The portable flair of the MacBook Air

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by Alex Zaharov-Reutt

Monday, 21 April 2008

Page 1 of 3 ! I’m part-way through testing Apple’s MacBook Air, and so far, it’s quite an incredible, svelte laptop that is easy to be seduced by, despite missing several things that notebook users are well accustomed to. So, what’s the verdict thus far? Related stories Telstra's UK 'expert' all "false assumptions and bias" says T4 Optus: Telstra “threatened” by our rapid network expansion Should you fly the capped mobile broadband skies with iPrimus? Sony ZX1 is TV sex on a very thin stick Telstra challenges “ludicrous” Optus to get “independent audit” Apple’s MacBook Air is the most out there portable computer of all time. Not only is it incredibly thin, but it packs more than enough power to do all the standard, everyday computing tasks you’d do on a daily basis. That naturally includes web browsing, word processing, email, iTunes, video viewing, photo storage/viewing/editing and other standard office work, from spreadsheets to presentations. One thing that you notice right away, if you’re a heavy user of 3G datacards – there is no Expresscard slot. Yes, there’s a USB port, into which you can connect a USB 3G dongle. But if only there was a 3.5G HSDPA module contained within that would simply allow me to insert a SIM card, things would be a lot simpler and easier, leaving the USB port free. At home and in the office, I’ve been able to connect the MacBook Air to a Wi-Fi network, and this is what the Air prefers most – there are no fiddly dongles to worry about, just turn on Wi-Fi, connect, and surf. Bluetooth is included in the MacBook Air after all, as noted in the MacBook Air's specs, but as you'll see on page 3, a commenter has pointed me to a Bluetooth Firmware Update 1.0 for the MacBook Air that Apple recommends should be installed on all MacBook Air computers. I'm guessing this is why I had the Bluetooth problems I've crossed out below. I said I'd try it now, but it's late, it can wait until tomorrow. Until then I am glad to see Bluetooth is included after all, it will make using the Air out and about - away from any Wi-Fi - much, much easier. Surprisingly, Bluetooth was left out of the MacBook Air. This meant that I couldn’t connect to my mobile phone’s wireless Internet access using Bluetooth as I’d done on other MacBook models, something that was so easy to do. I must have forgotten that the MacBook Air didn’t have Bluetooth, because I tried doing that, only to be surprised by Bluetooth’s omission. At least that would have made wireless connectivity easier when not in range of Wi-Fi. Yes, I’m sure you can plug in a Bluetooth dongle, but then you’re back to using up the one USB port. If only there were two, or three USB ports, additional connectivity would have been a bit simpler and easier. But that’s life – and it’s only the MacBook Air version 1.0. Perhaps Apple will include more ports in version 2.0, whenever it comes. But given that the MacBook Air isn’t meant to be your primary machine, Apple decided that thinner was better, and so we have one USB port. It just means you need to be a bit more organised, or live with temporarily disconnecting from the Internet if you are using a 3G USB modem when out and about, and you need to transfer something from a USB memory stick or a portable hard drive. Also, although I haven't needed it, if I was to buy a MacBook Air, I'd also buy the Ethernet dongle, just to have it handy. So, what are my other findings? Please read onto page 2. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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