@Gumby31: You all know I am not a windows guy. Put OS X on both machines, and you have a very good fight. And the SZ would win for me because of insane battery life and 3G.

Brian Lam

It isn't a meant to be a main machine, and isn't meant for heavy production work or business use. But maybe, and I could be wrong, this machine isn't targeted at major road warrior geeks but the average light computer user who wants something to bring around with them casually. In that way, it may be more successful than any subnotebook in grabbing consumers. We'll have to wait and see.

Brian Lam

I will take the TZ any day. From the first time I saw it, I could hardly contain myself (homage to Stimpy). The Air does not make me feel that way and the optical drive is a must.

Gumby31

Could use another USB port too. What if i wanna hook up my iPod and my USB fridge at the same time?

Nintenboy01

@Zadillo: Great points. These are tradeoffs. It's like the SZ has an amazing bullet point list of features, but that doesn't measure the benefit to the screen or keyboard's size. On the other hand, what does thinness do for any of us when we're using a laptop? And that lack of 3G is really annoying to me.

Brian Lam

The air is a toy. Those that can afford it will enjoy it, but it will never replace any kind of...purposeful item.

Thunder_Child

@regnez:

I don't know that I'd look at the price alone as determining that it should function as your only machine. You could apply that same reasoning to the TZ, and there's plenty of reasons a TZ is also more of a companion "on-the-go" machine than something someone would depend on as their sole laptop.

Regarding the lack of optical drive, I don't think this has really hurt the ThinkPad X61.

Zadillo

Looking at his comments about thinness sacrificing usability, I still can't help but think this can apply to the TZ, which at least for some people does sacrifice usability with its especially small keyboard and screen; personally I've always found the SZ to be considerably more usable. The TZ certainly has its place in Sony's product line, and the important thing for them of course is that they offer both the TZ and the SZ. But it really does strike me as odd to identify thinness as the primary cause of sacrificing usability more than the TZ's smaller keyboard and screen compared to something like the SZ (or the MacBook Air).

Zadillo

I have to agree with Sony here. Too many compromises were made in getting the Air to be so thin, and as a result you end up with a computer whose market is difficult to pinpoint.

For $1800, you would expect the air to function as your only machine, should need be, but it is just not capable of filling that role.

regnez

This isn't new.
Let's just go back in time for a moment... remember having really small desktops that you could carry anywhere... but for that you'd have to sacrifice external Sound Card and 3D Graphics card for integrated (and shitty) ones?

This is very close. I'm shure there are people out there that will buy Macbook Air and love it. Much in the same way some people bought Asus Eee PC and loved it.

It all depends on how you're gonna use it. Both of them are useless and a waste of money for me, personally.

I don't think Air is a bad move from Apple... there are lots of people who buy Apple stuff for it's looks and because it's practical.

You know, people who don't do much other than checking e-mails, browsing, and some other basic stuff.
The Air will be plenty satisfying to those.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

I run a small video production company and also serve on on the City Council in my hometown. I was all set to get a new, decked-out MacBook Pro, but with the release of the MacBook Air I am seriously reconsidering that. I'm now considering getting a MacBook Air for taking notes in business and City Council meetings, email, instant messenger, internet, and light video editing, and then also getting an iMac for my desk at the office.

For my specific situation, the MacBook Air and iMac model might work better than simply getting a MacBook Pro. I am going to wait a couple of weeks, however, in an attempt to reduce the I-want-the-newest-coolest-thing bias.

Andrew B

Is 1.6 ghz really all that slow? And is the ssd significantly faster than the standard hdd?

Brandonn

Why is the remote drive sharing such a big deal? I've been doing it for years with my Mame cabinet so I can install things from CD without having to open the thing up (it's running XP btw)

recklessinoz

@Nintenboy01: If you need another USB port might I point you in the direction of the local tech retailer to look for a USB hub? :-)

tundraboy

I think what most people are forgetting is that this machine isn't replacing anything. Its giving another option so that people have more choices and apple has a presence in the sub-notebook market, and the sexiest model at that. The pro is there for the ones who don't feel the air is right for them but have that kind of budget.

In other words, if none of you value thinness over functionality, as most of you seem to infer, the MBP wins over the Sony hands down.

bigfatduck

I really think that Apple got the Air right. Thinness *is* the holy grail, but shrinking footprint costs usability. The x505 is gorgeous, but was a small footprint machine, therefore the usability sucked. The Air presents the same surface to me as my highly usable MacBook, but with much less weight and volume. To me, that's a win, and I'm thinking very hard about buying one.

Zandr

The macbook pro needed 3g 2 years ago. every other major brand name offers it. also the macbook air needs a wired LAN connection. dropping the ODD makes sence. Manufacturers have been doing it for ever. Apple just needs to come out with some sort of dock or port replicator so people can still have an ODD.

j4sk868

Also, you have to hold it and use it first to really understand its allure.

Brian Lam

The problem is whether to go with the heart or with the head... For the average Gizmodo-reading geek, this is easy because they're both the same thing. Even when a geek talks about the desirability of the MBA, they quote weights and measurements.

I was hoping they'd release a 13" MacBook Pro, but not because I needed any extra power (I have a Macbook at the moment), but because there is something special about the design and about the materials they're made from that makes it a nicer object to own.

That's what the MBA is about. You can compare it to the TZ all you want but the MBA will always be desirable, while the TZ is just a spec list crammed into a small box.

(That being said, that X505 is a thing of beauty. If I'd had the money when it launched, I'd have gone over to the dark side and bought a Windows machine without looking back)

scuba_steve

I think this is a computer for the rich. it would nicely complement my pc or mac desktop as something I could surf the net on the couch with. I dont have a car(living in tokyo) but carry a lot of shit around. having a nice lite notebook that complemented my home computer would be nice but until I can afford it I will just lug my regular MacBook around.

it isnt a mass appeal product like the ipods and macbooks. it will suite some people perfectly and it is a beautiful laptop so this is another mac success in my opinion.

TT

@mferrari: I will probably get it and just use it the way I use my 12 inch powerbook.

Brian Lam

Simply

wait

for

the

vaio

and

eee

updates

coming

very

soon.

distantbody

I have never heard of an actual human buyer of laptops making a decision based on competing products' thickness. A remarkably thin laptop makes for exciting copy, but unless there are people out there dying to put their computers into manila envelopes, thinness doesn't benefit the end user terribly much.

Jobs said during the keynote that he thought the TZ's weight (3 pounds) was a "good weight." Apparently that is code for "we couldn't beat 'em on that metric, so, uh, look deep into my eyes... you are getting sleepy... you care passionately about thinness..."

tootingbec

As I have mentioned in other posts, I really don't think a market exists for a device like the MBA. I really think Apple is going to take a hit on this. Investor confidence doesn't appear to be too high either as Apple's stock has fallen roughly 11% since close on Monday.

Johnny Chimpo

I think we can all agree that some people will buy it for looks and some people will just buy it. In the end people are going to buy it anyways.

