Apple just announced the new version of their thinnest laptop, the MacBook Air. While many people think that the iPad is the future of computing, why would you get a MacBook Air? It seems redundant, especially since most of us already have a laptop. There are some good reasons why it's still a great device.
The new MacBook Air comes in two varieties, the 11.6-inch model and the 13.3-inch model. There aren't a lot of options, but the there are quite a few differences between this new ultraportable laptop and the iPad. First of all, the MacBook Air comes with a webcam, perfect for Skyping and chatting.
One of the most significant differences is that the MacBook Air can come with up to 256 GB of flash-based storage, which is supposed to be really fast compared to optical hard drives. The first generation MacBook Air didn't have much storage, which is why this is a really a nice size. Most new laptops can come with up to 640 GB of storage, but most have less, so the MacBook Air isn't too far behind.
While the iPad uses Apple's App scheme for installing programs, this isn't the case for the MacBook Pro. This means that you can install any program that you like, without worrying about whether it has been approved by the App store. Also, Apple announced an App store for Macs, meaning that with the MacBook Air you get the best of both worlds.
The iPad is a great device that has definitely changed the way we perceive mobile computers, however the whole philosophy of the App store is restrictive, especially to PC owners who are considering making the switch. The novelty of the iPad will quickly wear off for users who actually want to get things done and work on it. They'll find that it's problematic, which is why it's good to see that they have another option with the MacBook Air.
The fact that the MacBook Air comes with a keyboard is also a significant difference. It's basically a laptop. The iPad has a touch-based virtual keyboard or you can plug one in. There isn't much overall difference in form factor between the 11.6-inch MacBook Air and an iPad with a keyboard.
There is only one problem, and that's the price. The 11.6-inch MacBook Air is nicely priced at $999. However, the 13.3-inch model can cost up to $1,799 (with 256GB of storage, 4GB of RAM), which is more than the MacBook Pro 13 and exactly the same price as the base configuration of the MacBook Pro 15. That makes you wonder which is a better buy, a MacBook Pro or the new MacBook Air?
Ultimately, this depends on whether you already own a MacBook Pro. If you don't, then you're faced with similar devices that do the same thing, from MacBooks, to MacBook Airs, to full-sized MacBook Pros. MacBook Pros offer a lot more performance, but with a heavier weight and larger form factor. We're betting that most users will probably have a combination of different Mac laptops as their mobile computing solution.
[images by Maury McCown via CC License, CrunchGear, Apple Insider]
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Beatriz's Fun and Functional Workspace
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sheex Bedding
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
I still think the iPad is superior.
Agreed. I bought the first-gen MBA when it first came out and I HATED it. I had so many problems with it: freezing, getting extremely hot while playing any kind of video, crashing, broken cheap plastic hinge (which was so common that the entire screen was replaced out of warranty), and a deformed/melted spacebar. Worst piece of crap electronics that I ever overspent on. Frankly, the iPad is in a way more functional, since it can handle video without going insane or burning me.
I sold my iPad (3G 64GB) last week because I found it to be not much more than an iPhone and much less than a laptop. It was perfect to read magazines but for the rest... I mainly missed a real keyboard and the ability to compose blog posts with something more than words. Plus all the other things you can do on a computer and not the iPad.
My main machine is 15" MBP hooked to a Cinema Display and I'm going to buy a 11.6" MBA as a real mobile solution that I can always have with me. If I'm going to get the 4GB Ram upgrade, I'm not sure yet about the storage. But I think I'm going to save some money and go for the 64gb as it will never be my main computer.
I bought a 15" MBP last December to replace a mac pro and 12" powerbook, but I've found that it's just way too heavy for running around the city. I've been waiting for apple to revisit the 12" subcompact form factor. I thought about an iPad but I need to run CS5 on the go. It looks like Saint Jonny Ive heard my prayers.
At the end of the day, the new Macbook Air is just a laptop (or netbook maybe).
I think it's hard to compare it directly to an iPad, which is a completely different product.
You guys have got to work on your editing.
-"flash based storage is 'supposed' to be faster?" No, it is faster; fact.
-"Most new laptops can come with up to 640 GB of storage, but most have less" Which is it, most have more or most have less?
-"While the iPad uses Apple's App scheme for installing programs, this isn't the case for the MacBook Pro." We're talking about the MBA here.
-"The fact that the MacBook Air comes with a keyboard is also a significant difference. It's basically a laptop." No, it IS a laptop! What about the fact it doesn't have a touch screen, uses a trackpad, has USB ports and an SD reader (for the 13" at least)?
The biggest difference is what you want to do with it. If you want to 'create' content, a MBA is likely what you want to buy. If you want to 'consume' content, an iPad may suit you better.
While I have a 15" MBP, I'm considering an 11" MBA simply for traveling purposes. When the time comes that you can create content on the iPad or more magazines I read have digital subscriptions, then I'll pick one up in an instant. For now, it's still a novelty and a big iphone/touch. Trust me, I want one, but I just can't justify it based on current limitations.
Cheers,
M
I'd say they are comparable -- they're both highly portable devices, neither of which is as powerful or capable as a full-on notebook like a MBP, but both are much less expensive. I had been intending to buy an ipad sometime next year, but now I'm leaning towards a MBA.
So while they have slightly different intended uses, both are aimed at the segment of people who want something more capable than a smartphone, but not as heavy or as expensive as a full laptop.
They each have their own niche they fill. It really depends on what the individual usage is going to be. Some people want/need the ultra-light, ultra-portable with keyboard and a better (aka useable) file system. Others do not. Personally, I think I'd opt for the 13-in regular Macbook or something around there, but then that adds to the weight and all. It's a compromise. Glad I am not in the market to have to make this decision now! :)
What in the world is an optical hard drive? Hard drives use magnets. Just a quick #correction. ;)
Is an iPad really more capable than a smartphone? Or does it just give you more real estate?
The thing is, these _aren't_ comparable devices. I mean, it's kind of obvious: one has a keyboard and one doesn't. Compare laptops, sure, but tablets =/= laptops.
Ansela - I guess we just define "capable" differently. Sounds like the iPad and iPhone have the same capabilities, but one is "easier" to use... at least, that is the way I would define it.
As a daily iPad user and MacBook Pro owner, I'd say one does not replace the other professionally, but the iPad can indeed step in for 75% of my daily correspondence tasks (especially if you use the keyboard option). As both Angela and Kaz shared, needs and capabilities vary between individuals. Some call the iPad a novelty, but I remember when people said the same thing about iPods and smart phones ("...why would I want to use an app on a tiny screen when I have a laptop?"), so it's really individual lifestyle and needs that determine what works best.
My ancient laptop at home is about to expire, and I am wondering if I really need to replace it with another laptop (I also have one in my office), or just a device for consuming content, i.e. an iPad. Would be interested in others opinions on this.
iPad use: to browse and shop net-a-porter and shopbop, to read books, to read magazines (hopefully more content soon from more magazines), watch music videos on youtube/vevo, read nytimes, check my email, play silly app games, messenger, twitter/facebook [also important: easy to hold when using public transportation]
laptop use: type notes for class, create complex documents/presentations, respond to complicated or lengthy emails, watch streaming tv shows and movies on sites that use flash/divx, webcam, save photos/websites/content from various online sources [important: not easy to hold on public transportation in rush hour while standing]
in conclusion, iPad does not replace an actual computer, its more like an accessory.