Official MacWorld 2008 Thread of MACBOOK AIR

[Tauntaun]

I'm not into Macs, but that looks sexy.    I'd JO on that screen while watching Mups JO onto his PC camera. 

[Howard Alan Treesong]

disappointmenton

[The Fake Shemp]

Apple took conventional computing technology and just made it smaller or threw the components out altogether.  I applaud the small design, but from Apple I expect to poop my pants.

[abrader]

they are moving in the right direction - EVERYTHING should be wireless now.

[Howard Alan Treesong]

the one impressive thing is battery life, I suppose. 5 hrs is damn impressive.

my friend Joe is ripping all his DVDs into a video jukebox...it's totally hot. if apple TV supported ripping, streaming, and additional codecs, then we'd have something worth getting hot and bothered about

[FlameOfCallandor]

Im looking to get a decent laptop to surf wi0fi at star bucks and take notes, Any ideas on what I should I do? I am having trouble getting myself to pay for a $1000 macbook just for that.

[Flannel Boy]

That laptop is nice but I would never spend that much money on a notebook.

[FlameOfCallandor]

Macbook air= iPod with a keyboard and a $1800 price tag.

[Vizzys]

so much fail in one device

[Phoenix Dark]

More overpriced small stuff from Snapple. BOOO

[abrader]

some of you guys are nutz.

[abrader]

so much fail in one device

Do point out the fail please.

[drew]

Wow, if the build quality is anything like the macbook pro (as opposed to the powerbook)  I could snap that bitch in half with my index finger.

[TVC15]

the one impressive thing is battery life, I suppose. 5 hrs is damn impressive.

5hrs is the PR.  That means 3 hours of actual usage.

my friend Joe is ripping all his DVDs into a video jukebox...it's totally hot. if apple TV supported ripping, streaming, and additional codecs, then we'd have something worth getting hot and bothered about

Hasn't Apple TV been hacked to support codecs people actually use, yet?  It' just using a stripped down version of OSX, including the same library system.  Being that video is one of the big hype points of mac is video shit, I'd be surprised if they forced users to stick with certain codecs.

[Vizzys]

so much fail in one device

Do point out the fail please.

overpriced (the difference in the two models price is lol as well, solid state drive or not thats bs)
its a mac
no ethernet port
one usb port
no cd/dvd drive
not actually the thinnest laptop available


macfags will eat this shit right up

[abrader]

If I want a powerful notebook I know where to go - this Macbook Air is all about portability - its a true mobile computer.

Its not like this will be my only computer LOL - but it will be the best portable computer I own.

portable.

[abrader]

Also - the future is wireless and touchscreens - shedding optical drives, etc on a portable device is a step in the right direction....

LOL who needs more than one USB on a handheld computer?

Ethernet? LOL what?

[bork]

This is disappointing.  IF it were cheaper, I'd probably have a different opinion, but as for now, if I buy a laptop, it will be a Macbook Pro.  Let the suckers buy the Air (I love the sound of that).  I already have an even smaller, lighter, pocket-sized Apple device that lets me get my internet on in the form of the iPod Touch.

[abrader]

I already have a G4 powerbook - so getting a MAcbook pro isnt that exciting for me.

This however is

[bork]

I already have a G4 powerbook - so getting a MAcbook pro isnt that exciting for me.

This however is

I think you're going to feel like a sucker once the initial coolness factor wears off.  Regular Apple laptops are awesome.  This is stripped-down-for-the-sake-style laptop with the typical Apple over-priced tag. 

If anything, I certainly would NOT buy a launch model.

[abrader]

If it sux - ill sell it.

Honestly all im worried about is the screen rez....

going from my 20 inch imac screen to my 15 inch powerbook screen already makes me feel way cramped.

[bork]

If it sux - ill sell it.

Honestly all im worried about is the screen rez....

going from my 20 inch imac screen to my 15 inch powerbook screen already makes me feel way cramped.

What a waste of money.

[abrader]

Not really I need multiple machines.

I have a G5 Tower too hooked up to a 1st gen 20 inch cinema display monitor.

[bork]

I don't mean what you have now, I mean buying Air on top of that. 

[TVC15]

Eh, my M1330 murders it.  And it was cheaper.

[Cormacaroni]

I bet this thing is crazy responsive. Anyone have experience with a Windows laptop running from flash memory only?

For me, once i switched to flash mp3 players, i found it really hard to go back to my HDD one. It's so unresponsive in comparison, and heavier and has worse battery life. I have no plans to buy this Air thing though, unless my wife wants one.

[abrader]

Eh, my M1330 murders it.  And it was cheaper.

What's that? Os?

[TVC15]

I bet this thing is crazy responsive. Anyone have experience with a Windows laptop running from flash memory only?

I was tempted to get a flash HD on my M1330 (Dell's sub-4lb portable with an actual GPU), but it was an 800 dollar price increase, so I held off on it.  It would have been sweet, but with 64gigs, that's not much space, so I'd run into size problems fairly quickly.

