MacBook Air Thoughts and Logitech MX518 Mini review
As I’m sure you’re well aware of, Apple announced their “amazing” new laptop at MacWorld yesterday. Out of the laptop department I was hoping for new MacBook Pros, so that they would be new and shiny, but come down in price by the time I’m on the market (about a year and a half).
This new model, the “Air” is just trying too hard to move forward and in the process moving backwards. For me, at least.
The Proverbial Horse
One might say Apple is beating a dead horse here, with going thinner and smaller than ever before. I think this is more of a case of setting up their competitors to do that. Apple has now officially killed the horse, opening a door for companies like Sony to start the mega horse beat down.
The first thing that gets me is the keyboard. I’m totally down with the new style they brought out for the new iMacs- a style that I think is right on the line of “thinness” - but this seems like there isn’t a strong enough base to type on. It could be strong, but if it’s really thin, it would sort of be uncomfortable, at least that’s what it looks like.
Then there’s the whole “it comes stock and you can’t do anything about it, hah!” part, which is already turning off some potential buyers. I think Apple should take a look at all their computers and compromise a little shape for easier to access memory and hard drives. Sure, most Macs can be taken apart and take your new parts, but it’s not something you want to be doing for the first time on your main machine.
All things considered, I think it doesn’t live up to it’s hype, but upon using one I would likely sway. Sort of like the new iPod nanos and aforementioned keyboards- they’re much better in person.
Logitech MX518
I got a new mouse today, and I have to say, it is a few thousand steps up from the stupid wired mighty mouse. I would personally never go wireless on a mouse (personal preference), but that doesn’t matter as this new one has a tail as well.
It’s more or less a gaming mouse, which gives it some cool features I’m sure I’ll never fully take advantage of, but cool nonetheless. It goes for a total of 8 buttons, and has on the fly sensitivity changing (3 settings). It worked right away with the Mac functions (ie an intuitive exposé control, etc…) and has some other functions that only work with their included Windows software.
If you’re looking for a reasonably affordable mouse for any purpose, from gaming to listening to music, I’d put a personal stamp of recommendation on this one. It’s one of those things that impresses you to the point where you need to talk about it. Especially if you’re coming off a Might Mouse whose 360 degree scroll wheel only went up.
Leave a comment
Alan Johnson
January 17th, 2008 at 3:35 PM
From what I’ve read, I’ve noticed that a lof of people out there are not exactly thrilled about the new Mac laptop, even with all of its features and even with its design.
Alan Johnson
Zach K
January 20th, 2008 at 7:00 AM
I feel the same way about the MBA. I might be perfectly fine if I did try it, but I don’t think I’d get one. I’d be constantly worried about snapping it or something.
As for the MX518, I just got an MX Revolution that I am very happy with. I’d highly recommend this as a wireless mouse. Even though it’s not advertised as “For Mac” it works great on Mac. I guess it just depends on if you want wired or wireless.
Ben
January 24th, 2008 at 8:43 AM
I know what you mean about the keyboard. I guess I’d have to have a go on one to know how it feels for sure, but I imagine it doesn’t feel sturdy enough for my liking. Think I’ll stick with the one I’ve got for now at least.
Brandon
January 30th, 2008 at 11:21 PM
The MX518 is awesome. I’ve had mine for about 2 years. I’m a gamer, so that’s what I got it for. Very good sensitivity, almost never loses tracking. I’m addicted to the side buttons now though. When you’re using a web browser, they make it go back and forward. Anytime I’m surfing the web on another computer, I miss those buttons greatly. It sounds really lazy, but once you get used to it, going back stinks.
Steven Fergus
February 1st, 2008 at 9:39 AM
I have the MX510 and I think it’s a great mouse. I originally got it when I was into gaming a little - I no longer game - and it served it’s purpose very well. I’ve recently bought a new laptop - early this week - and I’ll be looking out for a wireless mouse to buy.
Jalaj
February 4th, 2008 at 5:19 AM
Innovative thinking, mouse (wireless) with tail. good!
Jalaj
February 5th, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Mac earlier was all about integration. While PC came with seperate CPU and monitor, Mac came one-piece.
Opposite to this, Macbook air is all about disintegration and to access a CD/DVD you will have to rely on bulky accessories that you cannot always take with you.
Freebies
February 6th, 2008 at 11:40 AM
It’s almost as if the new laptop is a bit TOO thin. I’d be far too afraid of breaking it simply because it looks so fragile.
paulette
March 9th, 2008 at 4:07 AM
Thats a cool mouse.I just have doubt in the longevity of the battery of wireless mouse and durablity of it.
Miracle Blade
March 18th, 2008 at 11:18 PM
I don’t see any value in the MacBook Air. It’s just thin. So what?
custom dvdr
April 29th, 2008 at 6:11 AM
so it’s thin :]
wireless Keyboard and Mouse
June 4th, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Although the mac is thin and looks cool I am not willing to dish out so much money to get one. I was looking to get a mac book pro a few months back, and I saved just over 1000 dollars by getting a simmilar beefed up Dell. Not the same but I still have a laptop as well as 1000 to show for. As for the Logitech MX518 Mini, it is a great mouse, I use it all the time and it is a great one. Not sure if it is the best when it comes to gaming, but its great for doing internet surffing, ,and all the other acivities….Nice post, thanks for the review.
digipro wp8060
June 15th, 2008 at 1:25 PM
The mac book air really is a great computer. I am mostly into design I use photoshop a lot and I use my macbook air with my digipro wp8060 alot. I am very happy with how this two products work together. Thanks for posting the review!
Peter
July 11th, 2008 at 2:06 AM
I am not sure how great the mac book air is. In comparison to ther macs like the pro. Ok its thin and everything and it looks cool. But is it really worth the price?
Brook
July 12th, 2008 at 7:43 PM
The Logitech MX518 Mini is a great mouse in my oppinion. I think it is great. very portable and the price is not that bad either.
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