LOL! I was just thinking the same thing when I got to your post!
I was just waiting for a 40GB copy operation to complete so I got on MR. Gotta find something worthwhile to read for a few more min...
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The real point of MacBook Air - and why everyone is missing it.
- Thread starter Stuart in Oz
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
LOL! I was just thinking the same thing when I got to your post!
I was just waiting for a 40GB copy operation to complete so I got on MR. Gotta find something worthwhile to read for a few more min...
I'm waiting for someone to make a sleeve that looks like a manilla envelope. i fully expect one.
The MBA might actually work for me. I'm going to wait a few weeks for comments from early adapters first. i'm also considering the touch as an alternative for my daily portable needs. Apart from the small screen, it might work.
I've wanted the OQO since before it was released. Would have bought it if only it wasn't running windows.
I think there are a couple of sleepers from the show. The time
capsule thingy is a great idea. Only reservation i have is the same one i have about all hard drives: eventual and inevitable failure. Do we need a backups for the backup?
The MBA might actually work for me. I'm going to wait a few weeks for comments from early adapters first. i'm also considering the touch as an alternative for my daily portable needs. Apart from the small screen, it might work.
I've wanted the OQO since before it was released. Would have bought it if only it wasn't running windows.
I think there are a couple of sleepers from the show. The time
capsule thingy is a great idea. Only reservation i have is the same one i have about all hard drives: eventual and inevitable failure. Do we need a backups for the backup?
Great post. He is so right. Flicking through the catalogues now and the laptops available, every one of them look so 20years ago. It is the apple brand, always at the cutting edge.
Its a brilliant product for those that want it........
It's a niche product, but brilliant. It makes compromises as do all ultra-lightweight lap tops, but the compromises are different. Rather than a pokey screen and a cramped keyboard, it has a truly ergonomic solution to the problem of light-weight computer design. I think it will sell a lot better than many here might anticipate, particularly for women. If you really need an ethernet, you can use an adaptor, in which case it would be likely that your printer will also be attached. It has bluetooth, so many other gadgets can communicate. I will likely buy my wife one in a few months, after any teething troubles with the design become evident. Steve says "What's the point of a lap-top if you have to connect it with a cable to something?" (Well, he didn't actually say this, but I can imagine he might've), and he will be proven right, clumsy discs and ethernet wires will be a thing of the past. And if you have to watch a DVD in you hotel room at night, how much more likely is it that you might actually use the DVD and the TV in the room provided?
It's a niche product, but brilliant. It makes compromises as do all ultra-lightweight lap tops, but the compromises are different. Rather than a pokey screen and a cramped keyboard, it has a truly ergonomic solution to the problem of light-weight computer design. I think it will sell a lot better than many here might anticipate, particularly for women. If you really need an ethernet, you can use an adaptor, in which case it would be likely that your printer will also be attached. It has bluetooth, so many other gadgets can communicate. I will likely buy my wife one in a few months, after any teething troubles with the design become evident. Steve says "What's the point of a lap-top if you have to connect it with a cable to something?" (Well, he didn't actually say this, but I can imagine he might've), and he will be proven right, clumsy discs and ethernet wires will be a thing of the past. And if you have to watch a DVD in you hotel room at night, how much more likely is it that you might actually use the DVD and the TV in the room provided?
MB Air to the future!
wow. I totally agree with everything you said, it's a wonder no-body has posted that before. I love my MacBook, (I got the top of the line last may, core duo 2.0 ghz) but I dont need all the hd space, or the processor speed. And that 2 gig of RAM is looking mighty fine.
wow. I totally agree with everything you said, it's a wonder no-body has posted that before. I love my MacBook, (I got the top of the line last may, core duo 2.0 ghz) but I dont need all the hd space, or the processor speed. And that 2 gig of RAM is looking mighty fine.
Someone show me a 13 inch ultra portable with the MacAir's specs. Sony has some great 13 inch notebooks that weigh more than a pound more than the Air. With the exception of a WAN card the MacAir matches up with Sony's 11 inch ultra portables.
The air is not a primary computer. It doesn't need multiple usb ports or even firewire. That's what airport express is for and time capsule.