[abrader]

oh and that new KBD type - with the rubber raised keys that dont make a bunch of fucking noise rules!

Once I get the new "magazine" computer, ill have all softkeys. Im sick of clickers and clappers...

[abrader]

I bet this thing is crazy responsive. Anyone have experience with a Windows laptop running from flash memory only?

I was tempted to get a flash HD on my M1330 (Dell's sub-4lb portable with an actual GPU), but it was an 800 dollar price increase, so I held off on it.  It would have been sweet, but with 64gigs, that's not much space, so I'd run into size problems fairly quickly.

Thats pretty cool. I like the side profile when folded and really am looking forward to that kind of portability.

[TVC15]

I kind of prefer it to my desktop.  It has an LED display, which means it's not backlit.  It is super bright, super clear, super responsive, and it consumes less power than an LCD display.  It looks superior to most desktop displays.

[Cormacaroni]

I bet this thing is crazy responsive. Anyone have experience with a Windows laptop running from flash memory only?

I was tempted to get a flash HD on my M1330 (Dell's sub-4lb portable with an actual GPU), but it was an 800 dollar price increase, so I held off on it.  It would have been sweet, but with 64gigs, that's not much space, so I'd run into size problems fairly quickly.

Well, i'd feel the same way if it was my main computer. But i'd imagine this is targeted more as a 2nd or 3rd Mac for the wealthy suburbanite. Look at all the 'Remote Disc' stuff. It seems they expect you to have a powerhouse Mac desktop to complement this thing. (which i don't). 64GB seems like plenty for light usage though...definitely in the 'usable' range for me (and i'm a storage whore..i have HDDs up the ying-yang)

[TVC15]

I dunno, I never leave home without a complete MAME collection.  I'm not a fuckin poor dirty.  That's about 20 gigs of material I always have with me.

[abrader]

I sometimes travel alot - but at least to the office and back most days of the week.

I only need iWork/Office for work and standard communication tools - mail client with large IMAP boxes indexed, SKYPE, VPN client, etc..it does all of that fine and really takes a load off if I can ditch the heavy ass notebook bag filled with my current Powerbook, and cables, random usb/firewire cables, a PSP a DS random other shyt....etc...

I just want this MAcBook Air in a slim trim "sock" - time to lose some luggage weight. The more and more I can get around with small things in my jacket pockets - the better....

I am guessing many dont care about true portability or getting closer to it. I feel the pain of toting a notebook bag around the world over the last 12 years.

This is a fukkin oasis mate. - celebrate with me.

[TVC15]

I really don't think laptop bags can get much thinner than the MacBook Pro sleeves.  The bag also has to offer some sort of protection, even if not room for accessories.  But I bet someone will make a sleeve type bag.  Probably more than one person.

[Flannel Boy]

I need to buy a laptop by September.

* Malek: King of Kings looks at bank account  :'(

Wait actually there's money in there for once.

What kind of Windows laptop should I get?

[abrader]

I really don't think laptop bags can get much thinner than the MacBook Pro sleeves.  The bag also has to offer some sort of protection, even if not room for accessories.  But I bet someone will make a sleeve type bag.  Probably more than one person.

When I travel I can just stick the cables/power adaptor in with my shaving stuff.

My only disappointment in the MAcbook Air is that its not truly 'air' - they just do not have projectors good enough yet.

LEts go even smaller guys.......if I need privacy I can run the video out into a pair of display glasses.

LOSE the SCREEN!

[abrader]

I have to go with the HDD version because 80 GB is the bare minimum I can tolerate in a mobile desktop HDD.

[TVC15]

Well, after sleeping on it, I'm kind of settled on the Pro for now.
The Air spec is just a bit too low for me. If the 64GB solid state one were a bit cheaper, I'd probably jump on that, but $3000 is way over my budget. Will probably go for a much higher spec Pro at $2000 instead.

I've heard amazing things about the Cinema displays too... do any of them have dual (switchable) input? I'd like to have my Mac Mini on one input and my new lappy on the other input (when it's connected).

I kind of wish Apple would do some of the cool stuff JP laptops do, like built in felica reader and stuff - that would be hot. I guess it's not that popular overseas yet?

I have a feeling that in a few months, they will quietly start shipping MBPs with solid state drives.  There's no reason they can't now, aside from wanting it to be an exclusive plus on the air.

Also, note that the 80gig normal HD on the air is only 4200.  That's slower than old people fuck.

[CurseoftheGods]

I need to buy a laptop by September.

* Malek: King of Kings looks at bank account  :'(

Wait actually there's money in there for once.

What kind of Windows laptop should I get?

Look at Dell's XPS series. Don't be fooled by the Dell name, they're excellent pieces of hardware. I love my m1710.

Not feeling the MacBook Air. I am not exactly sure what type of consumers they're trying to target. I guess we'll see in the next couple of months. It doesn't look like my new MacBook Pro is going to be outdated any time soon, though.

[bork]

Also, note that the 80gig normal HD on the air is only 4200.  That's slower than old people fuck.

