MacBook Airs have Arrived

[eddietr]

The iPods are a great example.

If all people wanted was maximum storage size and capabilities and reasonable physical size and weight, then there would be only one iPod. The classic.

The nano has *far* less storage. Their total cost per gig of content is way more than the classic. It even has a smaller, not as bright, screen.

And yet people buy them even though they are very similar in cost? Why?

Because size matters. And making things smaller costs money and adds value for those who want small things. And people are willing to give up 80-90% of the capacity to get the smaller device. Even though the classic will still fit in most pockets.

 

[LeviG]

OK, it can't stream video etc via the remote disk software, but can't you just share the optical drive normally not got a mac to test it but on a pc you can share any drive you want and it will let you stream a dvd, I would assume the same options are available on a mac. I was under the impression that all the remote disk does (on windows) is allows the pc to read the disk, something that doesn't always work well.

 

[eddietr]

Well, according to Engadget:

You can't rip DVDs over the network using a tool like Handbrake.

Why do you need to rip them on the Air?

Who is buying the Air who doesn't already have other computers? And already probably have lots of ripped content?

Why would I want to rip on my laptop, when I have an MP that does it way faster than my MBP?

 

[minik]

Hate the picture, love the rest.

 

[MRU]

Why would I want to rip on my laptop, when I have an MP that does it way faster than my MBP?

EXACTLY!! Just going to say the same thing. We would rip the file on our MacPro and just transfer it to the MBA for playback later. Why use a 1.6/1.8 to rip when we can use our 4 or 8 cores....

People are making issues that most MBA users simply wont have.

 

[synth3tik]

god, that photo looks filthy...

I concur

 

[quantumbits]

I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.

Nope, not working. Sorry Steve, I remained unconvinced. Way to deliberately compromise functionality for the sake of monopolizing media content (i.e. iTunes content).

 

[MRU]

I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.
I don't need optical media.

Nope, not working. Sorry Steve, I remained unconvinced.

Then the MBA is not for you. Buy one of the other MacBooks or MacBook Pro's that apple offer and get over it

 

[happydude]

I don't think this machine is for the type of people who frequent these forums. People like us like lots of features and capabilities. Apple didn't release the Air for us. This machine is for people who want something they can use while on the run and don't require a lot features. As long as they can do email and word processing and maybe listen to some music while they are at it, then they are set.

or, it could be for people who frequent these forums . . . or well at least myself. i'm totally in the market for a subnotebook (obviously waiting for one from apple). while i'm disappointed it isn't 12" (was hoping for a replacement for the 12" PB) i do respect that the keyboard is full sized and not uncomfortably scrunched. when it comes down to it, what's an inch? big deal. but as to the point of being for people like us on the forums, i have my power computing model that i use all the time for editing video, pictures, games, etc. but i really really need something portable since for my job i'm on the road almost every day. and yes, the 2 lost pounds would make a difference in my brief case, as does its thin-ness. i'm excited. i'm going to wait until i see it first hand, also contemplating on waiting for rev B, but that depends on the status of my current PB and it's impending death. i don't need an optical drive, if at some point i need a wireless card, i'll get a usb one, i don't need blazing fast processors or super powerful graphics cards, i don't need a huge HD . . . i need something small that will surf the internets and the google, word process, create keynote presentations, etc. that's all i need and this fits the bill perfectly. i know i'm not the only one out there (or in here) for whom this will be awesome. so to all you complainers, dude, buy a dell.

 

[AppleMojo]

I like that the included VGA and DVI dongles (two ports a regular MacBook lacks out of the box) are two different shapes: one squared, one rounded. Tossing the wrong one in your bag could be a real problem! This way they look clearly different.

And it looks like they still include both long and short power cord options.

lol

I can speak with experience there.

Flying 2,200 miles to teach a seminar and had the wrong connection for the Powerbook. Was very bad, I don't even want to talk about it anymore.

 

[MRU]

i have my power computing model that i use all the time for editing video, pictures, games, etc. but i really really need something portable since for my job i'm on the road almost every day. and yes, the 2 lost pounds would make a difference in my brief case, as does its thin-ness. i'm excited. i'm going to wait until i see it first hand, also contemplating on waiting for rev B, but that depends on the status of my current PB and it's impending death. i don't need an optical drive, if at some point i need a wireless card, i'll get a usb one, i don't need blazing fast processors or super powerful graphics cards, i don't need a huge HD . . . i need something small that will surf the internets and the google, word process, create keynote presentations, etc. that's all i need and this fits the bill perfectly. i know i'm not the only one out there (or in here) for whom this will be awesome. so to all you complainers, dude, buy a dell.

Thank god I'm not the only one who gets it... Its for those exact reasons that I'm getting one.

 

[quantumbits]

Then the MBA is not for you. Buy one of the other MacBooks or MacBook Pro's that apple offer and get over it

Get over it? Assuming there was anything for me to "get over," then I'd like to formally introduce myself: my name is Kettle. Would you happen to be Pot? Yes, it would appear so...

After all, heaven forbid anyone voice any opinion that falls short of gleeful obsequiousness.

