Video: Thinnest laptop evah
posted at 3:55 pm on January 15, 2008 by Allahpundit
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How’d they do it? By eliminating the CD/DVD drive, rendered obsolete by easy-peasy movie downloads and/or a $99 external hard optical drive. I’m tempted to say that the money you saved on the Foleo can now be put to good use, but no one was ever going to buy the Foleo so I guess that doesn’t work.
I can’t afford it but I love my iPhone beyond reason (their crappy battery policy notwithstanding) so I’m willing to repay them with a little free ad time. Get yourself an iPhone! Er, I mean a Macbook Air! Click the image to watch.
Update: Sorry, I meant an external optical drive. It comes with a hard drive, of course.
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One more teckie device I absolutely don’t need.
thejackal on January 15, 2008 at 3:57 PM
What good is a thin laptop if you have to connect an external hard drive to do anything? What you have there is the world’s clunkiest iPod.
James on January 15, 2008 at 3:58 PM
How are you supposed to install new software on it without a CD drive? Morse code?
Hollowpoint on January 15, 2008 at 3:59 PM
DOWNLOAD, BABY!
Allahpundit on January 15, 2008 at 3:59 PM
I love my iPod (80Gb of silvery goodness.. thanks, Mom and Dad!)but…
HA!
Frozen Tex on January 15, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Need…No…
Want??? You betcha!!!!
Does an I-Phone mean anything to a certain somebody who let it sit under the tree for a week or two?
HarryStar on January 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM
OMG, a new lust-object for Allah’s inner geek, now that he’s got his iPhone.
Wait — did I say “inner geek”?
Ali-Bubba on January 15, 2008 at 4:01 PM
And when it goes ka-put, or is stolen? Where are all your downloads then? Of course, you burned back-ups onto CD/DVDs… oh, wait…
Frozen Tex on January 15, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Second look at the I Phone !
William Amos on January 15, 2008 at 4:01 PM
At this point I load 90% of my software online anyway, I get a break of doing that ,buying the box and CD is more expensive. SO not having an optical drive is not a problem for me, and it is set up for optical access from another device anyway via wireless.
bbz123 on January 15, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Apple products = pet rock with sound and or pictures.
TroubledMonkey on January 15, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Plus all of my back-ups are on off-site servers ,too. My whole house could disappear and I could reconstitute all of my files and programs into a new computer faster than looking for ll of the discs and loading them in.
bbz123 on January 15, 2008 at 4:04 PM
No thanks. But I will be watching to see if the older I-book prices get cheaper.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on January 15, 2008 at 4:06 PM
So I have to lug around an external hard drive along with my thin laptop?
Allah, have you had any better luck blogging on the iPhone than I have?
amerpundit on January 15, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Actually, you read that wrong. It doesn’t lack a hard drive, it lacks an optical CD/DVD drive. It has an internal HD, so… second look at MacBook Air?
sachsen on January 15, 2008 at 4:11 PM
*turns the Macbook Air*
Uh oh, where’d you go? :-)
Hawkins1701 on January 15, 2008 at 4:11 PM
wirelessly. you take your old Mac or PC, install a simple software, then you are able to install it via the comp with a optical drive, and it will install on your mac air
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Allah, the $99 external drive is a CD/DVD drive, not a hard drive. Might want to edit your initial post.
sachsen on January 15, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Not only an internal HD but an optional solid state HD. That right there is the future, no moving parts and quicker access speeds.
bbz123 on January 15, 2008 at 4:12 PM
i’m saving anyway for a kindle, no thanks
Defector01 on January 15, 2008 at 4:13 PM
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/guidedtour/index.html?size=large
lets watch these things called videos before we start taking about how bad things are!
a second look at researching a product!
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Looks reaaaaaallly fragile.
The big metal one from Panasonic seems to make more sense.
tickleddragon on January 15, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Who needs to schlep a $99 external hard drive around when you can buy a 4Gb thumb drive for about $25-$30?
A DVD only holds 4.7 Gb of data, and I can think of very few software applications that would not fit on a 4Gb flash drive.
Alalazoo on January 15, 2008 at 4:15 PM
you know i thought to myself “this would be a perfect companion to my iphone.” then i looked at how much it would cost me and nearly spit my drink out
soooo sweet
and people still wonder why everyone is beginning to love apple.
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
I love that all these trendy gizmos are being produced and nerdies are eating them up.. makes the old archaic *normal* stuff more affordable .. keep keep coming apple.
redrock on January 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Mac guy typing away on an ancient G4 Powerbook that is finally retiring next month. But for a MacBook Pro, not one of those things.
I think Apple may finally have answered the question: How thin is too thin?
Typhoon on January 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
yawn…
Nahanni on January 15, 2008 at 4:20 PM
The Drive is obsolete because of new software that allows you to wirelessly connect to your home computer’s optical drive.
The MBAir is not meant to be a main machine but a satellite to your home computer. If you want a portable home computer you get the MacBook or MBPro.
