MacBook Air vs. Cloudbook
Our reviewer took three ultraportable laptops for a spin. What do you think?
From Patrick Jordan The MacBook Air does in fact have a two button mouse. if you place two
fingers on the track pad and click the button (or if you have it set
up to tap the trackpad as the button, tap with two fingers) you will
have the second mouse button functionality.
You may need to set this up which is done through:
System Preferences -> Keyboard & Mouse -> For secondary clicks, place
two fingers on the trackpad then click the button
OR if you have clicking turned on as a trackpad gesture
System Preferences -> Keyboard & Mouse -> Tap trackpad using two
fingers for secondary click
Hope this helps :)
Thanks,
Patrick
From Joe Welke I must say your reviews are horrible when it comes to light weight
lap tops, you don't even tell us what the specifications are for each
computer you were using.
You will regret switching to macs, trust me I have already done that
and I must say mac is very unimpressive. Macbook air is the sorriest
excuse of a lap top I've ever seen.
Get a new job, or hire someone who actually knows a thing or two
about technology.
From Rob, Medical Lake WA Next We'll be comparing a BMW vs. Yugo
From Russ Atlanta Ga ill stick with a toughbook, id rather not have my investment die prematurely.
From guido, anvhorage alaska Comparing two laptops with thousands of dollars in price difference… and the expensive one is faster! Wow, what a surprise! Perhaps you should compare a Kia with a Ferrari. Which one's faster there?
Also, to the Mac-fans suggesting buying another mouse: if I pay two thousand dollars for a laptop, I don't really feel like dumping extra money in for a decent mouse. Include the Mighty Mouse for free, for crying out loud! Control-click (or even double-finger-click, which is better) is not a solution for truly obsessive right-clickers.
Mac OS X could be the best OS in existence, thanks to its BSD roots, if they just clean up the appalling UI (or at least let users change it). Come on Apple, make this comment look dumb!
From Tom M Yuck! Terrible interview: Mismatched hardware, obvious leanings of the interviewee towards Mac, more of an advertisement than a comparison. I'd of at least put the EeePC 900 up in place of the Cloudbook (which is more portable than the razor-edge Air, as it is smaller in the dimensions that matter) in both XP and Linux configurations. What's that – multitouch touchpads on the EeePC? Fraction of the price? Option not to have to buy Apple authorised software for the rest of your life? Sounds a damn sight better to me…
And to all Mac users out there, I think Mac has a nice OS – I just don't think a Mac is worth that much more than a PC for the same hardware.
From Dave, Hillsborough, NC Isn't Lenovo's X300 conspicuously missing from this comparison? I understand it has the features of the Vaio and the performance of Air. Plus it's a ThinkPad. Best engineered laptops on the market. If only they came in the same pretty color as the Air.
From Sharon Krossa Greetings!
As I'm sure several others have pointed out, if you switch to Mac you
don't have to get used to not having a right mouse button — Apple has
had two button mice as the default for a while now**, and even before
that you could use a third party mouse with two (or three, or four)
buttons, and program whichever one you wanted to perform the "right
click" function (which you can also perform by holding down the
control key while doing a normal [left] click).
Anyway, welcome to the light side — you're going to love it!
**the "Might Mouse" — it looks like a one button mouse with scroll
ball, but it actually does both left and right click (as well as
scrolling and yet another button/function) See
<http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB112LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessori
es/mice_keyboards&mco=NzUwOTc
From Gary Mathews agree with all you say – but you can set up the normal imac mouse for
right click – can't you do it on the mac air? -
From Paul Lin Hello Elizabeth,
In your article "Mac Air vs. Cloudbook" you mentioned about not having
a right mouse button. You might already know this, but you can
simulate a right mouse button by placing two fingers on the track pad
and clicking! You have to make sure this setting is set though
(System preferences – Keyboard & Mouse – Trackpad – Click "For
secondary clicks, place two fingers on the trackpad…").
Coming from the PC world, I also was a little afraid by the "lack" of
a right mouse button, but this turned out to be an unfounded fear. I
actually find the two finger click to be much better than having a
dedicated right mouse button. Hope this helps!
From Reed O'Brien You can control click for the right click.
Also you in system preferences for Mouse and Keyboard allow two finger
clicks for a right click. I do it this way and never want two buttons
again. I like being able to use either hand on the pad.
From Darwin Mark Hall Dear Ms. Mateo,
Thank you for your insightful article on the new class of laptops. I
would like to share Mac-centric option you may find useful.
In Mac OS Tiger, I go to System Preferences, and access the Keyboard
& Mouse Pane under Hardware. From there I go halfway down the page to
Trackpad Gestures. The last option before Trackpad options is one
that reads "Place two fingers on trackpad and click button for
secondary click." What this allows me to do is put my fore- and
middle fingers together on the trackpad and use my button to click
the "mouse" button to produce a "right click."
I hope you find this as useful as I did indeed find your article.
From Dominic Coke Your review of the Macbook Air mentioned the lack of a right mouse
button… This is totally untrue, as, the implementation of the multi
gesture trackpad now incorporates the most elegant way of having a
right mouse button on a laptop – and that is the two-finger tap. It
is by far the easiest right mouse button. So you review is untrue.
From scott dodds OK, I'm sure you're tired of hearing this…..
you can right click any mac laptop by resting two fingers on the trackpad and clicking the mouse button with your thumb. This is as cool for clicking as two finger scrolling is for scrolling. Hands down the BEST way to get a right click.
you can also hold down the control key if you want to use hands.
Yours was a good review. But… do you REALLY need your DVD drive often enough that its' an issue?
Also, regarding the right click… I can't count the times I've read negative comments about Macs from people who never learned how to use them. If you're going to review computers then review computers, do the work, understand the machines. I really get sick of dumbass comments from reporters reviewing machines on both platforms. This is not unique to Mac reviews, but more common there.
I guess it's like Douglas Adams said:
Reporters can research and learn, or just write what people tell them. Both approaches pay the same.
From Mark Rushton Hello Elizabeth,
A quick tip to make your MacBook Air experience
more enjoyable… (and likely the 23,031 email
you've recieved on this point):
Apple Menu–>System Preferences–>Keyboard & Mouse
Configure the Trackpad with: "Tap trackpad with
two fingers for secondary click"
Voilá! You now have right-click.
From Kelly Napier Ms. Mateo,
I am glad to read that your experience on the Mac was a good one. If no one else has mentioned it to you there is a very efficient and intuitive way to right click once you enable it. If you will open your System Preferences ( 4th item down if you click on the Apple in the top left corner ), and then click on "Keyboard and Mouse". Click on the "Trackpad" tab and then check the box that begins "For secondary clicks…" Now, when you want to left click, just click the trackpad button as you normally would, and if you want to right click just allow two fingers to rest/touch on the trackpad and then click. Voila, contextual menus, just like Windows.
From John Farkas Hi, I loved your article on the laptops. Very informative. As a long-
time Mac user, I just have to let you know that Macs DO in fact have a
very elegant right-click on laptops. Although turned off in the
system preferences by default. There is a checkbox in the Trackpad
pane that lets you select "For secondary clicks, place two fingers on
the trackpad then click the button." If you select this, you can then
right click simply by placing another finger on the pad and clicking,
just like the 2-finger scroll. Once you use it a bit, you might even
find it easier than a pc trackpad, I know I do.
From Paul Stockert Elizabeth – My first worry with my new macbook pro was not having a
right click button, but I quickly discovered that there are two ways
to right click on a mac. One is by holding ctrl while clicking – that
doesn't work for me. The other is to simply tap the mouse pad with
two fingers instead of one (just like if you were going to scroll).
Tapping with two fingers instead of one right clicks. Just FYI. -Paul
From Ronald Campbell Actually, the MacBook Air does have a right click option. You can hold
control and click or (my fav) in system prefs you can set the trackpad
so that if you place two fingers on the trackpad and click at the same
time it would be just like "right clicking" an object in windows. i
think apple has supported this feature for over 10 years now, but i
guess you are brand new to the whole apple thing.
From Stephen Ludwig Elizabeth,
I enjoyed the article on the nanobooks. You have the ability to have a Right Click on the Air by going to the Mouse and Keyboard panel in System Preferences. Click on the Trackpad tab and under the Two Fingers heading check on Secondary Click.
Now you can get a right click by tapping on the trackpad with two fingers at the same time. The panel has video to show you how to use it.
From Matt Parnell Dear Elizabeth Mateo,
I liked your review of the Macbook Air vs. other ultra portable PCs.
You will be pleased to know that you do NOT have to get used to not
being able to right click. There is a gesture that supports right
clicking. Simply hold two fingers on the touchpad while you click the
button. This will emulate a right mouse click!
From Brad Stewart I'm a right-clicker, too, and Macs do have right-click contextual
menus. On a Mac laptop, in system preferences, go to keyboard and
mouse/trackpad. Select the check box next to "For secondary clicks,
place two fingers on the trackpad then click the button". The label on
the check box says it all. In fact, I would say right clicking on a
Mac laptop works better than any PC laptop I've tried.
From Richard Elizabeth:
I,too, had the same problem. However, hold down the
"Control" key and click. This will bring up the Right Mouse Button
menu.
As for ethernet, I bought the USB adapter. For travel, I
bought the Airline Adapter, so the battery life is not a problem.
As a long time Windows and Vaio user, this laptop is a pleasure.
Hope this helps.
