There’s nothing quite like an Apple product launch to bring out every arm-chair profiler to describe exactly what kind of people are lining up to buy.
From the treasure trove of Engadget’s comments sections come these astute piece of analysis on who’s going to buy the new MacBook Air:
It is a laptop for apple fans and people who rely on material goods to demonstrate their worth to other people.
This seems to be an incredibly useless laptop that really only has a market among the yuppies and Mac sycophants with cash to waste on an underpowered, 1-USB port, overpriced toy that in the end just looks pretty and nothing else.
It is primarily going to be purchased by people with too much time / money to do a little independant thinking (read: Starbucks junkies, college students with allowances from the parents, fashionistas, etc.).
I know full well what people i will see with this laptop and they aint the sort of people i get along with. Pricks basicly.
Expected delivery: February 11th. Can’t wait to join the rest of the sycophantic yuppies down at Starbucks where we can flaunt our lack of independent thinking and worth through choice of computer. Awesome.
Carl
on 26 Jan 08Well… I mean, yeah. I think those comments are a bit harsh, but I couldn’t see myself getting a Macbook Air unless it was the one with the SSD, and I just couldn’t justify $3k price tag for one just to shave off a few pounds.
I got a mac pro as my desktop and a 1 year old macbook pro as my laptop right now, so I can probably wait a year or two to see how the Macbook Air will evolve.
Thomas
on 26 Jan 08oh, you think my computer is…pretty? I mean,oh, wow, ok…I mean thanks!. Really, thanks! Cause, well, I mean, I really thought about it, y’know? And I guess it was, like, really ME, you know? It sorta says, “I’m worth it” and stuff. Um, do you think I look fat in this?
Paolo
on 26 Jan 08I should preface this with the fact that I’ve never owned a Mac but always wanted to, until the Air I never came up with a reason.
So as soon as the apple store reopened – I configured it and was just about to click the buy one until… I realized that there was no expresscard slot. The lack of always available internet was simply a deal breaker. I couldn’t justify it. I’m tired of the days of connecting to random access points hoping there is decent internet, hoping it works, hoping there is one. I am happy to pay verizon’s $60/mo to rid myself of that.
It really sucks because I really wanted one.
Mike Sax
on 26 Jan 08David, Did you get the SSD? Will it be your only machine?
Ben Atkin
on 26 Jan 08@Paolo
I was under the impression that hooking up a computer to a cell phone with bluetooth and using the Internet in tethered mode worked almost as well as having an ExpressCard. Is that not the case?
Surely if it’s just a matter of getting the right phone, someone who could afford an $1800 laptop could afford a phone upgrade.
The real Apple fanboy is in kind of a quandary, though, because tethering wouldn’t work so well with an iPhone due to its lack of 3G support. Plus, does the iPhone support tethering at all?
Lance
on 26 Jan 08@Thomas, You channeled Paris Hilton to perfection. Thanks for the laugh.
nate
on 26 Jan 08@Paolo:
You can get a USB device for VZ’s wireless broadband (wi-band?), even though it’s ugly and cumbersome, and kinda retarded-looking.
Dudu P
on 26 Jan 08Well, I won’t be ordering one right now, because I still need to get an 24” Imac first. But after that, I’ll be delightful to replace my current white Macbook with an Air.
I did read those comments, and all the reviews and benchmarks across the web. All of them just made my desire for this to grow. Specially when Engadget stated the most obvious headline of all time: “The Macbook Air is the slowest Apple machine of the block”. With a 1.6ghz cpu, of course it is, you don’t need to run any benchmarks to state that. The point is: how much? And that caught me very surprised, in a good way. I was expecting a lame performance because of that 4200rpm HDD.
People won’t get it. I know how it is, I was among them on 2006. Today I do some serious fight with all the cables on my desk. Whenever I can buy something that replace a cable, even if there’s a drawback, I’m going it. Cords and cables stinks. Even if the Air didn’t had any usb port at all, I would be game for it. It would only force me to get alternate solutions to have no wires stretching all over and under my desk.
JEje
on 26 Jan 08Prick!
Raymond Brigleb
on 26 Jan 08Geez. Sounds like the type of people they’re talking about could be “Rails programmers” circa 2007.
It’s going to be a great computer. Phenomenal. And Apple is smart enough to offer this kind of technology early, before putting it in the MacBook Pros. I’d consider the purchase, too.
sandofsky
on 26 Jan 08I’m also awaiting a 2/11 delivery. My MacBook Air will replace my first generation MacBook, which I’m giving to my father.
