Apple MacBook Air

[Norm Dulak]

For some time I've wondered about the best way to download and back up digital image files when traveling. I've considered the Epson storage/viewers and similar devices from other manufactures. But I wasn't thrilled by them, since they are pricy and limited in what they can do. Much better, I thought would be a small computer, with the capability not only to download and view images captured in the field but to also communicate via the internet and to do all of the other things for which computers are so convenient. But size and weight then become important considerations.

As a Mac guy, I had pretty well settled on a MacBook Pro notebook model, but that still weighs 4.5 pounds. But now, the Apple MacBook Air has become truly capable, with the 13.3 inch model having the following specifications:

13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with a 1440 x 900-pixel resolution
Up to 7 hours of wireless productivity plus up to 30 days of standby time
1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6 MB on-chip shared L2 cache and 1066 MHz frontside bus.
128 GB flash memory storage
2 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 4 GB)
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor (with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory) for an outstanding everyday graphics experience.
Built-in FaceTime camera for video chatting
Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones
Two USB 2.0 ports with networking using optional Apple USB Ethernet adapter
SD card slot
Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI (requires adapters, sold separately)
Built-in stereo speakers along with omnidirectional microphone, headphone minijack
Full-size keyboard
Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.94 x 0.68 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.9 pounds

Although the computer lacks an optical drive slot, an inexpensive accessory drive is available. Moreover, Apple provides the Mac Snow Leopard OS on a thumb drive. And Apple also provides a way to install other applications on disks wirelessly, using another computer. I'll put Photoshop CS5 and some other applications on mine.

For those pros who need more storage capacity, there is also a 256GB flash memory model costing a bit more, and RAM can be increased to 4GB. With simultaneous backing up to WD Passport external pocket drives, all of our field data should be safe and secure.

Pretty slick, I think, and I've ordered one.

Norm

[Doug Brown]

I'm about to pull the trigger on one too. I'll probably get the 13" with the processor and RAM upgrades, along with the 256 GB SSD. I've got a 15" MacBook Pro, but now that I've got an iPad I hardly ever use it. Mostly I bring the laptop to workshops for photo backup, presentations, and post-processing demonstrations. I should be able to do all of that with the Air and save close to 3 pounds of travel weight. I do wish it had backlit keys and FireWire 800, but the other features seem more-than-adequate.