MacDailyNews - Where Mac news comes first

Apr 03, 08 - 03:37 pm Comment from: TowerTone

"I've lived and flown with this machine for a month, presented nine talks on it, and have not missed its missing features one iota"

Mac on that, Window dork sucks!

Apr 03, 08 - 03:39 pm Comment from: Ampar

"MacBook Air bashers have likely never even seen one in person"

But that would never happen on these threads. </sarcasm>

Apr 03, 08 - 03:52 pm Comment from: Macromancer

"and have not missed its missing features one iota"

If you don't miss them, then are they really missing?

Many people feel the need to have an opinion on many things they have zero knowledge about.

I've lived with one for over a month as well...and my experience is almost the same. I occasionally wish for a second USB (I have an external Logitech Vx mouse I like and can't fine a comparable Bluetooth mouse) but that is it. Keep my iTunes, iPhoto, and Aperature files on an external 250 GB hard disk.

Remote disk works great, CAN boot from a USB flash drive if needed, time capsule is great.

Apr 03, 08 - 03:59 pm Comment from: GmanMac

In my experience most MAC bashers have never seen one, let alone spent anytime actually using one.

So ignorant MacBook Air bashing comes at no surprise.

I do that sometimes.
But I'm trying to avoid it.
People like to think others are interested in their views.
It may be an attempt to bring meaning to their lives, help to fill a psychological void in their psyche that was neglected in their formative years.
Oops. I did it again.
Sorry.

I have no opinion one way or the other.

Apr 03, 08 - 04:09 pm Comment from: chanM

I had a very hard time finding one. Most places were sold out the minute they got any in. I finally ordered one from Apple and it was delivered in record time just over a month ago straight from China. Its everything Pogue says it is.

Apr 03, 08 - 04:17 pm Comment from: Cubert

The MacBook Air hasn't done so well in benchmark testing.

http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/2008/04/mac-performance-april-2008/

It's way below other laptops with the same processor.

Apr 03, 08 - 04:19 pm Comment from: Cubert

@GmanMac,

"In my experience most MAC bashers have never seen one, let alone spent anytime actually using one."

Used what? Their new lipstick line?

Apr 03, 08 - 04:21 pm Comment from: chanM

@ Canada Mark

Get a T3Hub from Dr.Bott. A very small thumb-size hub with three 2.0 USB ports. About $20.

Uh...yes I have. At the local Apple store. I still think it is an under powered over priced P.O.S. MacAddict agreed in a very diplomatic matter in their last issue.
But y'all keep buying them. Like I say, I need all the iWhiners to pay for the R&D;on the Gen 2 MBA I will buy in 18 months. To the iWhiners that bought the original iPhone...thanks I hear mine will be ready by June.

Just my $0.02

Apr 03, 08 - 04:27 pm Comment from: Rich Apple person

I used a MBA for over two weeks thanks to someone I work with letting me use while he went on vacation and I have to say that Yes it's a good product but not at that price ! Also to have a laptop that you have to send in to get a battery replaced is ridiculous along with not being able to watch a movie on a plane.
Even at a lower price I would prefer a Mac Book instead. Like I have said all along this will be discounted soon and could go the way of the Apple Hi-Fi speaker

Apr 03, 08 - 04:33 pm Comment from: the other steve jobs

you can say the same thing about Macs in general.

Apr 03, 08 - 04:35 pm Comment from: Jubei

Cubert the resident MS brainwashed zombie will never get it. Until it has enough stickers, lights, buttons, sliders, quadruple ways to enable a feature, butt ugly plastic.. will continue to never get it. Get it?

Apr 03, 08 - 04:47 pm Comment from: chanM

@Rich Apple person
"...this will be discounted soon and could go the way of the Apple Hi-Fi speaker"

I think not. And you CAN change the battery yourself. You just need a small screw driver.

@Rich Apple Perp:
what kind of cretinous neanderthal throwback uses movies on disc?