CarbonatedWater

@Brian Lam: I agree, but that's why they make $400 laptops. For $1800, it better come with a happy ending.

I was actually looking forward to this lappy, but the lack of an optical drive is a complete deal breaker. I've already been down that road with my 7 year old sony z505 (which still runs 24/7 to this day). It's just too much of a pain.

pj_the_jackass

I love the SZ line of Vaio notebooks - but the only thing Apple has over them is price - A fully spec'd SZ is over $3k which puts it far out of reach of most consumers...

If a comparably spec'd SZ came out to compete with the Air (Same CPU, Ram, though of course bigger hdd and dvd) at a similar price point - I think the sheer value of the Sony would beat out the Air's only competing factor - thinness.

I have an older S-series Vaio - and I still think it's the perfect size.

Ph30nix

Damn you write a clean article Lam. as stated before in a blog amidst the flame war..the X505 was a sexy sexy machine but did not deliver the juice that consumers wanted at the price it was being sold for. I agree 100% with both the statement that Sony is 4 years ahead of Apple in knowing what the consumer wants AND with Apple's defense of a wireless and no optical drive ultra thin making more sense now than it did 4 years ago.

Some day we will be rid of hard media and everything will be done via download (I shed a small tear for Blu Ray's future here)that day just is not going to happen in 2008.

PS: even 4 years prior to the Air's release the X505 is a way sexier machine IMO

Lavallee017

If someone offered me the Air for free, I'd probably crap my pants. On the other hand, dropping 1800 for it, I would want it to be my one and only computer. Not just laptop. I think something like this is aimed at Sarah Jessica Parker (sex and the city) type people. Don't really do anything "important" with their computer, but always want to look stylish and meander around acting like they are working.

yardameus

@Brian Lam: I agree totally it is a decent machine for someone who doesn't want to do much w/ it. It is being marketed as an ultraportable. Even if you think it is too big to be an ultraportable, it is what apple wants it to be. This isn't a macbook pro. But it is better than an eee or other ultraportable (not so much after that very large Apple-Tax)
Well nonetheless i want it and I don't care if others think it's stupid

mferrari

Honestly, put a built in 3G modem in the MacBook Air and at least at some sort of capability to have additional batteries, maybe little places to hook in an external battery into the mag safe port on the bottom and I'd be all over it.

I have a 3G cellphone on AT&T specifically for tethering to my MacBook Pro, it sucks.

I'm just baffled at why they would build the MacBook Air without a built in 3G modem, I could even most likely forgive the battery with a built in 3g modem, but come one, at least build your own external Bluetooth 3G modem that works flawlessly with OS X, that's the least you could do.

jmckee

Sony has it right here, IMO. The MBA is pretty, but that extra half-inch doesn't get you anything in practical terms. All the other ultra-portables are thin enough, and in the really important measure for ultraportables (weight) the MBA is nothing special.

Plus, with a GMA 900 graphics card, the Air is seriously hurting for any of Leopard's cool special effects. I am not surprised at all that Giz's experience with editing pictures was draggy.

Brock

to be honest, impossibly thin devices aren't my favorite either. my first mac is going to probably be an MBP, the air isn't appealing to me.

rimplestultskin

@Brian Lam:
Anything wrong with using a USB EVDO modem? It's nice to have it built in but that of all things shouldn't be a deal breaker? I've also always thought the 3G usb modems should have their own battery so there is no drain on the laptop but that is just my wishful thinking...

thechansen

@Brian Lam: If this was a convertible I would get it in an instant.

Thunder_Child

X505... New Azgard-Human hybrid design?

Sorry, been watching too much Stargate...

Guizzy

I usually fall hook line and sinker for all the stuff Stevsie trots out.

However, I don't find the MacBook Air very appealing.

You could get the lower end 24" iMac for the same money, or a MacBook for about half what it costs.

It's obviously meant to be a "secondary" computer (as you need another computer to use an optical drive share dealie) but I could not see justifying that much money for a secondary machine.

Go buy yourself a MacBook, an iPhone, and a Happy Meal and still have some left over.

arkowi

Come on Giz, admit your Mac fanboyism.

So that the Mac fanboy within me can connect.

But also so that the Windows fanboy within me dance a lap of victory over making you admit your fanboyism.

And the Linux fanboy in me simply laugh when we take over the world.

japFA

I've been waiting for Apple to release a replacement for the ever-so-popular 12" PowerBook G4, which I own. I was hoping the MacBook Air would be the one. Nope. Too many compromises to be truly useful. The Black MacBook is a much better machine for a slightly lower price. Now if Apple will just release the LED backlighting LCD and a backlit keyboard for the MacBook, it would be almost perfect. Although the base MacBook Pro 15" is probably the best deal out there.

Just the fact that Apple only offers a glossy LCD on the MacBook Air shows that they know it's a machine geared towards the consumer market (like the MacBook).

Shabbis

totally agree that this is for the design conscious. like the ipod, this product is a fashion accessory and a status symbol rather than a tool.

notatoad

I'm all for thin tech. I'll admit it. I LOVE THIN TECH. And I am well aware that there is a premium to have thin gadgets and be "awed" at when. By the way, where are the vents on the MBA?

@dcartist: Exactly. That's why the PSP couldn't get any slimmer (the 2G PSP is NOT that much slimmer compared to first gen one)

slingblade

@getz76: exactly, we need a macbook pro or non pro, air or not air, or maybe AirPro, OFMG!! i got the next generation , expect it to be announced on MacWorld2009 macbook AirPro ...
... back to subject....

we need a macbook for the couch, for the small cofee table, for the small tray at the airplane, and leave enough space for another piece of paper or a beer and a baggette aside.

thats right Jobso!! we need a small foot print macbook that allow us to have a beer, a piece of food a paper and a macbook on the same table!

Do i need to say it a third time? got it? ok we.. DO WANT!!

EL_RIEL

Processor speed is not as important. My Fujitsu T2010 has a 1.2gHz Core 2 Duo (ULV) and it runs Vista (with Aero) without a hiccup (4gb RAM installed).

I travel daily with a notebook. Thin matters, but footprint matters more. Real estate is tight (when I get stuck in coach). 12.1" seems to be the sweet-spot, with a very usable keyboard and the right footprint for a tray-table or a small table in a coffee shop. That's my experience.

getz76

@ltcmurray: If you don't already have an OS X or Windows XP computer in your house (even if you are 100% Linux you should at least have XP as a secondary boot option) then what are you doing commenting on this site at 11 PM EDT? Public libraries open that late?

thechansen

I thought the Macbook keyboard layout, which i love it, was an Apple idea.

I thought the Macbook Air was an inovation by Apple too.

Every day seems to me that Apple doesn't really create things, they just make them better. And I am cool with that. People should be cool when Microsoft does that. When they do, everybody (Mac Fanboys) calls them a copycat, but when Apple does it, its just "a fresh aproach" or something.

This notebook from Sony made 4 years ago looks almost exactly like the MacBook Air. And Now people think the MBA its absolutely incredible. Four years later!

