In my mind, people who purchase the MacBook Air have should have a clear idea of what they wish to accomplish with it. There’s only one reason you should own a MacBook Air: for the portability. If you’re in transit a lot, and need a capable lightweight computer that’s neither crippled nor cumbersome, the MacBook Air is the perfect solution. Other than that, you’re probably not spending your money wisely.
I’ll take a close look at the latest MacBook Air from Apple, more specifically the $1099 mid-2012 11-inch 128GB MacBook Air released in June 2012. If you’re thinking of getting one, then you’re in luck — I’ll show you everything you need to know about the 11-inch model, how it performs on a daily basis and whether it’s suitable for your needs.
Then at the end of this review — you guessed it — we’re giving it away!
Introduction
The MacBook Air comes in 4 configurations: two 11-inch models and two 13-inch models starting from $999. Both 11-inch models are identical except for the size of their flash drives (64GB and 128GB) and a $100 price difference. Other than that, 90they both have 1.7Ghz dual-core Intel Core i5 processors, 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3L memory and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics.
The 13-inch MacBook Airs are priced at $1,199 and $1,499 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively. Similarly, they’re also fitted with the same integrated graphics and 4GB of memory. However, they sport a 1.8Ghz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor which is capable of reaching 2.8Ghz when engaged in Turbo Boost mode.
As far as competing Ultrabooks go, there are a few. Dell’s XPS 13 Ultrabook is priced at $999.99 and features a slower processor and older integrated graphics; weighing in at 2.99lbs compared to the 11-inch MacBook Air’s 2.38lbs.
There are a couple more choices from HP but I’m more interested in their most compact and portable laptop, and that’s the 13-inch ENVY Spectre XT Ultrabook 13-2050nr which retails for $999.99. Much like its long name, the ENVY is heavier than the MacBook Air at 3.07lbs; and features the same processor (Core i5-3317U) as the MacBook Air. Actually, the similarity doesn’t just end there — they share the same integrated graphics and memory specifications. In fact, the ENVY looks a bit like the MacBook Air as well. Curious.
Samsung’s Series 9 11.6-inch notebook might look like a serious contender but upon closer inspection, it comes with a 1.33GHz Intel Core i3 processor, 2GB of memory, slower integrated graphics, and a whopping $1,199 price tag. Ouch. Do you still think Apple is overpriced now?
Lenovo has 2 lines of Ultrabooks that are probably in the same category as the MacBook Air: their Thinkpad X Series and IdeaPad U Series. From the more interesting series of the two, I singled out the ThinkPad X230 Laptop with Faster Processing (yes, that’s what it’s called). It’s priced at $939 and is fitted with an Intel Core i5-3210M processor, the same Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, 500GB hard disk drive, and a 12.5-inch screen. In order to upgrade the 500GB 720rpm hard disk drive to a 128GB SSD, there’s a $240 premium, bringing the total up to $1179.
Lastly, I was intrigued with what Toshiba had to offer. Their prebuilt Portege Z935-ST2N02 Ultrabook is almost exactly configured like the MacBook Air. It has the exact same processor, 128GB SSD, and the same integrated graphics. The only differences are the 13-inch display on the Toshiba, 2GB more memory, and a LAN port. Weighing in at just 2.48lbs and priced at $999.99, I’d say it comes pretty darn close.
Which is the most viable option? I guess you would have to decide.
Initial impressions
Apple’s emphasis on great designs for their products translated over to their packaging as well. Unboxing any Apple product is an occasion and the MacBook Air is no different. The MacBook Air is snugly packed in a recessed plastic frame within the box, holding it tightly until you lift it up.
Underneath lie the power cables and a small care package. Yeap, more Apple stickers.
You had me at hello.
The MacBook Air was shipped with Lion, and quick start guide takes the new owner through some of the most main features of the operating system. Someone new to OS X would probably appreciate it more than I.
The thing to note at this juncture is, unlike other Macs, Apple doesn’t provide a physical copy of the operating system with the MacBook Air.
Design
In another life, I was a MacBook user. It was probably my most worthwhile purchase. Despite being soaked in coffee How To Deal With Spilled Coffee or Coke on Your Macbook How To Deal With Spilled Coffee or Coke on Your Macbook If you have spilled coffee or Coke on your MacBook the best you can do for it is be courageous. Read More , the beast still monsters on and is working until this very day. Instantly, I noticed that the MacBook Air’s wall socket is quite a bit smaller than the MacBook’s. It may be difficult to appreciate the difference in this photo, so take my word for it — it’s also significantly lighter, making it that much more convenient for travel.
The MacBook Air’s design remains unchanged from its previous rendition. The dimensions of its aluminium clamshell unibody are exactly the same. If you look closely, you might spot a change though — the MagSafe 2 connector has now taken on its original design, and is slimmer than its L-shaped predecessor.
USB 2.0 ports have been upgraded to the much welcomed USB 3.0. There’s one port on either side of the MacBook Air.
Over on the right side of the MacBook Air, you find the second USB 3.0 port as well a Thunderbolt port. The 13-inch model will sport a memory card reader, which sadly couldn’t fit into the 11-inch MacBook Air.
Reviewing the MacBook Air
I’ve read several reviews of the MacBook Air where the writers criticised the quality of the aluminium body. From my experience, I’ve found the metal unibody to be rather durable. Naturally, it will wear with use but it isn’t as drastic as it was made out to be. If you are the sort of person who takes care of your belongings, the MacBook Air will be just fine. If you’re used to throwing things and bumping stuff around, then you might want to invest in a case (although that might defeat the purpose of its slim design).
Again, if you are thinking of purchasing a MacBook Air, you must remember what it was made to do. The MacBook Air was primarily designed to be lightweight, and ideally for people to have access to a full-sized computer while always on the go. So the MacBook Air needed to be portable, and it should be able to operate longer between charges — and that is where it excels.
The 11-inch MacBook Air uses an Intel Core i5-3317U processor, which is categorised as ultra-low power yet is able to the necessary processing ability when its needed. You might not want to use for system-intensive processes like rendering video because again, it wasn’t designed for that. I’m not going to benchmark the MacBook Air because I haven’t got anything to compared it with, and that’s not what most MacBook Air users do with it. We use it, for everyday tasks — and that’s what I’m going to do.
