With the ultra-thin MacBook Air reaching
stores soon, Apple is selling accessories that make up for the laptop's skimpy
features. Apple is already taking orders for a slim external optical drive and
an Ethernet adapter, both designed for the MacBook Air, that plug into the laptop's
only USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The accessories are designed to match Air's
slim footprint, Apple said. Belkin and WaterField Designs are also cashing in,
announcing notebook bags designed for the unconventional MacBook Air.
MacBook Air's optical drive
To make up for the lack of an optical drive in the laptop, Apple is taking
orders for the MacBook
Air SuperDrive on its Web site. The sleek drive can play and burn CDs and
DVDs, and in the laptop's spirit, "takes up little space on your desk or
tray table," according to the company. The portable optical drive measures
5.47 by 5.47 by 0.67 inches (139 by 139 by 17 millimeters) and weighs 0.71 pounds
(320 grams). The drive plugs into Air's USB port, and doesn't require a separate
power adapter.
The $99 drive is available on Apple's Web site.
Ethernet adapter for MacBook Air
To supplement wireless networking built into MacBook Air, Apple is selling
the USB
Ethernet Adapter for wired networking. The Ethernet dongle is light and
plugs into Air's USB port, according to Apple. Available on Apple's Web site,
the $29 adapter will ship in two to three weeks.
Video connector for Air
Most of the older external multimedia devices -- TVs and VCRs -- can be connected
to MacBook Air with Apple's
Micro-DVI to Video Adapter. Designed specifically for the laptop, the adapter
connects to a laptop's DVI (Digital Video Interface) port and includes S-Video
and composite connectors that connect external multimedia devices like projectors
to the laptop. The $19 adapter is available on Apple's Web site.
Belkin's Macbook Air Sleeve
A MacBook Air is too small for a conventional notebook bag, so Belkin has created
a bag specifically for Air's slim profile. With a neoprene cover, the Sleeve
bag can protect the MacBook Air from damage by absorbing shock, said Melody
Chalaban, a Belkin spokeswoman. The Sleeve is small enough to be slipped into
a bag or backpack, Chalaban said. A model of the Sleeve will come with a strap
to hook the bag around the shoulder.
Starting at $29.99, the neoprene
Sleeves will be available starting March. A $49.99 Sleeve, which will ship
in May, includes leather and the option to access the laptop from the top or
side.
WaterField's SleeveCase
WaterField Designs this month introduced SleeveCase,
a hardcover bag designed to protect the MacBook Air from impact. The cover,
made of thick synthetic nylon and neoprene, cushions the laptop while in transport,
the company said. Over 50 sizes of the bag are in stock, WaterField said. The
bags can be carried individually or slipped into a messenger bag, backpack or
suitcase.
SleeveCase prices start at $38, depending on size and model. It started shipping
earlier this month.
