[ZLS]

   I was reading in the paper about Apple 's new super thin (and Light) MacBook and discovered that it does not have any internal provisions to play (or rip) CD's and DVD's.  There is an outboard Device that you can purchase (for an additional cost) that would allow you to do so.  It seems that the rationale is that the fact that you can download all your music and movies makes a hard copy CD/DVD player unnecessary.  Progress, Conspiracy, Wave of the Future, Comments?

[PhilNYC]

No question they are going the iTunes/download route.  There is a matching external DVD Superdrive available for it, but I think this is definitely the way things are moving...

[fiveoclockfriday]

I think it shows a couple things; I don't believe it's meant as a "main" computer, except for a very specific niche perhaps. It seems to be designed for people who may already have a desktop or big heavy laptop at home or work, and need something to take on the road, give presentations with, coffeeshops, etc. With that in mind, other companies like Sony or Toshiba have also created ultraportables without optical drives. This is the first Mac that really seems to go that route though, even the Mini can be seen as more of a primary computer. So, I think much of the reason to forego the optical is just for size/height, but I also believe Apple is using this as a convenient way to look a little forward thinking. They were one of, if not the first, to elminate the 1.44 floppy, I believe it was from the iMac. It also helps push iTunes for music and movies, given it's much easier for owners of that computer.
Conspiracy? Probably not, though some will find some crazy plot when they want to. Progress? Well, it is light and thin and has pretty good battery life, so I'll say yes. Wave of the Future? Well I can count on one hand the number of times in the past year I've used the optical drive on my Powerbook for anything other than ripping cds, so perhaps they're onto something...

I will say though, 1 usb port is a deal breaker for me. I could almost fit into the niche who would be interested...but requiring a hub for just about any peripheral is silly.

[JLM]

I had also heard that it was meant to complement a desktop, not replace a laptop.  Kind of a super PDA with all flash memory.

[Bemopti123]

5O'clock hit the nail with his post.  I call this the wave of the future... I personally do not like the fact that they had excluded an optical drive or making into an extra, but even with my 2 year old 12" G4 PB, light portables that are mean to live like that, with a life on the road are harsh places for optical drivers and burners as such.  Mine reads DVDs but cannot burn them in any capacity.  Weirdly enough, I can still burn CDs. 

As I was discussing it with another friend, the Macbook Air is just the next logical step towards an entirely physical drive less world, as well as it is just the harbinger of an era where we will not own ANYTHING when it comes to audio and video. 

The design is truly cutting edge, but I just do not get why it does not have a firewire port nor that "non user replaceable battery."  Man, to pay 1.7K for a laptop with just 80gb and expensive battery, nah, I will not buy it.  It looks good though, but it is rather pricey.

I say it has ushered the age of cutting edge portability accompanied with the electronics cycle and life span of a cellphone 

[Bemopti123]

Thinking about it, something like the Macbook Air with a SS HD, will be like an overgrown Ipod with 8-9 hours or more battery life.  But 1K for that option, ouch.

[pardales]

I think this will be the next MAIN computer for a lot of people. I know I have not used my optical drive on my work computer more than twice in the last year. With a full function keyboard (backlit) and 13.1" screen, 80GB HD, its a lot more than an iPod.

Given the solid state hard-drive option is kind of neat too--not sure why but its probably good for something. Small, light, sharp lookin......very cool.

[Vinnie R.]

While it does look very sleek and cutting-edge, without a drive to rip CDs and without a large enough hard drive, it leaves me with no desire to part with my black 160GB MacBook (for audio system use).  And yes, at least two USB ports should have been included... jeeze!   

What is very cool is the FLASH hard drive, but they need to make these larger and I know they will.  Then no more moving parts, better battery life, long lifespan, etc.  The FLASH-based hard drives *are* the wave of the future! 

[jqp]

It certainly is a "design" and features some cutting edge technology at a premium price. Someone has said that this is a "device" as opposed to a "computer" because you cannot change the battery, no ethernet, no optical disc drive, 1 usb,  and a slow 80GB PATA drive. Basically there is nothing that the owner can upgrade.

Apparently this was a real disappointment for a lot of fans who were hoping for a more practical laptop for their real-world needs.

I picture college kids in Starbucks surfing the web - rich college kids 

[Toka]

I agree that it seems best suited as a 'complementary' device, or for someone who puts portability above all else. As for the optical drive, do note that it can "borrow" a drive from another Mac (maybe Windows as well?) using bluetooth(?) for the installation of disc-based programs. I won't be getting this one, but the one they'll have 2-3 iterations down the road...sign me up. 

[TomS]

The Air is pretty cool, but since my Thinkpad just died, I was just kind of hoping they'd drop the Macbook price a little just for good measure    Alas, no such luck.

[TheChairGuy]

Brilliant.  I'm about up-to-here lugging my 12lbs of laptop and charger with me on every trip (60+ days a year on the road).  I'm not getting any younger.

I'll trade my oversized 15.4" for a trim 13.3" and 8lbs+ next time.  I'm not daunted by the price - my back, arms and sanity are worth it 

Brilliant, just brilliant, Steve Jobs 

[Woodsea]

Just a word from a MacbookPro user.  They have a silent recall on their batteries.  They denied there was a problem at the store in Miami, then when I called from Cuba after checking online, they had no problem sending me a free replacement.  The new air has an Apple only battery replacement program for over $100.  Only 1 USB port, which should not be a problem, but you never know.
Heat is also an issue with the pro as well.  Being thinner and still aluminum will not help matters.  If I were you I would wait, until we see some working models out in the general public, and then check Macrumors.com forums.
 

[SET Man]

Hey!

   As for Mac user I have to say.....Woooooooooooooooooooow! 

   But I don't know if I could live with just one USB port and no optical drive though? 

   Other than that? Woooooooow! Again! 

Take care,
Buddy

[dB Cooper]

Not what I want. Slower processor, smaller HD, still the odious glary screen. What do I want?

I don't much care about thickness as long as it's reasonable. What I want is a small footprint. I want at lest two USB ports. I want an optical drive. I want an antiglare display.

Until Apple decides to give me that, I will continue keeping my ibook alive until I can save the scratch for a MacBook Pro. It's bigger than I want, it's more expensive than I want, it's more power than I need or want to pay for, but the only other option is a Wintel box and a switch to Ubuntu Linux.

[lonewolfny42]

Brilliant.  I'm about up-to-here lugging my 12lbs of laptop and charger with me on every trip (60+ days a year on the road).  I'm not getting any younger.

I'll trade my oversized 15.4" for a trim 13.3" and 8lbs+ next time.  I'm not daunted by the price - my back, arms and sanity are worth it 

Brilliant, just brilliant, Steve Jobs 

An idea....a Magna Cart with a built in laptop....how's that !!!