instead of worrying about the ethernet cable why not just buy an airport express and set it up in your room... Then you have your own wireless so you can move the computer around, and you can plug the printer into it permanently so you dont have to keep switching. If you go with the air that seems like the best way to do it. Sure its $100 but over 2.5 years thats not so bad.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
College Student (Time for a new Laptop)
- Thread starter zotes24
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
because my college blocks all routers and wireless networks...
really? that sucks in our university you can have a router or wireless network as long as you've registered it. Oh well good luck with your purchase. Oh just a quick question are you planning to buy the blackbook now or the updated version in the future?
Go with the new macbooks that are coming in october. macbook pro also comes in october in conjunction with the macbook. the air is lighter and more portable but is not going to work with multiple usb devices, assuming you have a scenario like this: using internet (ethernet) and syncing iphone.
^^^ I beg to differ on the USB thing and my MBA. I've got four USB port jack (iPhone, Ethernet Adapter) and they operate without an additional power source. I use my adapter power source when I plug-in my SuperDrive and I strongly recommend that you get the Ethernet Adapter for those rooms that have little or no WiFi signal. Get to class early so that you can set-up power and the 25' ethernet cable...
because my college blocks all routers and wireless networks...
Thats terrible what a crock, you pay a huge sum of money and they wont let you bring a router, what capitalistic mentality.
i have had my mind set on the macbook (updated one) but i still have those air thoughts are in my mind. lol i cant take it, ill prob. go with the macbook now (i will be taking it to class for notes) hopefully its not to big to do this. The thing is that my current computer isnt completely dead (fans broken over heats, slow as hell) so i could just get the air and leave all the "dumb" stuff on this computer and use the macbook air for papers, internet, ect. but i dont see this of convenience. So i still am going to go with the updated macbook.
I think the MBA is a totally suitable companion. Many can get by with the less expensive Macbook, but the MBA is really great in how light it is. Add textbooks and other school supplies, and if you are on a big campus, then the value of the MBA shines.
I hope they come out this month. All should have a superdrive and much larger hard drives due to the rising popularity of digital video. Maybe shave off half a pound or so, and you have a real winner.
Shaving too much weight and it'll get into MBA territory and I don't think apple would do that to themselves.
I'm using a 4 port USB hub with an adapter that provides enough power for my SD, Ethernet Adapter, and MagicJack. No problems...
I'm using a 4 port USB hub with an adapter that provides enough power for my SD, Ethernet Adapter, and MagicJack. No problems...
wow that is surprising, i must have misread somewhere that you couldnt do that idk but that is a good thing to know. I hate you making my decision that much harder
Really, why not? Let me explain and see if people agree.
Over the years, Apple has really been their only competitor or at least since I have been using them since 1993.
I remember when the Macbook came out with core duo processor in tow. People for quite some time thought it was nearly a Macbook Pro on many levels. But both laptops sold decently even though both cost far more than similar core duo PC laptops.
Apple could have used the core solo, still a good engine in its own right, in the Macbook for a long time, or forever, but Apple wanted what "we", the core cutting edge users on this site want. I recently saw some PC laptops still sporting the core solo in their laptops at Best Buy.
Look at the history of the iPod and iPhone. Each model totally make the one previous to it obsolete and they come down the pike faster than we can even predict they would. And the history of the lowering of price even trumps the respectable lowering in price of the Macs themselves.
What may happen with a sleeker Macbook
I think that laptops with disk drives will become obsolete actually. Now you can download many apps from macromedia and the internet legit, download music, files, movies, you can see the way its going. In a few years all laptops will go the way of the air and remove the cumbersome disk drives imo.
MBA is ahead of its time like the iphone I think.
MBA is ahead of its time like the iphone I think.
The talk is maybe a processor bump, and a 120 GB HDD
Oct 16 is just around the corner, I'm waiting. My Daughter is waiting for the new MB as wellI'd say we're in the exact same position except I've owned an Air for about 7 months now... I'm in law school and i absolutely love it for it's style and convenience but I do have a lot of music and I find the storage could use an upgrade... If I were you I would wait until the rumored october release of the new macbooks and macbook pros to see if
A) the regular macbook might have more storage/capabilities and
B) a refreshed air with a little more storage might be available at the same price.
