Apple MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop (1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB Solid-State Drive)
Apple
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I have been a mac laptop user for years and year, most recently with a Macbook Pro. In fact, I had switched to the macbook pro as my all-in-one computer for several years for work, home, and travel.
Boy, was that a mistake, and one that the Macbook Air has readily filled -- I now own an iMac at home, and use the Macbook AIr for travel and work. I just love it. It is so small and light, it makes no noticable difference in my carryon or work messenger bag. Even after many months of use, it still has the "wow" factor when people see it, something us Apple geeks truly thrive on...and it has all the features i need on the road.
I did break down and buy the external superdrive, because it is just so much faster than using the Remote Disk feature on the MBA. In addition, I found that I use the ethernet USB adapter more ofter than not, since it is suprising how many hotels in the US and Europe are NOT wireless -- order one with your MBA and spare the hassle. I think Cupertino must run on a different
Boy, was that a mistake, and one that the Macbook Air has readily filled -- I now own an iMac at home, and use the Macbook AIr for travel and work. I just love it. It is so small and light, it makes no noticable difference in my carryon or work messenger bag. Even after many months of use, it still has the "wow" factor when people see it, something us Apple geeks truly thrive on...and it has all the features i need on the road.
I did break down and buy the external superdrive, because it is just so much faster than using the Remote Disk feature on the MBA. In addition, I found that I use the ethernet USB adapter more ofter than not, since it is suprising how many hotels in the US and Europe are NOT wireless -- order one with your MBA and spare the hassle. I think Cupertino must run on a different
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I have been the informal tech guy for two Airs. One for 8 months, one for 6 months. I have also traveled with them. They are generally wonderful, especially if the weight is a big factor. All other laptops seem heavy and inelegant. But ...
(1) If you ever want to use an ethernet connection to the internet (as opposed to wireless), then you have to bring the dongle that converts the one USB port to ethernet. For example, to check your office email at a Kinko's. Definitely buy it. You will want to travel with this and an ethernet cable, in case your hotel room has an ethernet connection and no (or poor) wireless reception.
(2) To do a quick full restore from Time Machine, you need BOTH an OSX disc (either Disc 1 that comes with the Air or an off-the-shelf OSX disc) and the back-up hard drive. But you only have one USB port and no firewire ports. The SuperDrive will not share that port on a USB hub (nor will it work on any computer but an Air). It is easy to back up with Time Machine
(1) If you ever want to use an ethernet connection to the internet (as opposed to wireless), then you have to bring the dongle that converts the one USB port to ethernet. For example, to check your office email at a Kinko's. Definitely buy it. You will want to travel with this and an ethernet cable, in case your hotel room has an ethernet connection and no (or poor) wireless reception.
(2) To do a quick full restore from Time Machine, you need BOTH an OSX disc (either Disc 1 that comes with the Air or an off-the-shelf OSX disc) and the back-up hard drive. But you only have one USB port and no firewire ports. The SuperDrive will not share that port on a USB hub (nor will it work on any computer but an Air). It is easy to back up with Time Machine
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I am using this as a replacement for my iMac which I moved to the office. This computer is the best laptop I have ever owned (the first Mac), and I am in love with the operating system. I dont have to worry about viruses or other nonsense like that like I use to have to deal with all the time with my old Dell laptop. Plus its so light I can take it anywhere!
The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have a firewire port. However, all in all I am very happy and could not have imagined a more perfect computer.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have a firewire port. However, all in all I am very happy and could not have imagined a more perfect computer.
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i just purchased this computer a week ago so i suppose things could change but at this point the computer has been great. The portability was a huge factor for me as it should be for anybody contemplating the purchase of this laptop. As a student i don't really need this computer for much more than word documents, internet, email, itunes, and the occasional movie/youtube video. Speed has not been an issue - something i wasn't sure about as i almost purchased the SSD option. Fortunately i didn't and this has been fine. I ordered the superdrive just in case though i havn't used it yet. For installing microsoft office i used the remote disc drive and that worked absolutely fine. So far the fan/overheating problem that other people were talking about hasn't been an issue and the temp does get warm, but not hot enough to get laggy or be uncomfortable. So far my two nitpicks are that the battery isn't great - 4+ hours of internet/itunes if the screen brightness is down all the way... but
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I bought the Macbook Air for my daughter who is a 'die hard' Mac person. She uses her Mac Pro everyday for her work. She has told me three times how much she loves this new laptop. That makes the purchase a 10.
