Dell rumored to give MacBook Air a run for its money

[AppleInsider]

Roughly a year after Apple's MacBook Air made its first appearance, Dell is purportedly on the verge of claiming the thinnest-ever notebook crown for itself.

Following the trail of a briefly available rumor, the New York Times has discovered that Dell owns the trademarks to a mystery product known as Adamo that even has its own teaser page with a bare minimum of graphics.

Investigating deeper, however, both the newspaper and Engadget have separately heard that Adamo is actually an extremely thin notebook. The company is said so confident of the system's thinness that it will reportedly be marketed as the "world's thinnest laptop" and is very consciously aimed at the MacBook Air, which according to Apple currently holds the title for such a design.

How Dell plans to accomplish this feat isn't known, though the firm won't be alone in attempting to reach or get near the mark: however intentional, Lenovo's ThinkPad X300 series and the HP-made Voodoo Envy 133 both embrace the same philosophy as Apple, which mates a relatively large screen to a very thin and usually lightweight chassis.

In talking with Dell consumer sales and marketing VP Michael Tatleman, the Times hasn't confirmed any details but has also received hints that Adamo is as much about the company's image as it is a design goal; the executive implies that an ultra-slim notebook would let the company represent more than the utilitarian and frequently thick PCs commonly attached to its name.

"I think we need to get some iconic products out there, so people associate Dell’s brand with other things," he says.



While potentially crucial to Dell's lineup and its public perception, the system may have to wait and will face more than its share of comparisons as a result. Engadget claims that Adamo was originally slated to be ready as of this month but will now be pushed back to "at least" February, lining the Windows computer's release up against the one year anniversary of when Apple's MacBook Air was widely available in stores.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Roughly a year after Apple's MacBook Air made its first appearance, Dell is purportedly on the verge of claiming the thinnest-ever notebook crown for itself.

If thinness was everything I'd have an iPod touch rather than an iPhone. Air is great, but far from perfect. The best thing is it's "shape" + thinness. The whole port thing (stupid door) and the low power, but high price are the things of most concern. I'm holding out for Air 2.0 (not a bump, but major changes). And if Mac touch comes first? Well bye bye Air. The Air needs work before I'd consider it, though it looks nice.

[Chris_CA]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Investigating deeper, however, both the newspaper and Engadget have separately heard that Adamo is actually an extremely thin notebook

Here's a link to info on an early protoype
Adamo prototype

[Adjei]

I thought the Air was a failure according to some but yet we see more and more companies lining up to make similar computers.

[sflocal]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

"I think we need to get some iconic products out there, so people associate Dell’s brand with other things," he says.

A pig wearing lipstick is still a pig.

The interesting thing is that regardless what Dell has up its sleeve, it seems the bigger players are realizing that the MBA is a goal to reach. So much for those critics and whiners predicting that the MBA is a failure.

Unlike the critics, I'm a proud MBA owner. I come from owning Dells, Toshibas, and Sony's. My MBA is by far the best notebook I've ever owned.

[Messiah]

Originally Posted by sflocal

A pig wearing lipstick is still a pig.

Genius!

I'm using that!

[zorinlynx]

I doubt it will run Mac OS X, so how will it in any way compete with the Air?

Mac OS X is the primary reason to own a Mac. Dell cannot compete with that. Nor can anyone else.

[Fast Fred 1]

Originally Posted by Messiah

Genius!

I'm using that!

If the shoe fits..... throw it.

[trevorlsciact]

Originally Posted by zorinlynx

I doubt it will run Mac OS X, so how will it in any way compete with the Air?

Mac OS X is the primary reason to own a Mac. Dell cannot compete with that. Nor can anyone else.

tell that to Psystar

[ltcommander.data]

I wonder if Apple's going to release a design refresh around that time? The MBA's design isn't old, but it could probably use a small refresh to bring it in line with the Unibody MBP and MB. Mainly the glass screen and black trim. Could probably release the MBA refresh at the same time as the Unibody 17" MBP is released to bring the entire notebook product line in sync.

[mklos]

Originally Posted by ltcommander.data

I wonder if Apple's going to release a design refresh around that time? The MBA's design isn't old, but it could probably use a small refresh to bring it in line with the Unibody MBP and MB. Mainly the glass screen and black trim. Could probably release the MBA refresh at the same time as the Unibody 17" MBP is released to bring the entire notebook product line in sync.

Ummm...they already did that in October. The MacBook Air now has the NVIDIA chipset using DDR3 RAM and the NVIDIA graphics just like the MacBook and MBP and Apple added in a 2nd model that has an SSD hard drive standard. So the MacBook Air is up to par with the aluminum unibody MacBook and new unibody 15" MacBook Pro. That being said, I doubt you'll see any changes/updates to the MacBook Air until at least spring.

