The real point of MacBook Air - and why everyone is missing it.

[gwangung]

Rather big in comparison to what? An iPod? A magazine? Seriously.

This is in fact the thinnest laptop out there, and that's what matters to most travelers. I'm going to assume that Tosser is refering to the "footprint" of the MBA and how there's not that much difference between the MacBook and this. This has been getting lots of attention here on MR, but from the perspective of many potential buyers, this is plus, not a drawback. Full-size keyboard, reasonable screen size, it feels like a real laptop when open, but when you close it, it's thin. That is what a lot of people are looking for.

DING! DING! DING!

People are defining subcompact by dimensions. Apple is defining it by weight. I suspect that the segment the Air is aimed to will also define it by weight.

Also...consider the AGE of that segment. I suspect they'll appreciate a large enough screen to show stuff without scrunching down the type size too much....

 

[Tosser]

Rather big in comparison to what? An iPod? A magazine? Seriously.

Footprint. You guys are coming up with all sorts of uses where an UMPC or ultraportable (with a small screen) would be perfect. In comparison to that, a footprint the size of a MacBook isn't what I would call "tiny". In fact, it's almost as big as my MBP15" because of that bezel. That, to me, is "rather big".

This is in fact the thinnest laptop out there

Really? A fact? Did you check? Are you certain that there is no other computer out there (with a keyboard) thinner than 19mm?

I'm going to assume that Tosser is refering to the "footprint" of the MBA and how there's not that much difference between the MacBook and this.

Yup.

This has been getting lots of attention here on MR, but from the perspective of many potential buyers, this is plus, not a drawback. Full-size keyboard, reasonable screen size

Really? That bezel and the area around the keyboard is a plus? How is that benificial to anything?

it feels like a real laptop when open, but when you close it, it's thin. That is what a lot of people are looking for.

Well, some, at least.

Let's think about where people put their laptop when traveling primarlily a backpack or briefcase. With either of these choices, thin is what matters.

You're kidding right? So when I travel with my laptop, I only care about "thin"?
Nice of you to tell me. If you have said weight, I might have agreed quite a bit.

As someone who traveled with a 12" PowerBook G4 for nearly three years, what you might not know is that the 12" PowerBook (1.18") was actually THICKER than either the 15" or 17" PowerBooks (1.1"). When you're putting your computer vertically in a backpack or briefcase, finding a laptop that is thin is much more desirable than one with a small footprint.

Okay, so by your logic, it would be better to travel with a 15" og 17" MBP than a 12" PB all else being equal.

I would be very interested to hear why all of the proponents of a reduced footprint for their laptop are privileging footprint over thinness.

To me it's several things, but in essense: You can have the same screen, have a slimmer bezel, less useless space, the screen (assuming it would be a little smaller) would be less prone to be twisted or pressed in the bag (because a taller box will inherently be stronger than a thinner one, I could get my firewire, which I need to make a living. Well there are others, more specific ones, like placing the computer in a smaller pocket, somewhere else in the bag and so on, plus a few other.

 

[appletastic]

I could get my firewire, which I need to make a living.

Wow you make a living with Firewire..? What do you do? You defo shouldn't by a MBA then otherwise you'll be buggered.

 

[Tosser]

Wow you make a living with Firewire..? What do you do? You defo shouldn't by a MBA then otherwise you'll be buggered.

Well, it's nothing speciel per se, but I use it for my audio recorder. Which, I might add, is worth much more than the computer. Both in terms of what it delivers, but also in cold cash. I will not use some inferior recorder just to be able to buy a computer that "looks great".
Not in a million years.

This is one of them: Not used for travel(!)
http://www.aaton.com/products/sound/cantar/index.php
And this is the other:
http://sounddevices.com/products/744t.htm

 

[eddietr]

The OP makes a couple of good points.

Enclosures don't change that often. The MBA as an enclosure will start to look very interesting next year when 128GB SSD is affordable and when they start shipping with next-gen batteries after that.

And, as others have said, this is also a somewhat of a halo product for them also.

See a guy next to you on the plane or at conference with an MBA, it will definitely get your attention. Stop by the apple store, find the MBA is too expensive or not powerful enough, but hey this MB looks interesting and it's also very nice looking, almost as nice looking as that MBA, ...

