How do I use AirDrop?

I have an IMAC and a MacBook Pro, both recent and both running LION and both located in the same WiFi network.
I don't grasp how AirDrop works.
I had expected to be at one of the two computers, open a window in the Finder, go to AirDrop in the sidebar, and see instantly the other computer. But this is NOT so. To use AirDrop, I need to open a finder window in each of the 2 computers, click on the AirDrop functions in the sidebar, and only then do I see the other computer. As soon as I close the finder window in one of the two computers, the connection is dropped in the remaining AirDrop window.
For me this makes no sense. I should be able to see another computer in the network, and then be capable to send files to the other computer. But in my case, the other computers need first to decide to open an AirDrop window before one is capable of transferring files. And all the users in a network need to clutter their screen with an unnecessary finder window.
Have I misunderstood something?

AirDrop actually creates an ad-hoc connection between the two computers directly, no other network is needed.
Not all Macs are capable of AirDrop, as it requires a certain type of Wi-Fi chip/controller that older Macs may not have.  How old are the two Macs in question?

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