[davesmall]

Oh My. Just visualize a piece of crap laptop wrapped in leather and running a piece of crap operating system (Windows Vista).

Apple must really be worried

[mklos]

I don't think Apple is concerned about what Dell does anyways. Much of what Dell does, which is sell cheap economy computers, Apple isn't interested in anyways as it doesn't directly compete with those products. This supposed new ultra-thin notebook they may be interested in however.

[mcarling]

It's perfectly obvious how Dell can make a laptop thinner than the MacBook Air. Just drop the HDD and mount the flash directly on the motherboard.

Originally Posted by mklos

I doubt you'll see any changes/updates to the MacBook Air until at least spring.

The next update to the MacBook air will come when Intel release the SL9600, due in April.

[kim kap sol]

Originally Posted by Ireland

If thinness was everything I'd have an iPod touch rather than an iPhone.

Ah, but remember that the iPod touch has a faster processor, better battery life, and you never have to deal with annoying people with an iPod touch. Triple win for the iPod touch.

[JeffDM]

Remember the Adamo?

Originally Posted by ltcommander.data

I wonder if Apple's going to release a design refresh around that time? The MBA's design isn't old, but it could probably use a small refresh to bring it in line with the Unibody MBP and MB. Mainly the glass screen and black trim. Could probably release the MBA refresh at the same time as the Unibody 17" MBP is released to bring the entire notebook product line in sync.

They had an opportunity to do a tune-up with the last refresh to the nVidia chipset but didn't take it. If they bothered to redo the circuit board & change the video port, a glass face and updated no-button trackpad wouldn't have been much of a stretch. Maybe they wanted to keep some differentiation, the size and weight difference between the new MB and MBA isn't really that much in my opinion.

[wheelhot]

Somehow as much as I dun want to be labelled as Apple fanboy, what Dell wants is something that dont mix well. When creating a thin notebook, the most important factor is quality and durability. So far Dell notebooks never meet these 2 specs and to make it worst, quality and durability usually is more expensive. Dell dont make expensive notebook (well they do make, just that it doesnt show the durability and quality expensive notebook should have), in fact if they were to sell their notebook at Apple price, heck, people will just get Apple or even Sony Vaio which is considered as the Apple of Windows Notebook.

[Crtaylor]

OH PUUH-LLEEEEASE! Dell computers are practically overated pieces of crap! Apple will beat them second to none!

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by kim kap sol

Ah, but remember that the iPod touch has a faster processor, better battery life, and you never have to deal with annoying people with an iPod touch. Triple win for the iPod touch.

So, how's SnapTell working for you on your iPod touch? Phone calls, text and internet outside of a open free WiFi network?

My point: thinness isn't everything, no matter the excuses.

[nowayout11]

Yeah yeah, insert PC/Dell jokes here. You know those never get old.

Any competition in the "thin" space, whether direct competition or not, is a good thing.

[satchmo]

You can bet it'll have ethernet, multiple usb ports, removable battery, and maybe even Firewire...just to show up Apple. Unfortunately, it'll also have Windows XP.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Ireland

My point: thinness isn't everything, no matter the excuses.

Thinness never was. Power and footprint size are and that is where the MacBook Air FAILS.

[1984]

Originally Posted by ltcommander.data

I wonder if Apple's going to release a design refresh around that time? The MBA's design isn't old, but it could probably use a small refresh to bring it in line with the Unibody MBP and MB. Mainly the glass screen and black trim. Could probably release the MBA refresh at the same time as the Unibody 17" MBP is released to bring the entire notebook product line in sync.

Originally Posted by mklos

Ummm...they already did that in October. The MacBook Air now has the NVIDIA chipset using DDR3 RAM and the NVIDIA graphics just like the MacBook and MBP and Apple added in a 2nd model that has an SSD hard drive standard. So the MacBook Air is up to par with the aluminum unibody MacBook and new unibody 15" MacBook Pro. That being said, I doubt you'll see any changes/updates to the MacBook Air until at least spring.

He was clearly talking about the design. It did not get the glass screen or black border and so looks out of place compared to the 13" MacBook and 15" MacBook Pro. It did not get the new buttonless trackpad either. There are also rumors it will get a carbon fiber bottom to make it a bit lighter.

[winterspan]

Originally Posted by Crtaylor

OH PUUH-LLEEEEASE! Dell computers are practically overated pieces of crap! Apple will beat them second to none!

