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I love my MacBook Pro

It definitely is not going to be the MacBook Air. That thing is so hobbled, it is not even funny. I will just buy the black MacBook when I can next month.

Biggest gripe I have with it... No removable battery. WTF is Jobs thinking?

Jan 18, 08 - 01:54 pm Comment from: kirkgray

Thank god there is someone out there to tell me what I need and/or can afford! I'd never be able to figure it out on my own!.

MacBook Air fits well into the expanded product matrix and I'm sure it will sell like hot cakes — based on its good looks rather than the sheer performance stats.

I'm looking to upgrade from my rather old PB G4 @ 1.67GHz and so I'm assuming that I will notice a speed improvement [as well as battery life improvement with the SSD option].

For an email/web/keynote machine which can also run pro creative apps if I'm out-of-office I think this is a killer product.

Does anyone know of the battery life with all the goodies switched off — eg. no wifi, SSD drive, &c;?

Jan 18, 08 - 01:57 pm Comment from: TowerTone

The "Bernie" Mac.

MacBook Pro with glorious MATTE SCREEN!!

Less headaches, less eyestrain, no Computer Vision Syndrome.

The MacBook Air is the future of laptops.

Sad to say, but it's true.

Because processors can't be made much faster without incurring a lot of heat, too much heat for a laptop.

The MacBook Pro of the future will be a brand new product, a portable tower.

So on one end one has the MacBook Air, the other end the MacPro, a mid-range desktop the iMac and a new iMac Portable. (iMac Air?)

You'll see.

I can't wait to put my hands on a new (revised) MacBook Pro!
I use it mainly for work, so I like a fast and efficient machine with a lot of power and storage. Right now, I have a old 12" iBook, so you surely understand my needs to upgrade. I will get a 15" screen (to my point of view a 17" is no longer a "portable" model).

I've been waiting since last september for a real upgrade. Last june model was tempting but I prefered to wait a bit longer because of a few things that bothered me (like the closing latch not been magnetic). Now I hope we will get the new trackpad introduced on the Air Book.

Jan 18, 08 - 02:10 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

I'll have one of each please. Thank you.

Anybody had any experience running Fusion or Parallels on a machine with 2GB RAM? That's may main concern with the MBA. Otherwise a perfect complement to my MacPro.

Jan 18, 08 - 02:20 pm Comment from: DLMeyer

The MacBook Air should sell to the same sorts of people the Black MacBook sells to - people who want to make a statement (with their computer). The glory of the MBA is its size - or, its lack of weight. For executives and sales types on the road, this is worth the premium. Someone who needs serious computing power is better off saving their money and lugging the heavier MacBook or MBP.
The MBA features not only light weight, but serious marks for style. A major point for someone who wears a suit for a living - excluding techies, who often have a suit "on" but generally look out of place in them.

"No removable battery. WTF is Jobs thinking?"

I've been carrying a laptop for 5 years and never had a spare battery. I bet the majority would say the same.

"Biggest gripe I have with it... No removable battery. WTF is Jobs thinking?"

AAAAAAgggghhhhhh! Enough with this internal battery thing. I know that having a "not easy to replace" internal battery has just killed the iPod. Since only a few thousand have ever been sold and where the Zune has an easy to replace battery and has sold hundreds of millions, ---- the whole user replaceable battery will always be a ---- "deal killer".



Maybe one day, Apple with make a music player (using throw away batteries) with a hard to use interface, sell it real cheap, and become the major seller of music players, but until then, I guess well have to live in a Zune world. :-( Oh well.......

en

@posner

I run win xp with vmware fusion on my macbook 2.0 ghz with 2 gig of ram and I can say that it's amazingly fast. Very nice product.

As for the macbook Air, I think this Van Beijnum is putting his foot in his mouth when he says that "it is a machine made for taking with you on the road,". How can that be when you can't even replace the battery. Most road-warriors bring 1 or 2 extra batteries when traveling.