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Its actually better than the best laptop ever. This is one of the greatest pieces of electronics ever created.
Wish there was more hard drive memory, but if you store files online you dont really need all that much hard drive space.
I also wish the battery life was better.
But other than those two things its a must have.
Joel Simkhai
Wish there was more hard drive memory, but if you store files online you dont really need all that much hard drive space.
I also wish the battery life was better.
But other than those two things its a must have.
Joel Simkhai
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I cannot begin to describe how much I love this laptop! I won't provide a technical review as I am sure other reviewers are much more competent to do so. I purchased this laptop for work and graduate school as soon as they came out. I first switched to Apple about 3 years ago, and since that time I have owned a PowerBook G4 12" which I traded up for the MacBook Pro 15" and decided it was too big (can you tell I want something small?). So, when the MacBook Air came out, I gave my husband my Pro and purchased this. I couldn't be more satisfied with it. It is fast, well-constructed and lightweight with a beautiful, clear screen, all of which are essentials for my computer happiness! The touchpad is awesome...I find myself wishing that my iMac mouse had a similar feature. I do not find the lack of an optical drive problematic; I purchased the $99 external drive and, as I said, also have an iMac, so program installation, CD uploading, etc., is not a problem for me. The external drive
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I purchased the this laptop because I wanted a super-portable computer with full functionality. I used to leave my old laptop at home because I didn't want to carry its 6 pounds around with me all day just because I *might* use it. Now I take the MBA with me everywhere and work when and where I want. (I'm a graduate student and I walk a lot.) I'm super impressed with the intuitive interface and the overall beauty of the machine - but note this is my first apple. I am not concerned with what some people say are the limitations of this machine because I use it mainly for writing, reading documents and the internet. The processing speed and HD space are very satisfactory for my needs.
Note: I applied the Zagg invisible shield to the top and bottom of the laptop, because the aluminum is quite sensitive to scratches.
Note: I applied the Zagg invisible shield to the top and bottom of the laptop, because the aluminum is quite sensitive to scratches.
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2nd generation MBA with 45nm Penryn will solve current problems such as storage, interface connector, blackout problem, while most of the beauty of it will remain the same. I need to emphasize that I LOVE MBA design. First, 80GB is so small that you will see more than 1/2 of 80GB is required by OS, VM and major applications. Performance is getting even slower due to its storage bottleneck. At least two USBs and Ethernet are must. It is sacrificing flexibility so much to reduce its size and weight but I do not feel it does not have a fair balance for regular users. I still encounter occasional blackout and freeze problem when I leave it for a few hours, which has not been solved even through Apple's technical support.
I definitely think next one will be much better and Apple knows how we feel about MBA. I believe they could respond to what we feel very soon.
I definitely think next one will be much better and Apple knows how we feel about MBA. I believe they could respond to what we feel very soon.
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I read a lot of reviews on the Web complaining about MacBook Air single USB port, lack of built-in Ethernet port, external SuperDrive, etc. as major issues... Come on! This is an ultra portable, thin and light notebook, without compromising screen and keyboard sizes, plus amazing screen and multitouch technologies... If you love breakthrough products, buy yours today! :D
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This is my backup and travel computer at my MacPro would not really travel well.
First things first, this is probably not he computer you should be using as a primary computer, but as a second computer is excels.
I like the fact that I can fit it in my business folio and take it to work use it on my breaks and when I have some free time. It is also quite solid I had no fear of damaging it holding it on it's edges.
The feature I like best is the screen. They use the new LED backlighting instead of fluorescent so it is more energy efficient and way brighter then any other of Apple's displays even ont he MacBook Pro.
