More details surface on Apple's next-generation MacBook Airs - Page 3

I hope so!

Exactly. Thank you. I always love the people who start complaining that Apple didn't include their wild fantasy ideas.


The i7 is unlikely because it's uses a lot more power than the current processor (25W vs. 17W). They could include it if they use the extra space gained by using a PCI-SSD to add more batteries, thereby keeping the battery life the same, but greatly increasing the performance.

However, as other have pointed out, it's unlikely for Apple to use an of the i-series processors in the refresh, because the i-series doesn't allow NVIDIA chipsets, only Intel chipsets, so you'd be stuck with a MBA with Intel HD graphics (which seriously blow, I believe they're worse than the 9400M currently in the MBA). So as much as I would like an ULV i-series processor in the MBA, Apple is much more likely to go with the 320M integrated graphics from the MacBook, and continue to use the Core 2 Duo's while they try and figure out how to get around Intel HD. It'll be interesting to see what Apple does with the MacBook refresh. Might have to just give all MacBook's a switchable GPU setup (dedicated vs. Intel HD) a la MacBook Pro.


Maybe, depends on what exactly that chip is in the picture.

I agree also. It's far to early to be talking about bringing multi-touch into OS-X in the way that most people seem to assume.

I think it more likely (or perhaps this is just my hope), that 10.7 will focus on making the OS work well *with* iOS instead of merging itself with it. The updating of all the iLife apps would be a huge start. OS-X itself also has many problems in terms of usability for the average consumer and some components are only barely fleshed out.

I would expect that they clean up the mess that is QuickTime, add the old functionality back in & make it actually work for starters. It's a pretty key component. Then there is the lame excuse for an Address book, the clunky email with no integration options, and the nasty over-bloated nightmare of iTunes. iWork could also use a makeover given that the mobile version is really only a 1.0 effort and the desktop version not much better. I think a lot could be done in just smoothing out all these rough edges.

These are not all strictly speaking parts of the OS, but if Apple really wants people to use OS-X and iOS and Apple solutions for their computing needs in general, they could spend an entire year just making all this crap work together and it wouldn't be wasted time.

Obviously, for OS-X in particular and to a lessr degree iOS, there are other companies that make add on products to solve all of these issues, but the average Apple user wants Apple to make this stuff work, and won't go looking for them.

I understand what you are saying, but I already use an iPad WiFi + 3G in place of my Laptop.

In fact, I am typing this on my laptop -- first time I powered it on since I bought the iPad. In fact, it gives a weird sensation of freedom and restriction ay the same time.

The Laptop's battery was dead so I replaced it with a spare -- I have 3 spares @ $129 each (1 died).

I bought a 17 Alu Book 1 GHz G4, 1 GB RAM, 55GB HDD in 2003.

Certainly, this isn't a match for the Laptops of today -- but it compares fairly well with today's netbooks.

I can run Final Cut Express on it (and have) -- but AIR, I couldn't install FCP because it requires too much HDD space.

I bought a T-Mobile PCI card so I could use it while I was in hospital 1n 2006 (had to sit by the window).

Later, when I got an iPhone, i got the tether app (before it was disallowed) and used it to access data over cell (then Edge, later 3G).


As I am retired, my primary use for a laptop was staying connected while on the go and enjoying (showing off) photos and homemade videos of my 3 grandkids. I would take the laptop to soccer (practice - 4 days per week and 3 games on Saturdays). That was the bulk of my laptop use (aside from a few overnight road trips, camping, etc.).

For impromptu usage, it was just too much hassle to cart the laptop along (especially with the extra batteries).


We recently took a day trip to the Boardwalk at Santa Cruz, CA (about 3.5 hours each way). We loaded up the 2 iPads with games and movies to entertain the 3 teenagers in the back.

The silence silence from the back was deafening -- Two adults in the front were actually able to hold a conversation -- both ways

No: "I'm bored!" "Are we there, yet?"

On the way back I commandeered the iPad 3G so we could avoid SF Bay Area rush hour traffic stalls. The kids shared the other iPad and watched a movie.


BTW, I have a Panny 10x Optical Zoom, AVCHD -SD1 that uses 8GB HDSC cards. I use it to Video Capture all the soccer games, etc. I have 3 8GB HDSC cards and the 4GB card it came with -- barely enough for a 3-game soccer Saturday.

Currently, I can import any stills to the iPad -- I expect, in the near future, the iPad will be able to upload the full HDSC card including videos (and allow me more flexibility without buying another HDSC card).


The iPad goes with me everywhere -- even if just to the backyard -- providing constant access to anything.


