I've been waiting close to 3 years for what Apple has now bestowed upon us with the 11.6" MBA. I almost had a heart attack though. While watching the keynote live via streaming I went to Apple Insider and a report appeared to give the impression that the 11.6" would not come to be true. They had all the other products listed except for that model which was given a potentially mysterious serial number instead. When Steve FINALLY mentioned the smaller brother after discussing the refreshed 13.3" model I started clapping at my computer like a damn fool. 
Now on to the little brother.
I know what a lot of MR members are going to say. Pathetic specs. But who cares? Most people interested in the 11.6" model don't need much power. Suffice to say Apple was smart to give us two models to choose from (and options within those models). And $999? I wrote a few days ago that that was the price I was hoping for but didn't expect. That even came true.
The key here, and the moment that produced the biggest smile for me, was when Steve said "2.3 lbs". Yes. Yes. Yes. A smaller footprint AND super lightweight. This is what I wanted for years now. With respects to the battery life, I think I'm okay with 5 hours (Steve did say such a proclamation was more a real time projection vs. the past claims, only time will tell).
It's also very interesting to note the current iPad owners or people who were planning on getting an iPad who are now saying on this forum, "forget that, I'm getting the 11.6" model instead."
As for size, I think this photo says it best. When I look at my iPhone 4 and then that photo I start getting giddy.
Last week I sent Steve an email saying I really hope the 11.6" rumors are true, and now I'm gonna send him one today simply saying "thank you". I won't make my purchase until I play with one in person (to get me more excited) and read a dozen reviews or so from tech websites I respect and trust. But I'm most likely gonna get one come holiday season and I'm just simply relieved that the Apple laptop I've wanted for some time now is finally here. IMO this is going to be the ultimate travel companion.
Also.....
Forgot to add. So happy they kept the silver bezel and didn't opt for the edge to edge glass of the MBP. I find the MBA screen to be much less glossy/reflective due to the fact that it doesn't have the ETE glass panel.
Now on to the little brother.
I know what a lot of MR members are going to say. Pathetic specs. But who cares? Most people interested in the 11.6" model don't need much power. Suffice to say Apple was smart to give us two models to choose from (and options within those models). And $999? I wrote a few days ago that that was the price I was hoping for but didn't expect. That even came true.
The key here, and the moment that produced the biggest smile for me, was when Steve said "2.3 lbs". Yes. Yes. Yes. A smaller footprint AND super lightweight. This is what I wanted for years now. With respects to the battery life, I think I'm okay with 5 hours (Steve did say such a proclamation was more a real time projection vs. the past claims, only time will tell).
It's also very interesting to note the current iPad owners or people who were planning on getting an iPad who are now saying on this forum, "forget that, I'm getting the 11.6" model instead."
As for size, I think this photo says it best. When I look at my iPhone 4 and then that photo I start getting giddy.
Last week I sent Steve an email saying I really hope the 11.6" rumors are true, and now I'm gonna send him one today simply saying "thank you". I won't make my purchase until I play with one in person (to get me more excited) and read a dozen reviews or so from tech websites I respect and trust. But I'm most likely gonna get one come holiday season and I'm just simply relieved that the Apple laptop I've wanted for some time now is finally here. IMO this is going to be the ultimate travel companion.
Also.....
Forgot to add. So happy they kept the silver bezel and didn't opt for the edge to edge glass of the MBP. I find the MBA screen to be much less glossy/reflective due to the fact that it doesn't have the ETE glass panel.
