<![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> For all of those interested in the MacBook Air (or plan to purchase one in the future), there's an online community and message board forming here: MacBook Air Lounge & Forum [www.macbooklounge.com.] It looks like it will have a mods & hacks section when the product starts to get tweaked.

tang0r

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> The Eee may have a celeron processor, but don't let that deceive you. It packs a punch in performance, it only boots XP in 30 secs, I have added 1GB of RAM to my 4G Surf. Office Word and others open in less than 2 seconds. I can play semi-decent games on it. With a 3rd party driver, you can actually get the Eee to run at high resolutions. With this, you can edit photos using photoshop on the Eee.

The Eee is about to get an upgrade too: Rumors of touchscreen capabilities, 8 and 9 inch screen, optional wimax, an upgrade in hardware, and optional XP or Linux, it's going to blow the MBA out of the water.

In fact, if you read the Eeeuser.com forum, someone was driving in Australia, and had to slam on his breaks because of a kangaroo. His Eee slammed into the dashboard, and not a scratch was left. His Eee still works. You can drop the Eee while it's on, but I'd be afraid to drop the MBA while it's off.

I don't think the Air is going to sell well.

Kelpie

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> also it seems like everyone just to hype about thin? it's no doubt a breakthrough. But all looks with no brain, and or all brain with no looks doesnt balance it off.

I really don get the obsession about the thin-ness. probably weight would be a better issue than thickness

alvino

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> i don mean to be rude. but come on author is obviously bias on better than sony's screen. Screen better than Sony's? TX, TZ SZ(especially the TX was the 1st notebook ever with LED backlit screen. followed by SZ and TZ series.

alvino

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This macworld has been the least interesting one for years, how about redesigning the very old MBP case with at least the features of the more modern MB eg. So u dont need an engineering degree to replace the hard drive. Does anyone really care how thin it is, weight is a much bigger factor for portability especially when its at the expense of some major functionality. I mean 1 usb input for a device lacking enough HD space I will need a usb stick or drive to make up for it so this means no room for an external mouse or anything else I will need for that matter. This move towards non user serviceable products is really hurting my view of apples direction, I agree with a lot of the other posts here, form is winning over function all to often in recent years. All that money to just be able to use the net?

Apple could be developing what they are already selling rather than wasting resources on new novelty items. Like making a cheaper tower for those that want upgradeability but dont need so much power? The iphone is awesome but still has a long way to go ahh like a decent camera that takes video and stills in moderate light fitting to be shown on that gorgeous display :)

Maybe they should give me a job????

apple I love you but please dont forget you are going to be a major player in the tech future of the human race which is a big responsibility.

obinone

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I fear this may end up being another Mac Cube. Recall that product was also drop-dead gorgeous, but as well pricey, limited functionally, and most of all not essentially different from what the market already offered. Besides, Apple now has three laptops: a professional, a consumer and this ultra-portable, plus the iPhone, another mobile device running OSX that was truly revolutionary. The danger is these products will tread on each other's toes. Undeniably the Air is hot, but strategically I think it would have been better to make a touch-screen based tablet instead, something halfway between the iPhone and the MacBook.

Thrubeingcool

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> MacBook Air wins google fight over Sony TZ. SUCK IT SONY!

rotwblock

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I'm a longitme PC user / Apple Basher. But after watching the Macbook commercial, I swear I'm converted.

MacBook Air Commercial

Sure a commercial is a commercial and designed to sell. But this one really works. Apple's design is just so far superior to ANYTHING any PC maker out there can seem to come up with.

newapplefan

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @soggy_cheerio: Please. Fly any aircraft and notice you'll see half the people on their portables watching DVDs on their laptops. Ditto for hotel lobbies.

Riemannian

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> For the millionth time, the lack of an optical drive is not a detriment. If you disagree, you are not the target audience. Time to go find a clue, move along.

It absolutely boggles my mind how many people don't get this among other things.

