Wired claims, corroborates last-minute "MacBook Air" details

[AppleInsider]

An alleged insider at a third-party vendor is said by Wired to have fresh details on the rumored 'MacBook Air' sub-notebook just hours before its unveiling at Macworld San Francisco.

In its description, the magazine's Gadget Lab blog describes the lightweight notebook as teardrop-shaped when shut, thickening towards the hinge of the system but thinning near the edges -- and remaining "unbelievably" thin overall, according to the source.

The system, according to the source, shares the same aluminum and glass construction of the iMac with black accents on a silver frame.

The tip also suggests that the MacBook Air name refers not just to the computer's slender design but also an apparent dependence on wireless: it may drop Ethernet altogether in favor of Wi-Fi or "other wireless technology," the purported source said, though it's unknown whether this would involve AT&T's 3G (third-generation) service, Sprint's Intel-derived WiMAX network, or any service at all.

Multi-touch is also suggested for the display, though this too remains a mystery.

MacBook Air mockup image (courtesy of Wired)

In recent days, AppleInsider has received similar descriptions, though it has been unable to confirm the authenticity of those reports.

According to one submission, the notebook sports "very thin edges" with a slightly thicker body that "curves to the sides at the edges," producing a slimming effect akin to the rear design of the new aluminum iMacs.

The submission went on to say that the front of the notebook appears to be no more than 3/16th of an inch thick when closed and that the right side of the unit is void of any ports with the exception of an unknown slot.

Both the keyboard and trackpad are said to closely mirror those of Apple's existing MacBook, and the "Air" in the bezel logo is said to use a lighter font than the preceding "MacBook."

Again, AppleInsider has so far been unable to authenticate these latest claims, though numerous details -- such as first word of the subnotebook format's return, its use of a 13-inch display, and its Macworld Expo debut -- have all been published in a series of reports dating as far back as February of last year.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Rogzilla]

Oh! NEAT! 9to5Mac is implying that it can fold over 360 degrees and become a tablet that uses multitouch (I still want a pen for drawing DAMMIT!) It seems, though, that you are leaving the keyboard exposed that way, which wouldn't be all that good methinks.

It still looks awesome and might be just what I need...come on aggressively low price!

[heyjp]

No built-in iSight camera in the bezel, eh?

Jim

[g3pro]

Well, we'll see in 14 hours whether this is true, or if it's just masturbation fantasy concocted from the sick mind of an ordinary mac fanboi.

[GregAlexander]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

the right side of the unit is void of any ports with the exception of an unknown slot.

How big is the unknown slot?

Could it be an iPod connector?

[Wally]

Originally Posted by heyjp

No built-in iSight camera in the bezel, eh?

Jim

There is... just control-scroll in on the screen to see it...

[onlooker]

Still a rumor, so I still don't believe it.

[kenaustus]

If it is a fake then it's a rather good one, and very creative at that.

Personally I believe that it's got a good chance of being real and, if it is, it will be a winner.

[Bobo Decosta]

Originally Posted by kenaustus

If it is a fake then it's a rather good one, and very creative at that.

Personally I believe that it's got a good chance of being real and, if it is, it will be a winner.

It's a mock up made by wired! This is not the actual MacBook Air if it exists at all.

[OriginalMacRat]

Originally Posted by kenaustus

If it is a fake then it's a rather good one, and very creative at that.

Fake? Did you read the article?

It is an artist rendering made in Photoshop based on the information from the rumor.

[MsNly]

MT and a keyboard on an ultralite just don't make much sense to me, I still might buy tho

and i dont think apple would do that wide on one end, it just doesn't seem very apple-y

[ragarcia]

Just today I was installing an iMac and kept getting awed by the magnificence that is the new keyboard.

This laptop is basically that keyboard with a screen and that makes it an incredible piece of technology.

At first, when I read "no ethernet" I was turned off a bit, but when I really thought about it, the only time I really need ethernet is if I want to connect to a client's network. Something that can be easily solved with at least:

- a USB to ethernet adapter (if those don't exist yet, I'm sure they will once this is released)
- Airport Express (or similar gadget)
- something that attaches to that unknown port

So, having realized that no ethernet is really a non-issue, I now still need to think through how I'm going to watch my exercise DVDs (something I can't buy on iTunes) without a built-in DVD drive...

