If you've checked out the most recent Mac rumors, it seems that the new MacBook Air will get a smaller 11.6-inch screen. To some people it might seem somewhat strange that Apple might actually reduce the screen size of the Air, but we got to hand it to them, it kind of makes a lot of sense. Why? Read on to find out more.
One of the main reasons why Apple is probably going to do this is that they need to differentiate their different products. If you've got a MacBook, a MacBook Pro, and a MacBook Air all available in 13.3-inch versions, it's hard to see why you'd pay more for a similar product.
The greatness of the MacBook Air has always been it's lightness and portability. At 3 pounds, it's about half of what usual laptops will weigh, making it very attractive to users who want something ultraportable, but can't stomach using an iPad for any length of time. The iPad is great for consuming media, but once you try to make it work in order to get things done, it gets more complicated. The small form factor of the iPad is usually eclipsed by the fact that you'll need some kind of a keyboard in order to use it fully.
The fact of the matter is that if you've got a larger laptop, 15-18-inch screen, you'll get tired of lugging them around after a while. They can get heavy in a pack filled with books and the other things that you'd find in your daily bag. This is why the MacBook Air is still relevant. It's a mix of both worlds. You get a decent-sized screen, a SSD hard drive (128GB and up), and a great keyboard. All of the other bits, like the optical disc drive, have been cut away to save weight. Makes a lot of sense if you use your laptop for work.
The elimination of the optical disc drive might have shocked people, but honestly, I rarely use my optical drives, even if I install drivers and programs. We're hoping that the new MacBook Air comes with a longer battery life, bigger SSD hard drive, and better-looking screen. If the Air fills some of these requirements, it might make a lot more sense to purchase than the iPad.
[images via Wikipedia, Tech Sassy, Maury McCown via CC License]
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Is there any other device that you can ask us if we want other than....
iPads?
iPods?
iPhones?
iMacs?
Mac book Airs?
You do know that more than just Apple exists?
Or has this site just turned into iUnplggd?
How about less Apple references, shots of Apple offices, images of some Apple accessory, case, cover, or unrelated tool that was fashioned into some Apple product?
CAN WE PLEASE GET SOME VARIETY HERE?
The complete reliance on apple stuff for 99% of your blog posts because that's what you use in your life, is just LAZY.
Nothing about Android, Windows Phone, and I doubt the Playbook.
Other than Apple users bashing them in the comments.
You may start attracting more readers if you stop pretending that no one wants to read this blog other than Apple snobs.
Hi, I'm the middle ground on this one.
I would not be surprised if AT and Unplugged readers a predominantly apple users, therefore writing alot about apple is fair. But, this is an article about a rumor. I thin small possibility than something might come to fruition. There really is no need to talk about concepts that are not even visualized. It's all just smoke. And it is not just unplggd that does this. It's like 10% of Tech stories are about vaporware. How many articles are there about the boxee box? Is it out yet? Is there anything more than a prototype?
I started one sentence with 'But' and another one with 'And' This is going to alert the grammar police.
The amusing note is Range is a PC and non-iPhone user. He's done plenty of posts that represent his non-Mac setup and solutions.
Awhile back we called out to Windows readers to submit their home office setups which would showcase smart design/decor solutions with their tech; we actually have a strong to desire to highlight a more diverse spectrum of setups. We received one email. Good design is good design, as we're platform agnostic when it comes to solutions. But as noted, most of the design world revolves around Apple solutions (Gizmodo and Engadget, our more tech-centric big brothers in the field, are often charged with being Mac-focused too) and our readership strongly skews Apple users.
PartMeant, we'd love to highlight your setup on Unplggd, if you're so willing to take the step forward! I'd be happy if we could spotlight more real world Windows based home offices in the near future.
Yeah, I'm primarily a Windows user at home and use my Mac on the go. I've loved my Macbook Pro 13", but a smaller 11.6" Air would be a sweet compromise if they up the processor and RAM speed a bit.
I think some people need to find a different site to read. Obviously Apple products have you too wound up.
Most of the snobbery and negativity I see on this site and others (like Apartment Therapy) are people who feel the need to complain about Apple products and coverage. I can't even count how many times I saw a negative comment because a Featured Workspace showed off Apple products. That really is something ridiculous to get worked up about.
Try acting a little less childish when you come across a post that isn't directed towards your wheelhouse. I'm pretty sure this site doesn't exist to tailor to your exact specifications, and if you notice that there are really not that many posts that resonate with you then why bother to continue to show up? Just to complain?
Try some cleansing breathing and move on. It's not worth getting that worked up over.