All the complainers talking about changing the battery, having a DVD burner, and having extra ports just need to get the MacBook - it's that simple. Most business people do not need all that stuff.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
I share your exact sentiments!
You also provided an excellent real-world scenario.
Your post was blunt, but utterly true. All this complaining about what the MBA lacks is redundant since there are other Apple machines that will do, in one machine, what the MBA does as a companion.
I think we all get that this is not for everyone. Unfortunately, unless some members realize how ridiculous they are complaining about something they wouldn't even use, we will be forced to endure yet more incompetence and try ever so much to stifle our annoyance.
However, I feel that one must respect a civilly stated opinion that provides logical support. It's just that there are not many opposing opinions that are written in such a manner.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
Yes, this pretty much defines the niche. BTW, I just got back from the hypothetical SF conference and I'm glad my MBP had a PCI express slot for my cell adapter, because the wireless availability was a bit scarce at times.
Mainly among students and even then that was back in high school. I must admit I have little or no experience among Business People in Japan
so yes my view is slightly skewed. Most of my friends in Japan don't have msn or a computer. They tend to do email over the phone......
There probably is a big market for Mac in Japan. The way my friends treat it like a holy grail made it sound as much. Now that you mention it the all in one computers that Vaio were offerring was what my friend had last year. Seems like the type of products that would appeal to the market, just like themacs
I agree with the above poster. The Airbook was made for TRAVELLERS. And it's a damn fine solution.
However, it may not be the "perfect" travel solution for everyone.
For me, it's not about the lack of an optical drive at all. I am with the above poster that more and more people don't use or need one.
HOWEVER. For me it IS about the HD size. The 64 flash drive I understand. The technology is not there yet for Large laptop sized flash drives. They are WAY overpriced and too small. But to me the 80gig regular hard drive is not ideal either. 80 gigs was big for 2003. Now it's smaller than the iPod classic for crying out loud.
If the Airbook came with a 160gig HD option, I would have nabbed one. Part of me wonders if they didn't do that because the 64gig flash drive is so expensive that they didn't want to offer a 160gig HD version at a much lower price. So they offered 80gigs max instead.
I know this this maybe will be enough for some who REALLY use the Airbook as a 2nd, light back up travel computer. And I also know that if you REALLY need more space, you can carry around an external HD when you travel. But that kinda starts defeating the whole "ULTRA-PORTABLE" advantage over the macbook doesn't it?
It is for this reason that I decided to go with the black macbook instead. The larger HD. The macbook is actually smaller size wise(footprint). Yeah, it's ALOT thicker for sure...but after weighing(literally!) in my mind the added bulk of carrying around extra HDs and such with the Airbook as opposed to the still small tho thicker all in one-ness of the macbook...I chose the macbook. :-)
Don't get me wrong, I love love love the design. And I TOTALLY see where Apple is going with the whole wireless, digital download path and doing away with the optical drive. Again, I could have given that up. It was just the "too small" HD that stopped me from buying it now.
Again, it was the same reasoning behind why I haven't bought an iPod Touch yet even tho I am DROOLING over owning one. I'd give my 60gig ipod to my brother in a hearbeat and nab one if ONLY the flash drive was larger. As much as I lust after having wifi on my ipod, 8 or 16gigs is just not enough. I'd have to carry TWO ipods around when I travel then, and I just can't justify that. But soon as Apple releases a 32gig version, I will take the plunge. 30 gigs is the minimum ipod HD size I'd accept for my collection. Just as 160gigs is the minimum laptop HD size I'd be willing to accept.
Other than that, it's ALL good. :-)
that is the whole point of my post. It is a niche product. It really only suits those who travel a lot and who have an extra computer or more. The poster you reference mentioned the airdisk. that is very nice, but it still REQUIRES you to have another computer. Some people will buy this to be their one and only since it is so expensive and realize then that they need either a bulky add on or another PC nearby. That does not work so well in an airplane. And yes, I and many others actually install software on airplanes and back up data to write once disks on airplanes.
therefore, it is a niche product. It will sell because it is cool and serves its target market fairly well, but the very target market it aims at is itself a niche market.
