I’m thinking of getting this macbook air:
ModelMacBook Air
Size and weightHeight: 0.16-0.76 inch (0.4-1.94 cm)
Width: 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.94 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg)
Processor1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Storage80GB 4200-rpm Parallel ATA hard disk drive
Environmental status reportMacBook Air embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It consumes the least amount of power of any Mac and is also designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:
* Highly recyclable aluminum enclosure
* Mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free glass
* PVC-free internal cables
* Largely recyclable, low-volume packaging
* Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
* MacBook Air received a Silver rating from EPEAT
Display13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display with support for millions of colors
Supported resolutions: 1280 by 800 (native), 1152 by 720, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, 800 by 500, 720 by 480, and 640 by 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio
Graphics and video supportPure digital video output:
* DVI output using micro-DVI to DVI adapter (included)
* VGA output using micro-DVI to VGA adapter (included)
* Composite output using micro-DVI to video adapter (optional)
* S-video output using micro-DVI to video adapter (optional)
* Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory
* Extended desktop and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
* Built-in iSight camera
Input
* Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)
* Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor for automatic adjustment of keyboard illumination and screen brightness
* Solid-state trackpad with multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
Wireless
* Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
* Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Peripheral connections
* Audio out
* USB 2.0 port (up to 480 Mbps)
* Micro-DVI
Audio
* Analog audio output/headphone out (minijack)
* Built-in mono speaker
* Built-in omnidirectional microphone
Battery and power
* Integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
* 45W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system
* MagSafe power adapter port
Are they fast? Also how long battery life do these things get?
The MacBook Air is best suited for one who places a premium on weight rather than performance.
However, an objective "pros and cons" may be useful to decide for yourself:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/macbook-air-faq/macbook-air-advantages-and-disadvantages.html
For MacBook Air performance, specifically, this may be of interest:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/macbook-air-faq/macbook-air-mid-2009-late-2008-nvidia-performance-comparison.html
For "real world" battery life:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/macbook-air-faq/macbook-air-nvidia-late-2008-battery-life-real-world-tests.html
Hope this helps!