“Apple has applied its expertise in miniaturization to achieve a design that’s unconsciously portable yet super sturdy. The 11-inch Air’s 2.3-pound weight is more than a full pound lighter than the 12-inch Asus Eee PC 1215N (3.4 pounds), and easier to tote than the Acer Aspire 1830t (3 pounds),” Spoonauer reports. “Even 10-inch netbooks such as the Toshiba NB305 (2.8 pounds) feel bulky by comparison.”
MacDailyNews Take: And that’s even before you’re confronted by the bloatastic Windows OS to which those crapslabs doom their sufferers. Spoonauer ignores the OS issue completely.
Spoonauer continues, “Thanks to the 11-inch Air’s unibody aluminum housing, this machine feels a lot more durable than its plastic competition. It’s also very, very thin… You won’t find a brighter, crisper, or more colorful display on an notebook this class… The 11-inch MacBook Air may be thin, but the sound is anything but. Two stereo speakers project audio right through the top of the keyboard, pumping out surprisingly loud sound… Thanks to a new FaceTime desktop beta application, MacBook owners can make video calls to other Mac owners, as well as to those who have an iPhone 4 and the latest iPod touch.
“The 11-inch MacBook Air features a 1.4-GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of RAM,” Spoonauer reports. “Some might reasonably expect a low-voltage Core i5 or Core i7 CPU and more memory at this price, but these components–in combination with the 128 GB of all-flash storage and Nvidia graphics, give this ultraportable plenty of muscle for running Mac OS X Snow Leopard. In the GeekBench test, for example, the Air scored 2,159, which is nearly 900 points higher than the Asus Eee PC 1215N… After simply opening the lid once we’d reached cruising altitude on a recent flight, the Air lit up instantly. No twiddling thumbs required. Anyone from business travelers to students can appreciate this responsiveness. Just as impressive, the Air cold booted into Mac OS X in just under 15 seconds, the fastest time we’ve ever seen from a Mac or PC… In our tests, this notebook proved snappy when rendering video in the new version of iMovie, as well as when manipulating photos in iPhoto.”
Spoonauer reports, “Apple said it would never make a netbook, and it hasn’t. The 11-inch MacBook Air is a powerful ultraportable that makes other systems in its class look positively bloated… If you want the thinnest, lightest Mac experience ever, this Air will leave you elated.”
There’s much more, including benchmarks in the full – recommended – review, here.
Sounds good but it will never be able to compete with net books
$300 vs $1200
Just do the math to see that outside of macheads this will be a novelty
Sounds good but it will never be able to compete with net books
$300 vs $1200
Just do the math to see that outside of macheads this will be a novelty
There, there (pats Jim on shoulder).
There, there (pats Jim on shoulder).
Jim,
It’s not a netbook replacement. It’s a notebook replacement.
Did you read the article?
Don’t you look stupid.
Jim,
It’s not a netbook replacement. It’s a notebook replacement.
Did you read the article?
Don’t you look stupid.
@Jim
It is stupid to tag as “macheads” to everyone that buys Apple hardware, because that adjective talks more about yourself than those to whom it is intended.
I’m tired of that thinking.
Shit happens, soooo many times®
@Jim
It is stupid to tag as “macheads” to everyone that buys Apple hardware, because that adjective talks more about yourself than those to whom it is intended.
I’m tired of that thinking.
Shit happens, soooo many times®
Jim, you make my head hurt. Did you know it’s not a replacement for a washing machine either?
Jim, you make my head hurt. Did you know it’s not a replacement for a washing machine either?
@ Jim
Ten times better than a netbook for just four times the cost. Looks like a steal to me!
@ Jim
Ten times better than a netbook for just four times the cost. Looks like a steal to me!
It’s also an expensive replacement for a handheld calculator.
It’s also an expensive replacement for a handheld calculator.
There is no way this is cool. A rip off for poor Mac nerds that will buy it. Just get hp touch smart 800 gig HD i3 inside and flips to be touch screen for 800 bucks on best buys web site. Apple you make great toys but with these prices you will always be number 2.
There is no way this is cool. A rip off for poor Mac nerds that will buy it. Just get hp touch smart 800 gig HD i3 inside and flips to be touch screen for 800 bucks on best buys web site. Apple you make great toys but with these prices you will always be number 2.
Go right ahead and buy that HP Touch Smart. They had to call it “Smart”, otherwise it would be easy to presume that it’s not.
Apple is indeed #2. They are getting close to being the #1 most valuable company in the US.
Go right ahead and buy that HP Touch Smart. They had to call it “Smart”, otherwise it would be easy to presume that it’s not.
Apple is indeed #2. They are getting close to being the #1 most valuable company in the US.
@Eirc:
The interesting thing here is to be a healthy company so they can offer you new products in the future, without compromising quality. Macs are not a disposable product, as the others are.
