Meet the new MacBook family
By Darren Murph 
posted Jan 15th 2008 1:47PM
posted Jan 15th 2008 1:47PM
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
CORRECTION: MacBook Air apparently is not the world's thinnest notebook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl6qZzAQ0f4
Ya this thing is sexy... but I cant justify the cost... they only difference is the size from my current macbook......
What that means is zero buyers' remorse for a little while longer for those of us who bought a macbook sometime in the last two months... :-)
Well, it costs quite a bit to shrink that much power down.
If you want something you can slide in the smallest of bags, or in with a lot of other things, it's perfect.
and an assload less ports....
where the hell is the macBook pro update?
thats what i was waiting on!
damn apple
Same here. Apple has begun to turn the tides in their favor from this particular consumer. I've always been a big Win-based PC guy, despite having been raised on Macs in school. I had adopted the Linux community for awhile and even still I dual-boot Vista/Ubuntu on my laptop and I have Fedora set up exclusively on my desktop. And still, I hadn't really looked back at the Macs with much interest.
The 'Mac vs. PC' commercials always pissed me off, even though with a chuckle hear and there, but they just seemed arrogant to me. But I have finally decided to adopt a Mac into my gadget family, and I was really hoping that a MacBookPro update would have unveiled today, as that is what I want.
The new MBA is sleek, sexy and definitely eye-catching (holy shit is it eye-catching, being that thin) but I want the bigger, meatier MBPro for my video/photo editing.
@StrangeBum
It's just a computer... did we really need your whole life story here?
strangebum: you will not be disappointed i did a similar thing... started with win 3.1 - XP jumped to Linux for 2 years and then came to Mac in '07 and i have not looked back, they are a good bit of gear powered by a great operating system.
enjoy.
|G|
Agreed. I had my credit card out and ready to drop down 3k on a new MBP, but we got nada. The Air is a neat toy, but definitely not robust enough for my needs.
So here I wait... I guess I'll hang onto my 3k a little while longer. :(
Me too. All I wanted was a slightly faster MacBook Pro - or a smaller Pro! Why, Apple, why!??! You make it impossible to plan purchases, you jerks.
1 word: Disappointment
agreed.
X2
We can only hope that the slamming their stock is taking on Wallstreet will smarten them up a bit.
The Macbook Air does come with a polishing cloth!
I kid you not! Brilliant thats enough for me to want to buy one!
How does $1,799.00 translate into £1,199.00 in the UK???
And blimey $3,098.00 (for the other model) into £2,028.00!
I used a currency calculator on x-rates.com
It gave me £914.545 and £1574.90 as an equivalent...
This is a LOT of taxes or someone is making serious money!!!
VAT @ 17.5%, for a start.
"but that fellow in the middle sure it getting a lot of attention."
Yeah, fancy that. Who would have guessed...
:D
I was ready to buy a MacBook Pro today, but no updates!
WTF, Apple?
you were warned, if you were paying attention. same goes for that mythical tablet thing. there really are NO surprises here.
So Expensive!
How so? The nearest competitor, the Sony TZ starts at over $2000 and has a much lower spec than the MBA. Oh, and it's an inch thick too.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644507782&parentCategoryId=16154
well think the ssd version of the mba costs 3,000 bucks, that makes no sense
I had my Macbook for Christmas, and the new line is great. However, I hope the multi-touch trackpad is available as a software update to the existing line of Macbooks and Macbook Pros. And I'm glad it's out of my price range, because I didn't want it to be better than mine...
Still, the Apple team still doesn't cease to amaze me.
$3000 for the SSD.... wtf???
I had my Macbook for Christmas, and the new line is great. However, I hope the multi-touch trackpad is available as a software update to the existing line of Macbooks and Macbook Pros. And I'm glad it's out of my price range, because I didn't want it to be better than mine...
Still, the Apple team still doesn't cease to amaze me.
careful...don't snap it in half!
Definately disappointing.
I'm in the same boat, I was going to purchase a ("new") Macbook Pro. I guess I will have to wait a little longer.
From that angle, the Macbook Air looks really uncomfortable to type on. Are the edges really that sharp??
Pfft.
