I’ve been using the Macbook Air for a couple of months now.  I decided to convert my Macbook Pro into a Windows Vista machine.  I’ve been having wireless problems in Mac OS X, but for some reason I don’t have the same problems when running Vista on that machine.  I use that machine for testing websites and running Windows only applications.  For the most part the Macbook Air is plenty of machine for what I need to do and I figure in times where it can’t I can pack the Macbook Pro and the Macbook Air into my bag when I travel and still keep my bag under 10 pounds.

As for the specs, the Macbook Air is really small.  It’s about 13″ wide and 3/4″ thick weighing in at 3 pounds.  This is it’s main selling point of course.  I got the low end machine with the 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, micro-DVI, 1 USB, and audio out port.  The Macbook Air has shared graphics running on Intel’s X3100 which supports 1920×1200 resolution on an external monitor through the micro-DVI port.  The model also includes built-in iSight, backlight keyboard, Bluetooth, and 802.11N wireless.

A lot of people would probably say that this machine is a downgrade from my Macbook Pro.  For the most part it is, but I decided it was enough machine for what I needed to do.  The lack of an optical drive isn’t really an issue for me.  All my data is stored online either through my webservers, email, or online storage like .Mac or DropBox.  I’ve tested the Remote Disc feature and it works fine, but I rarely have to do any installs via CD or DVD.  Everything else can be accessed through my other computers on my home network.  The lack of an ethernet port isn’t really an issue.  Running 802.11n is fast enough in most situations to transfer large amounts of data or doing Time Machine backups.

As for the processor, it’s enough power.  This machine has no problem with the web development programming, blogging, email, word processing, iTunes, or iPhoto.  Photoshop is a little slower, but I don’t really work with large layered files so it really isn’t an issue for me.  I always keep Mail, Adium, and Skype open and I have no issues with those applications as well.  Video conferencing and audio chats work as expected.

The big thing is how small and light the machine really is.  When I’m out traveling it’s nice having a dedicated Windows and Mac OS X machine and for light traveling it’s a nice replacement to my Macbook Pro.  I haven’t had any trouble in the airports that some people have reported in the blogs I read.

For the most part I’m very happy with the machine.  I would say if it is your primary machine you might need more.  It makes a great secondary machine.  If you have a PC and want a Mac also this might be the machine for you.  I do the majority of my work on this machine and it hasn’t let me down yet.  As far as price goes, if you are a basic user on a budget there’s no reason not to buy a standard Macbook.  Also if it is your primary machine and you are spending the money for a Macbook Air you should consider a Macbook Pro instead.  As of right now I think this machine is in its own niche.  I would only say buy this machine if you need the portability.  Otherwise consider one of the other models.