What exactly is the MBA's target demographic???

[mashoutposse]

For students, you can use a $20 hub and plug whatever you want to the thing. "Struggle?" There will be no difference. Actually, there will be one: You won't have to plug and unplug three to four separate devices every time you sit at or get up from your desk.

And the great thing is that when you DO leave your desk with your MacBook Air, you get to enjoy the best possible form factor. Check the short video on the lower right comparing the MB Pro to the Air -- everything you need to know about why this makes sense is contained within those short 6 seconds:

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...es_new_macbook_air_with_photos_and_video.html

 

[dukebound85]

you cant tell me students are a main market for this as a PRIMARY COMPUTER and be serious just for the price aspect alone for a "crippled" computer

on the go executives sure....students no. i dont know what students you know, but i feel that me being one and interacting with alot of other students as well, i cant really think of many students who have more than one computer

sure i guess paying 700 more so i can unplug one cord as opposed to 2 is well worth it. what was i thinking

despite what you believe optical media is not out of date and is needed for school more than you may realize

so why would a student, looking to get a primary computer pay more to sacrifice possibly needed features. that is my question. i can understand those who say have a imac or so get one a lil better but not one looking to get a primary machine

 

[Catch]

everything you need to know about why this makes sense is contained within those short 6 seconds:

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...es_new_macbook_air_with_photos_and_video.html

C

 

[Datagears]

I am a adult student and this fit exactly what i am looking for.

I have a powerful Mac desktop and powerful PC for that matter. I wanted a lightweight durable laptop to tunnel to my main desktops and to give me a way to surf the web, run non gaming apps away from home between classes. I have no Mac laptop so this was a good choice for me. Currently I live off my iphone for some of that this will be a great extension of that. I just happen to be in the market for a notebook and was days away purchasing a MB when the air was announced, so i am ecstatic.

So it fits a niche and in the end fills a hole they had in their notebook line.

 

[Mossdaddy]

Sorry, probably not only the rich

rich people with lots of disposable money to spend and who know nothing about computers or value

I'm buying one to complement my iMac. I do a lot of photography, and like to have a small laptop to down load and view photos when I'm away from home. This will fit the bill nicely, when adding weight to a backpack with a camera body, lenses, flash and tripod.

I agree this would not be a main computer for many. But it will replace my aging vaio quite nicely.

 

[diehldun]

(Of course, this depends on each specific school), there are a lot of students here who are economically fortunate enough to buy whatever is perceived as "cool" or "popular", much like a coveted status symbol. I can think of 10 people I know of personally/informally who definitely plan to purchase a MBA once it arrives in our bookstore. I ask them why: "it's cool". I would probably get the same response if I asked why they got an iPhone (which are ubiquitous here on campus).

That answer might sound terrible, but I think taken in context, it's a relatively reasonable answer, at least demographically. Myself, I'm smitten by its looks too, and though I initially dismissed the MBA as pointless and counterintuitive for a student, I'm slowly changing my mind. I know I'm not the only student who uses a USB router (then I could use the ethernet-USB dongle); myself I use an iCurve/BT keyboard & mouse setup. And to be honest, had I not purchased this MBP in October, I am now confident I would purchase a MBA as soon as it is avaliable. And honesly, for it's looks, weight-portability, and that I would otherwise be using right now a 4 year old PowerBook.

In all seriousness, there is no denying the MBA's sexy and lustful curb-appeal (no pun intended!).

 

[SheriffParker]

you cant tell me students are a main market for this as a PRIMARY COMPUTER and be serious just for the price aspect alone for a "crippled" computer

on the go executives sure....students no. i dont know what students you know, but i feel that me being one and interacting with alot of other students as well, i cant really think of many students who have more than one computer

...

so why would a student, looking to get a primary computer pay more to sacrifice possibly needed features. that is my question. i can understand those who say have a imac or so get one a lil better but not one looking to get a primary machine

The same reason most students don't shop for clothes at goodwill or the salvation army. "Why pay $300 for that jacket when you can get one at Walmart for $19!?!?" Its portable. Its part of your image. People spend money on their image.

 

[dukebound85]

The same reason most students don't shop for clothes at goodwill or the salvation army. "Why pay $300 for that jacket when you can get one at Walmart for $19!?!?" Its portable. Its part of your image. People spend money on their image.

if you cant see my point on how the mba is not in the market for students im sorry

you comparison makes no sense whatsoever. i am talking about functionality that a computer offers. being a student, it is hard enough to have a machine last all 4 years of school. why make it harder by giving up some features you will probably need.....unless you are rich that is

last i checked, students dont go to school because of an image, they go to get WORK done and graduate. the mba is a secondary computer and anyone who argues its purpose is to be a primary computer for students or most of the general public is crazy

 

[HLdan]

I just bought the fully loaded MBA, so I guess I am in the demo:

-- Entrepreneur
-- Travel to Asia from USA once a month
-- Generally fly business or first so I will have a plug to keep it charged
-- Own 17" which I may bring on some trips when I need pro power, lots of pixels, need to swap batteries, etc.
-- Own iMac at home
-- Not rich.

