The MacBook Air

Apple just announced the .16-inch thin MacBook Air -- a laptop so thin it fits in a manila envelope. The new machine features a full-size keyboard and LED-backlit 13.3-inch display with built-in iSight, and the new larger trackpad supports multi-touch gestures. Just like the iPhone, you'll be able to pan around, pinch to zoom, and rotate with two fingers, and move windows with a flick. Apple got the size down by using the same 1.8-inch 80GB drive that's in the iPod classic, but you'll be able to order a 64GB SSD as an option. The Air eschews optical media, but there's a separate external you can snag for $99 and Apple's also announced a feature called Remote Disk that'll let the Air get data off the optical drive in any PC or Mac running the Remote Disk software. Pricing starts at $1799, and the Air will be shipping in two weeks.

We'll have a hands-on with the MacBook Air here in a just a few, stay tuned!

Gallery: MacBook Air

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[Alex @ Jan 24th 2008 4:00AM]

Ok I know nothing about laptops but I would appreciate your help. So I'm thinking about purchasing a notebook and was interested in this one. I'm about to start college and that will my main purpose for my laptop-school-. All I really want is a fast Internet browser. some space for music and that's about it thnxs

[minx @ Jan 28th 2008 11:09PM]

Actually, it didn't meat my expectation.

[Marco @ Jan 30th 2008 2:27PM]

The only thing that I miss in this apple is the firewire! and only one usb...

i'm trying to win one where:
www.macbookairpixelpage.com

[Justin @ Jan 31st 2008 12:52PM]

For all of those interested in the MacBook Air (or plan to purchase one in the future), there's an online community and message board forming here: MacBook Air Lounge & Forum (http://www.macbooklounge.com/). It looks like it will have a mods & hacks section when the product starts to get tweaked.

[colin @ Feb 2nd 2008 4:54AM]

Appealing (less size & weight) in travel i hate anything more than my carry on, however Apple again fails to meet the needs of potential users/buyers who don't wish to live or work in the USA only or feeling forced to sign up with any one company eg. AT&T (iphone) I did'nt buy an Iphone for that reason, even though I found it to be my dream gadget.

In my business I use IMacs and additionally got mac pros for my kids but I will not go for a machine without optical, without removable battery, or without replaceable memory - too much hassle if anything goes wrong. I fear, like Microsoft Apple are looking as IBM did a generation ago.

[Nicole @ Feb 9th 2008 12:47AM]

First of all i want to say that everyone is correct in saying that the price is way too high for what you are getting. But hey guess what you dont have to buy it. I dont see people going crazy about the prices of Bentleys or Maserattis, if you can afford it and want it you buy it, if not then move on.

This laptop is not meant to be someone's main computer, due to the fact that it doesnt have a cd drive or and ethernet port along with a few other things. For people like myself who have an imac at home and will only use it for school purposes like taking it to the library and to class, it is more than perfect. I never need more than one usb, which i only use for my camera because i charge my ipod at home or maybe for a flash drive. And about CD's i dont remb. the last time i put one into my laptop. Ohh and in response to the guy that said it will be to small to even see his pictures,, i think you should go back and read up on the laptop before you talk, because if you wouldve you would have learned that it has the technology of the iphone and you can zoom quickly and easily on anything by using the trackpad. So , my point is that its not made for everyone, if its not what you need or want then move on, but i dont see why you all feel the need to sit here and talk about how it doesnt fit your lifestyle. Hey a size 2 Levis jeans dont fit me put you dont see me or anyone else posting on websites about the jeans that they made for people who are a size 2 .. do you?? alright then , if you dont like it then get over it and let those who like it and worked there ass off the save money for it , ENJOY IT!!

[banayat @ Mar 20th 2008 7:52AM]

amazing laptop its what you need to buy ,
need advise and where to buy inform me
[e-mail]

[Kip HT @ Jan 15th 2008 1:43PM]

Where do I sign?

[CJ @ Jan 16th 2008 9:21AM]

Right on the line.

