MacBook Air First Impressions and Notes

[Cybergypsy]

5 Days of ownership

Wow, yes i still say it every time i open my macbook air....its beautiful and perfect for my needs.......nothing bad to say and everyone else covered all the good points....I am still amazed :0

 

[illian]

Wow, yes i still say it every time i open my macbook air....its beautiful and perfect for my needs.......nothing bad to say and everyone else covered all the good points....I am still amazed :0

some good news here... one more week of waiting..aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! -.-

 

[Macmanus]

Well, I just picked my Macbook Air up a few hours ago. I must say that this is a sweet laptop. Much faster than I expected. Boots faster than my Dell Inspiron 1520 which is only about two weeks old now. Apps open on a few bounces, Remote Disc is fantastic. All in all, I'm happy with the 1700 I spent.

Looks like you're a laptop collector. Very interesting. Tells a lot about the potential MBA byers.

By the way, remember the price you paid for the Dell ?
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...US&l=EN&m_8=160GB&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=624862

 

[ctt1wbw]

Looks like you're a laptop collector. Very interesting. Tells a lot about the potential MBA byers.

By the way, remember the price you paid for the Dell ?
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...US&l=EN&m_8=160GB&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=624862

I'm thoroughly confusciated about your post. I think you're trying to make a point about something, I just don't know about what.

 

[Cybergypsy]

I'm thoroughly confusciated about your post. I think you're trying to make a point about something, I just don't know about what.

He also posted as a owner of a MBA and rated it a 1, think he is just a troll.....

 

[ctt1wbw]

He also posted as a owner of a MBA and rated it a 1, think he is just a troll.....

He's definitely trying to force his views on everyone else.

 

[magicbrain]

self upgrade to SSD for $250

here's crazy idea .... buy HHD & then "upgrade" to

32GB SSD for only $250

since it's fairly easy to get the mac os down to 10gb this is a reasonable alternative ...

ps: & use HHD 80gb to upgrade ur old 60gb < iPod ...

 

[Clix Pix]

Thrilled new MBA owner here!

I'm typing on my brand-new MBA, which I just picked up a couple of hours ago at the Tysons Apple store (Northern Virginia). I spent some time in taking photos of the box and of the unpacking process and then finally fired up the machine and am now setting things up.

First impression: W O WWWWWW!!!! I had seen them in the store and had immediately fallen in love but nothing prepared me for the experience of opening a brand-new one. Apple's packaging is a work of art and the entire design of the box is wonderful. I gently lifted the new MBA out of its tray and said, "HOLY COW!" as I admired its thinness and beauty.....

Just getting things set up now so of course one of the first online sites to visit was MR! I'll be back later to add more impressions as I continue to use the machine.....

Oh, guess I'd better go change my sig file!

 

[MazingerZ]

here's crazy idea .... buy HHD & then "upgrade" to

32GB SSD for only $250

since it's fairly easy to get the mac os down to 10gb this is a reasonable alternative ...

ps: & use HHD 80gb to upgrade ur old 60gb < iPod ...

I think that's the wrong size. The MBA uses the 1.8 version.

 

[larryj]

The sharp front edge of the MBA is really annoying me. Did everyone else just get used to it?

 

[abijnk]

I think that's the wrong size. The MBA uses the 1.8 version.

You are correct, you can buy that SSD, but getting it to fit in the air would sure be entertaining!

I just got my tax return so I am going to pick up an AIR tomorrow, I am so excited! Thanks to everyone for all the notes and reviews, it really helped me make my decision. Now if I can just manage not to go crazy on the 2 hour drive to pick it up tomorrow!!!

 

[galapogosgill]

One Dead Pixel On My Mba

I love this thing but whoa, this is a problem... anyone else have this problem... WHAT DO I DO?

 

[aiongiant]

so after a few days of using the macbook air

and OMG i still love it!!!
im a former mbp owner so having a laptop is nothign new..

however with the macbook air it's something else
im actualy finding myself carrying it everywhere i go now.. meetings/work stuff//coffee etc etc
i still can't get over how light and easy it is to carry around
and how thin it is.. is jsut man i'm a happy camper haha

 

[Cybergypsy]

so after a few days of using the macbook air

and OMG i still love it!!!
im a former mbp owner so having a laptop is nothign new..

however with the macbook air it's something else
im actualy finding myself carrying it everywhere i go now.. meetings/work stuff//coffee etc etc
i still can't get over how light and easy it is to carry around
and how thin it is.. is jsut man i'm a happy camper haha

I know how you feel I feel the same way, it still is amazing me each day........

 

[wallaby]

MBA Impressions

I went to the Apple Store today to get my MBP fixed, and had a chance to play with a Macbook Air while I was waiting. Thought I'd post my impressions.

That is to say...I was not impressed. There were things it seems to do well, but it just didn't click with me. The first and most annoying problem I have with the MBA is the trackpad button. It's tiny. Having been comfortable with my MBP's trackpad in the 6 months I've used it, I really don't see the need to have such a ginormous trackpad. The added size is nice, but the button needs to stay proportionally large for functional reasons. The extra trackpad functions were interesting to use, but ultimately I don't miss them when I come back to my MBP. The zoom in and out only stays useful in iPhoto and the Finder, and the rotate function doesn't seem to be all that necessary. I'm not suggesting these things be removed, I just don't consider them huge selling points.

