Apple has released an ultraportable laptop computer called the MacBook Air. While this computer model offers a very light compact system, it has a stripped-down set of features and connections when compared to other Apple laptop models. The MacBook Air has room for only one USB port; does not include a built-in optical drive, FireWire, Ethernet, or mobile broadband connection; and has a small hard drive. It is a relatively expensive computer when compared to the full-featured MacBook or MacBook Pro laptop models.
Staff from the Office of Technology Services have tested the MacBook Air and recommend against purchasing it as a university standard computer. The MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop models are full-featured computers and a better choice for the university environment.
For additional details on the MacBook Air, go to {http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2008/02/11/Life/Tyler.Tech.Macbook.Air.Doesnt.Live.Up.To.Price-3200147.shtml}.
If you have questions regarding university computer purchases, please call the OTS faculty/staff Help Center at 410-704-5151, (2+2+2 on the voice menu) to request consultation services for your hardware purchases.
