MacBook Air: No pleaseing anyone?

Hi.

I know a lot of people don't like the Air, mainly because a lack of ports... HANG ON. What about a USB Hub??? You can get some pretty small ones, for almost nothing??? And what devices are Firewire? I am yet to see one that doesn't offer USB.

CD Drive? Remote Disc, or buy one. Any DVD-RW USB powered one will work?

It is not a desktop replacement, but at the same time how many ultra-portables are? The MB has 2 USB ports? I don't get why people are moaning about it.

Nick

 

It seems you are forgetting the fact that quite a lot of USB devices, such as HDs or DVD drives require a POWERED USB port. This means that if you were to carry with you a tiny portable USB hub, you will only be able to connect ONE of those devices to it at any given time, because the hub draws power from the USB port on the MBA, which can only power one device.

This means that for example, I will not be able to connect my DVD drive AND my external HD to the MBA at the same time, unless I get a POWERED USB hub, which will mean I will need to carry an additional POWER SUPPLY, which would probably mean my MBA won't fit in an envelope anymore, which would destroy the whole purpose of the MBA.

Furthermore, the MBA is so thin that a number of USB devices are simply too fat to fit in its USB port. Add on the fact that it has no ethernet port (unless you take up the USB port), unless you are someone leading in a wholly wireless enabled lifestyle (wireless mouse, wireless internet, wireless networked HDs, wireless CD drive/remote disk etc. And the same for your workplace), I would not recommend you get the MBA.

There is another thing, the MBA does not support WUSB. If Apple is advertising the MBA as such an amazing wireless device, then why on earth was that technology not built in? Even Dell has a number of models with WUSB.

 

Nick, The reason no one likes the MBA is because they love to find things that don't work about it, which is a good thing, but i think people do it obsessively with this computer. If your considering a purchase, simply ask your self if it will work for what you need it to. Everything you need to know about the computer is out there. You already know it has one USB port that doesn't fit all devices, but if this isn't a problem than the computer shouldn't be a problem. Also it should be noted that the MBA one USB port has more power than a traditional USB port, this is so that it can support the optical drive. This doesn't really mean anything but i thought i would point it out.

 

I agree that Apple is a lightning rod for criticism and that is leading to a lot of the MBA criticism. However, it also is a very niche machine. It is really only designed for one type of user, someone who already owns a Mac at home, uses .mac, runs Leopard, and is already setup for a wireless situation (i.e. network printers, drives, etc.). It is also not for someone who really needs speed or power.

That is a lot of requirements, and few people fit into that mold. Then again, I don't believe Apple is hoping this to see mass adoption anyway.

 

My dislike for the MBA comes from my dislike for all ultra-portable computers. I think they're all rip-offs and useless, and having to buy external add-ons for them to have basic abilities means you might as well save some cash and just buy a Macbook.

I mean seriously. Look at it. WHAT CAN IT DO?! It's essentially a Macbook stripped of hardware to make it thinner, and with a new hefty price tag.

I'm just saying, for that price you might as well get a more powerful machine. Why settle for less and pay more?

 

Well, mainly I find it impractical when compared to the MacBook, which has more ports while still being cheaper. The MBA isn't bad, I just think its price is too high for what it offers.

As others have said, a USB hub works but isn't enough power to say charge an iPod while plugging in a flash drive...and that's my problem.

 

Sorry, but I don't understand why it can't charge a iPod and use a USB Memory stick. I just tried it, and it worked. Maybe as I am using a PC laptop?

I think 2 USB ports, next to each other is impratical. I can't have a 3G USB Modem connected and a iPod. As the modem takes up the both spaces???

Firewire is just about as useful as a dial-up modem, or Windows Me.

The USB port, can take most memory sticks (if not all) all cables. What can't it take?

Does anyone think Apple may come up with another one in 6 months time, and it might have 2 USB ports? They will leave out the CD drive, as they can't call it world's thinnest notebook with a drive in there.

