I was prepared to open my wallet to buy Apple's new notebook computer. However, the machine is underwhelming and would soon grow frustrating to me. Let me say right at the outset that I am interested in a sole machine, not an accessory for another machine. I think even Apple would admit that the MBA is not a good choice unless you've got another machine somewhere, such as an iMac or desktop PC.
The most frustrating and artificial limitation is the maximum hard disk size, a paltry 80 GB. Toshiba and Samsung both have 120 GB hard disks in the same physical form factor as the 80 GB part, so let's hope Apple introduces a build-to-order option for the larger size pronto. (One workaround, for those already carrying iPods, is an iPod Classic with much of its space used as a second drive.) I'm also concerned about the 2 GB RAM limitation and hope Apple can rapidly introduce a 4 GB model. (Or better yet an expandable model beyond 4 GB.) You can never have enough memory.
The other limitations become more annoying as a consequence. A single USB port? Not fun, especially without an ethernet jack. Most of the hotels in Asia have ethernet but no wireless. And what happened to the Kensington-style computer locking slot? Apple couldn't find room on the machine to drill a hole? What are we supposed to do, lug the machine into the bathroom to prevent its theft? There's no audio-in jack. And the battery is sealed inside the machine like an iPod, so you can forget swapping batteries on a long flight.
There are a couple things Apple did right. The external Superdrive is priced fairly, and so is the USB-to-ethernet dongle. The screen and keyboard are nice, although the bezel around the screen is still too wide.
But to net it out, I'm not buying one. Sorry, Apple, you missed.
UPDATE: I didn't realize how hard Apple missed, assuming Lenovo ships reasonably soon at a fair price. Their new ThinkPad X300 looks like an incredible piece of engineering.
