How many MBA owners out there and what are your thoughts?

Like the title said. I'm sure there have been many posts, but I want an updated opinion.

I just got one today, (1.6 Ghz version) and it should be here in a week. I already have a powerful gaming laptop, so this is more like a netbook companion. It's a good deal for $962 shipped after Bing cashback.

 

I guess no one likes MBAs! Lol!

 

They are neat, but I dont think they are practical in any way. MPB is a bit larger than the MBA and boast a plethora of extra feature that I would use. If I had the extra money to throw away, then maybe, but my 13 MPB that weighs only 1.5 lbs more than the MBA doesn't hurt my back.

 

I was hoping at least one or two owners. I guess they're extinct in this economy--

I've shopped around by the way, before settling for the MBA-

Candidates were:

Acer Aspire 3810 13.3 notebook - 3.5 lbs, $549 (probably the most practical)
Acer Aspire One netbook - $349
Asus 1008HA -$411

Lenovo X300 - actually more expensive than the MBA, used, and not as nice.

Apples
MBP 13.3 - $999 refurb (I already had a black macbook, screen isn't as nice).
MBP 15.4 - $1299 refurb (again, I already have a gaming laptop, this would be redundant, I saw it and it actually seemed, well "big").

My need is that is has to be light, no more than 3 lbs. My job requires that I carry the company crappy laptop along with mine from time to time, hence the longing for a lightweight laptop.

I've given the netbooks a go by going to best buy and trying out them out. They are small, but somewhat thick. They also seem to lack juice due to the crapware installed(I know I can remove them). I couldn't give the Acer Aspire One (the one inch thick one) a spin since they are online sale only. In the end, they just didn't excite me. I will be typing on this for hours on end, so I need to look at something pleasing to remind me why I'm in this field in the first place (exciting, forward looking vs dull technology).

I tried to dissuade myself from getting the MBA by saying that it's expensive, but this opportunity from eBay came along and the total cost is $962 shipped.

I think the cost is reasonable. Core 2 Duo, 9400m GPU, great screen, great workmanship (I do have a weakness for things that are well put together and look good too), wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, etc.

I referred to my previous use of my old black macbook as the deciding factor. I realized that I hardly used the optical drive, if ever. Since I'm adamant at having separate laptops for different purposes (one for client, one for surfing, one for gaming/multimedia) the limitation of the MBA is a non-issue.

I've owned as many as 7 laptops at a time (I used to be a network administrator). Now I'm down to three. I've learned that it's better to have multiple laptops(cheap of course, as much as possible) for different purposes, than to expect a single machine to do it all (jack of all trades, master of none).

How do I justify the cost? Well, I'm in IT, and a consultant, so it's tax deductible.

Anyway, I know what to expect from Apple laptops. The MBA is perfect for what I want it for.

 

When I had my MBA it was great for a netbook. I went from a MSI Wind to it and the difference was night and day. I could not justify the cost however as my MBP was getting very little use and I cannot sell it as I need it when I travel. The MBA just lacks the power for me as my only notebook.

 

I used an MBA as a primary machine for about 6 months and had no problems with it. The only reason I got rid of it is because the Unibody's came out, and I fell in love with them.