Above the small text that reads: 'By signing this, I fully agree to Apple(tm)'s service agreements, and that I have little-to-no business sense, to thick of a wallet, and no other use for a computer but to update my facebook page and be hated by most people in general because I am an elitist douchebag.'

[sitruc @ Jan 15th 2008 1:24PM]

I'd break something like that by looking at it. I guess it's so small I can't see any pictures.

[superfresh @ Jan 15th 2008 2:00PM]

MacBook Air: The only think we didn't shrink was the price.

[superfresh @ Jan 15th 2008 2:01PM]

I mean thing...aw forget it.

[John @ Jan 15th 2008 2:07PM]

Anyone notice how the Macbook Pro is only 0.24" thicker and about 2 lbs heavier? As an avid Mac fan, I'm kind of confused as to the relative benefit of having a Macbook Air instead of (or in addition to) my current laptop.

[Abuzar @ Jan 15th 2008 2:13PM]

It's so you can look like the office bitch.

[West Hubbard @ Jan 15th 2008 10:12PM]

I'm not sure if any of you remember the Sony x505 (...Same size as the Air) that came out a few years back, I almost bought it, but too thought that it would break.

Laptops aren't meant to get tossed around, but lets be honest, they do. Also, you sacrifice SERIOUS performance going to this size, and also battery life. Yes components are getting smaller and smaller, but on a whole, batterys are not, and these new components want more and more power. The fact that engadget already has a post about spare batterys attests to this point.

I use windows, however for a begining computer user, I would recommend a mac. I recommend a macbook pro to my sister, and she loves it, but I can't say I would EVER recommend this.

[Mangonaut @ Jan 16th 2008 3:37AM]

So basically then, this is the 'Macbook Foleo'

[mister XR @ Jan 16th 2008 3:59PM]

I agree with West Hubbard. Anything that thin is gonna have such a small battery. I bought a Fujitsu Q earlier this year - I LOVED it - but had to return it because I couldn't handle 50 minutes(if I was lucky) of battery life. What's the point of having something so small if you're gonna have to lug the power-brick/extra-battery around with it too?

[Jimmy @ Jan 16th 2008 7:08PM]

Yeah and you can't bring along an extra battery for it either!

I do drool over the SSD, but the battery life would be a major problem.

[Andrew @ Jan 16th 2008 9:13PM]

have any of you guys read apple's page about battery life on the Air? 5 HOURS. And Apple's battery life claims are usually modest.

[Peter @ Jan 24th 2008 10:55PM]

To be honest... sometimes I am just sick and tired of Apple marketing tricks... yes... the MacBook Air is thiner than the Sony Vaio TZ... but these two machines are not really comparable... especailly when the Sony Vaio TZ got a internal optical drive which the MacBook Air lacks... this makes a huge difference in terms of thickness... To be honest, Sony is known for their miniturization of device... I am sure Sony can make a laptop just as thin as the MacBook Air if it skim on some of the most basic functions of a computer... but obviously, Sony knows that most real computer user will demand more than one USB port and an internal optical drive and a harddrive bigger than 80gb... and most importantly a removable batteries!

[Reid @ Jan 24th 2008 1:40PM]

Yeah, their battery life claims are USUALLY modest, but I think this thing is more on the 4 hour range than 5, from the reports that are out. My experience has been *most* Apple laptops can get right around 4h on a brand-new battery, so I wasn't really impressed by 5h estimates except for the size of the battery.

Even my thinkpad T60 got over 3h new, but it's a year old now and battery life is rapidly declining..

[zed @ Jan 15th 2008 1:26PM]

I know what my next laptop will be...;)

[a ham sandwich @ Jan 15th 2008 2:08PM]

what?

[z3r0D @ Jan 15th 2008 2:52PM]

No please, tell us.

I have no clue.

[mister XR @ Jan 16th 2008 4:05PM]

I think we found Steve Jobs. Your cover is blown!

[James @ Jan 15th 2008 1:50PM]

It's unfortunate that the rumors were true. 13.3" screen. They're trying to claim that the smaller screens were a compromise, but that's not true. 12" and smaller screens are part of the features of a lightweight laptop; it makes them more portable.

It does look great for what it is, but it's not what I was after. Time to order that EEE.

