MacWorld Expo keynote

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In article <michelle-F529C8.12025515012008 RemoveThis @news.west.cox.net>,
Michelle Steiner <michelle RemoveThis @michelle.org> wrote:

> In article <michelle-6DD0DB.11481415012008 RemoveThis @news.west.cox.net>,
> Michelle Steiner <michelle RemoveThis @michelle.org> wrote:
>
> > And MacBook Air. Thin enough to fit into a manilla envelope. 1.5
> > GHz Core 2 Duo, with a 1.8 GHz option. 80 G 1.8" hard drive with 64G
> > solid-state disk option. Multi-touch trackpad. Main logic board is
> > as long as a pencil. CPU has the diameter of a dime and is as thick
> > as a nickel. 13.3" widescreen led-backlit display. Built-in iSight.
> > 2 Gigs of RAM. 802.11n WiFi. Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Full-size
> > MacBook style keyboard. Weights 3.0 pounds. Starting at $1,799.
>
> The 1.8 Gig upgrade is $300.
> The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
> The 80 Gig drive is 4200 RPM, parallel ATA.
>
> Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with
> main memory
>
> No Ethernet; a USB ethernet adaptor is $29.

Which only supports 10/100BASE-T. No Gigabit ethernet.

> Superdrive is $99

Looks neat, but still an external device.

> Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.

Limited. If you want ethernet and the external Superdrive at the same
time you you'll need a USB hub. Substitute "backup device" for
"ethernet" in the above sentence where applicable.

> Micro-DVI video out, with DVI and VGA adaptors included. Composite and
> S-Video adaptors optional.

No audio in. From the Apple Store:

"Logic Express can be preinstalled on your Mac so you can start
recording, editing, and mixing your music from the moment you set up
your computer."

<cough> how are you going to record without audio in? Yes, you can pack
an iMic or similar, but that's your USB port used up.

I didn't catch on at first, but the "Air" bit of the product name really
means "air travel", n'est-ce pas? Excellent if you fly a lot; for those
of us who don't, other models in the range are probably a better choice.

--
Paul Sture

Sue's OpenVMS bookmarks:
http://eisner.encompasserve.org/~sture/ovms-bookmarks.html
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

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 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

In article <slrnfoq10n.lpl.t-use.DeleteThis@ID-685.user.individual.de>,
Martin Trautmann <t-use.DeleteThis@gmx.net> wrote:

> On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:02:55 -0700, Michelle Steiner wrote:
> > The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
>
> ridiculous - price should have to drop by half until delivery in 3
> weeks.
>
> > Superdrive is $99
> >
> > Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
>
> Is there any USB hub within the Superdrive? Can it be used for other
> Macs as well?
>
> - Martin

From the Apple Store:

"You¹ll never have to worry about lost cables with the MacBook Air
SuperDrive. It connects to your MacBook Air with a single USB cable
that¹s built into the SuperDrive. There¹s no separate power adapter, and
it¹ll work whether your MacBook Air is plugged in or running on battery
power."

From which I deduce that it has no USB hub.

--
Paul Sture

Sue's OpenVMS bookmarks:
http://eisner.encompasserve.org/~sture/ovms-bookmarks.html
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

In article <michelle-B81244.12271015012008.RemoveThis@news.west.cox.net>,
Michelle Steiner <michelle.RemoveThis@michelle.org> wrote:

> In article <slrnfoq10n.lpl.t-use.RemoveThis@ID-685.user.individual.de>,
> Martin Trautmann <t-use.RemoveThis@gmx.net> wrote:
>

> > > Superdrive is $99
> > >
> > > Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
> >
> > Is there any USB hub within the Superdrive?
>
> I doubt it. It gets its power from the USB bus.
>
> > Can it be used for other Macs as well?
>
> I would think so.

from
<http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?spart=MB397G
%2FA#overview>

Over on the RHS:

"System Requirements
MacBook Air computer"

--
Paul Sture

Sue's OpenVMS bookmarks:
http://eisner.encompasserve.org/~sture/ovms-bookmarks.html
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

Michelle Steiner <michelle.TakeThisOut@michelle.org> wrote:

> In article <slrnfoq10n.lpl.t-use.TakeThisOut@ID-685.user.individual.de>,
> Martin Trautmann <t-use.TakeThisOut@gmx.net> wrote:
>
> > > The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
> >
> > ridiculous - price should have to drop by half until delivery in 3
> > weeks.
>
> I'm sure that it will drop eventually, but I wouldn't begin to hazard a
> guess as to when.

