Apple to Update MacBook Air to Penryn Soon?

[ezekielrage_99]

And if the MacBook Air gets those features, Apple needs to make a dedicated graphics card on the MacBook as standard to differentiate the MacBook from the MacBook Air.

Although I do agree to some extent, I think the MBA would benefit from more system memory and more VRAM. IMHO it's silly that on a Windows machine you can set the graphics memory for the Intel Integrated Video very easily while the same graphics card on the Mac you can't....

I'm using a Macbook ATM with 64MB of VRAM, I have 3GB RAM in the system so why can't (or shouldn't) I be able to allocate more VRAM when I have more than enough system memory

 

[kabunaru]

Although I do agree to some extent, I think the MBA would benefit from more system memory and more VRAM. IMHO it's silly that on a Windows machine you can set the graphics memory for the Intel Integrated Video very easily while the same graphics card on the Mac you can't....

I'm using a Macbook ATM with 64MB of VRAM, I have 3GB RAM in the system so why can't (or shouldn't) I be able to allocate more VRAM when I have more than enough system memory

MacBook: 128MB dedicated VRAM

MacBook Air: More than 144MB integrated VRAM

How about that?

 

[bobbleheadbob]

I want one and can't wait for this update if this is what happens. I wasn't that high on the first MBA version (at least for my needs, it's an impressive machine, nonetheless), but at some point, the upgrades to the MBA line should give me enough to be able leave my 17" MBP behind on the desk and just carry an Air.

Hopefully, by XMas, so I could take a new MBA to MWSF!

 

[thecartoonguy]

What do u mean, your laptop IS DYING? He got cancer tumors? A device is either dead or alive.

You sir must not have used a PC before

 

[twoodcc]

looking forward to seeing this update

 

[137489]

Enough with Dell...
It made a PC which is an iMac wannabe and now a PC that is a Mac mini wannabe...
What is gonna do next?
Change its logo to a pear?

Yeah its funny, since Dell can't run osx it will make a mac wannabe with higher options at a little less price and have people drool over the hardware and keep asking why Apple can't do it.

Face it - it is a Dell, which means crappy customer service and the thing will die in a few months to a year. I know... I had enough dell's personally; at work; and fixed enough for people.

Unless Dell changes face, the only thing going for it is hardware specs when it first comes out. After that is it just a same ol PC running windows with crappy support from both the OS vendor and the hardware vendor.

YES, I AM HARD ON DELL AFTER THE WAY I HAVE BEEN TREATED. But just Google and read the lawsuit filed by Coumo in NY. I am not the only one.... Oh and by the way - he won the lawsuit forcing Dell to settle with the entire state.

Hey, if I wanted to spend $1000-$1500 every 6 mos to a year replacing a broken machine, then I would buy a Dell. No, I want a desktop/laptop that will last more than 1 year, so I can get my money's worth out of it; without having to reformat the hard drive every 2 months -and replace broken parts every few months. Even to which, Dell does not honor warantees.

Personally, the only non-Apple hardware I thought was any good was IBM (reliability wise), then they went and sold out to lenovo and now they just stink as well.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

MacBook: 128MB dedicated VRAM

MacBook Air: More than 144MB integrated VRAM

How about that?

Nope what I was suggesting was the ability to set how much memory you can set for the integrated graphics not a dedicated card which just simply wont happen.

 

[Mackan]

2.0 GHz in MacBook Air? Let the fans begin...

 

[137489]

How imminent is imminent cause I'm thinking of buying the new macbook next month, but if I can get the 2nd gen macbook air, that would be great.

I have only been a switcher for a little while, but based on what I seen.

After the back-to-school promos are over and Apple sells out of current stock, you will see a bump in specs. Anything newly dramatic would probably wait until MWSF in January.

However recent articles about new hardware this fall and dropping margins in the quarter that would equal this fall - make me think history may change and could be we are in for a surprise in the next month or so.

So, stands to reason - if you need it now, but now. If not wait.

