New MacBook Air shipping and First Reviews!Post Here!

[hachre]

Many people only compare raw specs to the PC world.

I love Mac OS and its usability. And the fact that it doesn't slow down within a few months. And the fact that is reliable. And the fact that Time Machine backs my data up and I don't need to worry about that. And the fact that I can reinstall and have all my settings and stuff back with no trouble. And the fact that I can buy a new computer and transfer everything and it is identical to my old one... All these things also factor into my decision to buy an Apple computer, even if it is more expensive at the same raw specs.

Even if you let out the OS, there are more things that are incomparable. The build quality, the looks, the value of an aluminum enclosure that is sturdy, Keyboard and Trackpad quality, Display quality, the value they retain for selling it later on eBay, etc etc.

If you are always gonna compare Laptops/Computers by taking into account only the chipset, the CPU and the amount of RAM you will always find that Apple is more expensive. But you are omitting a lot of added value on the Apple machine in that comparison which is quite unfair in my opinion.

I use Laptops as my primary machines. I am prepared to pay the premium Apple wants, yes. But that doesn't mean I swim in money or am willing to throw it out the window for stuff I don't need.

Things like CPU speed are definitely something that I don't need. The main speed up in everyday usage comes from the now included SSD, not the CPU. Why should I pay more for a CPU that is 10% faster if I'm not gonna use that? The 4GB on the other hand I do need, so I also took that upgrade. I need it because I run Windows Applications side-by-side and having 2GB RAM total for Mac OS + Windows 7 is very short.

For me the calculation was easy. I have been using a 1700€ MacBook Pro 15" until now. I manually bought and put an 380€ Intel 160 GB SSD into it as well. This means it is around 2100€ totally. I have been thinking about going 13" for a while now, the main factor that held me back was the lower resolution. I don't wanna go lower than the 1440x900 on my MBP. Now Apple has provided a computer with that same resolution at 13", same amount of RAM (4 GB), a slightly slower but integrated 128 GB SSD, at a total price of 1390€. So in essence I save 720€, and get a lighter, thinner machine that is more portable, which I like. I also lose 2,4GHz -> 1,86GHz CPU speed, but I don't care. I lose the Ethernet port but I'm not using it anyway. I lose the optical drive, which I have never used. I lose 2" which I had been preparing to lose for a long time. So it is a perfect solution for me - why not?

Why should I max out on things that I seriously see no value in?

 

[bella92108]

Now that's a fair statement. We agree on something! You said 'spot on' to the other poster who's first statement was that he was surprised that people don't just max out their machines, so I did do a bit of assuming on your statement.

Yes, people do need to evaluate their needs and thing a little ahead of the game rather than getting excited and just buying the basic thing. Kind of like the upgrade price on memory of an iOS device. But some also will never fill the space so don't spend for it. Of course, this is what keeps the 2nd hand market going!

Sorry I should have clarified. It's just like cars... they want to be able to advertise a $9999 model, so Toyota builds them with manual locks, manual transmission, manual windows... stripped down... just to get into the market with "Look we have a $9999 model".... does it drive? Yes. But is it a smart purchase for someone who is spending $10k and can get features that'll increase the enjoyment of the product, enhance the resale value, etc.? No. Nor should someone buy the model with every feature available as they likely don't need it.

In this case the bottom line is 2GB of ram may be sufficient for most people, but given the fact that you can't add more, it's a wise decision to purchase a model with 4Gb so your product gives more use for a small price increase.

If I were a betting man I'd say the reason most defend their position on the 2GB model is because they wanted to run to the store and buy it now. The instant gratification... the american way ... it's nice they have their computer before everyone else, but they'll regret not having waited a week in 6 months, eheh

 

[Moodikar]

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I wouldn't max my computer out unless I think the price is fare (at time of purchase) and if I actually need the power.

Upgrades (like memory and graphics cards) will be cheaper later and your processor although might be in the ballpark after a few revisions, newer processors (not speedbumps) will most likely make it worth trading in.