As for the 80gb vs solid state drive. I got the 80gb because while the solid state will read data faster and boot up and open applications faster then a MacBook Pro the 80gb drive writes data faster, and well I did not buy this computer for it's speed anyway.
By the way if you are concerned about the size of the hard drive I'll let you know what I do and hope it helps.
First things first, this is probably not he computer you should be using as a primary computer, but as a second computer is excels.
I like the fact that I can fit it in my business folio and take it to work use it on my breaks and when I have some free time. It is also quite solid I had no fear of damaging it holding it on it's edges.
The feature I like best is the screen. They use the new LED backlighting instead of fluorescent so it is more energy efficient and way brighter then any other of Apple's displays even ont he MacBook Pro.
As for the 80gb vs solid state drive. I got the 80gb because while the solid state will read data faster and boot up and open applications faster then a MacBook Pro the 80gb drive writes data faster, and well I did not buy this computer for it's speed anyway.
By the way if you are concerned about the size of the hard drive I'll let you know what I do and hope it helps.
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There are so many opinions floating around about this latest Apple innovation, my simple reply is to think what works best for yourself. The *plus* in one's views may be the *minus* in another's. The Macbook Air is the perfect answer for my way of using a notebook computer. Study the forums, learn the features, and decide if it works. When you read the negative reviews, remember it could just be the Air does not fit the user's needs. Just as most all other notebooks do not fit my needs. The Air is for the simple, uncluttered life. When you KNOW yourself, this removes much of the confusion. Apple has heavy-duty alternatives, while the Air simply does exactly as it was designed to do... keeping your life simple, uncluttered AND productive.
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This is my second one, I got the first one replaced hoping that it was just that particular one that was messed up. It looks beautiful and it's comfortable to carry, but oh my god is it slow! I can't watch a movie on it, because it freezes up every 2 seconds, i can't use skype, can't use any video chat! Forget about trying to run several applications at the same time...
All in all, i wish i didn't give away my old crappy 4-year old compaq as soon as this thing arrived. And the 3-yr warranty doesn't really help. Do not buy this laptop.
All in all, i wish i didn't give away my old crappy 4-year old compaq as soon as this thing arrived. And the 3-yr warranty doesn't really help. Do not buy this laptop.
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I did a fair amount of soul-searching before pulling the trigger on this purchase, in large part because of all the "compromises" apparently required to make as thin as this one is. For me, the MBA replaced a ThinkPad T-40, which has been as sturdy, consistent, and feature-laden as it is unattractive. My worry was that, though I was sure I would like the size and appearance of the MBA, maybe I would miss the T-40's feature set. Worse, I might miss a particular feature while traveling. So, I almost didn't buy the MBA.
I needn't have worried -- the MBA is simply incredible. As others have mentioned, the case is quite sturdy. Apple's engineers ingeniously relied on some of the internal components themselves as part of the skeleton for the case. This sounds scary, except that they were designed to serve both functions. The keyboard is crisp and comfortable (and keep in mind that I'm coming from a very well-regarded keyboard in the ThinkPad). The trackpad gestures more than make up
I needn't have worried -- the MBA is simply incredible. As others have mentioned, the case is quite sturdy. Apple's engineers ingeniously relied on some of the internal components themselves as part of the skeleton for the case. This sounds scary, except that they were designed to serve both functions. The keyboard is crisp and comfortable (and keep in mind that I'm coming from a very well-regarded keyboard in the ThinkPad). The trackpad gestures more than make up
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Let me start with a simple disclaimer, first I worked for Apple (a long time ago) for 11 years, I also worked for Microsoft for 6 years and I'm pretty comfortable in both camps but I truly love Apple for it's design and combined hardware/software implementations. I go through laptops pretty frequently and have owned UMPC's and full heavyweight desktop replacements. Having said all that, I think the MacBook Air is a home run IF you fit the right profile. The profile is that you want a device that you can carry around easily every day from meeting to meeting, home to work, travel, etc. This is not the laptop for your sole machine, instead it's truly the best device I've every owned for taking notes, staying on top of email, doing some on the fly spreadsheet or database creation, watch ripped or downloaded movies, and generally working through a "normal" business day. If you're looking for a game machine, power photo processing or video processing laptop, or 1 PC to suit all your needs
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The good: I thought it wouldn't be as sturdy as it is, but it is! The screen is great. very thin and truly ultraportable, though not quite as light as you might think. overall, a truly beautiful laptop. i also think the price is excellent--a very fair price for such a nice ultraportable computer. most any serious computer user can afford this beauty. the power chord is great.
