The MacBook Air is Apple's first foray into a crowded ultraportable market that has seen its share of very light, very capable products from companies including Sony, Lenovo, and Fujitsu, among others. Here's a fast look at how they stack up.
MacBook Air: Sleek & light
The MacBook Air is lightweight and well-balanced--and one of our editors, Senior Product Editor Melissa Perenson had no difficulties lifting this 3-pound notebook up one-handed. Unlike most notebook computers, the MacBook Air has a clean, tapered, uniform look when closed.
MacBook Air: What's missing, what's there
There is no optical drive in the MacBook Air, but that isn't unusual for laptops in this class. It only has three ports (a headphone jack, one USB 2.0 port and one Mini-DVI port), and no Ethernet--and its battery is sealed into the case. But its keyboard is already being compared to the popular MacBook and its large (for this class) 13.3-inch monitor boasts 1280 X 800 resolution.
Fujitsu Q2010: Mighty close
It's been around a few years, but the Fujitsu Q2010 is about as slim as the MacBook Air and somewhat lighter. It has a smaller (12.1-inch) screen than the MacBook Air, which boasts a 13.3-inch screen.
The Q2010 has integrated Wi-Fi 802.11abg, as well as Bluetooth v. 2.0, and enough ports and slots to keep you running the basics and then some (integrated SD Card slot on the left hand side, plus headphones and microphone jacks and a convenient volume wheel). And did we mention that it is extremely light (2.2 pounds)? It comes in 40GB or 80GB configurations. But you better hurry if you want one. They're getting quite hard to find.
Lenovo Thinkpad X61: The current champ
The X61 has become one of the most popular ultraportables in the corporate world (and is the current reigning leader in the PC World rankings). It's not an accident. It's fast and has astonishing battery life.
While heftier than either the Fujitsu or the MacBook Air at 3.6 pounds, this performance champion has a tip-top keyboard, a 12.1-inch screen, is reasonably priced, and uses Intel's Santa Rosa processor.
Sony VGN-TZ150N/B: Beauty contest
This is the ultraportable Apple seems to be most interested in challenging, and in truth, it is probably the nicest looking PC laptop on the market. But looks can be deceiving: our Test Center found it to be quite slow. But it is a beauty.
The VGN-TZ150N/B has a glossy piano-black keyboard, a sturdy carbon-fiber exterior, and a 2.7-pound minimum weight.The 11.1-inch, LED-backlit, 1366-by-768-pixel screen is very bright, which makes it easy to read despite its small size. The individual keys are slightly raised above the surface of the keyboard for fairly easy touch typing. Another nice feature: two dedicated slots for using an SD Card and Memory Stick simultaneously.
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D-Link Australia & New Zealand
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Featured Products
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IP BASED PHONE SYSTEM
D-Link VoiceCenter
D-Link VoiceCenter is an IP based phone system designed to meet the needs of small businesses. D-Link have solely partnered with Microsoft to package Microsoft’s Response Point software to bring you VoiceCenter. For more info on VoiceCenter's products and events please visit: http://voicecenter.dlink.com.au -
AWARD WINNING STORAGE
DNS-343 4-Bay NAS Enclosure
D-Links new 4-bay network attached storage enclosure has just received ZDNet's Editor's Choice award and a rating of 9 out of 10 by Craig Simms from CNET See the review here. The DNS-343 release followed the great success of its smaller sibling the 2-bay DNS-323. Targeted at both the home IT enthusiast and commercial users needing a flexible storage solution the DNS-343 is showing good market performance. -
EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS ONE
DSA-3600 Multi-Service Gateway
Any business that’s serious about networking must consider installing this gateway. Feature rich the DSA-3600 multi-service business gateway is a complete network solution that delivers reliable and cost-effective services to SMB and enterprise branch offices. Perfect for setting up a commercial grade wireless connection for the office the unit is simple and easy to manage. -
WI-FI FOR MOBILE WORK SITES
DIR-451 Mobile 3G Router
Perfect for mobile and temporary work-sites the mobile 3G router quickly and easily can connect your site back to the office. Recently the United States Air Force has used D-Link Mobile 3G routers on its remote base camps to connect soldiers with other Air Force departments, local agencies, friends and families. To see the complete case study click here.
New Products
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XTREME
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DIR-855
The highly anticipated simultaneous broadcasting dual band wireless N router has arrived. The DIR-855 is set to make massive waves and take home/SOHO wireless networking to a new generation. Unlike other networking manufacturers who promote dual band the new DIR-855 will provide users simultaneous dual band wireless networks, opening up another range of opportunities for wireless networking. - DUAL BAND USB ADAPTER
DWA-160 Xtreme N USB Wi-Fi
The new dual band wireless N USB adapter is ideal for simultaneous dual band environments. For example in apartment buildings where there are heavily congested 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or at the home stream HD video over the network and making VoIP calls at the same time.
Coming Soon
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WI-FI ACCESS POINT/BRIDGE
DAP-1522 Xtreme N Duo
A new addition to the Xtreme N family this wireless N access point/bridge effectively doubles available wireless bandwidth. Designed for users looking to get a true wireless connection that can handle multiple High-Definition video streaming throughout the house it can take the home network to a new level. - GOT NAKED DSL
DVA-G3670B ADSL2+ Wireless G VoIP Modem Router
Naked DSL customers now have the perfect feature rich product solution the DVA-G3670B to take advantage of naked DSL features. This ADSL2+ (naked DSL compatible) modem Wireless G router comes with 2 VoIP phone connections and is ideal for the growing market who don't want to pay the unnecessary line rental fee. Ultimately this unit is an ideal all-in-one home network solution and even SOHO small business solution.
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Case Studies
- DIR-451 Mobile 3G Router - United States Air Force Case Study (104K PDF)
- IP Based Surveillance - Minneapolis Airport Hangar Case Study (180K PDF)
- Commercial Grade Wireless - Four Points Sheraton Hotel Case Study (300K PDF)
- Business Class Switching - Microsoft Campus Case Study (800K PDF)
- High Bandwidth Networking Solution - Team Emirates New Zealand Case Study (751K PDF)
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Buying Guides
