The Other (Bigger) Market for the MacBook Air

[ncbill]

The MBA doesn't break new ground as did the iPod and the iPhone.

The MBA is simply current hardware (the Macbook) repackaged into a smaller form factor, with significant compromises made to fit into that form factor (loss of most of the I/O ports, smaller/slower hard drive, etc.)

I.e., the MBA is 2008's version of the Cube.

I'd made a similar post on another forum. I think the MBA is the first step in the "next generation" of computing where have an iMac, Mac Pro, or PC "home base" computer and then a small, light "satellite" computer that travels around w/them. Hopefully though it follows in the footsteps of the iMac and not the Newton.
Lethal

 

[Jim Campbell]

If anyone thinks this computer doesn't have broad appeal, you're really missing the point. This is a combination of the 1st gen iMac and 1st gen iPod turned into the laptop realm.

Abso-blimmin-lutely. I think the aspect of Apple's real genius that people (particularly those of us with a tech/spec/geek bias) overlook is their facility to make products that people just irrationally want.

I like Macs, but not to the exclusion of reason ... and they hit me with the irrational want with the 1G Nano. Never liked the iPod Mini, couldn't afford a proper iPod ... and then I saw the Nano, and I absolutely, unequivocally wanted one. In black.

To the extent that I preferred the 2Gb Black over the 4Gb White (the 4Gb Black having sold out everywhere).

No real thought for specs or features - I just wanted the damn thing.

The MacBook Air gives off the same vibe. I think they'll sell a bucketload of the things.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Xtoo]

I, for example, working in post production, am surrounded by high-end Macs all day. I also have an iPhone and a older G4 Mac at home, that mainly is used for internet, photos, music and email.

The Macbook Air in my case is almost a perfect solution for a mobile computer. I do not need all the ports, neither an optical drive and HATE cords and cables. The MBA appeals to me greatly and same to my business partner.

On the other hand, my GF was instantly hooked with the MBA. She literally said "I need that!". She is not as techy as I am, but loves to be cutting edge and loves the Mac. She always complaint about how heavy laptops are (I think her purse is almost just as heavy but that is HER purse) and always wished for a very light Mac.

So this new macbook appeals not just to women that don't care about specs, but to the stylish women that hate clutter and to power users like me that just want a mobile computer to take on the road and enjoy in the time off.

As far as price, I believe it will come down. The premium of R&D is gonna be paid by the first users. I would not be surprised if Apple slash the prices and gives it a $1499 sticker before the end of 2008.

At $1499 those Airs will fly off the shelves in seconds.

 

[Virgil-TB2]

I'm not sure whom you're quoting. I didn't say "women don't use computers." It was a quote that came out of the blue. What I said was the opposite of sexist: that computers should NOT specifically be designed for women. And beyond that, I said that I don't see many women using computers. That's not sexist. If it were sexist, I would have to somehow imply that using a computer is virtuous and not using one is a vice.

Apologies for the quotes, (which implied that you said those words), I was in fact paraphrasing. It did kind of sum up your message though.

 

[dual64bit]

I agree about the pricing, I'd imagine it will drop $100-200 within 9-12 months.

The price is reasonable, I bought one. It is a mobile computer, the Macbook Air IS A mobile computer.

Those with MBP who use as primary computer, they should be using an iMac. Mobile computers are meant to be ultra portable. Mobile computers don't do video editing, that's not what people want.

I think Apple hit the head pretty good, people will like this, this fills the void in mobile computing...

 

[snickelfritz]

The MacBook Air is not actually a "sub-notebook"; it is just a thinner, lighter version of the standard size MacBook.
It is also a target/testbed for a new wireless paradigm.
ie: Will people accept a device that relies almost solely on wireless technologies for peripheral connections, backup, and networking?

 

[Airforce]

Mobile computers don't do video editing, that's not what people want.

You don't speak for all of us

 

[Winglet]

I agree about the pricing, I'd imagine it will drop $100-200 within 9-12 months.