The MacBook Air is perfect for me. I own a Mac Pro to do power computing. You don’t edit uncompressed hi-def footage from starbucks. My laptop is for giving presentations, or going somewhere peaceful to write.
dburkes
on 26 Jan 08David- I agree. It’s gonna be great communing with the other pricks.
Read Scott
on 26 Jan 08Why is it suddenly uncool to have a specific computer simply because it’s not as powerful as the alternative? All I need is a browser. Almost all of my apps are on the web nowadays anyway. All I really need is Firefox. $1800 is expensive for a souped up browser though.
Mark J
on 26 Jan 08Haha, I sooo agree. :)
I think, initially the pricks will be buying them - and then the mainstream will follow - and then they’ll all call it revolutionary. What about the non-pricks? They will continue to buy MacBook Pros—or perhaps Windows laptops and install Linux on it.
AhmedF
on 26 Jan 08Why o why doesn’t Apple have a proper docking station – sigh!
Jason
on 26 Jan 08“purchased by people with too much time / money to do a little independant thinking”
Well maybe that “independent thinking” (read: smart) is funding the purchase.
If you don’t want one then don’t buy one.
Jack Danger Canty
on 26 Jan 08I love reading the negative reactions to every new Apple product. The more unnecessary or expensive people believe it to be the more likely it is to change the world.
For reference, here’s a cautious article about the original iPod: http://www.news.com/Apples-iPod-spurs-mixed-reactions/2100-1040_3-274821.html
Gary R Boodhoo
on 26 Jan 08maybe touching the thing will provide greater insight, but must admit a bit sheepishly I’m not understanding the excitement about this product. The thing is impossibly beautiful, and perhaps the form factor alone is the, uh… “big win”. Might even be comfortable to use flying in coach?
But the connectivity as described seems far less than what I’ve come to expect from uglier machines. The non replaceable battery makes it useful for a fraction of international travel time. If only (Tesla style) the Air actually derived power wirelessly!
The only innovative feature I’ve read about is the multitouch gestural input methods using the touchpad, and even then – these are divorced from your actual control surfaces (unlike iPhone or iPod Touch)
Admittedly, I haven’t seen one in the flesh and could be entirely wrong, but as mentioned – not really seeing the big deal :( Was sort of hoping this thing was more like a tablet – a scaled up iPhone!
Jim Jeffers
on 26 Jan 08Don’t get me wrong I’m drooling to play with one of these. But I personally don’t leap with excitement by the news of the ultra-thin laptop. But that’s because I’m not the type of guy who would buy the Sony sub-prime sized notebook.
I believe the macbook air blows all of it’s competition out of the water. The problem with the people writing those comments are that they probably never were or will be the target market that has a need for the ultra-slim lappies. One argument that can’t be denied is that you are paying a premium for a highly specialized solution. You’re alternative for the same price after all is a better equipped and more powerful 15 inch macbook pro.
I am hoping that some of the techniques they used to design this can be translated into slimmer macbooks across the line. Not this thin, but thinner and lighter overall.
Michael Long
on 26 Jan 08AhmedF, With Time Capsules and AirPort Express Printer sharing and “air-tunes” streaming to remote speakers and Bluetooth mice, who needs a physical dock these days?
For about a year I used a 17” MBP as my main machine, and the only thing I connected to it when I sat it down on my desk was the MagSafe power cord. Everything else was wireless.
kimblim
on 26 Jan 08Personally I would never ever buy it, but if other people feel like buying it, I don’t care at all…. As long as we all agree that the Air is an inferior laptop spec-wise, and that it probably won’t work as a primary computer for anyone. Oh, and it’s expensive as well, but my guess is that price is not that big a factor when people buy a fashion item…
james
on 26 Jan 08did I hear Paris Hilton? maybe they should just name it Mac Airhead!
Peter Cooper
on 26 Jan 08@DuduP: The MacBook Air has no fewer cables than a MacBook Pro. A MacBook Pro is still pretty thin (just under an inch) and reasonably light, and significantly more powerful. The MacBook Air certainly has a market, but a tiny one considering just how good the MacBook Pro already is with just a minor amount of extra thickness and weight. Just how small are people’s backpacks? Of course, I might get one anyway.. ha!
Shawn
on 26 Jan 08I run a business, I travel a lot. Having a Mac Air makes perfect sense. People who make comments like that are most likely sitting at a PII, reading engadget over dial up.
Am I a prick? If they think so, who gives a rats @$$
FredS
on 26 Jan 08I think Apple got it wrong. The MacBook Air should have been the equivalent of the Mac Mini. A small and inexpensive Mac laptop priced to get people to switch from PCs. Until Apple sells a laptop for around $600, people will continue to buy their computers from Best Buy, loaded with Vista and stupid software trials.
