Apple's Macbook Air 13 (2010 Model) Unboxing & First Impressions

[Jason Dunn]

<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/U-SrXG_25_w&amp;ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U-SrXG_25_w&amp;ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>This is an unboxing and first impressions video of the Macbook Air 13. This is the maxed-out model has a 2.16 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce 320M GPU, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi. It has no CD/DVD drive, two USB ports, no Ethernet port, a built-in microphone and Webcam, and a headphone jack. The slender (0.11-0.68 inch) profile weighs in at 2.9 pounds.&nbsp;The full specs can be found <a href="http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookair/specs.html" target="_blank">on the Apple site</a>. <MORE /></p><p>If you're curious about my requirements for my next laptop, you can <a href="http://www.laptopthoughts.com/news/show/101151/" target="_blank">read my original post</a> that outlines my needs. Since making that post, I've looked at a few Asus and Acer models, but nothing was quite right - or if it was close, it wasn't something I could go see in a store or try out. That's part of the problem you see: at many stores in Canada, only the mainstream laptops are in a place where people can see them. The thinner/lighter/more expensive products are special-order only and dropping $1000+ sight-unseen isn't something I'm keen to do.</p><p>Since shooting this video, I've been using the Macbook Air intensely, and there's a lot to like about it. The screen is absolutely superb: it's the best screen I've ever seen on a laptop this size. Wait until you see the benchmarks on the battery life - you may be surprised how accurate Apple's battery life estimates really are! Stay tuned for the full review.</p><p>Interested in buying a Macbook Air? Purchase one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http://is.gd/iwhjL&amp;session_token=RcH4LbWIrOr79zla6yfCtBfgXkZ8MTI5MjEyNzg4Mg==" target="_blank">via our affiliate store</a> and help support the work we do here. Thank you!</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a></em><em>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a></em><em>, mobile devices,&nbsp;</em><em><a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a></em><em>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's felt kind of conflicted about buying the Macbook Air. The conflict has now been resolved.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware,&nbsp;<a class="iAs" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/93798/dell-s-inspiron-mini-10-reviewed.html" target="_blank">software</a>&nbsp;and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested?&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>

[crimsonsky]

Wow, Jason! First a mini and now a MBA. Won't wonders ever cease! :D

[crimsonsky]

Not sure if this will apply to the MBA, but power management under Windows 7 is NOT as good as it is under OS X, at least on the regular MBP. My MBP only gets about 1/2 as much time on battery under Win7 as it does under OS X. I don't know if the SSD will make Windows 7 more power efficient though on the MBA. It'll be interesting to see what you find out.

[Michael Knutson]

Nice review! I'm glad that you remembered to point out the 'restore drive' hidden away in the packaging. Sounds like you're having a great experience (so far) with your MBA. One option to consider if battery life becomes a problem with BootCamp is to try VMWare Fusion and/or Parallels to run your BootCamp W7 system under OS X. I'd be curious to see if the power management from OS X superceeds that from W7 (using BootCamp). I'm amazed at how fast my 11.6-inch MBA is ... with 4GB RAM and only 64GB SSD. Have fun!

[Darius Wey]

Jason, regarding 6:40, it is a dual headphone/microphone jack. I tested it with the Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/B?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY), and microphone input via the headset works.

[Jason Dunn]

Wow, Jason! First a mini and now a MBA. Won't wonders ever cease! :D

Well, they've sort of half ceased...I returned the Macbook Air last Friday night. You'll understand my reasons why when you watch the review video. :)

[Jason Dunn]

Not sure if this will apply to the MBA, but power management under Windows 7 is NOT as good as it is under OS X, at least on the regular MBP. My MBP only gets about 1/2 as much time on battery under Win7 as it does under OS X.

I've discovered some VERY interesting stuff about OS X and Windows 7 in terms of battery life and performance. Let's just say the results don't make Windows look very good. :eek: More later...

[Jason Dunn]

One option to consider if battery life becomes a problem with BootCamp is to try VMWare Fusion and/or Parallels to run your BootCamp W7 system under OS X. I'd be curious to see if the power management from OS X superceeds that from W7 (using BootCamp).

That's an interesting thought actually - sadly, I have no way to test that scenario any longer. But, call it a hunch, there may be another Macbook in my future unless the Windows OEMs really kick it up a notch. I'm hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised at CES this year!

[Jason Dunn]

Jason, regarding 6:40, it is a dual headphone/microphone jack. I tested it with the Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/B?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY), and microphone input via the headset works.

Aha! Thanks for the confirmation - I looked on Apple's tech spec page for the Air, and couldn't find the answer...

[crimsonsky]

Vivek at AnandTech posted an article about using a Macbook Pro as a Windows machine: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3889/apple-macbook-pro-13-as-windows7-laptop. Now I'm really anxious to see your video review and why you returned it and see if your experience is anything like the one reported on AnandTech.

For me, using the MBP occasionally as a Windows 7 machine is fine, but if I wanted a full-time Win7 machine I'd just buy one. The hit to battery life alone is enough to discourage me from using my MBP as a full-time Windows box.

[Jason Dunn]

Vivek at AnandTech posted an article about using a Macbook Pro as a Windows machine: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3889/apple-macbook-pro-13-as-windows7-laptop. Now I'm really anxious to see your video review and why you returned it and see if your experience is anything like the one reported on AnandTech.

That was a great article - thanks for sharing it. My feelings are quite similar to his, though I feel like his gripes about performance are more theoretical than practical - he doesn't really cite actual usage scenarios where the Core 2 Duo fails to deliver.