If you are looking for discounted prices - visit MACMALL.COM. They have some of the best options and prices I have seen, but based on what I seen on the internet - do not bank on getting your rebate check. I hear they are 50/50.

On that note, I bought my macbook from macmall - got a good price, they are in California - so they do not charge sales tax. Was send out next day from Ohio, and I got it a day later. I can refer you to someone in their sales dept.

I would have bought my mini from them, but my wife's computer (3 1/2 year old HP) died and she needed a new computer right away, so I drove an hour do Durham and bought it at the Apple Store and got it same day (had to pay sales tax though).

 

[CyberBob859]

Apple's response will be most likely a mini-tablet. The MacBook is in a different market, and the MacBook Air can't be shrunk and price dropped to any competitive price point without crippling Mac OS X.

This is where we disagree. I don't see a Mac Tablet coming. If so, Apple would have made the Modbook themselves instead of giving permission for another company to come out with a Tablet based on the MacBook. If they do make a Tablet, they stab their OEM partner in the back. I don't think it's going to happen.

A tablet based on the iPhone OS and UI won't provide enough power for people who want to do things like email and word processing on the road. If I have to drag a bluetooth keyboard around, I might as well get a laptop.

It won't be as portable as a phone or iPod. OK, better for photos, web surfing, and movies, but how much for carrying around yet another device?

It will be a hard sell for yet another specialty electronics item in the $500-$1000 range. Not in this economy. If nothing else, people will be looking for cheaper versions of what they know they can use. Which is one reason these lower-priced mini-laptops are getting attention, IMO.

Closest thing we get to a tablet is a hard-drive based iPod Touch, which is a good possibility, I think. But it's not a MacBook replacement.

Nahalem replaces Penryn, it doesn't augment it.

True, only if the price stays the same for the newer chip. I thought this was a higher priced chip that would go into higher-end systems. At least at first.

Cheaper than a MacBook Pro, more powerful than a MacBook Air and a subnotebook… the MacBook will have a significant market for the next few years at least. Beyond that… who knows. It may be replaced by the MacBook Air as I explained above.

But a lot of people don't necessarily buy computers based on the specs. If that was true, the Air couldn't hold a candle to the MacBook and wouldn't sell.

People who buy on max performance would never consider a MacBook, so the fact that it's cheaper won't mean anything to them. People buy the Air because they pick it up and wonder where the rest of the computer went. They don't care that it's underpowered and has a smaller hard drive than the MacBook. They'll gladly pay more because it's sexy, light, and does JUST ENOUGH for what they want.

People who buy strictly on price may not even consider an Apple product, but if they want something that matches the MacBook's style and again has JUST ENOUGH performance, some of these higher-end netbooks come close, whether they're made by Apple or not.

Look, I have a white MacBook. I love it. But when I bought mine, there was no MacBook Air, I didn't need the power of a MacBook Pro, and a cheap laptop was last year's Windows machine, with no style, poor performance, and lousy battery life. The MacBook was a perfect choice. Now there are more options. The market has changed, and the MacBook is getting squeezed on all fronts.

 

[137489]

What do u mean, your laptop IS DYING? He got cancer tumors? A device is either dead or alive.

Probably means what happened to my Dell laptop. One part Broke, then another, then another, now just wondering when it will crash for good all together.

My Dell died a slow death.

1. DVD+-Rw never burned DVD's from day 1 even with new software and all the firmware upgrades - even Dell could not figure it out.
2. Hard Drive took a hit, luckily reformatting it and reinstalling Windows fixed it as it got around the bad sector that caused a main Windows OS file to be corrupted and not boot.
3. Screen got fuzzy
4. Screen Ultimately cracked.
5. Paint wearing off keys
6. Constant pop-up "Your Battery can continue to charge normally, but it is reaching the end of its useful life" to which extent, I can now only run 15 min on the battery before my machine shuts off.

That is what I call dying. It still works, but on its last leg.

