A second USB, as I noted above, is not necessary and would turn the Air into something it isn't; they would have to drop the Air moniker if they gave in to such a request.
Now I see this as completely absurd, the term AIR has nothing to do with the number of ports the machine has. Nothing!
Furthermore you make the assumption that one more port would so change the machine that it could not be recognized as a rev of the current model. That is just totally off the wall and makes about as much sense as insisting that Apple change the name of MacBook every time the feature set is improved.
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The future is wireless and the Air is the first step towards that future.
There are huge and very real limitations with respect to wireless. One big issue is the lack of Bandwidth followed closely by competition for that bandwidth.
Now make no mistake I see lots of advantages with respect to the RF/wireless world, it is just that I'm also familiar with the realities of a finite resource. The fat remains that in many cases given access to both wired and wireless networking you are often better off to wire up.
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Apple is often a step or two ahead of the pack and thus always risk being criticized for their new ideas simply because the idea is not already commonplace. Where's the power switch on an iPod? How many devices didn't have power switches when the iPod was released? How many computer had mice before the first Macs went on sale?
So. All anybody here is really saying is that Apple has a good opportunity to make the AIR a better machine. Much better in fact without effectively changing much on the machine.
As to innovation if Apple really wanted the AIR to impress they would have built in alternative wireless, such as cell networking or Wimax. They didn't but instead decided to release a light but run of the mill portable.
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Yep, today I tested dongles, cameras, audio interfaces, a keyboard and a few other accessories and they all worked fine on my little hub and my Air. So, if a user really needs to have two or more USB devices hooked up to the AIr at the same time, it is completely possible with a hub. I, for one, will go without the spaghetti.
You see that's your problem because you DO care. You seem to care an awful lot that this machine wasn't designed for you!
Actually I gave up caring when I went out and purchased my MBP!
However if Apple is getting ready to rev the AIR I certainly want them to know where I stand. Not that I will be getting a new laptop anytime soon as this one needs to last a bit. Two to three years down the road though Apple needs to realize that this is one customer that found the AIR very desirable yet ultimately not something to marry to. One of he bigger issues there is the machines port configuration.
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ie making it into something it's not.
Simple question. Why?
Who said anything at all here about making the machine into something it is not? That tis what I don't get about some of the stupidity seen in this thread. All people are asking for is a couple of ports. We are not talking about making the machine into a heavy mac Book.
For instance we could have analog in and out on this machine if Apple would simple adapt the receptical/plug combination used on the iPhone. An Ethernet port certainly isn't that big of a plug and history has shown a number of ways to implement such in a low profile way. It has been done on PCMCIA cards for a very long time now. As for USB, how about ditching the video connector?
While we are talking about ditching the video connector we might suggest that Apple could innovate here two. Since the trap door can be configured in a number of ways why not simply give people the option of the ports they want there? Lets say the first option is the currently supplied trap door with sound, USB and Video. Replace that trap door, as an option, with one that supports multiple USB and analog in and out. For those that get their undies in a twist over modifications to their precious machine they would not be able to tell from the outside.
It just really burns me to see some of the short sighted and ignorant excuses offered up for not improving the AIR. There is absolutely nothing in this world that can't be improved upon. That includes AIR, iPod Touch and Ruger's 10/22. Ok; so the 10/22 is close to perfect, but nothing Apple makes is even close.
I guess the question, for those of you that think the AIR is perfect, is would you expect Apple to also give up improving the Mac Pro,the Mac Books or the iPod lines? Maybe Apple should say the hell with 3G on the iPhone. Frankly I just don't get the motivation of the modern day Luddites.
Actually I gave up caring when I went out and purchased my MBP!
So you went and bought a more expensive notebook. Not a bad biz strategy from Apple then?
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what I don't get about some of the stupidity seen in this thread. All people are asking for is a couple of ports. We are not talking about making the machine into a heavy mac Book.
It's not just this thread and it's not (always) just a couple of ports. Don't forget those ports require additional circuitry. Other folk (including Tailpipe's friends in the press) are moaning about the lack of optical drive and replaceable battery. They want more power and less dollars (totally ignoring systems from other manufactures that cost more for even less power) Add all that back in and you indeed have got yourself a .... MacBook
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I guess the question, for those of you that think the AIR is perfect ...
Dave, It's not that the Air is perfect. The point is that just because it's NOT perfect doesn't mean that it's WRONG... or that it won't be popular amongst users who... aren't you.
I believe the MacBook Air is intended as a short-term testbed product…
Apple is testing the new housing and gauging general acceptance of such, probably to move the laptop lineup to a very similar chassis in the future. They are testing the idea of NOT having an optical drive, and the functionality of Remote Disc. They are testing the idea of LESS ports on a machine…
As the MacBook/MacBook Pro lines change and become more Air-esque, the MacBook Air will fade away much as the Cube did. ( I firmly believe the Cube was Apple's early attempt at a mini-tower, gone wrong. Eventually the feedback from the Cube resulted in the Mac mini…)
So you went and bought a more expensive notebook. Not a bad biz strategy from Apple then?
I don't know if it is Apples strategy or not, but I do have to say I've been very happy with the unit. The only issue I got is the need to take it back for repair of the keyboard. I need to do that soon!