Although Dell, like Sony, is a four letter word, it is not a dirty word in the laptop market, if you know how to shop. The difference in price between my Dell laptop and ANY comparable Macbook is obscene. Not only do I have over half of the cost of my desktop upgrade (Q6600/8GB) left over, but I've also been using my laptop for well over a year.

soggy_cheerio

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I'd be much more psyched if I wasn't 100% sure it would be on my floor in pieces minutes after getting it home :o(

TinkishDelight

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> At 3lbs you can do serioius travel with this thing. I lug my Linux Lenovos and Sonys all over the world and was not about to buy a 5.2 lb MAC. At 3lbs I'm in and will have it in my hands as soon as they ship it.

Having a unix distro backed by a real company in a 3lb computer is worth lenovo/sony prices to me.

I'm not buying this as a multimedia, video, or supercomputer. It's the worlds first 3lb MAC, which is what I needed.

People who travel a lot and don't want windoze will buy these machines.

dulcamara

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> First, you cannot judge it sitting at home, I've just come back from WM - it's freakin' thin - it makes the iPhone look fat. And you're right, it's NOT for everyone - just like I'm sure some people think Adrianna Lima is too thin and not that good looking - same reason people will only spend $499 and buy a Dell - whatever. If you can afford it and want it, it's here. It will sell like crazy and while it's not cheap in any sense, Macs simply hold their value - all you have to do is look at the pricing of any used Mac laptop - most only depreciate 50% after 3 years - how much is your Dell worth after 3 years? Different ballgame. One is built to sell by price alone because that is your only criteria and that's fine - Macs are for people who want something not just based on putting all your credit cards together.

jbelkin

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> [www.engadget.com]
[www.engadget.com]
Fujitsu's got some good stuff too.

jhtrico1850

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> No ethernet (or PCMCIA/PCI express for an ethernet card)? Sorry, not for me.

Are really all American buildings/industries with Wi-fi right now? Because here in Italy it isn't so and it would be impossible for me to go to my work place and connect to the net.

I'll wait a little for a new MacBook with LED: if it takes too much, back to Sony VAIO.

mendo

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I actually registered to answer some of the at best ignorance of many of the responders.

SIZE, SIZE, SIZE

The purpose of this laptop is to have an extremely small 3 lbs or less device. This was a direct response to people asking for this machine.
Of course a lot of trade offs had to be made

Hard drive - this uses a smaller than usual drive - it will likely be increased within the next six months as the larger drives come down in price. The flash drive is currently the largest available and will be so for a few more months when the 128 GB drives start shipping. It would be nice to be able to change to it when it is available. The flash drive will be faster, lighter, and use less energy than a standard drive but at a severe price differential. The 128 GB drive will likely wholesale at over $1200 initially - i remember when a 10 MB drive for the old mac plus cost between $1000 and $2000. By the way, there are concerns about the maximum number of reliable writes to flash memory and the drives may be problematic after a few years.

Optical drives take up a lot of space and also use tons of energy to run. Better to rip the movie to your drive and watch it that way, some loss of quality but increased battery life, especially for the flash drive, which is on the small side.

A separate graphics card would take up more space and also generate more heat. This device is not designed to be a mobile graphics studio - consider a MBP.

I do not really want to spend another $29 for a USB ethernet dongle, but would as my office software does not work well with WiFi.

Unfortunately Apple is going the cheap route of slowly phasing out the firewire that i have come to know and love.

I may consider this laptop for its form factor in a few months if they increase the hard drive and decrease the cost. I would have thought that an iPod like connector would have allowed for some type of docking solution.

4rhythm

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Yeah, I don't see at all why they thought this was a good product to introduce. The Macbooks don't have a problem with portability as it is, so taking out the optical drive, putting in a crappy 1.8" HDD and using a lower-specced CPU to save a half an inch isn't worth the extra $700. It is, in fact, less computer for more money.

The only place I can see where their line of thinking might be logical is against Win-UMPCs, which are typically $1500-2000. But on those, you get a tiny, paperback-size machine that truly is portable, instead of a full-sized laptop on Jenny Craig.

Topcat

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Does this remind anyone of the Palm Folio? Destined for the same fate? Completely off target!

Oh well, no subnotebook from Apple for the last 2 years. I'll get an Asus Eee PC with 8.9" screen & 8GB SSD, and check out the blog about how to load Mac OS X on it!