During my review, I used the MacBook Air for MakeUseOf-related duties; and that included a lot of browsing, image editing, emailing, and editorial-type tasks. Basically, lots of typing and going online — there, I said it. Coming from a MacBook, I could immediately feel the new, springier keys introduced into the MacBook Air since 2011. They are not as soft as I expected, and is definitely more tactile. I’m not entirely convinced that I prefer it over the older, softer keys but they’ve proven to be quite accurate to type with.
Being an old-school MacBook user, I’m still fumbling with the glass multitouch trackpad. Multitouch is great, but personally, I’d rather just use one finger, or two at the most. Swiping up and down with 4 chubby fingers on the tiny trackpad is not something I enjoy doing. The trackpad is also quite a bit more resistant to clicking so I had to press much harder than I thought was needed. I guess it would help prevent accidental clicks so I can see some reasoning in that.
Using the MacBook Air as I normally would, with the display brightness set to about 3/4 of the way up, the keyboard backlit to a nice glow and WiFi enabled, I managed to squeeze over 4 hours of usage out of the battery. The 11-inch MacBook Air is fitted with a smaller battery compared to the 13-inch model, and is reported to operate for 5 hours with WiFi enabled; so I’m pretty happy with the results. In my mind, over 4 hours of carefree usage with the display’s brightness set to a precarious level is a good thing. I might even be able to stretch it to over 5 hours if I went super-eco mode on it.
For a such a small laptop, it has a set of decently performing speakers. They are much louder than anticipated.
Living with the MacBook Air
Usually, a laptop has to be plugged in to a power source 90% of the time. With the MacBook Air though, it’s quite the opposite — I had it running on its battery 90% of the time. The only time it’s plugged in is when it needs to be recharged. It’s so convenient to have a laptop with the portability of a tablet.
The only thing I don’t like about the 11-inch model is its 11-inch screen. It’s fine for surfing and watching videos but when it comes to data processing or image editing, there’s just not enough screen estate. I usually work with a triple-monitor setup, so using the MacBook Air does feel slightly suffocating. However, I would gladly acknowledge that the MacBook Air is not my primary workstation, and if I needed to sacrifice screen estate for portability on occasion, it’s not something worth fussing about.
Does the lack of an optical drive and network port frustrate me? Not so much. Optical drives are never used in my day-to-day activities. And personally, I don’t think we should be using DVDs or CDs when we have much more capacious USB flash drives anyways. The lack of a network port did irk me at one point. I had to spend more time on large file transfers over WiFi when it could have been done in a fraction of the time by using a cable. Again, it was not a regular occurrence.
Conclusion
Potential MacBook Air owners really ought to know what the MacBook Air is designed for before purchasing one. If you’re planning to use it as your primary computer, you would have to understand that it’s not the fastest, most powerful, most upgradeable laptop you can buy. In fact, it cannot be upgraded. The configuration you purchase it in will remain so for the next 4-5 years, or until you get a new one.
However, if used in the right setting, the MacBook Air can be a saviour. Its portability means that you don’t even have to think twice about shoving it into your bag. It’s a fully capable, full-sized computer, so you’ll have full access to OS X and all of your applications as you normally would. It’s also able to last 30 days in sleep mode, and coupled with the SSD, recovering from sleep mode is faster than ever.
MakeUseOf recommends: Buy it, only if you travel a lot.
Now, we’re giving this MacBook Air away. Join the giveaway, only if you travel a lot. Actually, I’m kidding, so go for it!
How do I win the MacBook Air?
Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form
Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.
The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
Step 2: Share!
You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!
(Note: no points will be awarded.)
By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.
This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, Oct 5th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.
Spread the word to your friends and have fun!
Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.
now i envy you alot sarah...
for the winner, has it been revealed yet?
good article and also very interesting. tremendous draw your readers that they are interested enthusiasts.
I hope I get it.
had you already selected the winner for this???
When Will The Winner Be Notified and Will It Be Available To The Public?
Patience, it takes a while to select the winner, contact them, and be sure they are eligible.
I hope they reveal the winner quickly!! :)
The contest must be over by now...so can we get to know who is the lucky guy!!
Never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but this would be awesome!
last day today...within hours of the result. fingers cross 88
Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win !
I agree with the review except for the comments about only getting a MacBook Air if you travel a lot.
One was recently gifted to a teen who wanted a Mac over an Ultrabook; it fits the backpack very well for school; and the price is only a little higher than the Ultrabooks considered.
So if the deciding factor is which operating system do you prefer, the only choice is the MacBook Air.
This is a great giveaway.
I could really use a new Laptop. The one I have now is running sooo slow and crashes too often.
I hope I win tis one.
the winner would be very lucky...
Would so love to win this
Nice review! Hope to have a chance to win!
MUO, Outstanding contest. I have limited experience with Mac, but that has been spread over the years beginning with the first mac (I tried a $2,500 128K Macintosh in 1984). I've owned second-hand Apples (II, IIe, III) and at one point even had a LISA (also previously owned). I'd love to give Mac another shot at capturing me.
Now that's what i call a giveaway !!!!!
Excellent review!!..and i want to win this giveaway badly. I do have a desktop but often i process things faster than it....and its not possible for me to plan buying another desktop/laptop now...so it will be great to win a MB Air!!!...I hope for it :)
Sweet giveaway.
A macbook air is definitely one of the best laptops around.
wonderful!
Awesome review for an awesome device by an awesome guy, Jackson .
The Air looks pretty good!
I am a 15 year old and have been dying to get a mac since the past 2 years. I tried some hackintosh but couldn't now the only way is this giveaway. I really wish i get this. Having my fingers crossed.
Really really would get use out of this - hope I win!
Please let me win this awesome airbook....my car was just broken into and they stole my personal and work laptop with all my school work on it......I hope I win! Both were Mac book pro's... :(
Wow,I never had a Mac before because of its price.I've seen all the reviews,tips and tricks of the Macbook Air and it would be great to win it.
Damn that is beautiful I wish I had one
Great giveaway. Maybe make sure i'm the winner, perhaps.
So, count me in. Thanks.
I really want this but can't afford it. MacBook Air is really awesome.
i wish to win this mac book. would be moving from linux/windows to a new system, and looking for ward to it
jeff
hoping to win!!!! i really want this
Awesome.......
