I figured I’d chime in on MacBook Air. To be honest, it’s not what I hoped for. And, no, it’s not because it doesn’t have WiMAX (though, that’s a letdown too).
The real reason that I am not happy is because Apple is still missing out on the market that wants to be small on size, but big on power. This used to be somewhat satisfied by the 12-inch PowerBook G4. Apple is still playing the game of trying to push Pro customers up to the 15-inch MacBook Pro.
The 13-inch MacBook lacks durability and graphical performance. In short, it’s something Apple could fix with a new case, and a Configure to Order option for dedicated graphics (which would mean an alternate Main Logic Board, but enough would buy I don’t see that as a valid objection).
So, Apple made the MacBook Air. Okay, it’s certainly a Pro offering. It’s a subnotebook, okay, I could see it complimenting my MacBook Pro for when I don’t need all that power. But, cost comes into play. To be a Pro ultraportable customer, I now need to buy a MacBook Pro ($1999), and a MacBook Air ($1799). Now, you might say “Chris, you really don’t need two laptops.”
In Apple’s world today, I do. You do if you need to run Final Cut, CS3, or any graphically demanding application… and still have ultraportablility.
Apple could fix this, they really could. Apple could simply repeat history, and take the 13-inch MacBook, give it an aluminum body, more powerful CPU and graphics… and call it the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Now, I’m not saying MacBook Air isn’t going to sell… it just missed the largest hole in Apple’s product portfolio. I’m not alone in this opinion, it’s something that I know for a fact is still debated inside the leadership at Cupertino. Unfortunately, indecision has led to my having to lug around an aircraft carrier… and I’m not going to buy another machine to compensate.
Oh, and I still haven’t gotten a clear answer on Target Disk Mode. With no FireWire port, I’m assuming they re-routed it to do the same functionality over USB 2.0… it’s going to be a royal pain to troubleshoot when things go bad otherwise. I’m not taking one apart… I’m just going to throw it at the nearest Genius Bar.
The MacBook Air wasn’t exactly what I was expecting to see this year at MacWorld. I have to agree that I was looking forward to a upgraded MacBook, or to see the MacBook line replaced with a more durable and graphical performance than what was revealed to us.
I’m begining to speculate though that this won’t be the end of ‘Ultraportable’ laptops though. They might apply Air’s technology towards their high-end laptops, to give us our 13-inch MacBook Pro. MacBook Pro Air, could be on the rise.
I have to agree, Chris. The Macbook Air certainly doesn’t lack any of the curb appeal that Apple has become known for. Sadly, though, I couldn’t really justify getting one unless I just happened to have a couple grand to toss away.
The Air is not powerful enough to be a main computer for a lot of people, and it is too expensive to be the lite travel computer. If I wanted a lighter/smaller portable, I would go with something less featured and less costly. I think Apple did well with it, but I don’t anticipate the Air being a huge seller in its first iteration/generation.
All good things to those who wait.
http://mbp12.com
Sigh. I am so devastatingly disappointed at these reviews and my closer investigation of what the MacBook Air has to offer. I was totally enchanted with the ultraslim design – a 21st century look. But what’s the use, if I have to carry a gym bag with all the necessary peripherals to do my usual expected work on a laptop???
Thanks for posting the above!