MacBook Air

Nickname: AirBook

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Overview

Apple has taken a completely different approach to ultralight notebook computers with the MacBook Air. Where others use small screens, shrunken keyboards, and underpowered CPUs, Apple has gone very, very thin so the MacBook Air can have a 13.3" LED backlit display, a full-sized keyboard, and a 1.6 GHz Core2 Duo CPU - along with up to 5 hours of battery life without turning off AirPort. (You can upgrade to a 1.8 GHz CPU for US$300 additional.)

New to the MacBook line is a large multitouch trackpad, which lets MacBook Air users do the same kind of things iPhone users can. The MacBook Air uses a special version of the Core2 CPU that's 60% smaller than usual.

The MacBook Air is Apple's first computer to support wireless NetBoot, and the Remote Disc software that comes with the MBA (on CD) can turn a Mac or Winodws PC into a NetBoot server, allowing access to that computer's optical drive from the MBA even for reinstalling the operating system.

The MacBook Air has the same footprint as the MacBook, but it's 2.2 lb. lighter and clad in aluminum, just like the MacBook Pro models. There is no built-in optical drive, but you can add an external USB 2.0 SuperDrive (only compatible with the MacBook Air) for US$99.

A few things are missing. This is the first "pro" Mac since 1999 without a FireWire port, and you only get one USB port. There is no option to upgrade RAM from the 2 GB built into the computer because it's soldered to the logic board. MacBook Air logic board There's no built-in ethernet port; if you need ethernet, Apple sells a USB 2.0 ethenet adapter for $29. The Apple Remote is not included with the MBA; it sells for $19.

Like the MacBook Pro models, the MacBook Air has a backlit keyboard, and it uses the same Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor as the consumer MacBook (this ties up 144 MB of system memory).

The MacBook is available only with an 18-bit glossy display (not the 24 bits you might expect). Like the iPod and iPhone, it does not have an easily replaceabled battery. Cost to have Apple replace the 37 Watt-hour battery out of warranty is $130.

The MacBook is available in two configurations, which can be further customized:

1.6 GHz Intel Core2 Duo, 80 GB 4200 rpm hard drive, 2 GB RAM, built-in iSight, and a 1280 x 800 display for US$1,799.
1.8 GHz, 64 GB solid state drive, 2 GB RAM, US$3,098.

Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple's old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. Power PC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won't let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.

Details

introduced 2008.01.15 at US$1,799 (1.6 GHz) and US$3,098 (1.8 GHz with solid state drive), due to ship 2 weeks later
requires Mac OS X 10.5.1 or later
CPU: 1.6/1.8 GHz Intel Core2 Duo
bus: 800 MHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2219 (1.8 GHz), 2051 (1.6 GHz)

RAM: 2 GB
Level 2 cache: 4 MB shared cache
Graphics: Intel X3100 with resolution to 1920 x 1200 on external display (mini-DVI port), supports extended desktop.
VRAM: 144 MB (shared with main memory)
video out: Micro-DVI (DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite supported with adapters; DVI and VGA adapters included)
display: 13.3" glossy 1280 x 800 18-bit color active matrix
- supports 1280 x 800, 1152 x 720, 1024 x 768, 1024 x 640, 800 x 600, 800 x 500, 720 x 480, and 640 x 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 x 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio
- allows mirroring to external display and extended desktop mode
hard drive: 80 GB 4200 rpm 1.8" hard drive (same one used in iPod classic), 64 GB solid state drive optional at US$999 additional
SuperDrive: optional external USB 2.0 drive, requires high power USB port (only compatible with MacBook Air)
floppy drive: external USB only
expansions bays: none
USB: 1 USB 2.0 port
FireWire: none
IR port: none
ethernet: optional USB-to-ethernet adapter
modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem
WiFi: 802.11n AirPort Extreme built in
Bluetooth: BT 2.0 built in
ExpressCard/34 slots: none
size: 8.94 x 12.8 x 0.16-0.76" (227 x 325 x 4.0-19.4 mm)
weight: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg)
Part no.: unknown