DHH
on 26 Jan 08Mike, getting the SSD and it won’t be my only machine (primarily because it can’t drive a 30”). If it wasn’t for the external screen, though, I could definitely see it as an only machine. A duo 1.8GHz is what my MacBook Pro had not too long ago.
Don Schenck
on 26 Jan 08This from the company that once introduced a computer without a diskette drive … and you know how much of a failure that turned out to be!
Oh … wait …
Shanti Braford
on 26 Jan 08FWIW, I hear the OLPC helps you pick up chicks the best.
Ed Knittel
on 26 Jan 08I too am anxiously awaiting 2/11 when I expect to receive my new Macbook Air. As someone who spends most of my day in Firefox and some equivalent of TextWrangler I am just looking for something that is light, portable and reliable. As has been pointed out by others the people who are getting an Air probably have a primary desktop/laptop for heavier lifting tasks. Even lighter tasks such as ripping or burning a CD/DVD will be done on my desktop. I don’t need or want a laptop that does everything.
And who the hell likes lugging around a fat laptop at the airport? Going through security is a pain in the ass as it is. Perhaps the Air will make one more part of that pat down by the TSA a little more enjoyable.
FredS
on 26 Jan 08Who the hell would describe a MacBook Pro or MacBook as a “fat laptop”?
AhmedF
on 26 Jan 08@Michael Long – you are way off the mark. The docking station provides direct power, and it provides other ports to use.
As a business user, I want to be able to take this wherever I want (which is where the weight becomes important). When I get back to work, I want to pop it into my docking station and have my keyboard/mouse/speakers/multi-monitor output/etc all setup, and keep my AC adapter out of the way.
As DHH said, it could be a primary machine. At least with a docking station it would have a serious chance at one.
Chris Smith
on 26 Jan 08I looked hard at the Air, and (even being the Apple Fanboy I am), couldn’t justify it, so I got an Eee.
I’ve gotten more mileage out of it than I probably would have on an Air, being that I can throw it in my binder and just go. Plus, the 3 external USB ports have all seen use (I wouldn’t want to have to plug/unplug or carry around a USB hub all the time.
I’m sure that somewhere, someone is going to get mileage out of it. That someone just won’t be me (this time). I really think Apple could’ve squashed the market had they come out with an Eee competitor (featurewise…when it comes to price, we all know it wouldnt be a $399 mini laptop).
Someone will say “But, you’ve only got 4GB of space!”. Yeah, and? It’s not a desktop replacement, and if I just MUST tote around a large collection of files, I’ve got USB drives-a-plenty.
All that to say this: I think Apple jumped the gun on this one. They could’ve executed better, and I expect they’ll kill this off promptly because I don’t see it selling well due to the hatred of it in the blogosphere.
Adam T.
on 26 Jan 08People who criticize everything Apple does, while attempting to sound intelligent and holier-than-thou, in that “What is wrong with you people?!” sort of way only come off sounding bitter and jealous.
Where are the other flame wars? The fact of the matter is, people complain about Apple stuff because it’s pushing the envelope and they’re still stuck in 1987. Sad saps.
Tom G
on 26 Jan 08I’m sick of lugging around my 40lb laptop bag. I don’t think the Air is primarily intended as your only computer. Apple makes desktops that are designed for productivity and now they have focussed on a computer at the logical limit of portability.
I’ll wait for version 2 but would really like to have a super thin client to carry around. I don’t give a crap what people think about my computer.
The biggest point people are missing though is durability. I see a disturbing trend of planned obsolescence and equipment not designed to last. Ask yourselves how many iPods you have gone through over the years. This new portable computer is so thin I suspect they will be easily broken.
Apple if you are listening, I would like integrated wireless broadband through AT&T for always available fast enough internet connectivity, a tablet/pen capability for writing notes and a stereo bluetooth headset capability. I hate meetings, but design a computer that is ideal for the meetings I must attend.
Better yet, turn the whole damn thing into a portable docking station for a souped up iPhone so I can have a full size screen and keyboard when I need it. Provide bundled access to web based productivity apps and see what kind of people become apple users.
Finally it is no surprise that there are Apple bashers. Apple’s ad campaign draws the battle line between mac and PC users. I own both, but use primarily pcs in my work. While I personally find the sensation of humor and insult curiously strange, I understand why some pc people feel compelled to fight back.
Geoffrey Grosenbach
on 26 Jan 08I ordered one right away. I’ve been looking forward to this type of machine for a few years.
The intense anger at the mere existence of this machine confuses me. I would never buy a MacBook Pro, but I have no problem with those who do.
