I got mine because I am a gadget freak. When the Air first came out last year, I knew that one day we would meet. That day came about 2 weeks ago. I have never used a Mac, but planned on getting an MBA and putting windows 7 on it. I figured that would be the best of both worlds. I tend to be a bit thrifty as well, but usually don't hold back much when it comes to gadgets (of the electronic kind). I have used a Dell XT (convertible tablet) for quite some time as my thin and light main PC. I have had about 4-5 netbooks over the last year in an attempt to have a super small light unit for travel and basically internet anywhere (I have software on my cell phone that allows it to become a wifi router). But the MBA has always been in the back of my mind. About a month ago, I found out the MBA can run windows, so I started scanning ebay for a good deal. 2 weeks ago I finally pulled the trigger on a used (in very good shape) rev A that I thought was a great deal. When I got it, I was thrilled! I loved it, caressed the aluminum body (I know that sounds wrong, but I KNOW you all did, and probably still do, don't deny it!). During the 3 days I had it, I became thrilled with the OS as well. Fast, looks good and very functional. Now I say "during the 3 days I had it" because I quickly realized the rev B had better graphics, bus speed, no hinge issue, and larger HD. Once I found out the rev B was as cheap as a used rev A at Best Buy on clearance, I went and got one. So since then, I have purchased the following accessories (I already had a Pioneer USB DVD burner):
1. Time Capsule (coming next week and I can't wait!).
2. Extra magsafe charger for work.
3. UPB70 external battery (thin and light) with Magsafe connector for 2-3 times the battery life when traveling.
4. Saitek round dome mini travel USB hub.
5. Leather lawyer's portfolio that will hold the MBA and UPB70 battery when needed.
6. Leather portfolio with shoulder strap for travel.
7. Pleather slipcase with felt lining for daily use.
8. Snow Leopard.
9. Parallels ( and installed windows 7).
So in the last 2 weeks I have gone from Windows Vista and 7, to MBA with SL, and loving the change. The following are what converted me:
1. Ambiant light sensor (I had no idea Macs had this).
2. Backlit keyboard (what a thrill to see that come on for the first time in combination with number 1!).
3. Form factor- spectacular!
4. Leopard OS (fast and simple)
5. Touchpad- I love this thing! I have yet to find a windows machine with a pad like this.
6. Magsafe- just a cool little connector. High on the gadget scale.
7. Aluminum body- No cheesy plastic here.
8. Time machine- what a sweet backup system! I quickly saw the advantage of getting a Time Capsule and hope mine arrives tomorrow.
And to think all this simplicity and joy could have been had over a year ago (but at a MUCH higher cost, which eliminated the possibility). So if anybody feels the cost is still too high, consider the following:
1. Rev B MBA brand new for $840
2. Time Capsule for $150 online
3. External battery to double or triple run time when traveling for $46 (now this one is questionable, but battery was used on ebay for $22 with shipping, plus Magsafe adapter from China for $25, but I dont have this yet, so have not tested yet.
4. Nice slip case for $25.
5. Extra charger for $27 (ebay).
A complete MBA with all the accessories needed to fully enjoy, on the road, at home or at work for around $1100 (including automatic backups, wirelessly even!)! I got my gadget fix for this month!
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