MacBook Airs Arrive, Unboxing Photos

[icymountain]

Formatted storage and actual storage will always differ. Expect the new Air to have around 118 ish GB or less after OS X has been installed

Of course, I know that!

But in the case of the 64Gb SSD, everyone would have expected a 59 or 60 Gb formatted storage capacity. Yet, all those who got one got actually quite a bit less (there are several thread on the topic). Some people actually wondered whether the disk was not less than 64Gb unformatted, whether the whole space was actually recognized or whether Apple was doing something smart (or not) with 4Gb.

If the 128 SSD has 118 Gb storage space after formatting, I will be very happy; if it has less than 110 Gb, I will be much less so.

 

[icymountain]

Of course, I know that!

But in the case of the 64Gb SSD, everyone would have expected a 59 or 60 Gb formatted storage capacity. Yet, all those who got one got actually quite a bit less (there are several thread on the topic). Some people actually wondered whether the disk was not less than 64Gb unformatted, whether the whole space was actually recognized or whether Apple was doing something smart (or not) with 4Gb.

If the 128 SSD has 118 Gb storage space after formatting, I will be very happy; if it has less than 110 Gb, I will be much less so.

Actually, I just found several posts in another thread about that issue:

See posts by KamiNoYadoru in thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/592562/.

Instead of 128*10^9/2^30 = around 119 Gb of actual capacity, early owners reported 112.68Gb.
See http://www.8bithacks.com/2008/10/of...-marketing-of-solid-state-drive-capacity.html.

 

[MrCrowbar]

haha it still LOOKS the same

I'm sorry, but the Display Port instead of the Mini DVI on the port flap represents a SIGNIFICANT design change.

 

[mergatroidal]

She's a sweetie-pie...

...though a thirteen inch screen I won't tolerate. Fifteen inches is the minimum and all the other pluses of the Air are not that important. So it goes.

 

[AmySoldier]

...though a thirteen inch screen I won't tolerate. Fifteen inches is the minimum and all the other pluses of the Air are not that important. So it goes.

I'll have to agree with mergatroidal's post. I'd feel cramped inside a thirteen inch screen. For my primary, the MacBook Pro is the only way to go.

 

[regan]

I was going to get a new airbook until the macbooks were updated.

I can't see why anyone would want the airbook now. The macbooks have nearly 3 times MORE HD space, can burn CDs and DVDs, are faster, CHEAPER......AND....they aren't much thicker or heavier.

GO to your local Apple Store and compare them before u buy.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the airbook. And as a photographer who travels ALOT I was so so tempted to get one.

I didn't even mind the lack of an optical drive. The thing that stopped me was the HD space. Even with the upgrade now, it's still not enough with a HD only the size of an ipod classic. That may be enough for some...but not me. Carrying an external HD around kinda defeats the purpose too.

Plus it is so much more expensive then the new macbooks.

And the macbooks are the SAME size....just SLIGHTLY thicker. Not much at all if u ask me.

So yeah...I'm going with a macbook. The Airs are great. But it just doesn't make financial or practical sense to me. If I wanted a super light device to check my email when I was on the road, I'd just bring my ipod touch.

If I want to do serious photo work...I'm bringing a new macbook...and NOT an Airbook.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[happydude]

man, if only i could afford one . . .

 

[alphaod]

For y'all saying why people would still buy the Air over the MacBook; quite simple:

Air is still thinner and when touched, to the mind it's perceived to be much smaller and in turn makes it lighter and more compact as well. Sure it really doesn't weigh much less, but a lot of it is just perspective. Personally I feel the 15" MacBook Pro is light because I'm so used to using a 17" which is also light to me.


And as with the update; not enough for early adopters to get it, but certainly makes it a compelling choice for late buyers who otherwise would have gotten something like a Envy or X30x

 

[50548]

For y'all saying why people would still buy the Air over the MacBook; quite simple:

Air is still thinner and when touched, to the mind it's perceived to be much smaller and in turn makes it lighter and more compact as well. Sure it really doesn't weigh much less, but a lot of it is just perspective. Personally I feel the 15" MacBook Pro is light because I'm so used to using a 17" which is also light to me.