Of course not, when would Apple design something uncomfortable...?
http://helpdesk.nycenet.edu/photos/iMacMouse.jpg
The Macbook is really sharp on the edges. So I wouldnt doubt it to be sharp either
The Macbook Air is a tiny bit wider and deeper than the Macbook, so your little pic there is a bit off...
too pretty,too damn expensive just too be bolemic....haha supermodels.
No Firewire, no ethernet = deal breaker for me...
True, adding FireWire would have been an awesome idea; I'm thinking the port is thicker than the MBA actually, though. Ethernet I could do without; who needs it with 802.11n?
My thoughts exactly!
And I wish it was smaller - thinness is nice, but I can't see any reason to have display larger than the width of the keyboard, especially at the low resolution of 1280x800.
not every office allows wireless...
There is a USB Ethernet adapter if you really need it. But to me, the whole "ultra-portable" (if you can call it that) is about wireless mobility. I can do without Ethernet, firewire, and optical drives. As long as it is thin, light and has great battery life (which this does, the site says 5hr!)
not disappointed at all. glad im still keeping my macbook.
Terrible!!!
I was ready with my card out waiting....what a let down!!
4200 80gb ...1.6...$1800??? are you kidding me???? and it only weights 2lb less than macBpro..??
I cant run a damn thing on this thing with these specs...sorry apple, no upgrade from me this year....see ya next year...
Seriously, no MacBook Pro update?? That's all I been waiting for since August!
Very happy with my 2 year old SZ that easily gives the new air a run for its money in all departments except thickness...(and wifi speed)
The whole 0.16 inches thick at the front really is stretching the truth a little too...
On the whole a little underwhelming but fun way to pass an hour hitting the refresh button none the less.
Now I'm off to the pub!
why can't the current macbook/pro have updates to include new multi-touch gestures? do they not have the hardware already for multi-touch? only new gestures shown on the air are pinch, and rotate, swipe. the rest on the website is not new
Apple Ireland store. Macbook Air €1700, or in US dollars, $2530. Unless the EU just got a lot greedier on taxes since the keynote Steve Jobs is screwing the Europeans again. Id rather import a Sony TZ for the same price than get ripped off.
Same here. I've got my eyes on a new MacBook Pro.
It has ethernet doesn't it? Or is it wireless only? Is the battery removable? What kind of graphics? AND you have to give up the DVD writer? Too expensive.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&tg_tabcontroller=tg_tabcontroller_1&mco=5EAFB58E&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_air
It says the built in speakers are "mono"? how can that be? you cant
listen to music on this in stereo?
that is correct
4200 RPM killed it for me. I love the rest. But the difference in usability between 4200 and even 5400 is huge. I'm sure it will have it in time, but too bad it doesn't right now.
And no refresh on the macbooks either. I was waiting with my credit card.
Uh-oh. Looks like the battery isn't replaceable. Here we go again.
yep... "integrated" they call it.
typical apple inc. make a product i want but leave out a few key ingredients and jack up the price. i'm really growing tired of "almost" with apple.
I'm guessing they called it the MacBook Air because it's like a hot airheaded blonde; gorgeous on the outside but nothing doing on the inside.
I just don't get the appeal of this.
I mean, business users can't really put it to full use, there's no express slot, and wifi isn't available everywhere.
College students may have use for it, but seeing as a large number of dorms don't have and prohibit Wifi connections, how are they supposed to use it?
Casual users will be turned off by the price, and the lack of features, you know like...a second USB slot.
I'm usually in Apple's corner, but I just don't understand who they're selling this to. I think they're obsession with thinness is hindering *actual* innovation.
Meet the new MacBook 'Cube'!
As with the Cube, you're paying a significant premium for the form factor, a form factor that involves some compromises.
I wish it were a bit cheaper (say $1500 with the ethernet adapter included), that would would probably increase its acceptance. I mean it looks great, but I wouldn't entertain a second thought of paying to replace my G1 MacBook with this.
