AirQueue gives your MacBook Air's USB port more reach

Given the fact that most (all?) 3G USB modems won't even fit in the MacBook Air's ultra-cramped USB port, it's practically a foregone conclusion that some of that sex appeal is going to be forfeited when busting out a dongle to keep using your current wares. Enter the AirQueue, which is hailed as the first USB extender designed specifically to work with the MBA -- whatever that means. Truth be told, we can't figure out exactly what makes this any different than other extenders made for helping folks out in a squeeze, but at least it's only $6, right? Oh, and if you're aiming to make things extra unsightly, be sure and pick up the pictured $38 ExpressCard adapter -- your coffee shop style quotient will be tanked in no time.

[Via MacsimumNews, thanks RD]

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 11:10AM]

CB17 - uhm, how can you promote 3G iPhone tethering when it doesn't even exist? I use BT tethering for Sprint 3G on a regular basis and it is much slower than an expresscard. It also smokes the battery in your phone, since you are powering 2 radios constantly. I seriously doubt Apple will promote tethering, or even allow it, because users will complain about battery life (if the consumer can even get the shit to work, considering the target audience of the iPhone).

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 4:12PM]

Obviously, the assumption I making is that Apple will get this right where Microsoft and other Smartphone makers haven't. Given Apple's history of product design and ease of use, I don't think that's too much of a leap.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 4:54PM]

Really, Carl? I'd say claiming "the MacBook Air was designed *from the beginning* to tether to the 3G iPhone over Bluetooth" when the iPhone doesn't support bluetooth tethering and is not 3G is quite a leap.

Yeah, you're an apologist. There's literally nothing to suggest your wild speculation.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 1:49AM]

I think this and the first article regarding the MBA's poor port design is plenty pertinent news.

Apple touts themselves as being cutting edge designers in all areas. So much so that when you open up their product boxes, you'll typically find a cute little note in 10 point Helvetica, light grey that reads "Designed by Apple in California"...

design is THAT important to them? Then don't be stupid with port layouts on the "most cutting edge notebook to date"...

Perhaps they should focus more on real-world usability than "how thin can we make it?"

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 2:53AM]

That dongle looks EXACTLY THE SAME as the one that came with my elgato turbo.264 video converter.

[rento Posted Mar 8th 2008 5:11AM]

Yea the MBA is shite, bring on the MBA 2.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 12:39PM]

That will be even thinner and uses a micro USB plug that requires an adapter, has an even smaller hard drive, and is OMG its thin!!11oneoneone||\\ so it has to be better.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 9:41AM]

Errr... Did anyone by chance noticed that this crap is actually a $6 ExpressCard to USB adapter with a crappy $1 extension cable, being sold for almost SEVEN TIMES its original price?

...but it's exclusive for the MacBook Air, so the price MUST be correct.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 12:37PM]

"AirQueue gives your MacBook Air's USB port more reach"

Or yah know you might get a laptop that isn't all about looks and get something that is really functional....yah an insane concept I know. I can't wait to point and laugh at the first numbnut I see who has one of these. There is no practical benefits over other ultraslim (This isn't an ultraportable.) devices other then it looks slick.

[Tangible Posted Mar 8th 2008 10:56PM]

I'm using a Sierra 595U 3G modem, sold by Verizon, with the MBA and it fits just fine. The secret is that it has a swiveling USB plug. No dongles needed, and excellent signal.

The MBA, with its paucity of ports and especially with the smallish Solid State Disk, would be a poor choice for one's only computer, but that's not really the point. It's sort of like complaining about the lack of cupholders and off-road capability in a Lamborghini. In any case, I don't know why there are so many angry people in this discussion. The MBA is attractive to some people, like me, and it's not as if anyone is forcing you to buy one.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 11:32PM]

Oh, you'll get slammed for this. They have determined that you're not supposed to like it or want. And, they rule!

(Of course, now that I've said what I've said above, you probably won't, but we'll see........)

;-)