And as with the update; not enough for early adopters to get it, but certainly makes it a compelling choice for late buyers who otherwise would have gotten something like a Envy or X30x

Actually the Air is 700g lighter than the MB, which DOES make a considerable difference when carrying it around, especially for those that travel a lot...

I still haven't decided, but I lean towards the Air despite the higher price tag...GFX are the same, power is similar for any ordinary daily apps, memory and HD are adequate for an on-the-go machine, and the body is just so thin and light without compromises in terms of screen size and keyboard...what do you think?

 

[rosjon]

Add an SSD to a macbook pro or macbook and the price isnt that low any more. And with macbook the only advantage is more memory and marginally better processor. Speed factor mostly psychological, not real. Macbook pro has the same advantages but then you have to pay the same price. The macbook air with the better processor and better graphics now have what it takes.

 

[rosjon]

Thats a laughable justification. I somehow doibt replacing the trackpad would have requires significant resources. And they DIDNT put off the air. They updated it, meaning the next update won't be for quite a while. If they hadn't updated it, obviously this wouldnt be an issue. But the fact is that they did refresh it, and couldnt be bothered to include new trackpad, which is rather pathetic.

Thank god they didnt, the new trackpad sucks using windows. And its impossible to make the switch completely to Mac OS if you are using your computer at work

 

[wizard]

It always comes down to an individual decision!

Actually the Air is 700g lighter than the MB, which DOES make a considerable difference when carrying it around, especially for those that travel a lot...

Generally I don't buy that argument unless your mode of travel is hooding it with a back pack. Plus with AIR you need to take into consideration the space and weight that any accessories or adapters will add. It's not just the CD drive either. Of course it does depend on what you think you need to pack but I see it as a huge mistake to travel without a CD drive and items for hardnetworking.

I still haven't decided, but I lean towards the Air despite the higher price tag...GFX are the same, power is similar for any ordinary daily apps, memory and HD are adequate for an on-the-go machine, and the body is just so thin and light without compromises in terms of screen size and keyboard...what do you think?

And and and well I think only some of the above is true. Atleast for the old unit, maybe you can expect better from the new. The thing is the old unit simply was unable to sustain the processor performance that you would have expected. They would get hot and slow down, please search for threads that deal with this. The question of course is does the new unit over heat? No way to really tell right now so I'd wait for feedback. AIR highlights why buying rev one is a bad idea, unfortunately the new machine is so improved that it becomes a rev one also. Not good so I'd wait for performance verification around a wide range of operational usages.


Not only is the processor different but so is the GPU. That and it looks like the GPU is now being leveraged by Apple. One would be guessing at the machines thermal behavior in practical use so reasonable and credible testing is needed before I'd say go.

All the above being said the machine in this rev does look much better than the original.

Dave

 

[snberk103]

Generally I don't buy that argument unless your mode of travel is hooding it with a back pack.

For my wife, it makes a huge difference. Many women and men are perhaps smaller than you? My wife likes to carry her's all day in a small bag when at a conference.

Plus with AIR you need to take into consideration the space and weight that any accessories or adapters will add. It's not just the CD drive either. Of course it does depend on what you think you need to pack but I see it as a huge mistake to travel without a CD drive and items for hardnetworking.

As a secondary machine, which is what it was designed for - if not alway used as, it doesn't need a CD drive. And at most places where its designed to be used - Airports, hotels, conferences, etc - WiFi is in place

And and and well I think only some of the above is true. Atleast for the old unit, maybe you can expect better from the new. The thing is the old unit simply was unable to sustain the processor performance that you would have expected. They would get hot and slow down, please search for threads that deal with this.