[Macguy59]

You must have set a record for disclaimers and for the number of times you said "begrudgingly"

[Jason Dunn]

You must have set a record for disclaimers and for the number of times you said "begrudgingly"

Indeed. Funniest YouTube comment on this video:

"Me and friends made a drinking game out of this video: every time you say "BEGRUDGINGLY" we drank. We all blacked out..."

:D:D:D

I didn't realize I said it so many times, but that shows you how uneasy I was with this purchase...:o

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Personally, the 13" is less of a draw; its size means I'd rather get something bigger that packs more features (14") or smaller that's in reality more portable (12"). Thinness is overrrated. To be specific, silly thin is overrated.

[Jason Dunn]

Thinness is overrrated. To be specific, silly thin is overrated.

Yeah, I concur. I'd have happily had the Macbook Air 13 be 50% thicker if it meant better battery life, a faster CPU, etc. Sometimes Apple does thinness for the sake of thinness rather than an actual benefit (witness the iPod Touch 4G).

[Macguy59]

Yeah, I concur. I'd have happily had the Macbook Air 13 be 50% thicker if it meant better battery life, a faster CPU, etc. Sometimes Apple does thinness for the sake of thinness rather than an actual benefit (witness the iPod Touch 4G).

Apple thrives because it differentiates itself from the Dells, HP's etc. You said as much in your review. If it was 50% thicker with better specs it would be . . . a MacBook Pro. That you may not see the thinness as an actual benefit is a personal preference. Haven't seen sales figures for the 13" but 11.6" is selling extremely well.

[Jason Dunn]

If it was 50% thicker with better specs it would be . . . a MacBook Pro. That you may not see the thinness as an actual benefit is a personal preference. Haven't seen sales figures for the 13" but 11.6" is selling extremely well.

Yeah, I get that - which is ultimately one of the reasons why I returned the Macbook Air...for my needs, the thinness and the associated trade-off's that come with that weren't quite lining up with my needs. It was quite a difficult choice though.

Hell, I'm tempted to buy the 11.6" model just for fun knowing that I'd use it for light duty. :) But then I look at the price. :( $1049 is just too expensive for a "fun" laptop, even as nice as the Air is.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Not surprised that the 11.6" is selling well, that's the one I'd get if I had the money to throw around. Unfortunately it's still too much of a luxury for me, and like I said, thinness means it actually has a bigger footprint.

[karen]

Jason, I need the same thing. I want ultra portability, but I want a great screen. I also share your pain about trying to buy devices in Canada. No working samples or all special order. I hate that.

I need a laptop only for traveling, so the MBA appeals to me. But even a MBP would be an option. I'd love to go for a Sony, but not being able to see one in person is mostly a deal breaker for me.

I played with a Dell Vostro at Techdays Toronto that almost had me convinced I could bring myself to buy a Dell. It is so slim! Similar specs as the MBA. But I want the super high resolution screen for the type of work I do. But I do think the design is all sex, all the time.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/183719535.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1292445283&Signature=5t4FAZ%2F688qNsrcXFXhcjuO1Vdo%3D

[Macguy59]

and like I said, thinness means it actually has a bigger footprint.

Ok. How so ?

[Jason Dunn]

I'd love to go for a Sony, but not being able to see one in person is mostly a deal breaker for me....I played with a Dell Vostro at Techdays Toronto that almost had me convinced I could bring myself to buy a Dell. It is so slim! Similar specs as the MBA. But I want the super high resolution screen for the type of work I do. But I do think the design is all sex, all the time.

Do you have a London Drugs where you live? Or Sony stores? I've seen the Vaio Z on both places. It's reeeealy nice. And reeeeealy expensive. :eek:

Regarding the Vostro, were you looking at the V13 or the new V130? The maxed-out V130 comes with a Core i5 470UM CPU, which while it only runs at 1.33 Ghz normally, it has turbo boost to 1.86 Ghz and is multi-threaded so should deliver decent performance with two cores.

The problem with both the V13 and V130 is battery life; they only managed to fit a 30 WHr battery in there, whereas the Macbook Air 13 has a 50 WHr battery. The 30 WHr battery gives you about 3 hours 30 minutes of continual Web surfing at 50% screen brightness. Oh, and the 1366 x 768 screen isn't as nice as a 1400 x 900 screen. The LCD panel Dell uses isn't awful, but it's not great either.

A maxed-out V130 in sexy Lucerne Red - 4 GB RAM - would run you $819. The SSD option is another $240, but it's limited to 128 GB. Might be better to replace it with a 256 GB after-market.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Ok. How so ?

I was looking at the 11.6" model; tends to be wider than most.

[Macguy59]

I was looking at the 11.6" model; tends to be wider than most.

Not if you are comparing it against another 11.6" net-note-book. Keep in mind Apple has a full sized keyboard while something like the HP Mini 311 with an 11.6" screen and only a 95% sized keyboard is still physically larger in dimensions.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

I stand corrected, somewhat. The 11.6" Air is not as deep as most 11.6" notebooks, but it is wider than most of them. Seems to be less deep by about 1-1.2 cm, but wider by 1-1.5 cm overall.

[Macguy59]

I stand corrected, somewhat. The 11.6" Air is not as deep as most 11.6" notebooks, but it is wider than most of them. Seems to be less deep by about 1-1.2 cm, but wider by 1-1.5 cm overall.

Which has everything to do with a full sized keyboard and nothing to do with the thinness. Speaking of the full sized keyboard, most would see that as a benefit.