Oh Please.

leomaia

@mart_o_rama: Well put, it's more like a dumb terminal of old than a laptop. Has a niche probably.

SchruteBuck

@dcartist: Maybe it is the owner and not the tech.

kspraydad3

"To be fair, dropping an optical in 2004 made no sense, but it makes more sense in 2008, especially with broader internet connections, bittorrent, greater storage capacity, thumbdrives, and Apple's Remote optical drive tech which works over wireless N."

great - so I need another freaking computer to make it work. gee - what a forward thinking idea. should sell more computers.

ltcmurray

It's the same problem as the PSP, only even more so...

Tech that's much sexier on the shelf, than it is to own.

dcartist

and who was the only one to make a comment about this in the macbook air post? ME.

I win.

Rob C

@dambo29:

Is your mother so tech-un-savvy so as not to be able to figure out CD ripping with the $99 external superdrive?

Or, are you going to tell me she's savvy enough to be a road warrior with the MBA, but too weak to carry around an external drive?

Dearhaw

I've said it before but Apple needs get out of San Francisco and realize that people want internet in places besides their homes and coffee houses. WiFi alone won't cut it. If they had put Xohm or even EVDO in the Air, I'd be very tempted. Without it, I'm waiting for the refreshed TZ with Xohm that is likely to show up in the next 6 months.

GusRandall

The Macbook Air lost a lot of functionality with this high priority of thinness.
Apple is the only company that can get away with such a product because their customer base and advertising is so solid.

fosho4

er... where is the trackpad on that?

that is a faaaaaaaar bigger usability issue for me than only having one USB port or lacking ethernet. unlike those 2... i actually use a trackpad every single time i use my computer.

if it has one of those GD nipple pointers... it can go half a mile, take the second right, then the first left and turn straight down to the firey core of hell.

x23

I'm the target customer for the Macbook Air. I have desktop computers in the house, but mostly use laptops on the kitchen table at every meal or whenever to browse the net or connect to my home server for pictures or music or videos. I've been using a Sharp PC-MT1-H1 for years now, it's small, lightweight and perfect for the task, although getting slow. I bought a Macbook last year, and although the screen real estate is cool, it's too big and heavy, we can't even pass this laptop across the table without pinching our fingers or ripping the table cover! I believe more and more people want to have a portable "terminal" type of laptop, no need for wired ethernet or optical drive for that.

mart_o_rama

I'm not for or against the mac - although I think the lack of replacable battery is a big negative unless they have a way of using an external battery as backup.

I also haven't heard anything about the processor in the mac air. If it is 2GHz or faster and a Core 2 processor - then the specs are impressive but if it is anything less - I won't be very impressed.

I believe the holy grail for me would be a 2-3lb laptop that has a Core 2 2+Ghz processor and build in DVD. Preferably with a 13+ Inch screen - the 11" ones usually have keyboards too small for my clumsy hands to type on.

boe

@Brian Lam: Granted it's not for geeks, but could you imagine my mom trying to rip a CD to put into her ipod WITHOUT a CD/DVD drive? Do you really think users who are not really tech savy can go ahead and do that easily? I gotta say, my mom is pretty technologically handicapped, there's no way she could figure that out. So if not for people who really need the basic stuff (surf the web, send emails, do word docs, and use itunes), then who?

dambo29

It's apparently marketed at people who don't do much but want to spend a lot. That makes no freakin' sense. Heck, an iPhone does EXACTLY what people might use the MBA for and it's WAY more portable.

The MBA will still sell because it looks "cool", but I think the general consumer will be disappointed that it costs so much and does so little. In fact, it would have been a lot cooler if they had slimmed down both the MacBook and MacBook Pro while keeping those features. That'd be something worth clapping for.

dagamer34

You can never be too rich or too thin? I have to agree with a couple of posters that the Eee makes much more sense as an ultraportable -- unless you absolutely can't live without (legal) OS/X. For that kind of money, I would want something much more powerful.

I bought an Eee for myself and for each of my two sons for much less than the cost of the Air. Heck, I also got a used gaming laptop with a 17" 1440 X 1200 screen resolution, used, on Ebay, to serve as a portable desktop replacement. None of them individually beats the Air, but the aggregate price and computing power (and lack of contention for devices), means that I'm much further ahead. Sorry, the MBA is a beutiful machine, but just doesn't make much sense to me, except for bragging rights....

Mandatory_Field

One of the biggest problems, though, which I haven't seen mentioned here, is the keyboard placement. Allll the way down the bottom, with all that wasted space near the screen. I'm sure it promotes carpal tunnel, or something, but let's all be honest that we rest our wrists below the keyboard. I have a different Sony (SR-87, or something), and it works because it's got the touchpad below the keyboard.

willentrekin

@Thataboy:
Why do people keep saying you can't use the MBA to do "any real work" or that it's "just for fun".

I'm seriously, totally going to use the MBA for: web design, writing (Office), research (Excel, SPSS), photo editing on the go (photoshop), presentations (keynote, powerpoint)...

Why does all of this not count as "real work"? What must I be doing for it to be counted as "real work"?

Padriac

"look ma I paid steve-o $1800 for a cute iPaperweight.."

I prefer desktops over laptops for the simple reason of size..If I have to use something that small,I count on it not to be as good as desktop..but with no optical?..and a hard drive that's slower then a Dell inspiron I bought 3 years ago?..
why not SATA 2.5" hard drives?

I received a PSP for Christmas a couple of years ago and I like its functionality..it's got enough power to check my email..and I use it for playing music..but I don't expect it to compete against a PS2 or PS3..but the PS2 and PS3 you can't carry in your pocket and listen to music and check your email if your in a wi-fi hotspot.

I still wouldn't buy a iproduct though..no matter how cute or translucent it is.

akmarksman

This is what you get when Apple takes up the mantle of the Palm's Folio albeit with better design and three times the cost. Admittedly the OS is much better and the chance of future support is also much greater.

Why do I look at this sexy beast and all I think about is the Lisa.

wanago

Quite simply, the MacBook Air is simply the G4 Cube, Take Two.

Absolutely gorgeous -- a marvel of design. But it is too underpowered and non-expandable for a power user and too expensive for a consumer.

The MBA is almost just a proof of concept.. a glimpse of where notebooks are going. But in 2008, the only people who will buy it are those with lots of expendable income who want a second (or third) machine for fun and status.

Thataboy

@Damage:
Two words:
"bluetooth mouse"

More words:
"why do you need a mouse when you have that kick-ass trackpad?"

Padriac

@diabolusunknown: And if I haven't used an ethernet cable or USB/firewire peripheral or extra battery with my current laptop over the last 4 years? The downside would be what then? Seriously.

@regnez: So basically it's like I'm buying a 1-year old laptop that's much lighter than I could get it for one year ago? Doesn't sound like a bad trade-off to me. If you need cutting edge everything and tons of ports you buy the mid-sized model now or if you don't need that you can get the super streamlined version of what was top-of-the-line 12 months ago. Except the MBA still has a better trackpad and screen.

