[aczerepinski]

I don't think Jobs would keep the MacBook Air either. Why does it exist, and why does the "air" suffix make it significantly heavier than the laptop called just "MacBook"?

And if selling too many models is the new way forward, please introduce a regular desktop computer more powerful than the mini, and less expensive than $3000. I don't get why (excluding the $3000 trash can pro) Apple's focus is on making desktop computers crazy small. Is there a market that carries a Mac Mini around with them like a laptop?

[sneak]

The $999 MacBook Air is Apple’s #1 best-selling computer.

The cheapest MacBook is a few hundred dollars more expensive.

It does not make sense to discontinue your biggest volume model in the line unless you are sure that your other models can pick up the same amount of slack; I assume Apple believes that the added cost of the MacBook (and it’s a lot slower than the Air, I might add) would prevent that.

[aczerepinski]

Good points, I didn't know the sales were so good. Just weird naming then I guess.

[jochung]

The Air strategy was imo how they should've handled the new Macbook Pro.

You've got a new product that has some experimental novelty (emoji bar) and makes some very future oriented design decisions (usb c only) that most people are not ready to sunset on yet, and which poses its own challenges and constraints (only offering 4 ports because each has to be a fully functional thunderbolt, while losing 1 for power).

Solution: MacBook Touch. They can gauge the interest in the new stuff, manage transitional issues and not leave everyone else out in the cold for whom the limitations are unacceptable.

Instead I'm now faced with an upgrade that cuts the number of ports on my machine in half, destroys my ability to hook up with common devices, and gives me something I do not want or need in return. My only hope is that they come to their senses by the time my current one gives out. Given the headphone jack fiasco, unlikely.

[lotsofpulp]

The MacBook Air is one of the most polished products I've ever used. It's my go to when suggesting a computer for anyone who doesn't need raw processing power. It's cheap, lasts years and years, and does its job perfectly.

[akvadrako]

It wasn't cheap when it was new and MacBooks are in general long-lasting machines.

It doesn't fit into the current line-up but clearly is just kept around because using old tech lets them keep the price down.

[lotsofpulp]

But there is no need for new tech for most people, so why change something that just works? The form factor is fine, battery life amazing, and does everything you need it to. I don't see why apple would cancel it, it also helps sell people into their ecosystem.