Apple Did it Again...Or Did They?

In more ways than one, size is the most attractive feature of the MacBook Air, the eye-popping new laptop from Apple.

When closed, the computer is about three-quarters of an inch thick at its fattest point. The MacBookPro, in comparison, is an inch thick. Nonetheless, the Air packs a 13.3-inch screen and a standard keyboard, both larger than comparable notebooks. As an added bonus, the keypad is backlit like those of the Pro, so you can see it in a darkened aircraft cabin or conference room.

The Air also has a big trackpad that works sort of like the touchscreen on an iPhone.

The computer's undeniable "wow" factor, however, should not obscure features that could prove nettlesome for some laptop users.

For starters, the Air lacks an Ethernet port and relies almost entirely on Wi-Fi hotspots to reach the Internet.You can find other ways to log on if you need to, but you may have to buy and carry extra equipment.

Users, meanwhile, can't replace the Air's battery, estimated to last between four and five hours before it needs to be charged again. So if you rely on spare laptop batteries on the road, you could be out of luck.

Another turnoff, at least for me, is the Air's single USB port. How will I ever sync my iPod and work from a flash drive at the same time?

Device: MacBook Air

Price: $1,799

Grade: B+

[Sidebar]

The computers undeniable "wow" factor should not obscure features that could prove nettlesome.