Okay, admittedly it has only been out for a week, but I'm not feeling the blogosphere love for the MacBook Air. Usually, when Apple has a hit product on its hands, the early adopters go gaga for their new toy and can't help but spread the word to the world. Normal humans read what the early bloggers say and follow suit, kinda like how reviewers can help make or break a movie. In many ways, Apple plans for this viral effect and it is actually baked into their marketing spend.
But I know they must be asking the same thing I am today. Where's the love for MacBook Air?
Engadget hasn't had a story in over a week, the Technorati bell curve has bottomed out and even Alexa shows slowing traffic to Apple.com.
I'm going out on a limb here. As much as I love Apple, I think they've violated my 2nd rule of Apple-Style marketing (you can read all 5 here for free.) "Never be first to market." Apple was hellbent on producing the world's thinnest laptop but there is no research pointing to pent-up demand for a super thin laptop. People want lighter, cheaper, more powerful and better battery life. But they focused all that great Apple energy into "thinnovation" and this isn't what the market was asking for. Consequently I'm not sure it is going to net Apple the rewards they seek. They did this before with the Cube and with the Newton. And we all know how that turned out.
Do you think the MacBook Air will go the way of the Cube? Would you make it your Valentine?
I'd love to hear your answers. Next column: my theory behind the real goal of MacBook Air.