AppleCare however is a good one to have for trying to sell later.

Finally although I did order the max 11.6 with 1.6 ghz, the reasoning is I need the beat speed being my main computer and it not something that I can upgrade later. Going from 2.13ghz MBA to 1.6 will be a change but the price was not crazy as when I bought my rev c with no added features.

Anyhow, back to shipping...

 

[teski]

If I were a betting man I'd say the reason most defend their position on the 2GB model is because they wanted to run to the store and buy it now. The instant gratification... the american way ... it's nice they have their computer before everyone else, but they'll regret not having waited a week in 6 months, eheh

Yup, I agree with that for the mostpart. Sure, some who will truly use this thing for e-mail and web browsing may be fine with the lowest model, but just like the iPad, many are getting the first thing out so that they can have it. I was guilty of that on the iPad. I knew I wanted the 3G, but I couldn't wait and got the 64GB WiFi at launch. I got rid of it and upgraded when the 3G released.

I'm sure we'll see many MBA's on eBay and Craigslist as the dust settles.

 

[bella92108]

Many people only compare raw specs to the PC world.

I love Mac OS and its usability. And the fact that it doesn't slow down within a few months. And the fact that is reliable. And the fact that Time Machine backs my data up and I don't need to worry about that. And the fact that I can reinstall and have all my settings and stuff back with no trouble. And the fact that I can buy a new computer and transfer everything and it is identical to my old one... All these things also factor into my decision to buy an Apple computer, even if it is more expensive at the same raw specs.

Even if you let out the OS, there are more things that are incomparable. The build quality, the looks, the value of an aluminum enclosure that is sturdy, Keyboard and Trackpad quality, Display quality, the value they retain for selling it later on eBay, etc etc.

If you are always gonna compare Laptops/Computers by taking into account only the chipset, the CPU and the amount of RAM you will always find that Apple is more expensive. But you are omitting a lot of added value on the Apple machine in that comparison which is quite unfair in my opinion.

I use Laptops as my primary machines. I am prepared to pay the premium Apple wants, yes. But that doesn't mean I swim in money or am willing to throw it out the window for stuff I don't need.

Things like CPU speed are definitely something that I don't need. The main speed up in everyday usage comes from the now included SSD, not the CPU. Why should I pay more for a CPU that is 10% faster if I'm not gonna use that? The 4GB on the other hand I do need, so I also took that upgrade. I need it because I run Windows Applications side-by-side and having 2GB RAM total for Mac OS + Windows 7 is very short.

For me the calculation was easy. I have been using a 1700€ MacBook Pro 15" until now. I manually bought and put an 380€ Intel 160 GB SSD into it as well. This means it is around 2100€ totally. I have been thinking about going 13" for a while now, the main factor that held me back was the lower resolution. I don't wanna go lower than the 1440x900 on my MBP. Now Apple has provided a computer with that same resolution at 13", same amount of RAM (4 GB), a slightly slower but integrated 128 GB SSD, at a total price of 1390€. So in essence I save 720€, and get a lighter, thinner machine that is more portable, which I like. I also lose 2,4GHz -> 1,86GHz CPU speed, but I don't care. I lose the Ethernet port but I'm not using it anyway. I lose the optical drive, which I have never used. I lose 2" which I had been preparing to lose for a long time. So it is a perfect solution for me - why not?

Why should I max out on things that I seriously see no value in?

I agree with your comments, mostly. It was a novel tho. The Macbook Air is VERY different from any PC or MAC built though... You have to chose your config and deal with it. A MB or MB Pro or any mac or PC on the market, you buy it and if you realize you need more memory or an app comes out in 6 months that needs 3GB RAM, you upgrade the RAM for $50... you can't do that with MB air.