the bad: no optical drive, means no dvds, not cd installs, unless using another computer, by which it can use file sharing to transfer the data over wireless, which is FAR from ideal. this is a big downer, as everyone will want to watch a dvd sometime, expecially on the plane or on a trip... you should definitely buy a usb thumb drive or two, a usb hub, a usb ethernet device, and a nice case to go along with the purchase. u can buy an external cd/dvd player/burner, but lugging that along kills the form factor and portability of the unit. battery life is about 3-4 hours, for me, per charge, which is OK,
the bad: no optical drive, means no dvds, not cd installs, unless using another computer, by which it can use file sharing to transfer the data over wireless, which is FAR from ideal. this is a big downer, as everyone will want to watch a dvd sometime, expecially on the plane or on a trip... you should definitely buy a usb thumb drive or two, a usb hub, a usb ethernet device, and a nice case to go along with the purchase. u can buy an external cd/dvd player/burner, but lugging that along kills the form factor and portability of the unit. battery life is about 3-4 hours, for me, per charge, which is OK,
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I have had this little miracle for a couple of weeks and I absolutely love it, in fact I take it with me anywhere I go. Alot fo people are negative about this product because of it's lack of a DVD drive and an ethernet port, I very very rarely use them so it fits me just fine. You should note that the Air was not intended as an all in one computing solution but as an extension of your system. An iMac and Macbook Air would fit perfectely together for around the price of the MacBook Pro.
The fit and finish is spectacular, it feels light yet solid. Other laptops in this weight range feel flimsy, none of that here.
Performance is much better than i had anticipated, the 2GB of ram really do make a diference. It does suffer with very very high resolution 1080P videos but other than that it's pretty snappy. Much more so than any other portable in its range.
I would recomened you stick to this configuration, the higher processor is not worth the extra 300 USD and the SSD drive is definately
The fit and finish is spectacular, it feels light yet solid. Other laptops in this weight range feel flimsy, none of that here.
Performance is much better than i had anticipated, the 2GB of ram really do make a diference. It does suffer with very very high resolution 1080P videos but other than that it's pretty snappy. Much more so than any other portable in its range.
I would recomened you stick to this configuration, the higher processor is not worth the extra 300 USD and the SSD drive is definately
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I purchased a 1.6Ghz 80GB HDD based MacBook Air about 2 weeks ago. Honestly I was not sure that I would keep the device but I had to review it for myself based on some not so positive reviews and the fact that I own a large amount of Apple stock and have been concerned about the recent drop in the stock price.
My business is to help companies make better products with better overall strategic plans and I have learned from past experience that many "professional" reviewers really don't get it. Often they write great reviews for terrible products and while not as often they also write terrible reviews for great products. In a past life I directly managed the widely successful Iomega Zip drive so I speak from a level of experience on this issue. In short it was easily worth a 10% restocking fee to me to find out what I thought the real truth is.
In my acuitize consulting business we have found that after extensive direct in person customer interviews working with a wide variety of
My business is to help companies make better products with better overall strategic plans and I have learned from past experience that many "professional" reviewers really don't get it. Often they write great reviews for terrible products and while not as often they also write terrible reviews for great products. In a past life I directly managed the widely successful Iomega Zip drive so I speak from a level of experience on this issue. In short it was easily worth a 10% restocking fee to me to find out what I thought the real truth is.
In my acuitize consulting business we have found that after extensive direct in person customer interviews working with a wide variety of
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I purchased a custom configured MBA - I ordered it with the 1.8 Ghz processor and the 80 GB HDD.
So far, I have to say I love this machine!
