Advice needed - Replacing MBP for MBA

[i0Nic]

Hey guys, I'd appreciate some advice as I'm unsure which is the correct move.

I currently have a late 2008 unibody MBP 15", with a 2.4ghz core2duo and 4gb RAM.

It requires a new battery, but it's starting to get a bit long in the tooth, so I'm thinking of replacing it with a new machine instead.

I use my MBP for basic computing, but I do play a couple games (mainly starcraft 2) and I do some basic photo and video editing. I also connect my MBP to a a large external display when it's on my desk, which is most of the time.

I had thought of going to an iMac as I don't take my computer off my desk much. But I like the simplicity of one computer that I can take anywhere if I wish.

I've been eyeing an 11" MBA, but would it suit my needs? Particularly one of the new sandy bridge models about to be released, topped up with at least 4gb RAM.

I'm concerned that it could be even slower than my current MBP, or at least not noticeably faster.

Any recommendations?

 

[MrXiro]

Hey guys, I'd appreciate some advice as I'm unsure which is the correct move.

I currently have a late 2008 unibody MBP 15", with a 2.4ghz core2duo and 4gb RAM.

It requires a new battery, but it's starting to get a bit long in the tooth, so I'm thinking of replacing it with a new machine instead.

I use my MBP for basic computing, but I do play a couple games (mainly starcraft 2) and I do some basic photo and video editing. I also connect my MBP to a a large external display when it's on my desk, which is most of the time.

I had thought of going to an iMac as I don't take my computer off my desk much. But I like the simplicity of one computer that I can take anywhere if I wish.

I've been eyeing an 11" MBA, but would it suit my needs? Particularly one of the new sandy bridge models about to be released, topped up with at least 4gb RAM.

I'm concerned that it could be even slower than my current MBP, or at least not noticeably faster.

Any recommendations?

I went from my 2.53ghz 08 uMBP w/SSD to a base 11" MBA... yes it's a bit slower (but my MBP had an SSD)... and gaming on it is really not for me, it was choking on L4D1. (I've been told mainly it's 10.6.7 that sucks though for gaming not the MBA) But for basic uses... email, web browsing, writing etc it is AWESOME and plenty fast enough. HD videos choke a little. I would not prefer it as my main computer, but as a supplement along with my iMac I think it is perfect.

Hope that helps.

 

[macjacky11]

It does depends on what you really need? Portability or Power? If you have an answer for that, you know what you should go for.

 

[i0Nic]

Thanks guys.

Well it would make sense for me to get an iMac since I don't really need a lot of portability. However I don't want to feel like I *have* to do work at my desk, I know I will want a laptop eventually.

It might make more sense for me to get another MBP, as I don't think I would be interested in going for the 2 computer setup with the iMac and a laptop. Especially as I have an iPad, one of the computers will likely end up underused.

I am trying to justify a MBA though, but it might just be a bit too underpowered to be my only computer.

 

[gimmi80]

I think it would be perfect for you.