I am curious to see how this plays out. I will not buy it, but if anyone can start a trend in computing, it is Apple.
Then as you should know, you are definetly not an average student, in fact your not even an average buyer. Sure not all Collage students are broke. But most Collage students are.
Your unique situation puts you with alot of disposable income which to be honest with you, not much of the world has. You are a niche
You also provided an excellent real-world scenario.
Your post was blunt, but utterly true. All this complaining about what the MBA lacks is redundant since there are other Apple machines that will do, in one machine, what the MBA does as a companion.
I think we all get that this is not for everyone. Unfortunately, unless some members realize how ridiculous they are complaining about something they wouldn't even use, we will be forced to endure yet more incompetence and try ever so much to stifle our annoyance.
However, I feel that one must respect a civilly stated opinion that provides logical support. It's just that there are not many opposing opinions that are written in such a manner.
Well that is fine for your meeting in a week, but you have to live with the thing for a long time. It won't be all roses. The lack of an optical drive is an issue. An external drive negates the small form factor. Air disk requires you to have another computer. these all read: NICHE. Sony had a laptop like this out around 2001 and it sold like hotcakes... for 2 months. then people wised up. A guy I worked with thought it was great for travel - until he needed an optical drive in UNEXPECTED situations.
To all the people who try to deny the omission of an optical drive and user replaceable battery is a problem are in failry tale land. The real world makes use of these things so very often. People still burn CDs and DVDs and rely on them for backup and software installs. Travelers still hot-swap batteries to extend theri productivity in-flight. With no hot swap battery, the MBA battery life is paltry and that is even without an optical drive to drain from it. Bottom line is that the MBA succeeds in having a decent sized screen, super thin and light enclosure, full keyboard and excelelnt style. Then it falls flat on necessary travel items like an integrated hard drive and hot swappable batteries. the battery issue is even worse. Sure, if you just wanted to travel light and then use your optical drive in the hotel, that is fine, but the battery life still kills you. there is no way around it. next thing you know, companies will be making "battery jackets" that attach to the MBA, also negating its thin and light status. Apple should have made it with a user replaceable battery. No ifs ands or buts. and I have not even mentioned the ports.
Again, the MBA is a niche product. It is for those with expendable income who have other computers and only need this one for light travel duty and can afford for this computer to lack very important features.
The MBA is the best of a kind product that caters to a niche market which makes it a niche product.
At the college I attend, I'd say a good 80% of students use a mac. Than again, I'm from USC and most of the kids come from wealthy families.
I wonder if it's the same at other schools?
Regardless, I pre-ordered a MBA because I'm a student. I need a thin and light notebook to lug around with all my other stuff. I don't need the power of my MBP cause all I use is ms word.
Again, the MBA is a niche product. It is for those with expendable income who have other computers and only need this one for light travel duty and can afford for this computer to lack very important features.
The MBA is the best of a kind product that caters to a niche market which makes it a niche product.
Yes..most of us knew this from the beginning. Ultraportables are niches within the larger portable market. The MBA is a forward looking product and honestly I think Apple is "skating to where the puck is going to be"
Wifi hotspots are springing up like weeds everywhere. Movies and Entertainment are available online via the web. The MBA usher in a new era where people need to ask themselves "do I need this feature or is there simply a better way to access and manage my computing assets?"
I would never carry a second battery. If you need to do that, you're already hauling around so much weight that the whole point of the Air is defeated. Then you use up both batteries, get to the hotel, and now what? How do you charge 2 batteries? Bring a heavy charger too?
The optical drive in a notebook is completely useless. For reinstalling the OS you can partition off 7 GB or so and put an Iso image on it.
At the college I attend, I'd say a good 80% of students use a mac. Than again, I'm from USC and most of the kids come from wealthy families.
I wonder if it's the same at other schools?
Regardless, I pre-ordered a MBA because I'm a student. I need a thin and light notebook to lug around with all my other stuff. I don't need the power of my MBP cause all I use is ms word.
