MacDailyNews - Where Mac news comes first

Jan 25, 08 - 02:29 pm Comment from: ChrissyOne

Well that settles it. The MBA will probably be Apple's most successful product ever.

Jan 25, 08 - 02:32 pm Comment from: ChrissyOne

I have never ever used a PC card slot on a laptop.

And speaking of trends, you know, all those mobile phones are trending to those little keypads. Who wants a touch screen?

Jan 25, 08 - 02:32 pm Comment from: ChrissyOne

I still don't think the mouse is going to catch on.

Jan 25, 08 - 02:32 pm Comment from: deepdish

Deepdish: Dvorak unlikely to be much of a success

Jan 25, 08 - 02:35 pm Comment from: Ferf Muckmeyer

I was recently informed that Dvorak suffers from Torsonic Polarity Syndrome, an affliction when there are buttocks where the head should be. There is also shit where the brain should be.

I think most of us are smart enough to know that Dvorak write articles about Apple just to get a rise out of all of us and nothing more. He probably secretly loves the Air and covets one. So why bother with his royal fsckheadedness?

Jan 25, 08 - 02:35 pm Comment from: Ampar

C1: Absolutely. John's curse is Apple's good fortune. How'd that mouse thingy work out, John?


P.S. "bloviates" - perfect mock-Latinate to describe J.D.'s great wind.

The problem with those kind of writers is that they think everybody thinks geeky.... get over yourselves.
I never click on a link that leads to give them more hits. thanks to MDN

Jan 25, 08 - 02:44 pm Comment from: ballonknot

What a tool

Jan 25, 08 - 02:44 pm Comment from: Ampar

Mmmmm, deepdish. Oh sorry. My mind just went to Sicily.

Jan 25, 08 - 02:48 pm Comment from: Ampar

"What a tool"


Yeah, but not a very good one. He's more like a hammer without a head or a chainsaw sans chain. Not very useful unless you just want to scare the neighbors' kids.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS, yet again. by Dvorosuppository

Jan 25, 08 - 02:49 pm Comment from: ericdano

I seriously think he has some sort of mirror disorder, where he reasons and see things backwards.

Didn't he say the Zune was going to take off as well?

Dvorak:

Mouth fart.... or anal burp. Take your pick.

The Mac Book Air is designed for a smaller market. Based on that, it should not have been debuted at MacWorld. MacWorld always seemed to me to be the place for the BIG announcement. The MacBook Air should have been a March/April announcment. I won't buy one because I don't see the need. I waiting for my iMac and iPhone later this year.

Then again, it may have something to do with getting a jump on somebody else releasing the info ala iPhone.

ChrissyOne:

Hey Chrissy, you flashed across your keyboard this afternoon: 2:29; 2:32; 2:32... 1, 2, 3. Whamo!

Jan 25, 08 - 02:55 pm Comment from: Zuno the Clown

Get a horse!

I've never used a PC card on a Mac laptop. I've never even owned a PC card. Why would I? WiFi, USB, and Bluetooth are adequate for me.

I have been carrying a spare MBP battery with me when I travel for the past couple of years, but I've never actually used it yet.

Now that you can rent a movie in iTunes and watch it on the plane, why on earth would you bring DVDs any more?

If I needed Ethernet, which I don't, I would check the little $29 "USB Ethernet adapter" checkbox in the Apple Store.

I wonder if Dvorak has actually used a laptop on the road.

i'm getting the one with the solid state drive. i can't wait!!!

Jan 25, 08 - 03:05 pm Comment from: buffalo

I can see the need for a built in ethernet port. I haven't done much traveling, but when I have, I pay the 10 bucks to use the ethernet port in my room. Otherwise, since the MBA has Bluetooth, a sinple USB shoould be all one would need.

I have to agree with Da'dork on this one.

Dvorak is going to be in for a surprise when just about all future laptops will be just like the MacBook Air.

1: No moving parts = less headaches and repairs. Longevity.

2: All wireless makes things easier than plug and play. USB key for secure transfers instead of c.d.'s and d.v.d.'s.

3: Processors are getting too hot for laptops, thus performance and features is shifted to desktop machines.

Sell your stock in c.d. and d.v.d.manufacturing companies, they will be soon obsolete for computer use.

Apple is saving the music industry as well from cd rips. Interesting.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:12 pm Comment from: Buster

Who uses a PC card these days? I had a PCMCIA card on my Apple 1400 laptop 4 billion years ago because I wanted a USB 1.1 port.

JD is just a hit whore and he will get some of us to go to his article. Don't be an idiot....we are supposed to be superior right?

Jan 25, 08 - 03:12 pm Comment from: Shinobi

This is a great endorsement considering that the opposite of what most of the stuff this odd ball says comes true.