Oh, get over it. Although they are certainly no Apple, Dell has improved greatly recently. Historically, they were always associated with their budget/mainstream laptops (Inspirons) which have always been big, ugly, and cheap looking, but their new "Studio" line of mainstream laptops are definitely more attractive than those.
But the best move Dell made in a long time was expanding their premium "XPS" models beyond their origination in laptop gaming. The non-gamer XPS models are attractive, built well, and have premium features like high resolution 1920x1200 displays on 15" models, 128GB SSDs, Expresscard slots and Firewire 400 on every model, Slot-load DVD-RW and cheap Bluray burners, DVI/HDMI out, and up to 8GB of ram, etc. And there is a 13" XPS model, so these are not all giant desktop replacement type notebooks --- though obviously they are not as sleek and thin as the new Macbook/MB Pro.

I'm not trying to sound like a Dell spokesman, but I've been researching laptops and feel that there needs to be a modicum of objectivity and balance here with all the fanboys. Obviously, besides the superior industrial design, With an Apple laptop you are getting OSX, and with a Dell you are getting XP or Vista. For many, that is the deal killer right there. Yes I know about the OSX86 project, but who wants to hassle with patching the OS install, dealing with missing drivers, OS updating issues, etc.

[NasserAE]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Thinness never was. Power and footprint size are and that is where the MacBook Air FAILS.

And weight, which is the most important in that category. AFAIK, MBA had the fastest processor in the ultralight category. As far as footprint goes I really don't think anything smaller than 13" with less that full keyboard can be practical and comfortable to use. Footprint is important for netbooks and clealy Apple did not release anything in that category yet.

[iBill]

Originally Posted by ltcommander.data

I wonder if Apple's going to release a design refresh around that time? The MBA's design isn't old, but it could probably use a small refresh to bring it in line with the Unibody MBP and MB. Mainly the glass screen and black trim. Could probably release the MBA refresh at the same time as the Unibody 17" MBP is released to bring the entire notebook product line in sync.

I predict it will launch just in time for Apple's next version of MBA, the Macbook Helium

[cameronj]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Roughly a year after Apple's MacBook Air made its first appearance, Dell is purportedly on the verge of claiming the thinnest-ever notebook crown for itself.

But wait.... so many people on these boards say the Air was a flop! Why would anyone be gunning for IT?!?

[kim kap sol]

Originally Posted by Ireland

So, how's SnapTell working for you on your iPod touch? Phone calls, text and internet outside of a open free WiFi network?

I suppose it depends on how big your wallet is. I suppose if money grew on trees the iPhone would be ok. But since it doesn't, no phone calls, text and internet outside of an open free WiFi network, a faster CPU, and better battery life is awesome, thanks for asking.

[sflocal]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Thinness never was. Power and footprint size are and that is where the MacBook Air FAILS.

Hmm.. Let's determine that with MY MBA....

Power:
Running VMWare/XP?? Faster than my previous Sony Vaio - YES
Every-day Internet/Email - YES
Plays iTunes music and video streams - YES
Plays Crysis at 150fps?? NO - because that is not what the MBA is about.

Footprint Size:
Smaller on the X/Y than my previous 13" Sony?? - YES
Smaller on the Z than my previous 13" Sony??? YES
Lighter (don't forget faster) than my previous 13" Sony? YES
More durable than my previous 13" Sony - YES

I love the MagSafe connector. I've yanked,tripped on it countless of times already and love the fact it pops right off. Should be standard on all laptops regardless of manufacturer. I've always tweaked the power ports on my previous laptops when plugged in. This alone is a good reason to buy.

My MBA is far superior to any laptop I've owned before. You seem to have a different set of criteria which determines the MBA as a failure. Based on my personal and every-day use of my MBA, I give it a 9 out of 10 as an ultralight mobile non-desktop-replacement computer. The metal chassis makes it built like a tank and I love holding it with one hand on the corner knowing I won't tweak the chassis like the cheapo plastic chassis most laptops are made from.

Is it perfect? No. Anyone that rates anything "perfect" has issues.
Do I miss the extra USB ports? I missed them for about a day and that was it.
Do I miss the lack of internal SuperDrive? No. I never use one on a laptop. The external got used a couple times to install WindowsXP and a couple programs and that was it.
Do I miss the replaceable battery? No. I never replaced the batteries on my old laptops either.
Do I miss the integrated ethernet? For a few days only. Wireless is everywhere for me and I usually end up breaking the ethernet port over time due to the cable being yanked in all directions. One less port failure. In my opinion, cables don't belong on laptops. I use the USB ethernet when absolutely necessary and this is very rare.

My colleagues and friends that also own MBA's have nothing but high-praise for them too. How can that be based on your direct statement???

So, either we're all wrong and delusional or you can say for certain after using YOUR MBA as often as we do, it fails horribly as an ultralight mobile non-desktop-replacement unit? How long have you owned yours to make such a direct statement? Our MBA's have been a pleasure to use.

I'm going out on a limb, but is it possible that maybe, just maybe the MBA was not built for you but for us?? Could it be? Oh the sadness!! Villagers revolt!!