[Bobo Decosta]

Originally Posted by kenaustus

If it is a fake then it's a rather good one, and very creative at that.

Personally I believe that it's got a good chance of being real and, if it is, it will be a winner.

Originally Posted by OriginalMacRat

Fake? Did you read the article?

It is an artist rendering made in Photoshop based on the information from the rumor.

Seems those Apple bashers have it right. Some people will buy everything that has an Apple logo :-)

[SpamSandwich]

3/16" thick? Gosh, I hope not. One misplaced book on top of this thing and you're going to fracture the entire computer like a potato chip (unless the whole thing is made of frubber).

On the other hand, a cordless, completely wireless computer does have a bit of an evil appeal to me. It could even have a new version of the mag-safe power cord that simply slaps onto the side like a magnetic teardrop.

[nagromme]

Nice mockup. I like the USB ports that are half the size of keys

[Robert Jacobs]

Hmm, Nice concept. I'd need some sort of external monitor support for use with a projector.

[HyteProsector]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

3/16" thick? Gosh, I hope not. One misplaced book on top of this thing and you're going to fracture the entire computer like a potato chip"

Thats what everyone said about the Razr when it came out. I sat on that thing in my back pocket for 6 months and never had an issue. Everyone also thought the iPhone was gonna be super delicate. Thin can be strong. I'm convinced.

[Samnuva]

Anyone notice the OS it's running?

Seems a little outdated, don't you think?

[Booga]

It makes one wonder if it's possible to have a laptop that's TOO thin.

[Samnuva]

Originally Posted by Booga

It makes one wonder if it's possible to have a laptop that's TOO thin.

just what i was thinking

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Booga

It makes one wonder if it's possible to have a laptop that's TOO thin.

It may also double as an axe head.

[MsNly]

Originally Posted by Samnuva

just what i was thinking

same

then next thing would be floating matrixes or something insane

thats it, its not going to be a laptop but a floating cube of protons that projects the image into your brain!

[surfmonkey89]

You mean I can spend $1000 on a laptop totally dependent on craptastic wifi? Sweet, I so look forward to that. Of course I'm sure there will be a usb -> Ethernet adapter available at Apple's standard low rate <eyeroll>.

Seriously, depending solely on WiFi will a painful user experience.

[PatsFan83]

Originally Posted by Robert Jacobs

Hmm, Nice concept. I'd need some sort of external monitor support for use with a projector.

The target audience for this type of computer most likely won't need that, hence the reason to eliminate certain connectors to slim it down.

People are complaining about the lack of optical drive...once again, Apple is leading innovation by leaving out features that aren't needed...a disc drive, floppy drives...You can get jump drives that are 4 GBs and half the size of a lighter.

This type of device isn't meant to be your only computer, it will most likely not be very powerful, will not have amazing graphics...but, it will do what 95% of people need/want it to do- be small, light, portable, connect to the internet/email/iwork/keynote, and will play movies/music from the itunes store.

[Rogzilla]

That is exactly right, this is targeted at, for example, people who already HAVE a computer, specifically a desktop, but would like some mobility.

I am REALLY thinking about getting this...but I want it to be less than $1000.

[PatsFan83]

Originally Posted by surfmonkey89

You mean I can spend $1000 on a laptop totally dependent on craptastic wifi? Sweet, I so look forward to that. Of course I'm sure there will be a usb -> Ethernet adapter available at Apple's standard low rate <eyeroll>.

Seriously, depending solely on WiFi will a painful user experience.

What's wrong with Wifi? I've got it at work, home, my 60+ year old parents have it at both of their houses, almost all college kids have them in their apartments, you can get it at every airport.

And if you really need it, you can get it at most coffee shops/starbucks, etc.

Maybe if you are doing professional work and need the high data rates across your network, then I recommend you get a macbook/Macbook pro.

[THT]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

It may also double as an axe head.

Replying just to say this is hilarious! LOL

Not getting enough sleep...

[Splinemodel]

Originally Posted by Booga

It makes one wonder if it's possible to have a laptop that's TOO thin.