GarnetNR

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> They should make a series called "will it fly?". This would probably fly a good distance aleron shape and all...strap a couple to your arms and jump off things heh...its super sexy for sure...i needed to slap myself and not pounce on the idea of getting it.

smeee

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Extremely disappointing! I was hoping for an Intel version of the 12" Powerbook or MacbookPro 15" but smaller.

Thin is good, but too thin is fragile. Many super slim laptops fail when they bent or twist and the chips on the motherboard break their connections. A little thicker with the DVD drive built in would have given more durability & functionality.

1 USB port? My Eee PC has 3!!!
$3098USD for 1.8GHz CPU & 64GB SSD?
No Gigabit Ethernet port? What happens when wireless fails, or you are in a secure area with only wired connections?

Well, I guess I'll stick with the new Asus Eee PC with the 8.9" screen & 8GB SSD when it becomes available and check out the guy who got MacOSX running on it. Or buy a Macbook 13" or Macbook Pro 15".

I expect a press announcement in a couple months with the product being discontinued because no one is buying it.

The arrogance of Steve Jobs & Apple once again show that they tell the consumers what they think we want, instead of actually asking us what we want. Open your eyes Apple & look at the subnotebooks being produced by Lenovo, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, Asus, etc. and see what we really want.

GarnetNR

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Interesting. I would probably hate the keyboard. I could see some loving this for travel. I would pass, the weight/thickness is not enough of a savings for me, especially considering the lack of connection options.

There are other options:

OLD SCHOOL
I have a Dell Latitude X3 (rebranded Samsung) with a 1.8" hard drive and a ULV Core Solo 1.2gHz processor and 1.25gb RAM. No optical drive. Runs Windows XP without much of a hiccup. This should do fine. The X3 is a great travel notebook. The X3 was also significantly cheaper. 2.5 lbs., no fan, and about an inch thick.

NEW SCHOOL
I just upgraded to a Fujitsu T2010, ULV Core 2 Duo 1.2gHz, 4gb RAM, 80gb 2.5" SATA, active tablet. No optical drive. Runs Vista, Photoshop CS3, Nikon Capture NX, MS Office, MS Media Center without a hiccup. Great travel notebook. Spec'd as such (with user upgraded RAM) it is about $1,800 or so. 3.5 lbs., no fan, and about 1.25" thick. Battery life is a TRUE 5 hours, sometimes 7 depending on use.



getz76

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> my cell phone is super thin at only 6.9 mm (Samsung x820).... the macbook air is 4.064 mm at it's thinnest. so yeah, this sucker is thin.

chopstickhero

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> DHABERER: It's not 1.1" thick. It's 0.16" at its thinnest point, and 0.76" at its thickest point. That averages out to be under half an inch thick.

This notebook is about as thick as my phone. At its thickest point.

And if you can show me a competing ultraportable notebook for $1,000, please do so, so I can buy one with my tax return. Last I checked, the Vaio TZ started at $2100.

Gizmog

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> 1.1" ia pretty common for laptops. This just looks thinner based on it's bevels. And all it costs you is an extra $800 over the competitors with a locked hdd, ram and battery. This is apple screwing their fanboys again.

dhaberer

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Come on, update the MacBook with a decent graphics card already and let the MBA just be hot air... (with its rounded edges it even looks inflated, however thin it may be, just like the ipod nano3 and classic, J.Ive needs to rethink his designs asap)! And where is the BTO option of a matte screen on the MacBook?

str88f

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> These small PCs are great and all but you start to wonder - since they are so small is there any real need for a full O/S?

Most of the time you are going to be using it for basic office tasks and web browsing. Why not use some form of instant-on o/s (eg. Windows CE or the iPhone o/s)? You still add software but don't need all the power and such to run a full OS and can then make the battery last longer etc.

I manage on the go with an N95 and a bluetooth keyboard - the only thing I find I miss is a large screen.

sparx104

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> What I want to know is:

Did you use the TV-B-Gone today?

willgetin

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @Husher: Well, it's obviously more powerful than a EeePC, but that's not a fair comparison.