The main thing that bugs me about the MBA is that the size reduction doesn't really seem warranted. It takes up about the same area as a Macbook, but lacks the all-important CD drive and inputs. That said, there are some things I like about it. The screen is beautiful compared to those in the Macbooks (but not any better than the 15.4" ones in the MBPs). And the lightness really is surprising. The thing looks very elegant when closed, and packs a decent amount of power for an ultraportable. For the money, though, I'd much rather a Macbook Pro (or a regular Macbook when they get updated LED screens, the current ones suck).

tl,dr: Needs to be smaller to fulfill its roll. Thin can come later.

 

[zedsdead]

Just got three dead pixels (black dots) today. This sucks big time. Guess I will venture into the Apple Store this week, but I doubt they will have a replacement on hand since the 1.8/SSD is hard to find right now.

Not happy. This Macbook Air purchase has been nothing but stressful. It is the best designed computer I have ever used though, so I will put up with the stress.

Just thought others should check their screens. I noticed when I opened a Pages document and it was very apparent against the all white background.

 

[ob81]

Just got three dead pixels (black dots) today. This sucks big time. Guess I will venture into the Apple Store this week, but I doubt they will have a replacement on hand since the 1.8/SSD is hard to find right now.

Not happy. This Macbook Air purchase has been nothing but stressful. It is the best designed computer I have ever used though, so I will put up with the stress.

Just thought others should check their screens. I noticed when I opened a Pages document and it was very apparent against the all white background.

They normally don't replace units for dead/stuck pixels unless there is an abundance of them in a clutter. Though that may be on hold for Air adopters. I have known people to get a replacement for 1 dead pixel before, so it isn't impossible.

 

[happyslayer]

I just got mine about 8 hours ago and I am loving it so far. I picked up the 1.8/SSD version. I am still feeling a bit guilty about the $1000 expense... but then I watch it open every app in about half a second... (except office apps of course and my splurge is justified. I am normally a PC user with a very powerful desktop machine (jacked quad core with SLI nVidia graphics and 8 GB ram) so I am really used to the speed. This laptop with the SSD totally blows away my previous Dell and Sony ultraportables... I must say that I am totally happy!

Only minor issue so far is the keyboard backlighting. It likes to flicker and turn itself off periodically, especially in an environment with fluctuating light - like a dark room with a television on. I notice that as the TV flashes various colors or goes light and dark, the keyboard lighting flashes and turns off a lot!

Otherwise, loving this laptop!

 

[thehuhman]

The sharp front edge of the MBA is really annoying me. Did everyone else just get used to it?

I've had my "Air" for 4 days now, and have been spending every free minute with it. It's the first "new must have" that I've come home with, that my wife hasn't complained about. In fact, she thinks it is "cute" lol

Addressing a few issues that have surfaced in this forum:

• I've had this baby on my lap for 3 hours straight, and never experienced a heat problem. In fact, I barely notice that ANYTHING is on my lap.
• When I first read something about a "sharp front edge", I was puzzled. I honestly didn't know what the guy was referring to. Now, in fact, I have noticed it, and I'll bet this little nuisance, will get even more press as more people spend more time with the Air. But, so far, it is a minor thing for me.

By the way, I think it speaks volumes, that I have spent hours and hours loading software, migrating stuff from my MacPro, working, playing, listening to tunes... for 4 days, and have not had to reboot but once, and that was during a software installation!

I also want to make sure I say, this laptop is exactly what I have been waiting on, for years. I love everything about it!

I have had it with "loaded up" notebooks, docking stations, cables everywhere, and the concept of a "mobile workstation". I've had all of that for years, and can not recall a single time when I used the laptop, as a "desktop replacement". I love my MBA!

Oh, I chose the 1.6 / 80 and the SuperDrive.

 

[Cybergypsy]

I've had my "Air" for 4 days now, and have been spending every free minute with it. It's the first "new must have" that I've come home with, that my wife hasn't complained about. In fact, she thinks it is "cute" lol

Addressing a few issues that have surfaced in this forum:

• I've had this baby on my lap for 3 hours straight, and never experienced a heat problem. In fact, I barely notice that ANYTHING is on my lap.
• When I first read something about a "sharp front edge", I was puzzled. I honestly didn't know what the guy was referring to. Now, in fact, I have noticed it, and I'll bet this little nuisance, will get even more press as more people spend more time with the Air. But, so far, it is a minor thing for me.

By the way, I think it speaks volumes, that I have spent hours and hours loading software, migrating stuff from my MacPro, working, playing, listening to tunes... for 4 days, and have not had to reboot but once, and that was during a software installation!

I also want to make sure I say, this laptop is exactly what I have been waiting on, for years. I love everything about it!

I have had it with "loaded up" notebooks, docking stations, cables everywhere, and the concept of a "mobile workstation". I've had all of that for years, and can not recall a single time when I used the laptop, as a "desktop replacement". I love my MBA!