Can you enter more than once?
In the same giveaway? No. That would be unfair and be called gaming the system.
I really hope to win it
good article, Jackson, very informative.
Oh its almost that time.I like to test out the power of 3.0.
Great review Jackson, I wanted one before...now I NEED one.
good review
A great way to kick off Halloween.Trick or Air.hehehehe
Very Good Giveaway ! I Wish I Would Have 1 of it !!!
Since my laptop died a few days ago, this would make a PERFECT replacement.
Brought a new one... yuppie :)
Great laptop and perfect for school. love the specs.
thats a nice giveaway :D
common....cant wait for this to end and show the winner. i think im on it. Please put my name up. i want this....pretty pleaseeeeee........
What a win this would be.
an excellent and informative review.. brief and thorough.nice..
WOOT, I didnt expect to lose 25 points .. just clicked fast to get give away lol
Very informative review! I feel that it covered just about all my questions. I have never owned a Mac and have always wanted one. I'm so tired of the unreliable Windows laptops that constantly need replacing. Winning this would be an awesome opportunity for me. Thanks for the excellent giveaway!
Best giveaway I've come a cross in ages !!
No, maybe, my lifetime.
Neat!
this is sooooooooooooo great
Thanks for the review!
Just entered the giveaway, so wish me luck!
If I can afford it I would definitely buy Macbook Air for its portability. Sadly, I can't. I hope I win. :D
i love this laptop
want it foe my studio
i wanna win
The Apple products have always been very expensive not only because of the brand name but because they provide you a reliable product with a very user friendly OS. That's why most people looks out for Apple products.
I think this is very goods giveaway ever. I hope can win this one.
I need air
Where is the giveaway form please?
Pro for me!
I am game!
so cool thanks for giving a chance to own this macbook air.
Great prize, great machine, it's perfect for me.
i need a laptop really bad
Would like to win this!
very good review & an excelent giveaway
Ohh mac!!,
This Could be my first "mac lappy" if i win.
i m just bored with traditional Windows PCs .
I m running mac snow leopard as Virtual machine in vmware.
and its fantastic.
i wish i could win this one .... :)
I love it!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cafetinhoc/status/248259686158176256
I don't win much but wow would this be a good one to get.
i want it...i want it...
Great idea. Now what arre my odds? Hmmm.
I get this site from a different makeuseof but it does not mention "The code you'll need to enter is: XXX" Where can I find it in other emails that were sent?
Super review and another great giveaway!
I really hope I win this MacBook...
Cheers!!!
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/TFOS/status/248104831422709760
Google+: https://plus.google.com/114557028756175499408/posts/FTk1aqpuJpZ
This would be a really great 18bday present for me!! ?
This would be a really great 18bday present for me!! ?
This would be a really great 18bday present for me!! ?
Best portables ever!
Thank you for this competition it is fantastic. Our imac laptop, phones etc were all stolen from a break-in, and my son is desperate to replace the laptop with this macbook air. I hope we win! make a boy very happy !!
hamster wanna have thingy
never owned a Mac before, would like to win this as the contest ends on my birthday, October 5th
I would really like to win this, I've never owned an Apple product except for an iPod, thanks for this awesome giveaway.
I've certainly heard enough about Apple, but I can honestly say I have never owned one. So, it would be a pleasure and an experience to use one.
I am a Scuba Instructor I want to be able to edit photos and videos from my canon s100 and gopro cameras at the dive sites. I have been considering leaving windows for Apple and this might just be the ticket.
yup
great gadget review and give away!
I hope somebody from Philippines win this giveaway like me...hehehe
God blessing be with everyone in makeuseof.
awesome giveaway mr. jackson... and very informative article... now i want to have one of this and hoping to be chosen as the winner... thanks a lot!
Thats great! A mac give away?
Great article, Jackson... you are just teasing me more!!
The chance of ever owning a MAC laptop always slips through my fingers.
I always 'just' miss out, no matter how much i plan for it and how hard i try for it!
Keep up the good wrok MakeUseOf, seriously the best web info of 2012...
This would be so cool to win this..Wish everyone the best of luck!!!!
great giveaway..
so much in the competition, is there a chance for me to win.
Another great review, wouldn't buy a Mac but if you're giving it away I'm up for joining in.
Good luck all
This would be great
I hope I could get one. I've always wanted to have a macbook! :)
great comp
I've never really been into Apple products (probably because I've never owned one), but this looks to be THE most perfect laptop of all time. I usually don't do contests, but I'm gonna enter this one, because my old Compaq 6910p is on its last leg. I've cleaned the damn thing out very thoroughly and it still gets hot running Debian >_<
Good luck, everyone!
this is gonna change my window-life. MBA here i come...
btw, any review on iphone 5? :) want that giveaway!!
I would absolutely LOVE to win this. It's beautiful! Plus I am in need of a high performance computer for my photography. ; )
MacBook me please! ?
cool
i know that ubuntu works fun on Mac Laptops. but, i want to make sure if it works out of box on this laptop or there are some issues?
and thanks for this good review :)
Great Review!! Winning this would be absolutely PERFECT!
Impressive
I really wanted an Apple laptop and was starting to save for one . I would be really ecstatic if I won one. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for a great review and an awesome giveaway.
Hey guys!! Thanks for the opportunity to win the MacBook!
Free is good
would love to win the macbook air this one is the best yet.
Loved the article! Usual reader and a big Mac user!!
This version of the Macbook Air is the best yet.
Would love to win this! Good review too.
I am logged in but cant register for this giveway!! :O
"To exchange your points for quick entry, you must be logged in"
I have enough points too
Hi Sahil, try logging out then logging in again.
Where/how do I get hold of the giveaway form?
Great!
I would love to learn all about the MacBook Air and what better way than by using one, fingers crossed
Good review. Thank you for this giveaway.
Fantastic giveaway - would love to win this !!
great giveaway!!
What a cool website to stumble upon! Would love and really need this laptop has my husband travels quite frequently with his business and his old laptop just crashed :-(
Best of luck to everyone!
Oh, How cool!!
I Hope I win!!
Macs are awesome. Especially for graphics
Excellent article!
And, thanks for the giveaway.
I need this like nobody's business....
poking along on an early-2000's Mac here people. :/
Great giveaway
please, please let me win
Great review - quite practical.