 

[137489]

This is where we disagree. I don't see a Mac Tablet coming. If so, Apple would have made the Modbook themselves instead of giving permission for another company to come out with a Tablet based on the MacBook. If they do make a Tablet, they stab their OEM partner in the back. I don't think it's going to happen.

A.

As much as I would love a real Apple tablet, and love some of the mockups/photoshops and would love to get my hands on one of them... I often thought about the comment you made. Unless Apple were to acquire Axiotron.

That said, Apple can still compete in the smaller pocket sized tablet/touch PC's out there. I mean look at the Sony VAIO UX and all the companies making similar. However, with them being the size of the iphone - it would compete heavily with the iphone. However, the price tag on one of these Sony's is $3,000. A way too expensive for me, but look whats built in:

Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : 5.91”(W) x 3.74”(H) x 1.27-1.50”(D)16

Weight (Approx.) : 1.2 lbs with standard battery16

Hardware
Camera : 2 Built-in Cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels) Built-in microphone

Keyboard : 64 keys with 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch

General
Action Buttons : Mouse Left, Mouse Right, Scroll, Magnify Screen (Zoom In/Out), Capture, Center Button, Wireless LAN On/Off, VAIO Touch Launcher

Computer Type : Micro PC

Pointing Device : Pointer

Security : Biometric Fingerprint Sensor

Type of Use : Ultra Portable

Power
Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS6)

Estimated Battery Life : 1.5-3.5 hours7 (Standard Battery) 3.0-7.0 hours7 (Large Capacity Battery)

Power Requirements : 41W+10%

Solid State Drive
Capacity : Ultra ATA Format: NAND

Audio
Sound System : Windows® sound system compatible with Built-in monaural speakers

Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Limited Warranty8, See actual warranty for details.

Online and Email Support : Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

Telephone Support : 1 year (toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/7)9

Graphics
Chipset : Mobile Intel® 945GMS Express Chipset

Processor : Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Video RAM : 251MB Total Available Graphics Memory15

Processor
Front Side Bus Speed : 533MHz

L2 Cache : 1MB

Speed : 1.2GHz1

Technology : Intel® Centrino® Mobile Technology

Type : Intel® Core™ 2 Solo Processor U2200 Ultra Low Voltage

Networking/Modem
Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Bluetooth® Technology5

Ethernet Protocol : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45) using Port Replicator or VGA/LAN Adapter

Ethernet Speed : 10Base-T/100Base-TX

Wireless LAN : Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11a/b/g)3

Wireless WAN : Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN)13 accessing AT&T national wireless EDGE network with SmartWi™ technology. (Wireless WAN and Wireless LAN radio do not transmit simultaneously)

Inputs and Outputs
DC-In : 1

Headphone Jack : 1

Memory Stick® Media Slot : 1 - Supports Optional Memory Stick Duo™ media with MagicGate® functionality

Microphone Input : 1

Port Replicator Connector(s) : 1 (Bottom)

USB Port(s) : 1 (2.0 compliant)

Display
Resolution : 1024x600

Screen or Display Technology : Wide SVGA LCD, Touch Screen

Screen Size : 4.5”11

Software
Operating System : Genuine Windows Vista® Business12

Security and Anti-Virus Software : Norton 360™ All-In-One Security 60-day Trial

Sony® Original Software : VAIO® Touch Launcher *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.

Supplied Software : Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day, Trial Version of Microsoft® Office 200710 Microsoft® Streets & Trips 2006 Essentials PenPlus™ for VAIO

Memory
Installed : 1GB (1GBx1) PC2-3200

Maximum : 1GB

Speed : 400MHz

Type : DDR2

 

[steve31]

As much as I would love a real Apple tablet, and love some of the mockups/photoshops and would love to get my hands on one of them... I often thought about the comment you made. Unless Apple were to acquire Axiotron.

