The revB Macbook air is a lovely computer, to be sure.
It would be an upgrade in several areas, as mentioned by the above posters - most notably in HD video playback, which I'm sure her current unit would struggle with at 1080p. The 9400 hardware decodes HD video, taking the load off the processor.
However, it's an expensive upgrade.
If I may be so bold as to make a recommendation, I'd suggest looking at the base refurb unibody macbook, which is currently selling for $1099 US, a $900 savings over the Air.
For $900 less, you get a faster CPU (2.0 vs. 1.6), faster hard drive (5400 rpm vs. 4800 rpm), faster video processor (the Air's is underclocked), user replaceable (not to mention higher capacity) battery, upgradeable ram and hard drive, not to mention optical drive...and you probably won't have to carry a USB hub around like you would with the Air.
In terms of size and weight, the difference between the Air and the Macbook shrank with the introduction of the unibodies. The Macbook will be 0.7 lbs lighter than her current unit, and only 1.5 lbs heavier than the air. The new macbook will be 0.13 inches thinner than her current unit, and only 0.19 thicker than the Air (at it's thickest point)!
With the $900 savings, I'd recommend aftermarket upgrading the ram to 4GB ($90), the hard drive to a 320GB 7200 rpm ($95).
In summation, for approximately $715 less, you get a computer that:
- Has a faster processor - 2.0 vs 1.6
- Has a faster hard drive - 7200 rpm vs. 4800 rpm (BIG difference)
- Has a faster video processor - isn't underclocked
- Has almost triple the hard drive capacity - 320GB vs. 120 GB
- Has double the RAM - 4GB vs. 2GB
- Has an optical drive
- Has more ports - including a firewire port
- Has a user replaceable and higher capacity battery.
- Is only 0.19 inches thicker and 1.5 lbs heavier
With the extra money, you could also buy an external keyboard and mouse ($70), and buy a 24" monitor ($300-$350). If you already have any of these accessories, you can pocket more savings. With these accessories, you have a very competent desktop workstation, and you're still saving over $300. You might also consider a second battery.
The refurb unibody macbook is amazing value for the money, and I'd recommend it to anyone considering an Air.
Hope this helps!
P.S. If you end up going with the Air, I'd recommend an external 7200 rpm hard drive, which may speed up the video work.
P.P.S. If you really want to splurge, pick up an intel X-25 80GB SSD, bringing the price up to approximately $1679. Wow will the computer ever fly. You'll never see an application bounce twice in the dock.