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It's not just this thread and it's not (always) just a couple of ports. Don't forget those ports require additional circuitry. Other folk (including Tailpipe's friends in the press) are moaning about the lack of optical drive and replaceable battery.
I'm very mixed on the battery issue, but again just because something like the battery installation gets modified doesn't automatically imply a grossly different AIR. Replaceable or not the AIR still needs a battery.
In an event I do believe for ports the best thing Apple could do would be to give the user choice.
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They want more power and less dollars (totally ignoring systems from other manufactures that cost more for even less power) Add all that back in and you indeed have got yourself a .... MacBook
Dave, It's not that the Air is perfect. The point is that just because it's NOT perfect doesn't mean that it's WRONG... or that it won't be popular amongst users who... aren't you.
I've never said the AIR is wrong other than being wrong for me right now. What I'm getting at is that it could be a far better machine for a far greater audience and not change grossly. What I'm arguing against is this idea that if you do anything at all to AIR to improve it you don't have AIR anymore. On the contrary a little bit of work and some modern componentry and Apple could end up with a machine that interests far more than it does now.
That is really all that I'm saying. Apple will rev AIR there is no doubt in my mind about that, in many ways they have no choice, but if you and I don't make our wants and desires known that rev will reflect a vary narrow set of desires.
I believe that Apple will rev the MBAir according to feedback from actual users not because it doesn't meet the wants and the desires of some. If the feedback from real users is "more ports!", then we might see those.
Dave, the length and the frequency of your "attacks" on the current MB Air since its launch, makes me believe that you thought that the MB Air would be the "holy graal" of computers. It isn't and I'm sorry it didn't meet your requierements.
According to what I could read of your usage, you really needed a MB Pro (not Plus!), especially if you wanted to have a desktop replacement computer.
An observation: a decade ago, Apple introduced actually-useable wireless to the world with 802.11b AirPort in the original clamshell iBooks (blueberry and tangerine). And like the Air, the first iBooks had one USB port only, a headphone only, a CD-ROM drive (of limited usefulness) and no FireWire. And yes, later models added more USB ports and DVD/CD-RW and FireWire, but having AirPort in the first units made all the difference. I guess with the Air, you could call the latest design 'coming full circle'. (But that's just my view.)
And, a complaint: something that could properly address the lack of ports is, a really well thought-out *DOCKING STATION* (heads up, DockEndz). Plug in the sole USB, mini DVI, and audio on one side, and get multiple USB ports, full-size DVI and VGA video connectors (for the 23" HD Cinema), separate or combined analog and digital audio I/Os, a FireWire-to-USB internal adapter, another for eSATA, and full 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, all in one compact external unit. Ideally it would also have power and activity LEDs for the different ports as needed, a built-in speaker or two, and maybe even a 5.25" or 3.5" expansion bay for your choice of plug-in HDD or optical disk drive. I know that all sounds like a lot, but I still remember Compucable's iDock ( http://www.welovemacs.com/idock-fw.html ) (And no, the Dynadock isn't close enough.)
An observation: a decade ago, Apple introduced actually-useable wireless to the world with 802.11b AirPort in the original clamshell iBooks (blueberry and tangerine). And like the Air, the first iBooks had one USB port only, a headphone only, a CD-ROM drive (of limited usefulness) and no FireWire. And yes, later models added more USB ports and DVD/CD-RW and FireWire, but having AirPort in the first units made all the difference. I guess with the Air, you could call the latest design 'coming full circle'. (But that's just my view.)
Combine this with MacRonin's post above and that's where I am: The AIR is the next MacBook. They just can't get the price there yet. Among the potential AIR customers I know, none of whom even blink at the lack of ethernet or the paucity of ports. Wireless is great! The weight is great! The durability is great! Price is the major issue. Once Apple gets it down to MacBook range it will really fly off the shelves, and Apple will finally have some serious differentiation between their consumer and pro lines. The solid-state Air can continue to sell at a premium price for executive/business traveler types.
I really don't understand the emphasis on ethernet only hotels. I book them regularly, plug in the AirPort Express, plug the printer and speakers into that, and type away in glorious wirelessness—on a 17" PowerBook whose gigabit ethernet jack has hardly ever seen use.
Once the memory capacity becomes more than bare-bones a FW jack would make sense. It would be a great mobile recording machine except for the lack of storage, so until that's fixed there's no point adding FW.
I would have said better battery life, but having used a MacBook Air for some time now the battery life seems to be getting a little better. Acceptable even.
The only criticism I have of the Air is the RAM. If Apple insist on using 1.8" HDDs for virtual memory, then the Air needs as much physical memory as possible. 4GB should be doable (the other MacBooks support 4GB) and I would expect that 4GB would transform the Air into a very capable little notebook.
At the moment, with 2GB, the Air feels a little crippled and a little ahead of its time.
I believe that Apple will rev the MBAir according to feedback from actual users not because it doesn't meet the wants and the desires of some. If the feedback from real users is "more ports!", then we might see those.
Dave, the length and the frequency of your "attacks" on the current MB Air since its launch, makes me believe that you thought that the MB Air would be the "holy graal" of computers. It isn't and I'm sorry it didn't meet your requierements.
