BigMac
02-29-2008, 10:36 PM
Review: Apple Macbook Air
February 29, 2008
Craig Scott
http://images.macworld.com/images/news/graphics/131583-mbair_large.jpg
Review Unit Specs: (High-End Model)
Display: 13.3†glossy LED (1280 x 800 native resolution)
Processor: 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 64GB Solid State Drive
Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
Connectivity: Built in 802.11n Wireless and 2.1+EDR Bluetooth
Dimensions: 8.94â€(long) x 12.8â€(wide) x 0.16-0.76â€(tall)
Weight: 3.0 pounds
Price: $1,799(standard model)-$3,098(high-end model) @ www.apple.com
At a glance, Apple’s new Macbook Air seems just like a thinner model of the existing Macbook, and in a way that’s not far from the truth. The Air has the same desktop footprint, the same screen size, and the same operating system. But after taking some time to familiarize myself with it I realized just how innovative and unique some of the Air’s new features are.
The most noticeable upgrade is obviously the size. Despite being the same length and width as the Macbook, the Air is a only 0.76†tell at its thickest point, tapering down to a mere 0.16†at its edges, making it the thinnest laptop every sold. It’s also weighs only 3lbs, making it easy to carry around whenever you go. In fact I typed the majority of this review on my Macbook Air while on the go. The form factor of the Macbook Air also differs from its big brother in that it only has 4 ports. Underneath the left side of the laptop is a power connecter. And underneath on the right is a small, flip-down panel featuring a micro-DVI port (for connecting to monitors), a headphone jack, and a single USB port. Having so few ports does give the Air a much more clean and simple look than other laptops, but having only one USB port can be a hassle if you want to connect more than one device at a time (such as a USB mouse and your iPod).
Oh and course, we can’t forget another key difference… The Macbook Air has no optical drive! There’s nowhere to put your CD’s and DVD’s unless you buy an external DVD drive from apple for $99. For users constantly on the move however, the lack of a disc drive isn’t a big deal. Another noticeable feature is the track pad, which contains Apple’s new ‘multi-touch’ technology. It allows you to use a two-finger pinching technique to zoom in/our and rotate things. You can also go forward/back by swiping three fingers in either direction.
All in all, the Macbook Air is a fantastic performing machine. Despite it’s modest specs it’s more than capable of handling every-day computing tasks. It’s not much use for gaming or any intensive video-editing work, but that’s not really what it was intended for. Although pricey (it will set you back $1800 or $3100 for either a low or high-end model), the Macbook Air is great for anyone who needs portability without losing functionality. Mac OSX runs seamlessly, and is a great alternative to slow and buggy Windows. It also has a built-in web cam, which is a ton of fun for video-chatting or taking photos with all those crazy Photo Booth filters.
Pros: Built-in camera, slim, stylish, good battery life, backlit keyboard, and super fast hard drive.
Cons: Only one USB port, no stereo speakers, external DVD drive will cost you extra.
Final Thoughts: A well-rounded computer for students, it’s not the most powerful machine out there, but it fits everything you need into a slim, sexy frame.
February 29, 2008
Craig Scott
http://images.macworld.com/images/news/graphics/131583-mbair_large.jpg
Review Unit Specs: (High-End Model)
Display: 13.3†glossy LED (1280 x 800 native resolution)
Processor: 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 64GB Solid State Drive
Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
Connectivity: Built in 802.11n Wireless and 2.1+EDR Bluetooth
Dimensions: 8.94â€(long) x 12.8â€(wide) x 0.16-0.76â€(tall)
Weight: 3.0 pounds
Price: $1,799(standard model)-$3,098(high-end model) @ www.apple.com
At a glance, Apple’s new Macbook Air seems just like a thinner model of the existing Macbook, and in a way that’s not far from the truth. The Air has the same desktop footprint, the same screen size, and the same operating system. But after taking some time to familiarize myself with it I realized just how innovative and unique some of the Air’s new features are.
The most noticeable upgrade is obviously the size. Despite being the same length and width as the Macbook, the Air is a only 0.76†tell at its thickest point, tapering down to a mere 0.16†at its edges, making it the thinnest laptop every sold. It’s also weighs only 3lbs, making it easy to carry around whenever you go. In fact I typed the majority of this review on my Macbook Air while on the go. The form factor of the Macbook Air also differs from its big brother in that it only has 4 ports. Underneath the left side of the laptop is a power connecter. And underneath on the right is a small, flip-down panel featuring a micro-DVI port (for connecting to monitors), a headphone jack, and a single USB port. Having so few ports does give the Air a much more clean and simple look than other laptops, but having only one USB port can be a hassle if you want to connect more than one device at a time (such as a USB mouse and your iPod).
Oh and course, we can’t forget another key difference… The Macbook Air has no optical drive! There’s nowhere to put your CD’s and DVD’s unless you buy an external DVD drive from apple for $99. For users constantly on the move however, the lack of a disc drive isn’t a big deal. Another noticeable feature is the track pad, which contains Apple’s new ‘multi-touch’ technology. It allows you to use a two-finger pinching technique to zoom in/our and rotate things. You can also go forward/back by swiping three fingers in either direction.
All in all, the Macbook Air is a fantastic performing machine. Despite it’s modest specs it’s more than capable of handling every-day computing tasks. It’s not much use for gaming or any intensive video-editing work, but that’s not really what it was intended for. Although pricey (it will set you back $1800 or $3100 for either a low or high-end model), the Macbook Air is great for anyone who needs portability without losing functionality. Mac OSX runs seamlessly, and is a great alternative to slow and buggy Windows. It also has a built-in web cam, which is a ton of fun for video-chatting or taking photos with all those crazy Photo Booth filters.
Pros: Built-in camera, slim, stylish, good battery life, backlit keyboard, and super fast hard drive.
Cons: Only one USB port, no stereo speakers, external DVD drive will cost you extra.
Final Thoughts: A well-rounded computer for students, it’s not the most powerful machine out there, but it fits everything you need into a slim, sexy frame.