MacBook Air as Lightweight as Sales

Last month launch of "the worldest thinnest notebook," the MacBook Air, was hailed by many as another cool, must-have design from Apple.

But emerging criticisms of its drawbacks (short-battery life, the inability to swap out the battery, lack of ports, the internal SuperDrive, the cost) are dampening demand. Analysts are already lowering sales estimates for MacBook Air. About 60% of Apple resellers said the Air is attracting noticeably less buyers than the original MacBook. The research firm had previously projected that MacBook Air would account for 16% of Mac sales this year, but that appears too optimistic for now.

The MacBook Air is being positioned as a stylish, lightweight and easily portable PC for the business professional or student on the go. The $1,799 model comes with powerful dual-core Intel processor and 80GB hard drive. The Air also offers high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. But the Air appears to be losing sales to a competitive product - the MacBook.

For $700 less, the 13-inch white MacBook also features a dual-core Intel processor, 80GB hard and wireless connectivity. But the MacBook also offers the ubiquitious CD-RW/DVD drive and longer battery life. Yes, the MacBook, a full-figured 1.08-inches thick and tipping the scales 5 pounds, is no slend super model like the Air, only 0.76-inches thick and 3 pounds, it's still easy to tote for most folks. The MacBook Air is definitely hot, but the standard MacBook is no Ugly Betty. Without a game-changing feature other than its sleek look, the MacBook Air apparently will become a simple niche product that's unlikely to bolster Apple's bottom line like the iPod or iPhone.