I have been using a 17″ Macbook Pro since 2007, and a 15″ Macbook Pro before that.
My video card went bad 5 months after the NVIDIA would be willing to replace it for free. Frustrating, to say the least. So I had to make a decision to purchase a new machine, or pay to fix that one.
Here were my factors in purchasing the 13″ Macbook Air.
I have been noticing how much I don’t use the Macbook Pro in conferences, airplanes, meetup groups, etc… I have also noticed the weight as I have carried it through airports and also to and from work. The size and weight of the machine was a deterent to using it at times. I also have known many developers in my circle that use a Macbook Air all the time happily.
I have been using the Macbook Air for a few weeks and I am very happy with my decision. The screen size has not caused any issue like most people would think. The resolution is great and has been very usable.
The Macbook Air does not have a CD/DVD drive, but I have not needed it so far. I am sure I will cross that bridge one day.
My wife and I did end up fixing the 17″ Macbook Pro for her to use. She is happy with the machine so far, as she has needed a new laptop, and only uses it at home. So portability is not much of an issue for her.