COMMENTARY: 1.29.08-- Today, the new MacBook Air is reported to be debuting at retail and consumers will be finally able to get their hands on Apple's newest ultra-portable notebook, showcased at this year's Macworld in San Francisco, just two weeks prior. Reaction was mixed on all fronts, but the immediate comparison (for most) came down to just one thing.

Is this MacBook Air, "The world's thinnest notebook" a suitable successor to "Apple's smallest, lightest powerhouse" the 12-inch PowerBook G4?

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English poet Alexander Pope once said, "To err is human, to forgive is divine." There's no doubt about the fact that the MacBook Air is in many ways, very divine. But to call it a suitable successor (if you can even call it that) to its predecessor, the 12-inch PowerBook G4 is a huge error that just can't be forgiven, with this second attempt around.

Comedian Robert Orben has a better take. "To err is human - and to blame it on a computer is even more so." Except in this case, you can't blame the computer for what was in the air over at Cupertino headquarters when they came up with the MacBook Air.

You will remember that the 12-inch PowerBook was Apple's smallest notebook computer ever. It was similar to the 12-inch iBook, but smaller and thinner, packing more punch at the time of its release, with its G4 processor and full set of professional features not offered by the G3-based iBook. The iBook G4 would close the gap in later years, but as they say, size matters.

In 2006, the MacBook debuted, and Apple touted it as the replacement to two product lines. The entire iBook G4 series (12-inch and 14-inch), and the somewhat entry level 12-inch PowerBook G4. Some people called the new 13.3" behemoth Godzilla compared to the machine it replaced. (Who was that? Oh, yeah, me!).

Rumors of an impending MacBook Pro that would come in a 12-inch PowerBook casing went on for months. Logically, since the MacBook Pros are essentially 15-inch and 17-inch PowerBook G4s with Intel chips inside, many thought that Apple would follow suit and dress up a new ultra-portable Intel-based Mac notebook in a 12-inch PowerBook "suit."

That would leave the MacBook for consumers, and the pros with a replacement equal in size. In the meantime, many--like yours truly--held on to their 12-inch PowerBooks, while others yet went to eBay and other places to acquire the most ultra-portable Apple notebook on the market. Prices for used units fetched just as much money as a new MacBook, if not more!

Even Apple themselves seemed to realize the demand for the ultra-portable, offering at the time, refurbished units for $1099 and $1199 (combo drive and SuperDrive, respectively) while at the Apple Store, new and more powerful MacBooks--really, one's opinion and based on personal needs (software mainly, such as apps in "Classic" mode)--sold for the same price.

In the lead-up to Macworld 2008, rumors went rampant on whether or not a new MacBook Pro in 12-inch form factor--or less--would come from the hat of Steve Jobs. It was even a rumor in last year's prediction of Macworld roll-outs. MacBook Pro nano or mini (for those hoping for a matching replacement) or a "MacBook Thin," which was closest to what was eventually announced.

Well, by now, you all know that thin is in, and that certain something in the air turned out to be that wild rumor of a new ultra-portable that was revealed to be really called, the MacBook Air!

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