Just because the chip is released doesn't mean Apple will automatically do an revision (just ask Mac Mini users who have been waiting for a processor + integrated graphics update for a while).
In my opinion, you have to look at these things in terms of their overall place in the Apple product line. The regular macbook is due for a chassis update-- it's rumored to be a silver chassis that shaves off a little weight-- and I think that'll be Apple's main focus going into the Christmas/ gift giving holidays. Regular macbooks sell in the multiple millions per quarter, whereas the Air is a specialized product. I think they'll push the new Macbook and then update the CPU in the Air for Macworld 2009 in January.
All guesses on my part, though.
The MBA is more of a marque product, the Mini is just plugging a hole in the lineup ... much like the education iMac.
both still serve a purpose, but don't expect many upgrades on them. If any.
Okay, um, you replied to my comment and basically restated everything I said but it's stated as if you're disagreeing with me. Maybe you replied to my comment randomly. (?)
Just because the chip is released doesn't mean Apple will automatically do an revision (just ask Mac Mini users who have been waiting for a processor + integrated graphics update for a while).
Expect the MBA to be updated on a more regular schedule.
No need to ask Mini users, because they are about as high on the hierarchy for updates as the white plastic education iMac Apple currently sells -- which likely won't get updated beyond a feature creep before it dies, if it is lucky but more likely to follow the same update schedule as the old CRT iMac.
There is a bunch of these orphan products in Apple's past, the MBA won't be one for a long time.
So an available chip for an upgrade means a lot more for the chances of the MBA getting an update than the Mini.
I personally am waiting on getting the MBA because of the hard drive size. I don't understand why you can buy an iPod with a bigger hard drive than a $1500+ plus laptop? They need to at least put a 160GB drive in there before I move on the purchase. It seems to be typical of Apple to make incremental upgrades to their machines periodically..increasing processor speed and max HD space. Hopefully they'll at least do that with the MBA sometime this year. What do you guys think?
Like a lot of people I am absolutely in love with the looks and feel of the mba but
I am not willing to spend my hard earned cash on core shutdowns. They had BETTER updated it in the coming few months.And I will side with another user who said that the mba is not going to be the new mini in terms of updates, I sure hope not at least.
I think the MBA 2 will come into it's own with an Intel Atom processor, a 160 GB hard drive, and Snow Leopard.
A processor with more speed and better battery life than the current version. A slimmer, more responsive, optimized OS. Double the hard drive space. All for the same price.
I think the MBA becomes a much better product next year, but if you have a need for this year's variety, then buy it now.
I've had absolutely no problems with my MBA. Keep in mind that in a forum like this the people with problems are the ones most likley to make themselves heard about said problems. The people who have perfectly working MBA's are less likely to post about them.
As far as an upcoming update in the next few months...well I wouldn't hold your breath.