For me, I find times when I want to go as light as possible. The Air is a great compromise; (I wouldn't want a cramped keyboard or 10" screen.)

Not rich? could've fooled me Mr. Bragger.

 

[SheriffParker]

if you cant see my point on how the mba is not in the market for students im sorry

you comparison makes no sense whatsoever. i am talking about functionality that a computer offers. being a student, it is hard enough to have a machine last all 4 years of school. why make it harder by giving up some features you will probably need.....unless you are rich that is

last i checked, students dont go to school because of an image, they go to get WORK done and graduate. the mba is a secondary computer and anyone who argues its purpose is to be a primary computer for students or most of the general public is crazy

Well if the MBA does all they need to do... write papers, check email... web research etc. Why shouldn't they get an attractive computer?

And I never said people go to school in order to have an image, I merely was pointing out that its very common for people to spend more money on something that isn't totally functional. $1000 designer handbags, sunglasses, shoes, etc. So you can't ignore that either.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

if you read my post and the ones preceeding it, we are talking about for STUDENTS. i realize you may have a need for it but im talking about student needs ok

Yes, I am talking about student needs. I'm a student at UCSD, and I work at the UCSD Bookstore's computer department.

The MBA is sufficient as a primary machine for most people, despite its higher cost. Not everyone needs 2.2 GHz, more than 2 GB of RAM, a discrete video card, and a plethora of ports.

 

[heatmiser]

Yes, I am talking about student needs. I'm a student at UCSD, and I work at the UCSD Bookstore's computer department.

The MBA is sufficient as a primary machine for most people, despite its higher cost. Not everyone needs 2.2 GHz, more than 2 GB of RAM, a discrete video card, and a plethora of ports.

Could it be a primary computer? Sure. But most students looking for an Apple laptop would pick the Macbook or the Pro over the Air.

 

[dukebound85]

Yes, I am talking about student needs. I'm a student at UCSD, and I work at the UCSD Bookstore's computer department.

The MBA is sufficient as a primary machine for most people, despite its higher cost. Not everyone needs 2.2 GHz, more than 2 GB of RAM, a discrete video card, and a plethora of ports.

so why pay more to be underpowered

primary machine for most people haha right. most people want an optical drive remember? if a cheaper model has one, why get the mba. again we are talking about most people like you just asserted....

by your logic, a g3 imac is adequate for most people....if all they do is surf the web and check email. but lets say it costs 2k, wow what a deal lol. even if its powerful enough doesnt mean its a smart choice...

Could it be a primary computer? Sure. But most students looking for an Apple laptop would pick the Macbook or the Pro over the Air.

i agree and want to add that should it be a primary computer...absolutely not

 

[clevin]

I am a adult student and this fit exactly what i am looking for.

I have a powerful Mac desktop
and powerful PC for that matter.
Currently I live off my iphone for some of that this will be a great extension of that.
I just happen to be in the market for a notebook and was days away purchasing a MB when the air was announced, so i am ecstatic.

So it fits a niche and in the end fills a hole they had in their notebook line.

still, we didn't miss anything when we suggested that you (normaly) have to be rich to buy MBA.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

so why pay more to be underpowered

primary machine for most people haha right. most people want an optical drive remember? if a cheaper model has one, why get the mba. again we are talking about most people like you just asserted....

by your logic, a g3 imac is adequate for most people....if all they do is surf the web and check email. but lets say it costs 2k, wow what a deal lol. even if its powerful enough doesnt mean its a smart choice...

There's a big difference between a 466 MHz processor and a 1.6 GHz processor.

Do most people really want an internal optical drive? There are at least 40 people willing to use an external drive it means portability. Underpowered? Does everyone need that much processing power? Most people don't. The sheer size of the MBA is obviously worth the price premium for the 40 people that have pre-ordered an MBA. It may not seem like a smart choice to YOU, but to others, it apparently seems like the right choice.

The MBA is a machine that, given my usage, could function as my primary machine, and there are going to be people that have that same sentiments. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean you should go bashing them.

 

[clevin]

There's a big difference between a 466 MHz processor and a 1.6 GHz processor.

Do most people really want an internal optical drive? There are at least 40 people willing to use an external drive it means portability. Underpowered? Does everyone need that much processing power? Most people don't. The sheer size of the MBA is obviously worth the price premium for the 40 people that have pre-ordered an MBA. It may not seem like a smart choice to YOU, but to others, it apparently seems like the right choice.

