[robco]

Just out of sheer curiosity, why would you want to edit DV on a machine that only has a slow, 80 GB (max) drive in the first place? Isn't that sort of thing what the MB or MBP is much better at doing? I would think one would want a larger screen and a larger 7200 rpm drive in the thing.

I think so many are bent out of shape because the MBA targets users specifically outside Apple's traditional market for creative pros. This isn't meant for Photoshop jockets, or FCS users. This is for the folks traveling, working in Office, giving presentations on the go, etc. It's definitely a niche product. True, it is ahead of it's time, as the Cube was. But people raised a huge stink when the iMac came out with only USB ports and no legacy ports. Personally, we have a wireless printer and network, and AirTunes. I would imagine one would connect a backup drive like most folks do, through the USB port.

I just fail to see why everyone in the internets is so arrogant to think that because they don't like a product or it doesn't fit their needs that it sucks. I don't think the iPhone is a very good product and have zero interest in getting one, but lots of folks like them and are buying them. The iMac is worthless to me as it isn't upgradeable at all, but lots of folks like them. I'm also not sure where y'all are flying, I've used my MacBook, in coach, without a lot of difficulty.

As for semantics, gimme a break. Ultra-portable, subnotebook, yadda yadda yadda. It's all meaningless marketspeak. And from what I can see, Apple is simply claiming that the MBA is the world's thinnist notebook, which isn't a lie. Though thinner models have been offered by others in the past, just aren't currently produced. It's true the MBA isn't a clone of the Sony TZ series, or ThinkPad X series or Fujitsu's models. They explicity stated that they made a different set of compromises to get the weight down. Some folks may like it. I know folks who want lightweight machines but hate the tiny displays and keyboards.

We'll see how it does in another week when it ships. But honestly, some people get so testy it's almost as if Steve Jobs broke into their house and anally raped their grandmother or something.

[Bignumone]

Buddy, you hit my feelings RIGHT ON THE NOSE!
I especially agree with the idea that this thing is set up similar to how every other Apple product seems to be set up as of late.
Everything seems to use extreme planned obsolescence and is designed simply as a portal to buy iTunes crap!

Good comments!!!

[tony12345]

Haha... 'testy'? Nah, just a wee-bit disappointed. I appreciate your comments but I honestly don't think that just to have a critical opinion on something automatically makes one 'arrogant'. Neither do I think the MBA 'sucks' by the way, even though it does not fill my needs.

Far from it. Actually, there are many things I do like about the Macbook Air -- it seems like a nice laptop. And I have been actively promoting it to my wife as she is looking to buy a new laptop and I thought it would be perfect for her. It is just not for me.

If the Macbook Air flops, then it would be good for Apple to ask the general public and computer using audience 'why it failed?'. The critical comments on the net about the MBA would, I think, be useful in refining and guiding it to be 'successful' and 'popular' with the paying consumer (I?d like to think that a listening company is a wise company). At the end of the day, that is what Apple is about -- creating and selling products that are much-loved, successful and popular.

Hypothetically (question to readers), 'do you think the Macbook Air would be more popular and successful (sales-wise) if it was competing against a 12" Macbook Pro?'

[tony12345]

Sorry, the hypothetical question, rephrased, would be:

'which would be more successful (sales-wise): The Macbook Air or a 12" Macbook Pro?'

[monkeboy33]

I believe that the developers at apple should reconsider putting into production what is obviously a design study or concept model. After reading the specs for the MacBook Air as well as reading the other comments posted I would have to agree with those who state that the MacBook Air serves no purpose. Unless you intend to wrap it in a Dolce & Gabbana hand bag and use it as a portable ultra-modern internet device at the nearest spa, the system seems to be beyond the point of useless. No battery, no fire-wire port, not even a remote. I am simply baffled by this system. Does it look great? Sure, but just because it looks great doesn't mean its worth the money especially when one considers the MacBook Air's extreme limitations.

[icerabbit]

A sub-notebook fits in-between a UMPC (5-6-7") and a notebook (12-13-15").

The fact that the MBA is thin and weighs less than 4 lb. does not make it a sub-notebook as it still has that 13" screen. The MBA is just a thinner and lighter version of a regular size notebook, which to me makes it an ultra portable.

[tony12345]

KPO said:

But would a 12" MacBook Pro cannibalize 13" MacBook or 15" MacBook Pro sales?

What difference does it make? I am sure Apple would prefer to sell a $1600 12" Macbook Pro rather than a $1000 Macbook. More importantly, any sale for Apple is better than a no sale whatsoever.


From what I have read on many forums, many of us are still using 12" Powerbook G4s who are on the lookout for something similar but are not tempted to buy either the 13" Macbook, 15" Macbook Pro or the new Macbook Air. If I am stretched, I guess I can still continue to use my Powerbook for another 1-2 years. There are some consumers who simply will not spend unless the product is right, has good value and will last at least 4-5 years (which my current Powerbook has done and from the great experience of using it makes me want something similar but with the faster intel chips).

I think Apple can make enough distinction between the Macbooks and Macbook Pros while increasing the range the same as the now discontinued Powebooks (that ranged from 12" to 15" to 17"). Just give the Macbook Pros more power, graphics chips, Blu-ray drives, high-res screens, matte optional screens, SSD optional drives, backlight, multi-touch pads, aluminium/glass design, etc, to keep it distinct from the cheaper Macbooks.

[moose_n_squirrel]

[quote name='tony12345']
>

KPO said:

> But would a 12" MacBook Pro cannibalize 13" MacBook or 15" MacBook Pro sales?
From what I have read on many forums, many of us are still using 12" Powerbook G4s who are on the lookout for something similar but are not tempted to buy either the 13" Macbook, 15" Macbook Pro or the new Macbook Air. If I am stretched, I guess I can still continue to use my Powerbook for another 1-2 years. There are some consumers who simply will not spend unless the product is right, has good value and will last at least 4-5 years (which my current Powerbook has done and from the great experience of using it makes me want something similar but with the faster intel chips).

There's the answer. An Apple subnotebook would cannibalize nothing. Since a lot of the people who would buy one haven't been buying anything lately.

[georgep]

I have a MacBook and MacBook Pro 15 inch, but have been waiting since the rumours started nearly two years ago about a lighter notebook. So, having watched Sony bring out the TX and TZ series, despite not wanting to buy Windows, I will be buying the new TZ series when it comes out in late Feb, probably with the Penryn chips.

[bethri]

I'd love to know why thin is such a good thing

[icerabbit]

If only that had already come true :)

As long as it comes with a matte screen (deal breaker) and crossing fingers a backlit keyboard, I'm buying. Of course the key will be that I haven't bought anything else before whenever this puppy may come out.