One suggestion - don't click the trackpad - tap it. There is a setting for that. And for sure get used to scrolling - at least that much gesturing will feel terrific.
One question - you like your multiple monitors, got it. Is the Air not good at driving them, so when plugged in you get loads of screen real estate?
What could be better than this? Kudos.
What could be better than this? Kudos
Great giveaway!
i'm in india.. wish guys from india win this giveaway
wow... fantastic giveaway! Would make a great replacement for my good old 1st. gen. MacBook ;-) Wish I was lucky
I never miss opening a MakeUseOf email. I go through them for content for my blog and new sites, I can use. I am happy that I have this habit today, because I would love to win the Macbook Air.
Thanks you for the opportunity
Would like to try a Mac despite my dislike for Apple devices - I still have to support them.
I learn so much from your site. Keep up the good work.
I really want this.. :D
I am really hope to be the winner..
Also tell your favourite one of the all!
Jackson, I am completely JEALOUS of you like hell! Don't take it negatively, but it must a great job for you evaluating these giveaways, and this one is massive like anything!
Please share with all of us eager people, how do you feel using all of them when we are starving (literally!) for these stuff!
Yeah, I am pretty too much overexcited!
Phew! :(
I hope... I'll fly with this Mac Air book
It's so pretty. I want one but don't want to pay the price they're asking for and since they never discount the price of it I probably will never have one.
useful post and awesome giveaway
thanks
hope I win!
Great giveaway! I'm in dire need of a new computer!
Portability is the best factor that makes this one stand apart. But the fact that it comes with a hefty price tag here in India, makes me think about other options as well.
Thanks for the good review though. :)
You had me at Hello. Why do all the simple things always work the best for our heart.
I need this
I'd really prefer an Android smartphone, but a MacBook Air is definitely worth to try on.
Forty-two
Another day; another give-away...Commence with the ritualized finger crossing, toe crossing, and lucky rabbit's foot carrying.
It is useful information that can help me to go with the Air or the Pro. Thank you.
jackson sir , it is necessary to make an account to win of this giveaway prize.....reply this
Nope, you can just enter using the form.
with SO many NEEDING this,i think i'd like to have my entry removed,i do have a desktop,Del,Inspirion,as a time waster
Loved the article, now if I owned an Air I could comment on how accurate I consider your article :)
I like the hardware, but not the software. If I would win, I probably would install Archlinux. :)
Great review and giveaway, thanks Jackson!
Good luck everyone.
Thaks for the chance!
what's not to love about this ;)...............
windows all my life. would be glad to have this for F R E E.
I would love to win one for free!!!!
Thank You for the chance to win a MacBook Air. I appreciate your review & think it sounds perfect for someone like me.
My son just went away to college and this is his first year. He is going to major in Audio Engineering and minor in Digital Media. The college he is attending ONLY uses Mac computers - the entire campus is filled with them! When he becomes a junior, it is mandatory he has a MacBook Air for his field. This would be just awesome for me and him! I'm a single mom and it has been so difficult to send him to college, let alone the one he attends. He absolutely loves Mac and would be so thrilled to get one! I'll keep my fingers crossed!!!
Nice story. As a lifelong Windows user (except for brief flings with Ubuntu and Linux Mint occasionally, I wouldn't mind trying something different for a change. I want to see if this old dog could learn some new tricks!
Thank you, MakeUseOf.com. Your articles are the greatest! The MacBook Air is also great for seniors and careful children, also huge markets.
This is a good one and the review is equally wonderful.
I BELIEVE I WILL WIN SOMEDAY TO PROVE TO DOUBTERS THAT ITS FOR REAL.
I really want this MacBook!!
OK I'm not a Mac. fanboy and have absolutely NO applications for this machine. But still, I could either install Winders on it OR I could find a good friend who wants it.
am a big fun of Apple but there is no Apple distributer in my country so the cost is doubled than the original....so wish me luck to win mac air the most simple and powerful note book ever...
Great review and another great giveaway!
Did the steps
PLEASE PICK ME! My kids use Macs at school and it would be AWESOME if we had a MacBook Air for them to use at home and on the go.
Great givewaway!
Superb gadget from Apple and a very informative review from Jackson Chung. Who wouldn't want to win this awesome machine? I hope to have this as my first win from Makeuseof.com Once again, nice job, Chung.
Good Review, I use these for staying current on technology. I am a PC who would love to try out the Mac world....if I can win my way in !!
What an awesome pice of tech, a definite must have.
I never win something. Hope this will be the first time I did. Congratulations for good articles and giveaways.
Wow, I live on benefits (up to 300mgs morphine a day) and there is no way I could afford such a wonderful item as this. Just such an unfair world we live in. I just have to cut out my wants in life and survive and occasionally hope
Great giveaway!
Entered and willing to win it, as I was going to buy it this summer but was unable to buy one.
One Question I would like to be answered. MBA can withhold Adobe Suite CS6?
Nice Lappy, Nice Job
Trouble is, it will still have the crappy Mac OS so the hardware is irrelevant.
Excelent review and giveaway.
i need it!!!
Nice, would love to have one
Great product and great giveaway. Just entered and hoping to get my first Apple product.
this is useful gadget
Thanks for this giveaway, Make Use Of!.. :D
Tried to complete your 'Win a Macbook Air' survey, but for some reason could not reach a conclusion?
this post makes me interested and excited about mba... i'm hoping to win this thing!, Good luck buddies!
This would be a nice little machine to have. I am primarily a Windows user and would like to test drive an OSX system. Hope I win.
entered! hope I win!
Only makeuseof features what a Giveaway worth
i am wondering if you had written a review on mac air at the time of its launch a few years back as well and how much has it changed from its launch date ? thanks for the update though .... ! again from a compromising economy we tend to get more of old things then the latest models thus i always want to have a review of the old models of things !
great giveaway!! i realy want it so i can give it for my wife birthday :)
Thanks For The Giveaway :)
Wow what a cool giveaway!! My little and outdated Netbook will be happy to have a companion! This really would be a great win. Good luck to everyone! :-)
It's been out of my reach for too long. would enable me to finally have the exposure that everyone seems to have with IOS...
