I’ve got a stock 11″ MacBook Air, the 4GB/128GB model. It’s got an 1.6Ghz i5 processor and the only modification I’ve done is great skin on the top from Gelaskins.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the 11″ screen but to be honest it’s been fine. It’s running at a 720p resolution of 1366×768. I think one thing that helps are the gestures for zooming in and out. I’ve been MindNode Pro a whirl, mind mapping software, and it’s been really easy to use and see.
On the train I can sit with it on my lap and there is no issues with people sitting beside me and feeling cramped. This past week a gentleman was sitting beside me with a Wintel sub-note/netbook and he kept staring at my MacBook Air. He finally leaned over and asked how I was on the Internet with it and I explained that my iPhone was acting as hotspot for it.
The battery is a stumbling point for me. The 11″ can last up to 5 hours while the 13″ can last up to 7 hours. I’m finding that under regular usage, with wi-fi, that I’m getting 3-4 hours. It has warranted that I get a power adapter and leave it at work so I can charge when I get to the office. And BTW, DON’T buy the adapter from Apple for $80, you can get it on Amazon for around $50.
I really do like this system but I have to look at where it fits in the lineup and why. I have a MacBook Pro 17″ that really functions as my main home system. I can take it when I need it but it’s very large. I have an iPad and I found that I use it for most of my online stuff and games. I can type on it and use it for working, I’ve done it for 2+ years now, but still there are times when I want to use the desktop version of apps and a keyboard. The MacBook Air is small enough to be mistaken for an iPad when closed and fits neatly between a full desktop system and the iPad.
The price is the biggest sticking point for people. This model, off the shelf, is about $1,250 with tax. But if you are mobile and want to bring your home system/data with you then it’s a small price to pay. I’d be happier if this model was the entry model at $1,000.
So overall I give it a thumbs up but it most people will balk about the price.