Good for you, enjoy your 1-year-lasting computer. Bu-bye to your 800 for a year of computing.
@Eirc:
The interesting thing here is to be a healthy company so they can offer you new products in the future, without compromising quality. Macs are not a disposable product, as the others are.
Good for you, enjoy your 1-year-lasting computer. Bu-bye to your 800 for a year of computing.
Went to my local Apple Store last week and played with the 11.6-incher for a while.
It’s absolutely gorgeous… Looks and feels fantastic and amazingly small when you close it and pick it up. It’s not cramped or squinty as I had thought it would be.
Then I thought, it’s the replacement for the old 12″ PowerBook! Oddly I had JUST seen a 12″ PB at Starbucks earlier in the day.
I don’t need one, but I REALLY want one!
There was a woman looking at it, who was stumped between getting it and an iPad. Neither I nor the Apples salesdude could help.
@Jim & Eric… Clearly you do not get it. I presume you’re both joking and just helping MDN earn some lunch money.
Went to my local Apple Store last week and played with the 11.6-incher for a while.
It’s absolutely gorgeous… Looks and feels fantastic and amazingly small when you close it and pick it up. It’s not cramped or squinty as I had thought it would be.
Then I thought, it’s the replacement for the old 12″ PowerBook! Oddly I had JUST seen a 12″ PB at Starbucks earlier in the day.
I don’t need one, but I REALLY want one!
There was a woman looking at it, who was stumped between getting it and an iPad. Neither I nor the Apples salesdude could help.
@Jim & Eric… Clearly you do not get it. I presume you’re both joking and just helping MDN earn some lunch money.
As all but a couple of would-be trouble-makers have noticed, this author noticed, and remarked on, the difference between a Net Book (low cost, low weight, low performance) and an ultralight (higher cost, even lower weight, modest performance). Many have compared the previous MBA with the MBP or various other non-ultralight models.
Jim, you are right … it is not competitive with a Net Book. OTOH, a Net Book is not competitive with an MBA … think about it.
Eric … see the above. I, personally, like to see different models targeting different audiences. They can’t all come from Apple. And Apple has decided against gorilla-arm-causing screens … for now.
As all but a couple of would-be trouble-makers have noticed, this author noticed, and remarked on, the difference between a Net Book (low cost, low weight, low performance) and an ultralight (higher cost, even lower weight, modest performance). Many have compared the previous MBA with the MBP or various other non-ultralight models.
Jim, you are right … it is not competitive with a Net Book. OTOH, a Net Book is not competitive with an MBA … think about it.
Eric … see the above. I, personally, like to see different models targeting different audiences. They can’t all come from Apple. And Apple has decided against gorilla-arm-causing screens … for now.
Apple are getting so good at developing one tech for one product type and then adapting for something else.
Standard hard drives could be toast within five years if flash memory continues to drop in price. Apple seem to be leading this too by making sure the manufacturers keep up production.
@999 Apple have ensured that entry level users could easily plump for the 11.6 incher. With the iPad competiting effectively with netbooks, Apple have another product that puts the squeeze on the low cost market.
Notice how Apple work. They don’t make cheap products that cost the same as their competitors. They make high quality products that are slightly more expensive, have unique features that lure customers to spend more instead.
This is why Apple make a healthy profit. Even one else plays the low ball game (cos that’s all they know or can do) and have to sell 10x more to make the same amount of profit.
Apple will win because they have the headroom to continue to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.
Apple are getting so good at developing one tech for one product type and then adapting for something else.
Standard hard drives could be toast within five years if flash memory continues to drop in price. Apple seem to be leading this too by making sure the manufacturers keep up production.
@999 Apple have ensured that entry level users could easily plump for the 11.6 incher. With the iPad competiting effectively with netbooks, Apple have another product that puts the squeeze on the low cost market.
Notice how Apple work. They don’t make cheap products that cost the same as their competitors. They make high quality products that are slightly more expensive, have unique features that lure customers to spend more instead.
This is why Apple make a healthy profit. Even one else plays the low ball game (cos that’s all they know or can do) and have to sell 10x more to make the same amount of profit.
Apple will win because they have the headroom to continue to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.
For where I work, There have been 2 netbooks bought for the two managers for on the go because they needed something super small.
I’ve spent more time fixing problems because the screen resolution caused a window top to be off screen, dealing with piss poor wifi cards and getting complaints on how nasty they are to use in general, cramped keyboards and trackpads that should be called failpads.
Macbook air 11″ for the win!
For where I work, There have been 2 netbooks bought for the two managers for on the go because they needed something super small.
I’ve spent more time fixing problems because the screen resolution caused a window top to be off screen, dealing with piss poor wifi cards and getting complaints on how nasty they are to use in general, cramped keyboards and trackpads that should be called failpads.
