Nice update. So far, I am still grappling with getting Windows to work right under Fusion. It works well enough (just remember to de-select the option to automatically connect the CD/DVD drive), but Vista is ridiculously slow, even with 1GB RAM allocated and the 1.8GHz processor.

Other than that, as a Mac, it's works well enough for me. Every time I pick up my old 5.4lb Dell (which is a fair amount, since I'm still using it until I can get a fresh copy of XP SP2), it feels really heavy and thick. The battery drains a bit quicker than I'd like, particularly in sleep mode, but it is something I can get used to. The Dell battery was on its last legs anyway. Too bad Macs don't have a "hibernate" mode for extended storage.

Minor edit: I assume the second "Air" should be "Pro."

"Apple’s own internal battery testing indicates that the MacBook Air’s battery doesn’t have as long a life as those on the MacBook and MacBook Air, and our tests bear that out."

Thanks. I'll give it a try. It doesn't officially list the Air yet, but perhaps because it pre-dates it. Anyway, I wonder why Apple doesn't just include this feature?

The AIR will be the perfect machine for me when they put a decent speed processor in it and at least double the Drive storage. Other than that, I am totally enamored of this gorgeous piece of hardware. One wonders how long it will be before Apple dares to release an upgraded version of what could be a landmark product. I'm surprised that this didn't come out right away in at least 2 different configurations (I don't consider the 64GB SSD a configuration - just an option).

Most Airs are being sold as a second Mac. But moving Mail, Documents, iPhoto, etc., is complicated. iPhone has a great Sync program. The Air needs it desperately. One cannot stuff the 500 Gig drive of the iMac onto the Air's 1.8 inch drive. That is why a great sync is so needed. By the way Airs are flying off the shelves.

My reason of buying a MacBook Air (1.6 / SSD) was the silence which it offers. Unless I am not watching embedded flash videos or using my Canon scanner the fan keeps off. That - and the low weight and the bright screen - is the surplus value for me. Of course I had to reduce the software variety and the data load - the 64 GB drive is so 2004 -, but I never had the idea to do video editing on a low performing notebook with 1280x800 screen. - The MacBook Air is a computer which questions the habits of many users. It is no all-in-one machine for any purpose. But o. k. for me, I like to dedicate some work for this, some for another computer. The only complaint that I have is the battery which times out after 3 or 3.5 hours (screen brightness always at max).

Is it an issue of physics that these drives can't run faster? Or is it a matter of cost? If it's a matter of physics, then perhaps the solution is to add a larger memory cache onto the drives. If it's a matter of cost, then it is something that might The SSD actually does make a noticeable difference in performance according to the test results (increasing the score by 10 compared to the processor's 6), just not enough to justify the $999 cost.

Obviously, MacBook Air is about size first. I wouldn't want them to put in a 2.5" drive and increase the weight and thickness.

Consider that Lenovo is also out there peddling a subnotebook ranging from 2.5-3.5lbs. It has only the SSD available (64GB), but crams 3 USB ports, wireless USB, 4GB, GPS, and a removable battery (1/2 size for the 2.5lbs version), and a high-resolution 13.3" screen. The 3.5lb version has a DVD drive and a bigger battery. It's comparably priced to the MBA 1.8 SSD. On the downside, the processor, while 2.0GHz, is a low-voltage edition, and it is thicker than the Air. Of course, it also runs Windows (though XP is an option). There definitely is a market for ultralights. Air is well-positioned in the market.