Macbook Air

ash xxx

Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone can help me. I am getting a Macbook Air for my 21st. Does anyone have one and know advantages/disadvantages?? Also, should I get the new Microsoft Office 08' version? I already have the version I got in 05 with my macbook. Is there much of a difference between the 2?
Thanks. xxx

cornbb

It scores highly on looks and portability and pretty badly on everything else: features, expandability, connectivity, value for money. Its not even suitable for some very basic stuff (like listening to CDs or watching DVDs). If someone else is paying for it and it'll be primarily for showing off it might be a good choice, otherwise go for a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

ash xxx

Yeah, I'll have to get the Macbook Air Superdrive for the Cd/DVD issue. Its tiny and connects through the USB port. No, I'm not buying it, it will be the big present on the day. I'm really not sure, its this or the Macbook Pro.

dubmick

depends on your requirements, what will you be using it for?

ash xxx

Well,
I'm in college so the usual stuff, assignments and a lot of powerpoint presentations, will definitely need the superdrive and may also need an external usb hub. I have the old Ibook G4, got that in 05. I basically need it to do all this does I suppose. The only thing I'm worried about is memory.

aidan_walsh

If you're looking for a primary computer, get a Macbook or a Macbook Pro. The Macbook Air wasn't designed for primary use, its a secondary computer for frequent travellers (IMO).

BanzaiBk

My mother was given one for her birthday. It's a grand machine for people who do internet/email/typing only. Not everyone is a power user like. I bought her a Superdrive at the weekend and she's used it once to import a CD to iTunes, she doesn't think she'll use it much beyond that. It's a lot faster than my previous experience with the machine and is just amazing in construction. Congratz! I'm jealous.

snollup

would def go mb pro. much better machine

Oafley Jones

snollup wrote: »

would def go mb pro. much better machine

x2.

There are just too many sacrifices with the MBA. I'd even prefer the macbook over it. On a purely aesthetic level - and I acknowledge that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - I also think it's one of the ugliest machines Apple have produced in recent years.

I still wish Apple would introduce a true ultraportable - I miss the 12" powerbook.

WizZard

I'll swap you if you get the MBA for a MBP 15" fully loaded
A friend got a MBA the other day, sweet machine!

ash xxx

Haha, no dont think so, the MBA is just too pretty. :rolleyes: I'm just a bit worried about memory and speed, like will it have enough? I'd be getting the 1.8ghz model but still considerably less than the rest of the range. I dont know what to do, MBA or MBP??? Both would be similar prices from the States.

WUSBDesign

Completely agree with those who are happy with the MBA and who knows what to use it for. Even the writer of this article acknowledges this. Congrats!

sham69

Got one 2 weeks ago and love it.
Its my first mac so I can't compare it to the MB etc.
I will say it looks great, feels great and is extremely portable.
There is only 1 USB slot and a DVI slot aswell.
I think you can run a cd from another machine over the network although I havent tried it yet. I much prefer it to the dell inspiron I sold my mate before I got the MBA. I would recommend it but I could see problems for power users.

BostonB

ash xxx wrote: »

....I'm just a bit worried about memory and speed, like will it have enough? ...

Enough for what. I would say if your worried about it now, get a faster MPB with more RAM.

su_dios

Its not exactly cheaper than a MBP and more than a Macbook yet it doesn't compete with either of them. It doesn't even look that great, I don't know why they picked black keys over white ones. Looks like the oldschool powerbook. The only thing it has going for it is its portability which is a bit of a novelty in all fairness as the macbook is NOT a heavy machine at all. Signifficantly lighter than your old ibook. Why not get a high end macbook? Doesn't sound like you're a power user but at the same time as a student you shouldn't need an ultra portable. A macbook will easily do the job and if you want something more go for a MBP.

BanzaiBk

MBA isn't slow at all, whatsoever, running normal applications (internet, ichat, etc etc). There's 2GB RAM onboard and just because people are used to blazing fast processors doesn't mean the processor is slow. OP if you want a MBA get one. In the flesh they are fantastic and can do whatever it seems you want it to do. A MBP is overkill for what you will use it for. Heck, a MBP is overkill for what I do and I spend my days editing and clipping media files.
As a student why shouldn't he need an ultraportable? Maybe the user wants one and will have a use for it. Sure, it's a "pricy" laptop but YGWYPF.