The price is reasonable, I bought one. It is a mobile computer, the Macbook Air IS A mobile computer.

Those with MBP who use as primary computer, they should be using an iMac. Mobile computers are meant to be ultra portable. Mobile computers don't do video editing, that's not what people want.

I think Apple hit the head pretty good, people will like this, this fills the void in mobile computing...

Very well put. I use a MBP as a primary computer, but that's because I split time between two homes. If I was in one place long enough, I would have and iMac and would consider the MBA as the "ultra portable".

 

[MrFrankly]

It is a sexy computer. Only one usb port though? Surely they could have fit just one more.

 

[rtdunham]

2nd port WOULD matter

...Only one usb port though? Surely they could have fit just one more.

And it would have made a big difference:

Because the internal storage is so small on either MBA model, users are quickly going to figure out they need to hang an external hard drive on this baby. (Do YOU want to try to figure out what part of your normal computer contents you want to take with you prior to every road trip, and figure out how to sync the work you've done while on the road, every time you get back? No. So you'll want to use an external, either to carry all your files (remember how much space your music, photos, even video take) or even as a boot drive--so no matter where you are, and so even if you connect to and work off another machine at home or your destination, everything about your work space AND content is identical at all times.)

But how do you back up that external? Gotta have backup, right?

With a 2nd USB port on the machine, it'd be simple.

But with only one USB port, it's not: You might a) Carry a powered USB port with you--one more piece of gear to offset the weight and size savings the Air delivers otherwise; b) keep backup drives at work AND the office, and a powered USB hub in each location, and carry the MBA physically to the backup drive and connect it with cables, each time you want to back up, which sort of defeats the purpose of the "Air"; or c) use Time Machine and Time Capsule or another NAS drive. But wait: according to apple's guys and gals at MWSF, Time Machine can only back up to a single destination. So the NAS drive will only work with a backup program other than TM. I'll choose SuperDuper, but it defeats apple's efforts to provide hardware and software solutions that integrate neatly.

So imho a 2nd USB port would have gone a long, long way to sustain the premise of the Air and its functionality.

 

[IEatApples]

I doubt this will happen, but how cool would it be if Apple releases revamps their MBP line to look more iMac-like (aluminum with black bezels) and includes a 13" in the line. They could display them side-by-side in the retail store window, with a big sign over them saying "His — Hers." Just in time for Valentines Day.

Ouch! Someone is probably gonna fry you for that one! …*I think it's a good idea though (the 13" MacBook Pro)!

 

[TheVille1974]

Forgot an important group!

There's another group of computer users who seek style and fashionable compact notebooks... the gays!!

This notebook is perfect for us and since we tend to have a bunch of cash burning a hole in our pockets (demographically speaking) so we can certainly afford to plunk down the change needed to buy this device and make our straight friends unbelievably jealous.

No wife to support, no kids to put through school, no needy girlfriend = money for macbook air... woohoo

 

[gwangung]

So this new macbook appeals not just to women that don't care about specs,

Um, I think people keep forgetting...weight IS a spec.

Perhaps not the most important one, but it is one people consider.

 

[rtdunham]

...As far as the port, get a pocket usb hub, those things are tiny, really my wife has one the size of a compact and it is 5 yrs old. I'm sure there are some pretty sleek ones out there. Better yet get one of those usb keypads that have two ports on them. Then you get a keypad and a couple ports. How much do you really need to hook up to this, especially at one time..

according to the people at MWSF (apple, lacie, western digital, others) there is no certainty the MBA (or perhaps other notebook computers) would adequately power a pocket usb hub and several attached devices. I was led to believe that the output from the MBA's single usb port would provide only half as much power for running attached devices as would a notebook with two usb ports. So if you're talking about attaching to devices at home and office, you'd probably want to leave a powered USB hub at each location. I don't think you're gonna want to spoil the light weight advantage of the MBA by having to carry a powered hub (with heavy power block) back and forth with you at all times.