Padriac

For some reason, the Compaq Presario that I paid $399 last month seems more and more of a bargain compared to the Air. Sure, its thin as heck, and it weighs 50% less than this cheapie. At the same time though, I can use both a mouse and a flash drive concurrently without an external hub (think of that!). Or worry about my $2000 invesment go up in smokes should the battery decide to assplode in a middle of charge cycle.

Had the MBA had couple of more USB ports, I don't think many of us would be bitching at it as much. The idea, though, of not being able to use both a mouse and a flashdrive, or a flash drive and sync an iPod, etc. kinda makes the Macbook Air slightly less than useful at the moment.

I'd have to say that in 6 months time, there will be Air 2.0 with 100% more USB port. That'd be an improvement no doubt.

Damage

Sony is right about the 3G integration. An ultra-portable laptop is the most useful on the go, sacrificing features for portably has to come with benefits.

3G integration would truly make the Air a much more functional laptop. Personally, I would buy it if it was around $1200-1300, but $1800 is far too much. The iPhone oddly enough does the majority of what I need to do on the go (and its a lot more mobile then the Air), but also lacks 3G :(

Scaramanga

Yup, this thing's just about the opposite of what a "traveling computer" should be. For shit's sake, when I was unchained from my desk[top] by my first Powerbook, the last thing I would ever have done is complain about it being too thick. It NEVER entered my mind.

If anything, guys would like a tougher laptop, one you could run over with you car and not hurt it. My design suggestion would be a laptop who's essential components could be easily swapped out, so the next time there's a hot new chip, it could be plugged into my computer so I wouldn't have to spend another $1500.00+ just for power increase when the body, keyboard and screen on my current computer were all fine.

These computer makers are too much like drug pushers, always changing things to make us buy more for a minimal benefit. That's the one thing I resent continually.

bramachari

@vicmesquita: I also think people are pissed that they released a new laptop model, as opposed to not making a SFF MBP and MB i.e. 12" model.

Attacking this is a good way to vent after SJ's obvious thirst for money, since you know, he cant charge more for the 12". He never has before.

This is not the laptop Apple fans wanted or needed.

diabolusunknown

@Padriac:

Store 80GB worth of music/movies/pictures and an OS, without an external drive.

Oh, and boot into the OS/launch programs in a reasonable amount of time. On a 4200rpm HDD, that is not happening. And save $700. More, if you count all the features the MB comes with that the MBA does not.

All for an extra .5" of thickness, and 1lb or so of weight? Seems like an easy decision to me.

And this is coming from someone who uses a Mac mini as his only computer, and an iMac at work.

regnez

@vicmesquita: I think people are jumping on the attack before anyone has a chance to declare it as the JesusTop.

The iPhone is what it is now because it got such blind admiration. Had it been hated by all on the net, it wouldnt be where it is today, nor would anyone in the media care about it.

diabolusunknown

@nachobel:

Before the MBA was announced, I told my boss what the rumored ultra portable was supposed to be like and that if the rumors were true, it would be too expensive for most people. He travels first class and told me he has observed that there's no shortage of people who would pay for something like that in business/first class regardless of cost. The MBA would be perfect for him because he never uses the optical drive or a wired network, travels often, and doesn't use much local storage space preferring online storage instead, and carries his laptop everywhere he goes.

After the keynote, I got a text from him saying he ordered the MBA... the $3100 one.

chinhster

Fucking tired of reading about macbook air in giz...

vicmesquita

@frigg: A 2 pound difference is the breaking point for you that causes you to perspire like a pig?

Perhaps removing the chocolate bars from your bag would make your laptop bag easier to carry.

diabolusunknown

I'd also like to add that I'm 24, single, and a college grad working in an office during the day and playing my guitar or making music usually while I'm at home. If I'm not the market...who is?

nachobel

I will agree with that statement there: who is it for? Certainly not me, and I already own 4 computers and am looking to replace my laptop. There's a difference between being ABLE to do something away from my office or home (or downstairs on the couch) and actually enjoying it. I just don't see who 2 pounds and 1/2 inch are going to make a $900 difference to. Especially considering the massive loss in features (drive speed, processor speed, usability, longevity, hard drive speed, having to carry many dongles possibly, etc., etc.)

sigh apple, i do not understand.

nachobel

@Padriac:

Well, you can do anything on the MBA that you can on the MB.

The only problem is that you have to carry a Superdrive, external Ethernet, DVI dongle, USB hub, and USB-Firewire (if it exists) to be able to do what the MB can do with absolutely nothing else.

diabolusunknown

I'm probably in the minority but I think this is perfect as is. I think in terms of Apple and their products this is a perfect fit. The release of Time Capsule, downloaded content and other Apple services point toward the future of what Apple (Steve) wants. People seem to forget that most of what Apple produces is supposed to work within the Apple system. Sure they would love for all the Windows users to convert but in the end they seem content with things as is. For someone like me who uses mostly Apple computers and services this is a great device. Comparisons with other laptops is pointless if they don't run OSX. I buy Apple products for the OS first and the hardware second. It is obvious that many prefer cheaper alternatives to Apples stuff. If you like XP/Vista this is fine but if you like OSX then you really only have one choice. A choice most of us are happy with.

Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

zair

@Brian Lam:

"On the other hand, what does thinness do for any of us when we're using a laptop?"

It keeps us from sweating like a pig when we're racing around with a big fat lappy in our backpacks. Also, as to the point that this is not for hardcore computer users - most of what most people do on their computers doesn't really tax their CPU. A weak computer covers most of what most people do most of the time.

frigg

You can't compare the Sony Vaio TZ to the Macbook Air because the TZ is an 11" screen. If the Air was an 11" screen and still had the same specs then that'd be impressive, but given that they do not a comparison is not justified.

daftrok

The Air is Apples Foleo.

There it's been said.

chrisaroz

Look. We'd all be SEMI-okay with the MBA IF - emphasis on the IF - it was released WITH the external optical drive all for the price of $1799. Now that would be "acceptable" without losing much. The ethernet problem would be quickly diminished in no time.

slingblade

If somebody could please explain to me what you can get done with a Macbook that you can't get done with a Macbook Air that applies to more than 1% of the population I'll give you a cookie.

Padriac

RE: the lack of optical drives...

The subnotebooks have be dropping the traditional removable media (floppy cdrom) since the product category was invented with the nec ultralight...

[www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org]

roughly half the laptops I've ever owned have had no built in removable media...

sony vaio 505
digital hinote
thinkpad x20
sony vaio u3
hp omnibook 500

It doesn't much matter how thin a cdrom drive you make the fact that it must hold and spin a 12cm disk dictates the lower bound of the form factor since you have make room. If you want a real subnotebook and the vaio u3 weighed 820G with the small battery you have to forgo it.

The fujitsu u810 is the current device (1.6lbs 5.6 display) which is pushing the lower bounds of usable. The airbook is notable for display size and thickness or lack thereof... but the display drives the form factor. If it has a 10" or 12" diagional display it could be a bit smaller, a bit lighter at little bit thicker and use slightly less exotic components (like a bigger disk) an extra usb port etc.

