So I plug that into the one of two USB ports? I don't like buying add-ons that I've got to schlep with me. The piecemeal thing is annoying.

It's not debatable for those like Pogue who still view the MBA as a good secondary computer even though the new MBA is "sexy". :p

Yeah, I understand the theory. Windows can suck if you don't know the work-arounds

Unix is certainly a better base kernel than DOS but MacOS is over rated and I say that having owned a 12" Powerbook but I haven't used OSX enough to really compare it to Windows 7

Its currently in the bottom of my bag next to some lint, and I've used it exacly once in the 18 months since I bought my MBA. At the Palazzo in Vegas. Their in room wifi didn't work worth a darn. Walked over to the Fashion Show mall Apple store and bought it.

The new MBA with the new core i5/i7 processors is as primary as it gets. Only thing you need to decide on is if you can live with a 13.3 inch screen or need the 15/17" that the MBP brings....

You got me there. I needed that 1394 port last month and was .....ing up a storm when I didn't have it. ;)

Also couldn't help but notice that the new 2.6lb Vaio Z series is lacking an internal DVD drive, and costs a good $500 more than the similarly equipped MBA...Compromises, compromises...

Despite owning a MBP, I always liked the choice between the MPB, MB, and MBA. Outside of the US, people use the CD drive a lot more, mainly because Netflix or any "streaming" (legal) sites are not that big, at least in Asia, and grabbing some cheap VCD's and plugging it in a computer to play is quite common.

Well, my Epson 2400 uses 1394 so for me that does come in handy from time to time.

Yes, the new 2.5 lb Z lacks an optical drive precisely because they are going head-to-head with the MBA. Of their current offerings I would probably have to go with the new S and live with the bump in weight from my TT's 2.8 lbs to the S's 3.5. Then again the TT is still chugging along so no urgent need to replace it yet.

Sony seems to be walking away from their premium priced VAIOs. I for one was more than willing to pay the $2500-3500 for the features and light weight no compromise option. I guess we are no longer a large enough market.

Nobody here really takes Pogue all that seriously.

The ethernet adaptor is about as big as a pack of gum, and it rarely gets used. It's really not a big deal. But if you want the ethernet port built in, then you can get the MBP. Or get a PC, if that's what you want.

-David

Seriously? An Epson 2200 that has a usb 2.0 port and you're touting the need for 1394? :)

My point remains...its not about compromise, its about trading off weight for stuff you don't use while you're moving around...dvd drives, 1394 ports, hdmi ports, etc. You may need them occasionally, and when you do its typically at home or in the office.

The majority of users that take their computer out of the house or office don't use these things while they are mobile, so there's no point in carrying them around. Apple gets this...and with the new Z, Sony gets this too.

and for those that don't have a home or office there's the MBP...but I'm guessing most people are carrying around a lot of stuff they don't use...

Yes on all counts. I have one of the USB adapter in my bag. Forgot it was there. I cant remember when I last used it.

Going back to the DVD/No DVD debate from the previous page(s). I ruined my optical drive on my MBP a couple of years ago by pounding on it with anger during a heated OMNI P/R debate (it was actually something else, but you can get the picture :D ), and haven't used it since. Instead, I have a super-fast DVD/RW thingie that I use the few times a year I need it...

My next MBP won't come with an optical drive at all, but rather a solid-state boot drive that will fit in the DVD bay.

Instant-on baby, instant-on. ^

I like OS X, but IMHO it's inherent advantage over Windows was severely narrowed with the release of Windows 7. It took M$ a decade to catch up but they finally have.

If you want the ethernet port for security, this is one way, there are some other usb dongles that work fine, linksys makes one, dlink makes one, but personally, short of security I would probably be tempted to invest that 29$ into a 69$ airport express. More features, usage ability and will turn any ethernet port into a wifi hotspot.

Wow, I expected they would scrap the white MacBook (a design classic IMO) at some point but I didn't think they'd be scrapping the unibody MacBooks too. So, when it comes to replacing my white MacBook once my Apple Care runs out, my options are:

- MacBook Air: Great for travel but just not enough of a computer to be my only computer

- MacBook Pro: Well, it's not like I couldn't afford one but even with the occasional intensive Aperture session (the most intensive application I use) an MacBook does well enough.

Im not sure why you say the MBA isnt as much of a computer as an older MB. What in particular is missing?

No, I was saying an MBP was too much of a computer for my needs. I don't play games or edit video. The most intensive thing I do is sort and make adjustment to photos.