Richard
From Peter C Hi,
"The Mac OS was fairly easy to use (though I'll never get used to not
having a right mouse button)."
The trackpad is even more intuitive than you realize: two-finger tap =
right click, one-finger tap = left click. Even better than having a
right mouse button. Turn it on in System Prefs (Keyboard and Mouse).
Don't forget about zoom in and out and rotate. All MacBook Pro's and
Airs have an actual iPhone controller for the trackpad. You should try
the MacBook Pro too – redesigned in June.
Apple mice have had four buttons for a few years now.
Enjoy your new Mac.
From Patrick McGee You won't be sorry switching to Mac, I did when in school for Graphic
Design and am a MacAddict (I used to say Macs sucked when I didn't
know any better).
The point of my email is to let you know that all Macs that come with
a mouse now come with a two button mouse and have for some time. Even
when they didn't come with a two button mouse you could always buy
whatever your favorite mouse is and use it, most have drivers that
work with Mac.
If you do get the Macbook Air you can use 2 button mouses with it :)
From Brian Kearns I imagine you've heard this by now, but just in case:
to right click with any mac lap top, separate two fingers on the track
pad and press the click bar. Presto.
From Tim Stidham, Chicago Hey Elizabeth,
I like your review. I'm a fairly recent Mac convert myself. Just a
tip: you can have right click on the mouse pad. You just have to go
into System Preferences Keyboard & Mouse Trackpad gestures For
Secondary Clicks…. (make sure that is selected). Two fingers on the
trackpad while clicking does the trick and it's easy as pie!
From Jim Fine, Westport, CT Right click is simple with the Air and no bluetooth mouse. Just tap
the pad with 2 fingers. That's it.
The Mighty Mouse bluetooth mouse has right click as well. Apple
joined the right-clickers some time ago.
I also was a 20 year MS user. Three years ago I liberated myself from
that prison and now I'm a happy, smiling man who has even become a
geek of sorts. I'm 62. My wife who's 37 switched 5 years ago and is
now on her second Mac notebook. She is drooling for an Air, but we'll
wait another year until the 3 year warranty is ending before buying
her a new one. And my 72 year old mother-in-law just bought an Air as
well. This is her 3rd Mac notebook. We have eBayed all 3 used
machines and received about 40% of the purchase price after 2.5-3
years of daily use. Try that with any WinTel notebook!
You'll be very pleased when you make the switch.
From Scott Giesbrecht Hello
I read your article on the Macbook Air. I just wanted to let you know
that you can set up Mac OS to have a right click option for your
mouse. You just need to change the settings in the System Preferences
under Keyboard and Mouse. I was a long time PC user and switched to
Mac in the past couple of years. Once you get used to Mac OS you will
never want to go back to Windows. There are so many intuitive and
helpful features that make it a pleasing experience to use.
Again, thanks for your review of the Macbook Air. If you want a
second opinion on it I would be happy to borrow it for awhile and tell
you what I think! :}
From Robert W. Tamm Noted you article. Great!
I use a kenington two button/ scroll wheel – usb mouse on my MacAir.
The are several other options. You might want to check them out.
From Stephen B. Lambeth You can hold down the Ctrl (Control) button while clicking and this
will simulate a right click. I also heard that you can adjust the
System Preferences (like Control Panel in Windows) to allow you to use
a two finger tap on the trackpad as a right click.
From Steph Boudreau After reading your "I now lust for this laptop" article.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's going to / has already told you
that being on the Mac does not mean you can't have two mice buttons
(or three even) or even a scroll wheel. Just plug in your mouse and
you'll have those options.
From Terry Lesser Hi Elizabeth,
Just thought you would like to know that you can activate a "secondary button" on a Mac. It works by placing two fingers on the trackpad (much like the scroll feature) and pressing the button. The "secondary button" is easily activated by opening the "system preferences" pane and selecting "Keyboard & Mouse". Then select the "Trackpad" tab. Check the box for "secondary click" under the heading "Trackpad Gestures".
Now that I have been using the "secondary click" almost since I got the machine, I would have trouble getting used to an actual right button on a track pad. The mighty mouse also has right click capability.
My apologies if other passionate Mac users have already berated you for this.
Thanks,
Terry
P.S. The "no right click on Mac" myth seems to be common among PC users. It could make an article in itself.
From William Mitcheltree Since the advent of the "Mighty Mouse" macs have a right mouse button.
Of course the Air doesn't include a mouse, but you could get the
bluetooth Mighty Mouse (I would, I dislike trackpads).
From Adam Christian Smith You know that on Mac portables, merely using two fingers to click on
the trackpad is a "right click", right?
One finger can be set as single click.
Problem solved.
Adam
Renton, WA
From Erio Barale-Thomas Dear Elizabeth,
Your review of the MacBook air is interesting, I however found an often repeated error among PC-users. Well I don't know if it's really an error, as this feature is hardly documented by Apple. For the right-click, you have 2 ways to do it: Ctrl-click (works on all machines and all mouses), or tapping the trackpad with 2 fingers and click (you can do this easily with the same hand; of course only on laptops). I prefer the second way: I have a laptop PC at work, and all the time I try this trick as it is so intuitive and efficient. Just spread the word!!
Regards,
Erio Barale-Thomas
From Roger Fleischman Why didn't you review the X300 which by several other accounts beats the Air on weight, features, and perfomance?
R. Fleischman, MD, PhD
From Thomas Peters II You mentioned at the end of the article about a right mouse button not being available on the MacBook Air. You can get the same menu by tapping with two-fingers.
You may have to turn on this option in System Preferences, available in the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen. In System Preferences, you'd find the option in the Keyboard & Mouse settings in its Trackpad section.
Though, maybe you knew this already and were referring to the physically different experience.
Hmm, and perhaps you've received many other emails like this, too. Certainly don't worry about replying, must be rough enough keeping up with it all. Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss out on this feature, as I happen I to like the two-finger tap as much as the two-finger 360 degree scrolling you mentioned. Extremely convenient and I don't have worry about which button to press.
Oh, and don't overlook the MacBook Air's exclusive multi-touch capabilities similar to the iPhone, such as pinching for zooming on photos and (I think) for adjusting text size on Safari's web pages. And the three-finger swipe for moving back ward and forward in Safari when browsing the web.
Enjoy! I'm sure I would :-)
– Thom
From Dan Juarez So, did you already receive a bunch of email on how to enable the
right mouse click on a mac?
From Phillip Brockhaus I'm sure you have already heard this from others by now, but right
clicking on a mac laptop is the easiest thing in the world, and I
prefer it to right clicking on any of the wintel laptops out there.
Enabling right clicks is a little bit of a pain in the neck, but you
only have to do it once. To enable it, you:
Go to "System Preferences"
Click "Keyboard & Mouse"
Click "Trackpad"
Near the bottom there's a checkbox for secondary clicks. Select that
check box and you are done.
Just exit out of system preferences, and from now on when you want to
right click, you just have 2 fingers resting on the trackpad instead
of 1 when you click.
Try it out – I think that after a few days you won't want to go back
to 2 buttons.
From David Elizabeth,
You'll probably get lots of email, but you **can** use a real USB
two-button mouse. The way you right click using the trackpad is to
hold the Control Key down with your left hand and press the trackpad
down with the right hand.
I'm a dyed in the wool mac guy, but really once I switched to a two
button mouse (or better yet, a two button with a scroll wheel in the
middle) I never went back (I couldn't use a single mouse button now).
I guess the point was you wished you had two trackpad buttons, and
yes, I agree, that would be nice. Guess you never get everything you
want…
Best wishes,
David
From Thomas Carley OS X has had the ability to use multiple button mice for at least the
past 7 years, since the Air has wireless capabilities almost any 3rd
party blue tooth mouse will work with it All Macs running OS X have
the ability to use multi button mice. This is just one of the myths
created by the Windows community to make them selves fell better about
having a second rate operating system. IT people are notorious from
spreading such highly distorted facts, primarily for job security.
If I sound biased it's because I am, I worked for Apple for several
years in their engineering department and get tired of hearing the
old myths spread over and over. Good luck with your new MacBook Air.
From Carl Hankwitz It's somewhat strange that she knows about the two-finger scrolling, but not about the "two finger right click." Mac notebooks do not have a physical "right button," but they certainly do have a virtual one. Secondary clicking debuted on Macs with the release of Mac OS 8's contextual menus on July 26, 1997. All Macs (except Mac mini) ship with multi-button mice (Apple's Mighty Mouse) or secondary-click-capable trackpads on notebooks (enable in System Preferences>Keyboard & Mouse>Trackpad: Check the box "For secondary clicks, place two fingers on trackpad then click the button"). Plug in just about any third-party multi-button mouse and Mac OS X will support it.
From Richard Huggins While I am delirious to welcome Ms. Mateo to the wonderful world of
Macs, she wrongly implied that Macs don't have right mouse buttons.
They certainly do! (If hers doesn't, any Mac or PC mouse can be
substituted.) The menu choices might differ, of course. Also, she
might have mentioned that Bootcamp is but one of several ways to run
Windows on Macs and requires rebooting. The alternatives do not.
From Dave, Chicago IL MacBook Air + WindowsXP (no Leopard) is a great combination. As far as Unix based systems beeing stable and all that, it's only a mith.