This is 1800$ and up; the EeePC is 300$ and up.

Guizzy

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> While I don't think this is Cube territory, it's niche at best. Form's clearly outpacing function on this one, and I don't expect there will be many takers beyond the early-adopter fetishists until the platform becomes a little more flexible.

humorbot

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I understand going lightweight and small so making the optical drive optional, but then to putting in a 4200rpm 80gb HD sort of defeats the purpose it will soon fill up and then you're left either having to bring the drive and a bunch of DVDs or an external USB HD

kiwijaws

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> It would've looked a whole lot better with a white keyboard.

Galley

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> If you want to keep your eyes open for a refurbished macbook air you can check out the rss feed page I created for the apple refurbished section at [www.152.org]

metric152

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @Thistle.John: Everything in the UK is more expensive. I mean come on $10 for a value meal at Burger King?! Thats freaking extortion. It's called standard of living. I don't mean to sound like an ass but that's just how the world works.

dwight-schrute

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I was *kind of* cool with this thing until I read that you can't replace the battery.

Probably can't get to the RAM either. So basically Apple's just introduced an iPod with a keyboard. Bravo...?

BillyShears

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @evophoto: Say what you will about Dell but the M1330 is superior in every way as a light portable laptop. MBA == Fail

Xenocide

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> OK so the thing is sexy and I'm no Mac owner, but they didn't update the regular Macbook and I think they missed out because that was really the price point I was looking into. The 'old' Macbooks didn't even get any more discounted.

I feel there is a market for this, especially with students, but the price is a bit high. Especially if you need backup HDD and optical drives to go along with it.

fragglepac

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> You guys cannot judge Macworld based on only 1 of the 4 new things introduced! Just look at Time Capsule and Apple TV 2.0 and tell me they are not not awesome worthy. A 1 TB HD with wireless backup capabilities AND a 802.11 n wireless router on top of all that in one device! Sweet! And Apple TV finally has what should have always been in the first release, new UI, no need for a computer to get content and far more space. And lets not forget to mention HD rentals, putting Apple on the path to beat both Netflix and Blockbuster with one punch. And don't forget the fact that the Ipod Touch has almost every feature of the iPhone now. Compare this to Macworld 2007 where only the Iphone made an appearance. I consider this Macworld a HUGE step up. And the Macbook Air will find its following. The iPhone faced much of the same hardcore critism when it arrived and it ended up well. Take a second look!

smc90

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> So in a month when they introduce the "Macbook Cloud" with this same touchpad, does that mean that this will get a 33% price drop?

luxera

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Am I the only one let down by the black keys and 'ample' white space on the keyboard?

G for GRENADE

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Sexy, but less than 100 gb of storage just seems archaic to me...

smitty1123

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> is it really 3lbs cus the asus u1e weighs 2

Husher

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> As I wrote in another post, I'm glad Apple continues its ways of R&D, because just like in Baseball, you gotta keep swingin' if you're going to to hit anything. But I really can't believe they're trying to foist this gimmicky thing on us. . .$3000.00+ for the top-end model which does less than my MacBook? F*** that!

It' s funny how many companies continue to flirt with miniaturization. I mean, what's the ideal size for a device with a screen? I love my smartphone, but the little screen is just an evil I live with; I certainly don't like it.

I agree with KAIESIS above, this thing will be keeping the G4 Cube company in the land of forgotten gizmos.

bramachari

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @DestroyerMTL:
Did the winking smiley not get the point across that it wasn't a completely serious comment? Way to pass over everything else that I said only to put words in my mouth. What the fuck are you doing on Gizmodo anyway, go read [H]ardOCP or something and jerk off over some numbers. Jesus christ you PC nerds are the most humorless, nitpicky people in the world. I'm ashamed to be one.

FullFlava

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Some of you are forgetting that early adopters are also early risk takers and very willing to hedge their bets (and spend money). I've seen and played with this model and it's gorgeous and light. Perfect for on the road. Those of you who say it's ugly obviously haven't seen it in person. Honestly, how many unattractive products does Apple make? Zero. But hey, how about that ugly, brown Zune, ay?

