So Apple has done it again. Announcing MacBook Air “the worlds thinnest notebook” at MacWorld Sna San Francisco yesterday was no real surprise, though. What’s striking is the fact that Apple has accomplished a heavy exercise in stripping down the ultra-slim notebook computer to the very essentials. No optical drive, just a head-phone jack, one USB port and a micro DVI port for connecting projectors and larger displays. That’s it. Network connectivity happens wirelessly.
For a semi-mobile office worker, this may be one step too far, but I guess Apple has struck the right chord with the PC industry once again. My prediction is that in 18 months time, we will see Dell, HP and other omit the Ethernet port, too. Ubiquitous wireless access along with a carry anywhere anytime style computer will further accelerate change in the way we do busines – and where we do it.
Now, if only electrical power would come over the air to recharge the battery… But maybe that’s Apple’s next big thing…
If I remember correctly scientists have indeed achieved this not too long ago in a lab. All that remains now is the mainstream adaptation.