We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the chassis with our Extech digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
The system is inaudible when idle, and when watching High definition media the fan spins up a little, becoming audible, registering 33.8 dBa. When pushed harder, the system can get quite noisy as the little fan spins into overdrive to help maintain internal temperatures.
Nice little machine, my friend bought one. agree on the screen though. Apple have the edge there by a long shot. the 13 inch macbook air screen is GORGEOUS quality.
The two tone design is lovely, they put a lot of effort into the machine and I like the centralised track pad. shame about the screen, but I dont mind TN screens, i use one on my own machine for work and its fine.