Three-Cent-Stamp

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Never been a big fan of Apple laptops, and as nice as this one looks, I doubt my opinion will change.

MIGHTYLIONHEART

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> WHERE'S THE REMOVABLE BATTERY? Not being able to swap out my battery in my iPod is one thing I hate, but I can endure-Having to rely on Apple (HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST Mr. Jobs?$$$$$$$$) to replace it is a whole new ball game. I'm not buying..Sad...very, very sad.

Funny He forgot to mention this one little "glitch".

larstetens

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @huygir: Ooh, thanks for reminding me. I also hate the fact you can't easily replace the battery. Though I don't like to admit it, this machine really is pretty impractical.

Nintenboy01

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> They will add this to the bin with the G4 Cube.

Another example of a bad idea done really well.

kaiesis

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> What's up with that huge bezel, too? I think it's kind of ugly. TZ looks way better and it's more powerful. And it's smaller.

dekigo92

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @UncleGDogg: Amen.

huygir

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @evophoto: Maybe, but I can swap the battery on my Dell. I'm going to be laughing at early adopters of this crap when their battery dies and they go dead in the water for days. So now Apple users have to carry - not an extra battery - no - an entire extra laptop?!?

Try selling that to your boss...

"Honest, sir, my Macbook Air battery died and I had to find an Apple store to replace it. That's why I missed the customer meeting, lost the account and changed my plane reservations at the last minute (at extra expense) to take the late flight back."

I don't like technology (or technology companies) that tie my hands. Apple is now pushing me away fast with their (expensive) closed products and the potential for disaster over something as stupid as a battery.

huygir

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Despite being a Mac fan, I'll definitely be passing on this thing. It lacks far too much functionality, to the point it would be inconvenient in certain situations. No ethernet? No built-in optical drive? No firewire or card reader? I'd hate to drag external drives and readers around. I'd rather stick with the Pro or plain Macbook. Hopefully the latter gets LED backlighting soon.

Nintenboy01

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @DestroyerMTL: I actually use an old 22 lb. Commodore 64 for sex appeal....

I pick it up...

Sit is on my chest...

and do sit ups.

Pope John Peeps II

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @FullFlava: You're going to use a laptop to get more sex appeal?

LAAAAAMMMMEEE.

DestroyerMTL

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @daftrok:
"Dell" that is funny. Seriously, comparing Dell to Apple is like comparing a Yugo to a Ferrari.


evophoto

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Move along people, it's just another Apple... Nothing to see here....

UncleGDogg

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @kingsnake:
17.4 inch monitor? That sounds like one huge freakin' tank of a laptop. It's not even a remotely fair comparison in any sense.

This is targeted at users who just want a general-purpose machine in a tiny, elegant package. Sure it's expensive, but you pay a price for quality and excellent design, and Macs have always been pricier. I can almost guarantee you that 90% of users don't give a damn about any of the features that this is "lacking." It's not aimed at supernerds, and that's why it'll probably sell very well.

Personally this fills exactly what I'd want out of a laptop. My PCs at home, work, and school fulfill all the "power user" needs that I have, I just want something tiny to take along with me. And, of course, imagine all the girls who'll wanna play with it ;) There's something to be said for sex appeal.

And just cuz I know I'm gonna get the shit flamed outta me, might as well throw in that I've been a dedicated PC user for life and haven't ever bought a Mac... but this looks too good to pass up.

FullFlava

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This is an Asus eee PC for the wealthy!

Noobs-R-Us

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @DucatiGuy: go to Apple store, superdrive is 100 bucks, ethernet is 30. for that size i'd pay it. You PC lovers have got to calm the hell down some times. This is specialty computer. if you don't like it buy a macbook or a macbook pro.

Christibyte

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This is the probably the best way to impress fellow "coffee"drinkers at Starbucks during the next two months. Thats why they made it so big, shiny and thin, so it wont go unnoticed.
Because the iPhone is soo common now.

Not very useful outside Starbucks/home though (off course you could pair it with your iPhone over bt 2.0 and have blazing edge speeds(good luck whatching your iTunes video rentals in 24 h btw.))

