02/04/2008, 3:55pm, EST
Monday, February 4th
Apple pulls helpful docs for MB Air owners [U]
A host of informative documentation regarding the MacBook Air has been pulled from Apple's support site, including those that relate to wireless performance tips for the ultra-portable. Formerly, Apple posted documents that outlined several recommendations for an optimal computing experience, such as a reduction in wireless reliability when using the laptop in closed-lid mode. Macworld UK has collected a list of these recommendations, in lieu of their presence on Apple's support page.
Apple also pulled documents regarding slow performance when using multiple Bluetooth accessories, as well as a workaround for flaky routers that wouldn’t cooperate with Remote Disc. If users are experiencing difficulties with Remote Disc, Apple had recommended updating the firmware on the router in question.
Boot Camp installs require the use of a USB optical drive, and will not function with Remote Disk. Apple cautioned users that they should "be sure to connect [their] external USB optical drive to [the] MacBook Air before starting the Boot Camp Assistant."
Users who wish to use headphones must pay attention to the size of the connector, as Apple has warned that some connectors may be too large to use due to the foldout door. A headphone extension cable can be purchased to remedy the problem, which Apple sells through its stores.
Running the migration utility over Airport was also not recommended, rather that users should buy the USB Ethernet connector and perform the operation with the adaptor. Users that insist on doing the migration over wireless, they are advised to ensure that the Airport signal strength is high before beginning, as a drop in signal could result in data loss or corruption.
Apple also advised users that were suffering from stuttering video when using the built-in iSight to upgrade to Quicktime 7.4 to remedy the problem.
In the event of overheating, the MacBook Air is designed to reduce the clock speed of the processors, which can be remedied by using the Air on a cooling pad to dissipate the heat.
Apple has not commented on why the documents were removed.
MacNN recently had a chance to unbox and test a MacBook Air, while iFixit was able to disassemble one completely. Primate Labs performed a benchmark of both the 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz models, comparing both to a 2GHz MacBook.
Filed under: industry, Apple
Other story tags: MacBook Air, UK, Macworld, documents, pulled
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Another item that needs to be carried along. Apparently Apple didn't learn from the iPhone headphone brouhaha.
Running the migration utility over Airport was also not recommended, rather that users should buy the USB Ethernet connector and perform the operation with the adaptor.
So going wireless isn't the panacea for all things?
Users that insist on doing the migration over wireless,
I like that word "insist".
Apple also advised users that were suffering from stuttering video when using the built-in iSight to upgrade to Quicktime 7.4 to remedy the problem.
Well, how come QT 7.4 isn't installed by default with the machine, since they were released after QT 7.4?
In the event of overheating, the MacBook Air is designed to reduce the clock speed of the processors, which can be remedied by using the Air on a cooling pad to dissipate the heat.
Well, that's something else for the bag, I guess. But it would be nice to know what causes the MBA to overheat before considering it a problem.
Apple has not commented on why the documents were removed.
When I was working for a service provider, we'd seen tons of those overheating MacBooks that would shut off regardless of how long it was operational for. The problem ended up being related to damaged wires that fed incorrect temperature data to the CPU. This aside, f you're running process-intensive applications, even the MacBook would be too hot to hold on your lap, but I would estimate that it's the slender nature of the MacBook Air causing the issues.
I'll preface this with the fact that I've been out of the service game for a few months now, and I haven't actually taken apart a MacBook Air. My best GUESS would be that the heat-sink may not be adequate, considering the size of the laptop and the fact that it uses the new Santa Rosa processors.
- nice post 'testudo' : ) -- what does your user name mean?
Apple, what were you thinking? THIN?? No it should be a laptop that is the size of a lap.... Take everything that is in a Mac Pro (infact take a Mac Pro and lay it side ways and add a 24 inch screen) and make it portable by adding a label that clearly states that it is portable.
The battery should be a basic car battery with two plugins. That way you can change batterys without having to slow down.
Yea, thats it, the new Mac Pro Thin!!! :-)
The MBA can be carried in your pocket, the backpack is for its accessories!!
I looked at one today, and i do LOVE it and probably will buy one. I did notice that the camera sucked next to the MBP which is a bit of a bother.
Speed seems to be there, but i will go back once they have it loaded with Aperture and a photo library.
The MBA did stall a bit when the guy was demoing the brightness and a bit when he was on his .Mac account. But overall, a sweet machine!
"Even migration is wireless.
How do you transfer all of your files, music, photos, and other valuable content from your old Mac to your new MacBook Air? Forget the FireWire cable — that’s the old way. MacBook Air lets you migrate everything wirelessly.
When you turn on MacBook Air for the first time, Setup Assistant walks you through the initial setup. Install the Remote Disc Setup software on the old Mac, and it will then be available to transfer information onto your new MacBook Air. It’s all wireless. All simple. And all secure."
I guess adding "And all data is not always going to make it." wouldn't work well in the advertising -- Apple was explicit that this system could be migrated to wirelessly: I always doubted this from a time point of view if nothing else. I'm sure that's how they'd LIKE it to work, but sometimes reality kicks in.
The ethernet dongle, a speaker resizer, and an Apple Remote should have been bundled: hell, the USB SuperDrive hould have been a "opt-out" option. A shame to see a potentially great product hampered by showmanship and profit raking.