doepay

johnnymar

crash1105

Danny Molayem

"The FBs really need to check on the street for a better comeback than "hating". Its so 2 years ago........"

As opposed to "fanboy" which is so off the hook and cutting edge ;p

Dearhaw

banmojo

@SomeAudioGuy:
I agree, I would not pick either one of these units. There are soooooo many choices out now for LTs why would you settle for the short comings of either of these LTs (excluding the puss bags who quibble over carrying an extra .7 inches in thickness and a couple of Lbs)?

Other than the fact its running Windows, and its higher price, the X300 doesn't seem bad - The MBA, not even a viable choice for me lacking what it does in HW. For as much as I hate windows, I could never see dealing with the apple arranged keyboard, single button mouse and play school feeling op sys.....oh sry "hatin" again. LOLOLOL. The FBs really need to check on the street for a better comeback than "hating". Its so 2 years ago........

Out2gtcha

Any OS can be run on either.
Both are WAY to underpowered for the price.
Style is subjective.

I just don't trust Apple with my batteries, so it's a good thing I'll not pick EITHER of these for my next laptop.

SomeAudioGuy

Seriously. If the X300's keyboard is like pretty much every other Thinkpad keyboard it's a work of sheer perfection for touch typists. I like messing around with my co-workers Macbook Pros, but the keyboard (while better than most PCs) can't hold a candle to the Thinkpad IMO.

Ron-Mexico

woosht

As for performance, it's in line with the MacBook, slower than the MacBook Pro, about the same as most Toshiba notebooks I've used, and is faster than any Dell notebook I've used. Yes, I'm sure the SSD is a gimmick, but let me tell you this -- quite counterintuitive to this "bigger is better" mentality with storage -- simultaneously purchasing an iPhone and MBA has made a huge difference in my personal productivity, if only that my shoulder doesn't hurt anymore.

Last point about performance: I use all the major Microsoft and Adobe apps, but also run huge statistical databases in two different high-end stats programs. Not a stitch of a slowdown.

Yes, this thread is about the comparison, and the Thinkpad looks like it has some real advantages. But as the previous post pointed out, now that we've gone to downloads and wireless, much of what was once needed isn't anymore.

I recall people thinking Apple was crazy when they stopped using floppy disks in the first-gen iMac. Seems like a good decision in hindsight.

johnnymar

Cool Factor: Winner RAZR... Winner MacBook Air.

The overall features aren't what sells the MacBook Air. I don't want a MBA because I'm a power-user. Anyone who dogs the MBA because it has a lesser feature set needs to first as, does it capture its INTENDED market. Winner: MBA

ajendus

darklordy

OK, I'll correct you. The CPU in the X300 is an ULV 1.2GHz processor. Way less powerful than the C2D in the MBA.

-----------

Frankly, this debate between Gizmodo Apple fanboys and haterz on the comparison between the MBA and the X300 is going abso-fucking-lutely nowhere, and I'm sick and tired of it. I will, after this post, never comment on this stupid debate ever again.

I will make one final comment... er, prediction, the only prediction that matters to Apple.

Both in total number of units sold and profits gained: the MBA will trump the X300.

You can quote me on that.

Dearhaw

That said, using the OS as a bullet point doesn't work. What WOULD work is simply saying that one supports more software than the other. Since VMware Fusion/Parallels/Boot Camp can be used on the Air to run Windows natively, technically, it wins the compatibility game, with the only caveat being the price of a legal copy of Windows.

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

SneakerFiend

ryanrule

topcatticus

solOptimus

mrsteve007

Ethan Allison

Ztealth

actually, that's a win for the X300. it's a professional machine, and since most workplaces use Windows, you're ensuring compatibility.

• Is more expensive at $2,476 with half battery and without DVD. It has SSD, but it doesn't add any advantage. More popular configuration is $3,000 with full battery and DVD drive. MacBook Air base model is $1,799. Winner: MacBook Air.

the comparable macbook, with the SSD, is $3250. again, a win for the X300.

willyolio

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

and the "Air", I bet, is another substantial milestone in evolution of the mankind.

atenrok

How are those wins for the MBA? You love Apple that much?

stinkyboy

comp_wiz101

Although Windows does suck, for me its way better than the alternative of owning an apple of any kind; except for the Granny smith. I love those apples.

It's the same crap I hear from almost every apple user....."It's too complicated, please simply everything for me Steve, I'll only ever need the bare minimum!" Hilarious……. I think your right. You should definitely stick with apple.

