Here's my take on it. I just ordered a MBA after a lot of thought as to whether I should get that or the MBP (I have an old Dell right now). I ultimately chose the MBA because I have an iMac as my primary computer. For all my college friends that have laptops as there primary computer, I advise them against the MBA because I don't think it is intended for those who will use it as such. So, if you have a full-time desktop computer at home, then I would give the MBA another shot and see if you just had bad luck the first time, otherwise go for the MBP.
~Dave