Apple, the brand, can mean MP3 players to some people, laptops to others, and even mobile phones, but what it also means to all, is great design and functionality, even a lifestyle choice. The design of the MacBook Air could be described as sleek, contemporary, or minimalist, however, it's better described as amazing, incredible or mind blowing. If you're considering buying an Apple MacBook Air, you're probably already a Mac user, in fact, you are a Mac user. You're also a lover of great design and art, not a specification freak. Which is good because Apple didn't create the MacBook air for specification freaks, the consequence, the Air doesn't feature high-performance. It's actually the slowest Mac available at the moment, but slowest is fast enough. This laptop is about redefining exactly what a laptop is, not a desktop that's smaller, but an ultra-portable, lightweight device for computing on the move, a personal accessory, like a phone, mp3 player, or even coat, jeans and jacket, a statement, a lifestyle choice. Apple have swung the balance back to form, but technology has moved so quickly, so function isn't sacrificed.
The beauty of this notebook isn't just in the dimensions (0.16 inches at it's thinnest, 0.76 inches at it's thickest), it's the clean design, showing only one visible port connection, while the rest hide behind a magnetic latch cover. The design is sleek aesthetically, polished and rounded, and this sleekness transfers to its tactility. It feels sleek, when you take it out of your bag, slide it on to your desk, or rest it on your lap. The rest of the user experience is also uncompromised by size, the 13.3 inch widescreen LED backlit screen with 1280 by 800 resolution. This display is the same viewable size as on the MacBook and creates vibrant, rich images and colours. The keyboard is also full size with keys like those used on the MacBook, but with a new backlit key illumination feature, which is moderated by an ambient light sensor, optimising visibility in different light environments.
Another great set of innovations stem from Apples decision that in a wireless world, optical drives are obsolete. Through the iTunes Store you can rent movies wirelessly, and instead of using discs to back up files, Apple's new Time Capsule, a wireless back up system, allows data to be saved in the even of an error with the hard drive. The only problem with this is installing software of a CD or DVD, of course Apple have solved this by a feature called Remote Disc, which lets you "borrow" a nearby MAC or PC's optical drive.
The Apple MacBook Air is a product Apple are very proud of and rightly so. Offering what they refer to as "Thinnovation," new wireless technology and a very assiduous evolution of the user experience. If you love Mac's, love great design and are willing to pay for it, this really is an incredible piece of technology!
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