Apple At It Again - MacBook AIR

**Jeremy** · 01-15-2008, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by AirWalke

The only thing I was impressed with today during MacWorld was the Time Capsule and movie rentals. I've got a Powerbook myself, and I'm tired of tethering my laptop to my desk to take advantage of Time Machine in 10.5. The new Airport Base Stations are incredible.

I really like Time Capsul. I have a MacBook Pro that I backup nightly onto a NAS that is part of our home server but with their new Time Capsul, I can finally get a Draft N router (built-in to T.C.) and take advantage of the built-in N support for quicker backups wirelessly.

I know there are other NAS solutions out there and other products that can do the same thing (Linksys, Netgear, Drobo, etc) but they are nowhere near ideal solutions for Mac owners or for the non-geeks that just want things to work.

**dmclone** · 01-15-2008, 01:49 PM

The Time Capsule would rock but it's a little pricey. It would be sweet to have one to back up my multiple PC's, my directv DVR, and my PS3. That's probably a few years away.

**dmclone** · 01-15-2008, 01:51 PM

BTW-What would stop this thing from backing up my neighbors PC who has their WI-FI wide open?

**Jeremy** · 01-15-2008, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

BTW-What would stop this thing from backing up my neighbors PC who has their WI-FI wide open?

You would have to set it up to be secure so others can't login through it (i.e. WAP authentication) and that would be it. It's a router and NAS combined in one box so it would be just as secure as you want to make it - just like any router or wireless device. You can setup as tough or light of security and encryption as you'd like.

**jbing** · 01-15-2008, 02:21 PM

My problem with Apple is that I wish they wouldn't drop these things on us. I wish we knew they were coming! I bought an external HD for my macbook pro for use with Time Machine and I would have obviously loved to have Time Capsule - which would give me twice the space for only $100 more than what I paid. GAH!

I love that the MBAir has the ability to wirelessly transmit information from another computer's (Mac or PC) optical drive. That is pure genius.

Just downloaded the 1.1.3. update for iPhone. Very nice. But my question is that if I want to update my iPod touch, WHY do I have to pay $20? I don't get it. However, this update effectively makes the touch exactly like the iphone - sans the phone.

**tim_redd** · 01-15-2008, 02:29 PM

I know I've posted this before, but I've been using FreeNAS and it's a great use for an old PC. I'd recommend it if you want to toy around, not for extremely important data. It'll support almost any data protocol you could want, and there are many other things you can do with it after you have it configured.

FreeNAS: The Free NAS Server - Home

**AirWalke** · 01-15-2008, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by jbing

Just downloaded the 1.1.3. update for iPhone. Very nice. But my question is that if I want to update my iPod touch, WHY do I have to pay $20? I don't get it. However, this update effectively makes the touch exactly like the iphone - sans the phone.

I considered it, but i've got my iPhone jailbroken on 1.1.2, and I'm afraid the update will break it. Is it worth restoring to my factory defaults and update it to the new version?

**cmoneyr** · 01-15-2008, 03:56 PM

The more I hear about this the more I don't like it.

No optical drive, so the laptop is super thin, but what about the "Superdrive" I have to carry around to be able to use CDs/DVDs?, getting harder to get all this in a manilla envelope.
No ethernet port, Wi-fi is fine, but to not even include one?
Non-removable battery, apparently they haven't learned from the iPod?
Mono-speakers...seriously?

and from what I hear all the components are basically non-upgradable. And all this for the super low price of $1,800, plus $100 for the super drive? Smells like a winner.

**bos** · 01-15-2008, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by cmoneyr

The more I hear about this the more I don't like it.

No optical drive, so the laptop is super thin, but what about the "Superdrive" I have to carry around to be able to use CDs/DVDs?, getting harder to get all this in a manilla envelope.
No ethernet port, Wi-fi is fine, but to not even include one?
Non-removable battery, apparently they haven't learned from the iPod?
Mono-speakers...seriously?

and from what I hear all the components are basically non-upgradable. And all this for the super low price of $1,800, plus $100 for the super drive? Smells like a winner.

Yeah Im guessing die hards and nerds will be all over it. Other than that they wont sell a whole lot.

**cmoneyr** · 01-15-2008, 04:30 PM

Yeah Im guessing brianhos will be all over it. Other than that they wont sell a whole lot.

Fixed that for ya!

**ISUKyro** · 01-15-2008, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

Yeah Im guessing die hards and nerds will be all over it. Other than that they wont sell a whole lot.

Easy there, I'm a die hard nerd and I have no interest in Apple products - there is usually something out there that cost less and does more (hint hint: PCs) In all fairness though you have to give Apple credit for marketing there stuff.

**bos** · 01-15-2008, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by ISUKyro

Easy there, I'm a die hard nerd and I have no interest in Apple products - there is usually something out there that cost less and does more (hint hint: PCs) In all fairness though you have to give Apple credit for marketing there stuff.

I meant apple nerds. Not the whole of nerd-dom. Otherwise I would be in there too. Apple spends alot on marketing. This can be related to the Corona conversation earlier.

**ISUKyro** · 01-15-2008, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

I meant apple nerds. Not the whole of nerd-dom. Otherwise I would be in there too. Apple spends alot on marketing. This can be related to the Corona conversation earlier.

LOL true!

**superdorf** · 01-15-2008, 07:24 PM

This is the computer that CEO's and wanna look cool wanabee nerds will use. I think it looks cool and if I had an extra $2k sitting around I would go buy one... It isn't practical for an IT geek, you just can't do everything.

**uthaman** · 01-16-2008, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I really like Time Capsul. I have a MacBook Pro that I backup nightly onto a NAS that is part of our home server but with their new Time Capsul, I can finally get a Draft N router (built-in to T.C.) and take advantage of the built-in N support for quicker backups wirelessly.

I know there are other NAS solutions out there and other products that can do the same thing (Linksys, Netgear, Drobo, etc) but they are nowhere near ideal solutions for Mac owners or for the non-geeks that just want things to work.

Or, you could buy a 500GB USB hard drive from Buy.com for $120 and plug it into your wireless router. But, you Mac cultists will always pay that 100% Apple tax with a smile on your faces.

Apple seems to be REALLY losing their way lately. They are still making cool great looking products. But, they have reverted to the 1990s Apple that seems to make products these products that are targeted toward 10% or less of the market.

My best guess is that the elitest mentality of Apple is showing itself.

Flame on Apple lovers....