Your keyboard-with-usb-ports is a good idea, but wouldn't the keyboard still be attached to the MBA's single port and thus providing divided (reduced) power to those ports?

 

[JCT]

Um, I think people keep forgetting...weight IS a spec.

Perhaps not the most important one, but it is one people consider.

As a frequent work traveler (and yes, female) I consider weight all the time when it comes to what I bring along. I spent *hours* in O'Hare yesterday carrying around an extra bag with my MBP because it doesn't fit in my usual work bag filled with folders, papers, etc. In fact, before I head out on a trip my very last decision is whether I could possibly do without the computer.

I just pulled the trigger on an Air + SSD and I'll bet my frequent traveling experience is about to get much better. This will actually allow me to jettison an entire bag, this is huge when you travel by air all the time. I cannot imagine I am alone on this. Could I have just gone with a MB? Yes, but I decided to go "all the way" on weight while I had the opportunity.

Is it right for everyone? No. But it nails my demographic head-on. I needed a machine for work that I would never consider leaving behind. Besides, I see the smaller HDD as an incentive for me to keep crap off the computer .

JT

 

[devilot]

Devilot - I hear ya! As a female, I run into situations constantly where it's automatically assumed instantly I know nothing of tech.

I'm not all that tech savvy. But savvy enough to know what I want and do not want. What I'm wiling to sacrifice (functionality wise) and what I'm not willing to sacrifice.

from the furious discussions about the macbook air, one thing is clear, there are now two camps, one which totally adore the product, one that hates it.

I think that's a bit strong. Do I think some people adore and others hate the MBA? Sure. But I'd like to think that people are level-headed enough to realize as with everything in life, there are pros and there are cons. It just boils down to which sort of features interest you more, and which you're willing to forego.

Do they think differently? Sure. Do they shop differently? Sure. Do they care about tech? Absolutely.

Yes! Thank you for saying that.

They have plenty of computing power for my needs... take up WAY less space and look about a billion times better on my desk.

... But, come on, you have to be realistic about what you actually need at some point.

And that's what it comes down to-- what one user needs and wants. I think reading MR, I've traditionally gone overboard in terms of what I actually need and the machine I get. I had no real use for the "power" of my 12"PB, but was drawn to the size of it. Likewise, I'm starting to more seriously consider the MBA and this time, I'm again, reluctant to "settle" for lesser power, but that slim, light package with that perfect KB is just so damned tempting.

Besides, I see the smaller HDD as an incentive for me to keep crap off the computer .

Ugh. I know, that's a valid point. Shouldn't be terribly difficult for me as my MB "only" has 80GB HDD, too. But, I still have my alum iMac. We'll see... we'll see. How it beckons to me, though. Sigh.

 

[BRH]

The MB Air is ok, but it doesn't strike me as being a "huge" announcement (like the iPhone last year). I like the Air and certainly would use it if given one, but personally, I would not be willing to pay that price for what is included. I can buy a MacBook (new or refurb) for $800 or $900 cheaper that has a faster processor, more USB ports, an optical drive, a bigger hard drive, and a replaceable battery. And it only weighs just a small amount more and is still less than an inch thick. I just don't see why I would be willing to pay $800 more for less of a machine with the only advantage being that it is slightly thinner and lighter.
I guess that might make a huge difference if you live in an inner city, urban area like NYC where you walk and carry your stuff everywhere daily, but 90% of us don't do that and we carry our electronics and so forth in vehicles. So an extra pound and an extra half inch is certainly not worth $800 more to me. (not to mention the features you have to give up).
So I see this as being a hit in urban areas and maybe on college campuses, but for a lot of others, I just don't see it as that great of a deal. I would change my mind if Apple had priced the machine more reasonably for what it includes, but at it's current price point, I just wouldn't be interested. I think it should be priced about the same as the MacBook (or maybe even slightly less for the lacking features). I guess you could argue that the thinness and aluminum might make up for the features, so I could see it being priced about the same, but certainly not $800 more. Geez, I could buy a fully loaded MacBook Pro from the Apple Refurb store for $1699 that has a gazillion more features and power.
I guess it all comes down to how important that "thinness" and "style" factor is to you, and to me it isn't worth that much extra dough and giving up so much. I do think the Air can be a hit, but I think we'll need to see a price cut very early in it's life for it to take off.
Personally, I would have preferred a real sub notebook release with a smaller (10 or 11 inch) form but with power features. (Like the old 12" PowerBook, or even the long rumored tablet). Also, I think they could have included a touch screen as well (not just more trackpad gestures). That was kind of a cop out, since everyone knows they have the touch screen ability now. Anyway, I just don't see this holding up to the normal Apple hype that products such as the iPhone, aluminum iMacs, etc have enjoyed. Just my personal tastes and opinions though. (I don't dislike the Air, I just am not that jazzed over it either. I think they could have released something a lot "cooler".)