How much processor performance do you need for reading emails, researching on the web, writing reports and emails? Most critics forget that the Air was never designed to be a main system. Its a travel unit to complement the main system. As a travel system, it does its job very very well. Especially for a first release. There are some problems of course, but these aren't HD space, or lack of an optical drive, or performance.

The question of course is does the new unit over heat? No way to really tell right now so I'd wait for feedback. AIR highlights why buying rev one is a bad idea, unfortunately the new machine is so improved that it becomes a rev one also. Not good so I'd wait for performance verification around a wide range of operational usages.


Not only is the processor different but so is the GPU. That and it looks like the GPU is now being leveraged by Apple. One would be guessing at the machines thermal behavior in practical use so reasonable and credible testing is needed before I'd say go.

All the above being said the machine in this rev does look much better than the original.

Dave

For what it is designed to do, it does well. As a solo system for someone who needs power and space.... well, its not supposed to be doing that. IMHO of course.

 

[DJY]

I can't see why anyone would want the airbook now. The macbooks have nearly 3 times MORE HD space, can burn CDs and DVDs, are faster, CHEAPER......AND....they aren't much thicker or heavier.

Just my humble opinion.

Weight and thickness!
I was at the Apple store this week - and the MBA is a lot lighter than either the MB or the MBP.

I have a 15" MBP... the new MBP are slightly larger than my MBP - and I am sick of lugging my MBP + all the other things I need to take - now that I do so much travelling...
The weight difference between the MB and MBP I didn't think as that big when I was playing with the new models - but the difference to the MBA was very noticeable!

Also thickness... I always have to carry work files / reports etc - most of them A4 size (letter size for the Americans reading this)... so I'm happy with a 13" screen and a proper keyboard - but keeping the thickness of my laptop back down is also something I'm keen to ensure.

Weight is the biggie for me - but the size (aka thickness) is also a major plus)... I can't remember the last time I needed to put a DVD or CD in my Superdrive on the road... all my music is in iTunes, and I carry enough video files with me to keep me amused for the down time / nights away.

 

[weckart]

I was going to get a new airbook until the macbooks were updated.........

...Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the airbook. And as a photographer who travels ALOT I was so so tempted to get one........

...If I want to do serious photo work...I'm bringing a new macbook...and NOT an Airbook.

Just my humble opinion.

LOL! Serious photo work on the Macbook? Where were you when all the bitching about the supposed dire quality of the Macbook screen was going on here? Even the superior Macbook Pro screen was getting slated because it was 'glossy'.

 

[bmorris]

Wait...if those pictures are legit, you're telling me that the MBA still has a trackpad with a click button? Why would the new MBs and MBPs lose the button but the Air keep it?

my thoughts exactly.


and i still dont understand why they let out the black trim on the monitor.
the whole notebook update seems rushed.

 

[asthukral]

Still looking for more feedback

I am a PC person at the edge and I like the overall feel and the unibody structure of Macbook Air. However, I need feedback that whether I would be able to run VMVare with windows XP and still be productive on both OSX and Windows or the memory limitation going to show strains.
I see some positive signs of improved performance. I think HDD space should be fine but concerned with VMWare and running XP and MACOSX in 2GB of memory.

 

[queshy]

The difference between the MacBook and MacBook Air is huge in terms of weight/thickness. Even weights as low as half a pound make a huge difference for a notebook since half a pound is a considerable portion of its weight already. If you or I lose or gain half a pound it's much different than a computer losing half a pound...

The air is a much better buy now than before, however it's not enough to make me sell my first gen air.

 

[840quadra]

I am looking into getting a new air to compliment my MBP, for shoots in which I want / need to travel light. I am really happy that Apple Has this product!

The air is a much better buy now than before, however it's not enough to make me sell my first gen air.

Oh but I bet the thought of it eats at you every time you see one in the Apple Store from now on.

New stuff sucks sometimes!

 

[queshy]

I am looking into getting a new air to compliment my MBP, for shoots in which I want / need to travel light. I am really happy that Apple Has this product!