That said, Apple can still compete in the smaller pocket sized tablet/touch PC's out there. I mean look at the Sony VAIO UX and all the companies making similar. However, with them being the size of the iphone - it would compete heavily with the iphone. However, the price tag on one of these Sony's is $3,000. A way too expensive for me, but look whats built in:

Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : 5.91”(W) x 3.74”(H) x 1.27-1.50”(D)16

Weight (Approx.) : 1.2 lbs with standard battery16

Hardware
Camera : 2 Built-in Cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels) Built-in microphone

Keyboard : 64 keys with 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch

General
Action Buttons : Mouse Left, Mouse Right, Scroll, Magnify Screen (Zoom In/Out), Capture, Center Button, Wireless LAN On/Off, VAIO Touch Launcher

Computer Type : Micro PC

Pointing Device : Pointer

Security : Biometric Fingerprint Sensor

Type of Use : Ultra Portable

Power
Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS6)

Estimated Battery Life : 1.5-3.5 hours7 (Standard Battery) 3.0-7.0 hours7 (Large Capacity Battery)

Power Requirements : 41W+10%

Solid State Drive
Capacity : Ultra ATA Format: NAND

Audio
Sound System : Windows® sound system compatible with Built-in monaural speakers

Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Limited Warranty8, See actual warranty for details.

Online and Email Support : Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

Telephone Support : 1 year (toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/7)9

Graphics
Chipset : Mobile Intel® 945GMS Express Chipset

Processor : Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Video RAM : 251MB Total Available Graphics Memory15

Processor
Front Side Bus Speed : 533MHz

L2 Cache : 1MB

Speed : 1.2GHz1

Technology : Intel® Centrino® Mobile Technology

Type : Intel® Core™ 2 Solo Processor U2200 Ultra Low Voltage

Networking/Modem
Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Bluetooth® Technology5

Ethernet Protocol : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45) using Port Replicator or VGA/LAN Adapter

Ethernet Speed : 10Base-T/100Base-TX

Wireless LAN : Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11a/b/g)3

Wireless WAN : Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN)13 accessing AT&T national wireless EDGE network with SmartWi™ technology. (Wireless WAN and Wireless LAN radio do not transmit simultaneously)

Inputs and Outputs
DC-In : 1

Headphone Jack : 1

Memory Stick® Media Slot : 1 - Supports Optional Memory Stick Duo™ media with MagicGate® functionality

Microphone Input : 1

Port Replicator Connector(s) : 1 (Bottom)

USB Port(s) : 1 (2.0 compliant)

Display
Resolution : 1024x600

Screen or Display Technology : Wide SVGA LCD, Touch Screen

Screen Size : 4.5”11

Software
Operating System : Genuine Windows Vista® Business12

Security and Anti-Virus Software : Norton 360™ All-In-One Security 60-day Trial

Sony® Original Software : VAIO® Touch Launcher *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.

Supplied Software : Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day, Trial Version of Microsoft® Office 200710 Microsoft® Streets & Trips 2006 Essentials PenPlus™ for VAIO

Memory
Installed : 1GB (1GBx1) PC2-3200

Maximum : 1GB

Speed : 400MHz

Type : DDR2

I had one of these. Sold it. Its cool but it was also painfully slow.

 

[137489]

How life changes....

this is kinda off, but kinda on topic in a way...

Since I first joined MR and started blogging, then changed jobs, then bought my first mac and begin the process of dumping windows for mac apps, the whole way I look at computing has changed.

I mean:

1. I dreaded external drives and wanted everything built in. Now that mac has time machine for backups, and jump drives are becoming 8gb and 16 gb at a reasonable price - external drives and not having a built in CD is not so bad. Especially the way mac apps are packaged in one DMG instead of having 10 or 100 cab files like Windows.

2. I never really saw the need for touch/tablet and thought they were a waste unless you were doing presentations and need to draw on a the screen. Now, with the cool apps like Omni (graffle, Dazzle), and Circus ponies, plus I have a livescribe pen and can see some real uses with that. well, if I can write on my computer natively into omni and circus ponies - then there is a plus and why a tablet would be good for me. Especially with going back to school and my new courses don't really have a lot of handouts and workbooks that need to be put in a 3 ring binder. I could just take notes on my laptop or live scribe and port them back in (would rather have a tablet than livescribe - but livescribe has this nice audio record thing).