The air is not a primary computer. It doesn't need multiple usb ports or even firewire. That's what airport express is for and time capsule.
You are so right! The Air is not any more portable than the Macbook...more durable, but not more portable. You'd still have to carry around a bag that's 13 inches wide. Think about it...if you're going to have to carry a 13 inch bag, wouldn't you want to pack in as much features as possible? YES. So for the Air, all you're paying extra for is an insignificant weight reduction of 2 pounds and its hard casing. NOT WORTH IT.
Righto.
What's the point of having the MBA when you're still using the external drive ? And Time capsule ? And an ethernet cable, just in case you're going to a country where (hell !) there's no Starbucks available ??
Why don't they sell it only in America ? Only in places where they actually can use it ? The East / West coast ??
I've been following this thread since its beginning. Great read! I posted this at another forum I frequent and thought others *might* share my sentiments.....
Now, I know you are *dying* to hear what bugs me so I'll tell 'ya.....
1. It bugs me when someone gets a hard-on over squeezing out a few extra extra frame rates from a GPU or a couple points higher on a system benchmark or a couple degrees cooler on a system temp. yet fails to recognize the uniqueness of a reasonably powerful laptop that - pardon me for stealing Apples' thunder - fits in a manilla envelope.
2. It bugs me when someone decries the philosophy of "form over function" yet drools over pictures of women whose IQ's are quite possibly less than their breast size.
3. .....and yes, it bugs me when people make statements about something they know nothing about and have not spend even a single minute investigating.
Now, when I say it bugs me I don't mean that I stay awake at night running this stuff through my head. I do mean that if I have a few minutes to kill and I'm not busy with family life, stuff going on in the community, or work; I'll debate this kind of stuff in the forums. That's where it begins and ends for me. 'cause at the end of the day I could care less what computer someone uses or what OS they are using on it.
But alas, it's *not* the end of the day. On the contrary, it's a cold but beautiful morning here in San Diego so here are a few of my thoughts on the MB Air. BTW, forgive me if I repeat myself. I'm too lazy this morning to scroll up and reread my earlier posts.
To begin with, I want to make this clear. I have yet to completely make up my mind about the MB Air because I haven't gotten my hands on one yet. That said, it does intrigue me on quite a few accounts.
To begin with, it looks "sexy" as some would say. The lines on it, the color combination (I'm a sucker for aluminum), the backlit keyboard, the thinness all appeal to that part of me that desires beauty. Does beauty matter? Well, for many they could give a fat rat's arse what something looks like (computers included) as long as it gets the job.....and I get that, but that's not me. Certainly I am not willing to fully sacrifice function but form makes a *huge* difference to me and I don't think I stand alone. Mind you, I've only seen pictures but I like what I've seen so far. While on the subject of form, I'd like to bring up one other point that I think is important to mention. When you work on a desktop computer, the vast majority of your interaction involves the keyboard and monitor. That's why I find it funny when someone spends 5 grand on a rig and mixes in a $10 keyboard and a screen real-estate stingy monitor. Eh.....but maybe that's just me and I am probably digressing. My point is that much more so with laptops than with desktops, it makes a *huge* difference how your laptop *feels* cause you obviously will be picking it up and moving it about quite a bit. Once again, from what I have *seen* the MB Air looks like it would *feel* good. Also, it *looks* like Apple has done a great job with the screen and keyboard which, as I've stated, are of paramount importance. Capesh?
Secondly, there is a *huge* market for ultra-portables and to debate whether or not this particular market exists is like debating whether the sun rose yesterday. 'Kinda pointless. I won't debate whether anyone truly *needs* an ultra-portable vs. a standard laptop 'cause that would be pointless as well. But....can we agree that there are a lot of people who want ultra-portables and the MB Air might very well appeal to them?