The MBA is a machine that, given my usage, could function as my primary machine, and there are going to be people that have that same sentiments. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean you should go bashing them.

well, 40... is a... may I say "unimpressed" number? and really, 40 (here at MR.) can not statistically tell us anything.

Also, right choice for certain type of ppl is hardly a "smart choice". I take "smart" means best value for the $$$. Can you tell what that "right choice" means?

 

[diabolic]

I take "smart" means best value for the $$$. Can you tell what that "right choice" means?

Best value is relative. For some people, boosting their image with the newest gadget isn't just an ego thing. As hard as it might be to believe, it can be a sound business decision.

 

[clevin]

Best value is relative. For some people, boosting their image with the newest gadget isn't just an ego thing. As hard as it might be to believe, it can be a sound business decision.

Well, I can imagine that. And Im sure they are exactly what apple is targeting at... That takes us back to the original question. which is GOOD.

 

[mashoutposse]

so why pay more to be underpowered

You pay more for an "underpowered" laptop versus a higher performance, cheaper desktop.

In computing, there has ALWAYS been a premium on increased portability. The MBA is no different -- actually, the premium is much less in comparison to that demanded by other vendors.

The Air makes sense for the average student (that can afford a $1700 laptop) because the computer can be a full featured primary computer at your desk and a streamlined, thin and light on the go, and one that makes absolutely no compromises on the screen or keyboard. It's that simple.

Now, an argument can be made that many students won't be able to afford this. That's fine, the MacBook is still an excellent choice. But, as Ferris Bueller said, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

 

[dukebound85]

Do most people really want an internal optical drive?

yes. to rip cd's to play dvds, to install software. i would bet most people "really" want an internal optical drive for their primary machine. people love to buy add ons to get it to work right....not. i mean you would spend close to 1000 MORE than a mb. again we are talking about most people. not the mba target market lol.

There are at least 40 people willing to use an external drive it means portability. Underpowered? Does everyone need that much processing power? Most people don't.

We are talking about most people once again like YOU brought up. this is ridiculous how you would recommend this to once again most people....

Why recommend less power but will cost you a lot more for "most" people. maybe the target market sure lol who would benefit from the size reduction

The sheer size of the MBA is obviously worth the price premium for the 40 people that have pre-ordered an MBA. It may not seem like a smart choice to YOU, but to others, it apparently seems like the right choice.

yea these people are the target market. not the family who are getting a primary computer i would bet

The MBA is a machine that, given my usage, could function as my primary machine, and there are going to be people that have that same sentiments. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean you should go bashing them.

That's right, it could. but it doesnt mean it SHOULD for most people (once again i said most like YOU brought up). the target market is for those who want a companion computer when away from main machine lol. EVEN IN THIS CASE, a mb and mbp would suffice for" most" people. Its the people that really want one for no real reason other than it's cool or would truly benefit from the size and weight that would get the mba

you logic is like reccomending a Rolls Royce/ Ferrari whatever because you COULD use it as a main car. Should you use it as your daily driver? not a chance in hell

im not bashing, just trying to PREVENT you from reccomending this machine as a primary computer for most people. most people on these forums would agree i bet hands down besides you apparently

not everyone is made of cash so cost and features/cost are a concern to many. those that DO have the cash probably have a computer before they get the mba

 

[tibi08]

i would bet most people "really" want an internal optical drive for their primary machine. people love to buy add ons to get it to work right....not.

Don't agree. I have a 15" MBP and and increasingly thinking I would like to trade it in for a MBA as my primary computer. I can barely remember the last time I used the DVD drive, perhaps to burn an audio CD for the car. I would love to have a lighter MBA so I can carry my Mac round the house more easily (and use it on the toilet). If I want to burn a CD or DVD, I will likely be at home and can plug the external drive in.

I leave my Mac sitting by the sofa and it's a bit of a strain to pick up with one hand. A MBA would be much easier. Plus, every time my MBP wakes up from sleep the DVD drive spins to check if a DVD is inserted. It's noisy and pointless and there's no way to stop it.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

yes. to rip cd's to play dvds, to install software. i would bet most people "really" want an internal optical drive for their primary machine. people love to buy add ons to get it to work right....not. i mean you would spend close to 1000 MORE than a mb. again we are talking about most people. not the mba target market lol.



We are talking about most people once again like YOU brought up. this is ridiculous how you would recommend this to once again most people....