Thank you,
Really appreciate your site...
i will win
i will win
i will win
i will win
i will win
lol
please god let it be me this time. This is Nth giveaway i'm entering.
:D
Great review, and love the comments and pictures.
ve to win a macbook air
Great review; all the details I needed about the MacAir and comparisons with other makes and models - you've saved me some research time. Look forward to more from you.... BTW didn't notice sp and gr errors & I'm an English teacher! Most online articles have a few, who cares if the meaning is clear?
I desperately need this being a single mother and running a small design business this could go everywhere with me! Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this fabulous giveaway & also I appreciate your honest review, both pros and cons of the actual product.
Informations from makeuseof.com are very informative and helpful in judging electronic device/os/softwares....etc.
Also I personally like tips which they provide in handling device or gadget.
Best wishes to one and all for there tasks and challenges.
I have only one older 13" Macbook amongst my collection. My current road warrior gear is the older 12.1" Toshiba Portege R600 with 128GB SSD that weights only 1kg with built-in DVD writer! Unfortunately, this (former top of the line ultralight) line is obsolete - a victim of its high price (~USD3000) but I love its pre-ultrabook features (way back then) - ultra long battery live, sun-light readable screen and still world leading 1kg weight.... Would love to have the Macbook Air take over its role as it is getting a bit long in the tooth... Yeah, I totally agree with the comment about the new Mac touchpad. Not used to the harder taps required.
Count me all the way in..thanks.This is a very convenient computer especially on the go
I have only one older 13" Macbook amongst my collection. My current road warrior gear is the older 12.1" Toshiba Portege R600 with 128GB SSD that weights only 1kg with built-in DVD writer! Unfortunately, this (former top of the line ultralight) line is obsolete - a victim of its high price (~USD3000) but I love its pre-ultrabook features (way back then) - ultra long battery live, sun-light readable screen and still world leading 1kg weight.... Would love to have the Macbook Air take over its role as it is getting a bit long in the tooth...
Yeah, I totally agree with the comment about the new Mac touchpad. Not used to the harder taps required.
Hi ,
I have that feeling that a new version of both pro/air can be expected this year !
I was wondering that with quite a few announcements lined up in the coming weeks, does apple have anything in the pipeline for Macbooks ?
also does the new version have ivy-bridge, because ivy-bridge would mean a longer battery life....
Hi ,
I have that feeling that a new version of both pro/air can be expected this year !
I was wondering that with quite a few announcements lined up in the coming weeks, does apple have anything in the pipeline for Macbooks ?
also does the new version have ivy-bridge, because ivy-bridge would mean a longer battery life....
Hi ,
I have that feeling that a new version of both pro/air can be expected this year !
I was wondering that with quite a few announcements lined up in the coming weeks, does apple have anything in the pipeline for Macbooks ?
also does the new version have ivy-bridge, because ivy-bridge would mean a longer battery life....
I hope I win
Hi Jason, just a point about the competitions you have. I have been a newsletter subscriber for around 2 years but have not been able to enter your competitions.
(by the way, excellent articles and information)
Reason is that i do not have an account with either Facebook,
Twitter or g+1.
Is there a way that those like myself can also enter the competitions?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
regards
Sach
hoping to win atleast this time...i never win online -_-
Looks like it would have plenty of memory for graphic design
Awesome Giveaway and an excellent review ! MacBook Air is light and smart !
Wish that my Luck favors and I become the winner ! Please help me to make my wish come true !
Best Regards :)
I hope this would be my time to get a giveaway!
this pc looks ok very very light and its a beauty, but if i had this pc, i would defiantly mess around with it and see how fast this baby can go
hope it's my lucky day, i have had bad luck all week
Another sexy piece of machinery from Apple. Would be nice if there were some more connectivity ports but honestly, I can live with those downfalls if Makeuseof is giving me one for FREEEEEEE.
Thanks for the giveaway!
thanks
I worked my butt off doing crazy hours this summer for a 13 in Air, only to give up on that dream last min to help my fam with finances... Still holding onto the dream though! I really need the new comp for school, this one overheats and crashes virtually all the time, it's just a hair above useless at this point D:
Please pick me :) I know it's probably a random generator that chooses the giveaway winner, but in case it's not, I could REALLY use this and I'd really appreciate it. And yes, I did just shamelessly play the broke college kid card with hopes to win sympathy brownie points. lol, don't blame me for trying everything in my arsenal :P Hope I win. Thanks for the really useful review :]
I can make good use of this product, as I'm on the road alot!!
I can make good use of this product, as I travel a lot. maybe I will get LUCKY and become a WINNER!!!
I don't have an MBA or a macbook air but I do have a BA so I'm halfway there!
How do you do it Jackson??? Your site just gets better and better :)
I would love to win this MacBook Air, I am in need of a laptop in which I can take with me to the various places I travel to, I am a freelance website developer and with this MacBook I will be able to give my clients website support even when I am travelling around the country.
Kind Regards
Joshua
P.S. Congratulations if you are chosen.
My fingers are crossed.
thorough review and clear. Sure would love to win one.Never had a chance to own any apple products because they because they cost much. Thanks for the oppurtunity to win one.
Great review along with the comparisons. Well articulated. All set and done the needful. :-)
keeping my fingers crossed...
Thanks,
Harmesh
i love this website & i realy want this :D
I love Make use of!!! The macbook air giveaway is very nice.
No habla englis?
I have other apples, but nothing like this. Can't justify buying one now, but maybe you could let me win...
Definitely like ;)
Let me give it a try and maybe I will change my mind about Macs.
Sounds like a nice chance to win.
Another great giveaway
wow...amazing...and reallllyyy fantastic...wish i could win....XD
Awesome! Hope to have it one day
Another great review, thanks MUO! Been thinking about getting a Mac Book but never could justify spending the money. But FREE is right in my price range!
This would be amazing for me for several reasons, but the biggest one is that my wheelchair is calibrated to my weight so that it can safely balance on two wheels. Any addition or loss of just 20 pounds requires a recalibration. When I'm out doing a day long photoshoot, my camera equipment alone is almost enough to reach that limit, and when I add a laptop...netbooks won't work because they don't have nearly enough battery life....I'm well over my limit. I periodically during the day need to upload pics to make sure that I'm getting everything I need, and reviewing 8-16 gigs of pics in the camera is just not workable. The Macbook Air is EXACTLY what would solve the problem!
nice giveaway .love your website.look forward to it everyday
thank you !