The easier it fits into the magazine pouches in airliner seats -- which they always tell you not to use for holding laptops -- the better. I am psyched. If you go back a few months, I think I spec'ed out a design that is pretty much exactly what this mock-up purports will be landing tomorrow.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Booga

It makes one wonder if it's possible to have a laptop that's TOO thin.

While 3/16" is quite thin, it's only that at the very front. It thickens as it goes back. Having worked in the family engineering business for a few years I can tell you these dimensions along with the strengthening curved shape will make it plenty strong. Besides, 3/16" is thicker than you think - for solid, high quality aluminum.

There's something in the air alright, it's called Apple marketing.

If Steve says the words, and I'm sure he will; "it's as light as air!" I will definitely want to punch him

[Rogzilla]

Ireland, if this thing folds over into a tablet like 9to5 suggests, will you geek out as much as I will?

I still don't know what you would do with the keyboard....other than that, I like the idea.

[bdkennedy1]

If that design is accurate, Apple is going to have a gigantic hit on it's hands.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Rogzilla

Ireland, if this thing folds over into a tablet like 9to5 suggests, will you geek out as much as I will?

I still don't know what you would do with the keyboard....other than that, I like the idea.

I sure would. If it did though, likely Apple would have a clever solution the obvious design flaw seemingly present here - whereby the keyboards would get crusty.

I "highly" doubt it will have a multi-touch screen.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

If that design is accurate, Apple is going to have a gigantic hit on it's hands.

Was just thinking that, it can't help but be huge Internationally. And especially in Asia.

[Elixir]

if its anything like that this is definitely another amazing piece of hardware from apple.

i see this thing selling tons

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by Ireland

I sure would. If it did though, likely Apple would have a clever solution the obvious design flaw seemingly present here - whereby the keyboards would get crusty.

I "highly" doubt it will have a multi-touch screen.

Exactly what I was thinking.

I agree as well...but if it did...and no crusty getting keyboard....*geeks out*

[echosonic]

its a FAKE FAKE FAKE.

In the side view the keys are raised. In the frontal view they are flush with the casing.

Two different images.

Not real.

At best its a guesstimate of what the real thing will be.

[scottkrk]

A Digital Lifestyle is esentially 'Your Content Anywhere" I think the 'something in the air' refers to both broadcasting (content) and maybe WiFi (a means).

A thin sub notebook isn't revolutionary, for me it would be like the Cube, interesting to look at but 'so what'. (If Steve Jobs introduced a MacBook Touch (12-15 inch screen with multi touch), that would be revolutionary but i think it is a little early for that maybe 09).

This year, as far as hardware goes, a much improved Apple TV is what is missing. The iPhone bought the internet to the pocket, they need to bring the internet to the living room. This requires the Apple TV to be a full-scale Mac, plus PVR/Tivo capabilities.

All your content (songs/podcasts/tv shows/movies) anywhere (Phones/computers/living room). This would be a compelling reason to becoming an all Apple household.

No ease feat but apple is in a unique posistion to make this happen with hardware/client software/ and internet services.

[suhail]

Originally Posted by echosonic

its a FAKE FAKE FAKE.

In the side view the keys are raised. In the frontal view they are flush with the casing.

Two different images.

Not real.

At best its a guesstimate of what the real thing will be.

Exactly!
And with a mechanical keyboard, the structure will be unable to hold any circuitry or battery. Also since the keys are raised, the lid will not be able to close without the screen pressing ALL the keys down (see side view).

[Rogzilla]

Originally Posted by echosonic

its a FAKE FAKE FAKE.

In the side view the keys are raised. In the frontal view they are flush with the casing.

Two different images.

Not real.

At best its a guesstimate of what the real thing will be.

Read the bloody article! It SAYS they are mockups based on what they heard. Probably quick ones too.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

3/16" thick? Gosh, I hope not. One misplaced book on top of this thing and you're going to fracture the entire computer like a potato chip (unless the whole thing is made of frubber).

On the other hand, a cordless, completely wireless computer does have a bit of an evil appeal to me. It could even have a new version of the mag-safe power cord that simply slaps onto the side like a magnetic teardrop.

Maybe a typo, and a 1 was left off. Possibly (if this is real) the thickest part is 13/16 thick. That would make sense.