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Is the MacBook Air a traveler's dream come true?
Here's the short answer: nope. On the upside, its form is absolutely revolutionary. At 3/4th of an inch at its thickest and just 0.16 inches at its thinnest, the MacBook Air is skinnier than anything manufactured by its competitors (such as Sony's Vaio line).But here's the rub. You might as well just get an iPhone. An iPhone will let you do essentially the same tasks: watch videos, check email, browse pictures, and listen to your music.
And there's one critical feature the iPhone has over the new MacBook for travelers. With the iPhone's AT&T data line, you can get unlimited Internet from anywhere in the world (but outside of the states prepare to pay for costly roaming fees). That's something you can't do with the MacBook. As mobile as its form is, the MacBook is still tethered to those WiFi networks--which are soooo 2003, wouldn't you say?
Having said that, Apple, I'd love to promote the Air if you'd just send me one. Please?
Filed under: Gear
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin Glow Jan 18th 2008 10:57AM
The Air is cool, sure, but you're right -- it's just not practical, and the price is really high. I haven't had a chance to get my hands on one yet, but it seems incredibly fragile, too, like I would be worried about it tucked away in my backpack as I bounce down a pot-holed road in a decrepit bus in the Rajasthani desert. I don't give it a second thought with my current, less-expensive (while being just as fast and having twice the storage) PC laptop.
sitruc Jan 18th 2008 11:00AM
I hate Sony, but aren't there Sony notebooks that are thinner? The MBA may be thinner at its thinnest point, but I don't believe it is thinner overall. Regardless, if you really want a Mac for business travel, MacBook Pro's are a little thicker and actually have some features for less money. If you want it all for a good price, I'd still go non-Apple though.
prrodrig Jan 18th 2008 12:54PM
The MBA is actually thinner at its thickest point than the Sony Vaios are at its thickest point.
paul Jan 18th 2008 1:46PM
It should also be noted that the Macbook Air does not have a user-replaceable battery. What's the point of a travel laptop that doesn't allow you to have spare batteries? Worthless.
wkparker Jan 18th 2008 2:43PM
In addition to the lack of replaceable battery, it also lacks an ethernet port or audio input, so good luck using Skype in an area without WiFi. Sure, you can add accessories for those features, but then you're up to the same size/weight as other lightweight laptops.
Nick Hawkins Jan 18th 2008 3:27PM
It's a cute toy but on the road, I need my stuff to work. I'll pass.
Mike Sanders Jan 19th 2008 2:36AM
I need something which is very rugged... After reading the definition of "MacIntosh," in my dictionary, I have to wonder whether it might be too "thin-skinned," for me.
Tim Patterson Jan 19th 2008 11:17AM
Believe it or not, my first time to Gadling - cool site, you guys are really making it happen.
I LOVE my little Mac Powerbook G4. 6 years bouncing in a backpack through Hokkaido storms and Cambodian jungle and it's doing fine.
(furiously knocking on wood)
-Tim
Editor: http://www.bravenewtraveler.com
iomatic Nov 18th 2008 3:56PM
Wow.
LOVE seeing this group of FAIL comments.
Good job, haters.
:)