I appreciate that YMMV... but, you have to realize that MMMV too -- and that of others.


Oops, the laptop battery has dropped from 65 to 13% -- gotta' go!

BTW, I am sitting up in bed, with a pillow in my lap -- so I don't fry my franconies!

.

I'm all for Apple building such into a compact portable laptop. I know of some of the arguements against, but prefer to concentrate on those for the hardware. The big advantage of built in 3G/4G is not loosing the interface followed very closely by convience. It also makes such machines very attractive to travelers. Plus it keeps thoose valuable USB ports free.

Another thing about this prototype and its multiple batteries. While I acknowledge that the device is a prototype, maybe the multiple batteries are intentional. The thought being that one or more could be multi use locations in the frame. The alternative uses could be for that 3G/4G modem or as additional storage space. Just a thought.

Of course if Apple makes the modem optional they will end up charging $200 for it. I seriously wish that they would also consider built in GPS.

Like I said before I can hardly wait and I'm not even in the market this year.

I’m not sure why this fact gets ignored or misunderstood, but OS X = Mac OS or Mac OS X. Apple has clearly stated that iPhone OS, now iOS came from Mac OS and has clearly shown that OS X is the umbrella term for iOS and Mac OS sub-categories. In other words, referring to OS X but excluding iOS because you really mean Mac OS seems confusing and limiting.

Take a look at the component just above the alleged SSD card (same type connector, probably mini PCIe). Could this be a 3G module?

Such as?

Holy crap, that device will be the bee's knees if it is actually allowed or actually released. The website for the company is complete balls.

I certainly agree with this.

The difference is that some people are seeing it as the standard upgrades to Macs that we've come to expect. Others are asking "is the Mac about to evolve in some cool way". Or further - a revolution in the Mac.

The Mac could go any way.


Yeah, in theory we should stop reading the rumours entirely and just see what happens in a few days. Then again, the same could be said for reading rumours at all. It makes sense not to

And yet here we are!

In regards to the iPad replacing the laptop, the biggest shortcoming, in my view, is that the iPad does not have nearly enough memory. If you're overseas, as I was two years ago, for nearly six weeks, you need a lot more than even 64GB to get it done.

There are other issues, including connectivity and the ability to run OSX software. I guess what I'm saying is, a full-function Mac is still needed and there are scenarios away from your home base where you need more than the iPad can offer at this time. As such, Apple will still pay close attention to its laptop and desktop offerings while at the same time evolving the iPad into a more capable device.

On the other hand, I suspect there's an iPad in my future because there are a lot of activities that I'd like to use an computing device for that the iPad can handle rather well. Being as I have a desktop system that I'm happy with and being as I don't travel a lot, spending the extra money for a Mac laptop is overkill. Still, I can certainly imagine that there are consumers who should be looking at a product like the Air.

C'mon people. It's not going to be as powerful or have as many connectors as the MacBook Pro, or else it would be the MacBook Pro. The MBP is thin for its size already. The MBA is all about svelte portability. It's not a power user's machine.

So no mobile G5 processor?

Take this to the bank, this one will have a 3g microsim in there. To me it's a lock.

Other than that, I can't wait for Wednesday, I 've not been excited as much since the ipad launch. And of course nothing can top the wait and the expectations for the mactablet that myself and others had.

But I am equally excited right now to see what the air will evolve too, since I am in the market for one, and of course the direction OS X is heading for because this is a very important step in OS X's evolution.

The problem I have is that everyone saying the iPad can't replace their desktop aren't actually giving a lot of examples of what it can't do.

Converting movies, converting audio, ripping CDs/DVDs, video editing I can all kind of understand at least until iOS 4.2 next month when I suspect iMovie will be available for iPad which I'm really looking forward to.

But for most requirements for ultra-portable devices the iPad is the perfect replacement. If your requirements are much more then I would also suggest that the MacBook Air isn't going to be enough for your needs either. There is always cloud storage for documents and photos you need access to if the drives aren't big enough.

As for RAM you'd be amazed at what an iPad can do in 256MB of RAM. It's all about efficient development of applications which most desktops don't have. I so hope that Apple makes desktop Mac OS X so refined that we're going to be able to see applications that take up megabytes of space instead of gigabytes of space leaving more room for actual data instead of wasted HDD space because of crappy badly written apps.

Remember the good old days of computing when you didn't have ludicrous RAM sizes and apps had to be real streamlined in order to fit in the requirements? We need to go back to that and iOS is actually pushing us that way.