Online Resources

Low End Mac's best MacBook Air deals, updated biweekly.
MacBook sales explode, MacBook Air reviews, several new hard drives, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.09. Also silver-zinc batteries may outlast lithium-ion, Bell Aliant bundling MacBook with Internet access, notebook drives benchmarked, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
MacBook Air overheating, MacBook Pro vertical striping, flash vs. hard drive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.02. Also the 2008 econo-Mac stimulus plan, MacBook Air 'most attractive laptop ever', low latency RAM put to the test, combo notebook/monitor stand, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Firmware 1.5 screen blanking, air travel notebook stand, battery calibration, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.25. Also aluminum MacBook rumored, PowerBook converted to desktop, Apple IIgs converted to notebook, new battery tech may end explosions, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Graphic glitches plague Penryn 'Books, MacBook Air reassuringly solid, 3D Notebook mouse, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.18. Also adding RAM to a MacBook Pro, notebook buyer's guides, falling in love with the MacBook Air, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Mac benchmarks, firmware updates for all MacBooks, sleep-and-charge USB ports, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.11. Also troubleshooting the MacBook Air, keyboard protectors and sleeve cases for the MacBook Air, bargain 'Books from $150 to $3,099, and more.
18-bit video inadequate, restoring AppleWorks speed, Macintosh display info, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.09. Also problems importing AppleWorks drawings and a damaged, unfixable mail database in Outlook Express 5.
Millions vs. thousands of colors: What's the difference?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.04.07. Once again Apple is being sued over a Mac that can display 'only' 262,144 colors per pixel, not the millions it claims. Does it realy matter?
Atom CPU runs cooler and longer, MacBook Air a supermodel, 2008 MacBook migration tips, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.04. Also MacBooks for earthquake detection, 802.11g for G3 and G4 PowerBooks, upgrades for Pismo PowerBooks, CPU Speed Menu Switch software, bargain 'Books from $150 to $3,099, and more.
First 320 GB 7200 rpm notebook drive, USB ports inside MacBook Air, Modbook impressive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.28. Also Vista on MacBook Air, 256 GB SSD you can't afford, new BTO MacBook Pro 18 percent faster, MacBook impressive, solar laptop bag, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
MacBook Air tossed out with newspapers, Penryn MacBook and MBP reviews, MacBook Periscope, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.14. Also Intel shows 160 GB SSD, Microsoft losing ground, fix for MacBook Air overheating, mini surge protector with USB power, multiple monitors with MBP, bargain 'Books from $260 to $2,699, and more.
New MacBook and MacBook Pro models, MacBook Air design 'wasteful', Penryn benchmarked, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.29. Also hands on with the new MacBooks, MagSafe issues, MacBook Air temperature tests, cooling stands and notebook cases, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,349, and more.
Mac again: Picking the right MacBook, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2008.02.27. The 5-year-old PowerBook needed replacing, but is the MacBook Air or the regular MacBook the better choice?
Apple design in the MacBook Air era, John Muir, My Turn, 2008.02.25. The MacBook Air represents Apple's first fully new Macintosh design since the Mac mini was introduced, and it's destined to shape the look of Macs to come.
MacBook Air selling poorly?, Macs benchmarked with Leopard, MacBook Air reviews, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.22. Also Travelstar 7K200 a great replacement drive, keyboard update restores first keypress, MBA ethernet adapter works with other Macs, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,849, and more.
MacBook Air a compelling option for the true road warrior, Steve Watkins, The Practical Mac, 2008.02.22. Although it's not intended as a desktop replacement and has a few shortcomings, the lightweight MacBook Air with its 13" display could be the perfect field computer.
Reinstall OS X on MacBook Air, going from MacBook to Eee PC, high capacity batteries, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.15. Also thoughts on the next MacBook Pro, more MacBook Air reviews, updates from Apple, Windows XP almost ready for OLPC, and bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,599.
Could a wireless dock be in the MacBook Air's future?, John Hatchett, My Turn, 2008.02.11. The MacBook Air is too limited in terms of connectivity, but what if Apple thought outside the box and created a MacBook Dock that connected by WiFi?
Solid state drive vs. hard drive in MacBook Air, Mac drivers for Atheros WiFi cards, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.08. Also MacBook Air reviewed, Intel offers new CPU to all, MacBook Pro update imminent, MBA teardown, 8x SuperDrive for MacBooks, bargain 'Books from $180 to $2,599, and more.