AhmedF
on 26 Jan 08@Geoffrey – “I’ve been looking forward to this type of machine for a few years.” – both Sony and Toshiba have lighter notebooks with optical drives (hell Toshiba’s latest is a mind boggling 1.72 pounds w/ optical).
But still the reason I haven’t bought them … lack of a proper docking station :(
Geoffrey Grosenbach
on 26 Jan 08@AhmedF: Unfortunately, neither the Sony nor the Toshiba run the MacOS out of the box. And the the ones I’ve used have been nowhere near to 1.6GHz dual core (but I haven’t shopped for one recently).
GeeIWonder
on 26 Jan 08People who criticize everything Apple does, while attempting to sound intelligent and holier-than-thou [...] The fact of the matter is, people complain about Apple stuff because it’s pushing the envelope and they’re still stuck in 1987.
Who’s being holier-than-thou again?
Apple makes good products, with great marketing. I’m not sure they’re pushing any envelopes though.
kimblim
on 26 Jan 08People who criticize everything Apple does, while attempting to sound intelligent and holier-than-thou, in that “What is wrong with you people?!” sort of way only come off sounding bitter and jealous.
And people who unconditionally love everything Apple does while bragging about on the internet sound like cult followers? For once, I don’t think this is the usual Apple fanboy vs Apple hater debate, as there are plenty of Apple lovers who don’t like the Air, while I am sure there are Apple haters who admire the Air’s beautiful design. This debate is more likely a function/power vs design/portability discussion.
Listen here, Adam. I don’t complain about everything Apple does, but I reserve the right to criticize their products when they disappoint – and the Air disappointed ME, hence the criticism. No I wouldn’t want one, but I would like a regular MacBook and an iMac, please.
I don’t get why people keep bringing up the original iMac and the floppy drive – the cd/dvd had already taken a huge chunk of the market, and there really was no need for a floppy drive. WiFi has also had a huge impact, but speed is such a huge factor, that when possible, most people choose to use cables – especially when you have to transfer huge files, that you could also choose to tranfer via dvd/cd, but the Air lacks an optical drive… The lack of ethernet AND the optical drive is a dangerous combo; you can probably live without one, but both? I would say no, unless the computer is only a secondary machine, and even then it would be a hassle.
Lance
on 26 Jan 08I’ve been waiting to buy a replacement for my beloved iBook, and was hoping the newly announced laptop would be it, but alas it’s not. For the price, I’ll get a MacBook AND an ASUS Eee.
grappa
on 26 Jan 08*Lightest model configuration of 1.72 lbs is based on a 64GB solid state drive (SSD), a 3 cell battery and no optical disk drive. The Portégé® R500 with the solid state drive will not be available until the end of July 2007. Weight may vary. See Weight Legal Footnote at www.info.toshiba.com.
Copied from Toshiba’s site
Kawika Holbrook
on 27 Jan 08Does anyone want to buy my first generation MacBook Air when the second generation model with a larger hard drive, 3g data, better port door, or whatever, comes out? Because I’ll most likely be buying that one too.
Sergi
on 27 Jan 08Unfortunately I think the guy from the Engadget’s comments section is right. It’s – as most reviewers are already saying – an underpowered machine, not without flaws, and if your are a fashionista for the same price you could always buy a gorgeous Sony TZ, with not only more power but a better screen and more battery life (and SSD as an option)
Thomas
on 27 Jan 08I so wanted this laptop for university. The slim nature would be great, but at the same time I need it to last for the four years I will be there. I wont be able to afford buying at least one more MacBook Air while i am there.
Yevgeny Smirnov
on 27 Jan 08In Russia, MacBook Air has an official price starting with $2,740. And the nootebook’s promised to be with no Cyrillic letters on the keyboard. Like a bootlegged notebook.
With suchian attitude of retailers, consumers are expected to have a strange self-importance.
(O_o) nickpan
on 27 Jan 08starbucks + sexy laptop + Wifi + Web based work = the coolest possible work life i can think of right now. The green Sans-serif fonts on this blog is getting me all excited.
rob
on 27 Jan 08I ordered the 1.8/SSD version, it won’t arrive here in the UK until Feb 29 though (yes, there IS a Feb 29 this year).
My 4yo 15” g4 powerbook is still purring along happily, and will be given to a needy friend. It gets 3-4hr on the orig battery, I’ve never switched batteries, I’ve never used the modem, or various display ports. I’ve used the ethernet port maybe 4 times. I’ve used the superdrive maybe 6 times, all for installs. I’ve never used it on a flight. I find it easy to keep under the 80GB drive size. However, I use the powerbook for at least 6 hours a day, I’m one of those weird people who makes a living from translating thoughts to words, and words to thoughts, and don’t think the speed of the processor will hamper my process. Anyway, the powerbook could do with a replacement, the hard drive is a bit creaky, it needs more mem sometimes, the display could be brighter, and its finally depreciated to zero in my accounting.
