1.6 vs 1.8?

[JRSimmons]

Hi,
Well, while waiting for the Macbook update, I've been considering going for the Air instead (although may still wait until the 14th, incase they update that too) - Although I understand it's all speculation

Has anyone owned/used both the 1.6ghz and 1.8ghz? I can't justify the extra $500 for a SSD over HD, especially being smaller in capacity. Although on the HD version there is an option to upgrade the processor for an extra $200.
Is the 1.8 worthwhile? or will the difference be minimal? Would you recommend it?

It will be used mainly for word processing at Uni alongside itunes. With general web browsing, no heavy image or video work.

Help appreciated.

 

[mBurns]

I'd purchase your Air on eBay. I'm seeing 1.6 Ghz Airs going for $1100 consistently and just saw an 1.8 Ghz go for $1500.

 

[Me1000]

Hi,
Well, while waiting for the Macbook update, I've been considering going for the Air instead (although may still wait until the 14th, incase they update that too) - I understand, it's all speculation

Has anyone owned/used both the 1.6ghz and 1.8ghz? I can't justify the extra $500 for a SSD over HD, especially being smaller in capacity. Although on the HD version there is an option to upgrade the processor for an extra $200.
Is the 1.8 worthwhile? or will the difference be minimal? Would you recommend it?

It will be used mainly for word processing at Uni alongside itunes. With general web browsing, no heavy image or video work.

Help appreciated.

I am not speaking from experience (on a MBA) but I think you will see more of a proformance increase in the SSD VS the HDD...

What will you be doing on it?

 

[gooddeal]

I'd purchase your Air on eBay. I'm seeing 1.6 Ghz Airs going for $1100 consistently and just saw an 1.8 Ghz go for $1500.

Well, I just search on ebay. Out of 35 completed listings:

1 sold for $1025 + 30 shipping but it only comes w/ AC adapter

1 sold for $755 + $ shipping but it has bad screen.

2 sold around $1200 + shipping

Most sold around $1300 and up

1.6 v. 1.8. I cannot tell you if the 1.8 is better than 1.6 but I have 1.6 and it's working fine for me. I don't think you need the 1.8 for the things you do.

 

[dacreativeguy]

Just wait. With any luck, the new Air will come with a 5400 rpm drive. Apple is also rumored to lower prices across the board. It's only a week away.

 

[Lumpydog]

Difference is hard to tell

I was in the Apple store last weekend - they had a 1.6 HD next to a 1.8 SSD. I rebooted both and then simultaneously started several apps (i know, not a scientific test). They appeared to start up and load applications at the exact same speed. I ran a few other tasks and it was really hard to tell the difference. If the 1.8 machine was faster, it was by hundredths of a second.

 

[dmw007]

I am typing this reply on a 1.6GHz MacBook Air and I have to tell you, this machine is plenty fast. I bit the bullet two weeks a ago and purchased my MBA
off of eBay for $1300 (plus the external MBA SuperDrive) and I have fallen in love with this laptop.

I did play around with the 1.8GHz MacBook Air in the Apple Store in Lancaster, PA and I really could not tell the difference. So, I would say to go for the 1.6GHz version - although, I would look for a nice one on eBay and save yourself more than just the $200 price difference from choosing the 1.6GHz chip.

Either way you go, the MacBook Air is one fine machine!

 

[kenned]

I doubt it'd be worth the 200$ to upgrade the processor. Because as soon as the processor starts working it'll run hot and underclock to avoid overheating, and therefore both processors would much more likely just run at 1,2Ghz