“The Apple MacBook Air is a seminal computer. There I said it. I’m not going to pretend that my opinion is the final word (or anything close to it) but I will weigh in by saying it’s a ground-breaking product. After using it for about two months, here’s why,” Brooke Crothers writes for CNET’s Crave. “(Note: I am not a Mac enthusiast. This is the first Apple [Mac] I’ve ever owned.)”
1. Very thin, very light but comparatively fast. That’s no mean feat.
2. Solid state drive (SSD): The SSD is revolutionary.
3. Sturdy. For a sub-one-inch-thin notebook, it feels remarkably solid.
4. Battery life. I can only compare the battery life against the other PC notebooks I use. The Air beats them all.
5. Looks. You can’t beat the aesthetics.
Full article here.
Hey Big Al,
The US government has determined that it costs more than a penny to make a penny.
But if we got rid of pennies, how would we make change for the oh-so-many things that cost 0.99, 1.99, 2.99, etc?
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />
@afib
This product is not targeted toward an alpha geek like you.
Vocal geeks show up in abundance in blogs and forums but represent a tiny minority of consumers.
The consumers for which the MBA is targeted see the rich, blend/balance of practicality, usefulness and aesthetics that the product offers.
The targeted audience sees technology not as an end in itself but as an adjunct to the quality of their lives. To you, technology IS your life. To them, your objections are of little concern.
Most auto mechanics will use a suitable set of tools to do their job. But some will raise the quality of their lives and spend the extra money for Snap-on tools solely because of the aesthetics the tools bring to the job.
There is a philosophy of life at work here. The MBA apparently does not fit your philosophy, but for many, it will.
Well said, Thomas.
Afib, why do you keep repeating yourself in thread after thread?
Everyone agrees that the MBA trades “features” for portability. Don’t you?
Everyone agrees that there are some people who value portability over those missing features. Don’t you?
The only question is, when compared to other ultra-portables, whether Apple has picked the right features to discard in return for that portability. Many ultra-portables keep ports, removable battery, and optical drive, but wind up with greater thickness/ size/weight, lower CPU speed, lower battery life, etc. Others go with smaller screen, smaller keyboard to keep size down.
What features do you think the MBA should have if its volume (about 53 cubic inches) and weight (3 lbs or less) were the only starting constraints?
Ray,
Call it what you will.
But the first version of an Apple product still works better and provides for more productivity and entertainment than the second, third, or even fourth version of a product from someone else, especially if such product is powered by Microsoft software.
@Afib
Glad to see you’re back and thank you for keeping your posts concise. Too many MAC dorks just drone on about specifications, price, or their unique needs. Typical boring comments from losers who use boring computers. And way to keep the MAC fanbois (can I use your word?) at bay with your sharp wit. Us Windows enthusiasts can always use more like you. Keep it up!
My Windows detection engine has you posting from a Windows Vista Ultimate machine. If not you should be. You deserve the best.
Glad to have you aboard and let’s take it to the MAC sheep!
Your potential. Our passion.™
He says he’s not a Mac enthusiast, but he loves his Mac — he sure sounds like a Mac enthusiast to me.
@NeoMonkey
Try Ctl-Alt-Command on those pages you need to reverse…
Thomas:
”The consumers for which the MBA is targeted see the rich, blend/balance of practicality, usefulness and aesthetics that the product offers.”
What a load of ill-defined, pompous crap.
If, as you suggest, MBA is “targeted” for certain users then the logical corollary is that MBA is NOT targeted for other users. Those for whom MBA is not the ideal machine there are obvious criteria which can assist users deciding which other notebooks are optimal choices. These criteria are both objective and subjective.
Objective features, by definition, are rigorous, continuous, quantifiable, and comparable. Therefore, lower or higher numerical values can be compared to rank “usefulness” or “practicality” of well-defined and exacting specifications or features. Subjective features are mere opinion or descriptive data. Although subjective data can be ranked as well, subjective data are not considered rigorous data. I hope that this making sense to you.
”The targeted audience sees technology not as an end in itself but as an adjunct to the quality of their lives. To you, technology IS your life. To them, your objections are of little concern.”
If a person needs a notebook with more than 1.6 or 1.8 GHz CPU (versus 2.1, 2.4 , or 2.6 GHz), yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more than 64 or 80 GB of storage (versus 160, 200, or 250 GB), yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more than 2 MB of storage (versus 4 MB), yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with user upgradeable RAM, yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more Ethernet connectivity, yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more than 80 GB of storage, yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more than USB connectivity (i.e needs additional FireWire connectivity), yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with more than a 13-inch monitor, yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
If a person needs a notebook with easily replaceable batteries, yes, MBA is technologically deficient.
Now, a person can judge for themselves whether each MBA deficiency is or is not a significant shortcoming or limitation for them. You, for example, may consider that a machine with a slower CPU, less RAM, smaller LCD, smaller hard drive, and no Ethernet connectivity is well worth the two grand you would be expected to pay. For you, an otherwise technologically deficient 3 lb machine with aesthetic appeal is a bargain. Other people (i.e. the group not targeted for MBA) would legitimately conclude that either Macbook or Macbook Pro the optimal machine. These persons would legitimately consider a portable machine that weighs 5 to 5.4 lbs than can function in more and varied environments the better choice.
