Business | Technology
Airing the light MacBook
Apple obviously put quite a bit of thought into the laptop, which shows in everything: from the keyboard to the power adapter, which attaches to the computer with a magnet.
- By Scott Shuey, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:42 September 19, 2008
- Image Credit:
The first thing I did when I received Apple's new, super-thin laptop was to lose it among the paperwork on my desk.
The MacBook Air (Dh7,499) when closed, so much resembles a paper folder that it can be easily overlooked.
Apple obviously put quite a bit of thought into the laptop, which shows in everything: from the power adapter, which attaches to the computer with a magnet, to the keyboard, which looks more like a collection of buttons.
The keys have a lower profile, but are well-spaced, so that even someone like me with sausage fingers found it relatively easy to type. My only problem was the relatively small size of the "enter" key - I found myself routinely hitting the "\" key instead!
However, given the size, the Air does require users to make some sacrifices. There is no optical (DVD/CD) drive, no Ethernet port and only one USB slot.
I was very put off by my inability to watch DVDs or install software without buying additional equipment. Granted, the Air does have 802.11n wireless connection, which more than doubles the speed and range of previous wireless connection, but users will have to make sure they have a compatible router.
The sole USB connection was also a problem, although users can buy a USB hub to increase the number of ports. The Air does come with Bluetooth, but one USB just isn't enough.
However, in terms of processing power, I had no complaints, although I spend my time on the MacBook Air mainly surfing the web, watching videos and checking email, which are not processor-intensive activities.
However, the Mac Air isn't meant to be a desktop replacement. It's an ultra-mobile computer and on that end Apple delivers, provided you make space in your bag for the extra equipment.
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