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Apple MacBook Air 11 Review
Product Summary
Thin, light, and lightning fast the Apple MacBook Air takes some of the best features of the tried and true MacBook Pro and offers them in a stripped-down, more affordable computer. Though still more expensive than some of its PC alternatives, the MacBook Air does bring that hip Apple style combined with the high quality standard that has come to be associated with all Apple devices. Feature-wise it isn’t the MacBook Pro, but you may not need the MacBook Pro. In fact, the Air is probably more suitable for someone looking for an ultra-portable substitute for an iPad than someone looking for a substitute to the MacBook Pro.
The Features
The MacBook Air is considerably smaller than other similar laptops. With an 11.6” screen and 1366 x 768 pixel resolution it is much closer to a tablet’s specs than a laptop—but that could be a good thing, depending on what you are looking for. The processor on MacBook Air definitely will not leave you wanting. It comes with the Intel Core i5 1.6 GHz dual-core processor, which is among the fastest processors out there. If this isn’t enough for you, you also have the choice to upgrade to the Intel Core i7. The storage also offers the potential of upgrading. This laptop comes with 2GB of RAM and 4GB max upgrade potential. It also has 64GB of storage with the potential of upgrading to 256GB. On the other hand, the Air only gets 5 hours of battery life, which is less than impressive. It supports wireless LAN and BluTooth 4.0, has a sound card and microphone, and an integrated camera. One of the best upgrades Apple is introducing in 2011 is the Thunderbolt port, which will enhance the performance of compatible accessories and peripherals. The MacBook Air comes with the Thunderbolt port as well as a USB and Hi-Speed USB ports, a backlit keyboard, and a multi-touch trackpad. There is no optical drive (DVD drive) available for the MacBook Air. The operating system is MacOS X Lion, which Apple hails as the most sophisticated and intuitive in the industry. From its incredible performance, to its easy finger swipes to do a whole host of functions, the OS X is loaded with features that many users hail as being leaps and bounds beyond anything Windows is capable of.
The Design
It’s almost embarrassing the level to which Apple dwarfs its competitors in the design department. Like all of its devices, the MacBook Air is downright beautiful. It’s thin, sleek, light-weight, and ultra-portable. Its screen gets sharp, bright images, and the ports are easily accessible and out of the way while using other functions. However, you will likely want to get a good case or sleeve for this laptop. It is durable, but its thinness also makes it a little vulnerable.
What Users Say
Users love the MacBook Air for its speed, durability, lightness, beauty, and features. It is always amusing to hear user comments from people who are switching from PC to Mac for the first time; they are inevitably blown away and seem to act as though they just joined a cult of users walking with zombie-like devotion into the pure white light of Apple stores everywhere. That being said, the more objective users do have a few complaints. Some are upset that the MacBook Air is lacking an Ethernet port, an optical drive, an SD slot, and that it is not 3G or 4G compatible like some of the new tablets. Another issue users have is that the MacBook Air is too thin (a good problem to have!) to hold without a sleeve or case to grip it. Finally, users are understandably upset with the short battery life and the high price.
Final Thoughts
The first choice when buying any computer is: Apple or PC? If you get an Apple, you are locking yourself into Apple’s hardware and software for as long as you own their device (as they are not compatible with many outside options). There is also the coolness factor to consider, which Apple wins hands-down. If design is important to you, Apple is your supplier. Now, if it is features you seek, the MacBook Air is not as loaded as some other options. It is lacking in the aforementioned areas of ports, slots, and low battery life. It also isn’t the cheapest with a starting price of $999. It is good for viewing videos (as long as they aren’t DVDs). It’s good for a number of gaming options, and it is a great option for users who want the portability of a tablet, but don’t like the idea of not having a physical keyboard. Definitely weigh the pros and cons of the MacBook Air with other laptops and tablets. There is a particular kind of user who will find this laptop the perfect choice.