The things I'd bring to the air would be:

wireless usb
a bigger formfactor cheaper ssd
a smaller display
an even lower power processor (ulv core duo 7700)

wireless broadband should be via tethering from your phone so you can leave that out.

joelja

The Air is lame.

First, it's only as thin as its thickest part, the rest is just optical illusion.

Second, who "carries an ultrathin notebook with them everywhere" and only needs 3 to 5 hours of battery? A laptop computer that forces you to carry a power adapter and sit within four feet of a plug is not portable (you've seen those notebook nerds at the Starbucks, hungrily eyeing your seat because you're close to the plug but only reading a book).

Third, it's not significantly more advanced than the notebooks you already have... certainly not enough to make up for the compromises you'll make to have it.

Fourth, it's "designy", not design. Personal issue, there.

Hey Apple, want to impress me? Make a tablet computer that's essentially an iPhone scaled up to 8.5" x 11". Fill the extra space with battery so it will run for 72 hours without a recharge. In fact, make it a peripheral for the existing iPhone where it's all screen and battery and you socket your iPhone onto the back for CPU and wireless capability. Then use screen sharing to let me drive my home computer with it (where the real CPU, storage and memory are) or, for those who don't have home computers, turn .mac into a virtual computer service where a iTablet owner can "remote terminal" their .mac virtual computer stocked with iWork and iLife and enough storage to keep all of their personal documents, music and data.

The iPhone is the real hardware portal to the virtual system and the larger screen and battery are just bigger windows (in space and time) that you can see it through.

And anyone who needs to rip a CD or type a letter can get a USB peripheral designed for just that (CD drive and keyboard).

This would be a truly (r)evolutionary product.

inkswitch

@digita6: NO! everybody is using firewire hard drives while using a USB joystick while using a USB thumbdrive while ripping CDs while using an ethernet cable while traveling on an international flight! EVERYBODY USES THEIR COMPUTERS EXACTLY LIKE THIS. EVEN YOU!

Padriac

Looks like a great machine for the right person. Ordered one for my fianceé last night, along with a 1TB time capsule.

From the looks of it, not targeted to the average gizmodo reader, but it should find a market nonetheless. The aspects of this product that look like major compromises to so many of us might make this a perfect product to *many* others.

digita6

The Mac Book Air will cause death, and I will laugh.

bramachari

It's not an ultraportable its just thin. Thin |= ultraportable.

dasstrooper

@regnez: a 12" Powerbook or an iBook does not have a higher res screen and it's dedicated graphics chip is actually worse than current integrated graphics chips in the macbooks/macbook air.

As for all the ports: i'd use that crap with my desktop, which is still rarely ever. Why do I need 3 USB peripherals at starbucks again?

Padriac

Leading up to the release of the Air, I said I would consider purchasing it once it was released, but didn't have my finder on the pre-order submit button. My friend however, was pumped, had the cash and was literally refreshing the Mac Store to pre-order it. Once it was announced and he saw the specifications, he ordered a MacBook Pro instead (once I talked him off the ledge). He was letdown by the additional cost of the SSD, the lack of at least two USB ports and was upset that Apple wouldn't just throw in the SuperDrive and Ethernet attachments.

I think everybody was expecting something a little different/more practical.

CruJones

Stebe Jobs sounds like an asshole. HOW DARE YOU NOT ADDRESS THE GREATNESS THAT IS EVERYTHING APPLE.

I agree, thinnness is NOT the holy grail. Id rather have a thicker notebook with plenty of features. Honestly, I dont use my optical drive much, but not having one just seems like, somethings wrong.

Thats just my take on it. Air looks sexy beyond words though.

-HeyWowItsFelipe-

@Padriac:

Or spend $200 more to get a MBP. Then you have a laptop so functional you do not even need a desktop to, you know, install some software.

regnez

@Padriac:

G4 Powerbooks have higher-res screens, dedicated graphics, 5400rpm drives, integrated optical drives, ethernet, multiple USB ports, firewire ports, line out jacks, and many other features, all for a fraction of the $3100 Apple wants you to pay for the MBA.

I do not think that Apple released the MBA without testing it, but there is no way in hell that they released it in hopes that design professionals all over the world would snatch it up.

regnez

At the price of the Air, its target market will be tough to nail.

Aaron Martin-Colby

Here's what I'm gonna do. From now on, I will copy and paste all the nicks of the MBA doomsayers, and keep them in an Excel spreadsheet. I'll also copy & paste their user pages on Giz.

Then, 1 year from now when Apple announces how many MBAs they've sold, and if it meets or exceeds their expectations, I'm gonna come here and post all of those names for shits and giggles. If the MBA flops, well, I'll come back and post all of those names anyway, and you can all give us a collective I TOLD YOU SO.

In the mean time, it would be great if all you armchair analysts could just STFU. I'm not holding my breath ;)

dearhaw

@regnez: By your logic, If you were truly serious about any of those things you would get a DESKTOP. You know, like the one I do most of my work on. Why do I need to lug aroundDesktop part 2 to write CSS or use Office or open the occasional Photoshop file?

Padriac

@regnez: So those people still using G4 powerbooks and iBooks with 60GB or less hard drives are just pretending to work? I understand the 4200 RPM hard drive will be a bit pokier, but no way this thing ends up being slower than a powerbook. Do you really think Apple would have released it if it was extremely slower than their 3 year old laptops? It's not like they just slapped it in and said "no need to test this... I'm sure it works fine."

Padriac

@Padriac:

If you were serious about any of those things, you would have to be a damn fool to purchase a MBA over a MBP.

With the MBP you get more features than I can even list here, the most crucial of which being a higher-res screen and dedicated graphics, all for $200 more.

And you gain what? Maybe 2lbs and a half inch of thickness, heaven forbid. Don't try and talk the MBA up like it is a good choice for design professionals, because no one is that stupid.

regnez

@Padriac:

I am not sure you realize the limitations of an 80GB, 4200rpm hdd. It is slow and small to the point that you are just about forced to upgrade to the SSD, adding another $1000 to the computer, while decreasing capacity.

So now you have a $3100 computer whose strongest aspect is web-surfing, and if you want to do any real computing tasks on it, you are quickly going to run out of ports, power, and space.

The MBA is nothing more than a computer for those who prefer style over function in no small degree.

regnez

@regnez: No it's just that when people say you have to have a brand new, top spec computer to do [insert whatever task here] it's just plain bullshit. The reason we know is because people were doing these tasks a year ago on "lesser" computers but at the time they thought they were great. Now suddenly people "can't possibly" be doing these tasks with similar spec computers? I put it on you: what tasks cannot be accomplished with a macbook on the road if the need arose? Yeah a bigger screen would be a little better and a faster hard drive might speed things up a bit as would a better video card, but this is just making filters finish in 4 seconds instead of 7... how is this fundamentally changing what I can and can't do with the computer? Other than screen size, how would a web designer really be suffering by being on a macbook or MBA while on the road?