Macbook air 11″ for the win!
*/Eats a snack and watches the MDN crowd hogpile on Jim/*
*/Eats a snack and watches the MDN crowd hogpile on Jim/*
Eric number 2 isn’t bad second to Exxon. But that was never Apples goal. The goal is to make the best hardware and software and combine them into an environment that is second to none. If number 1 happens, it is just frosting on the cake.
Eric number 2 isn’t bad second to Exxon. But that was never Apples goal. The goal is to make the best hardware and software and combine them into an environment that is second to none. If number 1 happens, it is just frosting on the cake.
1st Poster: “Sounds good but it will never be able to compete with net books”
Price vs Power: What do you need. Without 2 nickels to rub toghther, daddy has to buy your netbook.
If you are working and need to accomplish work tasks for school or work, the MBAir can pay for itself in its faster work and more capable hardware including screen & processing for image work, video and presentations, not to mention running Windows 7 better than a netbook.
1st Poster: “Sounds good but it will never be able to compete with net books”
Price vs Power: What do you need. Without 2 nickels to rub toghther, daddy has to buy your netbook.
If you are working and need to accomplish work tasks for school or work, the MBAir can pay for itself in its faster work and more capable hardware including screen & processing for image work, video and presentations, not to mention running Windows 7 better than a netbook.
Crapslabs is my new word for the day. Brilliant, right up there with Shitweasel.
Crapslabs is my new word for the day. Brilliant, right up there with Shitweasel.
So far, most reviews seem to concentrate on the 11-inch model. I hope to see more on the 13-inch, which is the one I’d prefer. The 11-inch screen is quite limited vertically.
So far, most reviews seem to concentrate on the 11-inch model. I hope to see more on the 13-inch, which is the one I’d prefer. The 11-inch screen is quite limited vertically.
DogGone said: “(Every) one else plays the low ball game (cos that’s all they know or can do) and have to sell 10x more to make the same amount of profit.
Apple will win because they have the headroom to continue to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.” – and he was wrong!
We can trace Apple’s “innovation” to the time S. Jobs returned to Apple.Apple was NOT deep in the money at the time. Apple then introduced four “new” products – the iMac, the iBook, the iPod and OSX (maybe not in that order). All were innovations. Money STILL was not rolling in. Stock Price was STILL in the dumpster. But, from there, things were getting better. And better still. And still again. The innovation came ahead of the profits. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.
DogGone said: “(Every) one else plays the low ball game (cos that’s all they know or can do) and have to sell 10x more to make the same amount of profit.
Apple will win because they have the headroom to continue to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.” – and he was wrong!
We can trace Apple’s “innovation” to the time S. Jobs returned to Apple.Apple was NOT deep in the money at the time. Apple then introduced four “new” products – the iMac, the iBook, the iPod and OSX (maybe not in that order). All were innovations. Money STILL was not rolling in. Stock Price was STILL in the dumpster. But, from there, things were getting better. And better still. And still again. The innovation came ahead of the profits. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.
I am a weekend freelancing photographer and was in the market for an ultraportable computer. The minimal Windows laptop I considered up to the task was 700 dollars. I considered buying a first gen used MacBook Air, but was scared off by the non-robust, difficult to replace (both physically and finding a reasonable replacement) hard drive. This 11 inch SSD MBA is going to be absolutely perfect. My camera equipment uses primarily CF cards anyways, so the lack of SD is no biggie.
I am a weekend freelancing photographer and was in the market for an ultraportable computer. The minimal Windows laptop I considered up to the task was 700 dollars. I considered buying a first gen used MacBook Air, but was scared off by the non-robust, difficult to replace (both physically and finding a reasonable replacement) hard drive. This 11 inch SSD MBA is going to be absolutely perfect. My camera equipment uses primarily CF cards anyways, so the lack of SD is no biggie.
Bloatastic crapslabs? Man you guys are ARTICULATE! What – are you 16 or something?
Bloatastic crapslabs? Man you guys are ARTICULATE! What – are you 16 or something?
Poets, J. Poets.
Poets, J. Poets.
@J – No, just accurate.
@J – No, just accurate.
The article compared it to at least 3 Netbooks.
The Eee PC 1215N
The Acer Aspire 1830t
The Toshiba NB305
So I figured that was the target market (at least based on this review)
I also said it sounds good (Meaning I would probably buy one) but most people in the market for a small ultraportable would hop over to Best Buy and buy a $ 329 Netbook.
FYI – I use the term Machead to define what seems to be prevalent on this site, people who think anything Apple does is so superior that no other product should even exist, no matter the price. Also, anyone who disagrees with the Apple mindset is absolutely wrong and any product in the same market as an apple product has no right to be there.
(For the record I’ve had mac osx for about two years now and still think Win7 is much easier to use) But HOW DARE I THINK THAT.
