Macbook Air for Java Development

I am a software Developer. My personal laptop is an Acer with i5 core processor and 4gb of RAM. It was a zip the first time I used it but after loads of Windows updates and installing couple of softwares I began to noticed that it started to 'crawl' - almost to the point that I wanted to throw it out of window or crumpled it and shoot it in a rubbish bin. In normal processing condition, my laptop used up almost 50% of RAM so it still has more than 50% available which I think still a lot and would not make the laptop a pain. But I guess it's not the memory but the problem running the OS made by Microsoft to the hardware made by Acer. Maybe the interface between the software and hardware is not optimised. Anyway, Acer startup process takes around 15-20 seconds and login around 30-40 seconds! A lot of time to spend to something productive!

Running an Eclipse, MySQL database and Tomcat server is a pain. I think the main problem is I am using DELL in the office with 8gb RAM and i7 processor and I am used to its speed. Using my Acer laptop, I can't do away of not comparing them. Waiting for 1 minute to be able to use my laptop is not something I can just ignore. I am not a patient person I guess.

So, I decided to try Apple laptop. On top of my list is a 13-inch Macbook Pro Retina as the specs really up to my liking. But the price is not within my budget - even the one with minimum specs. 64K is not really within my pocket can afford. So, the next in line is the Macbook Air 13-inch. I also checked the 11 inch model but the display is small and not recommended for software development. In terms of weight, there's just a small added weight in 13 inch model and really make a big difference in choosing between the two paper weight models.

There is already a refreshed Macbook Air 13-inch model available in the Philippines. I searched the Internet for Java Developer reviews and I was convinced that Macbook Air can handle memory and process hugging Java development environment. I bought 2013 model since there were no significant updates between this year's model and last year. Just a bump up processor and SSD interface. I was able to get one for 40K. It is brand new. Specs is 128gb with 4gb RAM. I wanted 8gb RAM but I can only buy that in Apple Philippines online store and it will take maximum of 1 month (according to those that I consulted). 8gb is a customised model and can only be bought from Apple store. So, my 4gb cannot be upgraded to 8gb as RAM is soldered directly to Macbook Air circuit board. The consolation of 2013 model I think is that SSD can be upgraded using third party hardware. Maybe I would try to upgrade my laptop in the future.

I still have my old Acer laptop which I use to watch rented movies since it already has HDMI interface (and Macbook Air doesn't!). It is also being use by my daughter to watch her favourite Youtube channels and play some flash games. One of its mouse pad button already gave up but I don't care since I already have my other 'favorite' laptop :-).

So far Macbook Air is living to its promises. Startup takes only around 3 seconds and login around 4 seconds! I installed Eclipse Luna and it opens for about 5 seconds! I wrote some sample code and running it is also a breeze! I think Macbook Air really uses its memory well and even if it used up its entire RAM - using SSD for memory paging is faster than using a hard disk. 

I also installed Spotify for my music streaming. The sound is far better from my aging Acer laptop (my Acer laptop uses Dolby surround sound). Although it is not deep in bass but for the laptop this thin I would not expect more than it could offer.

I also upgraded the OS to Maverick which added some bug fixes and new features. I installed Chrome browser which I rarely use now as Safari can do all of my browsing needs.

Battery - I think 2014 model has a better battery saving feature. But 2013 model can pass through a day's stay in Starbucks.

The only cons is when you are used to retina display or you are using a reading glass. The font is not as sharp as those in iPads. I read it is due to how Apple OS handle font. It retain the original font style. So, what you see is what the font will look like if you print it. My Acer laptop has lower display specs but look sharper due to how Windows handle font style. It changes the font to make it more sharper which is good if you are used to sharp displays.

My verdict - Macbook Air can be used for Java development. I would recommend 8gb RAM as sometimes 4gb is not enough when running multiple applications (but you don't lose too much in speed). But if you have budget for Retina Pro - Go for it instead!

17-Oct-2014:
I installed Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for VPN connection to my office network and Microsoft Remote Desktop and they are working flawlessly. So when I work-from-home, I use my Macbook Air instead of my Acer laptop.