From Steven Pauwels, Belgium I spent over $ 8.000 on private hard & soft last year and even tried Vista… I've had it with Microsoft and since there is no Linux distro that offers me what I need, I'm going Mac and I'll never go back! I'll spend another $10.000 to replace the pc's buth I.. do… not… care! And I've been in IT for 25 years and started with TRS80 too :):):)
From Robert Graham SLC, Utah I am a computer tech and I spend most of my time fixing people's computer problems. Things like viruses, spyware, driver conflicts, etc… When asked by my customers if there is any way to fix these problems permanently I tell them to get a Mac. Though I know it will hurt my job security, I feel 100% confident that 99% of their problems will go away. The Mac Air is a work of art in both beauty an brawn.
From Rob, Phoenix AZ Hey M. G., Napa, CA, You're an idiot.
I'm an IT Consultant. I started using computers back in the last 70's starting with the TRS-80, have watched the industry go from a multitude of systems like TI99/4A, C-64, Atari 400 and 800s, to being dominated by the PC in the 80's and 90's. I've seen organizations go from MVS mainframes, to large Unix systems of various flavors, to clusters of Unix, Linux, and Windows systems in the data center.
I write code in many different programming languages including C#, Java, perl, Ruby, and Python. I develop and administer databases Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server. I perform security audits, perform attack and penetration testing, and a whole ton of other things.
I give presentations to customers, write IT policy, and perform cost analysis.
Guess what, I use a Mac. As a matter of fact everyone in my company uses Mac computers.
What's even more interesting I'm seeing more and more IT consultants using some form of Mac laptop. Everything from PowerBooks and MacBooks to MacBook Pros. I'm seeing more Macs coming into corporate data centers. The guys working in the systems operations center, network operation center, etc are moving to Macs at home and the office. I'm not talking about just in my company but at customer sites that I visit and work with. And no I'm not pushing them, its happening for many more reasons.
Macs are competitively priced against their PC cousins. The TCO is much less than that of the typical PC. The need to refresh Mac hardware is much lower than the need to refresh PC hardware. Which means again you are saving money in the long run. From an accounting stand point. You have to write off computer hardware such as the purchase of a PC over a three year time period. With a 3 year PC refresh cycle you always have PC's on your books they never get paid off. With Macs you can get 4-6 years out of them. They pay for themselves.
I'm seeing more Macs finding their way into the Scientific community, the Law community, and the Forensics community. Why because out of the box it comes with tons of tools and utilities being used by these people. Most of the tools used on other versions of Unix and Linux are finding their way to the Mac. Why because it takes very little effort to port them.
And the few Windows applications that run only on Windows are being ran through Windows running on VMWare, Parallels, VirutalPC from their desktop. Or they are running it through a remote desktop application such as MS Remote Desktop, Citrix, or some variant of VNC.
This bull sh….. that the only people using Macs are:
Students, hipsters, and wanna-bes, is just that BULL. Spoken by another person who really doesn't know their A$$ from a hole in the ground.
So the next time, before you spout off at the mouth learn a little bit about the product, the people who are using it, and how its being used.
From Kenji, Los Angeles, CA I think may people here are making a Mac VS PC issue out of this blog. Really, the Macbook Air is a secondary computer for people on the move. If you need to string up lots of peripherals or this will be your only computer, then the Air model isn't your best choice. Apple has many other laptops available, including those geared to 'power users.'
As far as the article is concerned, the author is founder of a blog for chic Hispanics. Of course style comes first.
Now, for those of you who want to make the Mac/PC debate:
My old college roommate is now the IT Manager for a large law firm that uses all PCs but he has been using Apple Macintosh computers for his home network for the last 7 or 8 years. He does love Windows PCs, however; he admits if they weren't so high maintenance, he wouldn't have a job anymore.
Unlike most Mac users, I HAVE had major computer virus problems, but NONE what so ever since Apple switched to OS X. There aren't any viruses for OS X yet. Eventually, someone will write one, and Apple will send out a patch immediately to address it that every Mac owner will automatically download and install.
From Neil, New Westminster BC Please don't tell us that the lack of DVD, multiple USB ports, Ethernet or replaceable battery are drawbacks unless you can back that up with personal experience.
Did you need to connect multiple USB devices at the same time?
Did you need to replace the battery? Do you normally carry a fully charged backup battery for your laptop?
Do you not have a wireless network at work or at home?
Were you not able to install software from a optical disk?
You might as well argue that it doesn't have a high end graphics card and can't run WoW at 300fps. You also should have done a little research on the right-click issue before writing this article as well. Did you even talk to another Mac user before publishing it?
Hardly a professional review. But what is in on the Inter Webs.
From Jim, Toronto, Canada you're an idiot
how often do you really use that DVD drive in your laptop?
the air was made for people on the go who just need a laptop
windows needs 20% more CPU usage to run than mac os x, on the same processor
theres a thought for battery life
and about that right click??
why don't you do your homework and realize that you CAN right click in OS X, you either Control + Click or put two fingers on the track pad and click down with your thumb.
stupid
From Jim Atlanta, GA "Parallels is pretty slick, but it does come with it’s disadvantages. Remember kids, boot camp and parallels are just UTILITIES. You still have to buy Microsoft’s OS. You also have to keep in mind that your computer is only half of what it was. Half for Microsoft, half for Mac. So if you are running Vista, you will have to get extra memory if you want to run it with parallels. I have used Parallels, and it definitely does compromise the stability of your mac. I have had quite a few issues with it, and the problem with running PC and Mac OS is that you encounter a very strange breed of errors that neither Mac nor PC tech people can figure out. If you do use parallels, in my experience you have the best performance if you limit your activity in windows to word processing and the bare necessities."
I've ben using Parallels for a year and have never had anything close to the issues listed above, or any issues at all for that matter.
From Nuri Sioux Falls, SD Parallels is pretty slick, but it does come with it's disadvantages. Remember kids, boot camp and parallels are just UTILITIES. You still have to buy Microsoft's OS. You also have to keep in mind that your computer is only half of what it was. Half for Microsoft, half for Mac. So if you are running Vista, you will have to get extra memory if you want to run it with parallels. I have used Parallels, and it definitely does compromise the stability of your mac. I have had quite a few issues with it, and the problem with running PC and Mac OS is that you encounter a very strange breed of errors that neither Mac nor PC tech people can figure out. If you do use parallels, in my experience you have the best performance if you limit your activity in windows to word processing and the bare necessities.
For real, I can't even remember the last time I used my optical drive. I suppose the Mac OS isn't for everyone (though I can't understand why). But if you are an instant gratification person, like me, who likes not having to do daily maintenance just to keep a computer running at half speed, Macs are great. And I have extensive experience with PC's, and dents in the drywall to show it. everyone cites macs inability to run games as some kind of weakness…. Some people don't give a flying fig….I also don't think that the issue with PC's is with the companies themselves (Dell, Sony, etc.) They do fantastic jobs. It is with a ridiculous, power hogging, cumbersome OS that takes the most agile of creatures and breaks their knee caps.
In the end, mac is sweet and slick. And unlike some accusations, does NOT sacrifice function for chic. It is a work horse too. A beautiful, well groomed, showy work horse. Whoever said Mac is a religion was pretty much right…
From Jim Georges, Atlanta GA "The only people I see using Macs are:
a) Students
b) Fashion-obsessed hipsters who care more about accessorizing than getting work done
c) Wanna-be freelance web/media/graphic-design hipsters who thinks it gives them some sort of geek-street cred when they flash the glowing logo in a Starbucks.
If you are not one of the above and would like to make a valid case for Mac, please feel free to speak up and give me a reason why."
I use a MacBook Pro 15.4" for work (I run a small consulting firm) and a 24" iMac at home. I've used Windows most of my life and converted to Mac two years ago. It's not about style or being hip (I'm 42) and I don't go to Starbucks. The machine and software is just a pleasure to use, it's that simple. The Mac never freezes up, I don't get viruses and everything works the way it should, all the time.
I use Windows XP through Parallels for a couple programs I'm partial to and guess what? Windows runs MUCH FASTER on my Mac than it does on my son's $3000 Dell XPS2.
I'm proud to be a convert and am never going back to Microsoft, ever!
From Finland As many here is commenting there is right click on the MacBook. But you have to activate this feature. As a common rule to every one that gets a new computer brows it's settings. You vill be surprised over all those features that needs to bee turn on. Right click is one of them on MacBook air.
From Fast Eddie, Dublin, Ireland Just a few observations on the response to the article.
Yes, throwing in the Cloudbook as a point of comparison seems a little perverse. On the other hand, it does allow the reader to make up their mind between 3 operating systems and make a choice between cost vs. functionality.
To the computer teacher: I too have worked in the media and graphic design. In fact, I still do and have done for 20 years. Used 5% of the time in these industries? Sorry, but that's so wrong it's not funny. Design agencies will typically be all Mac. All graphic design is done on Mac, so the client service/account execs will usually use Macs for ease of network compatability, Advertising agencies. The creative departments and finished art departments are all Mac. Production and traffic departments tend to be Mac also, as they need to view the Mac documents that will be sent to the newspapers and printers. There are small pockets of PCs in some client service departments, but that's about it.
Newspapers and magazines. Journalists use both PCs and Macs. In the office, it's typically Mac. Their copy will be put into a layout designed on a Mac, so it makes sense. Out of the office, it's a cost decision. PC laptops are cheaper. But since newspapers and print magazines are effective bulk buyers of Macs, they can get good deals on the Apple laptops.
