PORTABLE LAPTOP REVIEW: APPLE MACBOOK AIR (2009)

November 2009
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Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 @ 3:25 pm | Misc

With powerful graphics and faster processor, I have to agree with Apple that this laptop is the ultimate ultraportable. The latest model is one of the sexiest ultraportables with a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display that not only sips power but also looks amazing – bright, crisp and vibrant.

Coming in with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor to fit within its compact dimensions, this ultraportable delivers speeds that cannot simply be found in ultraportable notebooks. The battery impressed me because it allowed me to wirelessly access the Web for up to 5 hours. I was also impressed with its roomy 120 GB hard disc drive, giving users more room for play, work and whatever occurs in between.

This notebook is incredibly thin, measuring only 0.7 inches at its underlying point. It is actually the thinnest, or say, the sexiest laptop today. It is difficult to take lightly the purposeful design that has been applied into this laptop and it is indisputably the most beautiful ultraportable that I have seen in a while. However, this device also lacks several features that are considered necessity by most business travelers. I’ll be discussing that in a few seconds, though.

There are so many things that I like about this thin ultraportable and once of them is its decent amount of horsepower. Another is its exterior. The 2009 model keeps the same minimalist appearance by housing the headphone, Ione USB port and Mini-DisplayPort connections at the back of a small door that was built into the chassis’ right, rear corner. The MagSafe powerjack that represents the only port on the whole system can be found on the opposite side.

Another feature that impressed me is its full-sized keyboard that adds a few width to its body. You will feel right at home if you are fond of ridgeless keyboards. I am not so into this design but in comparison to other ultraportables, MacBook Air’s keyboard feels sturdy and solid. Typing on it is a pleasure and not an errand.

I am certainly pleased with its wireless performance as it worked well with my D-Link 802.11n router. On the other hand, this laptop lacks an ExpressCard slot. It also doesn’t have protrusions and ports along its edges and has only two plug spots. Another downside is it does not have a user-replaceable battery. This could be an issue for some users but for others, particularly those who are always on the road for long hours without power outlet access, this could be a deal breaker.

Despite having a 2.12GHz processor speed, this ultraportable is still a poor choice if you do lots of high-performance video activities. Even so, it is good to know that it can still cope if it needs to. It is also the only Mac in the current range that doesn’t support FireWire.

Trading connectivity for convenience and power for portability may mean that this laptop is not a device for everyone but enhanced specifications at an affordable price can be appreciated.