Out2gtcha

To give a simple example, let's say I want to copy a USB drive to another (something I do quite often). MBA will do that in...double the time of another computer with just one more USB port.
I'd say there are dozens of scenarios where I use two USB ports on my lappy nearly every week. Now three....that's a bit excessive.

topcatticus

newgalactic

DVD drive? I seldom EVER use that. I download everything, movies, software, music.

Ethernet? Seldom use that either... I almost always connect wirelessly at home and at work, and on the road. Most hotels these days have wireless in the rooms.

2 Gigs of RAM works great on my MBP. The MacBook Air doesn't really need more than 2.

The big deal-killer for me is (and will always be) Windoze. I hate it. I would never go back to such an unnecessarily clunky and complicated OS again. I don't care if the Lenovo has 20 gbs of Ram and 3 optical drives... and cost $450, I wouldn't want one. The OS makes all the difference in the world.

"Serious Computing?" Come on. 99% of you do nothing more than surf the internet, read email, and work on word processor/spreadsheet docs. Judging from the lack of spelling skills, I'd bet that there aren't many nuclear engineers or rocket scientists complaining about the MacBook Air, just nerds in their parents basements.

vinny2cubes

j4sk868

Crazysamz

uberfu

One minute he's a PC whore and the next he's puckering up to Steve_ You have to look at him more like the "mickey mouse" of news reporting for tech gadgets_

He's more of an icon or figure head_ He's a Journalist that covers technology - just like some of those "sports" announcers that have never actually played sports_ Or a movie critic that has never acted or written/ directed/ produced a movie ever_
-----------------
Here's my query for the topic at hand:
"• Doesn't use Mac OS X Leopard. Winner: MacBook Air."

Was this messed up in some manner?

Should this not be either:

DOES use Mac OS X Leopard. Winner: McBook Air

or

Doesn't use Mac OS X Leopard. Winner: Lenovo X300

The last time I checked - the MBA uses Leopard and the Lenovo X300 is a Win box - so what am I missing?

uberfu

You may find it interesting that I don't own a plasticly Dell unless the article and my earlier response left you wondering. I care as much about my image as you care about you spelling.

Denver_80203

ProSeven

[reviews.cnet.com]

They point out that the Portege is more than a pound lighter, has more ports, is cheaper, and has the option of adding an internal optical drive (though that lessens the weight difference).

Zlevee

This, along with several of the other points (os) are all subject of your preference obviously.

bpatten

Lets all stop drinking the Cool-aid here. The MBA is just plain not for anyone who has to do any kind of serious computing of any kind. Its like buying a diamond.
It's very shiny.
It's pretty looking.
But it doesn't do much of anything. It's for the status of saying you own one.
If you want the Jessica Simpson of laptops go right ahead......attractive on the outside with nothing of substance on the inside what-so-ever.......(go for it x! LOL)

Out2gtcha

But then again, if you're trying to control the outcome...

Nuff said.

sshrum

Sooo..."• Has slower processor. Winner: MacBook Air." Isn't so true so much as it's false. Unless you take it literally, which is to mean that if you want a slower processor, buy the MBA.

@Redwraithvienna: These are not UMPCs. These are notebooks. Very thin and light notebooks, but notebook computers nonetheless. Actual UMPC's, like the Sony U70, are about 1/4 the physical size of either of these.

Really, you're not going to want to dual-boot on a 64GB SSD. Personally, I'd have the Vista-based X300.

topcatticus

+ Small physical dimensions :: Winner = my PPC phone
+ Infrared :: Winner = my PPC phone
+ Mobile internet :: Winner = my PPC phone
+ Touchscreen :: Winner = my PPC phone
+ etc etc etc :: Winner = my PPC phone

the only reason to throw in something that allows the MB Air to win is just to make the comparison "look" subjective. Also, grouping up the results to make *another point* should not count as another point.

+ Small physical dimensions, Infrared, Mobile internet, Touchscreen :: Winner = my PPC phone

Also, when talking about OS in regards to hardware...that seems a bit tacky. While I like that hte MB Air can run Windows and OSX, there is always the Linux option. Makes it look like your grasping for +++.

sshrum

[www.engadget.com]

Oh, and those few of you up there trying to spin the good looks of the MBA as somehow a universal negative (as opposed to personal preference) are amazing. You should work as spin-masters for politicians. I know one camp that really needs help right about now ;-)

Dearhaw

As much as we geeks have trouble admitting, subjective factors like design make gadgets more enjoyable to use.