 

[Consultant]

Footprint... blah blah blah

The target audience is people in business. Typically business people would need to carry documents. Guess what? These documents are letter sized (or about letter size in Europe, etc.)

Are business men going to carry a purse sized bag? No they will carry folio sized or briefcase size bag/ cases. Thus the footprint don't matter. If it's any smaller, it will slide around the case / bag and be more prone to damage.

17" MBP is easier to carry, at least for me, than a 14" dell that is thick, heavy, and need a thick bag for the big power brick.

Standard, full sized keyboard will be very useful, as people can actually touch type (much harder on a purse sized keyboard). No one else has implemented useful multi-touch or gestures on a portable.

I think someone is having sour grape syndrome.

 

[Sir Pancakes]

The forums can be so pointless sometimes.

 

[Tosser]

Nobody said it shouldn't have a full sized keyboard. I'm all for full sized keyboards. But had they made some other design choices it could weigh the same, yet have a smaller footprint.

I don't get the comparison with a 14" Dell at all. If they had made it square, say, 18mm all over, they could have fitted a somewhat bigger and/or faster drive and have had at least two or three ports. That's not many ports, but it's 2-3 times as much as what is currently there. Heck, they could have had user-replacable RAM. AND it would be stronger.

 

[eddietr]

The target audience is people in business. Typically business people would need to carry documents. Guess what? These documents are letter sized (or about letter size in Europe, etc.)

Are business men going to carry a purse sized bag? No they will carry folio sized or briefcase size bag/ cases.

Absolutely agreed. I don't want a loaded bag that is less wide or less "tall". I want one that is slimmer and lighter. Those are the most important dimensions for me.

I'm looking at bags this weekend again. Something slim that can carry the MBA and a standard 8.5x11 leather portfolio. That would be perfect.

 

[eddietr]

Nobody said it shouldn't have a full sized keyboard. I'm all for full sized keyboards. But had they made some other design choices it could weigh the same, yet have a smaller footprint.

I don't get the comparison with a 14" Dell at all. If they had made it square, say, 18mm all over, they could have fitted a somewhat bigger and/or faster drive and have had at least two or three ports. That's not many ports, but it's 2-3 times as much as what is currently there. Heck, they could have had user-replacable RAM. AND it would be stronger.

Sounds like what you want is the next-gen MacBook. Now that Apple has LED backlighting and they have obviously consolidated the Mac chipset and motherboard, in all likelihood the next MB will be thinner and exactly what you want.

 

[Brotherman00]

More emphasis should be placed on the "Air"

I agree completley with the originator of this post. One point I think everyone is missing here is that there is a reason why Apple dubbed this machine Mac Book Air not Mac Book Utra Thin or whatever.

Consider this, Apple introduced Back To My Mac with it's latest OS along with the ability to sychronize both your desktop and notebook with the help of .Mac. Now Time Capsule has been released which is a combination of wireless ("Air") as well as 500 GB or 1 TB of storage space. And if you recall, you can "share" the drive of your desktop or other mac machine with the MBA as well.

By now you should see the point I'm trying to make. Apple has put all the wheels in motion for you to make the MOST use out of the MBA without all the bells and whistles people are complaining about.

Apple foresees a future when everything is done seamlessly through the use of wireless technology. Everyone should open their eyes! This is just the beginning, I can't just imagine what the future holds.

 

[Tosser]

Footprint... blah blah blah

I see you added something. Is that a way of showing how you read things? That you simply cannot fathom more than a few words, unless people are agreeing with you? Or that you have a _very_ short attention span?

Are business men going to carry a purse sized bag? No they will carry folio sized or briefcase size bag/ cases. Thus the footprint don't matter. If it's any smaller, it will slide around the case / bag and be more prone to damage.

You're kidding right? At one stage you're arguing it's great to have thin computer - even if it's 17", yet you're saying that if it's too small it will slide around and be damaged! Ever heard of a pocket or even a strap? A 17" or a thin computer is much more prone to damage, simply because it inherently is a weaker (litteraly) design.

17" MBP is easier to carry, at least for me, than a 14" dell that is thick, heavy, and need a thick bag for the big power brick.

You're making a pure strawman argument. I have never said anything about me wanting a 14" thick dell, with a thick bag and big power brick. Get real, will you? It's really starting to become tiring reading your replies - Anything that can be used as pushing the MBA as the end-all "business computer" is used. Arguments are not listened to, and you even stoop as low as to using ridiculous strawman arguments.



