+++ Update 14.8.2012: for now just over two weeks use of the MBA, I would add my review to the everyday experiences. Even after prolonged use, the 5-star rating confirmed +++
Now to the actual review ...
>>
The processing is spectacular. The aluminum feels great to (no comparison to my Asus-plastic predecessor). Nothing creaks, everything is amazing pressure and verwindungsresistent! Moreover, it is not prone to dust or fingerprints, so how many piano black notebook. Size and weight are simply breathtaking. It's really fun to sit at the MBA. So the perfect take-along companion! From experience (have a ipod shuffle), but I strongly recommend a carrying case or sleeve, but since aluminum is prone to scratches! For design I really do not need more words lose because the is likely to be well known and must also comply with the subjective preferences of individuals. I like it great!
>>
+++ The power supply connects magnetically to the MBA. This has the advantage that you can not sweep the book from the table when you stumble times over the cable because the connector simply departs. At the same time it is sufficiently strong so as not to depart with every movement of the MBA. With the Magsafe 1 connectors the PSU is probably not directly compatible.
Another advantage is that there are two adapters for the power supply. The "Travel Adapter" ends right after the transformer. In this form, power supply + cable are about 1.8 meters long. If you exchange the travel adapter to the extension cord, you can double the total length. I like this flexibility, particularly in view of the different requirements you may have. On transformer are also two fold eyelets, to which at least the part of the cable can be permanently mounted coiling. This allows the power supply to transport very compact.
At the same time, there are also a point of criticism: The transformer is very compact and lightweight, but built entirely of white plastic. Unfortunately, this is very sensitive to scratching! After about six weeks use and normal transport in the backpack can already notice some significant scratches. Too bad that does not quite fit the otherwise excellent workmanship! After the scraper fall on only when you look closely, or holding the transformer to the light. In normal use, they do not fall on. Overall, still a positive impression with bland aftertaste's for power supply. +++
>>
Unfortunately I can not compare with current IPS displays, but the pace of my old Asus laptop to a 1440 * 900 resolution is already enormous. The colors appear more vivid, the writing is sharp (if very small even by default) and the brightness also for work in the open air very well suited. The display thus fulfills its purpose for my needs very well. If I want to watch high-definition movies or playing graphically complex games, I would not do that anyway on a 13-inch notebook! For professional image editing or the Editor panel might possibly not be enough, but for a couple of amateur tasks it is sufficient anyway. +++ After prolonged usage I got used very well to the built-up panel. The brightness is completely sufficient, just like the color reproduction and sharpness. Even at the relatively small font I got used quickly and, if necessary, one can quickly zoom via multitouch. I would like to mention that the automatic brightness adjustment so far works very well and always enables a very good readability. Disturbing reflections in very bright university library, as they were common in my previous notebook, are not noticed me. Only on closer inspection is noticeable that the display at all reflected. In direct sunlight, the display reflects, of course, but even that can be so easily continue working in an unacceptable degree. +++
>>
The small built-in speakers produce a relatively good sound. Cloudy, with no available Klangraum course you can not have the same sound of a good 5.1 system expected (I am Devil spoiled), but I find the sound for the size of the device already impress. Beautiful, well-defined sound even at high volumes, albeit with little bass. For some music the way in the room or on the balcony so absolutely sufficient (also from the in speakers here).
>>
So far I have not noticed the fan of the MBA, but I have not yet put the Mac to its performance limits. I'll try in the next few days. For office work, surfing and music but no disturbing noises can be perceived. The heat development achieved so far no unpleasant levels. The wrist rest is always cool to lukewarm. Only in the area of the display hinge (ie directly at the air outlet) I could perceive a distinct, almost hot warming. In everyday driving, but that does not matter, since one does not come into contact with this area.