3. Lan/Ethernet. Well I mostly use wireless except for my wife's mini. I find that runs faster with a cable plugged in rather than using airport (and her mini is only 4 ft from the router - must be the 3 monitors from the other computers causing interfarence). So for me, if I have enough (3-4 USB) then an ethernet dongle may not be so bad.

4. Modem - well, I really only use it for my specialize work apps where I dial directly into a mainframe. That said, I have a work supplied Dell desktop for that. I never actually used the USB modem I bought, so it may be a waste, but atleast I have it should I need it.

5. Expose - Can't live without it and I hate my job for not having it in windows. I mean, at work I have 2 19-inch monitors and they are cluttered with 10 apps running at once. Expose would sure be nice at work.

So truthfully, an Axiotron modbook would really be nice for me (but it needs to have a real keyboard). I mean with everyone clammering for apple to release a tablet, there is one already out there that Apple agreed to be marketed. Does anyone have the sales figures on how those are doing? We never hear about them and they seem like nice machinery. Has there been any problems with them? I mean it would be nice on the road, and then use an apple wireless keyboard and mouse while I am at home. However, with them being as heavy as a macbook, I can see why some people may not like it. I mean come on - why has the modbook been so silent for being very close to what people want - a tablet. it has all the ports and does all people are asking for - but just not in a 9-inch screen size people seem to want. if it was not over $2000, and I knew about it before I bought my macbook and my needs at the time warrented a tablet (like they are starting to) - I may have considered it. Does anyone know about its performance? the modbook sounds like a great machine, but we hear nothing about it.

Oh and one more thing - that two button mouse I once cried about..... Well, I can see still needing it on an imac or a mini. However thanks to whoever it was that pointed out a setting in the system preferences - I found my two fingered click was turned off. So I have gotten used to resting two fingers on the trackpad and clicking. Not so bad after all. Just I do not know what is wrong with my fingers. Scrolling on the trackpad does not seem to be as responsive as my old PC laptops, but one thing I do not miss... Tapping on the track pad. I tend to be a little heavy fingered and with PC's, tapping on the trackpad simulates a click - so sometimes I used to click when I did not want to.

Now my wife who is used to tapping on the pad gets a little annoyed with my macbook.

 

[137489]

I had one of these. Sold it. Its cool but it was also painfully slow.

I didn't say it was perfect. I was pointing out the fact where Apple could compete and not cut a partner's throat. I also was just pointing out the fact that apple could make a small, touch, ultra portable computer with enough ports and built in options.

I think with the smaller footprint of snow Leopord and the advances coming in that, apple could do one better than this Sony and still have the ports people are asking for.

 

[GreyHare]

I'm planning on getting an Air when the internal drive moves to SATA. Fewer pins, fewer things to break, and the likelihood that I could upgrade the drive in three years would be much higher.

 

[chazz123]

This is what i think

in my opinion i tink that apple should lower the pice a bit because u r LITERALLY paying MORE for LESS... maybe it would be worth it if they uped the processed to the point were its between macbook and macbook pro. and then posibly add a superdrive thing(maybe if they can) and add just a tad more hard drive space. or just make the whole thing SSD and have 64GB and 124GB.... thats what i would like to see possibly give or take a few things

 

[ahaxton]

I wonder how major would be a MBA update to Penryn? Would they make some major changes as to the effectiveness of the machine? Fix its dag on annoying flaws? The core shutdown made me go bonkers!

 

[iMacmatician]

This is where we disagree. I don't see a Mac Tablet coming. If so, Apple would have made the Modbook themselves instead of giving permission for another company to come out with a Tablet based on the MacBook. If they do make a Tablet, they stab their OEM partner in the back. I don't think it's going to happen.

Not a tablet. A mini-tablet. Mac OS X is designed not for the touchscreen but the mouse, and all signs point to multi-touch support in the trackpad for the forseeable future.

