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The MacBook Air: Why?

June 3rd, 2008 | Posted in Other |
 

 

Ahh, the Apple MacBook Air…love it, or hate it? Now that it has been around for awhile, I think it’s possible for people to start truly giving good, accurate reviews on durability, performance, and problems that are associated with the uber-device. One caveat to note here in the beginning: I have not directly used a MacBook Air, so most of the information is from third-party sources. So, with that being said, let’s dive into some of the issues surrounding the hands on reviews of this skinny, mini-machine.

To refer to it as a mini-machine really isn’t completely appropriate. Yes, it is small. But, it’s still a decently powered machine. While some would argue that paying $1800 for a 1.6Ghz processor and an 80GB hard drive is insane, others would say that it’s completely appropriate. I always tend to like things that are definitive, cut and dry, black and white, right and wrong (you get the picture). However, in the case of this rogue laptop, my initial response to whether this machine is a good choice or not is this: it depends. Lame? Perhaps. But, is it true? Yep.

I think one of the biggest things to remember about the Air is that it isn’t designed for everyone. It also was never designed as a desktop replacement. Apple has already created their portable desktop replacements with their MacBook Pro line.

One niche that I personally think Apple has zeroed in on with the Air is those folks who want a portable system, but don’t necessarily need it for all of their computing needs. Let’s call it the “2nd System Niche.” A need for a second computer? I don’t have a second system be it laptop or desktop. I’ve never had two computers that I used at the same time. But, there is a demographic out there that obviously needs/desires a second, third or more system for their personal or business use. I think that this guy’s review fits nicely here as an example of someone wanting a lightweight, very portable system. He has specific needs and the Air seems to take care of them easily and perfectly. I think his situation is duplicated many times over and over again in the business world.

Another niche served well by the Air is that of the frequent business traveler. Yes, there are many, many machines that serve this niche well, however…they aren’t nearly as cool to look at. Does that sound vain? Yes. But, again…is it true? You bet it is. Remember Andre Agassi’s famous words in the Canon commercials? “Image is everything.” Well, for some folks that is absolutely true. So, to fill that niche and exploit it…voila, we have the MacBook Air. There is that core group of travelers who truly purchase it for the space and weight savings that it offers. And, some people just like Apple’s products. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. We all have our biases when it comes to product loyalty. Why should it be any different with those who are loyal to the Apple brand?

I offer those ‘niches’ up purely as food for thought. Honestly, if I were looking to purchase a new Apple computer, I have a hard time coming up with a list of really good, justifiable reasons to purchase the MacBook Air. Here are the points that get me:
 

MacBook Air (base model) .76” thick Weighs 3 pounds   13 inch screen    1.6GHz processor       80GB, unconventional hard drive  $1799.00

MacBook (base model and not the Pro) 1.08” thick Weighs 5 pounds 13 inch screen 2.1 GHz processor 120GB serial hard drive $1099.00

• Is .32” in thickness really THAT big of a deal?
• 2 pounds isn’t a major issue.
• $700 is a big deal to me. With that $700 difference, I can make some major modifications and create a pretty nice system out of a base model MacBook.

So, when I look at this information and then I read the reviews, my mind starts wandering a bit. I start wondering what really motivates people to purchase the MacBook Air. It’s very limited in its ability and overall appeal. So, what makes it so popular?

Do you have a good answer for me? Let me know! I’d be very interested in hearing from readers who have good reasons behind why the MacBook Air is so appealing.

Reviews that I found interesting:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/macbook-air-review/
http://www.macworld.com/article/131864/2008/01/macbookair.html
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/02/11/07TC-macbook-air_1.html
http://gizmodo.com/348306/macbook-air-reviews

 

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