As some have mentioned - I thought I would miss certain devices - like an Optical drive (CD / DVD) or an Ethernet port - but so far I haven't missed either one!
I get about 3.5 hours to 5 hours out of each charge - and I have the power settings on 'performance' - which is as high as it gets - I imagine if I dialed it back to 'energy saving' I could get more. My Dell only lasted about 2.5 hours - so I know where all the outlets are in airports / airplanes / lounges when I am on the road. It is nice to only have to charge half as much!!
I am using my MBA in conjunction with a wireless network at my house. The remote disk feature worked seamlessly when I installed software from the SuperDrive on my Mac Mini via WiFi to my MBA. In addition, I installed the remote disk software on my Dell, just to see if I could watch a movie - and I could!
I thought
So far, I have to say I love this machine!
As some have mentioned - I thought I would miss certain devices - like an Optical drive (CD / DVD) or an Ethernet port - but so far I haven't missed either one!
I get about 3.5 hours to 5 hours out of each charge - and I have the power settings on 'performance' - which is as high as it gets - I imagine if I dialed it back to 'energy saving' I could get more. My Dell only lasted about 2.5 hours - so I know where all the outlets are in airports / airplanes / lounges when I am on the road. It is nice to only have to charge half as much!!
I am using my MBA in conjunction with a wireless network at my house. The remote disk feature worked seamlessly when I installed software from the SuperDrive on my Mac Mini via WiFi to my MBA. In addition, I installed the remote disk software on my Dell, just to see if I could watch a movie - and I could!
I thought
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Is it a compromise? Well I guess for those who don't mind carrying around a 6 lb portable with all the bells and whistles or an ultraportable with slow processor, small keyboard but with more ports, I guess the MBA is.
Where there is no compromise is in the speed, full sized keyboard, screen clarity and battery life. With the 64 Gig SSD and 1.8 GHZ 4MB cache processor the speed is the fastest in its class. While the X300 is the computer that everyone loves to bash the MBA with, I will take the speed of the MBA over the DVD on the X300 anytime. Plus, it can run both VISTA/XP and OSX. So it is a better Vista computer and ALSO a MAC. OH and one more thing compared to the X300-you can actually buy an MBA NOW, it has been available for close to a month, while the X300 just got posted on there site and there is a more than (TYPICAL of Lenovo) 4 week ship time-usually in Lenovo jargon that means wait a few months. It is amazing that Apple used to be the king of announce and wait has now
Where there is no compromise is in the speed, full sized keyboard, screen clarity and battery life. With the 64 Gig SSD and 1.8 GHZ 4MB cache processor the speed is the fastest in its class. While the X300 is the computer that everyone loves to bash the MBA with, I will take the speed of the MBA over the DVD on the X300 anytime. Plus, it can run both VISTA/XP and OSX. So it is a better Vista computer and ALSO a MAC. OH and one more thing compared to the X300-you can actually buy an MBA NOW, it has been available for close to a month, while the X300 just got posted on there site and there is a more than (TYPICAL of Lenovo) 4 week ship time-usually in Lenovo jargon that means wait a few months. It is amazing that Apple used to be the king of announce and wait has now
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I bought my Airbook at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue this evening and upon opening this beauty my first thought was: "MacBook Nano"
My first thought on turning on: super screen! I am a bright screen junkie and this screen is so much brighter than my old MacBook.
I have been a computer user for 13 years and a Mac User for about 8 or 9 and there is just something about buying a Mac that makes me giddy in a way buying a PC never did. Apple products truly are elegant and beautiful and make work seem less so . . .
I'm glad to see that the reviews here on amazon seem to be from actual AirBook owners as opposed to those reviews I've found elsewhere
My first thought on turning on: super screen! I am a bright screen junkie and this screen is so much brighter than my old MacBook.
I have been a computer user for 13 years and a Mac User for about 8 or 9 and there is just something about buying a Mac that makes me giddy in a way buying a PC never did. Apple products truly are elegant and beautiful and make work seem less so . . .
I'm glad to see that the reviews here on amazon seem to be from actual AirBook owners as opposed to those reviews I've found elsewhere