Why recommend less power but will cost you a lot more for "most" people. maybe the target market sure lol who would benefit from the size reduction



yea these people are the target market. not the family who are getting a primary computer i would bet



That's right, it could. but it doesnt mean it SHOULD for most people (once again i said most like YOU brought up). the target market is for those who want a companion computer when away from main machine lol. EVEN IN THIS CASE, a mb and mbp would suffice for" most" people. Its the people that really want one for no real reason other than it's cool or would truly benefit from the size and weight that would get the mba

you logic is like reccomending a Rolls Royce/ Ferrari whatever because you COULD use it as a main car. Should you use it as your daily driver? not a chance in hell

im not bashing, just trying to PREVENT you from reccomending this machine as a primary computer for most people. most people on these forums would agree i bet hands down besides you apparently

not everyone is made of cash so cost and features/cost are a concern to many. those that DO have the cash probably have a computer before they get the mba

I don't recommend this machine as a primary machine. I'm simply stating that for me, the MBA can function as my primary machine and if it can work for me, it can work for others that use their computers for less tasks than I do. When people come in and ask about the MBA, my coworkers and I dish out the full list of disclaimers in regards to what the MBA lacks. However, plenty of people are willing to make that sacrifice. None of your analogies make any sense, either. Buying the MBA as opposed to the MB is more akin to buying a Mini as opposed to a Corolla. It costs more and has slightly less functionality, but, for some people, it can function as a person's primary car. Your statements make absolutely no sense at all.

 

[Freyqq]

students? surely you cant be serious

being in college myself, there is no way the mba would prove wise compared to the mb or mbp at the price

yeah

MBA is a secondary computer. Its just not designed to be a primary computer..so you couldn't really have it in a college setting..assuming you have only one computer. Instead, they target it at people who have a desktop and need portability..but ultimately use their desktop for real work. Honestly, if all you're doing is light stuff on the road..you don't need a $1700 computer. I don't see how a 2 lbs heavier macbook is so much less portable. Heck, I take my MBP 15" to class and take notes with no problems on those small lecture hall desks.

The MBA is "cool" but i don't see students buying it. Prob more the executive/professional crowd that have a desktop in the office but need to meet clients and want to look as "hip" and "cool" as possible with their shiny new 3 lbs computer. One thing about the professional world is that appearances and first impressions are far more important than you might think.

 

[BOSS10L]

I would love to have a lighter MBA so I can carry my Mac round the house more easily (and use it on the toilet).

Mr. Jobs is missing out on a golden opportunity (pun intended) for advertising to another demographic! I can just see the commercial now...

<Fade in>
Mac: "Hello, I'm a Mac."
PC: "And I'm a PC."

Mac: "What's wrong PC, you look kind of down..."
PC: "Well Mac, I was taking a dump yesterday, wishing I could check my stock portfolio. With investor fears in the crapper (again, pun intended), I need to stay on top of things."
Mac: "Well, if you have a Macbook Air, that wouldn't be a problem! It's so thin and light! Besides, didn't I warn you not to get into the sub-prime lending market?"

<Fade to Apple logo...>



FWIW, wouldn't a nice PDA or iPod Touch do the same thing? One could purchase a MB & Touch for less than an MBA.

 

[TechHistorian]

I think for MBA, its MORE than what you NEED. for all the functions you mentioned, You can do it with ASUS EEE, with cheap price and even less weight.

Its more than what you NEED.

Oh, please! Drop the anti-Apple schtick. It's wearing thin. If you cannot or do not understand why an ASUS EEE is a crippled machine for students, writers, professionals, and anyone else who does more than type a few lines at a time to post to web site, than be quiet.

I, and anybody else who writes a great deal with their computers, would much prefer the larger screen and better keyboard of the MBA over an EEE. I can envision writing a manuscript on an MBA. Anybody who tries to do the same on an EEE is either a masochist or incompetent. Just try taking 75 minutes' worth of notes from a lecture on an EEE. It can't even do that well. And forget about editing a PowerPoint presentation on the fly with the thing. Yes, it can be done. But why would you even bother when more capable tools are available?

Those who write for a living need a decent screen and keyboard. Everything else is negotiable. Some will prefer the lightness of the MBA; others will prefer the ports, speed, and graphics of the MB/MBP. But in neither case will the EEE suffice.

If cost is all that matters (and your constant harping on price seems to indicate this), pencil/pen and paper are immensely cheaper. No hard disk failures, no compatibility issues, and much, much lighter than even an EEE.

But for those of us who are professionals, the MBA is a decent option. Remember, business tax deductions help lessen the total cost of the MBA. For those used to buying computers as a hobby, yeah, the MBA is expensive. For businesses, institutions, and those who are self-employed, the MBA is a viable alternative for anyone who needs to work with Office and its competitors.

I don't think many undergrads will flock to the MBA, especially since gaming on it is limited at best. But for grad students in the humanities who aren't into digital media, the MBA offers a nice compromise between power and portability. Personally, I prefer my MBP since I don't fly all that much and I don't have to walk far to reach the archives and libraries I access currently. But were I traveling extensively for research at the moment, I might be inclined toward the MBA -- especially if I were back in Britain as the PRO in Kew is a bit of a hike from the Underground.