A tablet based on the iPhone OS and UI won't provide enough power for people who want to do things like email and word processing on the road.

What? Does word processing really take up that much power? Is there any reason why iWork can't be made into a mobile variant? And with iWork recommending 1 GB of RAM, the full version's not going to be easy on a mini-laptop.

And I bet a mini-tablet and a keyboard would actually be smaller than a Mac OS X mini-laptop, since the tablet doesn't need the high specs of a mini-laptop. Not to mention that device could have a built-in or clip-on small keyboard.

It won't be as portable as a phone or iPod. OK, better for photos, web surfing, and movies, but how much for carrying around yet another device?

Neither is a mini-laptop. Both devices can't fit in the pocket, and don't have the power of a MacBook Air.

It's inevitable. A desktop OS crammed into a cheap mini-laptop will end up with big tradeoffs. Small screen means cramped windows and lots of scrolling, limited specs means limited apps, limited speed, and limited multitasking. An iPhone OS device, either mini-tablet or mini-laptop with a touchscreen, would have none of those limitations because iPhone OS was designed for an even smaller device. It's likely that iLife Mobile and iWork Mobile would run better on the iPhone OS device than the desktop versions would on a Mac OS X device with higher specs, since they're mobile variants. And Apple will inevitably make any handheld device as thin as possible, increasing the price per spec for either device.

It will be a hard sell for yet another specialty electronics item in the $500-$1000 range.

Not if it has more features. And I'm not sure how well a mini-laptop would sell either, given that for that price I think it'll barely run iMovie (if at all). So much for iLife.

If nothing else, people will be looking for cheaper versions of what they know they can use. Which is one reason these lower-priced mini-laptops are getting attention, IMO.

Is the MacBook Air a traditional subnotebook? Is the iPod a traditional media player? Is the iPhone a traditional smartphone? The reason why Apple's products are so good is precisely the other reason—they are different, and better. And in those cases Apple has taken an existing category and turned it upside down—not making "just another device." In fact, Apple might make something other than what both of us think.

And there are those who look for better versions of what they know they can use, a better version of the iPod touch with more features, maybe.

But it's not a MacBook replacement.

The mini-tablet isn't a MacBook replacement any more than the mini-laptop you're talking about is a MacBook replacement.

True, only if the price stays the same for the newer chip. I thought this was a higher priced chip that would go into higher-end systems. At least at first.

For the mobile variants, Nehalem will be a straight replacement of Penryn. For the desktop variants, yes, the initial Nehalems will go into the high-end.

But a lot of people don't necessarily buy computers based on the specs. If that was true, the Air couldn't hold a candle to the MacBook and wouldn't sell.

That's because it's thinner and lighter. For those who don't need Air-like dimensions, why wouldn't they get a MacBook?

And specs matter, otherwise everyone would be buying MacBook Airs and not the other two laptop lines.

People who buy on max performance would never consider a MacBook, so the fact that it's cheaper won't mean anything to them.

People who need more performance than a MacBook Air would consider a MacBook. Obviously price matters, or they'd just get a MacBook Pro.

People buy the Air because they pick it up and wonder where the rest of the computer went. They don't care that it's underpowered and has a smaller hard drive than the MacBook. They'll gladly pay more because it's sexy, light, and does JUST ENOUGH for what they want.

But what if it doesn't do "just enough"? Again, what if they need more performance than the MacBook Air, or don't want to pay as much as the MacBook Air? The MacBook is the only option. And again, why aren't everyone buying the MacBook Air then?

And it's already been stated, the 2+ GHz CPU and the 120/160 GB HD are not likely to happen. The MacBook Air already has heat problems, and I haven't heard of a bigger than 80 GB HD coming this year. So the gap will increase when the MacBook ups its specs with the redesign.

The market has changed, and the MacBook is getting squeezed on all fronts.

We will see whether the MacBook survives this year. I bet yes.

I had one of these. Sold it. Its cool but it was also painfully slow.