@posner

I've run both on my MacBook 2.0 GHz and 2 GB RAM. It's fine. Since I only run XP for work (internet and spreadsheet type stuff) I now keep it at the default 512 MB setting for RAM allocation. But, I used to run it at 840 to XP. (I just reinstalled Leopard from scratch as opposed to the upgrade I originally did, so all my apps were reinstalled too)

So, you should be quite alright with the 2GB and the processor. Parallels doesn't take advantage of the multiple cores on the processor anyway so you won't get too much stress on it. I've noticed that since I stopped using Fusion my MB runs much cooler when I've got XP up and all my apps open in OS X.

Hope this helps. Have a good day.

Hmmmm, "As for the macbook Air, I think this Van Beijnum is putting his foot in his mouth when he says that "it is a machine made for taking with you on the road,". How can that be when you can't even replace the battery. Most road-warriors bring 1 or 2 extra batteries when traveling."

If one takes a fat laptop, several heavy batteries, cables, adapters, dongles, accessories, etc on the road, how can this arrangement be even considered as traveling light.

By using an MBA, recharging cable and the cd for making other computers (mac or pc) into remote hard drives and cds, you have the best of all worlds and its really light too. OK, so you cannot download those pictures off your digital camera (unless its wireless too ) but otherwise, you are golden. ?????? Right???

en

I would like to stroke the MBA, but realise I have to curb my lust, because my trusty MBP is the machine I need, rather than want.

(Sob)

I waited for the Expo before purchasing another computer. The Air looked cool but decided on the MacBook Pro instead. The weight is a non-issue for me and I like a larger screen.
I am one eager Mac user waiting patiently for their arrival. Well maybe not so patiently so if you know of anyway to speed up arrival time, let me know please.

@ @wiipod

beside the extra battery, who needs the cables, adapters, dongles, accessories when traveling. and how are you gonna watch your dvd on the plane with the mba? ho ya, you're gonna bring along the external optical drive that Apple charges you 100$ for. and where will you put this external drive, on the next seat passenger's lap? )

Geez Are people that Weak and can't learn to pack that a Macbook Pro is too Big come on.. If you are that weak honestly pick up a 5 pound dumbell and workout. My MBP goes everywhere never had a problem and I can still run CS3 and Final cut Studio.. The Air can't even breathe with that Combination....

"No removable battery. WTF is Jobs thinking?"

I first heard this in 2001 when the iPod launched, then again last year with the iPhone. In this case, Apple will replace the battery for $149, the same cost as a replacement battery for a MacBook. The back of the MBA is held on with...wait for it...SCREWS, meaning you will be able to replace the battery yourself with a little effort, and services to replace the battery will spring up, just like it did for the iPod.

"Most road-warriors bring 1 or 2 extra batteries when traveling."

I don't. Even coach on some airlines have power outlets now. You will see an accelerating trend by airlines to ban spare batteries anyways as a fire hazard. It's already started and no airline wants the to be the last holdout. It's like when smoking of flights got banned in the 80s--first by Air Canada, but it spread incredibly rapidly.

"That thing is so hobbled, it is not even funny."

It's not a standalone, its a supplementary computer. Every ultra-portable has compromises, frankly, I like Apple's choices, and they certainly differentiate the product. I like the big screen, big keyboard (ESPECIALLY backlit) and that it comes with a lot of RAM. Screw the optical drive, they've solved that problem with software, all you need is your existing computer.

Drool, drool...

I've never heard so many whines in all my life. The MacBook Air seems to have evoked a strong baby-like cry from masses of jealous Apple haters, along with throngs of people who honestly think everything Apple creates is targeted to them.

How long until the baby-hordes stop crying? Who knows. Probably never.

Jan 18, 08 - 02:48 pm Comment from: Ampar

The MacBook Pro Super Ultra Happy Extended Advanced II. Now with no trans fat.

Jan 18, 08 - 02:51 pm Comment from: Lilochris

I like the MacBook Air but I still like having an Integrated Optical Drive.