I don’t need a MBP, I’ve got a macpro for heavy lifting. I don’t like the MB look. The MBA outperforms my G4PB, and thats all I care. I don’t mind if there is something twice as fast as I’ll only use half its power. Above all, the MBA means less weight when commuting, its kind of absurd that I’ve lugged an aluminium box nearly 1000 times on the Tube without ever using parts of it at the other end (the superdrive, ports, etc). I’m sure there are plenty of people out there like me that will jump at the MBA.
Darren
on 27 Jan 08Are you guys pussies? my macbook pro is not a heavy laptop in fact its the lightiest laptop I have ever owned. I just don’t see the point in this over priced underweight machine unless you were a pussy and think a pro is heavy :p
I would be pissed if someone took my macbook pro and gave me one of these.
anonymous rich jerk
on 27 Jan 08Don’t hate me because I’m rich enough to buy a laptop solely for the aesthetics.
just me
on 27 Jan 08I like the 13.3 inch screen size. I wish it was 10 inch. I like the backlit keyboard. How do I get a backlit keyboard running osx with a small footprint? The macbook air.
Michelle
on 27 Jan 08Aaron
on 28 Jan 08For the limited type of use that the Air is good for (i.e. basic word processing), I would rather have an “Asus eee”—smaller , lighter, cheaper.
Tyroneous Rex
on 28 Jan 08Does anyone know if I can port my Atari GEM OS onto this beauty?
JabbyPanda
on 28 Jan 08You would not be able to insert any USB device into this single USB slot, because of its specific location, see this photo:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/01/macbook-air-ev-do-test-top.jpg
doc
on 28 Jan 08First of all: I like Apple Products. But I think what is happening right now thinking of all the quotes in your post is what Apple Maniacs did all the time with Apple competitors: being unfair. There ARE downsides looking at this product. Consider this:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/01/macbook-air-ev-do-test-top.jpg
being a Microsoft Product… I just think the Apple community is taking a step away from cool and independent to arrogant in the recent past. So if the Apple Community is really negative about everything not featured by Apple you don’t have to wonder why people are now taking a closer look at not so perfect aspects of the Macbook Air (and besides being a cool device it IS expensive, it IS more a fashion product than a worker’s tool and it never was the thinnest notebook on earth – google i.e. for Sharp Muramasa (if some PC Manufacturer would have announced the thinnest notebook I’m sure the Apple Community would have called it a marketing lie – getting the point?)).
Evan
on 28 Jan 08I went for the Eee. Better price point. Air looks kind of neat but doesn’t at all make me regret my decision.
Evan
on 28 Jan 08(Oh, and to the Air’s credit, though, “Eee” is a real clunker of a name. Still, I like the machine a lot! It’s quite fun and hackable.)
Jeff
on 28 Jan 08The biggest problem I see is that techy types analyze this stuff and don’t understand or know who John Q. Average user is. Remember how computer nerd wrote off the original iMac because it wasn’t upgradeable, all-in-one, etc., basically not a typical PC white box? Turned out that people didn’t want that after all, they just wanted a single box that plugged into the wall. Techies have a hard time challenging the notion of what is broadly desired.
The MacBook Air is probably more than adequate for 90% of the computer users I know. I think the criticism of the pricing is certainly warranted, but beyond that, it does most of what normal humans need.
Adam
on 28 Jan 08I was a PC-fan for years, both through college, work, and home life. I sprang for a Mac Mini a few years back after working on a friends Mac and finding it so easy.
What did I find? I could check e-mail. I could surf the web. I could do quick spreadsheets. I could write short letters. Listening to music was easy, and my pictures were all carefully organized. Even some quick & dirty movie editing was a blast, even if all I was doing was putting music over some photo montages. That’s all I needed.
What did I no longer need to do? Reconfigure my firewall every 10 minutes. Update my AV every 6 minutes. Change my network settings every day or so. Reboot from a blue screen once a week. Restart Excel when my PC started getting slow.