There are some rather controversial aspects to the MB Air. When I first heard that you can't change the battery without sending it in and it does not include an optical drive or an ethernet port I thought, "what the hell was Apple thinking!" But, I'm a bright enough guy to recognize that those are *blaring* omissions and maybe there was some logic behind it. So, I thought back over my experience with my laptop and wondered just how important these things are. The battery replacement thing turns out to be a moot point 'cause you *can* change out the battery yourself even though Apple recommends sending it back in. That said, I have had my iBook for about 5 years now and I have *never* traded out the battery. Not one single time. The ethernet port? I have never used my ethernet port on my iBook. Not one single time. The optical drive? I have watched *portions* of DVD's on my iBook *maybe* a handful of times.....maybe.I have used the drive to install a fair amount of software but Apple seems to have crated a clever app. that allows users to borrow other drives. BTW.....these are my real experiences.....not contrived stories that serve only to make a point. So, I have come to the conclusion that I wouldn't really miss any of these things not included with the MB Air and, once again, I don't think I stand alone.
I'm actually in the market for a new laptop and it will be a MB Air or a MB but I'll make my decision only after I've fooled around with both of them as they sit side-by-side.
Secondly, there is a *huge* market for ultra-portables and to debate whether or not this particular market exists is like debating whether the sun rose yesterday. 'Kinda pointless. I won't debate whether anyone truly *needs* an ultra-portable vs. a standard laptop 'cause that would be pointless as well. But....can we agree that there are a lot of people who want ultra-portables and the MB Air might very well appeal to them?
I would agree that there's a fairly large market for ultraportables...
However, to me the MBA is not really an ultraportable, maybe you could say 'ultra-light' or 'thin and light' (for example, see Toshiba Portege series from 7 years ago...), but that's not an ultraportable to me.
Basically, it has the same footprint as the MacBook C2D that I have, just skinnier. So, for me, in terms of carrying it around, going from a MacBook to a MBA would not be that big of a change, a bit lighter/skinnier, but would still take up a big chunk of space in my bag.
On the other hand, the OQO 02 that I have now or the Sony UX that I had before or other similar size/form devices are to me ultraportable. My OQO weighs about 1 pound and can fit a coat pocket and takes up very little space in my bag. To me this is really ultraportable as I don't even think about it, but take it most everywhere I go...
Having said this, it doesn't mean that the MBA is not a good design or device. I think it is nice for someone who moves around a lot, doesn't need some of the built-ins of a MB, yet wants to save some weight and wants a full-size display/keyboard.
So, in the end, to each his own.....and maybe it's time to move on to some other topic.....
This thing is great for business users. I have a stack of those same envelopes in the file section of my messenger bag. Almost anyone that works in an office handles these envelopes everyday, and if you have a job that is 30%+ travel you want a light non-handcramping computer like the MBA. To me this suggests Apple is going to aggressively go after more enterprise customers. Once have of your sales team requests the MBA it might be time to have IT look at more Apple products....
Great... but not 1799.00 great!
Great post! I think it should've been part of the Keynote in SF.
I believe that the first introduction of the new MacBook Air plays a huge roll in the consumers decision in whether they'll buy one or not . I felt that the audience was being persuaded into buying this elegant machine by placing it and pricing it between the MB and MBP when in reality neither fit. The lack of Optical drive, FireWire, and Ethernet (does it even have speakers?) takes it all out of place. Pay more for less. Ouch. Trust me, it hurts me too.
If Apple would've introduced MBA as a stand-alone product maybe people wouldn't try to compare it with the other two machines. Like the iPhone, it has Mac OSX, a camera, iTunes, Contacts, Mail, etc. and nobody expected it to come with an optical drive, ethernet, etc. It was very obvious that Apple tried too hard to convince the audience why they would not need an optical drive and that was disappointing. Didn't FOX's CEO say that DVD's will be around for a while due to Blu-ray's consumer demand? Are we not waiting for Mac's to come out with Blu-Ray in them? So why say that we don't need them. When I see that a laptop can hold at least 1TB of info in them, and for me to have access to any program via online, then maybe I'll consider buying a laptop without an optical drive.
Ultra-portable they say. Well, Apple should've completed the ultra-portable by including 3g technology in it, don't you think? Going back to my point, if Apple would've introduced "The Machine of the Future" ALONE with 3g included there would be no doubt on its future and success.
Just to make my self clear, I love the MBA just not its introduction and price.
1799.00 without the SSD, is just another computer, but smaller.
