I'm going to jump in with my own solution. I recently moved over to using a Google Chromebook running Ubuntu, with Amazon EC2 instances that I connect to when needed. I spin the instances up and down as I need them. It works wonderfully, and I can't go back.
Admittedly, the Chromebook does have its limitations compared to a Macbook Air. Ubuntu on it has its quirks, but I'm willing to deal with it and wait for issues to be ironed out. A Macbook Air would definitely not have such issues.
I usually do mobile app development, web development, data crunching in Python for my Masters, and I haven't run into any problems doing what I need to do. I love the portability and simplicity.
Admittedly, the Chromebook does have its limitations compared to a Macbook Air. Ubuntu on it has its quirks, but I'm willing to deal with it and wait for issues to be ironed out. A Macbook Air would definitely not have such issues.
I usually do mobile app development, web development, data crunching in Python for my Masters, and I haven't run into any problems doing what I need to do. I love the portability and simplicity.
I'd seriously recommend it.
http://www.xitijpatel.com/2012/12/16/google-chromebook-and-u...