Standard, full sized keyboard will be very useful, as people can actually touch type (much harder on a purse sized keyboard). No one else has implemented useful multi-touch or gestures on a portable.

I think someone is having sour grape syndrome.[/QUOTE]

 

[benfilan]

yes!!

great post, great points.
i remember buying a external floppy drive for my iMac way back, and thinking 'oh my god, how the hell will I cope?!', but with broadband, writeable CD's, floppies are a distant memory. (thank god)

The Macbook Air can't be everything to everybody, stop complaining. if it doesn't suit you, don't get it. if you like it, buy it!

I think its best suited to someone who already has a main machine, and a fast home network. Its not for students nor is it for people who use thier laptop as thier primary computer.

also, its a premium machine, not some bargain basement piece of tat, of course its going to be expensive!

 

[sorryiwasdreami]

Well put, original poster.

 

[Virgil-TB2]

nonsense

1. Wireless is slow.
2. Wireless is insecure.
3. It's expensive.
4. For the extra cost you can have half the features.

If you want to see show ponies go buy a horse because this particular machine is way overpriced and way under featured.

This is just nonsense for the most part. Your bias is showing.

1. Wireless is not any slower than ethernet in practice regardless of what numbers you want to quote. I work in a University where all offices have both and there is simply no real difference between the two. Apple's wireless n is ridiculously fast.

2. Wireless *can* be insecure and securing it makes it slower and a generally crappier experience, but most people don't care. As long as your banking and email connections are encrypted, it really won't matter, and that part is up to the clients you use, not the technology itself.

3. Not expensive at all. The reason most folks have wireless at home is because for years and years now, if you went to buy a router, the wireless part has been "thrown in." It's more difficult to find gear without wireless than with nowadays.

4. The price for this MacBook Air ($1700.00), is right in the same range as other computers with similar specs, and no-one is forcing you to buy it. In particular, if your comment is aimed at the wireless part of the machine, then you could say that Apple offers twice the performance at the same cost (Wireless n in all machines for the same price).

 

[skinnylegs]

In terms of hardware, Apple already has the MB, the MBP the iMac and PowerMac all of which, MBP aside, have undergone redesign within the last year. The MBA simply adds another piece of hardware to the arsenal. It won't appeal to everyone but nothing does. I know there are many who were looking forward to a MBP update and it would have been nice but no doubt that is just around the corner.

My first reaction regarding the MBA was from the hip. Since then I have investigated it more and I plan on checking it out further at the Apple Store. Yeah...I may even get one because my non-Intel iBook is getting a bit dated.

I read quite a few posts on MacRumors and honestly, I think most people expect too much from Apple. I'm quite happy with where they are and where they're going. They have a great line of hardware, an outstanding OS and the iPhone and iPods speak for themselves.

I don't think MacWorld '08 was earth-shattering but all things considered, it was very compelling. Also, I am particularly interested in where Apple is going with Apple TV and wouldn't be surprised if they integrate an online guide and TV viewing in the near future.

 

[Consultant]

great post, great points.
i remember buying a external floppy drive for my iMac way back, and thinking 'oh my god, how the hell will I cope?!', but with broadband, writeable CD's, floppies are a distant memory. (thank god)

The Macbook Air can't be everything to everybody, stop complaining. if it doesn't suit you, don't get it. if you like it, buy it!

I think its best suited to someone who already has a main machine, and a fast home network. Its not for students nor is it for people who use thier laptop as thier primary computer.

also, its a premium machine, not some bargain basement piece of tat, of course its going to be expensive!

Exactly, although some people fail to comprehend that simple concept.

MBA can actually be extremely fast with the SSD drive (faster than high speed 10k raptor!) so people will be in the market for that. You know the people who can afford MacPro with 30" cinema displays... =)

 

[TimTheEnchanter]

Agreed.

Nice post OP.

This product does also remind me of the Cube. Breakthrough design aimed at a niche market at a pricier-level. A product ahead of the curve, showcasing Apple's innovation. We all know the story of the Cube. The difference today is that the MBA has a broader appeal, so hopefully it won't suffer the same fait. While many see short-comings with this design, I see a forward-thinking product that isn't built to answer every need, but could adapt to most needs if you think different. It's a ultra-slim wireless computer in a yet wired world....that will change.