For full capacity of the battery, I can meet so far no statement since I have only been two charging cycles and therefore probably a little capacity to the next complete cycle will be added. I currently gives the status indicator Fully charged should still have a remaining term of 6 hours and 9 minutes (Display 75%, 75% keypad backlight, WLAN, BT from music via streaming on medium volume, Safari with multiple tabs). The given Apple seven hours are as realistic for practical office use; thrifty users are likely even to get even a lot more. +++ After I have now used a few more complex applications (including Flash-based), I must say that the MBA the higher load but then observes quite quickly. Quite simple flash games allow the CPU temperature to rise quickly to 80 ° C and the fan starts then audibly (6500 rpm) to work. The volume I'd then compare some with a small table fan. In addition, the surface in the area under the hinge is already very hot, so you do not like there to touch, but why would you do that too? For non-Flash-based tasks such as photo editing or CAD applications but the whole remains on a much more pleasant level. At about 4000 rpm then the fan under normal ambient noise is only heard if you do is push really close to the MBA (about 20 cm). After completion of resource-eating programs, the MAB cools but also back down just as quickly as it has heated up. After a few minutes it is again slightly warm and silently. For office tasks, surfing and music, the MBA will also remain silent and cool, what a smooth lap-use permits. For battery I can only say that it is worth to have discharged completely from time to time the battery and then fully charge again. This I have achieved that the available battery capacity is even a few percentage points above the design capacity. According to indication has decreased under the new operating system Mountain Lion something for the entire duration of the instrument. But without WiFi and BT, at full brightness and office tasks I'm still at almost 7 hours. In my opinion, absolutely sufficient. +++
>>
For me as a prolific writer, the keyboard has a very important role because it determines my work rate to a great extent. The built-in keyboard distinguishes itself through a nice pressure point and pleasant typing feel. Here, the clicking noise is pleasantly quiet, so also in the library of other users are not disturbed. +++ After some familiarization, I feel that I can type faster and with fewer errors on the built-keyboard, as on all previous keyboards I've used. The pressure point is wonderful and the keys respond immediately. The keyboard backlighting is a true blessing, if you evenings still want to touch anything. Moreover, it just looks damn good !!! Never again without! +++
Apple's trackpad is so praised for a long time in the sky. And rightly so! So far I have not a pad of such quality experience with which it can be so nice to work fluidly and in which pass the multitouch gestures so quickly into the bloodstream, as it always as responsive as they should and you do not need multiple attempts. So far I have my external mouse, which I had always connected with my Asus notebook, not yet used. But this has certainly to do with the unique integration of the possibilities of high-quality hardware in the set played software. Everything here is just from one source and it shows! However, there are in all praise also one thing that really bothers me: on the keyboard there is no delete key. One can make do only with the shortcut cmd + Backspace. Whether me it still bothers on time, remains to be seen over time. +++ This point bothers me still, even if I have arranged a little so me. Comfortable would be a Delete key but definitely! In my opinion, the only real criticism I can attach. +++
>>
+++ Anticipation, I can go through any benchmarks that can be read on the Internet well enough. I will confine myself to my everyday experiences. The interaction of the components impressed me constantly's New. The extremely fast SSD provides for dynamic system and program starts. Office programs, Mail and Safari directly start basically with the click. Even Photoshop and Vectorworks start much faster than on my old notebook or desktop PC. Combined with USB 3.0 and corresponding external components even very large amounts of data can be copied very quickly. At the same time, I also feel that USB 2.0-copy operations run faster. In now more than 15 years computer experience I have experienced no such increase in speed when working with the system.
The i5 processor and the integrated HD4000 also accelerate the performance compared to my previous notebook. Chill the rendering in Vectorworks is somewhat faster. However, the processor is brought also to its limits - the MBA bit warmer and the fan noise becomes larger. As I occasionally need only render something I can live with it. Simultaneously, the MBA is by no means suitable for halfway current games. When it considered the form factor and is aware that this is a work notebook, this is in my opinion no cause for criticism. Multimedia tasks (music, video (-Stream) etc.) does it easily.
I've decided to 8GB of RAM, as I was not sure if I have any work time to a virtual machine and need correspondingly more memory. So far, however, that was not necessary and I think I will continue to do without Windows. Except for the rendering of the memory is not really busy. During normal system operation (Safari, Mail, Music, Office, background programs) about 2.5 GB RAM are occupied. However, one can not know what features Apple nor installs in medium-term future in the OS and change the requirements by. Since I intend to use the MBA still long, I do not regret the 88 Surcharge (student discount) anyway. Through Instant-on eventually with increasing duration, more and more ("inactive") programs stored in RAM. 8GB offer so more space until the RAM "filled up" and you have to reboot times. However, for normal users without Windows-affinity, they are absolutely not a must.