According to what I could read of your usage, you really needed a MB Pro (not Plus!), especially if you wanted to have a desktop replacement computer.
Absolutely. Amen.
The MBA, though flawed is going to get better. The Centrino 2 chipset will increase processing power while reducing power consumption. It also offers WiMax, which will be very interesting if incorporated in to the Rev A model. Add a 256 Gb hard drive, 4 Gb of RAM plus one more USB and you have a machine that is every bit as functional as recent MacBook Pro models. I think the MBA will live up to Dave's Holy Grail of computers expectations. Of course, this does slightly depend on the next MacBook Pro. If it is half as brilliant as I keep hearing, then it is going to become a default choice for just about anyone who can afford it.
The MBA, though flawed is going to get better. The Centrino 2 chipset will increase processing power while reducing power consumption. It also offers WiMax, which will be very interesting if incorporated in to the Rev A model. Add a 256 Gb hard drive, 4 Gb of RAM plus one more USB and you have a machine that is every bit as functional as recent MacBook Pro models. I think the MBA will live up to Dave's Holy Grail of computers expectations. Of course, this does slightly depend on the next MacBook Pro. If it is half as brilliant as I keep hearing, then it is going to become a default choice for just about anyone who can afford it.
Very interesting. Although I hope the MacBook gets the same treatment. My low spec Acer now munches through the battery in 1hr 50mins, totally unacceptable for travelling to uni and it's too heavy.
I know you couldn't say anything Tail, but what do you hear about the MB? Do you think it's going to be decent? I'm so bored of waiting for the WWDC!
Very interesting. Although I hope the MacBook gets the same treatment. My low spec Acer now munches through the battery in 1hr 50mins, totally unacceptable for travelling to uni and it's too heavy.
I know you couldn't say anything Tail, but what do you hear about the MB? Do you think it's going to be decent? I'm so bored of waiting for the WWDC!
M
Maleficent,
I only heard info about the Pro. Anything I've reported about the MacBook is just informed speculation. Putting all of the rumours together, if both MB and MBP lines become all-aluminium models, it could be that there is very little to differentiate them other than screen size. I wonder, especially with a MacBook Touch also rumoured to be in the works, whether Apple will migrate its traditional laptop range to a single line-up of machines with 13, 15, and 17-inch screens. It could be that the next MacBook is identical to the Air but a lot thicker and with a DVD drive. As someone else has pointed out, the distinction between MBs and MBPs is important re: profitability, so a delineation between models may need to remain. On the other hand, maybe there will be an entirely new name for the Pro range.
Bringing this thread firmly back on topic, responses above make me realise that the MBA is rapidly redefining people's laptop expectations. With or without an extra USB port, the Centrino 2 chipset plus a larger hard drive will mean that the MacBook Air Rev A will be every bit as good as a standard MacBook. The only thing the Air won't have is a DVD drive. Despite regarding this as heresy in January, 6 months later I am rapidly becoming a convert. Praise the Lord! And give me movies, software, music and other media on a USB memory stick (the reason why I need another port).
I only heard info about the Pro. Anything I've reported about the MacBook is just informed speculation. Putting all of the rumours together, if both MB and MBP lines become all-aluminium models, it could be that there is very little to differentiate them other than screen size. I wonder, especially with a MacBook Touch also rumoured to be in the works, whether Apple will migrate its traditional laptop range to a single line-up of machines with 13, 15, and 17-inch screens. It could be that the next MacBook is identical to the Air but a lot thicker and with a DVD drive. As someone else has pointed out, the distinction between MBs and MBPs is important re: profitability, so a delineation between models may need to remain. On the other hand, maybe there will be an entirely new name for the Pro range.
Bringing this thread firmly back on topic, responses above make me realise that the MBA is rapidly redefining people's laptop expectations. With or without an extra USB port, the Centrino 2 chipset plus a larger hard drive will mean that the MacBook Air Rev A will be every bit as good as a standard MacBook. The only thing the Air won't have is a DVD drive. Despite regarding this as heresy in January, 6 months later I am rapidly becoming a convert. Praise the Lord! And give me movies, software, music and other media on a USB memory stick (the reason why I need another port).
Hey Tail,
No matter how much I admire your enthousiasm, I still think that you should be more careful with your comparison between the upcoming MB Air and the upcoming MacBook. Both will have a Montevina chipset, but the regular one (GM45/47) will still be more powerful than the small one (GS45) and the difference in cpu speed will also be at the advantage of the MacBook:
MB Air: 1.60/1.86GHz
MacBook: 2.26/2.40GHz
It will be interesting to see how much the battery life of the new MBA will improve with the Montevina cpus/chipset. And what kind of GPU will Apple use in the MacBook. GM45 or GM47?
It is fine to be consistent but consistency does not make for a suitable machine for every one. For the majority of us the AIR lacks ports for how we would like to use the machine, it is as simple as that. The frustration is that things like USB ports are free with the chip set used in the machine.
Do you own a MBA? No? Then perhaps you aren't the target user and Bergermeister is?
Besides, WAIT ONE FREAKING REV. You won't get another USB port you so stridently demand but I bet Apple will include wireless USB in there for the next rev. Then you can attach 127 of your most important devices to your MBA.
