MacBook Air - So What?
January 16, 2008 by Brett
Despite the incredible engineering that went into the new MacBook Air that Steve Jobs so dramatically introduced yesterday, I’ve got to say I’m less than impressed. Granted, it’s a beautiful, elegant, thin machine. But who really cares that it can fit in an envelope. Now that I’ve had a day to think about the “world’s thinnest laptop,” I realize I don’t know anyone who would actually buy one. This is an extreme example of form over function. It’s ridiculous to spend $1800 for sub par specs (80 GB, 4200 RPM drive), or an extra $1000 for the 64 GB solid state drive, and you don’t even get an ethernet port or an optical drive! Those are USB add-ons, but with only 1 USB port you’ll also need to carry around a USB hub. So now the world’s thinnest laptop has to be hauled around with an external optical drive, a USB hub and any number of USB add-ons. That had better be one big envelope.
On top of all that, there is the lack of a replaceable battery. What happens when you run out of battery on an airplane trip? Normally you would swap out the battery - but not anymore. I know Apple will replace the battery for you when it dies, but what a pain.
Normally I’m a big Apple fan and I’m glued to the live stream of Jobs’ keynote. But yesterday after the initial “wow” wore off, I was kind of disappointed. I’m sure the price will come down, as it usually does after generation 1 of any Apple product has been out for a while. And I’m sure they’ll add more features in the future (ethernet and more than 1 USB port, at least?). But for now I’ll be sitting on the sidelines, along with most people I know.
I’m with you on the MacBook Air.
With all the innovative minds they have assembled in Cupertino, I’d like to see Jobs’ forces replace the keyboard with a more intuitive and ergonomic entry interface. After all, they’ve already revolutionanized the computer graphic interface, music players and mobile phones while the keyboard has remained unscathed since the 1800s!
A lot of people miss-understand the purpose behind this genre of laptop. They are intended for people who primarily use their ultra-portable computers for journaling or writing. They’re not really meant for multi-media types of applications and therefore do not require high end system specs. These same types of people generally do not care or want to be bothered by an Ethernet connection and would rarely if ever use one. I’ve known lots of people in this category; conversely, I would never suggest anyone to buy such a machine that did not meet this stereo type, which is, IMHO, exactly why the Mac Book Pro is still available.
Hey if I had a million dollars for every time I wished I could use my laptop in an envelope, if only it would fit…
…I’d still be broke!
I’m not necessarily against the Air as a computer; I like my Nokia N800 device for some things and it’s small, runs Linux, has a touchscreen and has no built-in keyboard. But it’s purpose is different than that of a full laptop, and it’s more portable, which is I guess the point. Sometimes smaller is a valid reason to make something. But $1800 is much higher than I could ever justify spending on something so purpose-specific. I suppose if you’re a company (or individual) with money to burn it doesn’t matter as much. I’m not sure what that’s like
But I agree that for being a “full computer in a small size” the Air is quite lacking giving the price point.