Using my Mac Mini at home has been such a joy, allowing me to keep all the tweaking and powertools to my work Dell laptop. When I go home I don’t want to change DHCP settings – I want to hear from my family and friends and maybe read CNN once in a while. Now that the Air came out, I may just spring for it. The base model is relatively cheap (even when Apple Care & the $99 ext super drive, which I think should have been bundled in the box but anyway). Plus if I spring for Time Capsule, I’ll get faster wireless to replace my old linksys (which I was likely to do anyway), I’ll have backup for the first time on my mac, and I won’t have to WORRY about it. Configuring backup tools is not straightforward, so why should I waste hours of my personal time when I can just use time machine for myself and instead go rock climbing or snowboarding or whatever? Plus, my girlfriend can use it for her PC backup needs so it will help all of us. $2000 for all of that, plus a s
Thomas Paine
on 28 Jan 08I pre-ordered mine with SSD. The gyroscopic effects from conventional HDD hinder my mobility.
And… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been frustrated by my current notebook: I’m often moments from creating world-changing work - movies, photographs, revolutionary Ruby-based web frameworks - but at the last minute I am thwarted by the sheer girth of my computer. There’s nothing more important in a laptop than being thin. Surely every other aspect, even weight, must be compromised in its name!
John
on 28 Jan 08Call me old-fashioned… I payed $600 for my desktop PC and it never leaves my home office. Yet somehow, I still manage to get my work done. Then again, I’m a 40-something father of 2 kids, both in daycare, and I have an eye towards early retirement, so I don’t have an extra 3k burning a hole in my pocket to plunk down on a fancy little machine like that. I just don’t understand how people can justify spending that kind of $$ on a computer, when perfectly good PC laptops are available for less than 1/4 of the price. You won’t find me in Starbucks drinking a $4 cup of coffee either.
I think the target users described in the original thread aren’t very far off base. Macs seem to me to be somewhat of an addiction to people, much like the fancy lattes but on a much larger scale.
gwg
on 28 Jan 08Both Appl Fan boys and Apple Haters seem to be completely missing the boat on this one.
It’s simply Apple’s entry into the ultra-portable market. Nothing more, nothing less. Most ultra portables are rather ‘under powered’ just like a laptop is ‘under powered’ compared to a tower.
It’s not going to ruin nor make Apple great. It’s just a niche market for the very mobile business professional.
DHH
on 28 Jan 08John, I’m fascinated by your position. You don’t want a MacBook Air and you’re happy with a desktop PC. That’s great. There’s no need to apologize for that. Neither with your age or the fact that you have kids. With your available funds, it’s not an attractive offer. Perfectly legit.
But why are people who do not share your situation or opinions to be chastised for making a different choice? If you value the taste of a Starbucks coffee to be worth $4 (presumably well aware that there are $1 alternatives), are you a bad person? If you value the package of the MacBook Air at the price Apple is asking, are you an addict?
I just don’t get the prejudice and anger.
Chris Carter
on 28 Jan 08I like where they were going with this – but I was hoping for a touch screen on it. Basically a big iPhone/iPod touch running the full OSX. Without that, I can’t see myself paying that much for the Air when I could get the same and more functionality with the tiniest bit more weight in the regular MacBook.
alps
on 28 Jan 08David, it just amazes me the number of people who just don’t get it. And, thanks for the follow-up to John’s comment. Basically, it comes down to retro vs. metro.
kimblim
on 28 Jan 08David, I don’t think anyone is angry or prejudiced about the people buying an Air. I simply think that most people don’t think it’s good value for money as a work tool. For people who hang out at starbucks and do nothing but browse the web or email, it’s a fabolous but expensive product. For the rest of us, a MacBook or a Windows laptop is probably a better buy.. I don’t think it comes down to retro vs metro – I think it comes down to specs vs portability, and right now portability is more expensive.
DHH
on 28 Jan 08kimblim, did you read the quotes that formed this post? There’s a lot of anger there, it seems. And you just committed the same prejudice with your “people who hang out at starbucks and do nothing but browse the web or email” stereotype.
I ordered one. I’ve talked and read of several others who’ve done the same. None fit the category described. I don’t even like coffee ;).
GeeIwonder
on 28 Jan 08Prejudice? Really. That’s an awfully loaded word to be throwing around about people who don’t love Macs.
Michelle argues that’s it’s a positive feeling when it’s on the Mac side, and that people who point out flaws, bad value, or other downsides are being negative. I think the smarty-pants I’m cool and you’re not (usually implied by asuch clever comments as e.g. ‘stuck in 1987’, ‘don’t get it’, ‘computer nerd’, ‘average user’, etc.) is very negative.
Owning a Mac doesn’t make you particularly unique, particularly cool, particularly smart or particularly insightful. If anything, it makes you a trend follower. You’re not being persecuted, you’re being disagreed with. Get over yourself.