Your asking for additional physical ports is a non-starter given that there is a wireless option available. If Apple dropped Firewire there's no bleeding way they're adding another USB port on the next rev of the Air.
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It may not be a desktop replacement but I don't currently believe that the "supplementary travel computer" category even exists or is real. I just don't see a lot of people in a position of being able to justify having multiple machines available to them.
Yes, the official category is ultraportable. While for some folks an ultraportable is fine as a main computer the intent is not to be one but provide a lightweight, small, travel computer.
Point taken. What I mean is that future MBA model with Centrino 2 will compare very favourably with existing MB and MBP. I certainly don't think that the Air will compete with next generation MBs or MBPs. I agree about the increase in battery life.
vinea,
Wireless is all very well. Yes, in an ideal world we would all have universal access to WiFi and WiMax networks and wireless USB. But even so, there is still a requirement to physically connect/ upload data to a machine via some kind of eletcro-mechanical interface, e.g. for movies, software, or simply to back-up data or share it between users. We agree that DVD is a medium of the past and flash memory is a medium of the future, but whether we're attaching a DVD drive or a flash memory card we need a universal device to do so. At the moment, the universal device of choice is the USB port. My point is that one just isn't enough. Here are the principal USB applications:
- DVD drive to play legacy media
- 3G data communications cards
- Memory card / hard drive (i.e. performing role of back-up disk, DVD storage or floppy disk)
- iPods
- Printer, scanner
- Cameras
- Ethernet dongle
- Mouse/ keyboard (yes, i know about wireless alternatives)
When I'm travelling, I need to attach a USB 3G card, DVD drive and printer. If I'm using the 3G card, i can't print or back-up a file to disk.
Wireless is all very well. Yes, in an ideal world we would all have universal access to WiFi and WiMax networks and wireless USB. But even so, there is still a requirement to physically connect/ upload data to a machine via some kind of eletcro-mechanical interface, e.g. for movies, software, or simply to back-up data or share it between users.
iTunes
YouTube
.mac
Amazon S3 and EC2
It's only a requirement for legacy machines right?
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We agree that DVD is a medium of the past and flash memory is a medium of the future, but whether we're attaching a DVD drive or a flash memory card we need a universal device to do so. At the moment, the universal device of choice is the USB port. My point is that one just isn't enough. Here are the principal USB applications:
- DVD drive to play legacy media
- 3G data communications cards
- Memory card / hard drive (i.e. performing role of back-up disk, DVD storage or floppy disk)
- iPods
- Printer, scanner
- Cameras
- Ethernet dongle
- Mouse/ keyboard (yes, i know about wireless alternatives)
When I'm travelling, I need to attach a USB 3G card, DVD drive and printer. If I'm using the 3G card, i can't print or back-up a file to disk.
If you have multiple legacy devices then yes, you'd need a hub. But why are you hauling around all that stuff with an ultraportable in the first place?
How much more effort is it to haul around a USB hub if you're already lugging around even the most portable of printers?
If you have a 3G card/device then why aren't you backing up to the much safer cloud than to a local medium that is about as likely as getting lost as the primary medium (i.e. someone steals your laptop bag, your hotel burns down, whatever).
It costs $.10/GB to transfersomething to Amazon S3 and $.18/month for storage. I use JungleDisk and it's drag and drop.
Here's step by step auto backup to S3 for the Mac (on a MBA no less)
If Apple were to add one thing to the Air to make it a better general purpose machine it would be an expresscard slot. Dunno where'd they find the space but you can add nearly anything if you do that.
The MacBook with an expresscard slot would be awesome.
You won't get another USB port you so stridently demand but I bet Apple will include wireless USB in there for the next rev. Then you can attach 127 of your most important devices to your MBA.
Assuming you upgrade those to be wireless USB compatible or buy a hub and of course the new MBA itself when it comes out. So much money for what could be solved by one little port.
It's actually the same deal when it comes to mice. I have in the past looked for wireless mice and the majority of them are not bluetooth but come with a dedicated receiver, which uses up a port.
Bluetooth mice are expensive and not that reliable. The future may be wireless but the reality is that a wired USB mouse attached to an extra port costs me £5 and is reliable but a bluetooth mouse costs me £50-60 and is not reliable.
Two USB ports is the minimum required to satisfy a fairly basic need - i.e having a mouse plugged in as well as usb to ethernet adaptor. If a hub satisfies this need reliably then I suppose it's ok but to have to use a hub for the basics shows that it wasn't well thought out.
Assuming you upgrade those to be wireless USB compatible or buy a hub and of course the new MBA itself when it comes out. So much money for what could be solved by one little port.
Or you could get a wired hub for $11.99 from newegg
If money and ports is a significant issue, you'd have bought a macbook anyway.
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Two USB ports is the minimum required to satisfy a fairly basic need - i.e having a mouse plugged in as well as usb to ethernet adaptor. If a hub satisfies this need reliably then I suppose it's ok but to have to use a hub for the basics shows that it wasn't well thought out.
There are a half dozen other G travel routers in the $50-$80 range.
I'd skip the ethernet dongle unless security precluded using a small access point. Geez, the last thing I want is to get tethered within 6ft of wherever the ethernet jack is after I spent all that money on an ultraportable for a $50 router.