The actual hardware for a 64 GB flash drive really is horribly
expensive. I expect Apple is charging a premium (as usual), and that
this price will remain unchanged until the next model refresh of the
MacBook Air (as normal for Apple's prices).

> > > Superdrive is $99
> > >
> > > Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
> >
> > Is there any USB hub within the Superdrive?
>
> I doubt it. It gets its power from the USB bus.
>
> > Can it be used for other Macs as well?
>
> I would think so.

Apple's site claims it will require a MacBook Air, as will the USB to
Ethernet adapter.

I hope that is not correct. US$99 for a USB bus-powered Superdrive might
be a reasonable option for many low-end Mac users who only have a combo
drive (as long as they have USB 2.0, of course).

The USB to Ethernet adapter would be handy as many generally available
ones don't work with a Mac, and it is sometimes useful to have two
Ethernet ports (or if your built-in one has failed).

--
David Empson
dempson.TakeThisOut@actrix.gen.nz
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:48:14 -0600, Michelle Steiner wrote
(in article <michelle-6DD0DB.11481415012008.DeleteThis@news.west.cox.net>):

> I've been thinking about getting an airport extreme to replace my Belkin
> wireless router. I'm going to need a new hard drive for Time Machine
> because my current 160 GB drive has only 34.15 GB available. But I've
> been putting off getting either because I don't really need the first,
> and don't need the second yet.
>
> So what does Apple do? They are coming out with an Airport Extreme with
> built-in hard drive: Five GB for $300 or One TB for $500. Whooie!
> Available in February. It's called Time Capsule.

Those of us that already bought an Airport Extreme and an external hard
drive (both purchased from Apple by the way) to accomplish this are not
crying "whooie" at the moment. I'm sort of wondering if it will ever
work that way now. Not holding my breath.

> New functions for the iPhone, including location by triangulation, using
> both WiFi hotspots and cell towers--plus all the other features the
> rumor sites have predicted. It's a free upgrade. The iPod Touch gets
> the same features as the iPhone (mail, etc.) except, of course, phone
> related stuff, for a $20 upgrade fee.

The rumors of an increased memory capacity, changes to the built-in
camera, etc. didn't appear.

> Movie rentals (30 days from date of purchase to start watching, 24 hours
> to finish watching),

Blockbuster gives me a week. I'll be renting zero from Apple.

> new Apple TV (40 Gig for $229, 160 Gig for $329.),
> with original models upgradable via software update. Includes HD and
> Dolby 5.1, and no need to connect to a computer.

Another couple of revs and Apple TV might be a good deal. :)

> And MacBook Air. Thin enough to fit into a manilla envelope.

My macbook pro fits in one too. I never realized that was an important
feature until now is all.

> 1.5 GHz
> Core 2 Duo, with a 1.8 GHz option. 80 G 1.8" hard drive with 64G
> solid-state disk option.

Check out the price tag on that upgrade. A few more months, maybe a
year and it'll be much more realistic.

> Multi-touch trackpad.

Would be interesting if this could be done with existing macbook
trackpads, I suspect not. They want me to buy another one instead,
like with the Time Capsule thing.