Great post! I think it should've been part of the Keynote in SF.
I believe that the first introduction of the new MacBook Air plays a huge roll in the consumers decision in whether they'll buy one or not . I felt that the audience was being persuaded into buying this elegant machine by placing it and pricing it between the MB and MBP when in reality neither fit. The lack of Optical drive, FireWire, and Ethernet (does it even have speakers?) takes it all out of place. Pay more for less. Ouch. Trust me, it hurts me too.
If Apple would've introduced MBA as a stand-alone product maybe people wouldn't try to compare it with the other two machines. Like the iPhone, it has Mac OSX, a camera, iTunes, Contacts, Mail, etc. and nobody expected it to come with an optical drive, ethernet, etc. It was very obvious that Apple tried too hard to convince the audience why they would not need an optical drive and that was disappointing. Didn't FOX's CEO say that DVD's will be around for a while due to Blu-ray's consumer demand? Are we not waiting for Mac's to come out with Blu-Ray in them? So why say that we don't need them. When I see that a laptop can hold at least 1TB of info in them, and for me to have access to any program via online, then maybe I'll consider buying a laptop without an optical drive.
Ultra-portable they say. Well, Apple should've completed the ultra-portable by including 3g technology in it, don't you think? Going back to my point, if Apple would've introduced "The Machine of the Future" ALONE with 3g included there would be no doubt on its future and success.
Just to make my self clear, I love the MBA just not its introduction and price.
1799.00 without the SSD, is just another computer, but smaller.
I agree with most of what the OP has said.
Given that most software is distributed on optical media I regard the loss of the optical drive as an indication that this is intended as a second computer rather than that optical media is out-dated (the loss of the floppy from the iMac was due to the fact it was already obsolete, and whereas Apple suggested at the time that internet storage would take it's place, to a large extent CD-R and later DVD-R fell into it's place). Just like it might be speculated that optical media might be replaced by software downloads, the reality is that for the foreseeable future optical media is here to stay, and the MacBook Air will require the external drive for anyone who doesn't already own another computer.
While the MacBook Pro is used by many as their main computer, the MacBook Air is clearly stepping into an age where it will be common for people to own both a desktop and a notebook computer. Just like families used to own 1 car and now often own at least 2, so too are computers going that way.
I do think that the MacBook Air is overpriced though. For something that is slower and has less functionality than the original MacBook, people are really going to be paying quite a premium for something that's thinner and lighter.
Given that most software is distributed on optical media I regard the loss of the optical drive as an indication that this is intended as a second computer rather than that optical media is out-dated (the loss of the floppy from the iMac was due to the fact it was already obsolete, and whereas Apple suggested at the time that internet storage would take it's place, to a large extent CD-R and later DVD-R fell into it's place). Just like it might be speculated that optical media might be replaced by software downloads, the reality is that for the foreseeable future optical media is here to stay, and the MacBook Air will require the external drive for anyone who doesn't already own another computer.
While the MacBook Pro is used by many as their main computer, the MacBook Air is clearly stepping into an age where it will be common for people to own both a desktop and a notebook computer. Just like families used to own 1 car and now often own at least 2, so too are computers going that way.
I do think that the MacBook Air is overpriced though. For something that is slower and has less functionality than the original MacBook, people are really going to be paying quite a premium for something that's thinner and lighter.
While these are good points, herr_neumann, as much as I'd like my IT dept look at Apple products, it ain't going to happen anytime soon.
IT depts have enough troubles supporting one OS, let alone two....
so, unless
A) Your entire company were to switch over to OSX, so that there's only one OS (OSX..)
or
B) Your company is willing to install BootCamp or VMWare or Parallels Desktop and run XP that way along with OSX
you're not going make much headway on this.
Also, for large companies, the costs of getting seat licenses for apps on OSX instead of Windows would be enormous.
So, while this is a great concept, unfortunately, it will be very difficult to implement, unless it's done for just a small subset of users in an organization. But even that is difficult, as IT would still be supporting another OS....