What this lineup needs is a EEE compeitor with mac UI ...
http://www.granitecalgary.com
Only Mr. J can make such a product like the Mac Book Air (fantastic design and then a 4200 RPM PATA HD with 80 GB (watch out Steve USB Memorysticks might pass you). And for 5 icons more on a iTouch he wants 20$. If he can he sure will be more evil than Gates. What a greedy man.... If MSFT would do that, the blogs would burn...
I completely agree. I see Apple as the epitome of yuppie these days. make something that has asthetic appeal but no functionality, then top it off with an outrageous price and the yuppies and "johnny-come-latelys" will be all over it
anyone knows the correct link to the keynote mov of this year?? The appple link is for 07
Yeah, come on Apple where are the MacBook Pro updates!!!
I took a day off work, 1) to burn all my data (tv shows/movies) to discs, 2) to read the keynotes, 3) sort out my finances - and I had enough to order one later today... :-(
I just don't like the MacBookAir, there's something off about it, I just can't put my finger on it.
On a positive note, I do like the rentals. Shame we need to pay for the iPod Touch update!
Well, was hoping for a new MBP update, been waiting since August.
Anyone have any idea when this might happen?
Can't wait to see how that 1.8" 4200RPM drive benchmarks
(probably dog slow)
Might have to go w/ that SSD for halfway decent performance.
1700 for a 3lbs laptop???
i rather spend some more money and get the toshiba r500 with just 1.7lbs with no optical drive!!
if the MBA was 1.5lbs, i would get it without hesitation!
$1799????!?
With NO OPTICAL DRIVE????
I think I'll wait for an alternative. one that's also super-svelte, but has a better screen, bigger drive, more ports and can play a DVD right out of the box.
OH WAIT: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
Worst. New. Product. Ever.
Yes, because the Macbook Air was intended as a replacement for the Macbook Pro. Obviously. You want a Macbook Pro update and now you're pissed that the Air isn't it? Good grief, call a lawyer and get a class action suit started.
Also, how would you fit an optical drive into a laptop that thin? Are you smarter than Apple's engineers?
Jeebus, Zak, sorry, didn't realize Apple was a near & dear family member.
Anyway, no, Hyper-Hypo, I'm not "pissed" so much as I am "stunned" that Apple would release a product with less functionality than an existing one (the aforementioned Macbook Pro...hell, due to its almost complete lack of IO, it's less functional than the standard Macbook) and then put it in the same price bracket. All for the sake of saying "Look what we made! It's SO pretty!"
I'm sure there are ppl who will buy it. I'm sure the chances are, I would not like them, had I the misfortune to meet them. I'm sure they're quite similar to the snotty chicks who walk up and down Prince Street in SoHo with a puppy in their purse and an iPhone in plain view in their other hand. Not talking on it or listening to it...just...holding it. For all to see.
MacBook Air is a fashion accessory and little else.
It is indeed a feat of engineering to put that much computer in that little space. If they could just design one now that was...y'know...useful, that'd be super.
Looks like the perfect laptop computer for Emos.
Yep, I was ready to buy a MacBook Pro today. Darn.
But my boss is going to love the new Air.
where's the macbook pro update!! argh!
This is BS i have been waiting got the updated MacBook Pro for the longest time...
And they didnt even think to add the multi touch track pad to the MacBook Pro line?!?!
I mean come on!
and if you buy one now...I am sure you'll be shafted in a couple of months anyway (assuming they'll update it later in the year)
apple you suck...whats with the $20 touch update??? oh boy!! take a look at apple stock...
that one tells the story......oh well
Yeah, I'm sure that this is also why RIM is down 5.75% too, oh, and "subscription accounting" look it up.
Wow I'll take the Eee PC instead. Why replace my macbook. I bet I'd break it. Oooh $1700? F#$k that! What a waste.
Add me to the list of people who was ready to by a new MBP today and is now sad. I am thinking they will have another press conference when the SDK is releasing and maybe they will have Pyrin and touch updates to the Macbook and Macbook Pro then.
Add me to the MBP update list, too. I'm seriously thinking of just upgrading my Vaio SZ instead of waiting for Apple. I don't want a three pounder that can't run anything, Steve, I want a 13 inch MBP - or at least a faster 15 incher!
