The Best Computer I’ve Ever Owned

After six months with my 11" MacBook Air, I can confidently say— it’s the best computer I’ve ever owned.

If you're curious for more detail, read on.

Before the Air

Before switching to the Air, I went through a series of custom-built PCs, pre-built laptops, and one MacBook1. My PCs were multipurpose, supporting everything from gaming to map drafting. The MacBook transition was mainly for creative work, like photography and podcasting, made easier by Bootcamp’s ability to run the few Windows applications I still needed.

Why the Switch?

Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey toward minimalism— not just for its own sake, but to reduce life's excesses and focus on essentials. Simultaneously, I transitioned to living car-free, which meant being more intentional about what I carried daily. With a single bag for my essentials, this shift forced me to reconsider every piece of technology I owned.

Why the Air?

The 11" MacBook Air does everything I need without the weight or bulk. My previous MacBook had ports I never used, a disc drive that gathered dust, and a 13" screen that often remained closed as I worked with an external monitor. Stripping away these extras felt right, and the Air was a clear choice with only the essentials— USB ports, a display port, and lightweight portability.

The decision to go with the 11" model over the 13" was easy. At home, where I do the bulk of my work (photo editing and the odd coding, I mean cutting and pasting), I’m connected to a 24" monitor. For writing and email on the road, 11" is perfectly sufficient.

My Air, My Thoughts

The MacBook Air is a powerhouse:

  • Fast: The SSD combined with the i5 processor makes everything from photo editing to multi-tasking a breeze.
  • Light: It’s the lightest computer I’ve ever owned. I sometimes forget it’s in my bag.
  • Responsive: Whether it’s macOS Lion, the hardware, or my optimized software setup, my Air is more responsive than any previous device. It’s a productivity boost, if only because I always have it with me.

And yes, the sleek design is a bonus—it doesn’t hurt to look cool while working2.

Final Thoughts

I’ll defend to anyone that this is the best computer I’ve ever owned. Period3. My daily work— writing, photography, and a bit of audio editing fits perfectly with what the Air offers. While I may upgrade eventually, I can see myself holding onto this Air far longer than any previous computer.

Yes, I didn’t touch on a few limitations, like the need for extra USB ports or a dedicated audio line-in4. But these are minor and manageable with standard home setup accessories.

I'm not an Apple FanBoy. I just appreciate products that work well and look great. My MacBook Air does both. If you're in the market for a new computer, consider what you truly need— and whether a MacBook Air might be a match.

  1. An aluminum unibody model before "Pro" was added to the name.

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  2. Every bit helps.

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  3. It’s not ideal for every task or person, and yes, sometimes I wish I had a top-of-the-line iMac. But those moments are few and far between.

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  4. My main gripe is reconnecting my Air to an external monitor, which requires a restart for the color profile to sync. This has been unique to the Air, and it’s my biggest annoyance.

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Webmentions

  1. kvl.me
  2. kvl.me