--
Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:02:55 -0600, Michelle Steiner wrote
(in article <michelle-F529C8.12025515012008.RemoveThis@news.west.cox.net>):

> In article <michelle-6DD0DB.11481415012008.RemoveThis@news.west.cox.net>,
> Michelle Steiner <michelle.RemoveThis@michelle.org> wrote:
>
>> And MacBook Air. Thin enough to fit into a manilla envelope. 1.5
>> GHz Core 2 Duo, with a 1.8 GHz option. 80 G 1.8" hard drive with 64G
>> solid-state disk option. Multi-touch trackpad. Main logic board is
>> as long as a pencil. CPU has the diameter of a dime and is as thick
>> as a nickel. 13.3" widescreen led-backlit display. Built-in iSight.
>> 2 Gigs of RAM. 802.11n WiFi. Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Full-size
>> MacBook style keyboard. Weights 3.0 pounds. Starting at $1,799.
>
> The 1.8 Gig upgrade is $300.
> The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
> The 80 Gig drive is 4200 RPM, parallel ATA.
>
> Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with
> main memory
>
> No Ethernet; a USB ethernet adaptor is $29.
>
> Superdrive is $99
>
> Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
>
> Micro-DVI video out, with DVI and VGA adaptors included. Composite and
> S-Video adaptors optional.

And the battery isn't field replaceable. You supposedly send it in to
Apple for a week or something. No chance of having an extra battery to
swap in.

--
Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

In article <0001HW.C3B2D1330591F724F01846D8.DeleteThis@news.verizon.net>,
Randy Howard <randyhoward.DeleteThis@FOOverizonBAR.net> wrote:

> On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:02:55 -0600, Michelle Steiner wrote
> (in article <michelle-F529C8.12025515012008.DeleteThis@news.west.cox.net>):
>
> > In article <michelle-6DD0DB.11481415012008.DeleteThis@news.west.cox.net>,
> > Michelle Steiner <michelle.DeleteThis@michelle.org> wrote:
> >
> >> And MacBook Air. Thin enough to fit into a manilla envelope. 1.5
> >> GHz Core 2 Duo, with a 1.8 GHz option. 80 G 1.8" hard drive with 64G
> >> solid-state disk option. Multi-touch trackpad. Main logic board is
> >> as long as a pencil. CPU has the diameter of a dime and is as thick
> >> as a nickel. 13.3" widescreen led-backlit display. Built-in iSight.
> >> 2 Gigs of RAM. 802.11n WiFi. Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Full-size
> >> MacBook style keyboard. Weights 3.0 pounds. Starting at $1,799.
> >
> > The 1.8 Gig upgrade is $300.
> > The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
> > The 80 Gig drive is 4200 RPM, parallel ATA.
> >
> > Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with
> > main memory
> >
> > No Ethernet; a USB ethernet adaptor is $29.
> >
> > Superdrive is $99
> >
> > Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
> >
> > Micro-DVI video out, with DVI and VGA adaptors included. Composite and
> > S-Video adaptors optional.
>
> And the battery isn't field replaceable. You supposedly send it in to
> Apple for a week or something. No chance of having an extra battery to
> swap in.

So don't end up with the Air as you one and only, sole and singular
computer.
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

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 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:18:32 -0600, Michelle Steiner wrote
(in article <michelle-EE3EC5.21183215012008 DeleteThis @news.west.cox.net>):

> In article <0001HW.C3B2D0E10591E3D3F01846D8 DeleteThis @news.verizon.net>,
> Randy Howard <randyhoward DeleteThis @FOOverizonBAR.net> wrote:
>
>>> So what does Apple do? They are coming out with an Airport Extreme
>>> with built-in hard drive: Five GB for $300 or One TB for $500.
>>> Whooie! Available in February. It's called Time Capsule.
>>
>> Those of us that already bought an Airport Extreme and an external
>> hard drive (both purchased from Apple by the way) to accomplish this
>> are not crying "whooie" at the moment.
>
> And I bought an iMac one month before the new aluminum ones came out,
> immediate rendering mine as a discontinued model.
>
> What should Apple have done: Not come out with the Time Capsule?

Not prevent it from working on an AE with a hard drive attached.