Given the size of the MBA and the maximum design limitations, I think the performance of the MBA very convincing. Surely you can not compare the performance of a desktop PC, or "adult" notebooks, but netbooks, older or middle-class PCs it depends already. So recommended as a normal working and multimedia computers without restriction. +++
>>
Switching from Windows to Mac OS was one of the key points why I initially hesitated to me a MacBook zuzulegen for me. I would describe myself as an experienced PC user who has also always engaged in the innovations that Windows has offered and has exploited the possibilities of the system. After extensive research and some trial and error in the electronics store I have but to step ventured and never regretted no second!
After four days of use, I already find myself very well in the operating system manage and get an ever better idea of how everything is structured. Certainly, at the beginning of the slightly different file structure might be a bit confusing, but you find yourself really cope quickly when one is open to the whole opposite. I would compare it with the most current operating systems of smartphones (Android, iOS), because you can work with different desktops, through which you can scroll back and forth. Maybe interesting for some Windows users: the practical Alt + Tab switches between active applications also works with the Mac OS. Overall, I just felt, to fly through the system. The work flow is very pleasant and there are many little things that lead from my perspective means that you get the feeling that an attempt was made in each area, the user to simplify the work as much as possible. Examples: when they first log on my gmail account I was asked if the account you want to synchronize. Then the mail account was automatically in native email client (very good! Compare Outlook what the mail domain is) applied and the calendar entries in iCal entered without I had to make an entry. Excellent! Another example is the already well-known from mobile phones and introduced with Mountain Lion Notification Center. New Mail, current appointments or reminders are displayed right above me and can then be accessed by clicking, or they disappear in the rollout menu until I want to deal with it. Similarly, therefore, as the drop-down menu with the status messages with Android phones. The Spotlight search I find sensational and much better than the Windows Search: the entire system is checked for the entered search term and corresponding programs, media and even mails or visit websites that contain the word are displayed. Windows users will now certainly think that this search surely takes quite a while, but does not register! The search is performed in real time and even while you are typing displays the search results. A very great relief. By the way you can spotlight the way even as a calculator ... There are a lot more of these examples that make a computer-life a whole lot easier. Too many to list them all. The best way on the internet Just watch and infect corresponding videos)
At this point I just want to again refer to the perfect interaction of hardware (especially touchpad) and software (gesture control). You can tell when you work just always that everything is from a single source ... and that feels great!
Before you buy, however, you should consider whether any programs that you need are also available for Mac. Although more and more Mac-equivalents appear, or the applications are even ported (z. B. MS Office), some programs there is simply not in equal quality for the Mac (z. B. Citavi). So you have to accept either, or halt to boot via Boot Camp or Virtual Machine Windows on the Mac. On the subject of games: For the MBA is not intended either way (regardless of the software). A few simple but very interesting mini-games to pass the time there in the AppStore, but who seriously contemplates Crysis, Battlefield or similar to play on the road, you should probably think first of all, what he / she really wants because actually? An MBA does not in any case! ;)
+++ The operating system I do not want to miss now. My Windows desktop computer I throw now on only to play, because I would rather kill everyday tasks on your Mac. Through the pleasant workflow and very simple multitasking makes it easy fun with the MBA to work. Especially surfing runs thanks to the extensive and thoughtful multitouch integration in Safari browser from considerably more pleasant, as you scroll anywhere between the sides and can scroll back in front of us in each. Annoying system maintenance tasks in vain and after the installation of some programs, the MBA will start still in less than 15 sec., Or in less than 2 sec. From the standby. Programs can be opened at once, and on several desks (desktops) spread between which you can then change quite fluid. This is certainly due to the fast SSD, as well as the operating system. You just feel that the operating system to be there to support the user when working and not the user is there to keep the operating system up and running. Crashes I've never experienced any case, despite intensive multitasking and multiple use of the standby mode instead of the complete shutdown. And should the MBA but then have to go down again (perhaps because the battery is empty), then you can leave all your open windows and apps just restore, as they were before, so you can continue working right and you do not all back must adjust the way you need it. Another point I would like to mention are the numerous apps available now for the Mac. Who is not limited to the App Store, will find many useful and free helpers. Also in the App Store