 

[Rendwich]

Slim Enough to Throw in the Trash

In speaking to Xavier of Notebooks.com, he mentioned (and later wrote about) how that the MacBook Air instantly appealed to his wife:

But then I started thinking about how this new Mac will appeal to women. It’s slim enough to throw in a purse...

Unbelievably funny!

They trim 0.24 inches off the thickness of the MacBook, reduce or remove most of the features and add $700 to the price. Suddenly it's "slim enough to throw in a purse"! That extra 1/4 inch was apparently more important than anyone outside of Cupertino realized.

Or not.

I've definitely appreciated the comments of those who recognize what the Airball is: An impractical status symbol for people with ample disposable income. There's a post here claiming that an 80GB HDD is a "feature" because it will require users to "weed out" their data!

Many people type "LOL" when they really aren't LOL. This was a true "LOL".

 

[d.f]

If anyone thinks this computer doesn't have broad appeal, you're really missing the point. This is a combination of the 1st gen iMac and 1st gen iPod turned into the laptop realm.

Think about it: Apple had a hit with the iPod, a device that cost loads more than any of the other devices on the market in the same niche. But it was implemented in a sexy way with minimal clutter or complication. The iMac dropped the floppy drive in favor of simplicity and this is doing the same for the optical drive, for not only simplicity but for weight and therefore convenience. Anyone who has an iPod doesn't need to put in CDs all the time and Apple's really hoping if you're watching movies on it you're downloading from them. There's no need for it for the "average" consumer anymore.

And that's EXACTLY the target demographic: the image-conscious consumer who is looking for a simple device, but for whom money is not a consideration on a luxury product such as this. If many women fall into this demographic as well, then that's good for Apple, but I hardly think it was designed with women in mind. That seems more than a bit condescending.

yep, agree 100%. yes, they're expensive, but it's a one off purchase. these people aren't going to get the spec bug and worry about updates, rival manufacturers, etc. they'll buy it, fall in love with it (especially if they're new to OSX) and will probably use it till it packs up in many years.

 

[LethalWolfe]

The MBA doesn't break new ground as did the iPod and the iPhone.

The MBA is simply current hardware (the Macbook) repackaged into a smaller form factor, with significant compromises made to fit into that form factor (loss of most of the I/O ports, smaller/slower hard drive, etc.)

I.e., the MBA is 2008's version of the Cube.

IMO the last "breaking new ground" product Apple had was the Newton (and possibly the iMac to a less extent). The iPod wasn't the first MP3 player and the iPhone wasn't the first smart phone (and they both cost more and did less than their competition). The big deal w/those products though is they, for lack of a better term, changed the user experience (also the coupling w/iTunes helped out quite a bit). On paper the iPod and iPhone don't look like they stack up, but once you use on in person it's a whole different story. I think the MBA could be the same way.