For the target demographic money is not the highest criteria. 2 oz for a router is not a massive weight penalty.
Comments
A second USB, as I noted above, is not necessary and would turn the Air into something it isn't; they would have to drop the Air moniker if they gave in to such a request.
Now I see this as completely absurd, the term AIR has nothing to do with the number of ports the machine has. Nothing!
Furthermore you make the assumption that one more port would so change the machine that it could not be recognized as a rev of the current model. That is just totally off the wall and makes about as much sense as insisting that Apple change the name of MacBook every time the feature set is improved.
The future is wireless and the Air is the first step towards that future.
There are huge and very real limitations with respect to wireless. One big issue is the lack of Bandwidth followed closely by competition for that bandwidth.
Now make no mistake I see lots of advantages with respect to the RF/wireless world, it is just that I'm also familiar with the realities of a finite resource. The fat remains that in many cases given access to both wired and wireless networking you are often better off to wire up.
Apple is often a step or two ahead of the pack and thus always risk being criticized for their new ideas simply because the idea is not already commonplace. Where's the power switch on an iPod? How many devices didn't have power switches when the iPod was released? How many computer had mice before the first Macs went on sale?
So. All anybody here is really saying is that Apple has a good opportunity to make the AIR a better machine. Much better in fact without effectively changing much on the machine.
As to innovation if Apple really wanted the AIR to impress they would have built in alternative wireless, such as cell networking or Wimax. They didn't but instead decided to release a light but run of the mill portable.
Yep, today I tested dongles, cameras, audio interfaces, a keyboard and a few other accessories and they all worked fine on my little hub and my Air. So, if a user really needs to have two or more USB devices hooked up to the AIr at the same time, it is completely possible with a hub. I, for one, will go without the spaghetti.
Still don't get it!
Dave
You see that's your problem because you DO care. You seem to care an awful lot that this machine wasn't designed for you!
Actually I gave up caring when I went out and purchased my MBP!
However if Apple is getting ready to rev the AIR I certainly want them to know where I stand. Not that I will be getting a new laptop anytime soon as this one needs to last a bit. Two to three years down the road though Apple needs to realize that this is one customer that found the AIR very desirable yet ultimately not something to marry to. One of he bigger issues there is the machines port configuration.
ie making it into something it's not.
Simple question. Why?
Who said anything at all here about making the machine into something it is not? That tis what I don't get about some of the stupidity seen in this thread. All people are asking for is a couple of ports. We are not talking about making the machine into a heavy mac Book.
For instance we could have analog in and out on this machine if Apple would simple adapt the receptical/plug combination used on the iPhone. An Ethernet port certainly isn't that big of a plug and history has shown a number of ways to implement such in a low profile way. It has been done on PCMCIA cards for a very long time now. As for USB, how about ditching the video connector?
While we are talking about ditching the video connector we might suggest that Apple could innovate here two. Since the trap door can be configured in a number of ways why not simply give people the option of the ports they want there? Lets say the first option is the currently supplied trap door with sound, USB and Video. Replace that trap door, as an option, with one that supports multiple USB and analog in and out. For those that get their undies in a twist over modifications to their precious machine they would not be able to tell from the outside.
It just really burns me to see some of the short sighted and ignorant excuses offered up for not improving the AIR. There is absolutely nothing in this world that can't be improved upon. That includes AIR, iPod Touch and Ruger's 10/22. Ok; so the 10/22 is close to perfect, but nothing Apple makes is even close.
I guess the question, for those of you that think the AIR is perfect, is would you expect Apple to also give up improving the Mac Pro,the Mac Books or the iPod lines? Maybe Apple should say the hell with 3G on the iPhone. Frankly I just don't get the motivation of the modern day Luddites.
Dave
Actually I gave up caring when I went out and purchased my MBP!
So you went and bought a more expensive notebook. Not a bad biz strategy from Apple then?
what I don't get about some of the stupidity seen in this thread. All people are asking for is a couple of ports. We are not talking about making the machine into a heavy mac Book.
It's not just this thread and it's not (always) just a couple of ports. Don't forget those ports require additional circuitry. Other folk (including Tailpipe's friends in the press) are moaning about the lack of optical drive and replaceable battery. They want more power and less dollars (totally ignoring systems from other manufactures that cost more for even less power) Add all that back in and you indeed have got yourself a .... MacBook
I guess the question, for those of you that think the AIR is perfect ...
Dave, It's not that the Air is perfect. The point is that just because it's NOT perfect doesn't mean that it's WRONG... or that it won't be popular amongst users who... aren't you.
Apple is testing the new housing and gauging general acceptance of such, probably to move the laptop lineup to a very similar chassis in the future. They are testing the idea of NOT having an optical drive, and the functionality of Remote Disc. They are testing the idea of LESS ports on a machine…
As the MacBook/MacBook Pro lines change and become more Air-esque, the MacBook Air will fade away much as the Cube did. ( I firmly believe the Cube was Apple's early attempt at a mini-tower, gone wrong. Eventually the feedback from the Cube resulted in the Mac mini…)
Just some random thoughts…
So you went and bought a more expensive notebook. Not a bad biz strategy from Apple then?
I don't know if it is Apples strategy or not, but I do have to say I've been very happy with the unit. The only issue I got is the need to take it back for repair of the keyboard. I need to do that soon!
