Is the MacBook Air Worth the Cost?

As usual, Macworld 2008 made me drool over the expensive items that I would LOVE to have if I were not a broke college student. Last year I was drooling over the iPhone, and this year I will be drooling over the ultra-thin, ultra-light, ultra-sleek MacBook Air.

MacBook Air undeniably brings portable computing to the next level. At three pounds, and a sleek 0.16 to 0.76 width the MacBook Air is the ultimate portable laptop that does not sacrifice ability or performance. In addition to it being the worlds thinnest laptop, the MacBook Air also includes a larger track pad that has multi-touch technology. Apples decision to incorporate multi-touch technology into MacBook Air undeniably came from the success that it had with iPhone and iPod Touch.

This is without a doubt an INCREDIBLE machine. But is it worth the price?

Without any additional upgrades, the MacBook Air costs $1800 (and can extend up to $3100). This starting price falls just $200 below the MacBook Pro, however with the MacBook Air you do not have as many upgrade options as you would find with MacBook and MacBook Pro. Some of these upgrade options that you give up when purchasing the MacBook Air include, the option for an anti-glare or glossy display, the option to increase memory, and the option of having a hard-drive over 80GB. In addition to these forfeited options, the MacBook Air does not have an included CD / DVD combo drive (but you can buy an external USB CD / DVD Super-drive for an additional cost). Without these upgrade options is it clear that by buying the MacBook Air you would be paying the price for portability.

To some maybe $1800 is a price worth paying for if you need an ultra-portable laptop. However if you do not mind carrying an extra two pounds and using a 1.07 inch MacBook then I would suggest buying the $1,100 MacBook (and remember students get a 10% discount!).

While I do admit the MacBook Air is a beautiful machine and definitely sets new standards for portable computing, I am more than happy taking my five pound MacBook to class with me every day.