” Most auto mechanics will use a suitable set of tools to do their job. But some will raise the quality of their lives and spend the extra money for Snap-on tools solely because of the aesthetics the tools bring to the job.
More pompous crap.
I don’t know who your mechanics are, but the people I speak with who use tools select items based on such “technological” criteria such as fit, finish, width, depth, durability, strength, etc. Many of these specifications are defined as quantifiable standards of quality and performance established by accredited professional and industry groups, institutes, and colleges. If you would actually read these standards, you will find quantifiable and objective measures defined and listed, not mere opinion or subjective rankings of “aesthetic” appeal. So, what publishable and peer reviewed quality and performance standards do you fanbois refer to?
Mr Agreeable:
“Afib, why do you keep repeating yourself in thread after thread?”
Because fanbois can’t or won’t read previous threads or lack comprehension, I have to spoon-feed them. Like many of the persons in my classes, fanbois, need constant and consistent instruction to reinforce simple subjects. The most challenging aspect of my work is overcoming these students’ limited comprehension, attention deficits, poor study skills, and inherent biases. I suppose that my experiences in public education tend to blend into my threads.
I thought the Windows Detection Engine was infallible
Um, that thing you like… I don’t like. Let’s fight.
Thanks for putting that so eloquently, Thomas!
dearest afib
If a person needs a notebook
let them choose
otherwise your
pompous
sanctimonious
self-righteous
arrogant
crap
belongs in the same place you crawled out of…
the toilet
James:
Apparently “eloquently” is a fanboi euphemism for “pompous crap”.
feral:
What makes you think that your opinions matter the slightest to me?
@afib
… pompous…?
You are clearly the prime shoveler of pomposity here.
Who are you to declare anyone who does not agree with you a “fanboi”?
Who is screaming at the readers with emphasized text?
Is it not you who are speaking condescendingly to your readers with statements like, “I hope that this is making sense to you.”
You speak as if people who would buy a MBA are unaware of the specifications or are incapable of considering specifications. How pompous of you.
You can spout all you want about specifications but the truth for many is that there are additional considerations.
The fact is that subjective decisions based on intangibles such as aesthetics and overall user experience and emotional appeal is core to consumer sales.
Apple is taking this truth to the bank with the MBA. And those profits will be quite quantifiable.
Don’t get me wrong, I personally am not attracted to purchasing the MBA. I, like you, tend more to weigh the specs (but not to the extreme that you do).
You have a “bean counter” mentality. For many people, counting beans, quantifying, getting all anal and ranting is not their thing.
Self-righteously insisting that all who do not yield beneath your tyranny of numbers is a fool makes you an ass.
In fact it makes you a pompous ass.
same reason yours don’t mean anything to me
Afib is another ultra MS/PC loverboy that will never get it. He’ll never be happy unless these criteria are covered.
1. Must cost dirt cheap
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”wink” style=”border:0;” />
2. Must have multiple lights that blink with and glow during use.
3. Must have multiple lights that blink and glow when sleeping.
4. Must have multiple lights that blink and glow when turned off.
5. Must have many quadruple ports and slots and hole and vents.
6. Must have 4 to 5 ways to enable an option on the machine.
7. Must have 4 to 5 ways to enable an option and must be located in areas of the machine and software in the most unintuitive way possible.
9. Must come in black, two tone, three tone, four tone and have a red button somewhere or anywhere on the device.
10. The Big one. Must have multiple stickers that say VISTA CAPABLE. Heck even VISTA READY, VISTA IN IT ALREADY, VISTA WILL BE ON IT ALREADY, VISTA CAN BE PUT IN IT ALREADY, VISTA REMOVABLE READY FOR WINDOWS 7 READY.
so, uh, how bout that Obama?
What I got out of the review and ALL of the subsequent comments:
The MBA is an over priced, under powered, luxury that compares very well with other over priced, under powered luxuries. If you happen to be someone with plenty of cash, and don’t really need the full power of a less expensive, higher powered model, then the over priced, under powered luxury suits you.
And if you say anything negative about the over priced, under powered luxury, there are people here that will want to scratch your eyes out like mean little girls.
”Who are you to declare anyone who does not agree with you a “fanboi”?
If you would read my threads, Thomas, you would understand that my beef is with those that cannot understand the simple and prudent process of intelligent consumerism. An intelligent consumer objectively and thoughtfully compares and contrasts the various machines he or she wishes to purchase, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each, then makes an informed decision.
If the shoe fits, wear it.
”Who is screaming at the readers with emphasized text?”
MDN allows users to post with emphasized text. If that is a feature that you wish MDN to omit – your beef is with them. Besides, if you consistently applied your angst against the use of “screaming” text you would have made your point to anyone who uses bold text, all capital letters, emoticons, etc. to accentuate text for clarity or formatting or bring attention to their threads.
