MacBook Air Has the Feel of an iPad in a Laptop

All thing Digital ^ | October 27, 2010 | by Walter S. Mossberg

[Wayne07]

I think most people consider 10” and below to be netbooks, and 11” to be noteboks. I wouldn’t consider my dell 11z a netbook, nor the macbook air. I have a dell mini 9 that i would. The Macbook has a faster dual core CPU, bigger screen, and full sized keyboard vs the dell 9, that I think differentiates it.

[Tzfat]

My maxed out MBA 13” is due for delivery 11/1/10

[Eyes Unclouded]

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

No.

[dfwgator]

The Macbook has a faster dual core CPU, bigger screen, and full sized keyboard vs the dell 9, that I think differentiates it.

If it's worth the $800 difference, I say 'Go For It.'

[Wayne07]

You'd probably pay between 600-700 for a comparably spec'd non mac. So the question ia whether it is worth 300-400 for a better build, and OSX. This would be a great alternative if you are really price sensitive and don't favor OSX (though no SSD):

http://www.amazon.com/UL30A-X5K-Light-13-3-Inch-Laptop-Kindle/dp/B003JZC42A

I think the Macbook Air is still a pretty good buy

[spokeshave]

....just buy more Apple stock....around $300 today.

[dangerdoc]

This

Or maybe this

something for tower climbing?

[BunnySlippers]

Let is know how you like it. I was looking at the 11.6” but may bump to the 13 inch.

[TXnMA]

"Alas if it had a PC operating system I could use it for serious work..."

I use a top-end MacBook Pro, and run Windows whenever I need to -- and I wouldn't expect that to be a problem with the Air, either.

Swordmaker, are there limitations peculiar to the Air that would prelude running even Windows 7 -- either in virtualization or natively via Boot Camp?

[JRandomFreeper]

Modern windoze won't work. It doesn't take well to changing networks 20 times in 20 minutes (XP was ok with that).

And COTS is always preferred, even though a battle-hardened machine might be more appropriate. And real-size keyboards are a must.

Non-relective screens are a good bonus.

But, since I can't have what I want at the price-point I want, I'll keep sniffing around for something that will work and won't require replacement after 2 weeks.

But thanks for the suggestions. I'll plug them into the spreadsheet and do the cost/benefit.

/johnny

[greatdefender]

I Agree!

[MrsEmmaPeel]

Oh, honey - now you're talking my language! I love 'em all. And your picture is particularly yummy. But I have to admit, my current personal favorite is the Rapide.

[Swordmaker]

Why not get a 13’ MacBook Pro for just about $200 more?

Because it's $200 more, almost twice as thick, and 5.6 pounds, it's 3.3 pounds heavier...

[Swordmaker]

Swordmaker, are there limitations peculiar to the Air that would prelude running even Windows 7 -- either in virtualization or natively via Boot Camp?

I don't know of any.

[greatdefender]

the Rapide does look nice. It will be tough to say between this one or the Vanquish is better. Oh well, I guess its off to the races and may the best engine wins! :p