Macbook Air: Even Technology Wants to Be Thinner

To say that technology has become smaller in the days since computers filled entire rooms is an understatement, and to make that even more obvious, Apple, Inc unveiled its newest creation : MacBook Air. Coming in thinner than an inch ( .76, to be exact) and weighing less than a half gallon of water (3 pounds) the new sleek design of the Air is most certain to make a dent in the crowded laptop field. But is it worth the almost $1,800 price tag? Here are some pros and cons:

Steve Jobs from Apple has negotiated a deal so that you'll be able to rent movies from every major movie distribution group (20th Century Fox, Paramount, Sony, MGM and Universal) by downloading them directly from the internet. Why is this important? Because to make the Air as slim as it is, they had to do without the cd/dvd drive that comes standard on most pc's and laptops. Also in this same area, a program being unveiled by Apple will allow software installation disks to be run from another computer ( Macs and Windows) and transferred wirelessly to the Air. This may take some serious getting used to by users unfamiliar with Apples' general philosophy. They have always made it a point to be at the forefront of technology and innovation, and this is no different.

The main problem I have with this particular decision (no cd drive) is that I prefer to upload many of the songs I already have bought on cd into itunes, and would have to re-buy hundreds of albums worth of songs if this were my sole computer. Especially because many of the buyers that will be purchasing the MacBook Air will be Ipod users also, they will need to buy many of the songs again if they wish for this to be their only computer.

One definite positive is the technology apple is using for the mouse area (Its track pad ). Past laptop touch pad areas have left me feeling completely unsatisfied, and seemingly unresponsive. Apple is using the same technology that powers exceptionally response iPhones. This, if effective, will be, in my opinion, a big leap in laptop technology, with more precision and accuracy when it comes to using built in mouse type mechanisms.

Overall, is this worth $1800? That answer depends on the type of person you are. If you love having the latest technology, as soon as it comes out, then yes, absolutely this is a computer for you, and you will no doubt be the envy of all your tech savvy friends. Or if you are looking for a reliable laptop that might take less time getting used to (and more like your PC), then no this might not be for you. Looking to try something bold and new, but not sure if this is it? Wait six to eight months after it comes out, hop on Ebay and give it a try for a substantially reduced price.