New Macbook Airs Options

[Frizzl]

Interesting to say the least, 11" models now...

http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/shop...ily/macbook_air

Starting at $1199 I think that's a pretty nice price point. But for the same money I'd still be getting the polycarbonate (very happy with mine - upgraded to 4gb ram however, which makes a bit of a difference).

This post has been edited by Frizzl: Oct 22 2010, 12:52 AM

[Jeruselem]

Interesting, the 11" version is almost competing with high-end netbooks.

[SquallStrife]

Remember how much the SSD option was on the first MBA?

Now you get the whole thing WITH SSD for only a few hundred dollars more.

[thesorehead]

I've not yet seen a netbook for $1200, but probably just because I'm not looking too closely.

My puzzlement is that they're still using Core2 a couple years after everybody else and his dog switched to i3/5/7 and Atom. Surely there are i5 ULV processors available??

[Linux_Inside V2]

I've not yet seen a netbook for $1200, but probably just because I'm not looking too closely.

My puzzlement is that they're still using Core2 a couple years after everybody else and his dog switched to i3/5/7 and Atom. Surely there are i5 ULV processors available??

On a C2D system they can use NVIDIA's chipset with an Integrated Graphics chipset

For I3/5/7 they'd need to use an Intel chipset with a discrete GPU from what I understand, and there isn't much space in the air.

If Intel could pull their head out of their asses, and allow NVIDIA to produce chipsets for the latest processors I think you'd find that the air would be more with the times.

[AIMBOT]

For I3/5/7 they'd need to use an Intel chipset with a discrete GPU from what I understand, and there isn't much space in the air.

If Intel could pull their head out of their asses, and allow NVIDIA to produce chipsets for the latest processors I think you'd find that the air would be more with the times.

The Intel discrete GPU, while a lot better than previous, still blows when compared to the NVIDIA option.

[Linux_Inside V2]

For I3/5/7 they'd need to use an Intel chipset with a discrete GPU from what I understand, and there isn't much space in the air.

If Intel could pull their head out of their asses, and allow NVIDIA to produce chipsets for the latest processors I think you'd find that the air would be more with the times.

The Intel discrete GPU, while a lot better than previous, still blows when compared to the NVIDIA option.

yup

The intel IGP's don't support OpenCL either. which apple thinks is a big deal

[Steeley]

I'd be interested to see this thing in person. There's something not quite right about how it tapers towards one end.

[12345]

I've not yet seen a netbook for $1200, but probably just because I'm not looking too closely.

My puzzlement is that they're still using Core2 a couple years after everybody else and his dog switched to i3/5/7 and Atom. Surely there are i5 ULV processors available??

On a C2D system they can use NVIDIA's chipset with an Integrated Graphics chipset

For I3/5/7 they'd need to use an Intel chipset with a discrete GPU from what I understand, and there isn't much space in the air.

If Intel could pull their head out of their asses, and allow NVIDIA to produce chipsets for the latest processors I think you'd find that the air would be more with the times.

probably a good reason to skip the macbook airs then especially at that price.

[Linux_Inside V2]

I've not yet seen a netbook for $1200, but probably just because I'm not looking too closely.

My puzzlement is that they're still using Core2 a couple years after everybody else and his dog switched to i3/5/7 and Atom. Surely there are i5 ULV processors available??

On a C2D system they can use NVIDIA's chipset with an Integrated Graphics chipset

For I3/5/7 they'd need to use an Intel chipset with a discrete GPU from what I understand, and there isn't much space in the air.

If Intel could pull their head out of their asses, and allow NVIDIA to produce chipsets for the latest processors I think you'd find that the air would be more with the times.

probably a good reason to skip the macbook airs then especially at that price.

That all depends, I don't sit here jerking myself off with crap like crysis, so a C2D is fine.

[pumpjockey02]

Had a play with one in JB hifi and its sooooo light. Ridiculous. This would be my travel option and the slant just works.
I was playing with the ipad and its awesome too.
When are the new ones coming out?

[bowlen]

So what is everyones thoughts on the MacBook Air? I am thinking about getting one for uni as they are just so light (but I don't want the limitations of an iPad).

[Akamatsu]

So what is everyones thoughts on the MacBook Air? I am thinking about getting one for uni as they are just so light (but I don't want the limitations of an iPad).

Seriously good bit of kit for non-gaming use. I'd suggest the 13" for the extra screen resolution and battery life. It's not an IPS panel, but the quality is very, very good compared to the ultra-book competition. With the SSD, it runs photoshop beautifully (~2 second startup), and in general performance is snappy. The Samsung Series 9 is the closest competition, but I found the trackpad to be significantly inferior, and it's more expensive and lower specced than the base model Air.

[unco_tomato]

I like these as alternatives to the Air. Depends on what OS you want and other factors too.

$986 (and can usually haggle them down in store) is a good price for the UX21E i3 I think.

[mudg3]

I've had one since release and its been really good I really cant fault anything about it.

I like these as alternatives to the Air. Depends on what OS you want and other factors too.

$986 (and can usually haggle them down in store) is a good price for the UX21E i3 I think.

Sure you can get that if you want a shitty touch pad. I do like them as well and when it was released tempted to sell my MBA and get one but its touch pad is crap.

[lunchbox1988]

I use a real mouse with mine when I am not mobile, and the touchpad isn't too terrible with the latest drivers...

The UX21E is great IMHO for what I need, would get a MBA, but I have a MBP at home, a UX21E for work and a dedicated media server, so no real need for another computer.

[bowlen]

It is looking like $1800 for the laptop with the largest SSD. Tiny bit dear at the moment.