How could you have had contemplations of using this product and not known about iTunes?

Have you never heard Handbrake? Do you take your tunes on little metallic discs too?

Apr 03, 08 - 05:06 pm Comment from: Randian

@Rich Apple person

If you are proven to be wrong about the MBA, will you re-join this forum and admit it to one and all? Or will you, like so many other nay-sayers and caca-hurlers here, slink off into a corner and say nothing?

What say you?

Ampar, Jubie,and TowerTone:

Firstly, if you read the article carefully, Pogue observed that MBA was "missing (several) standard features" including "a removable battery, an Ethernet jack, a FireWire jack. ... a built-in DVD drive...lack of high-speed file-transfer options... (and inherent inability for) wireless (connectivity when none is present)" He also mentions that MBA "doesn't make a great primary computer, thanks to its smallish (and slower) hard drive."

Pogue conveniently failed to mention that MBA's processor is also significantly slower than any other MacBoook, MBA does not have upgradeable RAM, and MBA can hold only 2GB RAM, and that MBA is not available with a 15-inch LCD option. One could easily judge, as Pogue did, that MBA is not a legitimate contender as a stand alone machine.

Secondly, Pogue was quick to point out that many MBA adopters would find the "elegance" of MBA a sufficient "tradeoff" for its poor performance compared to other MacBooks. As Pogue wrote, MBA would appeal to those who believe that "looks, size, shape, fit and finish" are more important than all the MBA's functional deficiencies. In other words, MBA's appearance may compensate for its general inadequacies and weaknesses.

Thirdly, I didn't need Pogue's article to tell me what was already plainly obvious. In fact, Pogue is merely repeating what others and I have mentioned several times.

Fourthly, I hope, like Pogue, that MBA is a success despite its glaring deficiencies as stand alone machine.

Fifthly, a current version 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro sans internal hard drive, but with 2.4 GHz CPU, 250 GB hard drive, one USB port, and FireWire port would not cause anyone to "break (their) wrist". Any of these machines would be an optimal compromise as a standalone machine for an otherwise healthy person.

I, for one, would rather have one machine rather than two, a machine that is capable of performing both as a portable and desktop device. Both Pogue and I agree that MBA is certainly not a stand alone machine.

Apr 03, 08 - 05:32 pm Comment from: Essence

Just bought my first Air for a co-worker this past week. I, like many others, didn't think I could justify giving up my MacBook features for a higher cost just because the Air is cool and can fit in an envelope.

After playing with it though, it really is amazing and I find myself wondering if I can justify a third machine...

Missing firewire port, yes, I would miss that. But for you guys talking about speed and RAM; most of you don't come close to using what you've got and those of you that do - well the Air isn't for you so stop lusting after it!

Apr 03, 08 - 05:43 pm Comment from: Woody

@ Afib

And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.

Apr 03, 08 - 06:14 pm Comment from: TowerTone

Afib
I'm not real sure what your point is to me, but what Pogue said, and what I have agreed on from day one, is that the MBA is a great second computer. I would love to have one around the house, as a portable screen to my main iMac. For that, it is perfect. On short trips, it would be ideal.

It is what it is, and that means it doesn't fit every scenario any more than carrying my iMac on a trip makes sense, even though it does more than a Macbook.

Apr 03, 08 - 06:14 pm Comment from: Mr. Reeee

Yeah, they're incredible machines! Gorgeous.

BUT… they STILL need a FireWire port!

Sub notebooks all have missing features that are found in full sized notebooks. There are no glaring deficiencies in the MBA sub notebook.

Sub notebooks are always slower than regular notebooks and rarely used as stand alone machines.

You would compare an apple to an orange and say the apple wasn't orange enough for your liking.

Fool.

