I'm in the same boat and finding it disappointing.

For people saying this machine is so much faster, I don't care. My situation isn't the norm, but we're on HN. I have a powerful desktop that's my main compute machine and my laptop is a terminal. I need a web browser, whatever corporate shovelware I need, and a ssh connection (and tailscale). If I wanted to do real work locally I wouldn't be getting an Air.

While realizing I'm not the typical user, it's not like the typical Air user needs much compute anyways. The general public just uses web browsers.

Though one thing I'd love is if they could add just a little distance between the keyboard and screen so my screen doesn't get so dirty constantly... doesn't anyone use lotion at Apple?

There are a ton of rumors a much cheaper MBA is about to be announced.