Oh but I bet the thought of it eats at you every time you see one in the Apple Store from now on.

New stuff sucks sometimes!

hah, not really. I mostly use the air for typing/e-mail stuff...I doubt the faster graphics would do anything, and besides I have no heat issues with my machine either. It has been going strong since january...

 

[MacsBestFriend]

I'm staring at that mini DVI port!

*Licks chops**

That looks nicer than the prev. gen. did they make these in uni-bodies last time also???? The timing is because think is trying to fix the dust under glass fiasco...

 

[dckj95]

nah the macbook air is a failed device.

its like having a chicken wing with no meat.

1usb port, one audio jack and a displayport.

maybe its targeted at people who travel alot and dont want to carry a heavy laptop all over.

 

[sflocal]

I am a PC person at the edge and I like the overall feel and the unibody structure of Macbook Air. However, I need feedback that whether I would be able to run VMVare with windows XP and still be productive on both OSX and Windows or the memory limitation going to show strains.
I see some positive signs of improved performance. I think HDD space should be fine but concerned with VMWare and running XP and MACOSX in 2GB of memory.

I'll answer that easily for you. My four-month old MBA runs VMware/XP just fine. I use XP for software development using IDE's and 5250 sessions for corporate work. Works flawless and even in a VM, it runs better than my previous Sony Vaio laptop.

I use the OSX side for email/web/apple apps. Had no problems whatsoever. At times, I use XP exclusively for 8-12 hours a day and browsing/videos/etc and forget that I am running on an Apple.

My MBA runs it just fine. It's still not a full desktop replacement IMHO but it is the most capable ultra-light I've owned yet. Since I carry it all day and commute by motorbike, I appreciate the well-built construction of it. Rev 2.0 of the MBA should be even better.

Even though the 2GB RAM is sufficient for both environments (1GB OSX & 1GB XP), I do wish it had 4GB total so I could bump up the XP environment. XP does better with more memory. Even with 1GB on the OSX side, it doesn't present a problem for me whatsoever.

Hope that answers your question.

 

[50548]

Generally I don't buy that argument unless your mode of travel is hooding it with a back pack. Plus with AIR you need to take into consideration the space and weight that any accessories or adapters will add. It's not just the CD drive either. Of course it does depend on what you think you need to pack but I see it as a huge mistake to travel without a CD drive and items for hardnetworking.

That's the huge mistake people commit when talking about ultralight portables such as the Air. We neither NEED nor WANT to carry around external devices such as an optical drive. It is seldom used in my desktop, and would obviously be of little to no use on an Air. What I want is a machine that makes use of ubiquitous wireless networks, and that has enough horsepower to continue the work that I start at the office.

And for this the Air is MORE than enough, especially in its GREAT Rev. 2 version.

And and and well I think only some of the above is true. Atleast for the old unit, maybe you can expect better from the new. The thing is the old unit simply was unable to sustain the processor performance that you would have expected. They would get hot and slow down, please search for threads that deal with this. The question of course is does the new unit over heat? No way to really tell right now so I'd wait for feedback. AIR highlights why buying rev one is a bad idea, unfortunately the new machine is so improved that it becomes a rev one also. Not good so I'd wait for performance verification around a wide range of operational usages.

Not only is the processor different but so is the GPU. That and it looks like the GPU is now being leveraged by Apple. One would be guessing at the machines thermal behavior in practical use so reasonable and credible testing is needed before I'd say go.

All the above being said the machine in this rev does look much better than the original.

Dave[/QUOTE]

See my answer above; anyone expecting the Air to be as powerful as an iMac or a MBP is missing the point. At the same time, a recent comparison with other ultraportable models put the Air in excellent standing, due to its full-blown C2D implementation...no crappy ULV chips or the like. In this context, and ALWAYS considering the Air as a second machine, it is surely up to the dreams of any frequent traveller..!

 

[jojo13]

I like the old boxes better.
And why are the new ones bigger ?!?