[matt @ Jan 15th 2008 1:38PM]

A 1.8" hard drive, how pointless and slow will that be? The one in may archos is unbelivably slow, I wouldn't want to run an OS on it.

As to the rest of it. meh

[Geoffrey Sperl @ Jan 15th 2008 1:37PM]

So get one with the 64GB SSD in it.

[dan2600 @ Jan 16th 2008 8:42AM]

oh yes...solid state hdds...they are sooooo much faster....have you read the specs on current sshds? they SUCK!! (plus they shouldn't cause a 2,000 dollar price jump)

[Jimmy @ Jan 16th 2008 7:08PM]

SSDs are fast!

I definitely wouldn't get that 4,200 RPM drive though, too slow for me.

[wha??? @ Jan 15th 2008 1:39PM]

Did I hear right... 1 USB 2.0 port!!! Lets hope there is a docking station with more USB ports for the home users.

[pito189 @ Jan 15th 2008 2:15PM]

This is more of a on the go machine. They are assuming you will have an iMac or Mac Pro and want this one to carry around with you. This is not for people who already have MacBooks. Maybe MBPs.

[macona @ Jan 15th 2008 2:58PM]

Ever heard of a Hub?

[John @ Jan 15th 2008 3:22PM]

Exactly! It sounds like Wha was at the keynote too since Engadget failed to mention the USB ports. Why would I want to carry an external hub for additional USB and an external DVD drive (rarely need DVD drive with burner but it is used at times making it necessary). Would it have killed Apple to add another USB port or two?

Steve was comparing how this is better than the Sony TZ but Sony was able to have firewire, multiple USBs & DVD burners in a smaller laptop thats fractions of an inch thicker than this device. I hate to say it but the Sony SZ blows this device away except for the SSD & being fractions of an inch thinner - not much lighter.

I'll wait for MacBook Air version 3. Like all Apple products they will add all the features we really want in the third version after they spend the first two versions telling us they aren't wanted or needed.

[Tina @ Jan 15th 2008 4:25PM]

80GB HD is what I was buying 2 years ago in a laptop. For a lappy without an optical drive one would think there would be larger HD options. As much as I want the SSD I dont think 64GB will fill my needs.

[Brad @ Jan 15th 2008 4:05PM]

macona, have fun carrying a USB hub, external DVD burner drive and sending in your Airbook to Apple to get a new battery.

For that price I'm going to look into the Sony TZ Steve mentioned in his keynote. Rumor on the floor is it has a 5 hour battery and 11 hours on the replaceable extended battery. Maybe Steve will add another dongle device to give additional battery power when the sub 5 hour MacbookAir runs out. lol

Using a PCs optical drive is nice but it requires the PC to have software installed. Thats inconvenient when I am on the go. I'm sure my friends & clients will like it when I ask to install software on their machines so I can access their optical drives.

My iPhone shows Apple stock price is dropping fast. I guess many people weren't impressed by Steve's keynote & products. I'm disappointed so far and this just started. Why did I fly in for this?!

[wha??? @ Jan 15th 2008 4:24PM]

No Ethernet!!! Lets hope wireless connections never fail & all our clients let us use their wifi.

For $30 you can buy a USB dongle Ethernet. USB DVD drive & USB Ethernet adapter are already two devices that Apple is trying to sell us for the Airbook with only 1 USB port.

Maybe Apple will sell us a USB hub like Macona suggested. Of course, whats the purpose of buying a sleek Apple laptop if I'm going to have a hub with a bunch of crazy wires all over my desktop?

John was right, I can get much more in one small package with the competitions ultra portables.

[Oskin @ Jan 17th 2008 4:09AM]

It's always the same with new Apple products, you have people defending them and people trying to discredit them...

I do understand most of the complains and I do agree with them but I can see myself buying one really soon and here is why:

First of all, 1 usb port is more than enough on my laptop considering that the only 2 things I connect to my laptop is a mouse and a usb hard drive for backup. I can use a bluetooth mouse here and I kind of like the idea behing the time capsule thing so... But for the moment I would probrably use my usb drive!