I am an Apple fan, but I’ve used both Mac & PC and have chosen to use Macs because of many reasons, as have the rest of my family.
Remember this: 95% of Mac users have used Macs & PCs and chosen Macs. 95% of PC users have only used PCs and are using them “by default”.
BTW, AP have you updated your iPhone with the new software?
All I can Say is: A W E S O M E N E S S
mattshu on January 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Yeah, the optical drive is external and optional, and you can install software via download or wirelessly using another comp’s drive.
It’s really a sweet computer. I’d rather have the macbook pro though–I don’t need this small of one. But for those who do–man, it is sweet.
Vanceone on January 15, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Yeah, but could you beat someone to death with it?
Frozen Tex on January 15, 2008 at 4:24 PM
For something that evil, it’s pretty damn cool. (Insert Huckabee joke here.)
calbear on January 15, 2008 at 4:30 PM
It was interesting that at the close of Steve Jobs news conference introducing this product, he had Randy Newman up to sing - and he took the opportunity to just SKEWER the president - I mean he RAILED on how horrible our nation was.
Lovely.
I’m a Mac lover, but that was a bit over the top.
Dr. Gecko on January 15, 2008 at 4:37 PM
And it hints that it comes with it’s own external manila envelope!
BL@KBIRD on January 15, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I’d break that.
natesnake on January 15, 2008 at 4:43 PM
” technorexic “
mattyj86 on January 15, 2008 at 4:49 PM
My dog would destroy that thing in two minutes. My current notebook looks like is survived a rocket attack, barely, and it’s man size. Sony Vaio that fell of the back of a motorcycle and survived.
That thing looks like it was designed by someone that usually designs high heels for evening wear. The Apple IIc of notebooks methinks.
Hening on January 15, 2008 at 4:52 PM
someone mentioned above about it dropping normal tech prices
totally good point. i dont like the colors of the machine and keyboard, and im okay with a macbook. hopefully macbook prices will drop with Air’s arrival, and i can replace my old iBook with an “old” black MacBook.
lol
“old.”
air is made for pure wireless ppl, like MM blogging from the road or something like that. this is a bloggers wetdream.
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 4:53 PM
You know what someone should invent? A really small pencil.
natesnake on January 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
I forgot to add:
apple laptops are quite strong, due to the polymers (which are also used in bulletproof glass).
they are surprisingly strong. apple designers are intelligent.
the same argument came out for the iPhone, and the iPhone is quite resilient. i dont expect any less for the ‘Air.
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Too fragile for me. I use all three platforms (mac/pc/linux) and I think I’ll stick with my 900mhz, seven year old IBM lappy. That thing will never die! LOVE IT!
robblefarian on January 15, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Meh….
Well this thing is certainly a letdown. With the hype hinting at a possible tablet size, touch screen unit - which would have been way cool - this thing is fairly…underimpressive. Thin? Big whoop. Solid state “hard drive”? Interesting, but not a thousand dollars interesting. External optical drive? No problem (although having various parts and pieces does become a hassle after a while) - BUT - no Blu-Ray? Just regular DVD? Huh? Downloading movies may be the wave of the future, but, we ain’t there yet as far as everywhere, all the time goes.
Svelte, chic, cool looking. Sure.
Useful, revolutionary, must have device? Hardly. While there may be a niche for the MacBook Air, but I’d say Apple hit more of a ground ball single than anything close to a home run this time up to the plate.
Wind Rider on January 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Looks like the same lousy keyboard as the base MacBook. It’s an overpriced toy that only the Mac heads will be lining up for.
And yes - I’ve used Mac’s. On and off for years. Just not for me.
I’ve got a coworker that would argue that one with you… Apple wants over $300 to replace his MacBook case.
alilianstrom on January 15, 2008 at 5:12 PM
A second look at overused catchphrases!
MikeZero on January 15, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Not one mention of Apple customer service? They charge per episode. After trying dealing with them I began to see the DMV and the post office in a positive light
snaggletoothie on January 15, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I like it!
Griz on January 15, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Given this was a typo — no optical drive — but CDs and DVDs have been obsolete for a couple of years actually. Keep up people. Apple has the brass to drag along those who are too comfortable with the old.
yojimbo30 on January 15, 2008 at 5:20 PM
If it doesn’t break my Global Warming threshold, then I don’t want it.
Kini on January 15, 2008 at 5:27 PM
I just watched the guided tour and it seems interesting but not worth the price yet
Drunk Report on January 15, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Probably gonna consider this for the wife, who has been limping along with an underpowered HP for a while. While this baby is damn close to the dream ultraportable system I outlined in November, the omission of an ExpressCard slot stings. I need omni-present Internet connectivity and WiFi doesn’t cut it. My MacBook Pro might weigh twice as much, but I can slip a card into it and get broadband Internet almost anywhere I go.