Ryan Allen
on 28 Jan 08I got DHH’s side on this one. It looks like a great product, great for travellers, students (who can afford it), etc. Lots of undue negativity directed towards the product and the people who want one. When you do something a bit unorthodox you’re going to get slammed. It’s a case of sour grapes I think. :)
Remember people that it is super tiny, runs Mac OS X and is Apples newest laptop design. It is desirable to some people.
Additionally for those slamming the cost – some people use computers to make money and because of this the expense is justified. People in other industries spend thousands of dollars on their tools, so why can’t we?
(Disclaimer: I’m buying an Air to use as my primary work machine)
GeeIWonder
on 28 Jan 08People in other industries spend thousands of dollars on their tools, so why can’t we?
Couldn’t agree more. These are all just glorified hammers for most of us, anyways.
Still, I wonder if people who buy a red hammer accuse the people with the dollar-cheaper black hammer not being as original (unorthodox) and full of sour grapes? Maybe, I guess.
DHH
on 29 Jan 08GeelWonder, the prejudice is not from people not liking the Air (be my guest), but from the fantasies about the kind of people who would by the Air. That they must be “trend followers” or yuppies or outright pricks.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
on 29 Jan 08I’ll buy the next iteration. Rather than say Apple has a habit of fscking over the typical early adopter like me, I’ll simply say that Apple has become adept at segmenting its early adopter market into those who are willing to pay a premium for three months of being the only one with the latest Apple gear and guinea pig the product and those who know that Apple will drop the price and/or add desirable features into the next revision six months later. Finally, I’m in the latter category.
GeeIWonder
on 29 Jan 08Fantasies abound about Apple product owners. Apple encourages them by brown-vs-blue, glasses-vs-goatee, fat-vs-slim marketing. All of which is nonsense of course. Owning a particular brand (or choosing not to own it) in no way defines you as a person.
This is Apple’s fault, not anyone else’s. I’d argue that people who think it does might be more likely to be moved by said marketing, and are also the most likely to flaunt their new ‘Air’ in a way that grows tiresome to others (say, their co-workers or the people in line behind them at the coffee shop). I’d also argue that such people are at least fools, and quite possibly pricks.
I’d also argue that using the word ‘prejudice’ to qualify an argument about which computer to buy is inherently qualifying and, frankly, preposterous given the very real historical and current contexts it draws on. ‘Bias’ or ‘preconceptions’ would’ve worked just as nicely.
None of which means I don’t like Apple or their products, or their product owners. I might buy an Air, who knows..
AhmedF
on 29 Jan 08Regardless of the Apple back and forth going on, how about this one:
http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked
13.3 2.5 pounds 2 Ghz upto 4GB ram Optical drive.
kimblim
on 29 Jan 08DHH, yes I read the entire post and all the comments – and yes there is anger, but I don’t think any of that anger is directed toward the people buying the Air, but rather towards the Air itself. If people want to buy the Air, they should definently do so! Regarding the prejudice, I wouldn’t say my Starbucks comment was too bad, considering that a lot of people have been saying how perfect the Air was for that kind of consumer (i.e. the kind who takes his/hers laptop anywhere). I would actually say that the prejudice is worse on the “We love the Air and anyone saying differently are bitter and jealous and stuck in 1987”-side…
Just to clarify my view here: I think the Air is a ripoff when you look at price vs specs. It’s a good deal if you value the portability and design more than being able to run processor/ram heavy applications. I have no special love/hate for the people buying the Air…
Don Schenck
on 29 Jan 08I’m a yuppie. I’m a prick. I love coffee and my Nespresso machine.
I must have this computer.
Everyone happy? I just fulfilled your stereotype. Now excuse me while I go park my BMW…
Anonymous Coward
on 29 Jan 08I’m sorry, what again exactly IS the point of the Macbook Air? Was my 17” Powerbook just not thin enough?
I don’t remember ever thinking “you know, if only this had no CD or DVD drive and could break in half even easier than it already feels like it could, it would be PERFECT!”
- Anonymous coward, or whatever they call me
Sebhelyesfarku
on 30 Jan 08Mactards are pricks by default.
John
on 30 Jan 08Following up on the follow-ups to my post…
I’m not “angry” at the people who buy the fancy new Mac offerings… on the contrary. I just don’t understand people’s need to have the latest/greatest thing, especially at such an exhorbitant cost. It’s great that Mac can offer such a thin laptop, but were their previous laptops so heavy that people will make the switch, and at the expense of less features?! I remember carrying around my old PowerBook and never once did I wish it was lighter. I just prefer to get more (not less) for my money as I get older, so I make more conservative choices now. I could buy a million dollar home too, but that doesn’t make much financial sense either.