Another option would be to pickup a time capsule. I don't have one yet but am seriously considering it... although expensive it serves the dual purpose of being a router and storage/backup utility that pairs perfectly with the Air... all wit the convenience of no wires.
Ultimately, if you decided to buy early it's just not possible to go wrong with the Air, such a great comp. Goodluck!
1.8, 80, Glossy
A) the regular macbook might have more storage/capabilities and
B) a refreshed air with a little more storage might be available at the same price.
Another option would be to pickup a time capsule. I don't have one yet but am seriously considering it... although expensive it serves the dual purpose of being a router and storage/backup utility that pairs perfectly with the Air... all wit the convenience of no wires.
Ultimately, if you decided to buy early it's just not possible to go wrong with the Air, such a great comp. Goodluck!
1.8, 80, Glossy My Air is perfect for school! I am on a big campus so having low weight is really important. Plus, I tried to use one of those 11.1" subnotebooks and found that long sessions in the library just weren't practical on such a small screen. I don't know how people using netbooks can get any work done at all.
While I think 12.1" is the sweet spot, the MBA is fitting into my college habits really well. I carry it around everywhere, and I have my old Powerbook in my dorm set up as a print/file/remote disc server and router. That way the only physical cord I need is the power cord.
However, it's good to consider whether your usual work spaces have lots of outlets available. Doing regular academic work, I get about 4 hours on the battery but often I'm working for more than 7-8 hours at once. My school's main library is really short on outlets, which makes the battery limitation kind of annoying.
While I think 12.1" is the sweet spot, the MBA is fitting into my college habits really well. I carry it around everywhere, and I have my old Powerbook in my dorm set up as a print/file/remote disc server and router. That way the only physical cord I need is the power cord.
However, it's good to consider whether your usual work spaces have lots of outlets available. Doing regular academic work, I get about 4 hours on the battery but often I'm working for more than 7-8 hours at once. My school's main library is really short on outlets, which makes the battery limitation kind of annoying.
Hi,
for all the college macbook air users here: can you tell me how well it handles spread sheets? like microsoft excel? I usually have to work with tons of those and I wasn't sure if the air could handle them whilst having safari, and skype running at the same time.
Anyone who can shed light on this matter, will be greatly appreciated.
Despite my sig below, I am transitioning to a mac pro + ultra-portable. Thus, I am considering the MBA. or maybe the new macbooks, however, i doubt the new macbooks will be as portable as the air.
thanks
for all the college macbook air users here: can you tell me how well it handles spread sheets? like microsoft excel? I usually have to work with tons of those and I wasn't sure if the air could handle them whilst having safari, and skype running at the same time.
Anyone who can shed light on this matter, will be greatly appreciated.
Despite my sig below, I am transitioning to a mac pro + ultra-portable. Thus, I am considering the MBA. or maybe the new macbooks, however, i doubt the new macbooks will be as portable as the air.
thanks
Be practical, even though your 18 what makes you need a notebook like that? I'm not saying your not entitled, just be wise. I had one for 2 weeks and I couldn't justify it, especially if I was 18! Either way its your money, I can at least thank you for contributing to our poor economy and buying something.
Dude if you are in the dorms I would not get an Air. That thing is gonna get jacked. Otherwise, air is fine for what you need. I'm in a social work program and the air is fine. Its my only computer actually.
i know what you mean! i'm in the same boat- am in grad school and DYING for a new computer. was working with my dad's MBA all summer long and just loved it. was tempted to buy one before leaving for grad school but kept thinking a new one would be out "any day now."
right now i think my decision (MBA vs. MB) will be based on what comes out supposedly on oct. 14.
i can't hold out much longer, so if the MBA isn't updated, i may have to go with the MB if they have made it slightly thinner and the performance is good. if the air is updated, even just a little bit (maybe a bit faster, less heating issues, and maybe longer battery life?), then i probably won't even think twice about it.
hurry up apple!!! i've been holding my breath for laptop updates for what seems like ages!
right now i think my decision (MBA vs. MB) will be based on what comes out supposedly on oct. 14.
i can't hold out much longer, so if the MBA isn't updated, i may have to go with the MB if they have made it slightly thinner and the performance is good. if the air is updated, even just a little bit (maybe a bit faster, less heating issues, and maybe longer battery life?), then i probably won't even think twice about it.
hurry up apple!!! i've been holding my breath for laptop updates for what seems like ages!