As for dedicated vs. integrated graphics: ars did tests with the G4 minis (dedicated) and the then new intel minis (integrated). And this was the *old* intel integrated chip:

[arstechnica.com]

Padriac

Man Mac fanboys will defend Apple no matter how bad an idea is. Hey, if apple makes one product that fails then who cares. Lets be honest, Apple products appeal to Apple users, no matter how overpriced and silly they are. Lets not forget though that there is a large group of sheep out there (ie people who don't know a thing about computers.) who just love Apple because they think its trendy to own a anything Apple. That doesn't mean everyone who uses a Mac is stupid, it just means there is a larger install base of people who don't have a clue versus people who do.

The way I look at it is when someone has 1800 dollars to spend on a laptop they will either make their purchase based on features or based on style and, those who purchase based on style I'm sure have plenty of money to not have to worry about it being their main machine.

Will Apple sell these like hotcakes? In a whole...I don't think so. But I'm sure just as the iPhone there will be a ton of sheep lined up to buy one the day it comes out.

TheBigBentley

@Damage: I agree 100%, if the MBA had 3 (4 would be even better) USB ports, I could overlook the rest, though I would have to use a USB LAN dongle for school, but that wouldn't be an issue as I could still use my wired mouse and flash drive at the same time. Steve Jobs is probably reading all of this thinking "crap, if only we had put in that extra USB port or two"

tumnasgt

SONY had a concept, Apple has released a product. Everyone thought the G3iMacs were lacking a floppy drive, too. Good riddance, optical drives! Just you wait...

fredges

"he thought it should have for 3G"

It's like Apple doesn't even KNOW what "3G" means.

ianken

There are plenty of people that just want something a little lighter without having to use an awkward "mini" keyboard. I also see no problems with the lack of an optical drive. I think Apple has a wireless vision that a lot of you are scared to embrace.

One day we are all going to laugh about the idea of music and software being delivered on CDs and DVDs. I'm not a "GREEN" guy or a tree hugger, but I can't even imagine how many CDs full of old software and discarded "greatest hits" CDs sit in our landfills. What a waste...

donlphi

all this complaining about using a 4200 rpm drive makes me laugh. implying you simply can't get any work done with that slow a drive. i just checked and the powerbook that i'm using now, which runs just fine (especially for a g4), is running basically the same drive.

bigfatduck

@Brian Lam: So when it's meant for the casual computer user that wants to spend 1800 casually and not be able to pop a dvd in?? Yeah the casual market is owned by cheap windows laptops. Eee is a casual machine in price and in features, so I'd say it would make a better choice.

Ultraorange

The macbook air is a great design. It may not have an optical drive and it's storage may be limited, but it is a style setting, visual trophy. Let's face it ... there's a market for it and who better than Apple to engineer and design a notebook/ultraportable that has everyone talking? It's just a natural fit.

It's not for everyone or even most. It's a style statement first and a computer second. So what? Nobody's going to argue this thing on the merits of capability. It's eye candy and it will create its own niche, like some exotic sports car.

I wouldn't buy it ... MB Pro all the way. But if someone wants to give it to me (hint, hint), you'd better believe I'd take it out for more than a spin. I'm no fan gal of Apple, read my posts. But this is a thing of beauty. Admit it.

lianna_g

I notice a few people suggesting that there be more than one USB port, especially considering the conspicuous space next to the other port which could easily be used for this.

The reason there's only one USB port is because the power supply of the laptop (another major sacrifice on the altar of anorexia) can only handle powering one device at a time without crapping out. In fact it only barely handles one device; many semi-conforming unpowered USB hubs will experience intermittent problems when they try to share this USB port, regardless of whether the Air is on battery or AC power.

This is already covered in the 2nd tier support tech handbooks. (Answer: only Apple-distributed USB hubs are supported, and Apple only sells powered hubs.)

Oroborus

@Padriac:

First off, it is truly a shame if you have to compare the MBA to much older, cheaper Apple products to highlights its strengths.

Secondly, do you have numbers to back that integrated vs dedicated graphics claim, or did you just bend over and reach up to acquire that "fact"?

If you are seriously trying to defend the MBA as a good choice/value for design professionals, over the MBP no less, than you are beyond rational conversation.

regnez

@padriac: hmmm, you're right. I have about 16 things hooked up to my mac mini media station. I was pissed when they wouldn't let me haul it all on my last flight to Hong Kong.

I'm probably not the most credible person to comment on the practicality of this product anyway, I did after all buy one of the first g4 cubes...

digita6

WHAT? - no one told you to buy it.... just OOOOZE. Personally I dont like thin=sexy. Those ramp crawling bones with inflated ego is a turn off anyway. Well rounded capable fully functional practical curves is what matters.

The AIR has its aesthetic beauty, and well done Stevie!

Bachus_snowman

It's clear that Apple is as aware as everyone else is that the Macbook Air is *not* for everyone. That's why it's not the only Macbook you can get. If you guys really hate it so much there are two other models two choose from.

Bowler Hat

@Dearhaw: I believe the point of the computer really not having an optical drive is because you could do it all wirelessly. If you REALLY want/need an optical drive don't get the F#@#'n MBA. What a pain in the ass to get the thinest laptop but then have to carry around and extra thing/optical drive.

"Or, are you going to tell me she's savvy enough to be a road warrior with the MBA, but too weak to carry around an external drive?"

Savy enough? the whole point of the MBA is for people that don't need too much (apparently) but when did not needing too much become not needing to put new music in your ipod? Although the MBPro is heavier, it gives you an easier way to rip you music and put it in your ipod than the MBA, which would require you to either hook up an extra peripheral or do it wirelessly somehow through another computer.

See? not as easy as the MBPro.

dambo29

@Padriac:

First off, that graphics comparison is bullshit. No kidding the Core Duo mini is going to outperform the G4 mini in tests that mix GPU and CPU tasks. As for purely GPU things, like gaming, see here: [www.barefeats.com]

I realize that no one is going to use the Air or Mini for gaming, but it is still a good benchmark for GPUs, no matter how underpowered. Notice how the G4 mini, with a miserable Radeon 9200 (IIRC, that is what is used), manages to keep out and even outpace the Intel integrated garbage? And with the MBP and MBA, we are talking the difference between an nVidia 8600 dedicated chip and Intel integrated. It is not even going to be close, case closed.

And you really need to quit comparing the MBA to older, lesser computers. The numbers look like this: MBA (base) $1799 -- MBP (base) $1999

So, for $200 more, you get a computer with integrated: Super Drive, USB ports, firewire ports, ethernet port, and line out jacks. You get a REAL hard drive; a fast one, that you can actually store things on. You get dedicated graphics. You get a higher resolution screen. You get a faster processor. You get a removable battery, upgradeable ram, and an upgradable hard drive.

Now, to turn your own ridiculous argument against you, people last year were using their MBPs in Starbucks, right? Before the Air even existed? They were not too fat or too large to use in public, right? They did not weight too much to lug around, did they? In fact, last year Apple was pretty damn proud of how thin and light that computer was. So now that the Air is out, are all those poor MBP owners not going to be able to lug around their 5lb, 1" thick computers?

