Apple Releases the MacBook Air

**ChrisW** · 2008-01-16, 10:28 AM

You all know I drink the Apple kool-aid, but this is the first product Apple has release that I don't "feel." It will be interesting to see how it plays out. It certainly pushes the boundaries of mobile computing. I can see where it would be useful in my setup. Right now I have an iMac as my primary computer and a MacBook that I use when I travel. I hardly ever use the MacBook's optical disc drive so it isn't really a necessity on the go. Either way, here it is - the MacBook Air.

http://www.apple.com/macbookair/

**PhilDernerJr** · 2008-01-16, 10:36 AM

I never understood the obsession with a super-thin laptop. Once it's less than two inches, I think that's enough. It's not like people are trying to use them as bookmarks in a giant Atlas or something.

Regardless of technology, making something so thin affects the physical strengtha nd integrity of the device, making is susceptible to damage. Not to mention it's ultra-light weight will make it move and shake every time you type if you're using it on your lap.

Unfortunately, those who are obsessed with Apple will jump on this regardless for cool points. I am glad that Chris seems to have a wiser eye to keep away. I only hope Mel is as fortunate, and can escape. haha

**Matt Molnar** · 2008-01-16, 11:46 AM

Phil might be right, it might be too small to use effectively, but it is all aluminum so despite its size it should be more solid than the MacBook. The multi-touch touch surface is also a really cool feature. The non-user-replaceable battery, on the other hand, is not cool at all...you'll have to ship it to Apple for a replacement just like an iPod. And speaking of cool, I don't understand how they fit cooling into that thing. I think when they hit the market we might discover the aluminum surface doubles as an egg fryer.

**Mellyrose** · 2008-01-16, 11:47 AM

I think it's very pretty, but TOTALLY useless. It only has one USB port, no firewire, no ethernet port, internal battery which can't be swapped out, no optical drive (!!), etc etc etc. Not to mention it would probably heat up to scorching temperatures because I can't imagine the fan being large or strong enough to cool it quickly.

It's pretty much an oversized iPod touch. All it has is a headphone jack, 1 USB port and a micro DVI port. That's not a computer, it's a media device.

P.S. I <3 Mac!!!! :D

**Mellyrose** · 2008-01-16, 11:48 AM

Matt and I posted at the same time. Pardon several redundancies.

**Matt Molnar** · 2008-01-16, 11:56 AM

For my purposes I wouldn't have a problem missing a drive or a few jacks. When I use my laptop while traveling I hardly ever use my DVD drive, I've never needed more than one USB port at a time, and I've only used my Ethernet port once. I'm sure Apple will offer a full line of very reasonably priced (HA!) adapters in the event you need to do those things with your MacBook Air.

**Mellyrose** · 2008-01-16, 12:00 PM

How the hell are you supposed to install software with no drive?

**Matt Molnar** · 2008-01-16, 12:03 PM

It comes with a new technology called Remote Disc which lets you install software from discs in your desktop (Mac or PC) over WiFi. They're also making a special MacBook Air SuperDrive ($99) which connects via USB.