Hey Jack, great article though. I keep reading your article and enjoy. Love the giveaway from MUO, however I never won one and this time hoping to win MBA :)
Please Christmas, don't be late!!!!!!!!
Your review was as good as it gets I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.please put me in the draw, thank you.
S W E E T ! ! ! ! ! Thanks for the giveaway, and good luck to all (esp ME!!!)
If i win this will become a Windows-Mac
i would really love 2 play dis one....wat 2 b MACian....gr8 opportunity to use the real lappy....good luck guys n gals
SHISHUPAL YADAV
i would really love 2 play dis one....wat 2 b MACian....gr8 opportunity to use the real lappy....good luck guys n gals
SHISHUPAL YADAV
The Macbook Air looks like a wicked machine - who wouldn't want to own one?
Very nice review. Shared!
as long as it is a laptop ... i will be glad to have one :) good luck guys
Always love your in depth reviews of products and great give aways.
My son will need a laptop for college and the MacBook Air would be perfect!! Keeping my fingers crossed.
This is actually the first review I've read on the MB Air. Thanks for the information!
This would be so cool I always dreamed of owning an Apple.
well if am gonna win with this makeuseof give aways, this will be my first time to own a mcbook air.
more power to the management.
great giveaway really need one
Jackson The Smart Guy!
My son will need a laptop for college and the MacBook Air would be perfect!! Keeping my fingers crossed.
Wohoo.. Definitely join this one :3
Want mac book air <3
Nice review btw! Makes me want to have a mac book air even more :3
Wow Wow Wow :)
Guys ; Are You Serious !?
Apple Mac Book Giveaway : I would Love To Have This Baby in My Arms
Thank You So Much [ Make Use Of ] 4 Every Thing :)
I would love a Mackbook Air!
Coveting
Coveting! Thank you for this comprehensive review...
I am in love with your descriptive review! it looks great! I worl in fashion, and cannot carry bulky or unattractive laptops. :-) macbook air 11 looks like a really good upgrade from my current compaq laptop. I've entered the contest, too! thanks again for this informative review.
-Shruti
I like the MBA... I want it!
Mind blowing!
Have you taken a look at the latest Asus Ultrabook. It has great specs and a metal case, not plastic like most other Ultrabooks.
No, I haven't. Thanks for the heads up!
Your review is one of the more practical ones I have read recently. It included pros and cons in a very neutral way. As a survivor of the PC/Mac wars it was a delight to be informed and not preached to.
For grammar trolls, I know I ended the last sentence in a preposition, but since Churchill supports doing so, I will continue to.
Thank you, Lyn. I appreciate it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Thank you for a well put together review!
you guys are the best. great articles, informative and tons of give away contests.
Never been a Mac person, but would be willing to give it a try
Thanks for another great giveaway!
this is really cool giveaway. nice review! Keep it rolling MakeUseOf....I hope i'll get this premium piece of air!
The Mother of all giveaways!!! The value of being a member of this site is invaluable. Thanks for the content and of course the giveaways.
Quit telling people about this awesome giveaway! I NEED it! My chances are better the fewer folks that enter! :-)
It's a nice day today and I liked your review of the macbook air
Thanks to makeuseof for running this awesome giveaway!!!!!!!!!
successfully entered this giveaway.....i hope that i win this giveaway.....and make my dream come true by having an apple product in my collection.........apple products are really great actually there is no comparison between apple and other competing companies in the market.........
Thank you Jackson for introducing the MacBookAir even with the nasty comments posted by others I still enjoyed reading all about something I have never come across before.
Thank's again and keep up the great work.
Great review. And, the giveaway is gravy. I hope I win because I hate losing.
fingers cross, I hope i win
Great review and another great giveaway!!!!!!!!
I hope I win – need a laptop to do my iphone programming
Good luck to everyone!!!!
Great review. And, the giveaway is gravy. Hope I win because I hate losing.
It could be my first apple product as I haven't use any Apple product yet.
Hope I win
Thank you very much, I just entered the sweepstakes !!
Great Review!
Thanks for a great review and the opportunity to win such an awesome giveaway!!!
My hopes are high, this is such a wonderful give away. Thanks.
•Winning this could be the trigger to make me move from the PC platform! Or, at least, begin using both.....
What a great review! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great giveaway!!!
Would love to own my first Apple product :D
Winning this could be the trigger to make me move from the PC platform! Or, at least, begin using both.....
My hope are high, this is such a wonderful give away. Thanks.
Would like to own my first Apple product
Whooo hooooo!! just what I was hoping for, Thank you.
FB: http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=177219425672364
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFOS/status/245548515596595200
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I hope I win...
Good luck to everyone!
MacBook Air giveaway is your best giveaway yet..I didn't want to share but I did! Good luck all! (My birthday is Oct. 2 haha)
Would love to have a lighter MBA for traveling... thanks for the opportunity to win...
MacBook Air giveaway is your best giveaway yet..I didn't want to share but I did! Good luck all!
Thanks for a great article - I am just getting ready to upgrade my iPad and now know the MacBook Air (13" with memory card slot) would be a much better travel companion for me with all the digital photos I take! It will be great being able to play with my photo journal on a "real computer" while still on the road!
Thanks, Gracia. The 13" not only has the slight advantage on screen estate, it's faster, lasts longer and has that SD card slot. Good purchase!
Sweet! I can win a MBA and use VM Fusion to run WIndows on it!
I am an PC Old Dog looking to learn new tricks with a Mac.
Great review!! I like the comparison you make to other laptops. It does really make you aware of the price and features differences, which not all of us have the time to do.
I have a previous 11-inch MBA, and this new version would really help me on my day to day activities. The best giveaway.
Thanks, Victor. Comparing it to other laptops took some time. And I learnt (the hard way) that lenovo's website doesn't work in Chrome.
Good luck!
Great review and giveaway! I am in :)
Cool giveway.. All the best for all participants.
excellent review, nice giveaway, congrats Makeuseof!
i thought mba should have been capitalized.
after reading your review I feel even more envious of my son, you see I'm 55yrs my son is 29 he got his first Mac book at 19 I'm still waiting. Please end my wait so I can show off to him for a change.