People need to have the mindset of it being an iPad or iPhone... once you chose your config, it's your config for the ownership of that product. You can't upgrade the RAM on a iPad... and now this product is the same way. My only rant is that 2GB is probably acceptable for most today, but 4GB is optimal, and for $100 extra on a $1200 system, it's a no-brainer insurance policy (at least in my brain, lol).

 

[Kenrik]

I got the 4GB of ram because it's not upgradeable.

I only got 64gb SSD because it is upgradeable and I'm sure a company like Runcore will make upgrades at sometime in the future.. They do for the Dell Mini 9 and that's a Dell.

Everyone knows Runcore drives are better than your normal off the shelf SSD.

http://www.runcore.com/content/products/

240 mbs w00t

 

[bella92108]

Upgrades (like memory and graphics cards) will be cheaper later

There's no such thing as a memory upgrade once you've got your MB Air. That's the whole issue. What's the phrase... now or never. ;-)

 

[Moodikar]

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By the way, I found it hard to sell a maxed put computer. Chances are that most don't know what you fully paid and Get turned off by the high pricetag. Most are probably use to stock prices and even lower sinc it's used and perhaps old. Your price might end up costing less then the latest model that now have standard features that you upgraded.

I tend to sell my macs instead of holding onto it. I find that it helps justify paying for the next one.

Ok, back to Sunday shipping... Come on reseller!! Show your might and fourth party supply chain!!

 

[Moodikar]

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Yes your right. I meant in general ad with iMacs and MacBook pros etc regarding upgrades. Had this MBA allowed upgrades, I'd be at the applestore too buying one and upgrading later when things settle and perhaps become cheaper.

 

[bella92108]

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Yes your right. I meant in general ad with iMacs and MacBook pros etc regarding upgrades. Had this MBA allowed upgrades, I'd be at the applestore too buying one and upgrading later when things settle and perhaps become cheaper.

Yeah... but like i said before, this isn't built to order, this is pre-order in disguise. They couldn't have stocked the stores until this week had they offered the additional configs. Just like the Mac Pros, just watch, in a month they'll have the higher RAM offerings in-store.

 

[iDave]

I tend to sell my macs instead of holding onto it. I find that it helps justify paying for the next one.

Me too. Why pay for something you think you might need in two years when you won't even own the computer in two years?

And I think most people buy the standard configuration because that is what is standard and they assume it's what is recommended. I don't think it's because they're in a hurry and don't want to wait. (Sometimes it is.)

 

[nukztar]

Because many people actually value and know quality vs. need vs. money. I buy Apple products because I like the quality, and I know that's going to cost me. But I look at what I'm going to do with the machine and I also look at what I can add myself. With the MBA, I maxed mine out because of what I will use it for and the fact that I can't do it after I purchase.

But why the heck would I max out a Mac Pro of RAM, SSD drives with RAID 0, etc. if I'm not doing video editing or an iMac if I'm buying it for my kids?

I'm willing to spend if it makes sense, but I'm not going to throw money away just because I'm buying an Apple product.

My apologies, I was referring more to the more consumer sort of products. Like iphones, macbooks etc. Not the pro level with far greater upgrades.

My point was, if im going to buy an iphone, if i got the 16G over the 32G i would kick myself for it. Same with the macbook air. I couldnt stand the idea that i had the chance to upgrade to 4G and 256G flash but didnt. Its not about falling for marketing hype, its about my own personal guilt if i dont. I wont enjoy a product as much if i knew i could have spec'd it out a bit better.

Im not saying im loaded enough to afford $1000 plus upgrades to a standard spec, but those buying premium apple laptops and deciding to go with 2G over 4G of ram i will never understand. But im not supposed to, thats what makes us all different right. Sure it all depends on peoples budgets. Just my 2 cents.

 

[bella92108]

Me too. Why pay for something you think you might need in two years when you won't even own the computer in two years?

And I think most people buy the standard configuration because that is what is standard and they assume it's what is recommended. I don't think it's because they're in a hurry and don't want to wait. (Sometimes it is.)

Most people needed more than 2GB years ago.

