Was set for a new MacBook air but....

[sekker]

Not for me, either.

Asked my wife, and the lack of optical drive was the deal-killer. But she hasn't seen one in person yet.

When her G4 PB12 breaks, she gets first dibs on a new Apple laptop. I wonder if she'll go for the 'Air'.

I think Apple is just testing the waters. If there is sufficient interest, they will offer many different configs - with different price points. For now, people where weight really matters - or where style really impacts their lives - will go for one.

[SteveO]

Harumph on the no-batt replacement thing. That is pretty hard to imagine and even seems environmentally irresponsible. Lack of ethernet port is also a bit of a tax. So I guess it'll be like the iPod where you have to crack it apart yourself and ding it up to change the batt?

[Mike Johnson]

Apple will replace the battery for $129, and it would take about five days. http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair/...e/battery/

[Ombligo]

I'm worried that the built in battery is becoming an Apple Trend. Every portable device they have designed new since the ipod intro has had the battery built in.

The MB and MBP's basic designs predate the ipod going back to the G3's MB and TiBook.

Apple may be thinking they can rake in some cash from battery replacements.

[mrlynn]

[quote Mike Johnson]Apple will replace the battery for $129, and it would take about five days. http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair/...e/battery/
That is just insane. Busy road warriors carry a spare battery just so they won't be stuck trying to find power outlets or sucking their thumbs in a hotel room waiting for a recharge.

What was Steve thinking?

/Mr Lynn