There is someting in the air, and it smells like 3 year old mobile networking tech.

M_Mickey

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> What video chipset is this thing using? They never tell you.

zedebsky

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @uberfu:

That happened sometime ago; it is not something Apple announced/launched today.

regnez

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @uberfu: That happened last year...old news.

phi

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> No user replaceable battery! iPods all over again!

phi

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I need a very small laptop to use with Logic Studio for a portable recording studio and maybe w/ MainStage for using software instrument plug-ins live. For me, the lack of a FireWire port for the Macbook Air is disturbing -- if not entirely predictable... (sigh)

John.B

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Did anyone else notice that the 15" MacBook Pros were updated with Backlit LED Screens?

uberfu

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I CAN"T BELIEVE THE BATTERY IS NOT REMOVABLE!!! WTF!!!

mikills

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This will so sweet next to my Toilet! Siten and surfen in style

fastm3driver

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, another example of brilliant design.

But it is flawed.

mangochutney

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Sorry, I would rather have seen an Intel update to the PowerBook G4 than this anorexic cripple. The tiny 80GB HD does not leave enough space when it's half full with an iTunes library. The 12inch PowerBook from 3 years ago weighed only 4.6 lbs including the optical drive and standard laptop drive. At 10.9 x 8.6 in size it was smaller than the Air in width and depth. Too many compromises to be skinny for $1800.

nocar

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Macworld 08 was a disappointment in general for me. I had way higher hopes for the MBA. But, I do like the time capsule. New apple tv is cool too, just not really something I need. But the price for the MBA is just ridiculous. You can easily get by with a regular macbook. Of course its bigger, but not that big.

jim82488

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @slingblade: I hear you. All in all, the only product I'm really stoked on is apple TV, the prospect of movie rentals without actually having to go outside really does appeal. Everything else from Macworld this year: meh, take it or leave it.

DestroyerMTL

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Am I the only one that is beginning to think Apple has hit their end of the "I Didn't Do It" episode of the Simpsons? You know where Bart jumps on out and says "I didn't do it!" and everyone that used to laugh and clap just goes "Heh..." shrugs and then leaves.

Not saying that this isn't neat and all but that's really it. It's not a fantastic machine with anything new per say just very VERY skinny. oooo ahhhh. Meh.

TheCyberBob

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Can anyone say, "PowerBook 100 Redux?"

Sasquatch

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Apple remote is extra.

nucreation

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> It's like a high-priced hooker: very sexy, super expensive. Compared to MacBook Pro, this this is just kind of a toy...

dmoss

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Oh and they are also selling a USB ethernet adapter for $29 ([store.apple.com])

slingblade

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @daftrok: The hell it is, its almost a full size notebook in comparison to the Vaio and Air. Thats why he didnt compare it to the Dell one, because the Dell one was a standard notebook they stripped down and try to compare to Sony's.

I mean have you even SEEN the thing. We have about 10 here, and they are about the size of a standard Macbook, which beats the pants off the XPS.

Falconfire

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> "BY BBQSALAD AT 02:29 PM
@kingsnake: werd 1080p screen on your laptop?"

Yeah - 17.4" monitor, 340 GB hard drive, 2GB RAM (up to 4) and other goodies at $1559. Hmm, 13" monitor and a puny 80 GB or even punier 64GB solid-state for $1800 or the mind-blowing $3000...christ, I'd love to see the moron who buys the $3000 version.

kingsnake

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @hn333: good question i want to know the durabilty of it.

utube2007

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This is beautiful and an amazing TECHNOLOGICAL creation.

At $1800 (min), it's too expensive for its main niche: a 2nd (or 3rd) computer for most people.

This reminds me of the Cube, another example of Form over Function aimed at the same business class airlines exploited for so long.

I'm fairly disappointed. I was hoping for something along the lines of a redesigned eMate, especially given the wild success of the eeepc. Something in this niche should be in the $1000-$1200 range. I'm not saying I would expect a machine like this to be that cheap, just something aimed at the 2nd/3rd machine market.

