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News July 20, 2009
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Ides of Macbook Air

Gear Diary Ides of Macbook Air photo

I’m recently experiencing deja vu!  I’m on an international trip, I of course, bring along a small notebook to do some light computing on holiday.  The computer breaks down…

I had carried my Dell Mini 9, fresh with a Runcore 64gSSD upgrade that had been operational for a couple of months of casual use.  I did a hard shut down as I was having IE problems.  (Surprise!)

And now it won’t boot, the boot sequence can’t find the SSD drive.  I’m guessing that the hard shutdown spoiled the boot sector, and everything is there just inaccessible.  Either way, I don’t have a computer that works until it gets back to Australia.

So taking note of Judie’s sort of recent Mac meltdown and an on road purchase of a Macbook Air, I have done the same and am now totally on Apple hardware!   So much for budgets, and I will have to sell lots on eBay upon return home, but really enjoying the Macbook Air!  What was that rumour about Mac Tablets?

But question for fellow Macbook Air enthusiasts..  What are your favourite accessories?

1. Is the Macbook Air SuperDrive really worth it?  Can’t I just share my Macbook Pro drive when I need one occasionally?

2. Since it is a slim sweet little machine, what’s the slimmest leather case?  I need to get one whilst I’m here as there is limited choice and high prices back home.

3. I do have a 250g portable drive to use as a time machine backup

4. What else do I need?

Mac Air is available from $1499 on the Apple Store or many electronic big box retailers.

What I Like: I was up and running within minutes thanks to Mobile Me!  The size and weight are fantastic!  The design and screen are delicious!

What I Don’t Like: High price for basically a netbook, I’m scared to death to carry it around Gear Diary Ides of Macbook Air photo

Related posts:

Apple Apparently Didn’t Get The Memo A Crash Course In One-Handed Blogging Moving Back to Windows from Mac: Why I made the Move to Mac Lost And Found- A Notebook Story With A Happy Ending

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About Drew Guttadore

View all posts by Drew Guttadore
Phones: iPhone, Vertu Interests: Phone Software, Phones, Phone Accessories
  • Judie Lipsett

    I think you were just looking for an excuse to get one…admit it! ;-)

    1. I have the superdrive, and it is very handy – especially when traveling.

    2. Beyza Cases Thinvelope – love it! http://www.geardiary.com/2008/05/23/the-beyza-cases-macbook-air-thinvelope-leather-case-review/

    3. Perfect!

    4. You may want to invest in the USB ethernet dongle – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a hotel that advertised wireless only to find that there wasn’t. Not being able to easily plug in a cable is no fun…get the dongle. :-P

    Don’t be afraid to USE it. Mine is my main machine, and it weathers daily abuse like you wouldn’t believe. :-)

  • Drew Guttadore

    Okay okay, I have always liked them, but really could have had a more fun intro! :-)

    My version came with the USB ethernet dongle, sealed in the box! Because I had thought of exactly thought. Apple must have sat up a bit!

    I’ll have a look at the Beyza! Long term, I’ll lust after a Vaja, but we know how that is! LOL!

  • Drew Guttadore

    Well I just ordered the Beyza envelope in black/black, and the price is down to $139! Much better.. Will put it in an old classy briefcase of mine with room for all the other bits and it will be perfect! Thanks for the tip! :-)

  • http://www.geardiary.com Judie Lipsett

    Oh, nice! I think I had to pay an extra $29 or so for mine! I am glad to hear that Apple got wise. :-)

    Vaja is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but once you get the Beyza you will marvel at the price you paid for what you got. Did you have your name embossed? Or are you already thinking ahead to how you will likely include the Thinvelope when you sell the Air.

    See? I know how you are!! ;-) LOL

  • Drew Guttadore

    Of course I didn’t get my initials put on it! ;-)

    But perhaps I should have, as I really like the form factor and if nothing else I can keep the case forever to shuttle documents as A4 paper will fit the case very nicely. Along with a pen and some business cards..

    But truly, your intuition is certainly more to the point! :-) LOL

  • Jeff Frantz

    Aside from a cheap Incase sleeve, the only real accessory I’ve purchased specifically for my MB Air is a Belkin USB extender. Due to the slight lip on the edge of the slide-down port, I’ve found a couple of USB items to be just a little too fat to fit – in particular, my 3G USB stick. Aside from that little issue, I’ve found it great for everyday use!

  • http://www.geardiary.com Judie Lipsett

    Yes! That’s another handy item. :-) )

  • Drew Guttadore

    I hadn’t really thought of that one, but that makes perfect sense! I’m also thinking I might need a multi port USB plug for the end of that extender. I can see my self using my 3G USB stick and a USB data stick at the same time..

    Thanks! :-)



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