Analysts: MacBook Air will score with Windows and Mac users
552090
As some analysts see it, Apple's 'Air' has something for just about everyone: gesture recognition, a dual-boot function, a full-fledged screen and keyboard, and possibly the slimmest PC notebook form factor anywhere.
231049
The world's thinnest notebook Macworld Expo For once the rumour mills were right. "There's something in the air," said Steve Jobs. And then he hit us with the MacBook Air. Itâs aluminium, has black keys, is super, super thin, and Steve held it easily with his fingertips.â¦
51790
(InfoWorld) - Apple will show off new MacBook Pro notebooks along with a full demonstration of the next operating system, Mac OS X 10.5 (a.k.a. Leopard), at next month's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), a Wall Street analyst predicted Wednesday. PiperJaffray analyst Gene Munster rejected rumors that Apple will tout its iPhone at the conference, which opens June 14 in San Francisco. Instead, Apple will launch the new cellular phone in late June. At WWDC, Munster wrote in a note to investors, CEO Steve Jobs and crew will flesh out the remaining undisclosed features of Leopard, announce updated or new MacBook Pro models, and perhaps unveil a revamped iMac desktop lineup. "We believe the Street would react positively to such product announcements," he said. Munster's forecast didn't exactly come from left field. Apple has already promised that Leopard, once scheduled for a spring release but now shooting forÂ October,Â would be feature-complete by WWDC. Developers, in fact, are to receiveÂ beta copiesÂ of the new operating system at the conference. Nor is the MacBook call a long shot. Just last week the Cupertino, Calif. computer makerÂ tweakedÂ the MacBooks by boosting hard disk capacity and bumping up processor speeds, clearing the way for an upgrade to the pricier Pro models. Analysts, pundits, and bloggers have for weeks been hyping the idea ofÂ LED-backlitÂ MacBook Pros using the new Intel Santa Rosa chip set. Although neither Apple or AT&TÂ have spilled an iPhone launch date, Munster figures it will come after WWDC. That means there's little chance sales will boost Apple's bottom line for the quarter ending June 30. However, during the next three months, Munster predicted Apple would sell approximately one million iPhones at an average price of $550 each. But because Apple plans to account for iPhone revenues over the life of each phone's contract, the company will see only $27.5 million in recognized revenues for the quarter. Munster also pegged the September quarter as the time frame for a widescreen iPod -- essentially a stripped iPhone. "Expect Apple to launch new widescreen iPods with the iPhone's multi-touch technology at a price-point below the iPhone's $499," said Munster. "Like $399." PiperJaffray maintained its Outperform rating for Apple shares, with a price target of $140. On Wednesday, Apple closed $112.89, down 65 cents or 0.57 percent, for the day.
552125
Mac and Windows machines can coexist nicely -- when it comes to systems management tasks, anyway. Ryan Faas gives his take each tool's strengths and weaknesses.
85422
Apple's svelte MacBook Air is the first shot in a battle with Sony for dominance of the home computing market.
199324
Ubuntu doesn't measure up to Mac OS X or Windows for average users, influential WSJ tech reviewer concludes.
421997
LOS ANGELES  - It's back to the Mac this week. During a record-setting 2007, Apple (AAPL) rewrote its history with the success of the iPhone and continuing strong sales of the iPod line. This week, the company is expected to turn the focus to its roots: computers.
301794
Dec. 30, 2004. Apple enthusiast and rumor site Think Secret reported this week that in January Apple will unveil a sub-$500 Mac designed to entice Windows users who own iPods to make the computer switch.
136453
Erika Jonietz writes for Technology Review, âIronically, playing around with Vista for more than a month has done what years of experience and exhortations from Mac-loving friends could not: it has converted me into a Mac fan.â
583156
InfoWorld - Apple's desktop Macs are incomparably well suited for the full range of uses from general productivity to technical and creative design, with the entire user skill and requirements spectrum covered by a rich, engaging, intuitive platform.
378809
Leopard introduces lots of new apps and interface features to Mac OS X. Can Vista match up?