Most of these idiots don't get Apples strategy. They can only understand what's right in front of them, not what's coming next. Apple has a lot of vision, and soon these idiots will learn to appreciate that.

Apple's strategy is all about digital life style and simplicity. Its about achieving more with less. I remember when Apple first dumped the floppy drive, many complained about it. Now look, I don't believe there is any computer shipping any more with a floppy drive.

Apple sees that, just about everything can be done wirelessly (via "Air"), and Apple is quickly turning iTunes to the software digital media center. Where, music, movies, TV, podcast, and just about everything else can be accessed and downloaded. Apple is doing a great job of positioning themselves for the near future with the model. Also the sheer look and feel of the MBA will cause it to sell quite nicely.

There will not be much need for a physical disc in the near future. I rarely ever use the disc in my MBP. After all the pieces are in place, then some of these idiots will start to get the bigger picture...

JD, as usual, misses the point. The MacBook Air is a niche product, but one that will do many things for Apple.

The new design incorporates a number of relatively new HW components that MBA production will help lower (volume= lowered per unit costs) and will speed up Apple's ability to use them later in other products. By using laptop components in the Mac Mini, Apple was able to lower it's component costs in the MacBook and MacBook Pro (Powerbook in G4 days) by increasing the volume of it's orders from suppliers. Same later on with the MBA.

In the meantime, it will sell well enough, add bling for customers who want to pay for such things and hit the sweet spot for some customers. It's definitely not a gaming laptop, mobile audio laptop or mobile Final Cut device. But for some, it will be just the ticket.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:15 pm Comment from: MacFhearghaile

I've always thought that Johnny D. suffered from rectal octalosus. A condition where the eye ball nerves and those of the anus are crossed giving the victim a shitty outlook on life.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:18 pm Comment from: Jubei

Why is this guy still allowed to write anything? Just to touch on everyones comment regarding this FUDMASTER, I agree with all your points regarding this so called technology expert.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:20 pm Comment from: DogGone

I agree with C1 on this usefulness of ports on a laptop.
In fours years of owning a PB:
I never have used the PC card slot (I tried to look for a WiFi "n" card to no avail).
I rarely use the firewire or USB ports (only when backing up)
Sometimes have used the Ethernet port for troubleshooting the network or when traveling
DVI port is used for connecting sometimes to a TV
Rarely use the DVD drive also.

If I were traveling a lot I doubt I would miss FW, Ethernet or the DVD. The adaptors obsviously would be important to have just in case

Dvorak is a spoiled kid who looks for what MBA is not. I am pretty sure that Dvorak doesn't do much with a computer when he reviews it. He look at the specs and start writing. What an idiot.

But hey! He's doing his best! With the brain he has. Not his fault if he can't catch on the new wave of electronics.

Idiocracy rules!

Jan 25, 08 - 03:27 pm Comment from: Mac-nugget

@Old Mac Man
I think you are jumping the gun on this one. At the very least when it comes to transferring a large job, CD are still indispensable. FTP can be good for the occasional job and technology and bandwidth will make large file transfers though FTP even more feasible in the future. But today, you better hang on to that Superdrive, at least if you are in the DTP industry.

While Dvorak is a bit of a putz he is spot on with his analysis in one way..the MBA is NOT going to be much of a success and is a niche product. They will sell a lot over the first 3 months but it's too damn expensive and to devoid of features to justify the price. I love Mac Daily News but according to this site Apple can never do any wrong

Jan 25, 08 - 03:31 pm Comment from: Demon

Dvorak is old he doesn't get the concept nor does he understand the future trend of laptop computers.
He's so concerned about this is where technology is that he's not looking at were it's going.
In the next rev., or so, of the Air it will slide into a iMac Monitor docking station that will have extra USB ports, Ethernet and a super drive. But Apple as to take one step at a time to get to that point.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:37 pm Comment from: NeoVoyager

I've always wondered... just how do you pronounce this guy's last name? Like the composer - Dvor-zhäk - or just as it looks?

I just read his column and he is spot on this time. There was a major disappointment at Macworld and the MBA is overpriced for what it offers. I have an iPhone and although it is far superior to anything on the market, the lack of high speed web access and eMail is a major hinderence.

As someone who goes on the road quite a bit and had to make and remake presentations the MBA does not offer me ANYTHING. A lot of hotels do not have wireless access and when they do it doesn't work correctly, When you're doing and redoing Powerpoints for clients you need processor speed and there is no way that I would sacrifice a slower processor for lighter laptop, especially for $1700 !!