 

[Tosser]

Sounds like what you want is the next-gen MacBook. Now that Apple has LED backlighting and they have obviously consolidated the Mac chipset and motherboard, in all likelihood the next MB will be thinner and exactly what you want.

Well, actually, you might be right. I'd still like it without the optical, though. Fortunately for me, audio isn't that graphics-intensive (lol), so that might well be. Glossy screens are a deal breaker in any computer for me but other than that it could well be.
I'm lucky though – I have a working MBP, and I'm hoping it can last me at least six months more (it shouldn't be a problem).

 

[ArchiMark]

FWIW, I don't see much advantage of the new MBA vs the MB...it's just skinnier and you lose built-in ports and an optical drive and you get to buy an ethernet dongle and carry it around with you and all this for a lot more than a MB!

Much as I love Apple (using Macs since '86) and many of it's products (and it's stock), just bought a 16GB iPod Touch (great now that it's jailbroken), and mainly use a MB C2D at home.....I just don't see any real substantive laptop hardware designs coming from Apple since Pismo or Duo Dock....

I'm typing this post on the OQO E2 that I bought recently. To me this is truly an innovative hardware design, having a full OS device that can fit in my coat pocket and weighs just 1 pound! AND I have the choice of either typing OR writing on it!

Why can't I get something like this from Apple????

Before the OQO, I had the Kohjinsha 7" convertible tabletPC style device. Worked great and about half the size of a MB.

Why can't I get something like this from Apple????

Before I had the Kohji, I had the little Sony UX (kinda like an OQO on steroids...) which is quite small but not quite pocketable, but like the other devices I've mentioned allow a user to choose whether to type or write for input....Gee, what a concept, letting the user decide how to interact with their device!!!

Why can't I get something like this from Apple????

There are many more interesting/innovative hardware designs out there now; Raon Everun, HTC Shift, Samsung Q1, and many more....Unfortunately, Apple is not in this list.....

As His Steveness used to say, "THINK Different", if only they would....



Mark
Faithful Macster, but very frustrated with Apple's non-innovative hardware designs....

 

[geese]

I really fail to see the fuss generated by the more reactionary members of MR.

As a concept in itself, the MBa isnt that radical. My girlfriend bought an IBM Thinkpad x40 a couple of years ago. It was an ultra-portable, that was slow compared to a 'normal sized' laptop of a similar price, and you had to buy the external drive separatly. Yet, it was wonderfully thin, and light. But compared to the other laptops in the IBM range (or any manufacturers laptop range) it was under-powered and under-featured.

The MBa isnt much different from the x40 in my opinion, only that Apple have pushed the concept further. Otherwise, what have they done that is radically different to what IBM did with the Thinkpad x40?

Although 1 USB port? Sort it out Apple!!

 

[matos47]

It's all about the accessories

In my humble opinion, most of you are missing the point. Apple products are all about the accessories: cases, add-ons, and bling. And before you respond with "productivity, blah blah, ease of use, blah blah, software/hardware integration," does somebody want to help patent a MBA case/sleeve that looks like a manilla office envelope?

 

[Maxiseller]

I can't believe how much whining everyone did about the lack of a portable macbook pro.

So, steve read, and he's got right on it and brought out a machine that business users are going to be able to take with them to get their work done - and a fast one.

And now everyone is whining.

Go figure.

 

[Popeye206]

Dead on!

This article is dead on in my opinion. The MBA is not a laptop for everyone - it's a show of what they can do and what is to come. This is a significant advancement in mobile computing and sets the stage for some exciting innovations that I'm sure will show up in future MB and MBP's.

I think people need to quit looking for things that aren't there and look more at how amazing it is from what is there!

P.S. some poster early on complained that wireless networking was slow and unsecured.... UGH! Get with the 21st century dude - I know I'm never going back to wired!

 

[snickelfritz]

I agree with the OP; this notebook release was necessary for Apple to move forward to better designs.
The current MBP almost looks bulky and "dated" by comparison.

The biggest question for me is the overall density of the MBA case construction; how durable and rugged is this thing compared to other notebooks?
Is it flimsy and delicate, or is it amazingly rigid and solid like the iMac and Mac Pro?