I looked at this site to learn new apple things but all I see is utter bashing anything NOT Apple. That, I find annoying.
The article compared it to at least 3 Netbooks.
The Eee PC 1215N
The Acer Aspire 1830t
The Toshiba NB305
So I figured that was the target market (at least based on this review)
I also said it sounds good (Meaning I would probably buy one) but most people in the market for a small ultraportable would hop over to Best Buy and buy a $ 329 Netbook.
FYI – I use the term Machead to define what seems to be prevalent on this site, people who think anything Apple does is so superior that no other product should even exist, no matter the price. Also, anyone who disagrees with the Apple mindset is absolutely wrong and any product in the same market as an apple product has no right to be there.
(For the record I’ve had mac osx for about two years now and still think Win7 is much easier to use) But HOW DARE I THINK THAT.
I looked at this site to learn new apple things but all I see is utter bashing anything NOT Apple. That, I find annoying.
@Jim, there is a place for everything
A place for maturity and not, a place for objective and unbiased reporting and not.
At least a small part of me is an Apple bigot and I come here for the biased slightly immature viewpoint and find it immensely enjoyable and entertaining.
@Jim, there is a place for everything
A place for maturity and not, a place for objective and unbiased reporting and not.
At least a small part of me is an Apple bigot and I come here for the biased slightly immature viewpoint and find it immensely enjoyable and entertaining.
@Jim. You suck. Apple Rulez.
@Jim. You suck. Apple Rulez.
LOL@MDN
Crapslabs!
LOL@MDN
Crapslabs!
Jim,
On the price points, when people at work ask me for computer recommendations, I always recommend a Mac. Then they say “oh, but those are so expensive” and I give them this scenario: So you buy, say, an hp computer for 600. Then you get an virus or malware infection and end up taking it to WorstBuy GeekSquad. The diagonosis and repair charge is 299. So for 100 more you just could have bought a Macbook. Or if you had to do that twice with the geeksquad, you could have had either a new macbook air or even a macbook pro. And guess what, no virus protection needed with the Mac. Backup is a breeze, and OSX just works and is a user friendly OS, you don’t have to be a techie to figure it out, like Microslut OS.
Then I get the deer in the headlights look. And the poor fools go buy a lame ass computer with Microslut OS and have to pay for ongoing AV and malware protection.
And I just laugh. One day they might get it, but I doubt it. Pity the poor fools.
Jim,
On the price points, when people at work ask me for computer recommendations, I always recommend a Mac. Then they say “oh, but those are so expensive” and I give them this scenario: So you buy, say, an hp computer for 600. Then you get an virus or malware infection and end up taking it to WorstBuy GeekSquad. The diagonosis and repair charge is 299. So for 100 more you just could have bought a Macbook. Or if you had to do that twice with the geeksquad, you could have had either a new macbook air or even a macbook pro. And guess what, no virus protection needed with the Mac. Backup is a breeze, and OSX just works and is a user friendly OS, you don’t have to be a techie to figure it out, like Microslut OS.
Then I get the deer in the headlights look. And the poor fools go buy a lame ass computer with Microslut OS and have to pay for ongoing AV and malware protection.
And I just laugh. One day they might get it, but I doubt it. Pity the poor fools.
The Asus 1215N is half the price. Although I will agree that the Macbook Air is probably a better piece it’s really tough to swallow it being basically double the price. i used to tell myself that it was all about quality but having had Apple pieces, both desktop and laptop, fail when they were barely out of warranty recently, I’m not so steadfast about that anymore. My graphite G4 still sits in it’s corner churning away as an ftp server just like the day it was new and has never had so much as a hiccup. My 6400/180 is being beaten to death by one of my friends kids and is still going strong. To the best of my knowledge my Beige G3 is still 100% as well although the last i heard about it was 6 months ago, lol. My newer stuff, iMac and Macbook both had serious issues a few months out of warranty. Apple was kind enough to split the cost of the repairs with me but still the units failed long before I felt they should have and past experience has shown with other units…
The Asus 1215N is half the price. Although I will agree that the Macbook Air is probably a better piece it’s really tough to swallow it being basically double the price. i used to tell myself that it was all about quality but having had Apple pieces, both desktop and laptop, fail when they were barely out of warranty recently, I’m not so steadfast about that anymore. My graphite G4 still sits in it’s corner churning away as an ftp server just like the day it was new and has never had so much as a hiccup. My 6400/180 is being beaten to death by one of my friends kids and is still going strong. To the best of my knowledge my Beige G3 is still 100% as well although the last i heard about it was 6 months ago, lol. My newer stuff, iMac and Macbook both had serious issues a few months out of warranty. Apple was kind enough to split the cost of the repairs with me but still the units failed long before I felt they should have and past experience has shown with other units…