Oh, I chose the 1.6 / 80 and the SuperDrive.

I thnk I will be buying Airs for a while, love it even more then i dreamed i would

 

[Clix Pix]

The coolness of this machine really surprised me -- I am accustomed to the relative toastiness of my 15" MBP and as a result rarely used it on my lap. Last night I quite contentedly sat with the MBA on my lap for nearly two hours -- incredible difference!!! I love the form factor of this machine and how small it is when closed up and yet how absolutely functional it is when opened up and in use. Apple did a terrific job with this!!

 

[Catch]

I have had it with "loaded up" notebooks, docking stations, cables everywhere, and the concept of a "mobile workstation". I've had all of that for years, and can not recall a single time when I used the laptop, as a "desktop replacement".!

Amen. Its a waste of time carrying around a 'desktop replacement' in my opinion. If I have a load of work to do I plan for it and stay in my office/home office which is where I can get my head down and really get through allot of stuff. Invariably 'on the road' there are too many disruptions to be able to get enough work done to warrant a heavy notebook. Can't wait to see what the revisions bring to it over the next few years. Built in 3G is one of my wishes... hm actually thats the only one I can think of!

C

 

[NC MacGuy]

After more than a week w. mine I'm extremely pleased. Front edge being sharp doesn't bother me like my MB did. Maybe because keyboard sits further back? No dead pixels, very bright display, coolest running Apple laptop I've ever had, battery life 3hr50min to 4hr30min in normal use, app.'s I use work as expected and don't tax the processor too much, backlit keyboard & mag. latch great features. Battery software could use some touching up but pretty sure that will be addressed. Travelled this past week with it and a breeze running it through security. After lugging the MBP & MB I found myself checking my briefcase a couple of times to see if I forgot the computer. Thinness is more of a space saver than I ever would have imagined. I actually have more room for more paperwork with the Air than I did with my old #1 the 12" PB due to thickness. And no fingerprints unlike the MB black!

 

[ThinkBook]

.... Can't wait to see what the revisions bring to it over the next few years. Built in 3G is one of my wishes... hm actually thats the only one I can think of!C

3G is at the top of my list too. And while it's not the only one, it's the only one I consider critical.
________________
SR MBP

 

[bwiley]

It changes your relationship with your computing environment

I went to the Apple Store today to get my MBP fixed, and had a chance to play with a Macbook Air while I was waiting. Thought I'd post my impressions.

That is to say...I was not impressed. There were things it seems to do well, but it just didn't click with me. The first and most annoying problem I have with the MBA is the trackpad button. It's tiny. Having been comfortable with my MBP's trackpad in the 6 months I've used it, I really don't see the need to have such a ginormous trackpad. The added size is nice, but the button needs to stay proportionally large for functional reasons. The extra trackpad functions were interesting to use, but ultimately I don't miss them when I come back to my MBP. The zoom in and out only stays useful in iPhoto and the Finder, and the rotate function doesn't seem to be all that necessary. I'm not suggesting these things be removed, I just don't consider them huge selling points.

The main thing that bugs me about the MBA is that the size reduction doesn't really seem warranted. It takes up about the same area as a Macbook, but lacks the all-important CD drive and inputs. That said, there are some things I like about it. The screen is beautiful compared to those in the Macbooks (but not any better than the 15.4" ones in the MBPs). And the lightness really is surprising. The thing looks very elegant when closed, and packs a decent amount of power for an ultraportable. For the money, though, I'd much rather a Macbook Pro (or a regular Macbook when they get updated LED screens, the current ones suck).

tl,dr: Needs to be smaller to fulfill its roll. Thin can come later.

I understand the initial reaction, because I only bought the MBA 1.8/SSD because I like to check out new gadgets and thought I might use it from time to time on the airplane. My wife and I both have 17" MBPs, have a 24" iMAC for the daughter, apple TV, cinema displays, iPhones - all the toys. Why not one more.

There is something that happens when you get the MBA into your home instead of looking at it. Haven't turned it off in days, haven't needed to since loading it up with all my Entourage/Parallels/WindowsXP stuff I need for work. All that stuff about heating up and noise - if true I can only say I'm sorry those folks must have gotten defective units but I doubt that's the norm. Yeah, it looks amazing, works great, boots up fast (from what I remember), but that isn't really what took me by any surprise.

Being so light and given its size, leaving it around in sleep mode on the coffee table or end tables is kind of like leaving your favorite magazine laying around. It's there when you need it, so you just pick it up, open it, get what you need or do whatever you've got to do, and put it down.

It's all so fast and so simple you can't really put it into words - it just changes and simplifies your access to information throughout the day in a way that makes everything a little bit better. It just feels good, and I don't know about the rest of you but when I feel good I work good.

You won't get this playing with it for :15 minutes in a store or over at your friend's house. At home, it works its way into your life in a way you might not expect - but its all cool. Finding these things out firsthand is why I picked this thing up, and after a dozen laptop-PC disappointments prior to my first PowerMAC I'm a committed MAC fan, but I'm beyond surprised at how absolutely awesome this thing is.