It's not just this thread and it's not (always) just a couple of ports. Don't forget those ports require additional circuitry. Other folk (including Tailpipe's friends in the press) are moaning about the lack of optical drive and replaceable battery.
I'm very mixed on the battery issue, but again just because something like the battery installation gets modified doesn't automatically imply a grossly different AIR. Replaceable or not the AIR still needs a battery.
In an event I do believe for ports the best thing Apple could do would be to give the user choice.
They want more power and less dollars (totally ignoring systems from other manufactures that cost more for even less power) Add all that back in and you indeed have got yourself a .... MacBook
Dave, It's not that the Air is perfect. The point is that just because it's NOT perfect doesn't mean that it's WRONG... or that it won't be popular amongst users who... aren't you.
I've never said the AIR is wrong other than being wrong for me right now. What I'm getting at is that it could be a far better machine for a far greater audience and not change grossly. What I'm arguing against is this idea that if you do anything at all to AIR to improve it you don't have AIR anymore. On the contrary a little bit of work and some modern componentry and Apple could end up with a machine that interests far more than it does now.
That is really all that I'm saying. Apple will rev AIR there is no doubt in my mind about that, in many ways they have no choice, but if you and I don't make our wants and desires known that rev will reflect a vary narrow set of desires.
Dave
Dave, the length and the frequency of your "attacks" on the current MB Air since its launch, makes me believe that you thought that the MB Air would be the "holy graal" of computers. It isn't and I'm sorry it didn't meet your requierements.
According to what I could read of your usage, you really needed a MB Pro (not Plus!), especially if you wanted to have a desktop replacement computer.
You need a way to secure your machine when you're traveling and staying at hotels.
And, a complaint: something that could properly address the lack of ports is, a really well thought-out *DOCKING STATION* (heads up, DockEndz). Plug in the sole USB, mini DVI, and audio on one side, and get multiple USB ports, full-size DVI and VGA video connectors (for the 23" HD Cinema), separate or combined analog and digital audio I/Os, a FireWire-to-USB internal adapter, another for eSATA, and full 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, all in one compact external unit. Ideally it would also have power and activity LEDs for the different ports as needed, a built-in speaker or two, and maybe even a 5.25" or 3.5" expansion bay for your choice of plug-in HDD or optical disk drive. I know that all sounds like a lot, but I still remember Compucable's iDock ( http://www.welovemacs.com/idock-fw.html )
An observation: a decade ago, Apple introduced actually-useable wireless to the world with 802.11b AirPort in the original clamshell iBooks (blueberry and tangerine). And like the Air, the first iBooks had one USB port only, a headphone only, a CD-ROM drive (of limited usefulness) and no FireWire. And yes, later models added more USB ports and DVD/CD-RW and FireWire, but having AirPort in the first units made all the difference. I guess with the Air, you could call the latest design 'coming full circle'. (But that's just my view.)
Combine this with MacRonin's post above and that's where I am: The AIR is the next MacBook. They just can't get the price there yet. Among the potential AIR customers I know, none of whom even blink at the lack of ethernet or the paucity of ports. Wireless is great! The weight is great! The durability is great! Price is the major issue. Once Apple gets it down to MacBook range it will really fly off the shelves, and Apple will finally have some serious differentiation between their consumer and pro lines. The solid-state Air can continue to sell at a premium price for executive/business traveler types.
I really don't understand the emphasis on ethernet only hotels. I book them regularly, plug in the AirPort Express, plug the printer and speakers into that, and type away in glorious wirelessness—on a 17" PowerBook whose gigabit ethernet jack has hardly ever seen use.
Once the memory capacity becomes more than bare-bones a FW jack would make sense. It would be a great mobile recording machine except for the lack of storage, so until that's fixed there's no point adding FW.
The only criticism I have of the Air is the RAM. If Apple insist on using 1.8" HDDs for virtual memory, then the Air needs as much physical memory as possible. 4GB should be doable (the other MacBooks support 4GB) and I would expect that 4GB would transform the Air into a very capable little notebook.
At the moment, with 2GB, the Air feels a little crippled and a little ahead of its time.
I believe that Apple will rev the MBAir according to feedback from actual users not because it doesn't meet the wants and the desires of some. If the feedback from real users is "more ports!", then we might see those.
Dave, the length and the frequency of your "attacks" on the current MB Air since its launch, makes me believe that you thought that the MB Air would be the "holy graal" of computers. It isn't and I'm sorry it didn't meet your requierements.
According to what I could read of your usage, you really needed a MB Pro (not Plus!), especially if you wanted to have a desktop replacement computer.
Absolutely. Amen.
The MBA, though flawed is going to get better. The Centrino 2 chipset will increase processing power while reducing power consumption. It also offers WiMax, which will be very interesting if incorporated in to the Rev A model. Add a 256 Gb hard drive, 4 Gb of RAM plus one more USB and you have a machine that is every bit as functional as recent MacBook Pro models. I think the MBA will live up to Dave's Holy Grail of computers expectations. Of course, this does slightly depend on the next MacBook Pro. If it is half as brilliant as I keep hearing, then it is going to become a default choice for just about anyone who can afford it.