I don't know much about American collages
so I would be extremely curious to know if you think most of the 80% would switch to a MBA. from whatever mac they have now (im assuming MB?)
I know many university students here wouldn't be able to afford it.
so I would be extremely curious to know if you think most of the 80% would switch to a MBA. from whatever mac they have now (im assuming MB?)
I know many university students here wouldn't be able to afford it.
I think out of the 80%, I think a good quarter of them will get a MBA. USC has a lot of mac fanbois. I think almost everyone has an iphone.... and I'm not exaggerating.
I think out of the 80%, I think a good quarter of them will get a MBA. USC has a lot of mac fanbois. I think almost everyone has an iphone.... and I'm not exaggerating.
thats a fair amount. I think the verdict can't be said until the real numbers are in after the honey moon period. The MBA will be a top seller for a while whilst the frenzy of pre orders go over the mac sites as people rush to get their hands on one. I think we should revisit the success of the MBA in a year. There is no doubt it will be suceed amongst travellers, but I'd be interested to know the impact in other segments
Well, I have said it once before, so I'll say it again. It's called a JOB. I also use the GI Bill, which any of you guys can get. Just join the military and earn it. I have suffered almost 20 years of bullshit to get it, plus retirement in a few months.
Yes, this pretty much defines the niche. BTW, I just got back from the hypothetical SF conference and I'm glad my MBP had a PCI express slot for my cell adapter, because the wireless availability was a bit scarce at times.
Some people will buy this to be their one and only since it is so expensive and realize then that they need either a bulky add on
Bulky? Your definition of bulky is odd.
Quote:
That does not work so well in an airplane.
No it doesn't work that well. This sucks if you have a game you want to play and it wants to see the disc. Otherwise, rent a movie off iTunes or rip the DVD beforehand.
Perhaps the USB cable is long enough to stick the drive in the seat pocket.
Quote:
And yes, I and many others actually install software on airplanes and back up data to write once disks on airplanes.
They have these things called "USB Thumbdrives" now. a 4GB stick is a lofty $10.
If you install software on an airplane a lot you're a really poor planner given the first thing you usually have to do after installing new software is...get a patch over the internet.
I would never carry a second battery. If you need to do that, you're already hauling around so much weight that the whole point of the Air is defeated. Then you use up both batteries, get to the hotel, and now what? How do you charge 2 batteries? Bring a heavy charger too?
The optical drive in a notebook is completely useless. For reinstalling the OS you can partition off 7 GB or so and put an Iso image on it.
Lets not get too carried away. How do you charge the second battery? Easy. Charge the first battery as you get dinner, work, relax, whatever. Swap the battery before you sleep and let the second battery recharge overnight.
The optical drive is nice on the road for long trips because you can often find a walmart or someplace with cheap DVDs to buy. Or you have a game that want's to see its disc in a drive. Its worth the little extra weight for a 2 week trip since the drive ISN'T bulky or all that heavy. It's something you only have to deal with to and from the airport. Mostly it'll just sit in your hotel room.
Although these days, I don't bother with games anymore. I'd rather just veg out with the TV when I have downtime.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
I think this machine is excellent for giving presentations.
I believe you're a physician and probably attend meetings several times a year. At the meetings I attend ultra portables are commonplace. I think the MBA will do well in this market.
It's not going to outsell the MB or MBP but it still can be successful in its own right.
Since Jobs took over again, Apple has become a niche company. All in one (iMac), small form factor desktop (mini), thin and light professional notebook (MBP). This is one of the few products they're released lately that's meant to compete in an established market (which they kinda created but abandoned about a decade ago). Apple's MO is trying to make the smallest and thinnest possible. They've shown in the past, they are more than willing to trade usability and features for that title.
Comments
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All the complainers talking about changing the battery, having a DVD burner, and having extra ports just need to get the MacBook - it's that simple. Most business people do not need all that stuff.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
I share your exact sentiments!
You also provided an excellent real-world scenario.
Your post was blunt, but utterly true. All this complaining about what the MBA lacks is redundant since there are other Apple machines that will do, in one machine, what the MBA does as a companion.