417698
The oohs and aahs from Tuesday's unveiling of Apple's new MacBook Air have died down -- mostly. Now it's time to take a closer look at just what Steve Jobs pulled out of that envelope at the Macworld Expo.
615577
Microsoft&#39;s Virtual PC software has been lauded by critics as a convenient way for Mac users to run Windows applications on their Macs, but what if you need to do the opposite?
227497
With the&#160;ultra-thin MacBook Air&#160;reaching stores soon, Apple is selling accessories that make up for the laptop&#39;s skimpy features. Apple is already taking orders for a slim external optical drive and an Ethernet adapter, both designed for the MacBook Air, that plug into the laptop&#39;s only USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The accessories are designed to match Air&#39;s slim footprint, Apple said. Belkin and WaterField Designs are also cashing in, announcing notebook bags designed for the unconventional MacBook Air.MacBook Air&#39;s optical driveTo make up for the lack of an optical drive in the laptop, Apple is taking orders for the MacBook Air SuperDrive on its Web site. The sleek drive can play and burn CDs and DVDs, and in the laptop&#39;s spirit, &quot;takes up little space on your desk or tray table,&quot; according to the company. The portable optical drive measures 5.47 by 5.47 by 0.67 inches (139 by 139 by 17 millimeters) and weighs 0.71 pounds (320 grams). The drive plugs into Air&#39;s USB port, and doesn&#39;t require a separate power adapter.The $99 drive is available on Apple&#39;s Web site.Ethernet adapter for MacBook AirTo supplement wireless networking built into MacBook Air, Apple is selling the USB Ethernet Adapter for wired networking. The Ethernet dongle is light and plugs into Air&#39;s USB port, according to Apple. Available on Apple&#39;s Web site, the $29 adapter will ship in two to three weeks.Video connector for AirMost of the older external multimedia devices -- TVs and VCRs -- can be connected to MacBook Air with Apple&#39;s Micro-DVI to Video Adapter. Designed specifically for the laptop, the adapter connects to a laptop&#39;s DVI (Digital Video Interface) port and includes S-Video and composite connectors that connect external multimedia devices like projectors to the laptop. The $19 adapter is available on Apple&#39;s Web site.Belkin&#39;s Macbook Air SleeveA MacBook Air is too small for a conventional notebook bag, so Belkin has created a bag specifically for Air&#39;s slim profile. With a neoprene cover, the Sleeve bag can protect the MacBook Air from damage by absorbing shock, said Melody Chalaban, a Belkin spokeswoman. The Sleeve is small enough to be slipped into a bag or backpack, Chalaban said. A model of the Sleeve will come with a strap to hook the bag around the shoulder.Starting at $29.99, the neoprene Sleeves will be available starting March. A $49.99 Sleeve, which will ship in May, includes leather and the option to access the laptop from the top or side.WaterField&#39;s SleeveCaseWaterField Designs this month introduced SleeveCase, a hardcover bag designed to protect the MacBook Air from impact. The cover, made of thick synthetic nylon and neoprene, cushions the laptop while in transport, the company said. Over 50 sizes of the bag are in stock, WaterField said. The bags can be carried individually or slipped into a messenger bag, backpack or suitcase.SleeveCase prices start at $38, depending on size and model. It started shipping earlier this month.
497740
If my hunch is correct,â writes Julio Ojeda-Zapata , âbusiness-class airliner cabins will be filled with corporate types whipping out their MacBook Airs for work amid admiring glances from seatmates.â MacBook Air, after all, âis one sexy portable,â a laptop that âscreams luxury with its extra-bright display (a newfangled light-emitting-diode variant) and a full-size, backlit keyboard that has a great, firm feel.â Ojeda-Zapata suggests that âbusiness types needing ultraportability with style and comfort wonât be able to resist the Air. They can even wedge Windows in there (I did so with no trouble).â
136961
Opinion: Michael Gartenberg looks at two upcoming operating system releases. His judgment? Advantage Apple.
482929
Editor's note: This story was reprinted from Computerworld. For more of Computerworld's coverage of the Mac, visit its Mac Knowledge Center.