The movie industry. All screenwriters use Final Draft for the Mac. It's overwhelmingly a Mac industry. From art directors, to producers, to writers etc. etc., the Mac is standard. So much for 5%. PCs only really make their presence felt for the processing of animation and CGI and even then, they run Linux. It's called 'grunt' work, so they choose the lowest cost machines to do it.
Are these all 'fashion-obsessed hipsters'? Some probably are. Most are professionals who want to get the job done. As an advertising copywriter, I simply find that Macs crash less. Period. There's no point getting something cheaper if it's less reliable.
You see, there's a great fallacy at the heart of the 'valid case for Mac' argument. That people use it for style over substance. Professionals use Macs precisely because they're reliable, easier to maintain and easier to use.
A professional using a computer doesn't want to spend time fending off viruses and rooting out the ones that made it through. They don't want to have to optimize the system manually. They don't want to have go through 5 commands to do something, when they can do it in one.
Macs are easier to use. They allow you to concentrate on getting the job done, not getting the system running smoothly. If anyone's ever worked professionally in design, advertising, newspapers, magazines, TV, movies…they'd know that.
From Anonymous I am using the Air since the first day it came out. It's my first MAC and I have also been with PCs (got a awful lot of them) for over 20 years.
They are all covered with dust now, cause even if the Air "misses" that much features … I really never missed one of those features missing ;-).
And I won't install Windows with Bootcamp. OS X is just great. I hate myself for being so stupid to ruin my nerves and time for over 20 years…
From Peter Dean, Brussels, Belgium This can't be much of a trusted review if she hasn't found the right-click facility on the Air. I have a black MacBook but I think the white version is best value of all. I would never switch back to a PC running Windows. I'm considering getting an Air as it has all I need when travelling and can easily synchronise with my bigscreen iMac. If you have an iPod it functions as a second drive with the Air, so no real problems with data storage.
From Blueberry Pie, Singapore nyc, dave:
I play WoW in my Macbook Air when I am not at home. It works fine, I can even do a full raid using my Air. All you need is an internet connection … Also, you can also connect a normal optical mouse to your Air and there you are RIGHT CLICK. There's not rule saying you can only use the Mighty Mouse for your Air or any Mac.
PS: BTW, I play WoW on my iMac when I am home. Works fine too.
From Anonymous There is RIGHT-CLICK on the macbook air.
Simply put two fingers on the trackpad,
and use the thumb to press the button under it.
THAT'S IT!
ignorance, ignorance, everywhere it is.
From John Porter, Long Valley, NJ PCs are useful tools but Mac is a religion. You will never see an objective PC vs Mac review written by a non-professional reviewer. This hasn't changed since the first Mac was introduced ove 20 years ago. That said, I have to say that after Microsoft's latest OS atrocity (Vista) I am seriously considering getting a Mac.
From Casey, Tampa, FL If I read of one more ignoramus citing "no right-click" as reason MAC is inferior to PC… I will scream. I will have a super-flip-out. I will vomit all over my screen. I will cry like a ninny. JEEZ, gimme a NEW complaint – and one that isn't so egregious!
From Dave, Chicago, IL What's funny is this is the only positive review of the Air I've seen. Even my Mac-rulez friends see the Air as a novelty item and quite useless in lacking so many features. And that price for what you get is on the moon and would only be paid by imbeciles or the ignorant.
From Dave, Chicago, IL LOL that you "lusted" over a computer. There is something lacking from your life if you care so much about how you look with a laptop vs. what it does.
You'll fit right in with the "all the same" mentality of the Mac crowd. Style wins over substance because you guys don't use a computer for more than mail or internet surfing so it makes sense. I'm a Windows user because I love to game on my PC but to bash Linux and Windows in favor of OSX belies your lack of computer ability.
From John Frederick, Covina CA I went to a local circuit city and was talking to one of there salesmen in the computer dept. As soon as I told him that I have a Mac he TRIED too tell me how limited the mouse on my Mac was. I explained to him that I could easily Right Click and Left Click to my hearts content just as I did on my PC for so many years. The mouse that comes with the IMAC is fully capable of right and left click. If anybody is wondering? You can go to "system preferences" and set your mouse to do whatever mouse function you need. So there !!!!!
From Kevan, Scotland I wish people would stop referring to BootCamp as an application that allows you to switch between Mac and Windows. It isn't!
BootCamp is a utility that allows you to create a Windows compatible partition on your Mac hard drive so that you can install Windows onto it. If you don't need to partition, such as Mac Pro owners with a spare hard drive, you simply put the Windows CD into the Mac, boot from it, and install Windows. The only interaction with BootCamp is the installation of the Windows drivers that are located on a Leopard DVD.
From Dault Bamil, Omaha, Ne. It's amusing how many people get uptight when someone mentions a preference for any computer that they don't own for whatever reason. No one computer will suit every person. We have different needs, different talents, different preferences. Get over it! The Air is only one of Apple's offerings, just as the Vaio and Thinkpad are samples of offering from other makers. Some people need more power, some people need more ports. But not everyone!
To the critics of the article: Do you expect the writer to ignore her experiences and needs and address only your needs? This writer had a specific use in mind and preferred one of the three. Why do you have a problem with that?
To the teacher concerned about her students and industry standards: 1. The level that most kids use their computers can be learned in an afternoon regardless of what they typically use. Microsoft Office, and AIM work on both platforms and they both have browsers. 2. If you don't know many graphic designers using Macs, you're looking in the wrong place.
To the business person: many of us have switched to Apple because IT support is so much cheaper than PC, productivity is greater, and comparable systems are very close in price. Plus, you can run OS X and Windows on the same machine.
From Evan Morgan, Boone, NC First of all, there are many options that cover the (non)-issue stated in this article about the "Mac OS not supporting the right-click function."
The first option, which is by far the simplest, is to get your mouse of choice and plug it into the USB port or connect it via bluetooth. Don't bother with the driver disc, you won't need to install anything, so just consider it a frisbee.
Option two is to not be stupid and actually look in the System Preferences. Under the section labeled "Mouse and Keyboard" one will find a tab devoted to the trackpad in all Apple laptops. Your secondary click options for Apple trackpads are to A) Tap the trackpad with two fingers, or B) Hold two fingers on the trackpad and click the button.
Anyone who honestly believes that Apple, America's 5-time most innovative company (ranked by Forbes Magazine), can't make a computer with right-click capabilities should be put in solitary confinement right next door to Charles Manson.
From Sue – Orlando, FL I'm really surprised that you didn't include a Fujitsu P-series. Mine is a couple of years old, but it's small, has everything you could possibly need and weighs in around 2 lbs.
From N. Lebessis Vancouver, B.C. Canada I am a long time (12 +) years Mac user but was forced to get windows and bought an MacBook to get by. Nice machine but I still love my iMac G3 and iBook G4 ! They are interchangeable, software and hardware, and they all run OS X. They are all hooked in to my home network and all files are interchangeable ! Even the DOS and Word perfect files have gone from the Macbook to the iMac and iBook with no problem!
All my MAC's are blessed with OS X v10.4.2 to v10.5.2 !!
From Peter, Washington, DC For business use or fun? The Toshiba Portege 500 is one of the only near 2 pounders with all the USB/PC/monitor slots and a DVD burner. The MAC Air is simply not set-up for business and roughly the same size as the Portege. And if for business who wants to have 2 machines?
From Calvin Bowen, Cayce, SC My Mac allows me to use OSX (BSD – Unix) and this includes Microsoft products (Office) all in one unit.
If it's not a Mac, it's a typewriter!
From tom If you want to use Windows on these machines…….Dont use Bootcamp spend the extra $80 and run a program called Parallel…this is a better option…..
From Edward, Osaka, Japan I think a lot of people miss the pont that the Macbook Air is not designed to be a stand alone computer. It's supposed to be a desktop companion, plain and simple, and for that reason alone makes this a great computer… for those that need a companion to their desktop without buying a second "full featured" computer.
From themotie, Uppsala, Sweden nyc, dave:
You mean the WoW I play at home on my iMac wouldn't work on the Air?
Also, while optical drives have their place, I honestly can't remember when I last inserted one into my laptop. Not with wifi and multi-gig USB sticks aplenty.
Finally, by "objective" I take it you mean technical as opposed to user-centric?
From Jim, SL UT This is not a real 'comparison'. This is a big league reporter sucking up to AAPL trying to get a free lappy!
From Stephen, Philadelphia, PA You can also just buy a mouse with a button on it ;) Problem solved!
From nyc, dave From a technology point of view, this article cannot be considered a review. While it is true most people would find the MBAir aesthetically pleasing, its performance, measured by a myriad of benchmarks, is way at the bottom of the list. Aside from that, MBAir does not have an optical drive and the only option is to buy one specifically designed for the MBAir($100) by Apple. Also, MBAir does not have a replaceable battery, meaning if you run out of juice and can't find a power outlet, you're stuck with a very expensive piece of paperweight. Finally, MBAir does not run many Windows applications. While this may sound obvious, for all those that wish to play WoW on a laptop, you're out of luck. There are a quite a few weaknesses of the other laptops too but it seems that the readers aren't presented with any downsides of the MBAir. For much more OBJECTIVE reviews, go to cnet and engadget.