Humor
This is a great, well-reasoned forum post (the initial post); it's title, however, and some of the replies, have prompted me to (try and) write some tech-related humor:
The Real Reason for the MacBook Air
This is a great, well-reasoned forum post (the initial post); it's title, however, and some of the replies, have prompted me to (try and) write some tech-related humor:
The Real Reason for the MacBook Air
Alright post, but I think you are not actually getting why apple released the MBA. They dont simply release a product because they can. They do it to capture parts of the market. They started with personal desktop computers, and are now at music and phones.
This new laptop is meant to capture a different side of the market, people who need ultra portable.
I am still against this laptop. I think it is a good concept, but at the price they are offering it at, it's ridiculous (the base, as well as the SSD). I think one of the reasons it will sell so well is just because it is a "Macbook". I feel this MBA should have been the model below the Macbook, even if it was just $25 below it, then it would appeal to more budget minded students as well as business folks. Really, for what it is offering (size, weight, style, a few decent features), for the price its currently at, it doesn't equal a great value.
Great quote. And so true! Yours?
MBA is 'redux to the max'. It has everything that is essential in a ‘large’ enough quantity, it has nothing that it could do without, and nothing ‘larger’ or ‘smaller’ than what would be essential. A study in ‘economy of force’.
In my opinion, the MBA is therefore a very balanced design of what it is - a ultra compact, ultra light notebook-, independent of its exterior design which I regard a piece of art. I already ordered mine.
MN
Nobody gets it - apart from you? Thanks Einstein
The OP has some good points that were dotted around in amongst the insufferable smugness. To say that everyone else doesn't get it is dumb. And to say that Apple weren't intent on producing a 'great' laptop is equally inept. Of course they were, and they also wanted to push technology forward and remain ahead of the field.
To say that it's designed for women is also simply an opinion. My girlfriend offered me an alternative to your amazing theory; she doesn't want one because however nice it might be (and who really knows until they've seen one up close?) its lack of optical drive strikes her (and me) as dumb, because it wouldn't work as an only computer - you'd need a second, and environmentally and financially this doesn't make sense for many. It's also a step down in speed, doesn't have firewire and looks flimsy. The lack of an easy way to change a battery is just more style over substance or rationality.
Also, the idea that it could fit in an envelope is retarded - why would anyone wish to put one in an envelope?
I envisage that it won't be a great success, but it may lead to more interesting times down the line.
The OP has some good points that were dotted around in amongst the insufferable smugness. To say that everyone else doesn't get it is dumb. And to say that Apple weren't intent on producing a 'great' laptop is equally inept. Of course they were, and they also wanted to push technology forward and remain ahead of the field.
To say that it's designed for women is also simply an opinion. My girlfriend offered me an alternative to your amazing theory; she doesn't want one because however nice it might be (and who really knows until they've seen one up close?) its lack of optical drive strikes her (and me) as dumb, because it wouldn't work as an only computer - you'd need a second, and environmentally and financially this doesn't make sense for many. It's also a step down in speed, doesn't have firewire and looks flimsy. The lack of an easy way to change a battery is just more style over substance or rationality.
Also, the idea that it could fit in an envelope is retarded - why would anyone wish to put one in an envelope?
I envisage that it won't be a great success, but it may lead to more interesting times down the line.
If I may add apple removed the floppy disk drives from their computers before anyone else and now it is an industry standard to point and laugh at a computer with one.
Too big in my opinion
What irks me about the MBA is that it's too big. IMO, as others have stated, a 13" screen with quite a bit of bezel space and even more extra space on each side of the keyboard makes it look like a super-thin MacBook. It's a bit too large to be considered an ultra-portable.
A 12" widescreen would have changed my opinion and put it into the ultra-portable category. Steve Jobs claims in his keynote that a 12" screen would compromise on the display quality and a crammed keyboard. Bull. Maybe he should look back in time and check out the 12" iBook/Powerbook. They have full size keyboards. The 12" displays I've seen on other ultra-portables look fine.
What the MBA did was sacrifice footprint for thickness. I would rather have a slightly thicker notebook and a smaller footprint (assuming the same weight). People can see the size difference more than the thickness because they are not going to glance at it from the side - it's usually from the front. I bet people who walk by it will mistake it for an aluminum MacBook than a MBA. A quick glance at a 12" and 13" screen DOES make a difference, but most people are not going to notice 0.3 inches (or less) thickness.