NO. Turns out, Macbook Pros are still just as portable and usable on the go as they were a year ago.

Look. I am not saying that the Air is a bad computer; I am saying that it is not targeted towards design professionals. It is not targeted towards power users at all, in fact.

The Air costs $1800, and what you are paying for is how thin the computer is, nothing more. It is not good value, and it is horrible value compared to the MBP. Yes, it can outperform an iBook or Powerbook from three years ago -- good. It costs a shitload more, so it better.

The Air is a computer for those with money to burn, and who prefer style and portability in its purest form, with stupid good-looks and wireless everything, respectively. It is not a computer for those interested in getting things done, and it never will be.

regnez

i don't know, personally I'm skewed towards apple: have a collection of iMacs since gumdrop 1. I also have a 12" powerbook that needs replacing. I currently use it for meetings and presentations. The MBA would be a perfect replacement - when I can afford to buy it and its in revision 2.
The most practical point of this laptop is that it's easy to grab from a desk and leave - with the tapered edge you can slide your fingers to lift it. The powerbook on the other hand feels like a brick that wants to stay on the table.
Bottom line: This is the PDA for me. Touch-screens haven't yet superseded keyboards in terms of usability and general functionality. Until then tablets are off the menu except for small gadgets with limited functionality like the ipod touch or the iphone.

elmerdudd

@Skeptic: But if he just imports to his desktop iMac he could then transfer the project to the Macbook Air if he wanted. Yes, video editing is probably the the MBA's biggest weakness, but he did say "light". If this means iMovie or Final Cut Express it should be fine.

Padriac

actually the tz is 2.7 llbs with the 100gb 1.8 drive but the ssd version is 2.6 so come on, no brainer, take off vista and put xp with sp2 and you got the worlds faster 1.2 core 2 dou laptop

tlon19

BY ANDREW B AT 01/16/08 10:03 PM
I run a small video production company and also serve on on the City Council in my hometown. I was all set to get a new, decked-out MacBook Pro, but with the release of the MacBook Air I am seriously reconsidering that. I'm now considering getting a MacBook Air for taking notes in business and City Council meetings, email, instant messenger, internet, and light video editing, and then also getting an iMac for my desk at the office.,

The Air doesn't do firewire. It isn't suitable for video since firewire DV is the staple of mac video editing.

iMac, yes. Air, no.

Skeptic

Like most of what Apple is putting out these days there is a niche' for this product with the Paris Hiltons and others looking to make a fashion statement or I got one statement.

At $1300.00 plus it will not be among my toys, I will wait until it drops to $300.00 and if it does not I will not miss it. There are other solutions out there maybe not quite as sexy however they are almost and offer more performance at a better price, less costly to maintain with a better warranty

Technology improves and develops so quickly why bother with a limited performance item that will be out dated in a year for this kind of money when there are other solutions offering more for less.

Steve is a great marketer and salesman and I respect him for that, I even like his style most of the time however I do not wish to support him financially.

I remember years ago being in Taiwan and seeing these nice well made Polo shirts for $3.50 US and I said Geeze this is ok and bought 5 of them. The girl selling me the shirts said in the US they are paying $30.00 for these and in disbelief I said no way. She said yes, they manufacture them here and ship to the US and the people love them, they line up to buy them. Sure enough I visited Honolulu and there at the Polo store they were selling for that plus.

Apple has been enjoying the same type of mark ups and profit margins that Polo and others enjoy and some people are willing to pay. Out source the manufacture of the product, build them inexpensively and sell them high to a niche' market, great formula.

LauPan

The Air is for normal people who need a normal computer and want one that has style - something geeks will, sadly, never understand.

NeoPoliticus

Thin may not be the Holy Grail, but miniature keyboards and screens make the ultra-portables geek machines - not useful ones.

The irony is that geeks are the last ones to let go of obsolete ideas: like removable storage in a laptop.

(Of course I remember the neolithic-geeks who said they would never give up the control DOS gave them.)

NeoPoliticus

@Padriac:

You bet. Intel really puts tons of money into the research and development of their integrated graphics. Their new chips really outperform their old ones. No, wait. The new ones still suck.

And for the record, I was comparing the MBA to the 15" MBP, not the 17" version.

You are grasping for straws where there are none. The MBA is terrible value compared to the MBP; too many compromises were made to get the MBA so thin.

Your denial seems like buyers remorse. Maybe it is not too late to cancel your order and invest in a MBP instead.

Business prodigy? Oh stop, you are making me blush. I am actually a graphic designer for a local newspaper, and I work on an iMac G5 (or C2D, depending on what I am doing) 10+ hours a day.

Take a deep breath, man. I am sure you and your MBA are going to be a very happy couple. Just think of all the extra stuff you are going to be able to fit in your bag, now that your notebook will only take up 3/4 of an inch instead of a full, obese inch.

regnez

The formfactor and thin-ness of the air is ahead of it's time. 10 years from now, we'll look at the air as an extremely underpowered and underfeatured THICK laptop. It's a start, but I can't justfify spending 1800 for something like this.

Yea, it is beautiful, but not practical. 10 years from now, hopefully, laptops this size will have 1TB solid state hard drives and NVIDIA/ATI SLI/crossfire technology as standard features.

nosauten

@regnez:
Your link only showed that having a dedicated GPU vs. Intel's **OLD** integrated graphics saves you 5 out of 70 seconds on a photoshop render and all other advantages are limited to games only. Yeah, those 5 seconds basically make that Mini totally unusable right... can't get real work done I had to wait 75 SECONDS INSTEAD OF 70!!! OH NOES!!!. Intel's NEW integrated chip offers even better performance.

By your logic every single Apple laptop ever made is inferior to the 17" Macbook pro and anybody who has ever bought a laptop because it was "smaller" is a complete idiot who can't do any real task on their computer.

Yeah, you're obviously a business prodigy. You should start a company. I guarantee you I can get more done with a MBA than you can with whatever 20", 50 lbs. monstrosity you must be using.

Padriac

For the aesthetically concerned, it is a nice fashion accessory to have. It doesn't have to be practical.
Maybe the target market is girls?
Any pink ones?

tobenna

I got a Question? What would most of you Rather Have. Simple..

Thin.. Keep the same Specs and Price it has know..

Thin but still enough space to have a Optical drive and the other stuff everyone is complaining?
but base prince is $2,000?

I mean? what was the big deal if was just a itty bitty more thinck enough to operate a Optican drive..& a replacement battery?

But o wellz.. it wasn't met for us : ) (well for some of us )

DJJS

Apple products have, for a long time anyway, and will continue to be a status symbol. Apple users are hip, and PC users are square. It's their message, it's their business, and it's disgusting IMO. They deal in over priced hardware(1000 dollars for a RAID card?) that seems competitive when it first comes out, but oddly doesn't fall in price with that of parts... And OSX makes it easy for people to justify their loyalty because it's a nice OS that is made out to be the antithesis to Window's troubled times(there I've said it, it's a good OS). OSX is such a nice OS that it could run some serious competition with windows, except Apple needs to keep it exclusive to their hardware to help drive sales of their seriously over priced computers. Apple customers are getting played, and they are smiling while it happens.