From zuted Welcome to the mac world… we welcome you with open arms… sorry you had to spend all those years with windows…. there is a ton of software out there for you to make that mac even more useful… lots of freeware to. check out http://www.macoverdose.com they have a lot of freeware…
From Bill W., Rockford, IL I have been using Apple products exclusively since 1983 and there is a reason for that: no viruses (ever) and, since Apple started UNIX upon which to base the OS, there are NEVER crashes, freezes, or failures of any kind. Period. The hardware has always functioned flawlessly and almost never breaks down or wears out. I bought two MacBook Air laptops (one for my wife and one for me) and we both use them in our work (medicine and law) and would never go back to the MacBook Pro as much as we once thought we could not do without them. Are they perfect? Nope, nothing is. But they continue the long tradition of Apple of producing only top quality products that, in the long run, cost less and give more user pleasure than anything else out there.
From Chad Taylor I was reading your article weighing in between the Nanobooks.
I too have been a PC user for years and recently purchased my first MacBook Pro. Just like you I couldn’t get used to not having a right mouse button. That was until I realized the MAC OS “DOES” have a right mouse button feature. Not only that, but I love it more than a PC. It’s not turned on by default, but if you go to computer preferences and the touchpad control’s tab, you will find a checkbox that turns on right click when you have two fingers on the touchpad, just like with scrolling. When I found this option, I fell in love. I want all my PCs at home and work to do the same thing now. You never have to re-aim your thumb to hit the right mouse button. You simply touch two fingers to the touchpad and hit the button the same place you do for left click and wow, a right click menu appears. Give it a try. You’ll love it.
From Jeff Jones I switched to Mac about two years ago after 20 years of pc's. With the new track pads on Mac, I completely do not care about the right click. Promise you will get very used to it.
Go mac
From dxtr Hi, Click on System Preferences in the Apple menu, top left of the screen. Click on Keyboard & Mouse, second row 5th from the left. Click on the Trackpad Button and check the box next to "Clicking" and "Tap trackpad using two fingers for secondary click". Now you can "Right Click". If you have a two button mouse you like just plug it in and it will work, no drivers required! Welcome to Mac! seeya dxtr
From Stephen Willey Elizabeth, I am sure you are probably inundated with emails regarding your product reviews, so I will keep this short. You stated that you need a right click mouse when using a computer as though this were not an option with the mac. While Mac computers shipped with only one button mouses for a long time, right click has always been an option with the Mac operating systems. Not only can the MacBook Air use any mouse with multiple assignable buttons via USB (granted the one USB port) or Bluetooth, Apple makes both a USB and Bluetooth mouse with four buttons and a scrolling track ball. In short, you can right click to your heart's content! I hope this helps. Stephen Willey
From Jeremy Hill Macs can do "right-click." you just do either: ctrl+click OR click and hold OR plug in a two (or three, or four) button mouse and go to town! :-)
From Sam Hi, I'm sure you probably know this already or someone already beat me to it. I don't use Windows enough to know if all the features of a right mouse button work the same way on the Mac OS as they would on Windows. But I believe you can customize the "Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse" to "right click" among other things. I use a Belkin that has a right mouse button & scroll wheel with my Mac laptop and it works very well. Thanks for pointing out the flaws of the Mac Air. The heat you described is of concern to me as well as are some of the missing features. Apple will probably cram those things in the next upgrade or figure something else out. My Mac PB G4 Ti is so loud and gets so hot that it is a hassle to use. I can't wait for the new lower watt/ heat Centrino 2 and other chips in the next 12 months. In future articles would you report on how many watts a laptop or desktop has and if the fan is on constantly (if you could objectively measure the decibels that would be great) on or if it is relatively quiet? Also, would you disclose what the thing is made of as far as toxic materials? Apple has eliminated or reduced many toxic chemicals and elements in the mac Air but other companies don't really specifically disclose the info. on their websites or provide a helpful timetable. Thanks. Sam
From Rob as probably a million people have told you , if you hold two fingers on the trackpad and hit the mouse button, it acts like a right button….you soon get used to it! cheers, Rob
From Eli Block Hey Elizabeth I just finished reading your mini review of the ultraportables. I love my mac. Did this experience with the product alone convince you to switch or have you been eyeing the stability, maybe the all- included media software that just works together………… what really pushed you over the edge? — Eli Block
From Rick Granberry I expect by now you have heard several times over that Apple sells a "Mighty Mouse" that both left and right-clicks. It comes wireless (Bluetooth) or USB. It also has a scroll BALL on the top, you can emulate the two finger gesture with the ball on top (e.g. scrolling up/down and side to side). And you can configure it to do "something" when you squeeze the two grips on the sides (like you would pick the mouse up, so I don't have that configured.) Regards, Rick Granberry
From Chris Just in case you were wondering….. You talked about how it would be hard for you to not have a right click on a Mac. Well, actually, you can set it up in your track pad preferences so that when you tap with two fingers on the track pad, it does the same thing as a right click in windows, but to me is even easier! Hope this helps you out, although im sure you have already been informed about this little tip. Welcome to Mac!
Chris
From Robert Duquette Elizabeth:
I just finished your review of the VIAO (I own one of these), The MACBOOK AIR, and the linux low end laptop. I thought I would add a little info for you on MAC OSX.
First regarding the right mouse button, while there is no right button on the laptop itself, OSX supports the use of the right mouse button just as you are used to in Windows. Just plug in any usb mouse (my favorites are actually from Microsoft) and right click away for context menus.
Second, while Boot Camp is available, the way cool way to go if you need or want access to Windows on the MAC is to use VMWARE’s Fusion. It allows you to run Windows concurrently with OSX so that you actually have a “Start” menu on your MAC desktop. You can run a Windows application on your MAC desktop as if it were a MAC application. VMWARE provides enterprise level virtualization software, which is what Fusion is, and their MAC product has been extremely reliable and easy to use. It can give you the best of both worlds. I have attached a screen capture of what a mac desktop looks like with Fusion running Windows XP.
Robert Duquette
From James Hello Elizabeth, I enjoyed reading your article this morning, short, smart, and honest. I couldn't help but giggle reading the last line about buying a Mac asap (I, myself being a Mac owner). I understand getting used to not having a right click, but if you don't choose to get a regular mouse (which is perfectly reasonable) you can try to use Control+click for right clicking pleasure. Enjoy your Xmas/B-day/Valentine's day fun when you get one of your own! James
From Joseph Lee I saw your article and I'm sorry to say your conclusion is blinded, biased, and seriously short-sells your readers. Most people base decisions on a two column plus/minus piece, and I don't think you at any point made a serious case FOR the Mac Air that overcomes its serious deficiencies. In fact, the winning factors seem to be based only on: o being able to play HD trailers sourced ONLY from the Internet since nobody 'really cares' about being able to play ANY movie discs – HD or DVD o it's gorgeous (subjective) o feels great (subjective) o large and intuitive scrolling pad (subjective) o feels like multiple Holidays (subjective) That's a winning a case as the one for how attractively 'safe' SUVs are because of its myriad cup holders, and that one can see underneath the vehicle, as I ever heard (ref Malcom Gladwell). Sincerely, Joseph Lee
From Kevan Weave Dear Ms. Mateo,
I enjoyed your piece on the nanobooks; I went back to a Mac about 3 years ago (just as they started using Intel processors). I had used Mac's on and off during high school and college, but went exclusively to a PC once I finished grad school. It isn't that I didn't like Macs, but more because of company/IT support (or lack thereof). I stuck with a PC for about 6 years, but I was getting tired of the long boot-up and shut-down times of my PC (usually measured in minutes to tens-of-minutes). Most folks thought/think that going for a cup of coffee while your computer starts up is normal – not so! Once Apple started using Intel for their CPU's, I figured it was time to change back and I've never had a complaint.
I wasn't sure if you knew about the right mouse button feature on a Mac since it wasn't clear to me whether your comment at the end of the piece was due to convention/tendency, or you just didn't know. In case of the latter, here's the key-stroke to invoke a "right-click" – [ctrl + mouse button]. If you did know, sorry for this last paragraph; just ignore it.
Thanks,
Kevan Weaver
From Robert Stein Elizabeth – I noticed in your recent story concerning ultra-lite laptops that you mentioned wishing that Macs had a right-click. In fact, Mac has had a multi-click mouse for several years now and OS has supported this feature for the same amount of time. the Apple Mighty Mouse features left and right click, squeeze the side buttons, roll and click the scroll ball on top as well. I know you will enjoy the Air – good luck getting one soon! Robert Stein
From Ron Hello, Just read your article on the MacBook Air. You have probably got email about this already but there is right button mouse support in OS X. You just have to enable it. On the track pad you tap with 2 fingers for a right click. Pretty slick one you get used to it. Anyway, thanks for the article. BTW, I have used Windows machines since the late 80's and switched to a Mac a year and a half ago. Now I have a 24" iMac and MacBook and would buy another one if I could figure out why I need a third. :-) Regards, Ron
From Wobe Do the computing community at large a favor, next time try to compare machines that are in the same universe.
$400 vs. $1800 to $300 isn't exactly a fair comparison. You could have as easily tossed the EEE by Asus or the HP 2133 in there. at least then it might have been a little more of a fair fight.
Sadly, the review just came off like a commercial for Apple.
From Manny, New York, NY Definitely Apple.
I’ve bought my first Mac computer last year and love it. It just works. I don’t need to worry about spam ware or viruses.
From Chris, San Francisco CA I'm sorry but how did this bush-league reviewer get a spot on CNN.com? Lets list his comparison's inadequacies shall we?
1.
