but there is a "15 inch air" from samsung, http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/15-inch-samsung-series-9-... , which is along the lines the parent must have been thinking of.

I think the 15 inch macbook as just announced is a far better option, with a single weak point (7 hrs) compared to an air-style form factor which would be weaker at everything - except weight and slightly thinner form factor.

basically, if all someone wants to do is type on it and not have to think about carrying it with them or not (e.g. a reporter for stories, student for essays, CEO for emails), a 15 inch air was not announced today. for everyone else, what was just announced is better than the 15 inch air.