>>> New functions for the iPhone, including location by triangulation,
>>> using both WiFi hotspots and cell towers--plus all the other
>>> features the rumor sites have predicted. It's a free upgrade. The
>>> iPod Touch gets the same features as the iPhone (mail, etc.)
>>> except, of course, phone related stuff, for a $20 upgrade fee.
>>
>> The rumors of an increased memory capacity, changes to the built-in
>> camera, etc. didn't appear.
>
> So? They were rumors. Apple is not beholden to support rumors.

I didn't say they were.

>>> 1.5 GHz Core 2 Duo, with a 1.8 GHz option. 80 G 1.8" hard drive
>>> with 64G solid-state disk option.
>>
>> Check out the price tag on that upgrade. A few more months, maybe a
>> year and it'll be much more realistic.
>
> As a friend told, me, it is in line with the 3 Gig memory card she
> bought for her digital camera.

Strange. 4GB CF cards are far less than that and have been for a
while.

>>> Multi-touch trackpad.
>>
>> Would be interesting if this could be done with existing macbook
>> trackpads, I suspect not.
>
> How would that be more interesting on the MacBook Air?

Why would you ask that? Nothing I wrote even came close to implying
that. I simply think some of the gestures would be a nice to have on
their other portable products.

> Should Apple have not made it for the MBA?

There you go again...


--
Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

In article <1iat4eh.u3be9t1cij1i1N%dempson@actrix.gen.nz>, David Empson
<dempson.DeleteThis@actrix.gen.nz> wrote:

> > > > The 64 Gig solid-state drive is $999!!!!!
> > >
> > > ridiculous - price should have to drop by half until delivery in 3
> > > weeks.
> >
> > I'm sure that it will drop eventually, but I wouldn't begin to hazard a
> > guess as to when.
>
> The actual hardware for a 64 GB flash drive really is horribly
> expensive. I expect Apple is charging a premium (as usual), and that
> this price will remain unchanged until the next model refresh of the
> MacBook Air (as normal for Apple's prices).

apple is actually charging *less* than what it would cost to buy it
elsewhere (at least, right now). newegg has a 64 gb ssd drive for
$1533:
<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609244>

so $999 is actually a very good price.
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote 

In article <michelle-CC2CDE.21283415012008 DeleteThis @news.west.cox.net>,
Michelle Steiner <michelle DeleteThis @michelle.org> wrote:

> In article <paul.sture.nospam-458C27.01574216012008 DeleteThis @mac.sture.ch>,
> "P. Sture" <paul.sture.nospam DeleteThis @hispeed.ch> wrote:
>
> > > No Ethernet; a USB ethernet adaptor is $29.
> >
> > Which only supports 10/100BASE-T. No Gigabit ethernet.
> >
> > > Superdrive is $99
> >
> > Looks neat, but still an external device.
> >
> > > Only one USB port, and no Firewire ports.
> >
> > Limited. If you want ethernet and the external Superdrive at the same
> > time you you'll need a USB hub. Substitute "backup device" for
> > "ethernet" in the above sentence where applicable.
> >
> > > Micro-DVI video out, with DVI and VGA adaptors included. Composite
> > > and S-Video adaptors optional.
> >
> > No audio in. From the Apple Store:
> >
> > "Logic Express can be preinstalled on your Mac so you can start
> > recording, editing, and mixing your music from the moment you set up
> > your computer."
> >
> > <cough> how are you going to record without audio in? Yes, you can
> > pack an iMic or similar, but that's your USB port used up.
>
> And if you fit all of that stuff into it, you won't have the same
> computer; you'll have a MacBook.

True.

> > I didn't catch on at first, but the "Air" bit of the product name
> > really means "air travel", n'est-ce pas? Excellent if you fly a lot;
> > for those of us who don't, other models in the range are probably a
> > better choice.
>
> I guess that's the reason that Apple didn't discontinue those other
> models.

Would you see a docking station useful for this system? Having now read
some more on the subject, I see it could be a very smart move by Apple
at getting a foot in the board room.

--
Paul Sture

Sue's OpenVMS bookmarks:
http://eisner.encompasserve.org/~sture/ovms-bookmarks.html
 >> Stay informed about: MacWorld Expo keynote