[hittrj01]

Originally Posted by satchmo

You can bet it'll have ethernet, multiple usb ports, removable battery, and maybe even Firewire...just to show up Apple. Unfortunately, it'll also have Windows XP.

Well, if your only other option on a Dell is Windows Vista, I'd say Windows XP is a plus!

[Dunks]

Originally Posted by davesmall

Oh My. Just visualize a piece of crap laptop wrapped in leather and running a piece of crap operating system (Windows Vista).

Apple must really be worried

A... craptop?

[8CoreWhore]

It's one thing to come up with beautiful hardware, but the Dell won't be running Snow Leopard, so...

[iVlad]

Aggg Delll..Hell....who cares?

[wheelhot]

It doesnt matter though, I cant wait to see how this product will look cause Dell current XPS and XPS Studio line design, doesnt look its capable to be thin enough to be thinner then the MBA. Lets see Dell new design and I wonder how long it will last.

Dell notebooks are known not to last very long and will look horrible after 4-5 years with everyday usage that is.

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

Dell? Haha...

They're like the comic relief of the PC industry.

Even if they do make something slimmer, it is going to be a piece of crap.

And it'll probably be ugly.

And it will be a Dell.

[StuBeck]

Originally Posted by Crtaylor

OH PUUH-LLEEEEASE! Dell computers are practically overated pieces of crap! Apple will beat them second to none!

Really? Everyone goes on and on about how great Dells are? Have you been on the internet for more than three minutes?

Originally Posted by wheelhot

Somehow as much as I dun want to be labelled as Apple fanboy, what Dell wants is something that dont mix well. When creating a thin notebook, the most important factor is quality and durability. So far Dell notebooks never meet these 2 specs and to make it worst, quality and durability usually is more expensive. Dell dont make expensive notebook (well they do make, just that it doesnt show the durability and quality expensive notebook should have), in fact if they were to sell their notebook at Apple price, heck, people will just get Apple or even Sony Vaio which is considered as the Apple of Windows Notebook.

Dell does sell notebooks at a higher price than Apple does, so I'm slightly confused. I've also had more durability issues from my less than one year old MB then my 7 year old Inspirion 8100. Sony in my opinion is worse then Dell and Apple for durability, but Apple doesn't exactly make the most durable machines either.

[Archipellago]

Originally Posted by Crtaylor

OH PUUH-LLEEEEASE! Dell computers are practically overated pieces of crap! Apple will beat them second to none!

sure you haven't got that the wrong way round...?

[mrochester]

It seems that unless a product is running OSX, it is dismissed outright in these parts. And you get some crazy comments whereby the competition should pack their bags and go home because they are never going to win. But did you ever stop to consider that it's the company you're praising and defending that's causing all of these problems by refusing to allow it's OS to run on anything other than Apple hardware? The problem isn't 'haha crappy Dell and their crappy laptops' it's 'haha crappy Apple and refusing to let me install OSX on my Dell laptop'. The quicker some of you realise that the quicker we might actually see OSX as a standalone OS for a whole range of non-Apple hardware.

[Bergermeister]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Thinness never was. Power and footprint size are and that is where the MacBook Air FAILS.

Still beating on the Air, I see.

Don't own one, do you?

Had some other comments but sflocal pretty much summed it up.

The MBA was made for a specific user; that person owns it, puts it to good use and is very satisfied.

[cummje]

Originally Posted by winterspan

Oh, get over it. Although they are certainly no Apple, Dell has improved greatly recently. Historically, they were always associated with their budget/mainstream laptops (Inspirons) which have always been big, ugly, and cheap looking, but their new "Studio" line of mainstream laptops are definitely more attractive than those.


I'm not trying to sound like a Dell spokesman, but I've been researching laptops and feel that there needs to be a modicum of objectivity and balance here with all the fanboys. Obviously, besides the superior industrial design, With an Apple laptop you are getting OSX, and with a Dell you are getting XP or Vista. For many, that is the deal killer right there. Yes I know about the OSX86 project, but who wants to hassle with patching the OS install, dealing with missing drivers, OS updating issues, etc.

Thank you! Thank you! Balance people. I'm still an XP user (been stable, without problems for three years, but own an iPhone) and my friends have all bought new Macbooks. I'm still not convinced that OS X is the best. I will concede that the new models are pretty nice, but an all aluminum body with a glass screen doesn't necessarily mean it's better or nicer. I rather think the new Dell looks nice. And, honestly, more competition, regardless of what it is, is a good thing. If either of the companies makes a slightly better model than the other, then the other plays catch up and passes it. That's a good thing. If Dell makes something nice here (and it comes out before the new Air) then it means Apple will make something even nicer.