook anywhere I wanted and so just to go small for the sake of it and then having to use a miniaturised processor from yesteryear? Why bother? If it had gone small with the latest processor then great but this? Boring.
Um, measuring screen-sizes is just about the only place where inches are the accepted standard. Even in Finland televisions and monitors are measured in inches, and we are 100% metric society.
using centimeters in this context would be pointless and confusing.
I don't want to buy a MacBook Air. It costs more than I can afford and doesn't serve the purposes I want.
However, that doesn't make it a bad product. I think it's an incredible piece of engineering that genuinely breaks new ground. To somebody who needs a laptop that light and thin and is unaffected by the compromises required to achieve that, this must be their dream machine.
Apple have always been first ditching things, like the FDD. And remember the outcry a couple of years ago when the dial-up modem port was left off the new MBPs. Apple are clearly putting all their eggs in the wireless basket and they have a knack of getting these things right.
I could see people getting their hands burnt jumping in on this as a first gen product (non accessible battery and no upgrade options worry me a bit) but I'll be fascinated to see this product as it matures.
However, that doesn't make it a bad product. I think it's an incredible piece of engineering that genuinely breaks new ground. To somebody who needs a laptop that light and thin and is unaffected by the compromises required to achieve that, this must be their dream machine.
Apple have always been first ditching things, like the FDD. And remember the outcry a couple of years ago when the dial-up modem port was left off the new MBPs. Apple are clearly putting all their eggs in the wireless basket and they have a knack of getting these things right.
I could see people getting their hands burnt jumping in on this as a first gen product (non accessible battery and no upgrade options worry me a bit) but I'll be fascinated to see this product as it matures.
The MBA isn't for me but it's exciting to see the new developments that will surely trickle down to the rest of the line soon.
Of course there are things I don't like about it - same as their are things I think are great. Don't see much point in crying about it though - this is just their first go at an ultraportable (yeah, is it? i don't know) laptop and i can't wait to see where they go next.
Of course there are things I don't like about it - same as their are things I think are great. Don't see much point in crying about it though - this is just their first go at an ultraportable (yeah, is it? i don't know) laptop and i can't wait to see where they go next.
hehe - I am traveling so didnt even discuss the MBA with my wife (who has a MB). I get an email this morning from her with the words, attached to an email from Apple announcing the MBA...
"THIS IS AWESOME!!!! ME WANT!"
I only get emails like this from her regarding Coach purses.
Take it for what its worth...
"THIS IS AWESOME!!!! ME WANT!"
I only get emails like this from her regarding Coach purses.
Take it for what its worth...
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