MrBlahBlah

I expect the Air is a good laptop for folks who believe the iPhone is a good phone...

lefty-

Also is proceless to watch your eyes follow the person with the Mac Air while bitting your lip while holdind a plasticly Dell in your lap.

>Can run more software and compatible with your office >network standards:
>Winner, Lenovo X300
>Doesn't pan you out as the latest trend setting metrosexual twit:
Winner" Lenovo X300

lithivm

Don't get me wrong, I think Lenovo could do a LOT to make the X300 more desirable (better battery life, better processor, more competitive price, etc.) But I just see the MBA missing the boat on a core competency of an ultra mobile sub-notebook.

Johnny Chimpo

Denver_80203

LOL, i sense sarcasm?

striggity

pdditty

ruthven9058

imTheKing

ninjatales

Doesn't pan you out as the latest trend setting metrosexual twit:
Winner" Lenovo X300

Denver_80203

RACIST!

rodsky

Angus

firesign

Respectthebox

James

Samifumi

We just went through Mossberg article and made a bullet point of each of his arguments, one by one. In fact, if you count all the expansion as one advantage, there will be less points awarded to the Lenovo than to the MacBook Air.

The fact is that Mossberg's article doesn't make the Lenovo or the Air a clear winner over the other, but leans towards the Air for a number of reasons, explained above.

You can agree or disagree with Mossberg. We are just reporting HIS opinion (which I personally happen to share but others in Gizmodo won't).

Jesus Diaz

kooqeem0nsta

snathanb

4 GB on a kickass notebook with a huge HD, the best graphics card money can buy and much more processing power then a 1.8 Ghz Core2duo can supply : OK

On this very nice, very sexy, very specialised machines it makes no sense.

Dont get me wrong. More RAM = Good. But does it really matter ? I mean you (hopefully) wont run AutoCAD or something similar on it which really needs it.

Even other RAM hoggig stufflike photoshop would be much more limited by the 1,8 Ghz Processor then by 1 or 2 GB RAM.

So in my opinion : With those two machines more RAM is not the dealmaker or breaker.

On the UMPC Part : I am working in a museum and teaching at university. Which means that i always carry around my laptop and "other Stuff"(Which is not much but just too much for my small laptop bag) from workplace to workplace.
At the moment i have too use a big laptop bag cause i just cant fit in books, papers, and so on in the small crumpler bag i own. (this is due to the macbook i own being a lot thinker and in an additional cover so it wont scratch :) ).

If i got a MacBook Air or a X300 it would get much easier. I could use my small bag again, wont have to worry about scratches and still have enough space in the bag for "Other Stuff"

So Long story short : UMPCs in my opinion are not only about footprint or how high a laptop is built. Its about one of them. Either its high and has a small footprint, or really thin and has a large one. In both cases it frees up a lot of space in the bag. And that is what it is all about.

I am a fan of "big" screens so an Air or X300 would be great for me ... a EEE defenitly wont do.

(If ever a EEE with a roll out OLED display comes along i will reconsider)

just my2cents

Redwraithvienna

flame500

Viva La Volvo

videoCWK

In another note, I can't call these as UMPC's, they aren't Ultra portable yet. they are still huge considering the footprint of each device.

Biggy

Anyway "Maxshanly" ir right (but don't forguet that tha MB Air can run Vista, ah, no, it can't load de install DVD :p)

Valis

valis

or..

i wanted my "ultraportable" to be symmetrical(ie: the same thickness throughout) winner: neither. i know.. moot.. but it's one of my favorite things about my mbp..I hate leaning laptops..

i'm beginning to think that our desires as nerds just surpass the technology. I remember a time, when upgrades would surprise and delight me, and I wouldn't even know precisely what they meant.

now all I want is a 5nm 16 core laptop with multitouch, a bezel less oled screen, and ai, all wrapped up into a thickness of .25 in...

savager

What about : Has way more ports. Winner: Lenovo X300. dont you understand ?

And RAM ? 4 GB on an UMPC ? Lulz

Redwraithvienna

Max Shanly

Up to 4 GB of RAM. Winner: Lenovo X300.

Biggy

Has 3 USB ports and a Mic slot. Winner: Lenovo X300.

Biggy

(Not that I disagree with the conclusion), but Mossberg works for KatieC right...

FreakyExecutive

Bakafish

I expected nothing less (or more).

klamerus

Stacky Botrus

andrei-