That said, I carry my laptop everywhere from one client to another and let me tell you, its too heavy and too big... I know i know Steve's trying to blind us with the size but still, for some people it matters. And that laptop would fit perfectly between all my documents and stuff... Most of the time now I don't even bother carrying my laptop because it takes half of my bag (yes its small but I don't want a bigger one allright? hehe) and its heavy!

I never use the optical drive on my laptop and really, i'm not trying to tell that just to validate my point! I really never use the optical drive. As for the battery, 5 hours is more than enough for me. It sucks that you need to send the laptop to Apple to change the battery though but I never changed a battery on a laptop, I usually change it before it dies.

As for the 80gig hdd, I don't see how I could put 80gig of data on my laptop considering that I use it mostly for work. I carry some music and a couple of videos (tv shows mostly) and 80 is way enough for that.

What else? that's it I think... Yep!

My point being, it's not for everyone thats for sure and thats the reason why apple havent replaced either the macbook nor the pro, it's an addition to the family and a very welcome one in my opinion. And always remember that you have no obligation to buy a product from a company... Don't like it, just buy another product!

[JayRome @ Jan 15th 2008 1:33PM]

I can't even pretend that it's not sexy.

[spass @ Jan 15th 2008 1:48PM]

Well, It is not!
I really appreciated square design, straight lines of apple products so far. What's great about those rounded edges? Also, I am not seeing the black version...

[aoeu00 @ Jan 15th 2008 1:34PM]

Sorry, just as I expected, too much $$. Although, can't knock that it's sexy.

[JayRome @ Jan 15th 2008 1:36PM]

I can't even pretend that it's not sexy.

[Ian @ Jan 15th 2008 1:51PM]

Wow that is ugly from the side view. Sacrifices too much, imo. I'm good with my MacBook Pro, thanks though.

[Brad @ Jan 15th 2008 1:37PM]

".16in thick" is kind of misleading - that's the thickness of the screen at its thinnest point, isn't it? The device itself is .76 inches thick.

[PDubNYC @ Jan 15th 2008 1:58PM]

I think it is a wedge shape. .16" thick at the front, near the latch, and .76" in the back by the hinge.

So no, not misleading

[Ray-- @ Jan 15th 2008 2:34PM]

how do you fit a 1.8" HD in a .16" notebook anyway?

[Brad @ Jan 15th 2008 2:47PM]

Saying it's .16" thick because that's where it's thinnest IS misleading. I'm not criticizing Apple here, they list their specs fairly. It's Engadget's reporting of it. If I measured the front bumper of my car and then reported that "I drive a car that's only 4" tall!" you wouldn't feel a little misled? No where in the article does it clarify this...

[Katherine @ Jan 15th 2008 1:39PM]

Rookie coverage Engadget - especially after all the advertising. Annoying to say the least. Did you plan for the traffic? Great site, but....

[Andrew @ Jan 15th 2008 2:13PM]

Exactly. In the end I had to use macrumous to get REALTIME coverage. What a flop.

As for this laptop, I ordered it immediately. Why do you people complain about the price? $1800 is already amongst the lowest I've seen for a full featured full size ultraportable. Surely you're not expecting to get a high end laptop for $1000? This isn't an Acer wallmart special, you know. Check the prices on Toughbooks or Lenovos or Toshibas before complaining.

Now the SSD price is WAY too much. I'd prefer a 32G option if it meant $500 price tag. I hope I will be able to purchase it separately later on.

[Brad @ Jan 15th 2008 4:32PM]

Andrew, $1800 is a lot when you look at the features & compare to the competition. This is far from a full featured laptop. Steve has blinded you by the size. 80GB slow rpm HD, 1 USB, no firewire, no optical, non-removable battery & 2GB non replaceable memory (hope for no failures). These are specs seen on laptops 3 years years ago. Other than its size (its obvious what they left out to get the size) this is not an impressive package.

The 64GB SSD that replaces the 80GB HDD is a $1300 option. LOL

I see another price drop on a new Apple product in our future. Either that or Apple will add more features to make $1800 worth while. Lets hope when they add options they keep the only good thing about this device, the size.