I think we all get that this is not for everyone. Unfortunately, unless some members realize how ridiculous they are complaining about something they wouldn't even use, we will be forced to endure yet more incompetence and try ever so much to stifle our annoyance.
However, I feel that one must respect a civilly stated opinion that provides logical support. It's just that there are not many opposing opinions that are written in such a manner.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
Yes, this pretty much defines the niche. BTW, I just got back from the hypothetical SF conference and I'm glad my MBP had a PCI express slot for my cell adapter, because the wireless availability was a bit scarce at times.
every one that would not want one of these MBA are bagging them because they would not use one.
i know people are like hly shit why are you getting a MBP why not just get a MB... because i need the gfx card.. same senario different product.
Have you lived in Japan?
ahhh
I do but like
Mainly among students and even then that was back in high school. I must admit I have little or no experience among Business People in Japan
so yes my view is slightly skewed. Most of my friends in Japan don't have msn or a computer. They tend to do email over the phone......
There probably is a big market for Mac in Japan. The way my friends treat it like a holy grail made it sound as much. Now that you mention it the all in one computers that Vaio were offerring was what my friend had last year. Seems like the type of products that would appeal to the market, just like themacs
I agree with the above poster. The Airbook was made for TRAVELLERS. And it's a damn fine solution.
However, it may not be the "perfect" travel solution for everyone.
For me, it's not about the lack of an optical drive at all. I am with the above poster that more and more people don't use or need one.
HOWEVER. For me it IS about the HD size. The 64 flash drive I understand. The technology is not there yet for Large laptop sized flash drives. They are WAY overpriced and too small. But to me the 80gig regular hard drive is not ideal either. 80 gigs was big for 2003. Now it's smaller than the iPod classic for crying out loud.
If the Airbook came with a 160gig HD option, I would have nabbed one. Part of me wonders if they didn't do that because the 64gig flash drive is so expensive that they didn't want to offer a 160gig HD version at a much lower price. So they offered 80gigs max instead.
I know this this maybe will be enough for some who REALLY use the Airbook as a 2nd, light back up travel computer. And I also know that if you REALLY need more space, you can carry around an external HD when you travel. But that kinda starts defeating the whole "ULTRA-PORTABLE" advantage over the macbook doesn't it?
It is for this reason that I decided to go with the black macbook instead. The larger HD. The macbook is actually smaller size wise(footprint). Yeah, it's ALOT thicker for sure...but after weighing(literally!) in my mind the added bulk of carrying around extra HDs and such with the Airbook as opposed to the still small tho thicker all in one-ness of the macbook...I chose the macbook. :-)
Don't get me wrong, I love love love the design. And I TOTALLY see where Apple is going with the whole wireless, digital download path and doing away with the optical drive. Again, I could have given that up. It was just the "too small" HD that stopped me from buying it now.
Again, it was the same reasoning behind why I haven't bought an iPod Touch yet even tho I am DROOLING over owning one. I'd give my 60gig ipod to my brother in a hearbeat and nab one if ONLY the flash drive was larger. As much as I lust after having wifi on my ipod, 8 or 16gigs is just not enough. I'd have to carry TWO ipods around when I travel then, and I just can't justify that. But soon as Apple releases a 32gig version, I will take the plunge. 30 gigs is the minimum ipod HD size I'd accept for my collection. Just as 160gigs is the minimum laptop HD size I'd be willing to accept.
Other than that, it's ALL good. :-)
that is the whole point of my post. It is a niche product. It really only suits those who travel a lot and who have an extra computer or more. The poster you reference mentioned the airdisk. that is very nice, but it still REQUIRES you to have another computer. Some people will buy this to be their one and only since it is so expensive and realize then that they need either a bulky add on or another PC nearby. That does not work so well in an airplane. And yes, I and many others actually install software on airplanes and back up data to write once disks on airplanes.
therefore, it is a niche product. It will sell because it is cool and serves its target market fairly well, but the very target market it aims at is itself a niche market.