I don't work for Apple. But if Dell did this, no one would moan. I think the Latitude D430 has only 1 USB port, correct me if I am wrong.

Nick.

 

I use firewire... lol. Don't have a USB cable for my iPod and external HDs work faster on firewire...

And btw... people expect better quality from Apple than they do from Dell.

 

Can I get a Firewire to USB adapter, as I have been reading that all camcorders have firewire?

Nick

 

yes you can. However the transfer speed will be slowed down to that of a USB port.

EDIT: I found 1 manufacturer that made the cable.... and it's not even Mac compatible lol. They're also $120.

 

I really hate the idea of using usb hub. Why the hell can they put one more USB on the board? If you can carry a usb hub, then you sure can tolerate the heavy weight of macbook? The design of Macbook air is really not good enough. Also they have only 2 usb ports on the macbook and macbook pro 15 inch model. What a not smart design.

 

I find 2 USB ports enough. I use them for a mouse and USB key. The only time I actually used all 3 of mine at once was when I had a mouse, USB key and printer connected, which isn't really necessary since you can just drag the file you want to print onto your Macs HD. However, 1 is simply not enough. If they added another USB port and firewire, I wouldn't be so critical of it's limited ports.

 

I usually has a usb flash drive, a usb mouse and a usb external hard drive, so 2 is limited.

 

Although I think Firewire has it's place for high end digicams and external hard drives it's uses are limited but I'll up the anti and say it's a lot more useful than Windows Vista and holds more importance.

 

You must be right, funny how Windows Vista has more market share than firewire.

Then again according to MacUser 97% of the world has Windows.

Nick.

 

I used to own an Apple 466mhz Clamshell i bought it like in 2006 it was decently priced and i liked the design/colour of it so i bought one and used it as a second computer back then. This computer had one usb port but it also had an ethernet port and a firewire port and a dvd player.

My main computer had to go in for service and i had to use the Clamshell for a couple of weeks and among other reasons I found it pretty hard going because of the lack of ports. The MBA is pretty pricey to be used as a second computer. I have no need for a second computer now anyway and i need a computer that is 12-13 inches but fully functional.

With the Clamshell i owned I got myself a USB hub and i hated it. Aesthetically i don't think they look good and also i find them a pain to use and not convenient at all whether at home or away.

I personally would never buy a computer without a dvd drive built in again i find the external drives also inconvenient and a pain. I found it a pain using an external DVD burner with the Clamshell I owned.

I own external hard drives but they are not something that i really like getting out all the time. When i had a MBP it came with a 160GB HD i only had like 120GB or 130GB left on my HD with MacOSX iLife and everything else. I installed Bootcamp after that 80GB is a bit to low and 4200rpm is not to great either. Yes you could go for an SSD but the price of that is very expensive.


For me the Clamshell was more productive for me than this MBA.

I own two batteries for my current notebook so when i am away from home i can easily swap in my spare battery this is not an option for the MBA. Other notebooks that have been if not thinner and lighter have had user replaceable batteries.

If you are a traveller and you have to travel with all these extras you are probably looking at 5lbs plus in weight anyway.

I know ultraportables are often not cheap but this computer for the specs is just to over priced to me.

In my opinion Apple need to revise this MBA if it is going to really succeed.

 

Another major issue with the MBA is that it is not really THAT portable. Sure, it can fit in an envelope, which is great, but for example: I have a friend who owns a 9" SONY (which has a built in CD drive, ethernet port, USB ports etc.), and she carries her laptop around with her in her purse.

Sure, the MBA is thinner, but its physical dimensions in terms of width and lengths cannot be considered to be small. My friend would, for example, not be able to fit it inside her purse. Unless she gets a bigger purse. Or she realises that carrying laptops in purses isn't the bestest of ideas.

 

I think Apple looked at the fundamentals of an ultraportable differently...they consider the small screen to be a conventional compromise, while most users want the smaller screen, as that allows the dimensions/footprint to be smaller.