If bold text too much for you then do the following:
1. Copy and paste the text using your favorite word processing software.
2. Select “All Text”.
3. Convert all text to standard formatting.
”Is it not you who are speaking condescendingly to your readers with statements like, “I hope that this is making sense to you.”
How you intepret my threads is more a reflection of your own personality and thought processes. Also, you have conveniently not railed against the crass language that others use frequently, so I infer that your complain is based on your personal dislike of me more than some universal standards regarding threading. In other words, you have no credibility as a critic, but you seem to be a perfect example of a hypocrite.
”You speak as if people who would buy a MBA are unaware of the specifications or are incapable of considering specifications. How pompous of you.”
Firstly, some people ARE unaware of the specifications of MBA. My motivation is to help them, what is your motivation? I never suggested that anyone was “incapable” of considering the specifications. I merely listed the specifications that I thought were most significant. Obviously, your beef is not with the specifications, but my listing them – the same specs that Apple lists on its website. If you don’t like the specs for MBA, complain to Apple, not me.
Secondly, others have also listed certain specifications and features of the various Mac notebooks, but you have conspicuously failed to characterize their threads as pompous. Your inconsistency and bias tends to suggest that your intent is purely discriminatory and prejudiced. In other words, because you are inconsistent with your criticisms, you have no credibility with me. Therefore, I really cannot grant you the benefit of collegiality that I would give a person who did not show such bias and inconsistency.
”You can spout all you want about specifications but the truth for many is that there are additional considerations.”
I did acknowledge that some persons would consider the aesthetics of MBA as important features. You might be surprised that some people print specifications (http://www.apple.com) and other people actually read them. If you wish Apple not to print the specifications of their product, please communicate your concerns to them. If you wish Apple to also list subjective scores for each Mac product and/or use more adjectives in their advertising, please, communicate this to Apple, too.
”The fact is that subjective decisions based on intangibles such as aesthetics and overall user experience and emotional appeal is core to consumer sales.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinions of aesthetics. I think that MBA is aesthetically pleasing, but has too many functional or technological limitations to be useful in the diversity of environments that I work. It is conceivable that MBA users do not need a more powerful notebook than MBA for the tasks that they do and have ready access to WiFi 24/7. Of course, some may want a notebook more than just for its physical appearance, and need a machined with the capacity to function well in multiple environments. That is their choice, too, even if it differs from yours or if they rank functionality over aestheticism.
”Apple is taking this truth to the bank with the MBA. And those profits will be quite quantifiable.
It is true that MBA has attracted the attention of many people. I would suspect that it was not just aesthetics that convinced many of them to spend two or three grand. Of course, Apple’s profits from MBA do not imply how well MBA functions as a personal computer any more than sales of Cleveland Brown’s season tickets indicate the potential of the Browns to reach the playoffs.
Don’t get me wrong, I personally am not attracted to purchasing the MBA. I, like you, tend more to weigh the specs (but not to the extreme that you do).
Extreme? What technological deficiencies did you estimate as being too “extreme” for you not to purchase MBA?
”You have a “bean counter” mentality. For many people, counting beans, quantifying, getting all anal and ranting is not their thing.”
You admitted that you also evaluated the specifications of MBA, but you are not a “bean counter”? So, precisely how many specifications did you evaluate?
”Self-righteously insisting that all who do not yield beneath your tyranny of numbers is a fool makes you an ass. In fact it makes you a pompous ass.”
Whatever.
Determining whether the MBA is overpriced/underpowered/underfeatured or not depends on what set of priorities you have and what other models you are comparing it to.
I have no problem with the judgements of those who have a fairly complete understanding of the pros and cons, no matter whether they like the MBA or not. Afib has determined that other models offer more performance at a lower cost. Those virtues are more important to Afib than thinness or lightness. No problem, not hard to understand.
I do however think it is sad that somebody with such a clear understanding of the relative virtues and pitfalls of a particular computer model has chosen to express themselves in such an inflammatory manner regarding the differing opinions of others. We have all arrived at this point with different perspectives, different perceived needs and different financial circumstances.
The opinions of those who understand the MBA and consider it to be a wise choice for their individual circumstances are just as valid as those of somebody who comes to a different conclusion for their own circumstances. It is possible to understand, appreciate and purchase the MBA without being a fanboi, and it is possible to prefer other machines without hating Apple, loving Microsoft or being a jerk about it.
It would be good if we could all lighten up, or at least learn to ignore those who can’t. Most of us have more important things to be upset about and more productive outlets for our excess energy.
feral:
“same reason yours don’t mean anything to me.
If my threads didn’t matter to you, you would not have have commented at all, but you did. However, your thread proves that my thread(s) did matter to you.
Do you see the logical inconsistency in your thinking? Why should I consider what you thread as meaningful or important if you demonstrate such irrational thinking? I would never know what you threaded was sincere and thoughtful or just disingenuous nonsense.
HEY! More dumbass, childish mud-slinging! So when do the “your mom” jokes start?
Once again, thanks for the laughs, retards!!