 

[Cloudane]

LOL same old arguments in every single thread that even mentions the MBA. Yes, it's a niche product. It's amazing though, and those who can justify it will love it.

Did you lot see the disassembly video on Gizmodo? Something that tiny and thin, and yet so easy to take apart! No need to fret over the battery, looks very easy to replace (and those who say they want to carry a spare battery around are missing the point of something this light)

 

[seashellz2]

dont these things require 10.5.2 to run optimally?
Rumors of tomorrows release

 

[MRU]

After all, heaven forbid anyone voice any opinion that falls short of gleeful obsequiousness.

There is a vast disparity from voicing an opinion, and the ceaseless drone of posters grousing over a product they are incontrovertibly not the demographic that the said product is aimed at.

Moaning over lack of features in product (A) when you are ultimately given a choice from a range of products (B) & (C) which do; is an utterly fruitless exercise in tedium.



It's seems clear that..

People want something cheaper, with an optical drive.... Well let me introduce the Macbook.

People wanting something more powerful, a full desktop replacement with the extra features LED screen, back lit keyboard, express card slot.. then may I present the MacBook Pro

 

[quantumbits]

Thank god I'm not the only one who gets it... Its for those exact reasons that I'm getting one.

Oooooo. Sounds like the foundation for a secret society. How about something along the lines of "The Official Keepers of the Macbook Air Secret?" You know, that way all of you who "get it" can lavish praise upon one another in perpetuity for figuring out why spending $1500 on an iPod deluxe makes sense.

Don't get me wrong: I'm all for choices. I'm glad the computer works for you. But it doesn't work for other folk. As someone *ahem* remarked earlier: "Get over it." IOW, no one's opinion reigns supreme.

 

[Techguy172]

Am I the only one feeling sorry the the Macbook and Macbook Pro thats in the picture.

 

[twoodcc]

nice comparisons. looking forward to testing one myself in the apple store.

 

[batmccoy]

But how on earth do you propose to make something smaller than a normal laptop and still have an overall cost lower than the larger devices?

Why do you think other manufacturers also charge a premium for their smaller, thinner notebooks which are also generally less powerful than their bigger, cheaper notebooks?

I understand that's how things work...smaller = more money. But when it comes to a notebook, I may choose to sacrifice speed for mobility, but not functionality. The existing Apple laptops may already be as small as a "laptop" can be, with all the desired functionality. If going smaller means less functionality, than maybe the product should cost less too.

If I wanted an Apple laptop, I would opt for one that had a complete set of connection options. Especially if I had to pay more for mobility. The final size and weight of the MBA is not enough of an improvement to justify reduced capability and a HIGHER price than MacBook.

 

[Wild-Bill]

Not impressed.

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!!

Am I the only one feeling sorry for the Macbook and Macbook Pro thats in the picture.

No, but I am admiring the sexiness of the little gem resting atop the MBA.

 

[quantumbits]

There is a vast disparity from voicing an opinion, and the ceaseless drone of posters grousing over a product they are incontrovertibly not the demographic that the said product is aimed at.

Oh really? So you presume to know my needs better than me. Based on what? One post? Ok, I'll play along and suspend my disbelief over your implied omniscience. In fact, I'd like to pique your infinite knowledge just as the Professor Farnsworth did with his What-if machine in Futurama:

::Lighting inscence::
::kneeling before you::

Oh great, noble and exclusive knower of Apple's market strategy: whom comprises the target demographic? Better yet, am I the target demographic? What's that? You need more information? Ok. 1) I travel A LOT. 2) I have a dedicated IX server at home and run my intensive sims (for work) on my lab compute cluster. 3) I like to pack as little as possible. 4) I administer various servers remotely. 5) I find pretty, shiny things really neat.

I eagerly await your answer.

 

[mashinhead]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!!

ah the glorious and exciting future. i suppose i will have to wait until my next trip to japan to see such marvelous wonders at the 2010 world's fair

 

[Sweetbike40]

My only problem with this laptop is battery life. I would expect at least 6 hours battery life. What a drag to have to worry about the battery running out on the go. You give up a lot of features on this slim laptop, which i think is ok but don't even gain more battery life which is not ok. Does the ac adapter fit as nicely in that envelope?

Otherwise, it's a beauty. It's re-thinking how you use it. Just like all the iPod users who thought they could never live without an iPod that is under 80gigs. It's nice just having a 16g iPod Touch and not carry your entire library around. It just isn't necessary. Same thing with the MBA.

 

[tirant]

Express Card, Ethernet and 1 USB more and it would be perfect...

 

[soLoredd]

Looking forward to hearing about "Air Disk Take 2", when Apple reveals the groundbreaking ability to burn CD's and play music!!! WOOOOOOOW!!!!!

Yeah, I'm all for the MBA but I am not for the direction that Apple seems to be going. They spend more time on niche products and "hobbies" and not enough time progressing on already existing products.

And the folks who will be buying the MBA should already know something: rev A products from Apple almost 100% of the time bring with it a "bend over" factor. All I'm saying is, that $1799 better include some lube.