I highly doubt this will sell well in Asia and Japan. They like their ultra-portables small and light - NOT big and light. A 12" MBA would have fit this.
I think the "fits manila envelope" is ridiculous too. Contrary to an earlier posting, the MB/MBA is bigger than a letter size sheet of paper. If anything, the MBA would dinged up and the paper would be in better shape if both were stuffed in a manila envelope. However, a 12" MBA would just fit a sheet of letter size paper.
The removal of the floppy drive in the iMac argument to defend the optical drive removal is getting old. It was not surprising at the time when you consider CD-R/RWs at that point were less than $1 each (IIRC, they could be found on sale for 25-50 cents each). Floppies were almost free. There was virtually no price difference anymore, and CDs could store much more, so it was inevitable. Today, a DVD (25 cents) is much less expensive than a 4GB flash drive ($25) - that's 10 times the cost! Optical storage is here to stay for a while, but I can see why it was removed from the MBA to achieve it's thinness (not it's weight though!).
Anyway, people who need a light thin MacBook now are going to buy it, which is fine. It's a good first step into this niche market, and it's got some unique features that I do hope to see in the MB and MBPs. I just hope Apple will update their MacBook soon because it's starting to look REALLY old and heavy.
What irks me about the MBA is that it's too big. IMO, as others have stated, a 13" screen with quite a bit of bezel space and even more extra space on each side of the keyboard makes it look like a super-thin MacBook. It's a bit too large to be considered an ultra-portable.
A 12" widescreen would have changed my opinion and put it into the ultra-portable category. Steve Jobs claims in his keynote that a 12" screen would compromise on the display quality and a crammed keyboard. Bull. Maybe he should look back in time and check out the 12" iBook/Powerbook. They have full size keyboards. The 12" displays I've seen on other ultra-portables look fine.
What the MBA did was sacrifice footprint for thickness. I would rather have a slightly thicker notebook and a smaller footprint (assuming the same weight). People can see the size difference more than the thickness because they are not going to glance at it from the side - it's usually from the front. I bet people who walk by it will mistake it for an aluminum MacBook than a MBA. A quick glance at a 12" and 13" screen DOES make a difference, but most people are not going to notice 0.3 inches (or less) thickness.
I highly doubt this will sell well in Asia and Japan. They like their ultra-portables small and light - NOT big and light. A 12" MBA would have fit this.
I think the "fits manila envelope" is ridiculous too. Contrary to an earlier posting, the MB/MBA is bigger than a letter size sheet of paper. If anything, the MBA would dinged up and the paper would be in better shape if both were stuffed in a manila envelope. However, a 12" MBA would just fit a sheet of letter size paper.
The removal of the floppy drive in the iMac argument to defend the optical drive removal is getting old. It was not surprising at the time when you consider CD-R/RWs at that point were less than $1 each (IIRC, they could be found on sale for 25-50 cents each). Floppies were almost free. There was virtually no price difference anymore, and CDs could store much more, so it was inevitable. Today, a DVD (25 cents) is much less expensive than a 4GB flash drive ($25) - that's 10 times the cost! Optical storage is here to stay for a while, but I can see why it was removed from the MBA to achieve it's thinness (not it's weight though!).
Anyway, people who need a light thin MacBook now are going to buy it, which is fine. It's a good first step into this niche market, and it's got some unique features that I do hope to see in the MB and MBPs. I just hope Apple will update their MacBook soon because it's starting to look REALLY old and heavy.
I like the Lamborghini Murciélago but not the introduction and price.
Where else can you get one for less? Do tell.
One flaw in your argument....
But, the Imac didn't have a CD-R drive - CD-R wasn't introduced in the Imac until about 2 1/2 years later, in the Flower Power/Blue Dalmation models in Feb 2001. (see iMac SE (early 2001))
But, the Imac didn't have a CD-R drive - CD-R wasn't introduced in the Imac until about 2 1/2 years later, in the Flower Power/Blue Dalmation models in Feb 2001. (see iMac SE (early 2001))