Apple Macbook Air Review

Apple’s latest portable computer, the Macbook Air certainly lives up to its name. Weighing in at only 1.34kg, the Air is not only the lightest laptop on the market, but also the thinnest. The Macbook Air’s height whilst closed is a mere 1.64mm, yet with dimensions of 12.74in wide and 8.9in deep, the Air is light, but not too small.
 
Due to these dimensions, Apple has been able to fit the Air with a large 13.3inch screen, whilst the keyboard is only slightly smaller than that found on a regular computer. The keypad itself is backlit, with an ambient light sensor that controls the level of illumination required. When closing the Air, the machine instantly goes into standby, whilst the laptop locks by the meeting of two magnetic strips as opposed to the usual clip. As with all Apple products the exterior design is impressive, and so is the inside.

The Air is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with an 80GB hard drive, running at a speed of 1.6GHz. The machine also comes with 2GBs of RAM fitted as standard, though the machine itself cannot be upgraded with additional memory. The battery on the Air is fixed into the machine, rather like an iPod, and has an energy span of up to 5 hours. The designers have also incorporated the multi-touch trackpad, the same breakthrough technology used on the Iphone. By using the trackpad as opposed to a mouse, it is possible to move through pictures at great speed and even rotate them.

The one major feature Apple has forsaken in their quest for the ultimate in sleekness is the optical drive. To counter this, Apple has come up with a new software programme which allows the Air to ‘borrow’ another computers drive via a wireless connection. An external optical drive is available for the Air Book, but the ‘Remote Disc’ software is great for installing programmes and ripping audio CDs without using any cables. Each machine comes with Bluetooth and wireless connection fitted as standard, though with only one USB port and no Ethernet port, Apple are certainly underlining the ’stand alone’ in this stand alone unit!

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