Jan 25, 08 - 03:42 pm Comment from: NeonRed

JD should get a gov'ment job. He'd fit right in... system of tubes or pipes or whatever, marvel of tech those supermarket scanners....geez.
He probably still wonders where the floppy is!
Just another pundit who thinks old... time to retire and let the next gen takeover. they couldn't do any worse!

Dvorak has a few points, but Macdailynews is right, this isn't for everyone. Same thing is being said, but in two different ways. Dvorak wants to spin it negative so people say his name. Macdailynews wants to tell the truth - which, shockingly, is not what most reporters are in to. Sad.

The MBA is not for my work due to lack of ethernet jack and underpowered nature of processor. But - with a big price drop - it'd be perfect for that second home machine or personal travel. Great for most college students (wireless rules) as well.

Dvorak is Dvorak. I find him humorous, and he always takes a unique position. ever listen to him on the TWiT podcast? his wife uses an Apple. you people are too serious. the market will prove him right or wrong. personally, i think this will sell relatively well, but it won't be a blowout product, and it essentially takes sales away from MacBooks and MacBook Pros. when you account for the R&D;that went into this, the margins must be low. still, i think Apple's learned to do something new here, and that knowledge will go into the touch internet everywhere tablet we've all been waiting for. plus, it is a great show product for the stores. yeah, we make those kinds of computers. we're eccentrics! i love it.

Dvorak loosens his sphincter: No surprise at what oozes out.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:53 pm Comment from: Grigori

I can't imagine that I will feel the need for a Macbook Air anytime soon; if I do, however, it will be long before I even feel the need to read any of Dvorak's blather.

"bloviates"

Great word!

He says a laptop only succeeds when it equals or betters a desktop in features??? Show me one laptop that is better than any desktop (assuming you're not comparing new laptops to old desktops).

A desktop has huge advantages over laptops: more room for storage, more memory expansion, more powerful processors due to less heat concerns, more room for ports, video cards, etc.

Laptops are a compromise from the start – smaller screens, fewer keys, less space for storage, memory and less room to cool processors.

Complaining that the MacBookAir doesn't have an optical drive, express card slot, etc. is lunacy. The ONLY reason I would have to use an express or PC card slot is for a wireless card from AT&T;, and I don't need one. So for me, the express card slot is wasted space and more weight.

Thank God Dvorak doesn't like the MBA. His opinion has just confirmed that it is EXACTLY the product Apple needs in its lineup.

I hope he doesn't like AppleTV either.

Jan 25, 08 - 03:57 pm Comment from: Grigori

@Macfan: "Great for most college students (wireless rules) as well."

I'm not sure how long it's been since you've been in a college classroom, but most students are watching DVDs or playing games while in class; MBA excels at neither. They should have no problem accessing their Facebook accounts, though.

Jan 25, 08 - 04:00 pm Comment from: It's About Time

This guy keeps taking the blue pill. What a troll.

I agree with Dvorak (hate to say it). The Air is lovely but I'd never buy one at that price point when I can get a laptop that isn't that much bigger, but much more powerful.

You know, the more we don't actually pay attention to his "writing", the less credibility he gets.

Jan 25, 08 - 04:17 pm Comment from: NCIceman

With his track record, does anyone really listen to Dvorak any more?

The Air is not meant to be every person's solution, but as long as you don't transport tons of data or need heavy graphics, it does fine as a portable solution that also looks like a work of art.

Jan 25, 08 - 04:27 pm Comment from: shen

"The problem with those kind of writers is that they think everybody thinks geeky.... get over yourselves."

like almost all the recent posters on many boards about Apple when it comes to the MBA.

if you could wear a "geekier than thou" tee-shirt, this is not aimed at you... and even then you may want it.

ahh, wouldn't it suck if he was right!

Jan 25, 08 - 04:31 pm Comment from: January 24, 1984

Ampar: Chainsaw sans chain.

Almost spit up my coffee.

Very funny.

I wonder what a "PC Card" was?
SIGH! I suppose we will never know now.
Sad how old things just disappear.
Unlike Dvojak of course. Or am I speaking too soon?
As for poor Mittens Romney... he sounds like the kind of guy who wouldn't buy a Walkman because his 1979 Phillips portable cassette recorder had plenty of power and a big 3 inch speaker, and the Walkman only had silly little earphones... like who would ever use them?

Jan 25, 08 - 04:41 pm Comment from: treestman

Dvorak's cluelessness aside, I'm disappointed with the way the Air is being reviewed pretty much across the board:

I'm Getting (MacBook) Air Sick.

I would have to agree. The laptop fails to fill a niche IMO. The touch gestures are cool, but the lack of other key features makes this an engineering marvel that few would want. I think it's a bold move. We're moving to a wireless, digital, physical media-free world. It may be ahead of its time. If I was in the market for a laptop though, I would buy one in a heartbeat!