Sure it's cause they're in a hurry. Americans hold an average of $6,500 per person in credit card debt because they are in a hurry and don't want to wait (until they have the money to pay for it)... lol, capitalism at it's finest.

 

[bella92108]

My apologies, I was referring more to the more consumer sort of products. Like iphones, macbooks etc. Not the pro level with far greater upgrades.

My point was, if im going to buy an iphone, if i got the 16G over the 32G i would kick myself for it. Same with the macbook air. I couldnt stand the idea that i had the chance to upgrade to 4G and 256G flash but didnt. Its not about falling for marketing hype, its about my own personal guilt if i dont. I wont enjoy a product as much if i knew i could have spec'd it out a bit better.

Im not saying im loaded enough to afford $1000 plus upgrades to a standard spec, but those buying premium apple laptops and deciding to go with 2G over 4G of ram i will never understand. But im not supposed to, thats what makes us all different right. Sure it all depends on peoples budgets. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with you. I too would feel the guilt. But more importantly, when someone wants to buy an app, they'll take it out on apple for "scamming them" into buying a sub-par machine... because the consumer didn't research to see that it's very rare to find a portable computer with 2GB RAM, so then it's apple's fault for selling it? People need to take accountability. I share your vision that it seems strange that someone would decide to buy a non-upgradable $1000 computer and not spend $100 for the RAM... but to each his own. I make informed decisions for myself.... if others don't, not my problem.

 

[iDave]

Most people needed more than 2GB years ago.

Not for a portable computer they're mostly using for surfing and email. In a pinch, 2GB is just fine for big programs like Aperture. You just need to be conscious of closing other programs.

 

[Moodikar]

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The only issue I have with selling is sometimes you need to sell before the new product launch.

I sold my MBA 2 wks ago for $1600, despirately hoping tha the new air rumors were true and Oct was the magic month.

Looked Wed to see what MBA 2.13ghz were going for and on Craigslist, they were as low as $800.

This is only the second time I sold before an announcement and it is insane not having a computer. Typing on an IPhone is not fun(which explains some of my spelling issues).

I think I am gonna hold onto this one even more for sentimental reasons than usability over the next few years. At least I hope I will unless I fall in love with the next one

 

[C64]

There are three things to max out.

1. Hard drive
I get maxing out the hard drive, for people who'd like to have as much data with them at all times as possible. Either large documents/pictures or music/video. For most people though 128GB or 64GB will do just fine. Paying a lot of extra for flash storage at this time is pointless when you're fine using the standard storage for apps and most of your documents, and buy a bunch of external hard drives for the rest.

2. Memory
In most cases it's too expensive to buy memory from Apple. User upgrades are extremely simple and it saves you a lot of money. In the case of the MBA it's not possible to update yourself though. We can all be 100% sure that we'll need more memory in the future, so going for 4GB is a good idea for everyone.

3. CPU
But in this case paying premium for the fastest CPU doesn't make much sense to me. The speed difference between 1.86 and 2.13 is very very small. If you really think you'll be using applications for which 1.86GHz isn't sufficient, you just won't see much difference when buying the 2.13GHz and this Air probably just isn't fast enough for you anyways.

Apple counts on people buying based on what they want rather than on what they really need. Most people don't need those few extra GHz, but they really want to have a CPU that's >2GHz. It's psychological for the most part. And the only way to get the 2.13GHz option is to buy the premium priced version with 256GB of flash storage. Very smart.

To be clear: I'm not saying nobody will need it, but many people seriously won't but only buy it to put their mind at ease knowing that they bought the "best" possible configuration. If you have enough cash, why not. But if you rather spend money on what you really need, you'll find that maxed out configurations aren't always necessary, or fairly priced.

 

[bella92108]

Not for a portable computer they're mostly using for surfing and email. In a pinch, 2GB is just fine for big programs like Aperture. You just need to be conscious of closing other programs.