So, yeah, "Thanks, Steve. You made sticking with the eee a much more satisfying decision (especially if I give this one to my son and buy an 8.9" one when they come out...)."

-- One fairly disappointed Fanboy.

gyffes

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Ack, I'm usually a fanboi of Apple's so I hate to point this out. But a laptop without a removable battery? Please tell me I'm wrong but Applestore isn't selling replacement batteries. And I haven't seen a photo with any hint of a battery bay.

schwing

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @G_Money: Not going to be a mainstream hit because of the price point? Please just say you didn't think it through and take it back. iPhones fly off the shelves because of their value? I understand the informed minority see the problem with the price point, but it will sell because consumer spending is through the roof without regard for value.

itwasthedog

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> so no updates to MacBook Pro? disappointing... no wonder apple stock is plummeting by the minute. I can see myself snapping one of these carrying it in my bag through NYC rush hour subways.

warhol10

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @cappucino: not the speakers.

workingonyourinvoice

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Think of the positives: It's only a matter of time before Apple applies the new features on the rest of it's laptops. However I'm not sure how quickly the pricepoint will drop on the Air. I wouldn't hold my breath.

jibbly

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Hmm...no Apple remote....

slingblade

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @capuccino: what about holes for the microphone?

okeo

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> First step towards a Mac tablet. They've established that their technology can be condensed into a very thin package. If this takes off without ethernet or an optical drive, then a tablet will probably be the next step in their laptop evolution.

The past argument that there's no market for a tablet is pretty much washed out by a laptop like this - there's no reason for it to be anchored to a keyboard when it's essentially an underpowered, thin Macbook/MBPro.

CColdsmoke

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Oh and I forgot, the multi-touch...I don't really use iPhoto much, and I really don't need to zoom in on Safari...I doubt anyone really needs to zoom in when they're on a computer using surfing the net...that's a gimmick if you ask me...or if you are blind or if you hate wearing your glasses infront of a computer in which case you probably shouldn't be using the computer.

slingblade

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @reality.check: I don't think it is...I think it's the same as in the MBPs....

@teqsun.com: The point is to not be bulky and go completely digital (hence the reason why Apple wants you to rent videos and buy music off of iTunes - making the superdrive obsolete).

However if you must have one, just buy the $99 external one they are offering....all with Apple simple design goodness.

No ethernet because Apple's intention is for the MBA to be completely wireless (most of the time, what I'm saying is the charging the battery/AC adapter).

slingblade

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @kingsnake: werd 1080p screen on your laptop?

BBQSALAD

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Lovely pinhole speakers it has there next to the cam. Only for those listening ultra minimal elektro?

cappucino

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> i can't believe the macbook pro didn't get an update but what i really care about is the macbook i'm with others who've said a change from plastic to aluminium and led screen its been a dissapointing day i'm impressed by how thin it is but the weight isn't that impressive and thats what effects people the most

loxen504

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Looks really awesome though the price is the real deal breaker for me. I have a sony TZ at home and use a SZ at work. The problem i have with this machine is that while its visually stunning for $1800 i would expect it to be part of their macbook pro line (by which i mean having a graphics card other than the intel gma at least 1.8ghz standard not as an upgrade and a hdd that's at least 100gb and not 4200rpm) as opposed to being something akin to an upgraded macbook. Personally i feel that this machine competes with the sony SZ line rather than their ultraportable TZ line.

ruthven9058

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> "Once you start using the two fingers to scroll around inside one picture, it starts to lag. It's not as responsive as an iPhone." So they made a computer that can't manipulate photos as well as their phone?

Le0nidas

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @Earthslide: Very easily I would imagine.

BBQSALAD

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Will it blend? That is the question.

Earthslide

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I just bought a Vaio and plan on sticking with the Vaio. 1080p screen and HDMI out, all black case and beyond fast. So much sweeter.

kingsnake

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @hn333: It'll Fly

Bllo

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> i wanna know the specs. i mean would you get this or the eepc if the specs are close to the eepc

Husher

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I'll never go completely digital. I like my physical CD/DVD collection. When people come over, they always look at my collection and are like "oooh, I want to hear this." With digital, you have to fire up your computer just to show them...