Is the MacBook Air too lightweight for serious users?, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2008.02.06. Apple's slim, ultralight notebook incites lust, but with so many compromises it may not be your ideal field computer.
MacBook Air reviews, Modbook interview, cracking open the Clamshell iBook, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.01. Also info on the Solid State Drive for the MBA, Intel's custom MBA CPU, MBA Developer Note, MacBook User Guide, bargain 'Books from $200 to $3,079, and more.
Maybe no to MacBook Air drive upgrade, MS customer support, and Leopard on an eMac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.25. MacBook Air may be limited to 5mm thin hard drives, Office: 2008 upgrade orders, external SuperDrive only works with MacBook Air, and Leopard on a 700 MHz eMac.
MacBook Air battery easy to replace, Fujitsu Tablet PC Lighter and Cheaper than MacBook Air, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.01.25. Also MacBook Air SuperDrive needs high power USB port, booting with Remote Disc, Seagate Momentus notebook drive reaches 250 GB, MacBook Air cases, bargain 'Books from $150 to $3,079, and more.
Is the MacBook Air this road warrior's dream machine?, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2008.01.24. A longtime ultraportable user and 12" PowerBook G4 fan looks at the compromises in Apple's lightweight notebook. Will it become his next ultraportable?
The MacBook Air makes a statement, Frank Fox, My Turn, 2008.01.23. Apple's MacBook Air isn't designed to be all things to all users. It's designed to tell the world "this is all I need when away from my desk."
More crumbling Macs, good news about MacBook Air storage, WiFi options for Classic Mac OS, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.23. Also reconsidering the MacBook Air, sometimes USB 2.0 cables are better, Mac switcher mistakes, Intel Mac mini or PowerBook G4, and more.
MacBook Air vs. ThinkPad X300, moving from MacBook to PowerBook, USB 2.0 cables, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.22. Also another crumbling G3 iMac, a Rev. B iMac brought back from the dead, 'fencing in' type in HTML, and Leopard on an AGP Power Mac G4.
MacBook Air: What do you do when there's no WiFi?, John Hatchett, My Turn, 2008.01.22. Every modern PowerBook had ethernet and a modem, but how do you connect the MacBook Air when there's no WiFi service?
Early obsolescence and the MacBook Air, free Mac antivirus software, recent AAPL price drop, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.21. Also MacBook Air vs. Windows competitors, cost of MBA battery in Europe, can new Mac Pro Run Tiger?, iCab, and Leopard on a Digital Audio Power Mac.
MacBook Air a Road Apple?, beautiful Macquarium, a Compact Flash to SCSI adapter, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.18. Also problems with a D-Link USB WiFi adapter, hi-def iTunes movie resolution, MacBook Air whiners, and another Pismo lover.
MacBook Air unveiled, examined, and debated, The 'Book Review, 2008.01.18. Initial impressions of the lightweight MacBook Air, its built-in battery, troubleshooting. and more. Also bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,899.
MacBook Air: Return of the PowerBook Duo?, Robert Alpizar, Marketing the Mac, 2008.10.29. Like the PowerBook Duo, the MacBook Air is the ideal field computer, but it needs a lot more features when its on your desk.
The MacBook Air misses the mark, Barry Shell, My Turn, 2008.01.17. As sexy as the MacBook Air is, the 12" PowerBook G4 beats it hands down in terms of practicality.
MacBook Air disappoints, adding ethernet, Remote Disc, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.17. Comparing the MacBook with the 12" PowerBook G4 and the PowerBook 2400, it's not a desktop replacement, and Apple profits.
The MacBook Air is nearly perfect, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.16. The MacBook Air isn't quite the perfect replacement for the 12" PowerBook G4, but it comes mighty close.
Something new in the air, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.15. Macworld Keynote roundup: Time Capsule, iPhone and iPod touch improvements, iTunes Movie Rentals, Apple TV 2, and MacBook Air, Apple's best notebook ever.
We need more than 2 USB ports in MacBooks, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.14. There's something wrong when you can't plug a thumb drive, mouse, and printer into a notebook computer at the same time.
Computer benchmarks and other baloney: Don't expect 2-4x performance from Intel Macs, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.02.06. The Intel Macs are faster than the models they replace, but only with software written for them. With older software, they're actually slower than last year's Macs.
Comparing Apples to Apples: When is Macintel faster? When does PowerPC make more sense?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.01.29. Benchmarks show the Intel Core Duo flies through native code but plods through PowerPC programs. Will PowerPC or Intel give you the more productive workflow?
Macintel stumbling block: Sometimes you need Classic, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 2006.01.25. As nice as the new Intel Macs seem to be, the lack of any Classic environment makes it impossible for some people to upgrade.
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