I would love a Mac Air. I train on iPhone and iPad and would love to get my hands on the laptop! Love this site!
Woo ! Excellent giveaway. All the best people :)
Great article.
I love the Mac, but unfortunately, I don't have one. I hope I get to win this one.
:D
Excellent giveaway! Thanks!
I couldn't believe it when i got the email that you were giving this away! I shared on facebook as Carolyn Barnett and i follow on twitter as @CarolynRBarnett and i tweeted this awesome giveaway. I am in the USA,Is that ok to enter?
Yes, that's okay. Did you fill in the giveaway form and received the confirmation email?
I'm thinking about a MBA for a year now, my MBP is really heavy and being a freelancer and social media ninja I move often from place to place and I always need to have a laptop with me. And the size is more important than the processing power. So the MBA will be great!
Good luck to everyone!
Cheers!
Pretty Cool, thanks.
I just can't wait for this pick!!
wahooooooo!!!! this is what I want,,,,badly,,, i hope I wish. Do IT!!!
Wow...Thank you for an awesome giveaway!!!
I would love to win the MacBook Air!!
Good luck everyone!!
I really liked the review and this giveaway could be my beginning in the world of MAC.
Liking the Battery life on the MBA...the battery life on my lenovo is horrible
Thanks for sharing!!!
I'm thinking about a MBA for a year now, my MBP is really heavy and being a freelancer and social media ninja I move often from place to place and I always need to have a laptop with me. And the size is more important than the processing power. So a MBA will be great!
Good luck to everyone!
Cheers!
Would be a fantastic addition to my little business.
Excellent review of the MacBook Jackson, and what a fantastic giveaway would just love one of these beauties used my points as well for this one so count me in please and thanks.
Awesome, thank you Dave! Good luck!
This is just what I need!
Regardless of my stance with any company, I'm entering for one reason only: I NEED a laptop, lol. Thanks again for yet another nice opportunity :)
WOW! I need one of these!
Great review and giveaway! This site is bomb.
Good luck everyone! Giveaway ends on my birthday though, so I'm hoping I'll have a little extra birthday luck on my side haha :)
Looks like a great machine!
Looks like a great amchine!
great review and great giveaway
I want to do something creative and writing on this MacBook Air!
Give it to me!
Nice One, Makeuseof! :)
Never own a macbook, I want one.
Thanks for the Giveaway. Awesome and Excellent Giveaway!
Please count me in too..
Wish to be the Very Lucky Winner here..
Nice giveaway, a great portable device in-between the iPad & the MacBook Pro.
just entered the giveaway^^
Entered! Hoping to win this time.
I am an Apple convert after being an avid Microsoft fan for years - why oh why did I not convert sooner????!!!! The MBA is stunning.
great... :)
i like macbook air. it is pro laptop. i hope will be a winer. thank for usefull thanks for giveaway
Excellent give away as usual Jackson!! I'm in need of a laptop for school as well as for DJing at weddings and such. Hope I win!! Good luck to everyone else as well!!
Thank you, David and good luck!
Awesome review, suits the awesome giveaway! =)
This is an exclusive one of apple product which come like a netbook class. Like this much, if there a chance to win it, i want one.
just trying my luck once again. :( :P
I am feeling that I am getting my first laptop of my life..........and that too from apple
I'm in!!!
Good luck to all!!!!
I need one of this....
Awesome review! I loved the quality of the photos you took.
Thanks, Tolby!
Uh, are you guys giving away only one MacBook Air or several (I hope)?
No, just one. Sorry!
Another great review.
Thanks, Drew!
I've got a prior version of the MBA and it rocks. Once you've used ssd you can't go back
That's so true.
this is the best giveaway so far thank u makeuseof
This is exciting! Love the review. I hope I win this, it would help with school alot.
I've wanted one of these for a long time!
OMG...i want one!!!
Sweet!! Drooling mode! Wish to have one!
Yes please. Fingers crossed.
Another good review and giving it away is even better.
yes please!
Out of my budget but would love to win this. :)
Under the "Living with the MacBook Air" title
Usually, a laptop has to be plugged in to a power source 90% OF the time.
Informative review and nice give away hope i win....
Yes please!
Great article! I felt it was a fair review. No Apple fanboyism detected.
"There’s only one reason you should own a MacBook Air: for the portability. Other than that, you’re probably not spending your money wisely." - Nicely put, only one thing I would add. A Macbook Air will probably not fare well in a desert, arctic, or rainforest.
Thank you, Yang! I like Apple products but I'm not really a fanboy in the sense that I would be happy to use other hardware and devices if they prove to be better.
Interesting point you made there. Actually, since the Air uses an SSD, I would assume that it will perform better than a MBP with a mechanical drive in extreme conditions. What do you think?
When I questioned the MBA's reliability, I was implicitly comparing it to ThinkPads/Elitebooks. As for the whole SDD vs HDD debate, I think a SDD performs better in an extreme environment. No moving parts means it is less likely for a SDD to be damaged by vibrations or drops. On the other hand, an HDD lasts longer in a server as a SSD will die after a certain number of write cycles. In my Elitebook, I have a SDD that allows me to use it in environments where vibrations are a problme.
I agree. I have setup my laptop and there was a 50% increase in performance.
thanx for the giveaway
excellent review, i really hpe win this one :P
Very cool!
Awesome Giveaway ! Good Luck All !
Really hoping this one could be mine.
I'm not seeing the Apple Airbook Give-Away Code on either the Facebook or Google+ MUO pages. Recently removed?
Nope, it's still there, except it's a MacBook Air.
I am starting my PhD in a few weeks. That would be an awesome thing to win, I would certainly make use of it :)
wow great review. thnx for giveaway
nice review. its a nice chance to get something portable into my life besides the first galaxy tab :)
i am awinner
damn! I need this!
Great review, thanks Jackson! :-)
What a great giveaway!
Please count me in
Thank you and regards
This is a great product and would be more than happy if I am given an opportunity to participate in the drawing.:-)
Thanks, Rhonda!
Nice Giveaway! I never win something. Hope I'm the lucky one this time :D
btw good luck everyone. cheers :D
Im keeping my fingers crossed :D
try my luck^^
Now that's what makes MUO cool.
I want to come back to the Mac platform! Pick me!