Because it tries to fit in a desktop OS into a handheld form factor! That is why Apple will never release a Mac OS X mini-laptop. Vista on a handheld? Seriously?

 

[atvbballrob]

Nope what I was suggesting was the ability to set how much memory you can set for the integrated graphics not a dedicated card which just simply wont happen.

i 100% agree. The ability to customize such things would take macbooks to the next level.

 

[OS X Dude]

I agree: it is a nice-looking computer. And cheaply-priced, too. But it has very modest specs (on the $500 unit, at least).

I didn't earn the nickname MacMan for nothing lol, but if I had the choice of the Dell Hybrid or the Mac Mini, it'd be the Dell every single time. Even though i'd stick Debian on there to make it seem like OS X lol.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

I'm in

If Apple can add a SSD drive without costing thousands, drop a penryn chip with montevina and noto destroy battery life, then I am in.

The MBA is a great machiene for me, it just needs more power and a more reasonable price point. 1,500 bucks for all that and I don;t think Apple could keep up with demand.

 

[andreab35]

As much as I would love a real Apple tablet, and love some of the mockups/photoshops and would love to get my hands on one of them... I often thought about the comment you made. Unless Apple were to acquire Axiotron.

That said, Apple can still compete in the smaller pocket sized tablet/touch PC's out there. I mean look at the Sony VAIO UX and all the companies making similar. However, with them being the size of the iphone - it would compete heavily with the iphone. However, the price tag on one of these Sony's is $3,000. A way too expensive for me, but look whats built in:

Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : 5.91”(W) x 3.74”(H) x 1.27-1.50”(D)16

Weight (Approx.) : 1.2 lbs with standard battery16

Hardware
Camera : 2 Built-in Cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels) Built-in microphone

Keyboard : 64 keys with 0.15mm stroke and 8.6mm pitch

General
Action Buttons : Mouse Left, Mouse Right, Scroll, Magnify Screen (Zoom In/Out), Capture, Center Button, Wireless LAN On/Off, VAIO Touch Launcher

Computer Type : Micro PC

Pointing Device : Pointer

Security : Biometric Fingerprint Sensor

Type of Use : Ultra Portable

Power
Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS6)

Estimated Battery Life : 1.5-3.5 hours7 (Standard Battery) 3.0-7.0 hours7 (Large Capacity Battery)

Power Requirements : 41W+10%

Solid State Drive
Capacity : Ultra ATA Format: NAND

Audio
Sound System : Windows® sound system compatible with Built-in monaural speakers

Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Limited Warranty8, See actual warranty for details.

Online and Email Support : Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

Telephone Support : 1 year (toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/7)9

Graphics
Chipset : Mobile Intel® 945GMS Express Chipset

Processor : Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Video RAM : 251MB Total Available Graphics Memory15

Processor
Front Side Bus Speed : 533MHz

L2 Cache : 1MB

Speed : 1.2GHz1

Technology : Intel® Centrino® Mobile Technology

Type : Intel® Core™ 2 Solo Processor U2200 Ultra Low Voltage

Networking/Modem
Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Bluetooth® Technology5

Ethernet Protocol : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45) using Port Replicator or VGA/LAN Adapter

Ethernet Speed : 10Base-T/100Base-TX

Wireless LAN : Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11a/b/g)3

Wireless WAN : Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN)13 accessing AT&T national wireless EDGE network with SmartWi™ technology. (Wireless WAN and Wireless LAN radio do not transmit simultaneously)

Inputs and Outputs
DC-In : 1

Headphone Jack : 1

Memory Stick® Media Slot : 1 - Supports Optional Memory Stick Duo™ media with MagicGate® functionality

Microphone Input : 1

Port Replicator Connector(s) : 1 (Bottom)

USB Port(s) : 1 (2.0 compliant)

Display
Resolution : 1024x600

Screen or Display Technology : Wide SVGA LCD, Touch Screen

Screen Size : 4.5”11

Software
Operating System : Genuine Windows Vista® Business12

Security and Anti-Virus Software : Norton 360™ All-In-One Security 60-day Trial

Sony® Original Software : VAIO® Touch Launcher *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.

