The Macbook Air From Apple

2008-05-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

So im researching the Macbook Air to see if it is all its cracked up to be and whether or not it is the right computer for today's needs and demands. I'm always a little hesitant when it comes to new innovations in technology because there is no history with them and you don't know if it will be a winner or a piece of junk. The Macbook Air is indeed, a very sexy looking piece of equipment. Apple went out of there way to streamline and simplify the Air, but you actually see one in person, you wonder if in your daily activities the initial sexy appeal would soon wear thin as the daily grind ensues. That's when the rubber will meet the road and that is when we will know if all of this style and design is worth $1,800-$3000+ price tag. So, what I'm going to do for you today is break down the important aspects or specs of this computer so you can garner a better understanding of exactly what makes this computer unique, and what the flaws are.

Widescreen Display-

The apple Macbook Air's display is a 13.3 LED display with a 1280-by-1800 resolution. What this means is that the width of the screen is 13.3 inches across which is slightly smaller than the average screen size of 15 inches. To me this is a very good size to have for both a man and a women because it splits the difference between typically what a man would favor 18-24 inches to what a women would favor- 15 inches to the smallest screen size possible. The 1280-by-1800 is the pixel ratio that the screen was designed to display. This ratio is very good compared to the average computer screen ratio which is 1024-by-768.

The Full Size Keyboard And The Multi-Touch Track Pad-

The keyboard keys are all black with white characters and are spaced out rather well. There is a back lit light in the keyboard as well to lightly illuminate the keys in case you are in a darker area. That's a pretty standard feature, but what makes it unique is the fact that there is a built in sensor that adjust the amount of light that is displayed based on the ambient light surrounding the computer. The track pad is nothing to scream about, every notebook computer has one, but this one is simple in design and a little larger than the standard track pads that you will see in other notebook computers. It also allows for more control options, but exactly how useful the mult-touch pad proves to be over the course of a year is yet to be determined.

The Processor, Memory, And Storage-

The Macbook Air comes standard with an Intel Core 2 duo processor with a healthy 2GB of memory, 1.6GHz standard, and a 80GB ATA hard disk drive. This amount of memory is not the highest amount of memory that you'll find in a notebook computer, but it is definitely enough to run multiply programs and media with now problems. Many people get all caught up in the amount of memory a computer has but you shouldn't worry to much about that with this computer. It is a sufficient amount of memory for the intent in which it was created. So, with that being said, if you want to get a notebook computer with maximum amount of memory than you will most likely be sacrificing something else in return like overall thickness, size and increased weight. So, instead of looking into increased memory, you can upgrade the Macbook Air to the optional 1.8GHz processor with the 64GB SSD, but you will pay almost double the amount of money for the extra power, so think that one over before you make a purchase.

Other Features Worth Mentioning-

Integrated 802.11n WiFi wireless network is a step above similar notebooks of this class.

Built-in Blue Tooth 2.1 capabilities.

Intel GMA X3100 Graphics card.

Total weight is 3.0 lbs.

Built-in Isight Camera

5 hour battery life

Extremely Thin- Just look at the comparison picture with a HP Pavillion v2000

Drawbacks-

There are a few questions that come up when evaluating this machine and they are:

How durable is the Macbook Air? Being light weight and thin definitely has its advantages, but if this computer is dropped, what will happen? It depends on how far from the point that it was dropped and what it hits when it lands. Lets face it, if you drop any computer, except for a tough book, chances are there is going to be some damage. Use with caution.

There is only one USB port. This might not be a problem, but if you plan on connecting a mouse and lets say a flash drive, what do you do? The mult-track mouse pad was intended to do away with a mouse so this scenario will not be an issue. Also, there is an USB hub that you can get that will allow you to connect up to 4 more ports. You can get it for free from macmall.com.

In Conclusion-

The Apple Macbook Air is a sleek, stylish, and light-weight notebook computer that was designed to fit the needs of today's busy professionals, students, and commuters that don't want to lug around a 6+ lbs thick computer along with books, bags, and a Starbucks latte. The thin design is a testament to Apple's continuing commitment to press the envelop and raise the bar in the world of notebook computers. Visiting Apple's website they have the Macbook Air priced out at $1,799.00 for the 1.6GHz with the 80GB hard drive and $3098.00 for the 1.8GHz with the 64 GB SSD drive.
Price Comparison for the Macbook Air 1.6GHz

Buy.com - $1787.00 plus $11.60 for shipping.
Amazon.com- $1744.00 with a $50.00 mail-in rebate
Macmall.com- $1694.00 with a free Epson printer, free shipping, 4-port usb hub, and more!

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Build or Buy a Computer?

2008-04-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Many people, even those who are quite competent behind a keyboard, can be intimidated by the confusing tangle of high tech wires and components inside their computer's CPU case. The very thought of doing anything in there can be paralyzing - that's impossible!

The good news is that it isn't nearly as complicated as it looks. The components - and there are quite a few of them - may look like a tangled mess, but they each fit together and work by very simple, basic connections that are about as easy to do yourself as fixing a toaster. In other words, if you have the dexterity to use a screwdriver and follow basic instructions, you can build your own computer.

The Good

With the glut of cheap computers on the market today, you might be asking yourself why you should even bother building your own. Truth be known, if cost is your only consideration, you are probably better off buying an off the shelf system. If however, you have special needs for your hardware or software, building your own computer gives you absolute and total control over the size, capabilities and quality of the components.

Off the shelf solutions are just that. They are bare bones systems that aren't customized and in many cases cannot even be upgraded. Once you start inquiring about having additional hardware installed you will start to realize how much money you stand to save by building your own.

Custom computers will allow you to have a much greater understanding of how the components themselves work together, and this knowledge can be a great benefit when it comes down to troubleshooting problems. In many cases you will be able to pinpoint and repair the problem yourself, saving tons of money on service and repair bills.

The Bad

The biggest disadvantage to custom computers...

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The Macbook Air From Apple

Build or Buy a Computer?