“Retro vs. metro”? Maybe I’m a bit retro, but at least I won’t have to work until I’m 70 because I didn’t understand how the $3k I spent on a new toy back in ‘08 (and ‘10, and ‘12, and ‘14 etc) could work for me.
It’s all about priorities. Fiscally responsible people who don’t need to worry about money can disregard what I’m saying – buy the toys – they’re made for you. It’s the people who can’t really afford it yet buy them anyway that puzzle me. It’s all good though… I bought a big bite of Apple stock back when it was at $30/share… :-D
Michelle
on 31 Jan 08That is not what I said and what I was talking about had nothing to do with Apple products. The point was that it is negative to bash someone for something (anything!) they like. If you don’t like it, then there is no need to spend your time on a website insulting someone for what they do like. By all means, do something more positive and let us know about an alternative that you do like and why you like it. Maybe you should “get over yourself” and take time to write an intelligent thought-provoking reply instead of just spouting the usual rhetoric which is what this blog post is all about anyway.
GeeIWonder
on 31 Jan 08Michelle—you elegantly quoted me but omitted much of what I said. You need to at least add [...] to suggest there was more to the point (even if you missed it).
The key part (that you omitted): I think the smarty-pants I’m cool and you’re not (usually implied by asuch clever comments as e.g. ‘stuck in 1987’, ‘don’t get it’, ‘computer nerd’, ‘average user’, etc.) is very negative.
It’s fine (and easy) to be positive about what you like. But devaluating the opinion about people who disagree with you is a negative, and frankly much more negative than a ‘bash’ on a product. Such as:
take time to write an intelligent thought-provoking reply instead of just spouting the usual rhetoric whic h[...]
Think about that. If I’m arguing in rhetoric (doesn’t everybody, by the way?), you’re arguing in cliches (“Don’t be negative!”), and failing to live by your own spiel.
Anonymous Coward
on 31 Jan 08“Don’t hate me because I’m rich enough to buy a laptop solely for the aesthetics.”
Ok, I’ll just laugh at you because you have the low level of self-esteem required to say something as pitiful as that.
AOrth
on 31 Jan 08I’m a student. I need to use my computer at school. Recently, my iBook G4 completely crashed, leaving me with no compuuter to use at school, a requirement.
I do not need a computer for power, 1.8GHz is fine for me. My main priority in notebook is that it is small, and that my back doesnt break during the hour transit to school. This laptop is perfect for me, but I dont consider myself a prick either. My computer just broke, and im my opinion this was the best thing on the market for me at this time.
I can understand while some people value processing power, or memory more than the aesthetics of a computer, but for me the size is important, not how fast it goes.
Michelle
on 31 Jan 08GeeIWonder: Since you did not address what I said, but chose to completely ignore my original point once again, I think it speaks volumes about how you choose to discuss an issue. I think I was very clear about my point and you can either choose to be positive or negative, but I can see you’ve already made your choice. You are not arguing about the specific details of the MacBook Air, but instead you are choosing to talk negatively about people who like Apple products. That is not a valid argument against a product. Bashing is negative, disagreeing with real evidence and logic is positive. So yes, you can disagree with people who like this product, but you need to voice your opinion in an intelligent manner that doesn’t make fun of people for something so general as preferring one brand over another. The negativity lies in the bashing, not in the disagreement. Can you not understand this? Once again, that is the whole point of this blog post.
GeeIWonder
on 01 Feb 08I don’t want to get into a whole thing here, so I won’t. Your original point was in response to someone pointing out that ‘negativity’ exists both on the sides (in response), and that suggesting that This [actual (rather than perceived)] debate is more likely a function/power vs design/portability discussion.
My opinion was voiced in quite an intelligent manner, thank you very much. My counter point is that, essentially what is negative depends on where you stand. I think people attacking a product is far less negative that people attacking people.
Another related point is that owning a product does not inherently make you more entitled or righteous or positive or logical or whatever than not owning it, nor does it make you part of some ‘prejudiced’ group which the OP and several commenters obviously think it does. Finally, if you buy any material good because it makes you feel like a better person, or spend more time shopping for a fix than trying to better yourself as a human being, you are a fool for doing so.
Can you not understand this?
I can’t understand how a grown adult could actually think ‘don’t be negative’ is actually a substantive argument. It scares the bejeezus out of me, to be honest, especially going into an election year.
I think bad is bad and good is good too. When you’re arguing with the guy mugging you, raising your taxes, or doing anything else are you being negative? Viewpoints in the real world are relative, Michelle. Dora the Explorer doesn’t have all the answers.
Now, if I’ve still missed your point or you feel I’ve misquoted you, I apologize.
This discussion is closed.