"Mac OS was fairly easy to use (though I'll never get used to not having a right mouse button)"
Mac OS has a right-click function and its super easy to use on the air, you just hold two fingers on the track pad and click the button. Additionally, if you use a windows-style mouse with Mac OSX you will find that the right click does exactly what you expect. All macs have had right-click for a while now bro.
2.
Assuming that the sony has processor problems because of choppy video is flawed, and likely flat-out false. Choppy video is more likely the result of some pre-loaded fat-pig resource-hogging windows software or service, or a poor codec being used to decompress video.
3.
"If you need to use Windows, you can install a program called Bootcamp, which switches between Mac and Windows."
Bootcamp forces you to reboot in order to use windows, and won't install if you don't have enough contiguous hard drive space to permanently repartition. Its not nearly as useful as parallels virtualization software, which lets you run windows full screen ON TOP of OSX or even have your windows applications fully integrated with the mac os desktop.
4.
"Unlike Apple, Sony seems to have thrown in every feature but the kitchen sink. You can even browse the Internet from anywhere you have a phone signal, as the VAIO has a Sprint EVDO card built in."
The reviewer says 'every feature but the kitchen sink' and then goes on to mention only the sprint internet card, which to me is probably the most useless feature of all…
In summary, to CNN moderators: Please make me your hardware reviewer. This guy is not thorough.
From Stephen, Philadelphia, PA Apple produces a superior computer with an ultimately more intuitive user interface.
I agree that this comparison may be unfair. I am sure that there are other, higher-end PC laptops which would be more suitable to be compared to the MacBook Air, but then again, the MacBook Air is not Apple's highest end laptop.
Apple also offers the basic MacBook, which still outperforms these other PC laptops, and then there's Apple's MacBook Pro which would simply blow away the competition (there really is no competition).
There is, what I like to call, an unlearning curve. It will take a week or two on your new Mac to unlearn all of the complicated user-interface barriers that you've been accustomed to on your PC, but once a Mac sets you free you'll never drive that old puddle-jumper of a PC again.
When purchasing a computer, like purchasing a car, you get what you pay for and if you can afford to buy a superior, high performance, luxury automobile would you settle for a second rate, compact car with poor engineering and a propensity to break down?
From Rob, Los Altos, California I just bought a MacBook Air and I love it! Just switched from my Dell laptop that kept crashing due to Vista and I couldn't be happier. EVERYTHING JUST WORKS!
From JPinto, NY, NY I am glad to continue to enjoy Apple's innovative products. The Air is a breakthrough in Laptop computing. Flawless for my taste. No wonder why has being nominated for the 3d year in a row as the most innovative company in the world by Business Week ( a scientific study based in a methodology developed by the Boston Consulting Group).
From Anonymous I think that the Mac Book Air was the coolest because of all its cool features and more. Macintosh is the easiest program to use
From niles, fort lauderdale, FL I expected more from cnn.com. I think you should take this page down because it offers very little insight to either of the 3 laptops.
From Chris, Lancaster, CA So, we've got two $3000 laptops, and one $400 laptop, and the $400 laptop gets criticized for not keeping up? Seriously?
This strikes me as a bit like going to a six-year-old's piano recital and bitchslapping him for not being as good as Mozart.
From Doug, San Diego, CA Is that how you base your decision to buy a business notebook – on its ability to play movie trailers?! (which btw probably has more to do with your Sprint EVDO speed than the computer) Well, I'm not one that is ready to make that switch just yet.
From Stew Hamond Why these three? The new Lenovo Thinkpad X300 or the new Fujitsu P8010 are most definitely contenders here and most likely out-do the Air in every way. So what was the point of this article? Certainly not to give readers any meaningful analysis of the current state of what's available in ultraportables.
This article, like the Macbook, was mostly full of Air.
From Alan, Kansas City Kansas This is the worst review I have seen in years. It was obv. meant as another pro-Mac piece of garbage.
For you mac users out there- you are outnumbered. Not just by XP, and not just by Vista-
There are 30 million Ubuntu users in the world. We are number 2 now.
From Melissa Ratledge, Germantown, MD I'm a biologist and I don't get the trendy Mac thing that's overtaking everyone. I have my needed programs to generate data figures and I have my word processing programs to write papers. Why would I want to switch to something like a Mac if my little PC maintains such high fidelity? If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!
From Ben, Hattiesburg, MS I have the latest HP Pailion laptop and have been thinking of getting an Apple as everyone has told me, I havent experienced what a laptop really is until I get an Apple. I love My HP but think I will be doing as my friends say. Hey gotta spend it on something, huh.
From chris, santa Barbara, CA It is really funny the price point of the 3 machines selected for comparison:
$1800-3000 for Apple machine
$3700 for Sony machine
$400 for Linux-based machine
Is this a fair comparison to the Linux-based machines? The author coudl not find anything that is $1000 and be more compatible with the purpose of the comparison?
From Tom, Raleigh NC I saw an Air and fell in love. But I wouldn't get one, 'cause two things are deal breakers:
1. No internal optical drive. Sorry, I need it for installs, ripping music, etc. I know I can use a drive on the network–but not at 30,000 feet.
2. Battery. Until I hear news about the Air's real battery life–that is, recharge cycles–I would have to stay away. As to the "who swaps out the battery?" question: I do. I am in meetings many days all all day, with no power outlet. My Gateway tablet with 2 9-cell batteries can easily get me cross country, and almost transatlantic, and I can get some work done.
That said, next time my office replaces machines, I will get an Air and a fast Apple desktop. Vista seals the deal–as long as MSFT keeps making broken software, they will lose customers to Mac and Unix. Count me in.
From chuck, williamsville, NY Well, here goes….
First, I'm a male. A small business owner (IT Consulting and staffing services to the Fortune 500).
We are also an IBM Business Partner, and get IBM/Lenovo products at great discount.
I have never owned a Mac, before, but have always been open minded enough to considering one….after my seventy millionth thinkpad began to show its age, I decided to jump in and by the Air.
All I can say is wow….No negatives, all positives.
Yes, the right mouse button takes some getting used to…but so did the different position of the wipers in my new car. I figured it out in time. I'm human, I adapt.
Lose the ego, lose the insane western society inclination to resist change, and give it a shot.
You will NOT go back to Windows.
I am currently looking into changing our entire office over.
Chuck
From Jack, Dallas, TX You may be interested to hear that Apple is gaining popularity rapidly among a surprising group: computer scientists. We're hardly the fashion-conscious hipsters that one expects to be Mac users, although we do have different pragmatic constraints than the world of business.
There are three reasons for this trend. (1) OS X is a Unix-based operating system, which is important since many research environments are also Unix-based. (2) Quality productivity software — Excel and PowerPoint, ironically — is available. And (3), peripheral compatibility is excellent.
To say something more directly relevant to the article, the MacBook Air looks like an excellent laptop choice, particularly for those who travel frequently. An important aspect that the review omits, however, is battery life, which is supremely important for an ultra-mobile device.
From Julian, RSM, CA If you have to go for Windows go for the Lenovo X300. MacBook Pro is still the best choice (with VMWare so you can run Windows apps and keep IT happy).
From Kay W. Akumal Mexico I was a loyal PC person. I own and internet company. I was a loyal Dell customer, but between lousy customer service, and a Vostro (which was the only model that had XP on it ready to ship) I have not liked it since day one. So I started looking at Apple.
Three weeks later I own a MacAir. I love it. Sure there is a little learning curve but compared to Windows it is much easier.
From JB, Portland, Oregon FYI, people should read other posts before repeating for the thousandth time, "…to right click on a mac…"
Honestly people, the author liked the Mac better. So what. what kind of car do you drive? What??? Not the kind I drive? Idiot! Fool!! She did not do a scientific comparison??? Oh no, journalism isn't science! What next, scientists become poor public speakers?
Here's some reality for you Mac haters (I don't own any Mac/Apple products BTW):
1st:On all of my PC laptops past and present. I use exactly zero usb ports 99% of the time and one usb port the other 1%. So one is too many for a light-weight laptop. What do you need all those ports for anyway? Last time i checked, the keyboard and mouse and network have been built in to all laptops for a couple of years. For you nerds who like lots of spaghetti and dongles coming out of your computer well, the Mac air is not for you.
2nd: The (lack of a) DVD drive. Ho hum. See point 1 – I never use the dumb thing. I think I used it to install some software which then of course wanted me to download a newer version. It's always ejecting by accident and catching on things – I wish I had the option of ordering the laptop without one. At least my wife's sony vaio has the option of disabling it to save power. Ok, I admit my wife sometimes watches movies on her laptop. Point taken – for those of you who like to watch a 100 million dollar movie on a 12-13" poor contrast LCD with tinny sound and no bass, well, by all means, buy a Dell
3rd: No removable battery. I have never ever in probably 10 different laptops swapped out a battery. Who does that? You do? Well go buy a different laptop. Apple isn't standing on the corner preaching the end of removable batteries. My wife's Sony has a removable battery. Ooooo, cool. So cool that it fell out once and she lost her work. Nice feature. After two years, she replaced the battery. So, frequency of battery swap: Once every 2 years. Difficulty: Easy. On a Mac Air, frequency of battery swap: Every 2 years. Difficulty: Moderate. (Or easy if you take it to Apple's store and say," could you put in a new battery for me?")