The whole point of a portable computer is that functionally it's as good as a desktop for *most* users. If you're so tight on RAM that you have to manage open apps to stay within memory confine, you aren't in the demographic of most apple products. Apple is shipping this as a computer. The ipad is limiting with a limited OS, this has full MAC OSX. The last thing I want to do is worry about running out of RAM having Safari, Word, and Numbers running at the same time.

 

[bella92108]

There are three things to max out.

1. Hard drive
I get maxing out the hard drive, for people who'd like to have as much data with them at all times as possible. Either large documents/pictures or music/video. For most people though 128GB or 64GB will do just fine. Paying a lot of extra for flash storage at this time is pointless when you're fine using the standard storage for apps and most of your documents, and buy a bunch of external hard drives for the rest.

2. Memory
In most cases it's too expensive to buy memory from Apple. User upgrades are extremely simple and it saves you a lot of money. In the case of the MBA it's not possible to update yourself though. We can all be 100% sure that we'll need more memory in the future, so going for 4GB is a good idea for everyone.

3. CPU
But in this case paying premium for the fastest CPU doesn't make much sense to me. The speed difference between 1.86 and 2.13 is very very small. If you really think you'll be using applications for which 1.86GHz isn't sufficient, you just won't see much difference when buying the 2.13GHz and this Air probably just isn't fast enough for you anyways.

Apple counts on people buying based on what they want rather than on what they really need. Most people don't need those few extra GHz, but they really want to have a CPU that's >2GHz. It's psychological for the most part. And the only way to get the 2.13GHz option is to buy the premium priced version with 256GB of flash storage. Very smart.

To be clear: I'm not saying nobody will need it, but many people seriously won't but only buy it to put their mind at ease knowing that they bought the "best" possible configuration. If you have enough cash, why not. But if you rather spend money on what you really need, you'll find that maxed out configurations aren't always necessary, or fairly priced.

OMG, FINALLY! A Reasonable post!

HD - I completely agree! While a bigger drive leaves more room to grow, there'a options for cheap external storage (even tho they're SLOOOOWWWW USB 2.0), you're not brick-walling yourself like with the RAM.

RAM- Totally spot-on... you can't increase storage with an "external drive" so you're forever stuck with what you order initially.

Processor - Yep. Most won't notice the difference. The thing everyone will notice will be going from their old HD's to the new solid-state. That's where the most users will say "wow"... if someone is going from a stock MBP 2.66 to this one, this one will feel faster even at half the processor speed, simply because web surfing, email, apps, all load faster because of the SSD, not the processor

 

[Moodikar]

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C64, I agree with you that people buy based on what they think they need versus what they actually need.

I would add however that perhaps some would upgrade to allow for growth. Just as they may not need the hard drive space, they may believe that future programs will.

I remember when 9gigs external cost me $1000 and back then I thought that was huge storage. The Mac OS took maybe a gig of space. I think programs get bloated over time with old code and new features that until they perform a Snow Leopard type cleanup, they start becoming beasts.

Anyhow, thought I'd add that people probably expect their computers to last years of use but will be lucky to get 3 if they don't think it's too slow over time.

 

[nukztar]

There are three things to max out.

1. Hard drive
I get maxing out the hard drive, for people who'd like to have as much data with them at all times as possible. Either large documents/pictures or music/video. For most people though 128GB or 64GB will do just fine. Paying a lot of extra for flash storage at this time is pointless when you're fine using the standard storage for apps and most of your documents, and buy a bunch of external hard drives for the rest.

2. Memory
In most cases it's too expensive to buy memory from Apple. User upgrades are extremely simple and it saves you a lot of money. In the case of the MBA it's not possible to update yourself though. We can all be 100% sure that we'll need more memory in the future, so going for 4GB is a good idea for everyone.

3. CPU
But in this case paying premium for the fastest CPU doesn't make much sense to me. The speed difference between 1.86 and 2.13 is very very small. If you really think you'll be using applications for which 1.86GHz isn't sufficient, you just won't see much difference when buying the 2.13GHz and this Air probably just isn't fast enough for you anyways.