 

So you guys always have 2 USB devices connected when your using you laptop? The only one I use, is a iPod charger and a USB Memory stick.

I, like many others have never used Firewire before.

Nick.

 

Every other current Mac notebook bar the MBA is FW enabled. Apple monitors are also FW enabled. I think FW tend to be used more on the Mac side than on the PC side.

When i used to own two Mac's FW was very useful to me it allowed me to connect two computers together and transfer data over when i was doing installations and also just transferring other things from one computer to the other.

For an example an occasion where i would use two usb ports is when i am like using my scanner or printer and have my iPod also plugged in. For me a computer is about making things as hassle free for myself. Each persons defintion of what is hassle free will vary.

Edited to add:
I was looking at the X61 yesterday and that in my opinion gives better value for money although of course it does not run MacOSX. If Apple revised the MBA and maybe added in a larger HD (both Toshiba and Lenovo do this with the 12 inch ultraportables in their range) couple of more connectivity ports and a slimiline drive i would consider it even though my ideal 12-13inch would have dedicated graphics. Ideally i would also like to see Apple up the processor speeds and maybe drop the 1.6 and offer the 1.8ghz model at least as the base model and then offer the upper end model with the 2.0ghz and the 2.2ghz processor.
If they want to put in a ULV processor then put one in but opt for a higher 2.0ghz version like Panasonic use in the Toughbooks. Right now they are using a standard processor which is not the best for battery life.They should really up the speeds if they are going to use standard processors.

Apple should also allow people to select their own HD size in the upper end model instead of just being offered a very expensive SSD drive.

 

I have two sets of kit. At home, I connect my Macbook to my powered USB hub, which has on it a card reader, mouse and ipod charger. On the road, I use my bluetooth mouse. As a result, there are only very occasional situations where I need to use both my ports (for example when my friend needs to plagiarise some data from my mobile external onto his while on the road).
I would love to use my firewire port, but all my HDs are USB and ipod touch does not support firewire synching.

 

2 or more USB devices are pretty much a necessity to the average user these days... I am comfortable with at least 3 USB ports and would find 2 limited. On a side note: anyone think that the MBP 15" will get another USB port when refreshed?

 

I'd say if it was redesigned, its possible. I'd like 3 USB ports too...I'm usually good with 2 USB ports, but 3 of course would be better. That way, I can use 2 USB ports for my external hard drive and one for say a mouse.

 

Yes, but then if you buy a MacBook Air you are going for the mobility right? Not the ability to do everything?

Good points, but I think FireWire is slowly becoming obsolete. Like what FireWire device doesn't support USB?

Nick

 

I think there are still a lot of firewire devices that don't support USB.
High end video equipment uses firewire, and I don't believe any of them have USB (but not sure).
USB is good for stuff like keyboards, but is terrible for data transferring. Though hopefully we will see e-SATA on the next generation of laptops as that is the best method of external storage.

 

Well there are Firewire only digicams.

 

Yeah, that's what I see the MBA as. Its not meant to be a primary computer, its meant to be a secondary computer when one has a much more powerful one at home or in the office.

 

Exactly, and how many people would even use high-end video stuff even with the MacBook???

For Video pros, and stuff they will probably go for a Mac Pro, iMac or MacBook Pro.

Nick

 

I'd say that firewire is going extinct, not obsolete. Obsolete would mean that it wasn't as good as USB, when it is actually superior.

The Macbook Air offers absolutley nothing in terms of mobility because it's footprint is the same as the Macbooks, so technically speaking, the Macbook is just as mobile, save for a little extra weight.

Thinness doesn't matter if you still need to use the exact same size laptop bag as the Macbook uses. The only way I see the MBA being more mobile is if you jam it between books in a book bag, which is a really bad idea considering how expensive the thing is.

 

This was my reasoning for buying another MacBook as opposed to the MBA after it was announced and finding out about the specs.

