Review - Is Apple's light MacBook Air for you?

When I first saw the MacBook Air - the new ultraportable laptop from Apple - I was wowed by its razor-thin design, but skeptical about its lack of features found on some other travel laptops.

[bousozoku]

This will be the first in a new line of computers for Apple. As with the first iPod, it didn't have much capacity and didn't even play the type of files they use for the store now. Currently, there are several models and they're a big success. Expect a similar growth with the MacBook Air in the years to come.

[taken your money]

bousozoku wrote:

This will be the first in a new line of computers for Apple. As with the first iPod, it didn't have much capacity and didn't even play the type of files they use for the store now. Currently, there are several models and they're a big success. Expect a similar growth with the MacBook Air in the years to come.

sounds like your suggesting to leave this alone for now (except for the "got to have it first no matter what $ crowd!") and see who else also packs more into thinner... as well as the apple's future offerings...
really ? though how many are going to a lap top only computer.. and such limitations would be a SERIOUS loss... looks like a "add-on" expensive computer addition.. rather than a main use one...
But Apple fans a plenty will likely want to take a bite into it and try it...at least show it with their iphone etc..
? will they finally Icomputer with the Iphone built in ?
likely somebody will.....
of course some may decide to forego 24/7 access to have a little 'techless life' in the real world too...
oh for the old days when "having Arrived" meant somebody else answered the phone,did the paperwork...and screened access to your private time and space!!!!

[Pinsier]

I've bought a MacBook Air and I really love it.
For those, who are not sure... I recommend to wait, read this:

http://www.maconair.com/macbook_air_patent_fu...

there are rumors that it will soon be improved!

[Richard Robertson]

can't use Remote Disc to import songs from a CD into your iTunes library

I would assume that you can access your shared iTunes Library.

[EtanHorowitz]

Richard Robertson wrote:

can't use Remote Disc to import songs from a CD into your iTunes library
I would assume that you can access your shared iTunes Library.

Yeah, you can listen to songs over a shared itunes library, or import the files from the HD of a shared network computer, but that was somewhat slow. took me about 8 minutes for an entire CD.

[lator gator]

Not paying $1,800 for a computer without a DVD or CD player, no matter how light or pretty it is. They'll calm down in prices in a few years just like the rest of the stuff.

[Chris]

I can see how some people would find this a very useful addition to their computer collection. Though, I need more features than this packs. As far as the price being steep, yes but in comparison to what? Other brands with similar features go for about the same price, usually higher.

[Sweeperdave]

Cool? Yes. Light? Yes. Chic? Very.
Still, there simply are too many features left off to make the Air a compelling buy.

I really want to love the new notebook as I love most of Apple's products. Yet, even as the buzz swirls around the Air, I'm typing this on a 12-inch, PowerBook G4 which, by the way, fits nicely into an inter-office envelope a la the Air video ad. Sure, my years old PowerBook is a pound heavier but fits anywhere an Air can fit and, in some cases, where an Air won't fit. It's got an optical drive which is far from being obsolete. My G4 has a full complement of ports, changeable batteries, a physically bigger screen, and an impervious aluminum body that has suffered the slings and arrows of multi-day camping trips in a backpack. And is available (albeit used) for a third the cost of the Air.

If Apple were to make a 12-inch version of the MacBook, then THAT would be a compelling buy.

[Mike Radie]

Why would you cal it a no frills laptop? Other then not having an optical drive it is fully loaded. I just bought this one 3 weeks ago and love it much more then my $2000. del laptop.

[Chris]

I see all the peripherals attached to my iMac at home, and ask, out of all the items hooked up, what would I really need if on the road? For me, as long as I could receive and send e-Faxes, be able to view and send e-mail, be able to have the few programs I use on my iMac now - work on the MBA and be able to get on the internet, I would be happy with it as is. Not a big music or movie fan so the lack of a cd/dvd player is not a deal breaker and I can't remember the last time I urgently needed the use of the cd/dvd drive on my iMac for ANY reason, it's been THAT long, considering I am on my computer almost every day except for a few Saturdays or Sundays! That being said, I would wait to see if the price comes down, considering all it does lacks versus a "feature rich" MacBook Pro or MacBook.

[Dog]

lator gator wrote:

Not paying $1,800 for a computer without a DVD or CD player, no matter how light or pretty it is. They'll calm down in prices in a few years just like the rest of the stuff.

Exactly... I don't give a crap about how heavy or not heavy they are... it's a laptop!!! Duh!!! Portable computer!!! HELLO!!!

MCFLY!!!

Give me a CD drive, and all my other needs... I have a laptop bag with wheels. I'm not worried.

[Dog]

Oh yeah, for $1800.00+ I could buy TWO REFURBED MACBOOKS!!! WTF!?!?!?

[Mike Reys]

Did you use speech technology while writing in your car. Actually writing while driving, even when the laptop is really thin, is like a death wish for yourself, but also selfish way of risking other people's life

[EtanHorowitz]

Mike Reys wrote:

Did you use speech technology while writing in your car. Actually writing while driving, even when the laptop is really thin, is like a death wish for yourself, but also selfish way of risking other people's life

From the column:

"In fact, I wrote much of this column on the Air while riding in a car at night."

I was RIDING in the car, meaning I wasn't the driver. i was a passenger.

[Daniel Van Til]

I think Apple is on to something. Many scoffed at most of the Apple first technologies/decisions. "Getting rid of a floppy disk drive!?!" Is a classic example. When the first bondi blue iMac hit the scene, many hit the ceiling. "Dude, how am I supposed to store or transport my files!"
Getting rid of a optical disc drive is perhaps is a couple years ahead of mainstream, but it's not crazy. What can't you download in the time it takes to buzz to blockbuster? And how often do you really use your optical drive to install software? Most software these days is downloaded in the form of updates or patches. No ethernet port, may be inconvenient for some, but again, not crazy if you live in a ubiquitous wifi jungle like millions do now. At home-wifi, at work-wifi, heck, at McDondalds-wifi, at many state parks (even)-wifi.
Scoff you might, but Apple will see its day of vindication in two years time. Mark my word.

[Eztider]

You either won't miss the lack of DVD drive, etc. or you will buy the externals and carry them as needed. The point is, you will use any excuse to carry this notebook with you, once you've spent a little time with it. If you're wavering, stay out of the Apple store. You will be amazed at how fast your credit card comes out of your wallet once you handle this notebook.

[unknown]

This article because it explains things about the air that you usually don't hear. Definitely view this article if you're thinking of buying an Air.

[Rob]

No frills? More like "nothing but frills".

[dZign]

Just got mine today and had to spend the afternoon at work before unpacking it !

Just taking it out for a spin now... I think I like it ;)

[Shumdit]

Bought one month ago. Can I justify it? Not really, I am more comfortable using a windows based machine (and may add bootcamp/windows to the macbook for some needs), and my existing laptop works fine and gets the job done. That said, I fell in love with the look and the hype (GOOD JOB STEVE JOBS), but I have not regretted the purchase. I love to pick it up and use it, as it's as much a piece of art as it is a computer,(and it's a great computer). I work hard for my money and spending $2000 on this is no different than buying a Patek Phillipe or a new BMW. There are cheaper alternatives that all can do the same job, but the Macbook Air just does something for me, much like those people who decide to stay in the Mandarin Oriental when the Motel 6 will serve the same purpose for a 10th of the price.