I would still choose between a MacBook & MacBook Pro. Better yet, my next laptop will be a MacBook Pro. I have a reliable 12-Inch iBook G4 1.2GHz which still fills all my needs. Once that dies out, I'll go for the MacBook Pro. I'm kinda getting tired using a white laptop and if I by a white MacBook, it would feel as though I'm using an iBook on Steroids instead of something totally new.

When I do have the MacBook Pro, I will still use the iBook if it still works to do the dirty stuff & the gentle work on the MB-Pro. Kinda like an iPod. I use my First gen Shuffle if I want to be a little careless, & when I wanna look good or go on vacation, I bring my 3rd Gen iPod Nano video.

Jan 18, 08 - 02:54 pm Comment from: MacFhearghaile

It’s not for everyone, and those who are unhappy with no optical drive and one USB port should have watched Mr. Jobs keynote address. This lap top is intended to be a wireless device period. That includes optical drives and external hardware that are also wireless. Wireless and bluetooth are becoming more and more common in all types of external devices. I think that the Air is a large step forward in the evolution of note book computing, will I buy one? No, I’m retired and my Aluminum iMac covers my needs very well, if I were in electronics R&D;as I used to be, I would be beating IT’s doors down to get one. Expensive? Yes, very, all new technology is, however as it ages the price will come down. Judging the Air on current laptop standards, as some people have, is a very big mistake. True to Apple tradition the Air is visionary, for those who don’t understand that, perhaps you should stick to your current archaic laptops, for that is what the Air has turned current notebooks into, dinosaurs.

@wiipod & hawn
thanks for the reassuring news that 2gb is fine to run fusion (& parallels). That is great.

I think it's safe to say that there are many different kinds of "road work" that pull for different features. I never travel with extra batteries as my main need is to work in the hotel or plug-in and present at a conference. I seldom reboot, so swapping batteries seems odd to me but is obviously critical to those with different road settings where you can't be assured of plugins. Now that I have a Mac Pro for desktop work, I am looking for a complementary laptop for work/home commuting and conferences. So my choice is to spend about $2K on a MBP that is "overkill" for my needs or a similar amount for a sufficient machine (MBA) that makes it easier to fit/carry all the books/papers I typically lug around. I'm just pleased that Apple is expanding the options so we can each find our bliss.

to those who claim that ipods too have no replaceble batteries. True! BUT the charge wil last you 12 to 20 hours depending on your use, long enough to fly round-trip ny/london. Try to do that with your Macbook air, therefore the need for a replaceble battery...

Jan 18, 08 - 03:09 pm Comment from: alansky

...the MBA is limited to 802.11n and USB2.

Not quite true. An Apple rep at the MacWorld Expo show told me that there is a USB-to-Ethernet adapter available for the MacBook Air (price unknown).

If you must have an MBA and you must have Ethernet then get the USB to Ethernet dongle from Apple for a small sum. No big deal, easily carried, go wifi when you can and regular Ethernet when you must.

As for no replaceable batteries. Well considering that various airports and airlines now ban detached batteries (ie. extra) in hand luggage for security reasons and most modern airlines provide at seat charging points, I do not see what all the fuss is about.

When I travel, which is very often, I reduce the screen brightness, change my wallpaper to black, turn off features like wifi, bluetooth etc., unless I need them and reduce the number of simultaneously open applications whenever I am away from a power point. I have made a 17" 2.4 GHz MBP with 4Gb RAM last just under 7 hours of solid office type use and at least 4.5 hours when doing processor intensive things like programming - all on one battery.

On the other hand it has been my experience that when using other brand Windows based laptops extra batteries are required. Even on an MBP with Windows either via Fusion, Parallels, or Bootcamp battery charge life is reduced. I think this is largely because Windows insists on using its HDD swap space whether it needs it or not on a regular basis.

Just another reason to go OSX and when travelling just be cute about what you do and how you do it on any model MB.