Apr 03, 08 - 06:22 pm Comment from: ken1w

Are we still talking about this...? The "bashers" need to give it up already. The MacBook Air is already a success. People who don't mind the compromises love it. People who need the things it leaves off, well, they come into the Apple Store to play with the MacBook Air and they leave with a MacBook or MacBook Pro. Mission accomplished. Maybe they don't leave with one on the spot, but the idea to eventually "get a Mac" is firmly implanted.

A lot of Windows users (still) do not even consider getting a Mac. The MacBook Air is another Apple product that makes them consider it. "Consideration" is all Apple needs to grow market share to 20% and higher.

I am writing this on an MBA with 64 GB flash disk loaded with Leopard and Windows XP (free from site license at work) at an airport gate. I am on my way to give a talk. Even after 25 GB in my home folder, I have 10.5 GB free.

Can't agree more with Pogue.

He's back.... more than enough said.

More importantly, Pogue really does get it. As does all those who keep the MBA at #1 at the Apple Store, and #6 on the Amazon notebook sales chart.

Apr 03, 08 - 06:48 pm Comment from: Wun Dum Gai

I've had my Air for nearly two months and I haven't used or missed my old Powerbook once, or the optical drive, extra battery, extra USB port, etc. I thought I would miss my FireWire port because I have an older iPod. Guess I'll have to spring for a new one one of these days.

I do miss a car charger though! Still waiting.

Apr 03, 08 - 07:04 pm Comment from: Macromancer

"Like I have said all along this will be discounted soon and could go the way of the Apple Hi-Fi speaker"

I already know you're wrong so just admit it now.

@ Afib:

"Sub notebooks all have missing features that are found in full sized notebooks. There are no glaring deficiencies in the MBA sub notebook."

Make up your mind, either MBA is missing certain features in other notebooks (faster and more powerful CPU, larger and faster hard drive, FireWire port, Ethernet port, easily replaceable battery, upgradeable RAM) or it has no deficiencies as a notebook at all.

"Sub notebooks are always slower than regular notebooks..."

Slower CPUs would be a deficiency if a faster CPU was needed such as those found in other notebooks such as MacBook and MacBook Pro. You're simply repeating what I threaded earlier.

"Sub notebooks are ... rarely used as stand alone machines."

That's what Pogue and I noted - except more emphatically. Again, you repeat my previous thread.

"You would compare an apple to an orange and say the apple wasn't orange enough for your liking.

Fool.

It's obvious that your family swims naked in the shallow end of the gene pool. You repeat what I have already threaded and seem to think that you have made an original point.

Apr 03, 08 - 07:39 pm Comment from: Jubei

@Afib

Huh? What you talkin about Willis?

Apr 03, 08 - 08:04 pm Comment from: iDon't

I want a pink one.

TowerTone:

"I'm not real sure what your point is..."

If you don't understand what I threaded, ask a direct question and will do my best to explain the answer to you.

"MBA is a great second computer."

Not for someone who wants or needs only ONE machine. That also was Pogue's point. Did you not understand that point? Is simple math beyond you?


" I would love to have one around the house, as a portable screen to my main iMac. For that, it is perfect. "

I conclude that you don't have one then. Why not? Too expensive? Not enough value as a notebook? Not enough love? Not "perfect" enough? Explain your failure or reluctance to buy a MBA.

Why, have two Macs at home? Explain how having two Macs at home - one a desktop and one a notebook - is better than one machine if both are used at home.

"On short trips, it would be ideal.

So, why would a MacBook or MacBook Pro not be ideal? There's very little difference in price between the MBA without SSD and other Apple notebooks. Explain the glaring deficiencies in the MacBook and/or MacBook Pro for "short trips".

"... (MBA) doesn't fit every scenario any more than carrying my iMac on a trip makes sense..."

How may people do you know who carry their desktops on "trips"? There is no legitimate comparison between carrying an iMac (9.1 to 11.5 kg) or a Macbook (2.27 to 2.45 kg).

"... even though (MBA) does more than a Macbook."

