And, of course, while the bundled iLife suite is powerful, versatile and easy to use, the MacBook Air’s limited connectivity means that it can’t always make the most of iLife’s multimedia features, although iDVD can save projects as a disc image for burning on other machines.
DisplayPort interfacing delivers a maximum 2560 x 1600 output to an external monitor
With no audio input, GarageBand users will need a USB audio interface to go beyond recording with the internal microphone. The mono speaker mono isn't much cop for listening to music through, but there's always the headphone connector.
Includes an updated battery based on the long life type used in the Pro models
We’d gladly swap the machine’s Mini DisplayPort interface for an extra USB, Firewire or Ethernet port. And whilst we understand the reason for omitting those features, it’s important to realise that the MacBook Air’s limited connectivity can be a source of frustration at times. If you need better connectivity options then the new 13in MacBook Pro might well be the better solution.
Verdict
The MacBook Air is by no means perfect. Its performance and connectivity options are both more limited than those of conventional but heavier laptops. However, it does perform well when compared to other ultra-portable PCs in the same price bracket. Ultimately, the real clincher for us is the weight, or lack thereof. Instead of leaving it in the office – as we tend to do with our older, heavier White MacBook – undoubtedly, we'd be carrying the MacBook Air around with us and using it, pretty much all of the time. ®
More Apple Laptop Reviews...
MacBook Pro 13in June 2009 |
MacBook 13in June 2009 |
MacBook Pro 15in June 2009 |
MacBook Pro 17in March 2009 |
Apple MacBook Air June 2009
COMMENTS
@cliff 2
Yeah, of course I want to disassemble my machine on an airplane because they don't have airplane power adapters for the Air... (hint: they do)
FWIW: I use a Dell Mini 9 running Mac OS X and I love it.
Apple Airbook
'> Ive never understood how the same company that came up with something as good as
> the Macbook Pro could come up with something as shit as the Macbook Air.
Maybe ... they're targeted at different markets. Maybe ... you're not in the target market. ...
Just a thought. :-)
One of these days, Apple will announce the Airbook (imo), less graphics, RAM, and CPU,
but with an Expresscard slot, and they'll sell them like hot cakes.
Sunny Guy
Lol
I have love how people get so defensive over products like this. It's only "shit" because you can't afford it (me neither for that matter).
@David Webb
>(Mac's are toys for fanboyz)
For some people yes. But there are some extremely affordable and powerful creativity tools available for OSX.
The likes of Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode are Mac users.
Have a read:
http://logicprohelp.com/vip_users.php
Many hollywood films are edited with Final Cut Studio, are these all edited by fanboys too?
Useless junk
I'm sorry but at least 50% of the reason I have a notebook is I use it to watch movies while traveling. The other 50% of my time is spent online, either gaming or surfing. No I can't be fucked to download movies or waste 100s of hours copying all my movies to another form of media.
The Macbook Pro is a far more capable piece of equipment, it comes with what 99% of people need in a notebook.
External drive? Fuck off. I want portability not some klutzy shite that means I have to carry multiple pieces of equipment, dangling something over the edge of a tray table or hanging to the side when I use put the notebook in my lap.
I've never understood how the same company that came up with something as good as the Macbook Pro could come up with something as shit as the Macbook Air.