Mark Jaquith on January 15, 2008 at 5:29 PM
I hear Huckabee loves his iPhone.
Just kidding, don’t flame me.
AverageJoe on January 15, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Is it bulletproof? can you run it over with a tank and still have it work? do the batteries that are not replacable spontanously combust?
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on January 15, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Yeah! I want a laptop I can slip into a backpack and use as a double for the strike-plate in body armor!
Frozen Tex on January 15, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Obsolescence is obsolete.
The Race Card on January 15, 2008 at 5:44 PM
yes, but will it blend? That, is the question….
mrfixit on January 15, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Okay, I want one.
Too bad I’m not in the budget for a new computer yet. My dear 4 year old iBook is gonna have to hang on for a while more…
Bob's Kid on January 15, 2008 at 5:58 PM
How can Apple support that racist Randy Newman?
James on January 15, 2008 at 6:04 PM
i cry whenever i think about apple and gore
blatantblue on January 15, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Why didn’t Steve-O compare his new MacBook to the Dell 1330? Cause the 1330 CHOMPS it. Optical drive. Almost as thin at the front. 2.2GHz Core2Duo proc. DX10 graphics. HDMI out. Firewire and SD card readers. Cheaper.
Oh. And I can replace the battery when it dies.
Plus, no Randy Newman racist garbage on it.
James on January 15, 2008 at 6:07 PM
As a graphic and web designer, I am tied to the Macs for life - that aside, the MacBook Air would absolutely take over the twenty-somethings market if they had the price down another $500 to $800.
I watched the Keynote address as faithfully as I watch the State of the Union (my wife hates the fact that I am not into football, but treats that speech like the Super Bowl) and I was deeply disappointed. While Apple is catering to the casual user market - us professional users have been left out in the dark for the last
threefive years. Give us new monitors and a new tower design.Signalfire_WI on January 15, 2008 at 6:19 PM
So, how can we get AP on board for Fred as strong as he hearts him some Apple?
Wind Rider on January 15, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Maybe Allah should move out of New York and buy himself an iHouse?
Frozen Tex on January 15, 2008 at 6:35 PM
I guess to further cut down on weight, the MacBook Air actually will be shipped in the envelope (manufactured from 100% recycled paper).
Niko on January 15, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Why not replace it yourself. Or you could get the care plan (~$70). It’s a 2 year fix jsut about anything plan, including replacing the battery.
lsutiger on January 15, 2008 at 7:03 PM
All I can say is that the people that will spend $1800 on this absolutely deserve what they get!
greggish on January 15, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Good Lord, $1,799 for a 13.3″ screen and no CD/DVD drive???
What is this, the 1990s?
(Very cool about the size though!)
dominigan on January 15, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Let’s see now. The country is having a major mortgage and housing crisis; the economy is facing a major recession; interest rates are most likely going to be on the rise soon; there is a strong probability the unemployment rate is going to increase; and meantime, Apple just keeps churning out these wonderous overpriced techie toys that no one but people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates can afford. Anyone else out there besides me see something seriously wrong with this picture?
pilamaye on January 15, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Lolmac
Asher on January 15, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Thin and sleek, but also underpowered, low res display, and overpriced. Other than that, its perfect.
Snidely Whiplash on January 15, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Wheee! An $1800 i-Tunes movie downloader!
I pass.
Nichevo on January 15, 2008 at 8:37 PM
There’s one problem, it’s a MAC
HotAirExpert on January 15, 2008 at 8:43 PM
This computer beat anorexia!
That was obligatory.
BKennedy on January 15, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Steve Jobs presentation today seemed to set the wheels in motion for Apple to take the dominant lead (it has already done so in large measure) of the personal computer/music and now television (movie rental) media market… By taking the first steps in making iTunes a video rental site I think Apple will eventually put all the other vendors out of business (Blockbuster beware)… Since Apple makes both the hardware and software, it controls the media and the message. The future looks GREAT for Apple…
IntheNet on January 15, 2008 at 9:48 PM
This post is being taken over by gay democrats who can afford 3G anorexic macs. Sickening, just sickening. Buy a decent PC laptop and give the extra $2000 to a conservative cause.
Vanquisher on January 15, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Not gonna buy a PC. No way no how. I have to use one at work and that’s my penance for eons of purgatory.
(neither gay nor a dem, sorry)
Bob's Kid on January 15, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I wonder, is Apple going to have to pay anything to Nike/Michael Jordon for adopting the Air title.
Bill C on January 16, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Got some nice features, such as the wireless cloning and disk feature. (just don’t get too far from your PC) How long before the flip-down ports snap off?
Sure they make it “easy” for the casual user and people buy into that. Then they don’t know anything about their hardware and software which keeps the service desks (that’ll be $50 just to look) at the Mac stores neck deep in simple yet pricey fixes for the perpetual computer noobs.
Me? I’ll continue to build and maintain my own PCs.
ej_pez on January 16, 2008 at 9:16 AM