 

Yeah, but it's about two pounds less and .3 inches thinner than a MB, much less functional, and much more expensive. Unless you must use extremely thin backpacks, I don't see the reason to get an MBA instead of a MB.

 

e-sata is already on many MSI & Asus notebooks but has a downfall in that at this time there is no power in the transfer cable so the device needs external power. The upside is it is somewhat faster than usb & firewire combined
I had high hopes for USB 3.0 but it is still stuck near 600

 

All Apple had to do was look at the 12" Powerbook, make a widescreen 12.1" Macbook Pro and they would be all set. Maybe get an 8400gs in there? It would get so so so many more sales.

 

I agree. Most of the people were looking for an Intel version of the 12-inch Powerbook G4, and if it was just a little thinner and was widescreen, it would have been much better.

 

I would love a 12" MacBook Pro, but I think they should change the standard MacBook to a Aluminium case? Like they had before.

Nick

 

I think they should change the MB case to carbon fiber. That way it can still have that glossy look to it.

 

I think Apple could have put in an ultra-slim slot load drive. But for me the REAL killer is the lack of 3G internet. I live in a a city and I am on my laptop everywhere. I don't do much demand stuff with it most of the time, but I use my 3G aircard daily.

 

I use both USB ports, and the firewire 800 port, and the usb port on my AEBS, and I'm leaning towards buying another hub.

Unlike many PCs, the MBp fortunately isn't quite so badly designed as to put two USB ports right next to each other...so at least they're not useless

i can't believe the number of laptops where either:
1. Two USB ports right next to each other, so one's useless
2. they're vertical on a thin laptop, meaning they're useless or they tilt the laptop
3. it's next to some other port or device, preventing said device from functioning (i.e. blocking the optical drive door...)

Some laptop designers need to learn common sense.

 

Because Wifi doesn't seem to work too well I already need one USB port for an Ethernet adapter and the second one for a proper mouse. Where can I pug in now an external HD, a DVD burner and a printer? I don't want to use a Hub all the time.

 

I don't see a built-in 3G card as a selling point. They are not universal so you have to either go with Sprint or Cingular or whomever the PC company sticks you with. I would prefer choice rather than pay for a built-in Cingular Aircard and don't want to sign up with them.

 

I think that usb is better than firework. I have to say that firework 800 has an theoretical speed of 800M, but Intel is now doing some research on usb 3.0, which is 10 times faster than usb 2.0, in other words, usb 3.0 is 4800Mbps. I see more and more usb drives, like ubs flash drive, but I never saw a firework drive.
My macbook pro has firework 400 and 800, I NEVER use them once!!

 

It's different in Europe, they are universal here. You can use the 3G card with every provider. All you need is to swap the the SIM chip.

 

Well, usually I have speakers, a mouse and a flash drive to plug in...sometimes I need both USB ports when I'm connecting to the external hard drive. So yeah...I do end up using them.

And I've used Firewire for my camcorder .

 

does the air charge through the usb like some other macs I've seen?

 

Which other Macs do that?

And no, it uses a MagSafe adapter.

 

None of the current Macs charge through USB...the Mac notebooks all charge using the Magsafe.

 

in addition to lacking ports and built-in media devices, the MacBook air now has been discovered with problems. personally, i think the MBAs are rediculously pricey. is the compact design look that expensive? it's only useful for those who surf the webs n chat.

 

First I've heard of this. Please elaborate.

I agree with you on the cost of the machine, but, no doubt, designing and building so skinny a machine is an expensive proposition.

 

It just seems like too much of form over function to me. The impression I get is Apple tried to identify a unique selling point for their ultraportable. Trouble is I think for too many users it's too much of a compromised design. Yes it's thin but isn't actually that small.

It's also appears that it does have a few problems with connectivity particularly bluetooth and for a notebook that trades on wireless connectivity this could be a big problem.

 

^Not even that. This device was never even conceived as a computer.

It's an iTunes-Store-Terminal