Jan 18, 08 - 03:10 pm Comment from: alansky

This lap top is intended to be a wireless device period. That includes optical drives and external hardware that are also wireless.

The opttional optical drive is not wireless. It plugs into the MacBook Air's USB port.

Jan 18, 08 - 03:12 pm Comment from: alansky

As for the macbook Air, I think this Van Beijnum is putting his foot in his mouth when he says that "it is a machine made for taking with you on the road,". How can that be when you can't even replace the battery. Most road-warriors bring 1 or 2 extra batteries when traveling. —wiipod

On or off the road, the MacBook Air is most obviously intended to be a wireless, mobile device.

However, I agree that the inability to carry extra batteries may limit the appeal of the MacBook Air for some potential mobile users. Can't have everything.

Jan 18, 08 - 03:14 pm Comment from: alansky

As for the macbook Air, I think this Van Beijnum is putting his foot in his mouth when he says that "it is a machine made for taking with you on the road,". How can that be when you can't even replace the battery. Most road-warriors bring 1 or 2 extra batteries when traveling. —wiipod

On or off the road, the MacBook Air is most obviously intended to be a wireless, mobile device.

However, I agree that the inability to carry extra batteries may limit the appeal of the MacBook Air for some potential mobile users. It's always something.

Wow, why do people think this is a replacement for a desktop? Did Apple drop their iMac and Mini or MacPro lines?

Why do people think this is a replacement for either the MB or MBP? Did Apple drop those lines?

I have a 15" TiPB and a 12" AluPB and this MBA is a perfect compromise of the two. It's faster, lighter and a reasonable price. I rarely need the optical drive. If I want to watch a DVD on a plane, just rip it to the harddrive, before you go. If I need more USB ports, well, I can hook it up to my 20" Dell monitor with 4 USB ports, and all those messy cables already plugged in. And, as for a replaceable battery, wow, I've only bought one spare for my TiPB in five years. I travel alot, and give plenty of presentations, and you have to be hardcore to need a replaceable battery.

The fact is, a superslim laptop is incredibly convenient. I think it's more convenient than small, but fat. My 12" takes up as much room in my briefcase as my 15". A MBP is just a fat file, and I can carry tons of those in my brief. And, 3 pounds is so much less than 5 to 6 pounds. I think people won't get what makes the MBA special until they see one in person.

Slim is in. I love my 12" AluPB, but it's fatter than my 15" TiPB. You DO notice that.

Yah dink - there are people out there who may not know which is better. Not everyone is a computer geek and they need help. No wonder consumers just go the past of least resistance and get a windows box.

"However, I agree that the inability to carry extra batteries..."

Actually, you have the ability to carry extra batteries, they just won't fit in your MBA

Jan 18, 08 - 03:32 pm Comment from: Demon

I like the MacBook Air for what I want a laptop for it's perfect. For all the Heavy lifting that requires Big Iron I have a MacPro dual Quadcores. I do wish the hard driver were bigger but, I can manage with 80GB.

Jan 18, 08 - 03:43 pm Comment from: Jubei

I want one. I haven't used Ethernet in about a year now. In the office, at home, on the road its all WiFi so far. Optical drive, hardly used it on the road. Maybe 5 times to see what some idiot Windows co-worker having trouble getting his drive to work and needs help. Now EVDO may be an issue, but heck with all the space I save and weight, what's another little USB dongle in my bag to carry around for EVDO.

For most home traders, the MBA works.
For most people, a spreadsheet never reaches page 4
For students, this is plenty.
For tourists, it's excellent
For CAD,PS,CS stay with a MBP.
For the rest of us, it's perfect.

Did you hear? AppleInsider has an article stating that it takes just a screwdriver and 5 minutes to swap out the MacBook Air's battery.

The battery issue is a non-issue.

I'm just surprised they invested so much time on figuring out how to boot the Air from another computer. Why not just deliver OS X installation on a USB drive?