I also think the MBA might be a little ahead of it's time in a way the iMac was in regards to dropping "legacy" ports and devices. For a machine that's supposed to be a secondary computer I don't think only having 1 USB 2.0 slot is that big a draw back. To move files between users e-mail, shared networks, FTP, jump drives, and external HDDs are quickly moving us away from using physical, transferable media (floppies, CDs, DVDs, etc.,). Most computer programs can be purchased and downloaded directly from the companies website as well and getting music, tv shows, and movies doesn't require physical media anymore. But if you want to rip a DVD you already own you just have the MBA "take control" of your desktop's optical drive.

Personally, I think this is going to be a growing trend in laptops in the next 2-3 years. The first gen isn't my cup of tea, mostly because of the 80gig HDD is too small for me, but a future gen MBA could very easily end up in my bag.


Lethal

 

[26139]

!!!!

There's another group of computer users who seek style and fashionable compact notebooks... the gays!!

This notebook is perfect for us and since we tend to have a bunch of cash burning a hole in our pockets (demographically speaking) so we can certainly afford to plunk down the change needed to buy this device and make our straight friends unbelievably jealous.

No wife to support, no kids to put through school, no needy girlfriend = money for macbook air... woohoo

Damn you and your excitement!

 

[FX120]

If you can fit the MBA into a purse, you've got a big purse.

 

[gwangung]

I guess that might make a huge difference if you live in an inner city, urban area like NYC where you walk and carry your stuff everywhere daily, but 90% of us don't do that and we carry our electronics and so forth in vehicles.

I don't think you've been listening....

 

[philsuarez]

The MBA

I initially thought to myself 'What's the point of MBA?' Would you really want to pay that much extra for a machine that is less powerful than a Macbook. Probably even more relevant does my iPhone actually perform all the functions of MBA. Certainly when the developers kit is released in February then I'm sure all sorts of useful apps such as word processors will appear. So again do I really need or require MBA? I have to say that my iphone has far exceeded any expectations that I had and yet sometimes you do require that little extra screen space. We are the family of Mac. Between us we have a Imac G5, Macbook, Powerbook G4 17", Powerbook G4 12", three iphones and enough ipods, airports and software to sink a battleship. Out of all that choice what trusty four year old machine does my partner prefer? My Powerbook G4 12" of course. Why have I not brought another laptop. Simply the lack of choice over bulk and size. I am 6' 5" but 30 minutes of use with her Powerbook G4 17" kills my knees. It's big, hot and is a dead weight. Does she desire MBA? You bet. Do I? Of course. I am a self confessed so called lifestyle freak. I love Bang & Olufsen and I love Apple. A huge part of that is the design aspect of both companies products. Lets not forget however that Apple does actually make some bloody good products. Like the iPhone you can have all the features in the world but if the user can't access them then is there any point. When my partner wants to go away for the weekend, take her MBA with her and do some design work, will she? I think the answer will be she will. However her Powerbook will be sitting on the table. Its just too big and bulky.

 

[roland.g]

according to the people at MWSF (apple, lacie, western digital, others) there is no certainty the MBA (or perhaps other notebook computers) would adequately power a pocket usb hub and several attached devices. I was led to believe that the output from the MBA's single usb port would provide only half as much power for running attached devices as would a notebook with two usb ports. So if you're talking about attaching to devices at home and office, you'd probably want to leave a powered USB hub at each location. I don't think you're gonna want to spoil the light weight advantage of the MBA by having to carry a powered hub (with heavy power block) back and forth with you at all times.

Your keyboard-with-usb-ports is a good idea, but wouldn't the keyboard still be attached to the MBA's single port and thus providing divided (reduced) power to those ports?

Maybe I fail to see the point as I don't think most of my devices actually need the power. Does a dig camera, doesn't it use its own power. iPhone, I sync to my main machine, printer should also have its own power. Not sure how much of what I would connect via a hub would need the power. But then again I am usually only connecting one, maybe 2 usb devices and the need to have them both at the same time is rare.

Not sure if I was clear, I also meant keypad for number input not a keyboard, a keyboard is more than I want to carry.