Apple counts on people buying based on what they want rather than on what they really need. Most people don't need those few extra GHz, but they really want to have a CPU that's >2GHz. It's psychological for the most part. And the only way to get the 2.13GHz option is to buy the premium priced version with 256GB of flash storage. Very smart.

To be clear: I'm not saying nobody will need it, but many people seriously won't but only buy it to put their mind at ease knowing that they bought the "best" possible configuration. If you have enough cash, why not. But if you rather spend money on what you really need, you'll find that maxed out configurations aren't always necessary, or fairly priced.

Agreed,

With the air, my primary focus is travel. I dont want to have to plug in a USB drive (diminishing battery life) in order to get to the data i need because my air only has 64G of space.

The 2G ram upgrade to 4 is such a small jump that i dont quite understand why everyone doesnt go for it to make their total air experience all the better without ever having to consider which apps need to be open or closed to maximise the experience.

CPU to me was the last thing i decided to upgrade. I didnt think ide get all that much of a performance leap here but I couldnt resist treating myself.

Each to their own.

 

[bella92108]

Agreed,

With the air, my primary focus is travel. I dont want to have to plug in a USB drive (diminishing battery life) in order to get to the data i need because my air only has 64G of space.

The 2G ram upgrade to 4 is such a small jump that i dont quite understand why everyone doesnt go for it to make their total air experience all the better without ever having to consider which apps need to be open or closed to maximise the experience.

CPU to me was the last thing i decided to upgrade. I didnt think ide get all that much of a performance leap here but I couldnt resist treating myself.

Each to their own.

If a soccer mom needs a car, it doesn't make sense to buy a 2-seater Miata.

If a pregnant couple is having a baby, they shouldn't be shopping for a 1 bedroom house.

If someone is wanting to buy a ________, they should plan for what could be required of that product over it's lifetime. Some people like me keep computers for 6 months, others for 6 years. My OPINION is that 2GB is not acceptable for anyone buying a MAC, but the longer someone owns it, the more likely that statement is to be true. For 10% more cost, why not make the one change that'll provide the most future-proofing you can?

 

[Moodikar]

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Nukztar, I maxed my 11.6 air too cause I needed the ram and the processor. I thought if I needed to bto one, I might as well add all the features.

I still however keep having the urge to by one from the applestore to avoid this wait but I too agree with Bella 92108 that it's gonna be important to have more ram in the future.

Still, "available Today" should have included the upgrade versions. That would have been a launch!! Everyone seems to have to wait till this Wednesday for their bto/cto. I'm dying here with my iPhone typing!!!

 

[bella92108]

I still however keep having the urge to by one from the applestore to avoid this wait but I too agree with Bella 92108 that it's gonna be important to have more ram in the future.

Still, "available Today" should have included the upgrade versions. That would have been a launch!! Everyone seems to have to wait till this Wednesday for their bto/cto. I'm dying here with my iPhone typing!!!

Should have been labeled PRE ORDER... but whatever. STILL waiting since thursday for it to say anything but NOT YET SHIPPED... it's getting old. Certainly makes me not want to order again from Apple.com... I say this everytime. Their fulfillment sucks, even on crap that's in stock. I also ordered a iMac that's "ships within 24 hours" on 10/20 and it'll be here on 10/29... what a joke. Not sure why I didn't order from Amazon... order by 430pm, have it next day by noon for $3.99 shipping. :-(

 

[iDave]

The last thing I want to do is worry about running out of RAM having Safari, Word, and Numbers running at the same time.

And trust me, with 2 GB you wouldn't.

I agree that people need to assess their needs and buy the computer that fits those needs. I don't agree with the spec whores who try to convince people that they need it all.

In my case, I need more storage but I don't need more RAM. So I'm likely to buy the 11" Air with the storage upgrade but not the RAM. Simple as that.