I can't wait to buy one of these for my wife, just as soon as her Sony Vaio (which weighs 5 pounds with a 14") dies and the Mac Air drops to $1000 (what I paid for the Sony used on Ebay). The Sony is 3 years old and still going strong (and mysteriously plays movies without stuttering on a 1 Ghz processor from 3 years ago).
I wouldn't be caught dead with such a sissy computer myself. I'm thinking the web browser on my blackberry meets about 75% of my needs anyway, and it weighs 6 ounces with a battery life of 48 hours. Suck on that apple.
From George, Dallas, TX To the very first poster.
I've been in the graphic design industry for almost 20 years. The Mac has been and is the industry standard for graphic design. Period. How many times have I seen someone working on a PC – maybe three times. Poor bastards. And they wondered why they weren't making any money.
The PC is however strong in the web department, but not in the web design department. Most good to great designers use Macs. Not to say you can't use a PC because obviously you can, but people that deal with aesthetics will always chose a Mac.
From Dude "The only people I see using Macs are:
a) Students
b) Fashion-obsessed hipsters who care more about accessorizing than getting work done
c) Wanna-be freelance web/media/graphic-design hipsters who thinks it gives them some sort of geek-street cred when they flash the glowing logo in a Starbucks."
Your opinions were clearly photoshoped… on a PC… running windows.
From M. G., Napa, CA What a hilarious debate.
Also an interesting fact: in tallying the reviewer names, I noticed that the vast majority of Mac supporters are female.
And so is the author.
Coincidence?
I'm a computer teacher and we use Macs currently (unfortunately) to teach the students; I don't know HOW many complaints I get from parents that we aren't teaching kids the "industry standard" of PCs/Windows. Is it because that's what they use at home? Well, yes… but it could also be because that's what the parents (technology and media professionals themselves in many cases) use in their jobs.
And I'm sorry to tell you, but that's the truth. I have worked in media, graphic design, and computer programming fields; I have seen Macs used in these industries approximately 5% of the time (usually for video editing, and usually it is just because the editor or producer grew up with a certain software and so feels most comfortable with it, such as Final Cut or Protools)
The last time I saw any sort of professional "delineation" of different brands of hardware for different purposes was when I attended SIGGRAPH 99 (1999): Silicon Graphics (SGIs) were still being used for 3D rendering; Apples for some 2D/video graphic design Adobe apps (Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere); UNIX SUNs for programming; PCs for everything else.
But even back then, HP PCs were beginning to replace the SGIs for 3D work. And over the next few years, basic PCs (running either Windows or Linux) became industry standards for music production, web design, graphic design, etc.
Why? If nothing else it is for this reason: even if a Mac does something well (which some of the models do), you can get a PC which does the exact same thing for a much lower price.
The only people I see using Macs are:
a) Students
b) Fashion-obsessed hipsters who care more about accessorizing than getting work done
c) Wanna-be freelance web/media/graphic-design hipsters who thinks it gives them some sort of geek-street cred when they flash the glowing logo in a Starbucks.
If you are not one of the above and would like to make a valid case for Mac, please feel free to speak up and give me a reason why. If you ARE one of the above, then your opinion is basically null and void because computers were invented to compute, not to inflate your ego or dumb things down so you don't have to actually know what you are doing.
(PS. I will agree that Windows is not the best operating system and that Vista is a COMPLETE farce and basically kills any efficiency of your computer — although you can customize to remove the bells and whistles and make your computer sane again. But I've never had a crash or a problem on Windows 2000; likewise, you can choose to run a Linux OS; on the other hand, with Spyware Doctor installed, I have never had a virus or spyware problem on any version of Windows)
From Brent, Hillsboro, OR People please stop spreading the rumor that Mac's cannot right click. Just a quick tap on the track pad with two fingers and that's it. You can also just attach a two button mouse and you are on your way.
From Elizabeth, Scottsdale, AZ I agree that this article is terrible. The author fawns and drools over the Mac and treats the other two like chopped liver. True, it is an unfair comparison, but it was so blatently biased that I would never trust it.
The Air sounds like it is the most impractical laptop ever having no DVD drive (who wants to lug around a separate drive?) and the other "minor" issues would really bug me.
I'm not a Mac hater but it's not worth the price to me.
From John, Cupertino, CA This is a horrible article. The author has picked machines from different mobile classes and decides to compare them. A better comparison would be something like an x300 vs MBA or EEE PC vs Cloud book. MBA's really are fashion statements and the Sony is always expensive. Cloudbooks are hunks of junk and none of these are great solutions as a secondary machine. It would be nice to see a well thought out article. Also ppl in the post: Your AAPL hardware is the same stuff thats in a dell, hp, etc. please educate yourselves before posting.
From Bob, Boston MA It kills me that these IT idiots (with the exception of a few) Continue to think M$ is the cat's meow. Based on what? Blind faith and Job security. I've been on a Mac for 6 years now….Viruses…not one ever..not one. I was "cleaning" my PC twice a week….Bill Gates can KMA!!!
From Dave You would have to be stupid to buy a laptop from Sony. They are the guys who were covertly installing rootkits on every machine they could against the will of the computers' owners.
You can't trust any electronic device from Sony. Especially any that can connect to a network. They could read your financial records, Google searches, or anything else if you use their hardware.
From Larry, Montgomery Village, MD The people in love with the Mac Air are the same people who drool over the latest fashions, even if they are horribly uncomfortable and impractical.
The entire ultra-light segment of the market was designed for people who need a SECONDARY computer to perform necessary functions (word processing, we access, email) and not to replace a desktop with a $1,000+ fashion statement.
The ideal computer in this segment will have a large flash memory storage and as few moving parts as possible.
From ed, arlington, va Mac doesn't even come close to beating anyone. OOH!! you got a lightweight mac! Guess what you don't have? Anything else that the others will give you for a lower cost.
I got one laptop you missed in this article. The ASUS EEE PC. The thing is small enough to fit in one hand. It has a full keyboard, 2 usb ports, a SD card reader, built in microphone, speakers, and webcam, uses Linux which means its more stable. But thats not all. It has the software already installed to allow you to run skype, just about any instant messenger you can think of, a microsoft office compatible software package.
The thing also has a removable battery that charges in an hour but runs for about 4 hours. The only downside, a small hard drive, 4gb. But that drive is a SSD, solid state drive, meaning its more shock resistant. So have fun with your macbook air and try to look "chic" with the newest apple version of a large paperweight.
From Thomas in Dallas, TX After being a Windows user for 20 years I bid Microsoft farewell. I use VMWare Fusion to run my existing Windows apps so I won't lose that investment(s), and it runs like a charm. Hell, it even runs better than my Dell which is slowly collecting dust. At first I was frustrated with the MacOS but just like anything new I'm getting used to it. Really, it's a great machine and OS. I'm sorry I never considered Apple in the past but until they went with Intel based machines I couldn't.
From Barry, Burlington MA The best part of the MacBook Air is the boot times for applications and the OS during power-up. Because the harddrive is the same solid state technology used in the iPhone and latest iPods, not a magnetic disk, software loads almost instantaneously. For example, the boot time for the FireFox browser on the Air vs. Windows is not even a competition. Also, all the memory being FLASH means that, with the exception of the rare times when the processor fan is active, the laptop runs virtually silent. The only rub is that you cannot swap out the HD for a larger one–you are stuck either buying Apple's TimeCapsule or an external drive from LaCie, Western Digital, etc, if you need more storage space. If you are someone who stores massive amounts of audio, video or photos, you will definitely find the 75 GB drive on the small side.
From Kris, Anderson, IN Everyone is so Mac crazy.. I use the latest Ubuntu on my 5 year old laptop. Runs fast as lightning. Mac OS X Leopard can't do that. Windows Vista certainly can't do that. Mac gets hacked first every time in the Pwn to Own contest (look it up) between Mac and Linux and Windows because they're so worried about looking shiny that they don't even worry about security. Macheads better hope Mac doesn't dominate the market, otherwise it'll become the next Windows. The Mac Air is terrible. Totally impractical.
From Craig, Dallas, TX Uh. I'm writing this on a MacBook Pro. I was shocked to read that I cannot right click! Especially since I've been doing it on the MBP since I bought it last August. It's an option in the preferences panel. One finger tap = left click, two finger tap = right click. It's become so intuitive for me that when I switch over to my old HP I always forget for a few seconds that I can't just tap with two fingers to get what I want.
From Brian M, Portland Oregon I agree that you should have also tested the Lenovo X300, I have a X61S that is great and had a T41P IBM before, years of service with no issues . I work for a semiconductor equipment company where everyone not only gets a work computer but a personal one also. Few Sony's , no Mac's, all Field Service use IBM or Toshiba. My wish list includes the X300
From Ken Blair, Brooksville, FL This review is one of style over substance. If she had just said she liked the Air's look she would have been OK. But she picks a laptop that "gets uncomfortably hot," doesn't have a DVD, and only has one USB port. How can the machine be that great when it sounds to be functionally hobbled. Not disparaging the machine, simply the review.
From Adrienne, Portland, OR I recently (in the last 30 days) made the switch from a Wintel machine to a Macbook Pro (15") and I love it! I wish I had done so years ago. It's fast, it's extremely powerful, movies play smoothly and everything just works. I have used Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (in various guises) and I cannot say enough good things about Apple.
From Amy, Austin, Texas I don't have any of these, but I love my macbook. I just wanted to add that bootcamp isn't the way… if you want to add windows to your mac, get the software VMware fusion. It's a lot more reliable, and won't close for unexpected reasons.