Sony VAIO TZ is still the best. Apple is the one who compromise too much (audio input, Ethernet, firewire, optical drive, etc...), thin just make me more easy to lose my laptop.
business users can use usb evdo cards. my friend his usb evdo with this mac desktop. no problem there.
but 1700 is way overpriced for something thats 3lbs.
Doesn't this remind anyone of the Palm Foleo?
And where did the Palm Foleo end up?
No
2 big problems: the "integrated" battery -- my battery is usually only good for a year -- and only 2GB of built in RAM. Less when you consider the shared graphics memory. Ouch.
You do realise that comparable ultraportables
with way slower CPU and less RAM cost way more?
Yeah, but I can buy a Windows laptop for $500!!!
don't interrupt the bitch fest with facts...
hmm I can buy ford focus for less then corvette z06 what is the point of comparing products in diff categories?
I'm in the "waiting for MBP update" camp. 45 nm penryn and multitouch trackpad. I've been waiting to switch since October and now there's no update? I don't get it...I was actually hoping for 2 updates today MBP and mini...
color me disappointed
We need a MacBook Pro refresh Apple! Look at all of us waiting for this moment and ready to order one today. This is crap. I hope the stock keeps plummeting.
Do not despair people! Rally together in these dark times with... Unboxing photos!
Ah crap they still need to design that.
I'll add 1 more name to the "wanted MBP update" list. Instead we get an overpriced, underspec'd macbook air that hasn't seen much of a warm welcome so far. Bad move again on Apples part. Then to charge us $20 to update our itouch, bullshit! There's only so much ass raping a customer can take and my hole is raw.
hmmmm, shouldn't it be called the "Macbook P.O.S."?
Has anyone noticed whether or not the RAM is expandable? I didn't see a DIMM slot on the MB pictures so I suppose it's soldered directly and not removable. .
that is correct, RAM is not expandable. 2GB's what you get
Jobs is too smart for this. He has something up his sleeve....he has too. The majority of posts are negative and he had to know this would be the response. Here's my take:
1. He is trying to get into the business arena with both the MBA and the iPhone.
2. He couldn't update the MB or MBP without angering all customers that bought during the holiday season. I'd expect an update to these in a few months.
3. The trackpad, LED display, and backlit keyboard will be part of the update.
4. The price points are ridiculous as some have mentioned. Especially, since you get more features for less money with the MB.
5. I liken this to the iPhone situation where he was the "bad guy" for lowering the iPhone price......they the "good guy" for giving the $100 credit. He's doing something similar here...... it just doesn't make sense.
it's called a Ford Pinto. Everyone makes one at some point.
does anyone have any guesses when the updates to the regular MacBook and the Pro will be coming? this was a disappointing day for me as a college kid looking for a new mac laptop. even if the air weren't so overpriced, i doubt i'd want it. how is saving a few tenths of an inch in thickness worth losing the ease of a built in optical drive? macbook air sucks, but since i have so much in apple gift cards (and do want an apple) i guess it's back to the waiting room? boo. this sucks donkey ba**s.
Apple didn't learn anything from the Pippin. This notebook stinks and the name stinks.
To say that this new laptop is a disappointment is an understatement. Problem here is they sacrificed to much for a unique design and the lack of ethernet is an exclusion that is a bit premature. Though apple's innovation cant be underestimated maybe with that small c2d processor we may get some super powered macbook pro with 4 or 8 cores and 4 or 8 gb of ram in a 17 inch frame
how about making a mac with nothing but the screen and the keys ! that should weigh even less and they can sell it for 3000$ ! are we that freakin, stupid ?
Apple is walking on thin ice here. I can get a new vista laptop for around 500$, if I get a macbook for 1400$ , the least I can get is a freakin' update.
instead they waste time on a Macbook Air because the rule of the industry is : once you bought the product u're a sucker and u're no longer important. on to the next sucker who wants to switch because the mac vs windows commercials are cool ! way to go Apple !
same thing with the iphone and the Ipod touch. can't wait to find an alternative to iphone. apart from being itunes slaves, we got firmware that always destroys basic features Apple can't even provide.
Microsoft and Google, give us a good smartphone already !
I just got back home and...
Heck, Apple, where is my Macbook Pro update..?!
What the....!!!