Absolutely. Amen.
The MBA, though flawed is going to get better. The Centrino 2 chipset will increase processing power while reducing power consumption. It also offers WiMax, which will be very interesting if incorporated in to the Rev A model. Add a 256 Gb hard drive, 4 Gb of RAM plus one more USB and you have a machine that is every bit as functional as recent MacBook Pro models. I think the MBA will live up to Dave's Holy Grail of computers expectations. Of course, this does slightly depend on the next MacBook Pro. If it is half as brilliant as I keep hearing, then it is going to become a default choice for just about anyone who can afford it.
Very interesting. Although I hope the MacBook gets the same treatment. My low spec Acer now munches through the battery in 1hr 50mins, totally unacceptable for travelling to uni and it's too heavy.
I know you couldn't say anything Tail, but what do you hear about the MB? Do you think it's going to be decent? I'm so bored of waiting for the WWDC!
M
Very interesting. Although I hope the MacBook gets the same treatment. My low spec Acer now munches through the battery in 1hr 50mins, totally unacceptable for travelling to uni and it's too heavy.
I know you couldn't say anything Tail, but what do you hear about the MB? Do you think it's going to be decent? I'm so bored of waiting for the WWDC!
M
Maleficent,
I only heard info about the Pro. Anything I've reported about the MacBook is just informed speculation. Putting all of the rumours together, if both MB and MBP lines become all-aluminium models, it could be that there is very little to differentiate them other than screen size. I wonder, especially with a MacBook Touch also rumoured to be in the works, whether Apple will migrate its traditional laptop range to a single line-up of machines with 13, 15, and 17-inch screens. It could be that the next MacBook is identical to the Air but a lot thicker and with a DVD drive. As someone else has pointed out, the distinction between MBs and MBPs is important re: profitability, so a delineation between models may need to remain. On the other hand, maybe there will be an entirely new name for the Pro range.
Bringing this thread firmly back on topic, responses above make me realise that the MBA is rapidly redefining people's laptop expectations. With or without an extra USB port, the Centrino 2 chipset plus a larger hard drive will mean that the MacBook Air Rev A will be every bit as good as a standard MacBook. The only thing the Air won't have is a DVD drive. Despite regarding this as heresy in January, 6 months later I am rapidly becoming a convert. Praise the Lord! And give me movies, software, music and other media on a USB memory stick (the reason why I need another port).
Maleficent,
I only heard info about the Pro. Anything I've reported about the MacBook is just informed speculation. Putting all of the rumours together, if both MB and MBP lines become all-aluminium models, it could be that there is very little to differentiate them other than screen size. I wonder, especially with a MacBook Touch also rumoured to be in the works, whether Apple will migrate its traditional laptop range to a single line-up of machines with 13, 15, and 17-inch screens. It could be that the next MacBook is identical to the Air but a lot thicker and with a DVD drive. As someone else has pointed out, the distinction between MBs and MBPs is important re: profitability, so a delineation between models may need to remain. On the other hand, maybe there will be an entirely new name for the Pro range.
Bringing this thread firmly back on topic, responses above make me realise that the MBA is rapidly redefining people's laptop expectations. With or without an extra USB port, the Centrino 2 chipset plus a larger hard drive will mean that the MacBook Air Rev A will be every bit as good as a standard MacBook. The only thing the Air won't have is a DVD drive. Despite regarding this as heresy in January, 6 months later I am rapidly becoming a convert. Praise the Lord! And give me movies, software, music and other media on a USB memory stick (the reason why I need another port).
Hey Tail,
No matter how much I admire your enthousiasm, I still think that you should be more careful with your comparison between the upcoming MB Air and the upcoming MacBook. Both will have a Montevina chipset, but the regular one (GM45/47) will still be more powerful than the small one (GS45) and the difference in cpu speed will also be at the advantage of the MacBook:
MB Air: 1.60/1.86GHz
MacBook: 2.26/2.40GHz
It will be interesting to see how much the battery life of the new MBA will improve with the Montevina cpus/chipset. And what kind of GPU will Apple use in the MacBook. GM45 or GM47?
It is fine to be consistent but consistency does not make for a suitable machine for every one. For the majority of us the AIR lacks ports for how we would like to use the machine, it is as simple as that. The frustration is that things like USB ports are free with the chip set used in the machine.
Do you own a MBA? No? Then perhaps you aren't the target user and Bergermeister is?
Besides, WAIT ONE FREAKING REV. You won't get another USB port you so stridently demand but I bet Apple will include wireless USB in there for the next rev. Then you can attach 127 of your most important devices to your MBA.
Your asking for additional physical ports is a non-starter given that there is a wireless option available. If Apple dropped Firewire there's no bleeding way they're adding another USB port on the next rev of the Air.
It may not be a desktop replacement but I don't currently believe that the "supplementary travel computer" category even exists or is real. I just don't see a lot of people in a position of being able to justify having multiple machines available to them.
Yes, the official category is ultraportable. While for some folks an ultraportable is fine as a main computer the intent is not to be one but provide a lightweight, small, travel computer.