For many basic computer uses, the iPad still doesn't do the trick. I'm an editor, and at the office we use some pretty old Macs. They work wonderfully for all of our magazine text needs. I'd love a slim little 11.6" Macbook that trades performance for portability and endurance. And sorry, but the clunky touchscreen iPad is a joke when you consider things like managing files or working seriously on copy. It is a toy, not a tool.

You are not trying to suggest you think an iPad is as productive as a desktop Mac, are you? Because it's not. It was never intended to be?

Any info about weight? Or have I missed it..?

I'm personally more interested in weight than slimness. I'm not really going to carry it in the envelope and my backpack doesn't suffer much from extra 0.3 inch of thickness

I am actually looking for super-portable by the end of the year. I'm leaning toward Toshiba Portege R700 at the moment, but will definitely check this one when it becomes available.

Just to check - are you saying the MacBookAir works great for managing files & working seriously on copy?

(BTW I'm advocating an iBookAir (iOS), not iPad vs Netbook... and agree that writing on the iPad isn't a thing to do)

I may say you are a dreamer, but you are not the only one. \

If it has a 3G module and has an option for matte screen - I would buy immediately.
3G - possible
matte screen - most likely not.
I stay this holiday season with Sony x/z series.

I think the nearest equivalent to this would be a Sony Vaio X series - http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921644667494

$1299
11.1" 1366x768 screen, SSD storage, 2GHz Intel, 2GB RAM, Memory Stick & SD slots, Wifi, Bluetooth, Verizon mobile broadband (3G?), 12 hour max battery, 0.55" thick, 1.6lb weight.

Apple could do something similar and much cheaper. At least without 3G.

I'm imagining Apple producing something built on the absolute newest tech which should result in smaller hardware and better performance. The GPU ought to be the device setting the machine apart.

Don't be silly that would just result in somebody trying to counter the complaint. The fact is the iPad can't do a lot of things. In part it simply isn't powerful enough.

Oh before you go on about how powerful iPad is try doing any thing CPU intensive on the machine.

Fine and dandy new software, but there is no way such software will hold up to desktop based equivalents. Even if those apps are running on a laptop.

The cloud can be shoved where the sun don't shine. There are far to many problems with cloud based storage. Beyond that latency sucks, there is no point in having a fast SSD if it is to small to take advantage of that speed.

You would be even more amazed at what it could do with more RAM. Frankly I've seen what is possible and I'm not impressed. Beyond that you don't have 256MB of ram available for user apps, rather you would be lucky to get 120MB of ram for a user app. With 4.2 you are likely to have even less RAM available.

I have to call BS on that. First; iOS apps are as varied in quality as desktop apps. Second; iPad can't possibly handle the range of apps available to users of Mac OS/X.

On one hand you have people complaining about app bloat and on the other you have people complaining about a obscure missing feature that they have seen on Windows, possibly in MS Office. I don't disagree with you but badly written apps are more about consumer demand than anything.

Hell I'm old enough to remember when a Vic 20 was considered a computer, when an Apple 2 was looked at as bleeding edge, and the S100 crowd was trying to promote their way of thinking. Those are all gone now. Frankly I don't want them to come back either as I rather enjoy the possibilities that the melding of UNIX and Apple software design has wrought. I like being able to start up an IDE and have the power available to me in a snappy environment. I like the idea of running software that only a few years ago would have required a mini computer or mainframe. I like WYSIWYG! So stop your dreaming as very few people have the desire to go back to those days.

Nope not if you are any sort of a professional or even beyond a casual user. Listen iOS has its place, I'm not arguing against that as I really like the platform being an iPhone user. The problem with people like you rattling on about changing Mac OS/X into some flavor of iOS is that you have no idea how intelligent people use computers. For many of use the Mac is a tool not a toy and some tools are meant to be used by professionals and others lesser beasts. If that sounds blunt so be it, I just don't need another Obama idiot ranting on about how much better life would be if they didn't have to think.

That is not to say I don't expect improvements to Mac OS/X, as I do. However doing away with its strong points is not improving anything. Frankly I expect a version of Touch sooner or later, but a version tailored for a desktop OS, not a direct port of iOS. In this case the implementation of Touch would have to expand the platforms capabilities not truncate capability. In any event Touch on Mac OS/X is a minor consideration as there are more pressing things they need to do with Mac OS/X. You are promoting regression for Mac OS/X and honestly that is unacceptable.