does not have any app to be paid and popular, paid apps are regularly significantly reduced. The fear that I once had that in addition to the high acquisition costs also need a lot of money put in reasonable Apps, so you can work with the MBA and is therefore unfounded. Only professional applications are not cheap, but that's no different for Windows. Finally, I would like to point to the function keys, which are another example of the sophistication of the system. Instead of using the screen brightness Fn button can adjust volume and so awkward, these functions are set by default for the actual F-keys. For Mac users, so you need to use the Fn key only if you want to press the keys F1-F11. Especially for music lovers to make the pay, because you can control iTunes and Spotify as system-wide via the function keys, without having to call the application per se. So if you are just surfing and do not like the song, you can continue coils directly, without having to switch to iTunes. +++
>>
+++ The function I have now just like that to my heart that I want to devote their own section. Who knows on instant with an SSD already from your own experience, may safely skip, all other should be said: this feature alone is almost worth the money for the MBA! Gone are the days long boat operations, past and where even to wake up from standby took the time an eternity, when multiple applications were opened, over the periods in which the laptop stopped working really liquid, if you are not him has regularly shut down completely. Instant-on is for me simply the consistent implementation of the limits set by the notebook mobility. One works in the university on a work, notes that the railway yes tantamount that MBA works too short and can continue working without interruption on the train. The Uni-applications you can simply open on a desk, are you done private stuff on another desk. All very convenient direct (max. 2 sec.) Available when you need it and safely packed away without waiting, when a thing comes up. Will you home only briefly what look on the internet: open, look, close, done! It simply does not waste time in or for the system (see above), but may be limited to what you actually want to do. Certainly, from time to time you should also start the MBA times from scratch, but that's really rare of distress and then, thanks to the spacious boot, no problem. I now no longer completely shut down the MBA for over a week and can not detect loss of speed o. Ä.. And I've opened some apps have installed and uninstalled and I have connected through four different wireless networks to the Internet. This all works smoothly, fast, flowing and consumes very little energy (perhaps 1% battery for a whole night in the standby mode). Thanks to the new Power Nap mode in Mountain Lion are inserted at power adapter even in stand-by, mail, calendar, contacts and cloud services updated so that in turn lost no time for updates when you open. As I said, just a terrific feature! +++
>>
For whom the price is a serious criterion for exclusion, which would probably read this review not at first;) Here you pay for great design and lifestyle with you. But this is my opinion, often much more extreme in clothing or cars. Viewed over the useful life and overlooking the fun factor the price into perspective but again ... for students (Apple on Campus) anyway! One does not need to have him just a Mac!
+++ Meanwhile, I am of the opinion that the price-performance ratio is justified. If you want to have high quality, fast commodity that promises a long life, must correspondingly deep into their pockets for other products. And who currently looks around on the Ultrabook market, will find that really a model of the same features and quality (unibody aluminum!) Is much cheaper. But Apple has the MBA? 4 years of experience and the teething problems that still occur quite possible in the competition (ASUS) are already fixed at Apple. +++
>>
For a preliminary report, the review is now but already become quite extensively, but I think that my first impression was thus but already well taught and that could help especially potential Windows switchers.
I made my decision in any case so far not regretted a moment and already had a lot of fun at the MBA. Especially the great combination of hardware and software it has done to me, and the operating system makes a lot of everyday tasks. I'm the MBA test in more detail in the next few weeks, and then add and adjust my review accordingly. If there are questions I can also be happy to answer in the comments. After the previous four days, this luxury machine but the five star far more than deserved. Kudos to Apple! (... And I did not think that I say this time.)
+++ Even after two weeks has been on the upper estimate unchanged. I was always someone who did not want to jump on the Apple train because I thought the products overpriced. The excellent quality of the iPod has however changed my MBA and sets it all off on. Processing, design and functionality are here just perfect and even the ipod I realized how much fun that makes the long run if nothing begins to squeak or creak to! I'm glad I took the plunge to a Mac and want him to miss no more now. My old laptop I have since MBA no longer used and also the Windows desktop PC running only very rarely. In the long run I'll think it over, to replace mobile and desktop PC by Apple's products because the previous products I have just very confident and I want to take advantage of the great integration of iCloud functions completely. Finally, so even a warning: who has got involved once in the Apple world, it is reluctant to escape again ...;) +++