Supplied Software : Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day, Trial Version of Microsoft® Office 200710 Microsoft® Streets & Trips 2006 Essentials PenPlus™ for VAIO

Memory
Installed : 1GB (1GBx1) PC2-3200

Maximum : 1GB

Speed : 400MHz

Type : DDR2

These things are pretty cool I have to admit. But personally, a tablet pc for me isn't all that I expected.
I have a full sized Gateway laptop that has all the tablet functions and for me, I didn't use them all that much. I actually found it a hassle. I type faster on the keyboard than I write on the screen! Right now on my tablet, I am using Linux, because Vista was painfully slow and glitchy.
But for Apple to come out with a tablet is up to them. Personally, I would never purchase another tablet. From a tablet, I'm just moving to the Air after this update comes.
Hopefully the Air will make a good difference between the current one.

 

[clarksonknight]

Now my wife who is used to tapping on the pad gets a little annoyed with my macbook.

You do know you can set your trackpad to perform clicks, right?

 

[137489]

These things are pretty cool I have to admit. But personally, a tablet pc for me isn't all that I expected.
I have a full sized Gateway laptop that has all the tablet functions and for me, I didn't use them all that much. I actually found it a hassle. I type faster on the keyboard than I write on the screen! Right now on my tablet, I am using Linux, because Vista was painfully slow and glitchy.
But for Apple to come out with a tablet is up to them. Personally, I would never purchase another tablet. From a tablet, I'm just moving to the Air after this update comes.
Hopefully the Air will make a good difference between the current one.

I have heard that Vista was painfully slow and glitchy using it as a tablet. For me a tablet is beginning to make sense, only for 2 reasons:

1. Presentations - But OmniDazzle has some cool features to handle that.

2. I work in an area, have a ministry, and also go to school - which require markups, pictures, whiteboarding, and also graphs and pictures to go along with my notes.

Whiteboarding has become an issue as we are spread out across the country - and webex is too expensive for personal use. Besides trying to get everyone together at once is a pain.

Notes - a lot of times my professor will draw something, and i will copy it down.

I guess with all I am hearing about tablets not being all that cracked up to what people expect - I should just stick to my live scribe and hope that they:

1) come out with a mac version of live scribe desktop before December, since their latest "news" is the end of the year for a beta version.

2) Put in an export to PDF that retains the audio. right now all you can do is copy and paste the imaged sheets to word or another app, but you lose the audio. they say many people have asked for this, so they are working on it.

livescribe does not work with VM, parallels, or crossover. the app works in parallels and Vm - but the problem is getting the USB cradle to work. Even if it is recognized, the data will not cross. With that said you can only use it on xp sp2, vista sp1 and bootcamp. My mac is too much setup the way I like it to partition it for bootcamp and re-install everything. BEside I like 2 os's side by side, not having to keep rebooting.

The reason I moved from MS one note, is that is it the only application that can read the files and it only runs on windows. I moved to circus ponies as I am getting rid of most to all my windows apps, and the software was less expensive and still have most of the features. OneNote also has this cache file and automatic backups (to the same disk) which tends to triple the amount of disk space used. If your notebook is 10mb, the cache can be 20-30mb as it captures and stores everything, and then the first time you open onenote in a day it does a backup - so then it adds another 10mb. before you know it, you are looking at 100mb of disk space gone just for a 10mb note book.

You may say that is not bad, but I had 34 gb of note books - so that meant 90% of a 100gb drive was just for onenote and its files. i had to keep deleting the backups and cache, and doing so it takes forever to load as it has to rebuild the cache before you can work with it. the optimization tool makes a copy of the cache to a temp cache and then grows the temp cache by 50%-60% to record all it is doing. the temp cache gets deleted when you restart one note. to think I actually ran my hard drive out of space a few times optimizing. and you can't work with onenote while optimizing.