A couple of things:

• Windows Home Premium Edition
• Windows Office Starter software only?
• Choose an Installation Option*: Not quite sure what this really means (link doesn't work) But it costs extra ($149)
• GPS US (and Canada?) only
• Up to 3 hour battery life on standard battery. An extended battery (up to 12 hours) is also included but increases the weight by another half a pound, as well as, it increases the thickness by another half an inch†
• SSD storage is 64 GB. 128 for $200 more
• Check out the reviews,** all 3 pages. Definitely would be one for consideration for PC'rs

Can't say right now, but I would expect that the new Macbook Air will include Apple's standard Mac software, i.e,

• Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
• iLife (includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)

*http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...d%3d.&mode=add

†"Batteries: 2/10 and 9/10: the machine comes with two battiers--the sleek skinny one that delivers the light weight and thin look, and the useful one. With the "big" battery, the machine now weighs a whole 2 lbs 4 ounces--still far less than my thinkpad, and with really great life--over 8 hours. The little one is really just a "party battery"--I have yet to get a full 2 hours off it. But for showing the thing to your friends, that's the outfit you want. "**

**http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921644667494

In regards to the limitations of the first-gen iPad, I see many of the device's weaknesses being addressed as technology evolves. Low-power processors will get significantly faster. Memory capacity will increase dramatically.

But that's where Apple's tablets will be in let's say 2014. This is 2010 and based on what the components Apple has available to it today can do, the iPad is not suited to being a laptop/desktop replacement.

I should qualify this by stating that those of us who legitimately need the horsepower and memory capacity found in today's full-function computers are simply not going to be able to replace our laptops/desktops with current iPads. The device is not intended for that purpose. It's a complimentary device which is to say that sometimes you don't need a full-function device and it's wasteful to be running such a device to perform tasks that can be handled by something less capable.

Why pay the price in terms of weight, battery life, etc. if you just want something that will allow you to browse, read, e-mail, play a few light-duty games, consume media, etc.

On the other hand, clearly, based on what has happened in the past, we have to assume computing power, memory capacity, etc. will continue to improve. So imagine it's 2014 and your basic iPad at that time will have the computing muscle of a current MacBook and the storage capacity to match. While that happens, software and input advancements are likewise inevitable.

I believe there will come a time when many people will not own a complimentary computer to work with the iPad. It will be a standalone device. But at the same time, that doesn't mean everyone will get it done without the use of a desktop or high-powered laptop. Jobs has said that the iPad is like a car compared to a full-function computer being like a truck. To me that suggests that Jobs sees a time when many of us will own just iPads (i.e. cars) but trucks (i.e. full-function desktops) will still be with us.

Still, as innovative as Apple has been, it is a company that likes to evolve products as opposed to trying to force something onto consumers before its time. Apple started off with a better MP3 player and has moved step by step to the iPad. The iPad itself is a step towards something more but it works fine as it is intended to be used at this time. In the meantime, Apple's other computing devices warrant attention because for a few more years, they still have a role to play. The Air might be rendered pointless some day but that day is not now.

yeah, I think the new Air will work quite nicely for my job needs.

An iOS notebook would be fine sometime in the future, when they allow cursor/mouse based input and a real file system. I am attracted to the idea of a snappy mobile OS, but so far this one doesn't have the right approach for general computing needs (outside of media consumption).

Although my main Mac is a MacBook Pro, I can't quite agree that writing on the iPad isn't a thing to do. But, based on what I heard to date, the new MacBook Air will definitely be up for consideration.

As for the iPat, I got the Taptyping app and have increased my typing skills on my iPad to nearly 40 words per minute (WPM). One day, I hope to meet this girl's* 75-92 WPM level.

Most of the time for large documents, I simply use my Bluetooth keyboard.

As well, using SoundNote and/or Dragon Diction, I have been able to significantly reduce and in some cases eliminate typing all together.

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gbbJ8dkCcc

I really just hope this update means a lower price point + updated graphics / processor speed bump / SSD for the base model, so my future Mac setup can be a dual or quad core iMac at home, and the MBA for classes. I've realized I use my Acer 1410 more than my MBP because it's lighter and more portable, so I want to get a bigger screen + keyboard / more computing power for my life on the go. I love how my Acer can "play" HD content In MPC 720p files totally suck. They're better in VLC, but still not great. Anyone know how well the 9400M vs. 320M do with HD content?


One big difference. That computer has an Atom processor, which means 1 core. Granted, it has Hyper-Threading, so it can run 2 threads at once, but it's an Atom, which means that the processor has no where near the computing power of the SL9400 (1.83Ghz low-end MBA processor).

On Cine R10 32Bit Single benchmarks, the Atom scored a measly 657 compared to the SL9400's 2175. Thus the SL9400 is over 3X faster. (Couldn't find 3DMark06 comparisons).

See here for more: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-...st.2436.0.html

So that's why they only say '2ghz Intel' as the processor!

Lol, yep