Is The MacBook Air Overpriced?

In the beginning of my research for buying a Mac computer, the first one I did want to have hands on, was the MacBook Air. After using my friend's for a month, I didn't like it at all. For what it brings to the user it is way overpriced. To learn why, read the rest of the article.

First of all, if you didn't know, the MacBook Air is a netbook. As Steve said "NetBooks are best at anything", and I definitely agree. Its price starts at 999$. Let me give you a quick speck review of the particular MacBook Air model.

Screen: 11"

Processor: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5

Ram: 2GB

Storage: 64GB

Graphic Card: Intel HD Graphics 3000

After carefully reading this model specks, do you still believe that the MacBook Air's price is logical? In my opinion, no. With 999$, the consumer can purchase a quad-core Windows laptop with four times better specks, or build a custom one, which is going to be as powerful as the 27'", quad-core iMac. I know it 's made by aluminum, it's very thin and light and it's perfect for traveling, but there are hundreds Windows netbooks which are thin and  light (Not made by aluminum of course), and they are perfect for traveling too. Those Windows netbook's price is 300$-450$ and bring to the user exactly what the MacBook Air can bring too.

Now you will wonder "Then why do people buy it?”. The answer is simple; it's because of the OS. Let me give you an example. Would anyone buy the iPhone 4S if it run iOS 3? No. Before purchasing a product after reviewing the specks, the user also wants the device to have a good operating system. For business people Mac OS X is the best OS, and if they travel a lot those people need a small computer running Mac.

For the Apple fun boys also, who are going to hate on me, I never said that the MacBook Air is a bad computer. It's the best netbook in the market. What I said is that it's way overpriced. So before you start trolling on me, please, take those words into consideration.

Thanks so much for reading my thoughts on this topic. If you have a different opinion on this, or if you have any questions based on this article, feel free to leave them in the comment section below, or mention me on Twitter @OrestGPap.

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Ubuntu Netbook Edition 10.10 Review

Much better than boring old Windows XP hey?Windows XP for me is like the Nintendo 64; it has provided me with so many great memories, good and bad. But like all great things, you out grow them and seek something better and something new. So, last week I finally got sick of good old Windows XP and decided to research for something I could replace it with. 

I looked at Windows 7 but then, like all good geeks; I decided to go a little outside of the box. I decided to check out the cute little penguin’s offerings. Now Linux isn't something new to me, I have used several variations of it, from Ubuntu to Puppy Linux and even the horrifying Mobilin. So when I stumbled upon the netbook remix of Ubuntu, I simply had to have it.

Now, I am not going to bore you with every little detail on it. So long story short, it’s a version of Ubuntu especially designed for netbooks. After installing the distribution I was immediately amazed by how professional and well designed it was. Evolution Mail hasn’t skipped a beat with my Mobile Me account and the remix also picked up all my drivers and function keys, which is something very important to me. Now, if only Windows install and set-ups were that easy!

But like all things it’s not perfect. At times it is slow and sluggish just opening a new document can take a while, so I think a RAM upgrade might be in order. I was also worried about the printer support, but Ubuntu’s programmers slapped me in the face with that one! Installing a printer on this operating system is as easy as it comes. It is seriously, just plug and play.

So, a week has past and what do I think? I think if anyone wants to dip his, or her, feet into the world of Linux, give this a go. Or at least give Ubuntu a go. It is very stable, gives you plenty of additional software choices on the built-in software centre, also its easy to navigate and above all, its free!

If you want to give the Ubuntu remix a go, but you are still a bit hesitant, please post a comment below. I would love to answer your questions!

So what do you think? Have you used Ubuntu before? If so, what was it like for you?

Review: Targus Chill Mat

I recently received the Targus Chill Mat. This USB powered mat is designed to sit under your laptop to reduce your computer’s temperature. The mat has two built in fans along with rubber grips to prevent your laptop from sliding off. The mat is a little too small for my 13” MacBook Pro, so if you buy this for a netbook, you should be fine size wise. If you have anything larger than a 13”, it won’t fully cover the bottom, but it will cool down the temp. of your laptop. The fans are extremely quiet and are powered through USB interface. This can be annoying having a sacrifice a port, but there is no other option for power. The Chill Mat is designed to be set in your lap, or it can be set onto a work surface such as a desk. I managed to pick this up at Walmart for $24.99. My final review of this product is 4/5. If laptop temperature is an issue for you and you are in need for a solution, that I defiantly recommend this product to you. I don’t give it  perfect 5 because of the fact that it takes up a USB port. Thank you and I hope you consider this product. 

Product Link:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.aspx?sku=AWE39US

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$99 Apple Netbook? I Think Not!

Lately, there have been a number of stories reporting on the possibility of new iPhone hardware. The latest story, has very broad information coming from a “higher-up” at AT&T. Oddly enough the most interesting part the report has nothing to do with the iPhone.

This source is claiming that AT&T will be receiving a $99 subsidized netbook that “won't be running windows”. While he did not say directly that this netbook would be from Apple, I find that thought almost laughable.

First things first, the rumor is that Apple has ordered 10' touch-screens for a netbook-like device, and while there is no proof of that, let's just assume that it's true for the sake of this story.

So, here is the scenario:

For the first time ever, apple is going to be releasing a convertible (or more likely a tablet) touchscreen notebook.

Do you really think Apple will subsidize it to AT&T for $99? Not a chance.

Here's why:

• $99 is cheaper then even a refurbished 8 gig iPhone offered by AT&T

• Apple has held back on making a netbook because of quality concerns at a $500 - $600 price point

• Apple has gone on record stating that they have little desire to appeal to the “low end” PC market

If Apple does release a netbook, I would suspect it would be a Sony P series type device. The Sony P is a 9 inch lifestyle PC. (AKA netbook) priced from $900-$1,100, that is geared to the upscale mobile tech crowd.

If Apple does decide to get into the netbook market, this is exactly where I expect them to fall. It is clear that Apple will not sacrfice their trademark style to meet a lower price point. Instead, I think they will release a product that leaves our mouths salivating. And, they know, if you want it... you're going to pay for it. (Think original iPhone).

One thing's for sure, if apple does release this type of product, I'll be one of the first in line, but only time will tell.