All of then,i like of then because they´re are unik

Personally, I'm waiting for the MacBook Helium (MBH). I hear it will be so light that MBH luggage will have to be furnished with special weights so that users will not get totally carried away.

I am amazed at some of the criticism on the Air, which is a great machine, I think.

1) If you add all the things the Air misses (more USB, Firewire, replaceable battery, ethernet, optical drive), you'll have a MacBook in aluminum, or a 13 in MacBook Pro. Stop whining, and get what Apple already offers!

2) If I take a close look at my MacBook, and what I really, really need for my everyday work, and throw away everything else, I end up with something awfully close to the Air.

3) I had five notebook computers. I never, ever exchanged a battery. The battery issue is a non issue.

If I hadn't bought my MacBook three months ago, I would seriously consider getting an Air, with some peripherals that I only plug in when I need them and do not have to lug around all the time.

I think Steve Jobs has a good idea of what is a usable product.

The MBA seems like a nice machine, but I have to admit to liking the idea of having a spare battery handy. I've had a change the battery on my work PowerBook G4 a few times in the year or so that I've had it. Granted, I'm only getting about 3 hours out of the battery, but it sure is nice to be able to swap it when I'm not in a position to plug the PowerBook in some where to recharge. And there's nothing like that little assuance for those times that you might forget to plug the laptop in to recharge. Nothing worse than getting up in the morning and going to a conference or presentation only to realize your battery is drawn down from the previous day's activities, and not be able to put a fresh battery in it.

Jan 18, 08 - 04:12 pm Comment from: Predrag

The MBA will sell like hotcakes, if on nothing else, then at least on sheer cool. You need to remember, in the western world, primary spending decision makers are women. Laptops have eclipsed desktops in sales for home computers. Typical home scenario involves one family desktop (an iMac, perhaps); a laptop for the dad, one for mom and children as necessary, depending on age. MBA will become the most popular choice for mom's device. If there's only one portable in the house, it will be MBA, since it is just simply gorgeous and fabulous. Get it?

As for battery, it's a non-issue. Neither is the optical drive. typical users will do the standard stuff: surf the web, do their e-mails, iPhoto, Skype/iChat, MS Word/PowerPoint and very little more. While you would be fine with a G4 iBook (which you could get for under $400 on eBay), MBA would make it so fun that it's an irresistible choice.

Honestly, who doesn't want a MacBook Air? I mean, c'mon it's sooooo, yummy.

Jan 18, 08 - 04:21 pm Comment from: Ampar

To Monger: There's also a prototype of the MacBook Radium. It's an elemental upgrade. It comes with built-in XM but most users won't bother to make the radio active. And Half-Life is difficult to measure.

How about ability to *sync* the MacBook Air?

If the typically MBA owner has a main computer back at home, do you put your pictures, movies, music, documents, etc on your MBA?? Not a lot of disk space.... so I put them on my main computer back at home and... manually copy to my MBA???

What you really want is to be able to sync the MBA to your main computer just like you sync your ipod or iphone to your main computer. But I haven't heard a peep about syncing laptops....

Anybody at Apple thinking about that?

15 " MacBook Pro...


...regretting getting my 17" every time I have to carry it around.

Jan 18, 08 - 05:52 pm Comment from: Brau

Until the MBAir includes a wind-up crank and a satellite dish integrated into its cover, it won't be on my shopping list!

Jan 18, 08 - 06:21 pm Comment from: LorD1776

alansky,

"However, I agree that the inability to carry extra batteries may limit the appeal of the MacBook Air for some potential mobile users. Can't have everything."

The MacBook Air is meant for people of means, not for the common riffraff. People of this stature don't carry extra batteries. They carry extra MacBook Airs. Keep them synced, and when one runs down, give it the pitch. Have any Grey Poupon?

Jan 18, 08 - 06:25 pm Comment from: Brau

"The MacBook Air is meant for people of means, not for the common riffraff."

Well said there ol' chap. Tata, and all that

Cheerio!