Awesome..i want it..
Lordy, I need this!!!
Woot, entered! This is something that I have always wanted, but just couldn't bring myself to shell out $1k+ for!
Been trying to Hackintosh my laptop, but it isn't going very well so far. (Yes, I do have experience in Hackintosh, my main system was built for it, but laptops are a whole different animal. :P)
Why not install Ubuntu? You can install the MacOSX skin and dock and get the best of both. You have all the applications of Linux, and the looks of Mac.
Apple excel in software quality, the problem with Linux is the flexibility. But you will find that most MacOS utilities are just port of Linux utilities. There are always issues with 99% adaptations, so make the full jump.
So I'm confused - is this the latest macbook air?
Yes, it is.
WiFi connectivity only! :~((
Not exactly... only out of the box. You can connect using usb with the right cable, sold in Apple Store.
Okay I'm in!
Thanks. a great giveaway !!! :D
I love my macbook air. I use to have a macbook pro that finally broke after 5 years and I figured since I also have an iMac I didn't really need a macbook pro anymore, since the iMac does all the serious computing I need, so I went with the air. I love it because I travel with it to and from school and use it to take notes in all my classes as well as kill some time between classes. Its perfect in class because of the small desks some universities like to use. I also fly back home a lot so it has been great to use on the plane since it is so small. I have the 11 inch model.
Awesome stuff, Chris. Thanks for sharing! How are you coping with the 11" screen?
It was really weird at first because I had grown accustomed to viewing things on my iMac which is 24 inches but after maybe 2 days I got use to it.
Entered, after reading this review I understand why people love Apple computers... Just by looking at the packaging you see it was well-made.
The owner guide is also very clean and simple, not requiring much of the user to understand it...
After this now I want my own Mac :)
Hope to win this. Excited!!
Well the windows vista laptop is on it's way out so a new macbook would be cool & the price is right!
amazing giveaway.......let it to be mine
Please, i need this to port around from libraries and when doing health blog updates.
Fingers crossed :D
this will be the one of the greatest give away ever.....
Woohoo! I have been waiting for this for the longest time!!!!
As always, an excellent product review.
Thank you, Bruce!
@makeuseof: Nice giveaway.
Love to have it & work on it :)
Holy Cow! Me = Want!! :-D
Not an Apple user and I too find the touch-pad not easy to use but maybe it's because I am not using one right now.
Great machine, could do with one for free ;)
THIS is what I really want! Hopefully October will be my lucky month, because my birthday is on October! :)
in a related topic... can i put linux on that thing? to me that would totally increase its value... has anyone tried something like that?
Yes you can. Its is easy. I run ubuntu on my iMac and its the same process. The only thing I would watch out for is the fact that the macbook air does not have a lot of memory. Thats why I dont dual boot on my air. At least with my iMac i have a 1TB hard drive so I was able to give ubuntu 200 gigs.
thank you sir, hope apple doesnt get angy when i go ubuntu on their toys :)
Make sure you completely back up your computer before ever attempting it incase things go wrong. Apple wont get mad since its your computer and you can do what you want with it, however, they will not offer any support on using windows/linux on your mac so you will be on your own with that.
.. on Mac, you use "reFit" to enable dual-boot. Be careful about writing to he Mac partition, because Ubuntu's hfs+ does not have the journalling bug.
Nice giveaway. Good luck to all of us ;)
Wow! That is a nice computer.
This is awesome giveaway. Thanks
definite must have!!!
I have a strange feeling - I think I'll win...
maybe sometimes dreams can come true :))
This is awesome giveaway
Hope to win isA :)
i really want this.......thanks for giveaway...
I have no any words for describing this giveaway.. Its Super awesome giveaway in which I had ever participated yet.
done...oh Christmas is so early...
Excelent review and giveaway. Thanks Jackson...
Thanks, Rigoberto!
I want this!
This one will really come in handy for most days of work.
Entered!
Three small grammar issues.
"The lack of a network port did irk me FOR at one point."
"In fact, IT'S cannot be upgraded."
"The configuration you purchase it in WILL BE REMAIN so for the next 4-5 years, or until you get a new one."
I take it you never read the article about how to NOT be a troll. -.-
Like.
Like how after writing a massive article I'm sure they don't appreciate some guy nit picking three small grammar issues. Sometimes these things slip through the cracks. Okay, you noticed, but frankly, who cares?
Some people just comment (on articles, forums, etc.) because they can...
Anyway, the MacBook Air is a pretty one. If I were a (very) rich person, I'd probably put one on my desk just for aesthetic purposes ;-) *dreaming on*
Thanks Jackson for this nice detailed and realistic article.
I meant no harm by my comment and I hardly think it can be categorized as "trolling." If I wrote an article and took the amount of time I'm sure this author did to write it I'd want to know what final touches it needed to negate all cosmetic blemishes.
Far be it from me to comment on an article attempting to help an author out, and far be it from the author to think I wasn't meaning wrong it.
Comments on grammar are normally welcomed by publications, blogs etc. Forgive my laziness for not seeking out the email of the author to deal with this privately.
If you are sensitive of your work to the point you don't want grammatical correctness... well I wouldn't even know what to think.
And if you win this it would have cost you Oh that's right nothing be kind...
Perhaps instead of calling them out in public you could have told them about it privately so they could fix it. I'm sure you've never made any mistakes in life...
You just had to point that out didn't you? Well do you feel better? One only pust others down in order to elevate themselves,,, too bad for you. I'm sorry you feel so badly about yourself.Really.
wonderful article, Jackson, very informative. thank you.
Thank you!
I tnihk its dsigrcafuel taht yuod tkae the tmie out of yuor bsuy scehdlue to psot scuh a piotnlses cmmonet!
auboselty!!!
made my day ! LMAO !
Great review and another great giveaway!
But I've heard a lot of people say that the life of the Air is much less that the Pro. Is that true?
I hope I win - going to University next week :D
Good luck to everyone!
Well, the MacBook Air is definitely less powerful and less capacious compared to the MacBook Pro. If you use it for less CPU-intensive work, it might be able to last just as long as the MBP. The purpose of owning a MBA is mainly for portability and convenience, and for that, there's definitely a premium.
If you're looking for longevity, you should really get the MBP.
I feel Asus zenbooks are also good ones..