Starting with the original “Bondi Blue” iMac and specifically since releasing the iMac G5, Apple has had an obsession with reducing the cables around the computer. Using bluetooth keyboards and mice, and integrating the monitor and the CPU into a single device, Apple has managed to remove all but the power cable from their computers.

Today Apple released the Macbook Air, the “thinnest notebook”. A person wanting to reduce clutter may think that this would be an excellent option for a new computer. But if you look at what is required for the “average” user to make the most of the computer, it does not add up.

What comes in the box?

The Macbook Air comes with two mini-DVI video adapters, a power cable and a cleaning rag in addition to the computer. They also toss in install/restore DVD.

What’s not in the box?

In order to use the install/restore DVD one would need a CD/DVD drive, the Macbook Air doesn’t come with one. You can buy an external one, but that is on additional thing to store in a desk drawer or carry along with you.

To over come this, Apple has developed a remote CD drive software, but that means you have to have a spare computer sitting around (not very decluttered). Not to mention if you want to watch a DVD. I know it is just like the iPod, a plug to sell music, the lack of an integrated optical drive is to reduce size, but also to push the iTunes rentals.

I have a fairly reliable wireless network, but at work it is much more reliable to plug into the wall, which may also be the case if you are traveling or don’t want to connect to an insecure wifi access point.

The Macbook Air is primarily a wifi computer, with a USB to Ethernet adapter available, and while it may be slow for the computer geeks out there (only 10/100 Mbps), it really creates more of a problem than it solves.

The lack of ports

The Macbook Air’s biggest flaw is the limited number of USB ports (not to mention the complete lack of firewire). I can either get on a wired network, or sync my iPhone, or plug in a printer, or download pictures from my camera, or use an external keyboard, or use a wired mouse.

I know most of those can be solved by spending the money on a battery draining bluetooth keyboard or mouse, or buying a wifi printer (or adding a wireless print hub, which is another piece of equipment, sensing a theme?) or worst of all, adding an external USB hub.

The last possibility means that you might not only have to lug around your devices (USB thumb drive, etc.), but also a hub, which will probably need an external power supply, thus adding more cables.

Conclusion

While I like the idea of a super thin laptop, one that lets the user live in the Internet cloud, the Macbook Air is one or two generations removed from that device. The Macbook Air is designed to push downloadable media and could create a lot more clutter in my house than a single Macbook or Macbook Pro, with all of the caveats and add-ons that may be required to use it in the manner that I, and most Mac users, are comfortable with.

For my birthday, my wonderful wife, bought me a Logitech Harmony 670 Remote. I know you may be thinking, “Jered, why can’t you just use a universal remote?” We have a universal remote, but the problem is that is isn’t universal enough.

What to change the channel? Better not have the audio receiver selected, otherwise you’ll be treated to radio static. Want to up the volume? Don’t have the TV selected, because nothing will happen.

The Harmony is a wonderful piece of technology, it allows each button on the device to be connected to a function for each of the 5 remotes that have been sitting on my coffee table. That is not the only thing (it would then be as long as my arm with a million buttons), it is programmable a la the universal remote. But unlike the universal, I can program the remote on my computer, which can have the devices updated, so I never have to worry about the remote not containing a new device.

The feature which I love the most is the control by activity. Press one of the brightly colored buttons and all of the necessary devices turn on, go to the proper setting and wait for you to start doing what you want to do. Press “Watch TV”, the cable box, the audio receiver, the HDMI switcher and the TV all power on. Perfection in a remote.

Finally I can put all of the other remotes in a drawer (on the off chance the Harmony breaks) and declutter the living room a bit.