I didn't think the first post to this blog would be about the new MacBook Air.
I've been reading several of the reviews, and have been disappointed that reviewers just aren't getting it. Then, today I saw a blog post about how the industry has been missing the point from TimBajarin and figured that at last I'd see some sense made; I was wrong.
It's not that the reviewers' comments are wrong, it's just that they are evaluating the product from the perspective of existing products. The MacBook Air is a dip of the toe into a wholly new product area, while still addressing the needs of a fringe of the existing market for lightweight notebooks.
The bottom line is that the new Air is possibly the first really mobile network client for serious users. It's great to be on the road using my smartphone to keep in touch with email or to read the occasional web page, but when I get a call and need to do some work on-line, or research an issue, I need a full screen and keyboard, as well as some reasonable network response. I just don't get this with either the small form factor or speed of the miniature network device.
I'd schlep a notebook along with me, but the weight (even at 4 pounds) and especially the bulk cause me to leave it behind more than take it along. The MacBook Air is about the biggest thing I'd consider taking along, and is as comfortable a working platform as any full sized notebook.
On the road, I usually connect to the Internet with WiFi, or though bluetooth on my phone. No problem there.
I don't believe I can edit photos, videos or do significant programming tasks when I'm trying to be ultra mobile, so I don't care about all the storage, peripheral connectivity and performance I'm missing. I don't expect all those connectors on my phone, so I don't expect them on the Air.
What I do want is a platform that is ultra mobile, but does not force me to type with my thumbs or read with my fingers. Moreover, I want it to be a full fledged network client, compatible with all the ergonomics and features programmed into todays network interfaces.
I'm happy to take a pad of paper or a magazine along with me, so why not a computer that large; as long as it is thin and light.
Apple has a winner in a new category. My opinion, anyway.