The Air is no different, just as the iPhone before it was no different. Many, including myself, expected it to flop because it was not reviewed very well as a business tool as say, a blackberry or other smart phone. And up until the iPhone purchasers of 600 dollar phones were usually professionals needing a smart phone, not a toy. We all know how that turned out. Form over function, status vs. practicality. Unfortunately, the Air will sell.

Those people that can compare the features of the Air to other portables and see it's lack of value are not the target audience. Those who want to have the 'coolest', 'most thin?'portable and have too much scratch to spare are. I believe it's no coincidence that the name they chose rhymes with 'Heir'. It sounds prestigious, and it fits their sales tactics. A lot of people do use Apple computers for real work though and were the Air to REPLACE the MB line completely I could see a lot of disillusioned Apple customers, and an 11% drop in the stock value would be the tip of the iceberg. Won't happen though, the Air is most definitely a new product line and Apples stocks will rise again as it's found that Apple is selling LESS hardware for MORE money(1700?!) along side it's current MB line.

razorx

If the X505 (ot the TZ) was Sony's only laptop People would be jumping up and down, shouting about how impractical it is and how it's market is too small and how they should have added this feature and that feature to appeal to more people. But Sony makes a few different laptops, so it's ok to have a niche product.

So, why are people making all these same points about the MBA when Apple have products that do all the things they wish the MBA did.

Do people think that saying "why would anyone want the MBA when the MB does it all better?" is a valid argument? All you're saying is that for YOU, the MB is better... which, I believe, is why Apple didn't replace it with the MBA.

Contrary to what most people here seem to believe, being a niche product isn't a bad thing. You pick your niche, and you exploit it. You don't have to sell a billion MBAs for it to be a success... You just have to sell all the units you make.

scuba_steve

the x505 is a sexier looking beast. the color alone just makes it tasty. the mba would be its trophy wife.

alukard

Mazda really made a HUGE mistake with this one. Come on, a car with no back seat???? I have three kids I have to haul around, and I regularly need to stop by at home depot to pick up 4X4's. Good luck fitting that into this matchbox!
What were they thinking?? Noone is going to buy this. Geez, even the Tercel that costs half as much has a back seat!
And the name. What the !@#% is a Miata??
...
Oh, wait.. :-p

paulwlee

I really think the AIR is vague in many ways. Too be honest.... corny name, poor brand (since nike already spent a decade branding that name). I say its AIR, hot hot AIR.

Also conidering what Iriver i prepping to push these quarters of 2008. I say Apple has lost it, theyve become to acustomed to their leads and craving for the lead in all they do.

I know alot of people who bought mac products over the last decade, but today only know a couple who hasnt had a hell of a ride not making their apple products die on them. (inlcuding a couple of people whove handed in their macbooks like 5-8 times in just 2 years).

I say apple up the game and start innovating their build quality and service instead of trying to Woooo the world with their sleek el cheepo crappo tech.

PS: also may i remind you that to me it remains a mystery that apple at all can sell ipods in scandinavia, most of all because you cant download movies or shows from itunes (only music and soundbooks, wauv how cool???).

baandoptager

12121212121212121212121212
Really...would it have been that hard ?
So the rest of us (98% who don't travel business) could at least open the dang thing in an economy class seat !...or share 1/2 a Starbucks table ?

Also...had a thinkpad once with just one usb and it was absolute anguish....never again.

BTW, how are you supposed to use a large 120G + 2.5 External drive with only 1 usb ? Every case I have seen has that split cable using 2 usb's to power it.

Apple did replace my expanding MBP battery today (hmm...not supposed to happen on new 17"ers) without question...so I can't gripe too much...

asiated

@razorx: Gaaarrrgh... That's not what I said. The point is, my definition of 'more' or 'less' is different from yours because I value different things (a concept that would avoid countless arguments on the internet if people actually thought about it). Therefore, for you the MBA is like paying more for less... for me, I'm paying more and getting more.

Don't get me wrong, some of the compromises with this laptop bring a lump to my throat when I think about how much it's consting me, but then when I look at the damn thing, it brings a lump to my trousers... And that's what makes the decisions round here.

scuba_steve

Full featured laptops... minivans, kids in the back watching videos and playing games.

Macbook Air... 2 seater convertible roadster. Significant other in the seat and an overnight bag in the trunk.

Priceless.

RainyDayInterns

@kspraydad3:
Sure. "Owners" with buyer's remorse who try to convince themselves they spent their money well...

And as in my case, "potential owners" smart enough not to buy it.

dcartist

Oh c'mon....what do you expect a keyboard to be like on an 11" Sony TZ series? Bigger than the screen?
Why would you compare the 11" keyboard to a 13" macbook air? Makes no sense. Stick to specs and performance.

I have a 11" Sony TX series and the keyboard is fine to me, i type up reports all the time...if i wanted a bigger keyboard i would have gone for a 12/13" lappy.

And NO, no matter how you put it, there is no excuse for all that the macbook air lacks...even in 2008. Its designed for simplicity and basic needs...without the rest its just an entry superlight laptop.

o0adam0o

Paying more for less and feeling good about it... Apple is one of the few companies that can pull that off in computer market...

razorx

@ YARDAMEUS: Thats Mac in a nutshell bro.

Markii

@razorx: I think you might be being a little uncharitable with your comment:

"Apple customers are getting played, and they are smiling while it happens."

I love Apple products and own way too many of them, but I understand exactly what I'm buying. It's not a complex thing... You look at the pros and cons and then you look at the price sticker. To me, good design, image, branding and exclusivity are just as important as specs, weights and measurements. Just because you don't like the way Apple markets itself doesn't mean everyone else is too stupid to realise what you've known all along. It's just that it doesn't bother them.

You should give people some credit even if, ultimately, they decide to buy something that you don't think is worth the money.

scuba_steve

The interesting thing may be to see what Sony and others do with that new Mini Core 2 Duo CPU -- they never said it would be exclusive to the Air. By the way, Blam, does that chip have a real name? "Downtown Santa Rosa" or something?

AirSix

I would buy a MBA today if it had 3G. Also, I was expecting it to be a bit lighter...

sgursel

The only thing wrong with this laptop is the size. Had they come out with a 10.5" laptop everything else it didn't have would have been forgiven.

puffnstuff

Dell XPS M1330 FTW
Small yet way more buff than the Sony OR the Air!

- corpor@te -

LVMHCorporate

I find it almost funny...

Most of the people in this forum talk about tech specs and why the MacBook air is not "up to the task" in may regards for them. You are looking at the MacBook air when, judging from what I read, most just need a MacBook Pro in order to do all the number crunching stuff they do (for work). MacBook air is NOT meant for that