Through a turn of events on the work front, I've found myself taking on a role related to the recently released MacBook Air. And as such, i've been given one. No, not the 'ultimate' version, but the 80GB version with 2GB of memory and a 1.6mHz Core 2 duo processor. Sure, they're cool looking when you pull it out of an interoffice envelope, but I'd balked at the concept of using one for a number of reasons. Drive space. Processor speed. Screen size.
So, when one was dropped in my lap late last week, I have to be honest, I didn't know what to do with it. I'm obligated to use it in some capacity, because it's essential to be intimately familiar with a product that you're supporting or working on. I've done the same with other products I've worked on as well, and it's been quite useful to be intimately familiar with bugs being fixed or features being enhanced.
I decided I'd use the Air as a tool for walking about the campus and attending meetings. Using IMAP for email and accessing web or server based tools I use daily, there's no firm dependancy on having a "real" computer in meetings. An Air would be fine. Then I could leave it at work, let it recharge overnight, and take the MacBook Pro home at night when I need to do more ambitious work.
Then I made the mistake of taking it home and using it there. And having a light weight option for doing work from home is pretty awesome. I mean, that thing is SO thin and SO light, it's insanely convenient to work with. Unlike a heavy 17" system that makes the process of getting up and moving about a bit cumbersome, the AIR snaps shut and travels along almost transparently.
After getting everything setup to sync between the two computers, I've found myself greatly tempted to shelve the 17" and go AIR all the way. I've got a 2nd Mac at home that is capable of providing the "power features" I might find myself wanting on occasion, but in reality, there's very little I do daily that the AIR won't do quite satisfactorily. Sure, it's a slower machine, but it's not like I'm using it to make movies or render complex Photoshop files. I'm writing, emailing, and doing web stuff. And I can use my iPod 160GB as an external HD to hold my entire music collection and any occasional extras I might want on hand.
I'm still not certain. I do love the larger display of a 17" system. And I've gotten used to using memory and processor speeds that are beyond top of the line. So I've been spoiled in that respect. Now I'm spoiled in this other realm, and I think I'll try living on the Air alone for a week or two and see if this excitement lasts.
