Hi MacForums!
I'm a long time reader who decided to finally register and post a simple review of my 1.1 ghz space grey MacBook I've had over the last week. Overall I'm really impressed with this little device.
As like many others I had my initial concerns of whether or not this computer could keep up with my everyday tasks. I was looking at the 11.6 air for probably a few months since I wanted something lighter and easier to haul with me daily other than my 13.3 inch pro. I was holding off with anticipation of this computers release as it was rumored on here for many months.
My needs were that I travel a lot and utilize several operating systems daily and I also need to run some process intensive software from time to time so this was a serious buy for me. But I really wanted something to handle the day-to-day grind without making my bagpack or shoulder bag feel like bag of bricks between the device and charger. I was also concerned with lugging around my pro everywhere, I love my pro and wanted to not constantly carry it everywhere. I know that the device didn't have to live up to what my pro could do but it had to suffice with daily tasks when on the go.
I was also concerned with the USB type C since I use several different USB storage devices on a regular basis. So on with my findings...
To my pleasure this little device has been nothing but fantastic. The processor *is* noticeably slower but not to the point that it annoys me. Any casual usage goes without notice (Internet surfing, basic tasks, word processoring). My main concern was how well it would hold up to running multiple virtual interfaces/ operating systems and so far it has amazed me as it handles it with little slow down, and this is with the 1.1 ghz processor! For those concerned with even the base MacBook speeds you can relax, it's not as bad as the speed tests results that are starting off some people. My only gripe is minor in that I have noticed though that it will heat up a bit more when processing multiple things but it is quick to cool down once it's through with its heavy task. I do love the fan-less operation of this little guy, it is super quiet!
As for the keyboard I think this will be a personal thing for each user to decide. I have used it quite a bit and have found I really do like it. When I move back to my pro I actually miss it now.
The USB type C thing has also not been a hinderance. I found the single adapter to sometimes be a bit a unreliable, and that some devices don't like it for whatever reason. But what has made this easy for me is the new SanDisk Dual USB type C device that has 32GB of storage and has a USB 3.0 on the reverse side. http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/dualdrive-type-c/
This drive has helped me move files in between the MacBook and my other devices really easy.
The screen has been as superb as any retina device, no complaints there. I'm glad they incorporated the black border like the pro's over the silver ones they were using on the airs.
The battery life has been lasting on par with my 2013 13.3 inch pro. I have also left the device in standby for a a few days with only minimal power loss.
Overall very happy. I've been struggling to find ways not to like it. I also really enjoy carrying a much smaller charger around too. It helps in the fight to cut down on weight and the size of things I have in my bag daily.
I hope this helps some of you with any decisions you make moving forward.
I'm a long time reader who decided to finally register and post a simple review of my 1.1 ghz space grey MacBook I've had over the last week. Overall I'm really impressed with this little device.
As like many others I had my initial concerns of whether or not this computer could keep up with my everyday tasks. I was looking at the 11.6 air for probably a few months since I wanted something lighter and easier to haul with me daily other than my 13.3 inch pro. I was holding off with anticipation of this computers release as it was rumored on here for many months.
My needs were that I travel a lot and utilize several operating systems daily and I also need to run some process intensive software from time to time so this was a serious buy for me. But I really wanted something to handle the day-to-day grind without making my bagpack or shoulder bag feel like bag of bricks between the device and charger. I was also concerned with lugging around my pro everywhere, I love my pro and wanted to not constantly carry it everywhere. I know that the device didn't have to live up to what my pro could do but it had to suffice with daily tasks when on the go.
I was also concerned with the USB type C since I use several different USB storage devices on a regular basis. So on with my findings...
To my pleasure this little device has been nothing but fantastic. The processor *is* noticeably slower but not to the point that it annoys me. Any casual usage goes without notice (Internet surfing, basic tasks, word processoring). My main concern was how well it would hold up to running multiple virtual interfaces/ operating systems and so far it has amazed me as it handles it with little slow down, and this is with the 1.1 ghz processor! For those concerned with even the base MacBook speeds you can relax, it's not as bad as the speed tests results that are starting off some people. My only gripe is minor in that I have noticed though that it will heat up a bit more when processing multiple things but it is quick to cool down once it's through with its heavy task. I do love the fan-less operation of this little guy, it is super quiet!
As for the keyboard I think this will be a personal thing for each user to decide. I have used it quite a bit and have found I really do like it. When I move back to my pro I actually miss it now.
The USB type C thing has also not been a hinderance. I found the single adapter to sometimes be a bit a unreliable, and that some devices don't like it for whatever reason. But what has made this easy for me is the new SanDisk Dual USB type C device that has 32GB of storage and has a USB 3.0 on the reverse side. http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/dualdrive-type-c/
This drive has helped me move files in between the MacBook and my other devices really easy.
The screen has been as superb as any retina device, no complaints there. I'm glad they incorporated the black border like the pro's over the silver ones they were using on the airs.
The battery life has been lasting on par with my 2013 13.3 inch pro. I have also left the device in standby for a a few days with only minimal power loss.
Overall very happy. I've been struggling to find ways not to like it. I also really enjoy carrying a much smaller charger around too. It helps in the fight to cut down on weight and the size of things I have in my bag daily.
I hope this helps some of you with any decisions you make moving forward.