128GB iPad should mean the end of the 64GB MacBook Air

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Today's news: the iPad has hit 128GB. That's fine. But my real question is, why does the $999 11-inch Air still have only a 64GB SSD?

If you look at the world of business-targeted Windows 8 tablets, many of them have 128GB storage options...including the upcoming Surface Pro. The logic is clear, especially if you're in a business where you need to store tons of files locally and don't want to sync in the cloud. In that sense, a stepped-up storage option for the larger iPad makes obvious sense.

The real benefit of 128GB of storage, though, would be in the 11-inch MacBook Air. That $999 entry-level device is the only MacBook under $1,000. It's a wonderful, compact laptop. It's fast. But 64GB of onboard storage just doesn't cut it...especially when you can't swap in a standard SSD upgrade.

Yes, there's a 128GB 11-inch Air; it costs $1,099 and is priced as the "next-tier" Air on ... [Read more]

by Scott Stein via CNET