Point taken. What I mean is that future MBA model with Centrino 2 will compare very favourably with existing MB and MBP. I certainly don't think that the Air will compete with next generation MBs or MBPs. I agree about the increase in battery life.
vinea,
Wireless is all very well. Yes, in an ideal world we would all have universal access to WiFi and WiMax networks and wireless USB. But even so, there is still a requirement to physically connect/ upload data to a machine via some kind of eletcro-mechanical interface, e.g. for movies, software, or simply to back-up data or share it between users. We agree that DVD is a medium of the past and flash memory is a medium of the future, but whether we're attaching a DVD drive or a flash memory card we need a universal device to do so. At the moment, the universal device of choice is the USB port. My point is that one just isn't enough. Here are the principal USB applications:
- DVD drive to play legacy media
- 3G data communications cards
- Memory card / hard drive (i.e. performing role of back-up disk, DVD storage or floppy disk)
- iPods
- Printer, scanner
- Cameras
- Ethernet dongle
- Mouse/ keyboard (yes, i know about wireless alternatives)
When I'm travelling, I need to attach a USB 3G card, DVD drive and printer. If I'm using the 3G card, i can't print or back-up a file to disk.
ETA is now July 14th for most of the parts and late July for the remaining.
Intel delays Centrino 2 to July 14
I don't think that this will change much the launch of the small package parts that were already forecasted for late Q3 (September?).
But that may delay the rumored redesigned MBP and MB both to an August launch.
Wireless is all very well. Yes, in an ideal world we would all have universal access to WiFi and WiMax networks and wireless USB. But even so, there is still a requirement to physically connect/ upload data to a machine via some kind of eletcro-mechanical interface, e.g. for movies, software, or simply to back-up data or share it between users.
iTunes
YouTube
.mac
Amazon S3 and EC2
It's only a requirement for legacy machines right?
We agree that DVD is a medium of the past and flash memory is a medium of the future, but whether we're attaching a DVD drive or a flash memory card we need a universal device to do so. At the moment, the universal device of choice is the USB port. My point is that one just isn't enough. Here are the principal USB applications:
- DVD drive to play legacy media
- 3G data communications cards
- Memory card / hard drive (i.e. performing role of back-up disk, DVD storage or floppy disk)
- iPods
- Printer, scanner
- Cameras
- Ethernet dongle
- Mouse/ keyboard (yes, i know about wireless alternatives)
When I'm travelling, I need to attach a USB 3G card, DVD drive and printer. If I'm using the 3G card, i can't print or back-up a file to disk.
If you have multiple legacy devices then yes, you'd need a hub. But why are you hauling around all that stuff with an ultraportable in the first place?
How much more effort is it to haul around a USB hub if you're already lugging around even the most portable of printers?
If you have a 3G card/device then why aren't you backing up to the much safer cloud than to a local medium that is about as likely as getting lost as the primary medium (i.e. someone steals your laptop bag, your hotel burns down, whatever).
It costs $.10/GB to transfersomething to Amazon S3 and $.18/month for storage. I use JungleDisk and it's drag and drop.
Here's step by step auto backup to S3 for the Mac (on a MBA no less)
http://vallery.net/2008/02/01/using-...ckup-your-mac/
If Apple were to add one thing to the Air to make it a better general purpose machine it would be an expresscard slot. Dunno where'd they find the space but you can add nearly anything if you do that.
The MacBook with an expresscard slot would be awesome.
You won't get another USB port you so stridently demand but I bet Apple will include wireless USB in there for the next rev. Then you can attach 127 of your most important devices to your MBA.
Assuming you upgrade those to be wireless USB compatible or buy a hub and of course the new MBA itself when it comes out. So much money for what could be solved by one little port.
It's actually the same deal when it comes to mice. I have in the past looked for wireless mice and the majority of them are not bluetooth but come with a dedicated receiver, which uses up a port.
Bluetooth mice are expensive and not that reliable. The future may be wireless but the reality is that a wired USB mouse attached to an extra port costs me £5 and is reliable but a bluetooth mouse costs me £50-60 and is not reliable.
Two USB ports is the minimum required to satisfy a fairly basic need - i.e having a mouse plugged in as well as usb to ethernet adaptor. If a hub satisfies this need reliably then I suppose it's ok but to have to use a hub for the basics shows that it wasn't well thought out.
Assuming you upgrade those to be wireless USB compatible or buy a hub and of course the new MBA itself when it comes out. So much money for what could be solved by one little port.
Or you could get a wired hub for $11.99 from newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817106100
If money and ports is a significant issue, you'd have bought a macbook anyway.
Two USB ports is the minimum required to satisfy a fairly basic need - i.e having a mouse plugged in as well as usb to ethernet adaptor. If a hub satisfies this need reliably then I suppose it's ok but to have to use a hub for the basics shows that it wasn't well thought out.
6.4" x 5.9" x 1" 11.8 oz 802.11N router $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...net-_-33156226
3.15" x 2.36"x 0.67" (80mm x 60mm x17mm) <2 ounces (50g)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ink-_-33127053
There are a half dozen other G travel routers in the $50-$80 range.
I'd skip the ethernet dongle unless security precluded using a small access point. Geez, the last thing I want is to get tethered within 6ft of wherever the ethernet jack is after I spent all that money on an ultraportable for a $50 router.
For the target demographic money is not the highest criteria. 2 oz for a router is not a massive weight penalty.