I am curious to see how this plays out. I will not buy it, but if anyone can start a trend in computing, it is Apple.
Then as you should know, you are definetly not an average student, in fact your not even an average buyer. Sure not all Collage students are broke. But most Collage students are.
Your unique situation puts you with alot of disposable income which to be honest with you, not much of the world has. You are a niche
Exactly.
I share your exact sentiments!
You also provided an excellent real-world scenario.
Your post was blunt, but utterly true. All this complaining about what the MBA lacks is redundant since there are other Apple machines that will do, in one machine, what the MBA does as a companion.
I think we all get that this is not for everyone. Unfortunately, unless some members realize how ridiculous they are complaining about something they wouldn't even use, we will be forced to endure yet more incompetence and try ever so much to stifle our annoyance.
However, I feel that one must respect a civilly stated opinion that provides logical support. It's just that there are not many opposing opinions that are written in such a manner.
Well that is fine for your meeting in a week, but you have to live with the thing for a long time. It won't be all roses. The lack of an optical drive is an issue. An external drive negates the small form factor. Air disk requires you to have another computer. these all read: NICHE. Sony had a laptop like this out around 2001 and it sold like hotcakes... for 2 months. then people wised up. A guy I worked with thought it was great for travel - until he needed an optical drive in UNEXPECTED situations.
To all the people who try to deny the omission of an optical drive and user replaceable battery is a problem are in failry tale land. The real world makes use of these things so very often. People still burn CDs and DVDs and rely on them for backup and software installs. Travelers still hot-swap batteries to extend theri productivity in-flight. With no hot swap battery, the MBA battery life is paltry and that is even without an optical drive to drain from it. Bottom line is that the MBA succeeds in having a decent sized screen, super thin and light enclosure, full keyboard and excelelnt style. Then it falls flat on necessary travel items like an integrated hard drive and hot swappable batteries. the battery issue is even worse. Sure, if you just wanted to travel light and then use your optical drive in the hotel, that is fine, but the battery life still kills you. there is no way around it. next thing you know, companies will be making "battery jackets" that attach to the MBA, also negating its thin and light status. Apple should have made it with a user replaceable battery. No ifs ands or buts. and I have not even mentioned the ports.
Again, the MBA is a niche product. It is for those with expendable income who have other computers and only need this one for light travel duty and can afford for this computer to lack very important features.
The MBA is the best of a kind product that caters to a niche market which makes it a niche product.
I wonder if it's the same at other schools?
Regardless, I pre-ordered a MBA because I'm a student. I need a thin and light notebook to lug around with all my other stuff. I don't need the power of my MBP cause all I use is ms word.
Again, the MBA is a niche product. It is for those with expendable income who have other computers and only need this one for light travel duty and can afford for this computer to lack very important features.
The MBA is the best of a kind product that caters to a niche market which makes it a niche product.
Yes..most of us knew this from the beginning. Ultraportables are niches within the larger portable market. The MBA is a forward looking product and honestly I think Apple is "skating to where the puck is going to be"
Wifi hotspots are springing up like weeds everywhere. Movies and Entertainment are available online via the web. The MBA usher in a new era where people need to ask themselves "do I need this feature or is there simply a better way to access and manage my computing assets?"
The optical drive in a notebook is completely useless. For reinstalling the OS you can partition off 7 GB or so and put an Iso image on it.
At the college I attend, I'd say a good 80% of students use a mac. Than again, I'm from USC and most of the kids come from wealthy families.
I wonder if it's the same at other schools?
Regardless, I pre-ordered a MBA because I'm a student. I need a thin and light notebook to lug around with all my other stuff. I don't need the power of my MBP cause all I use is ms word.
I don't know much about American collages
so I would be extremely curious to know if you think most of the 80% would switch to a MBA. from whatever mac they have now (im assuming MB?)
I know many university students here wouldn't be able to afford it.
I don't know much about American collages
so I would be extremely curious to know if you think most of the 80% would switch to a MBA. from whatever mac they have now (im assuming MB?)
I know many university students here wouldn't be able to afford it.
