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Apple MacBook Air

Posted by Luke Peters on Wed 20 Feb 2008

We've been messin' with the ultimate version and make no mistake; this is true engineering genius

At the start of the year, the T3 gossip machine leapt into pre-Macworld overdrive, forecasting a 12.1-inch lappy or iTablet. What we actually got was the world's slimmest notebook. Not too far off, then...

Intel has custom-built the 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor to fit inside the slender chassis while Apple has worked architectural wonders by shoehorning in 2Gb RAM, a 64Gb solid-state hard drive, 802.11n wifi, Bluetooth and blisteringly bright 13.3-inch LED screen. A new multi-gesture touchpad mimics the type of finger control seen with the iPhone and iPod touch, too.

Flip down a secret panel on the curved edge to discover a USB port, Micro-DVI and headphone socket. There's even an iSight worked into the lid, flanked by an omnidirectional microphone and light-sensor for activating the fantastic backlit keyboard, which is by far the most responsive Apple has ever made. Considering this notebook measures just 40mm at its thinnest point and weighs under 1.5kg, it's a miracle this thing actually made it off the design table.

But Apple has left a few blueprints behind, for the Air lacks FireWire, Ethernet, an optical drive and no more USB ports. A USB to Ethernet adapter costs an extra £19 and the deficiency of FireWire will madden those with compatible digital camcorders or peripherals. With no DVD drive, you must install a new app called Remote Disc on a separate Mac or PC and hijack its optical drive to install software wirelessly. It actually works very well and this notion of complete wireless-ness will be further complemented when Apple launches the cable-free TimeCapsule backup device.

Battery life is claimed at five hours, but we scraped just under three while using a varied range of day-to-day apps. And guess what? You can't remove the battery, so once you're out of juice playtime is over.

At £2000, the Air is strictly for high-flyers. It's a show-off's dream and the shape of things to come in the lap-sector but don't expect it to replace your family 'pooter.

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