Really? Explain. Why would Apple continue to sell MacBooks if, according to you, it make little "sense" to carry these devices as portable machines.

You are grasping and gasping, TowerTone. Like @ Afib you really haven't make a cogent argument at all.

Apr 03, 08 - 08:22 pm Comment from: praus

@ Afib

You are a retard. How can you not see that a sub note book and a regular note book are two different things? If I follow your logic then then the Macbook Pro is missing 6 processors, 3 hard drives and don't even get me started on all the PCI slots it doesn't have…oh wait it's a Macbook Pro not a regular Mac Pro. A Sub Note book is a Sub Note book It's as different from a lap top as a lap top is from a dekstop. Trying to judge it's perceived deficiencies based on what a regular lap top has is idiocy.

@ praus and all the others:

Don't waste your time using logic to respond to the troll. Either ignore it or provoke it further just for the sport.

I'd be shocked if the troll doesn't find some way to insult you (as it's already done to the others) for calling it a retard. And I'm sure it will insult me as well.

praus:

"How can you not see that a sub note book and a regular note book are two different things?

I DO know the differences between MBA and the MacBooks and MacBook Pros. In fact, I list them; however, you ignore them or can't comprehend them.

"Trying to judge it's perceived deficiencies based on what a regular lap top has is idiocy."

As Pogue has pointed out - MBA is deficient as a stand alone computer. Did you not read Pogue's original article? I'll make it easy for you:

" (MBA) doesn't make a great primary computer,"

Hmmm. That's what I said, too. Why don't you repeat that quote of Pogue about a hundred times, maybe then the message would start to sink in.

mark:

"I'd be shocked if the troll doesn't find some way to insult you (as it's already done to the others) for calling it a retard. And I'm sure it will insult me as well."

My insecure and deluded little fanboi. Why disparage someone who insults you when you find it so perfectly acceptable to insult them?

Are you more hypocritical than you are stupid? (Technically, that's not an insult, that's a question.)

Apr 03, 08 - 08:48 pm Comment from: praus

@ Afib

LOL you make me laugh. Seriously though when's the last time you got laid?

praus:

"@ Afib

LOL you make me laugh. Seriously though when's the last time you got laid?

With your mother or your sister?

Apr 03, 08 - 08:52 pm Comment from: Ampar

Abandon all hope, ye who enters his world. You've been warned.

Apr 03, 08 - 08:54 pm Comment from: praus

@ Afib
Hilarious so I'll take that as a never…unless you're a necrophiliac. You do strike me as that type.

Apr 03, 08 - 08:56 pm Comment from: Ampar

Here's a reminder:
http://carcino.gen.nz/images/image.phpi/463c5922/arguing.jpg?cb=1115204527


Let him win.

Apr 03, 08 - 08:56 pm Comment from: praus

@ Ampar
I know, I know it's very grade school play ground but I'm bored and Afib is such an easy target.

praus:

Could have been your female cousins or your aunts. The lights were dimmed.

@praus

Going the sport route, huh? Cruel sport, I would add...

Apr 03, 08 - 09:09 pm Comment from: Ampar

Go with God, praus. We're behind you.

Apr 03, 08 - 09:11 pm Comment from: praus

@ Afib

Good try man, no female cousins or aunts. You're free to do it with my boyfriend though. He's a major slut.

praus:

No cousins or aunts? You family tree has no branches, eh? No wonder you have the same intelligence as Ampar and mark - you all have the same genealogy.

Apr 03, 08 - 09:20 pm Comment from: Ampar

To praus:
It's the equivalent of arguing with a broken See 'n Say.
Only this one has serious issues.

Apr 03, 08 - 09:24 pm Comment from: praus

@ Afib

hehe how long did it take to come up with that? hehe

I have many uncles and cousins just no aunts or female cousins.

I find it funny that you have sex with people in dark rooms and you're not sure who they are…so really it could have been anyone. It could have been a midget with a peg leg (no offense to your relatives).