Channel 5

Apple MacBook Air

Friday 19 September 2008

G-Rating

Rating of 3

The basics

Apple MacBook Air is an ultra light laptop manufactured and designed by Apple Inc. The laptop weighs 1.36 kg, and measures 0.4-194 cm height, 32.5 cm width, and 22.7 cm depth. Making use of Intel's Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB on-chip, the speed of the laptop has reached 1.6 GHz, which can still be overclocked.

The good

At 19mm thick, the MacBook Air is so skinny that if it could walk it'd have to throw down a coat before going over drains. But it's not all tiny. Apple has packed in a full-size keyboard and 13-inch screen that are better than most. Using the full-size backlit keyboard is like running your fingers over silk, while the LED-lit screen twinkles like the Northern Lights. It's also quick in use thanks to a 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo and N-standard Wi-Fi.

The bad

With no optical drive, removable battery, or Ethernet, and only a single USB port, it's fair to say Apple's made a heap of concessions to get it down to size zero. Also, what's that coming over the hill? Is it a monster price-tag? Yes it is. And with it is its partner in crime, diabolical battery life.

The bottom line

The MacBook Air's entirely fit for purpose, and the ultimate convenience for style savvy travellers. The real bad news is that convenience comes at a cost, in terms of fewer features and a high price tag.
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Apple MacBook Air is tagged with Apple, laptop, Wi-Fi and LED. Select a tag (Apple, for example) to find everything on The Gadget Show about the subject.

User comments (10)

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balbus

Ok so it seems expensive, but it is the most used computer in our household. The kids sneered but are always on it. It is a joy to use and compared to any other laptop feels so light. It is perfect for travel. Screen is brilliant and the 13.4 inches make it truly useable. Keyboard is very easy to type on and the backlight makes it perfect for taking notes in lectures, or surfing at night without disturbing the wife. Build quality is matchless. Battery life hasn't been a problem in the 18 months owned. Lack of an optical drive hasn't been a problem either. You can hitch a ride off any other networked computer. I bought the external superdrive, and have used it only to load on some software, which could have been done using he network. It was the best laptop investment ever made and the family would be lost without it.

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soohoolm

I also am an Air adoptee , I love the slim profile and featherweight plus I don't need a specific computer bag as it fits into any bag I carry. I purchased the external DVD drive and have used it maybe twice. The first time to make sure it actually worked and the second time to load a DVD with photos from work. It is now my main computer . I take it everywhere and use it for everything. Pricey yes, but in my opinion well worth it.

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Rizwan

Hi Could someone please et me know if there is a new Apple Macbook Air coming out soon, as i am looking to buy one. riz_wan@hotmail.co.uk thanks

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pershing

you can have an external cd drive

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Adrian

Just got the new Mac Book Air 13". I bought it as I wanted a laptop to synch my I phone and for travelling. I took a gamble as I had heard that the early models tended to overheat. Have to say I am very impressed, it switches on in around 10 seconds, battery lasts for 6-7 hours solid use on a single charge, wireless connectivity also seems faster than my desktop PC (not sure why). I have had it for about a week and I am cant fault it. It also runs much cooler than my old windows laptop. As it was the first time I had used a Mac it took a few days to get used to and it was expensive but it weighs nothing at looks v nice. I did consider a mac book pro as tradition says you need a DVD drive but I don't miss it.

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Anonymous

i want this so bad!:(

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Anonymous

I have had my Macbook Air for around two weeks now and I love it. The build quality is second to none and makes all other laptops look cheap. The backlit keys are an absolute god send when sitting in a dark living room with the family while the TV is on. The all aluminium body is just amazing and makes me think why aren't all laptops made from the stuff. The Screen is crystal clear and just a joy to use, from surfing the net to watching movies. I have always had Windows computers but since moving to Apple Mac I don't think I could ever go back. A must buy for any laptop user who wants the show off factor :P

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