An Early Review of Apple’s New MacBook Air
Before taking the kids to school today I went online to see what was up at today’s opening of the 2008 Macworld Conference and Expo and was surprised to see what Apple is claiming as the world’s thinnest laptop computer: the MacBook Air.
This spanking-new machine (available for pre-order at the online Apple Store) is no more than 0.75 in. at its thickest and only weighs three (3) pounds. Customers can order one equipped with either a 1.6 GHz Intel Core Duo processor with a 80 GB hard drive (price: USD 1,799.00) or one fitted a 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and a 64 GB solid-state hard drive (price: USD 3,098.00).
This profile view of the MacBook Air shows how thin this machine is.
The MacBook Air itself possesses a 13.3 in. widescreen backlit LCD display and a full-featured (but backlit) keyboard similar in design to the older MacBooks. It carries 2 GB of RAM and boasts of a battery that is claimed to deliver a full five (5) hours of life. It does not come equipped with an optical drive but that’s expected of an ultralight laptop such as this one.
The MacBook Air is also equipped with a multitouch gesture pad that can translate hand gestures into commands.
The MacBook Air is optimized for wireless use with Bluetooth 2.1 and Wi-Fi 801.12n radios installed. Want to connect via Ethernet? Sorry, but this machine does not come with an Ethernet port and you must buy an USD 29.00 Ethernet Adapter that connects to this laptop’s sole USB 2.0 port.
That the MacBook Air is quite stingy with features – aside from its lone USB port, it only has one DVI and audio port each – and requires the attention of service personnel to have its battery replaced because of its sealed case, much like Apple’s iPods, has caught the attention of early reviewers, although Yuga says its USD 1,799.00 price tag is cheaper than what he expected. Question, Yuga: are you thinking of getting one yourself?
As a MacBook user whose fascination with his Mac has soured of late, I’m skeptical if paying a premium for the MacBook Air for its design is worth the price, although I must say that I am impressed. Then again, this new laptop, like the others that occupy its particular niche, is meant not as a full-featured machine like the MacBook or MacBook Pro but as a lightweight computer meant to be taken along on the go. By no means is it supposed to replace a desktop computer, or a desktop-replacement laptop computer.
That said, I don’t think I’ll be buying a MacBook Air any time soon until I see how reliable it is. For those thinking of snapping one up immediately, take this advice: mind the Revision A curse and buy an AppleCare extended warranty plan to protect yourself. Better yet, don’t buy the MacBook Air until it is thoroughly reviewed in a few months’ time.
It is not known when Philippine Apple sellers will stock the MacBook Air but I’m certain it will be priced in the PHP 110,000 range or so.
[...] a Lenovo ThinkPad X300? Very nice but too expensive. A MacBook Air? I’ll be going against my own advice if I buy it today and even if I want one, I will have to pay for it in advance and wait another two [...]