From Erica, Kansas Mac in general is going to take over the IT world in the next few years. Duh.. the air is going to be the best choice. Apple is dominating the market…..Finally we are back on top.
From Don Gresh, Blacksburg, VA I can't understand why it's taking people so long to jump on the AAPL bandwagon…There is NO comparison in terms of reliability, user friendliness, and aesthetics….Not just in laptops, but in all their computers. AAPL has revolutionized the computer hardware industry and those consumers still using PCs are operating in a different time era.
From Sam Trundle, Lookout, CA I agree this is not a good comparison. More than comparing a Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ford Fiesta, its like comparing a Lamborghini sports car (that does one or two things well and do anything else, but looks really nice) [Air] to a good SUV (that does everything but doesn't do 1 or 2 things well) [Vaio], and a Fiesta, that people buy because of the price.
From Randy, San Antonio, TX Naturally some militant Apple hater has to bring up that ridiculous CanSecWest charade. Charlie Miller has it in for Apple and used a website based Javascript flaw present in all three systems tested to break the MacBook. I'd rather win a MacBook Air than any of the other systems to be had in that pwn to own test too. Apple patched it already by the way. How responsive is M$ to fixing flaws? I've been using Apple products for 26 years, and I have seen more viruses on my Apple II than I've seen on my Macs. I had one Apple II virus in around 15 years of using 'em. Read roughlydraftedmagazine.com to find out the truth about Apple vs M$ malware.
From Jason Canon Stafford Virginia Apple rocks! The operating system is not only more secure, functional, logical, and beautiful but if you are so inclined the under the hood power of BSD Unix is far beyond what you get with either Windoze or the free Linux systems. For the money, Apple makes the best computers in the world.
From Dave, Pickens, SC We use 2 MacBooks with a wireless network for music, printer, video chat and all internet function jointly and still talk on the phone. Iphone gives traveling email and internet from any AT&T cell phone service. Together, the portable macs, iphone, network, create a seamless, constant computer environment. If you are not ready to convert to Apple products- don't try one!
From Mical Fowler, High Point, NC I bought a MacBook Air as soon as it was announced and love it. It's so convenient and easy to carry, it makes our Windows laptop seem like a clunky, last-century relic. Movies and multimedia sites perform flawlessly, and the processor is fast. Running multiple apps simultaneously is problem-free. Right-clicking? Just hold down the Control Key and click…super-easy.
From Sandi, San Francisco, CA The Mac Air, hands down. Between a Windows computer or nothing, I'd choose nothing. Mac is such a great experience, when I go into work I crave my laptop at home. Thank goodness they are in the middle of switching to Mac.
From Jason, Austin, TX You can also Right Click with two finger on the trackpad it the option is turned on.
MAC FOREVER!
From Frank, Las Cruces, New Mexico The author stated, "It feels great in your hands and somehow seems lighter then the VAIO, even though it actually isn't."
Can someone please inform the author that the work "then" is to be used whem making a reference to time or sequence? The word she was supposed to have used there is "than." Great job there, CNN.
I'm a IT guy by trade and I work on PCs all day, every day. There is nothing better than coming home to my Macs and feeling liberated!
To my experience, Macs can do everything a PC can do; it is the lazy people that feel better about complaining about things than they do about doing a little research and figuring out how to do something on their own for once.
From larsonst San Diego CA @Mike NY NY
"Macs are less secure than Windows. There were so few Macs that hackers targeted windows because of its popularity. Now Mac market share is growing, expect lot more Mac security holes to be exploited!"
Clearly uniformed. The test he reports was an obvious set-up and sponsored by Microsoft. If the Mac was hacked in 2 minutes why are there ZERO exploits in the wild bothering real people in the real world?
To say the Mac market share is too small is to ignore that the Apple customer is a very appealing demographic, more $$ on average than the PC folks.
I am a 12 year Mac user and never had a virus. Not one. Ever.
From Michael Anderson, Malibu, CA Like most people out there I was involuntarily enslaved by PC based laptops that ran Windows. It wasn't until my new wife got me interested in purchasing an Apple that I truly became a "true" computer user. Using a Mac is a wonderful experience similar to when Neo in the Matrix found out who he was. Enough said, I love it! I love it! I love it!
From John, Honolulu, Hawaii I don't think anyone would take this article seriously starting with the title of MB Air vs Cloudbook. Cloudbook is a low end portable, the air is not. That's like comparing 20k dollar car with a 120k dollar car. Of course the outcome is going to be that if you can afford it and want it, the 120k dollar car is better.
Redo this article with Macbook Air, the Vaio, and the Lenovo X300. That's even better?
Have you ever even heard of the Lenovo Thinkpad X300?
From Liz Nass, Racine WI Enough about the lack of a right click button. The same results can be had on any Mac using the control-click. Personally, I don't like track pads so when I bought a new MacBook, I also bought a wireless Apple Mighty Mouse. It has 5 programmable buttons available as well as a scroll button that moves both vertically and horizontally. I highly recommend it.
From Mike, NY, NY In a recent security test between Macbook Air, Vista and Ubuntu, Macbook Air was hacked first!
Macs are less secure than Windows. There were so few Macs that hackers targeted windows because of its popularity. Now Mac market share is growing, expect lot more Mac security holes to be exploited!
And this laptop review is completely useless. If you want to do a review, pick three machines (Mac, Vista and Linux) in comparable price range bought around the same time!
From Jim, Broomfield, Colorado Most people probably don't realize, or care, that hardware and software can undergo mix-n-match for a better combination; or configured for performance improvements.
"Sony's processor was not powerful enough to render video smoothly…" Guess what – the processor has almost nothing to do with it. Try installing Windows XP and/or shutting down some of those rediculous resource hogs like automatic updates for everything in the system. Take your machine to a shop that can tune it up. Too bad Sony doesn't do that before shipping.
Don't like Cloud's Ubuntu installation? Well, go with a lighter configuration. Again – take it in for a tune up… maybe you should try the RedHat distribution of Linux, or an old copy of Windows CE…
The factories, unfortunately, don't do this for you. They only configure machines according to the contracts they land with different vendors. Sucks for the end-user, but at least it keeps the prices low. Take your savings to your local geek or something, then decide what you like about the machine.
From Annie, Alameda, CA Could someone please let this woman know that her "right click" menus can be had by doing shift+control+click?
From Phil Nash, London, England Seriously? A comparison between two top end laptops like the MacBook Air and the Vaio with the poor Everex Cloudbook tacked on the end to get punished, what did you expect? The fact that you can buy nine Cloudbooks and still have change from the $3,700 the Vaio would cost you.
What's next weeks comparison, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ford Fiesta?
Next time you do a comparison, make all the products match up. Let's see a decent comparison of the Asus Eee PC, the Cloudbook and the HP Mini-Note, that's worth reading.
From Tommy O, Grand Rapids MI Asus EeePC – ultra small, portable, Xandros Linux based and $300. Boots fast, works fast, connects to wireless easily, includes all apps anyone would need and it isn't bogged down by Mac or MS!
From Harry A. Aubrey de Lavenu I have three Sony Vaio's 1 Desk Top and Two Lap tops, they Top the ranks for me as they are so versatile and seem to have predicted the future with regard to interchangable memmory cards with camera, phone, dictaphone and most printers.
The Nuts! (in a nut shell)
From Steve, Orlando Florida I like the MacBook too, I use Parallels instead of Bootcamp which allows me to run the OS 10x, windows and additional environments, all running simultaneously
From Andre, Seattle, Washington Just FYI. The Mac support a second mouse button if you hook up an external mouse. However… there is a better way. Rest two fingers on the trackpad (just like you are going to two-finger-scroll) and click the button with your thumb. This will bring up the context menu just like a second button. On a trackpad this method is even faster and more comfortable than any second button I've used.
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Good going FSB, are you kidding me with this story and its author? I can only imagine the amount of e-mail you received bashing your publication and Ms. Mateo’s idiotic review of these laptops. What's even more interesting is that you were so criticized for this article, you (1) had to ensure the following issue contained what were most likely the only 2 letters giving the MacBook Air praise and (2) carefully moderated these very comments which only discuss the author’s error in 2 mouse buttons. Your actions are highly transparent and it’s a shame a publication of your [former] reputation published such garbage.
Here are the facts: Ms. Mateo is a nobody in the world of blogs. Her Website comes in at an embarrassing 3,634,495th at Alexa. In other words, she gets almost no traffic; so why in the world would she be qualified to speak on laptops? I mean does your target market consist primarily of Latinas-that-spent-5-minutes-learning-WordPress? Second, it’s unfortunate she continues the stereotype that women know nothing about tech. Of COURSE she’ll like the “prettier” laptop despite the fact everyone knows the MacBook Air is completely useless for business applications (no Ethernet, no internal optical drive, limited ports, etc., etc.). You guys actually recommended a business laptop without an Ethernet port…my goodness. Third…a Cloudbook? Are you $@#$#@ kidding me? That’s like reviewing a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, and a Honda Civic. Morons…
You guys are Fortune Small BUSINESS, not Fortune Small PERSONAL. Average users can put up with a cute laptop with no computing power, horrible battery life, and very little software support. Business users cannot. Other well-known authors familiar with these laptops confirm the same. The MacBook Air simply, for lack of a better word, sucks. Next time you review laptops, use a professional. Or at least someone that, oh, I don’t know, runs a successful Website that comes in at least 3,634,494.