Yeah, when I saw that I almost barfed.
It's like they're forcing you to buy the solid state version 

At that's only 64gb, right?  It's funny that I say it's too much when my current laptop cost around $3200 and only has a 50gb HD.  

I need something reliable that's going to have a good amount of space and last for a few years as my main computer, and the Macbook Air doesn't seem to fit that description.

[Van Cruncheon]

the m1330 is rockhard monkey sex

i want an m1530

[bork]

I don't need space because of my Mini server, but I would like the spec to last a few years, yeah.
I'm getting rid of my Vaio and XP desktop when I buy my new laptop, so it has to be respectable.

When you aren't doing any heavy gaming on a computer (and that's Apple!), you'll be surprised how long they can last.   

I'm goin' back to Mac because I prefer the OS and ease of use

spoiler (click to show/hide)

and because my father said he was going to buy my brother and I brand new top of the line Macs for no particular reason 

[close]

[Flannel Boy]

The XPS M1330 and XPS M1530 are pretty sexy. The screen is also upgradeable to 1680x1050 on the 1530. 

[Howard Alan Treesong]

I want the sexy 1530. I may impulse buy it after this spring's bonuses.

[MrAngryFace]

You should come back to Seattle so you can blame the purchase on us!

[Howard Alan Treesong]

you aaaalmost talked me into it while I was there!

[MrAngryFace]

hahaha WE ARE LEGION!!

I spent so much today, I need to hit the breaks a bit tomorrow and even it out. I had gone 1.5 weeks without a significant buy, it was getting bad.

[Howard Alan Treesong]

Yeah, I got a package every day last week at work...I turned into That Guy. The guy who buys things all the time and gets them shipped to work! Time for a few days break.

[MrAngryFace]

That Guy everyone secretly wishes to be!

[bork]

The XPS M1330 and XPS M1530 are pretty sexy. The screen is also upgradeable to 1680x1050 on the 1530. 

Wait, what do other laptops usually go up to??  Mine is in 1680x1050 now and it's like four years old!

[TVC15]

you aaaalmost talked me into it while I was there!

Give me two more hours with you, and I could have you buying a Mac Pro, octo core.

[bluemax]

I really don't think laptop bags can get much thinner than the MacBook Pro sleeves.  The bag also has to offer some sort of protection, even if not room for accessories.  But I bet someone will make a sleeve type bag.  Probably more than one person.

When I travel I can just stick the cables/power adaptor in with my shaving stuff.

My only disappointment in the MAcbook Air is that its not truly 'air' - they just do not have projectors good enough yet.

LEts go even smaller guys.......if I need privacy I can run the video out into a pair of display glasses.

LOSE the SCREEN!

William Gibson future.

[Sho Nuff]

I got me an XPS 1210 last year and it's teh rox

[bork]

What are the price ranges on XPS machines...in the $2000-$3000 range?  Do they sell them in Japan?

-AND- does Dell have good customer support?

[RevenantKioku]

-AND- does Dell have good customer support?

           

I may be a bona fide Apple whore, but I've been on the phone with Dell's tech support enough (and the high end one, no less) to say don't bother with the fucks.

One time they asked me to unplug the computer's fan to make sure it was the harddrive that was making the large grinding noise that was coming from the harddrive.

[abrader]

Dell has shyt support and shyt hardware most of the time.

We previously bought their Inspirion and Latitude notebook lines by the 100 count.

Major hardware/service issues all the time.

Now we buy fleets of MAcBook PRO's for employees. Its a much better equipment investment.

If you are going to buy Dell mobile products - I recommend getting the best on-site warranty their offer - AND - learn how to run their support procedures to your own advantage (like learn how to get what you need when you call them - as a user posted above they will run you thru some silly ass hoops and waste yer time).

DELL is also globally known for having the worst customer support of any vendor. Over the last 12 months internal issues and constant change of executive management (Dick hunter retired and was then re-enlisted when the new guy sucked so bad...then he quit again LOL).

ITs like they make 1 good step forward (like reducing the number of India based contact centers used for outsourced support) - and then 30 steps backwards and their netpromoter score reflects it as they have one of the lowest in the known world.

I was hired about 1.5 years ago as an external consultant to help them get their arms around the issues....my counterpart at Dell kept trying to bring Bain Consulting in on the mix so I finally just abandoned the project. (Using Bain Consulting would have been one of those 200 steps backwards moves)

[abrader]

Also their server products are a joke...their blades blo and they dont even have AC power options on their standard 1/2U chassis boxes.

What kind of goombah datacenter wants a bunch of DC heat boxes?

[bork]

Well it doesn't matter.  I gave PCs a chance.  Maybe it's my fault for going with Alienware.  But I have always had nagging little problems that I did not experience with Apple, so I going to go with a new Mac.  Boot Camp is there for the few PC apps I might need or for some emulation fun.

[MrAngryFace]

Dell is fine, jesus christ Abrader could you sound less like the Knights Templar when you talk about crap.