I don't want to purchase a external SuperDrive either.

I like the MacBook Air (name sucks I think) in that I love thin things. But something just isn't right. One USB? I want at least two. But then again, the point of this thing is to not plug much stuff in.

The keyboard is nice, like the MB, but the color is still iffy. I will no doubt spend hours gushing at the MBA in Apple Stores soon though.

The price is too much, and with Frucci's finding of the SSD and 1.8ghz (too low, my MB is 2.16gz and it's nippy) costing $3100. No thank you. And only 80gb HDD option? I know people with music collections that big.

My guess is that college students who haven't converted to the Apple will be able to buy the regular MB (they still have that listed) MBA will be for maybe Juniors and Seniors who have a little more money or just those who have a little more money. MBP will still rule the world (although I would really like them to make a 13 inch of the MBP exactly as it is now). the 15" is still too big IMO...and the 17", well that thing is not carry outside friendly.

All in all, I'm a little disappointed with MacWorld 08....and believe me, having recently become a huge Apple dork, I was really looking for some good stuff. That iPod Touch still looks tasty though...and with 5 new apps, it's perfect!

slingblade

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Thistle.John: Apple ARE so unfair in whole Europe ;)

moveteam

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> if it's the same aluminum as the back of the iphone then it's going to dent and scuff when you sneeze near it.

reality.check

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> This wont be a mainstream hit. People with money to burn and die hard mac fans yeah, but not mainstream. not at 1800+

If you think about it, Palm with the Foleo wasnt that far off. People like the form of a device like this and say an eeepc. But they dont want to pay 2k+ for it. If its a mcahine that all you need is email/web browsing capabilities on the go, make an eeepc type screen and size, and have it connect to your pda/iphonce/smartpone. You get the functionality, the price and the size all in one.

Apple call me to discuss.

G_Money

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @hn333: Laptops don't like to be dropped.

Typical form over function coming from apple, bleh.

brello

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I'm no apple fanboy, but man, this looks sha-weet!

MagnoliaBoy

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @bitgod: lmfao!I thought Giz was just joking about that until I checked other sites. Strange indeed.

BBQSALAD

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> What happens when you drop it?

hn333

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> APPLE ARE SO UNFAIR TO THE UK, £1199 for the base model - at the current exchange rate, that translates to: $2352

thistle.john

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Friggin smokin sexy I would rub it on my chest.. but spensive!

BBQSALAD

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> The Randy Newman bit was odd. If Apple signed off on that song he sang, they have balls, because there will some that will bash it cuz it had a Dubbya bash in it, a Vice Pres bash, and some people will think it was too derogatory towards America. I didn't think the song was bad actually :), it was just an odd thing to have associated with a company happening.

bitgod

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> wow... I was so wrong yesterday. This thing sucks tho... where is the superdrive? where is the ethernet? Where is the demand for such a device?

teqsun.com

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> Talk about backpack "crunch" ouch...

DucatiGuy

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @daftrok: Man, seriously, get a grip. Take a deep breath, count to 10. Leave your mom's basement, go outside. Talk to a girl. It's ok. We can all get through this together.

workingonyourinvoice

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I was interested until I heard that it has no optical drive. Sorry, I use mine all the time in my laptop. Sure, you can run around your house using other PCs' drives, but when I'm stuck in a hotel, no dice. Might be good for some, completely unusable for me.

brello

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> And notice how he didn't mention the Dell XPS M1330 because it's so much better and cheaper.

daftrok

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> POOF!

Awesome...

Adolf

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> @daftrok:

Agreed. $1800 for a low-specced computer whose strong point is surfing the web? No thanks.

regnez

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> It's definitely beautiful, but not exactly what I wanted. I have my heart set on an Apple tablet.

The store is also down again... the gerbils in the servers can't keep up with all the requests!

forcetrainer

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> I'm pissed. Fuck the Macbook Air. I wanted LED backlit capabilities and the Penryn processors for a Macbook while maintaining the realistic price point and this POS took it away from me.

daftrok

]]> <![CDATA[MacBook Air Hands-on]]> More Randy Newman coverage!

highfloydelity

]]>