What are the differences between the MacBook Air and the "regular" MacBook?

Upon viewing the respective specifications pages for the MacBook Air and a "regular" MacBook -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Black- Early 2008), for example -- two users might come to very different conclusions. A style-conscious user might view the MacBook Air as sleek and beautiful and the "regular" MacBook as comparatively clunky. A cynical user might instead view the MacBook Air as half the system for twice the price.

Both of these viewpoints could be legitimate. Most would agree that the MacBook does look rather "clunky" compared to the MacBook Air.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (MacBook Air - Left, MacBook - Right)

Likewise, there is no denying that the MacBook Air does have substantial limitations compared to the "regular" MacBook in performance (it's slower and uses the same lackluster integrated graphics), connectivity (it only has one USB 2.0 port and no onboard Ethernet, compared to the "regular" MacBook with two USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "400" port, Gigabit Ethernet, and optical digital audio in/out), and expansion (no swappable battery or upgradable RAM and it is a pain to upgrade the hard drive, compared to the "regular" MacBook which has a swappable battery, upgradable RAM, and it is relatively simple to upgrade the hard drive). The "regular" MacBook also has a convenient internal optical drive whereas the MacBook Air requires the usage of an external one or software workarounds.

A fan of the MacBook Air would no doubt shoot back that the MacBook Air has a better keyboard -- due to backlighting and an ambient light sensor -- a superior LED-backlit display, and a clever new trackpad that supports "multi-touch gesturing" (two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag). A fan also would object to the "twice as expensive" comment, remark that the MacBook Air is a full two pounds lighter, and note that it really only truly costs twice as much in the stock SSD configuration for US$3098 (the cheapest MacBook costs US$1099 and the cheapest MacBook Air is US$1799).

These differences are perhaps summarized most conveniently in a chart:

	MacBook Air	MacBook "Early 2008"
Processor Speeds:	1.6-1.8 GHz	2.1-2.4 GHz
Video System:	Intel GMA X3100	Intel GMA X3100
Video Type:	Integrated	Integrated
Video Memory:	144 MB*	144 MB*
Display Size:	13.3"	13.3"
Backlighting:	LED	CCFL
Native Resolution:	1280x800	1280x800
Ext. Display:	1920x1200	1920x1200
Hard Drive Size:	80 GB†	120, 160, 250 GB
Hard Drive Type:	PATA (ZIF)	Serial ATA
Default Memory:	2 GB	1, 2 GB
Max Memory:	2 GB	4 GB
Gigabit Ethernet:	No††	Yes
USB 2.0:	Yes (1)	Yes (2)
Firewire 400:	No	Yes (1)
Optical Audio In/Out:	No	Yes
Ambient KB:	Yes	No
Multitouch Trackpad:	Yes	No
SuperDrive:	Optional (External)	Standard (Internal)
Swappable Battery:	No	Yes
Case Color:	Silver	White or Black
Size (Inches):	.16-.76 x 12.8 x 8.94	1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92
Weight:	3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)	5.0 lbs (2.27 kg)
Max Battery Life:	5 Hours§	4.5 Hours§
Intro Price Range:	US$1799-US$3098	US$1099-US$1499

* Both systems "borrow" main memory for video function. Minimum graphics memory usage is 144 MB.

† A 64 GB SSD version is available as a US$999 upgrade, or configured along with a 1.8 GHz processor for US$3098 total.

†† An external 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter is available for US$29, but due to the bandwidth limitations of USB 2.0, the MacBook Air cannot support Gigabit (10/100/1000Base-T) Ethernet.

§ Maximum battery life as reported by the manufacturer. Please refer to "What is the battery life of the MacBook Air in real-world usage tests?" for objective third-party information.

Ultimately, the MacBook Air and MacBook are two very different types of notebooks targeting two very different types of users. The MacBook is a relatively compact, relatively inexpensive system designed for day-to-day use by a mass audience, whereas the MacBook Air is a premium product for those who want a beautiful, lightweight notebook and are willing to sacrifice affordability, performance, connectivity, and expansion to save weight and gain style. Which notebook is the ideal choice for you is really a decision that only you can make.

Also see: What are the "pros and cons" of the MacBook Air? Is it the right Apple notebook for my needs?

Site sponsor PowerMax sells the MacBook Air and MacBook, as well as the MacBook Pro.