I think out of the 80%, I think a good quarter of them will get a MBA. USC has a lot of mac fanbois. I think almost everyone has an iphone.... and I'm not exaggerating.
I think out of the 80%, I think a good quarter of them will get a MBA. USC has a lot of mac fanbois. I think almost everyone has an iphone.... and I'm not exaggerating.
thats a fair amount. I think the verdict can't be said until the real numbers are in after the honey moon period. The MBA will be a top seller for a while whilst the frenzy of pre orders go over the mac sites as people rush to get their hands on one. I think we should revisit the success of the MBA in a year. There is no doubt it will be suceed amongst travellers, but I'd be interested to know the impact in other segments
Exactly.
Well, I have said it once before, so I'll say it again. It's called a JOB. I also use the GI Bill, which any of you guys can get. Just join the military and earn it. I have suffered almost 20 years of bullshit to get it, plus retirement in a few months.
Yes, this pretty much defines the niche. BTW, I just got back from the hypothetical SF conference and I'm glad my MBP had a PCI express slot for my cell adapter, because the wireless availability was a bit scarce at times.
Heh...I'd like to get this:
http://www.intomobile.com/2008/01/23...do-tricks.html
if and when it hits the US shores. $300-$400 is kinda steep though. Have to think about that. Maybe if AT&T offers a subsidy...
Some people will buy this to be their one and only since it is so expensive and realize then that they need either a bulky add on
Bulky? Your definition of bulky is odd.
That does not work so well in an airplane.
No it doesn't work that well. This sucks if you have a game you want to play and it wants to see the disc. Otherwise, rent a movie off iTunes or rip the DVD beforehand.
Perhaps the USB cable is long enough to stick the drive in the seat pocket.
And yes, I and many others actually install software on airplanes and back up data to write once disks on airplanes.
They have these things called "USB Thumbdrives" now. a 4GB stick is a lofty $10.
If you install software on an airplane a lot you're a really poor planner given the first thing you usually have to do after installing new software is...get a patch over the internet.
I would never carry a second battery. If you need to do that, you're already hauling around so much weight that the whole point of the Air is defeated. Then you use up both batteries, get to the hotel, and now what? How do you charge 2 batteries? Bring a heavy charger too?
The optical drive in a notebook is completely useless. For reinstalling the OS you can partition off 7 GB or so and put an Iso image on it.
Lets not get too carried away. How do you charge the second battery? Easy. Charge the first battery as you get dinner, work, relax, whatever. Swap the battery before you sleep and let the second battery recharge overnight.
The optical drive is nice on the road for long trips because you can often find a walmart or someplace with cheap DVDs to buy. Or you have a game that want's to see its disc in a drive. Its worth the little extra weight for a 2 week trip since the drive ISN'T bulky or all that heavy. It's something you only have to deal with to and from the airport. Mostly it'll just sit in your hotel room.
Although these days, I don't bother with games anymore. I'd rather just veg out with the TV when I have downtime.
If I were going to SF tomorrow for a medical meeting for a week, the Air would have everything I need. It would be worth the extra $800 cost over the MacBook to not have to carry the extra weight around. That's the bottom line. I'd make sure the hotel had wireless, and 80 GB is plenty for the documents I would need at the conference, plus I could always tap into my home Mac Pro via Back To My Mac if I needed to. Why would I be burning CDs or DVDs at a conference?
I think this machine is excellent for giving presentations.
I believe you're a physician and probably attend meetings several times a year. At the meetings I attend ultra portables are commonplace. I think the MBA will do well in this market.
It's not going to outsell the MB or MBP but it still can be successful in its own right.
Since Jobs took over again, Apple has become a niche company. All in one (iMac), small form factor desktop (mini), thin and light professional notebook (MBP). This is one of the few products they're released lately that's meant to compete in an established market (which they kinda created but abandoned about a decade ago). Apple's MO is trying to make the smallest and thinnest possible. They've shown in the past, they are more than willing to trade usability and features for that title.
Since Jobs took over again, Apple has become a successful company.
Fixed for you.