Hi guys
Nothing original, I'm afraid, just my two cents:
- Dimensions: Okay, so it's strikingly thin, but the overall length and width aren't anything special. If I couldn't physically fit a 13.3" system into my bag before, the Air isn't going to help me by virtue of it being thin.
- No Ethernet: Many people praise Apple for ditching the floppy drive early to push the market forward, but I think Ethernet ought to be here. All major sub-notebooks have it, and although WiFi is cool, it's not always available and connecting in busy areas isn't always practical because of the interference. Yes, you can buy a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, but then adds bulk to a system sold for it's portability, extra cost to an already expensive computer, and bang goes your sole USB port. Which brings us on to ...
- One USB port: Come on, even the EeePC manages to pack three USB ports into its diminuitive frame. Again, you can buy a USB hub, but at this rate you'll need one bag (or manilla envelope *sigh*) for the Air, and another for the myriad of accessories needed to make it useable.
- No optical drive: Again, this is crazy, as a great many sub-notebooks manage to squeeze in an optical drive. Yes, you can use your Mac or PC's drive, but what use is that when you're out and about? Of course you can buy the add-on optical drive, but it's the same old story: more money, more weight, more things to carry.
- Poor hard-drive: An 80GB 4,200rpm PATA drive is quite pathetic in this day and age. The only other option? A 64GB flash drive with a huge price-tag. I know there are technical reasons behind this, but it seems like a compromise too far just to make the system thin.
- Sealed battery: Personally I've never owned or needed a second battery, so this isn't a big issue for me, but I know many people who travel like to take a spare battery in case they're not near a power outlet. It seems that with a screwdriver it may be possible to change the battery yourself, but it will void the warranty, so in effect you're forced to further line Apple's pockets if/when your battery eventually dies.
- General specifications: I don't think it's too bad for a portable system, but the processor, graphics, RAM etc. certainly aren't going to be setting any speed records. If you compare this to, say, a Dell M1330, for a little more bulk you get a whole lot more power and functionality at a price that won't break the bank. Furthermore, only offering two options is classic Apple marketing: the base model is relatively slow and disappointing, the other option slightly better but exorbitantly expensive.
Of course the Air has its positives too. It's beautiful and strikingly thin; it has the very well-respected MacOS (TdC et al. are right, it's good because of the limited hardware set, not in spite of it); backlit keys are nice; multitouch via the touchpad is interesting (but obviously it's more intuitive when used with a display) etc.
However, for me, it's just too expensive given the anaemic hardware. If they had included a sophisticated touchscreen, like the
Dell Latitude XT (sorry, lots of Dell examples, but the touchscreen on this model is special), then I could understand the hype. As it is, though, it's like virtually every other Apple PC: stylish, not overly-concerned with raw power, and very expensive (which is by design, since they're supposed to fit into a differentiated market position, not bargain basement).
Kind regards
Jonty
P.S.
Four Real-Life Uses for the MacBook Air 