Did I make a mistake?

[aced411]

I had been contemplating between a MBA and MBP 13" for several months. This is to compliment my Mac Pro, but to have something adequate for light pro work on the train and around the house. I finally decided the high end air would be perfect, as I really was interested in the light weight form factor.

I charge into Apple and ask for an Air. The salesman was a bit surprised, saying it's the only air he's sold. He also reminded me I could get quite a bit better specs for the same money getting a MBP. I stuck with my guns, although the pro's have the nice looking black outline around the screen which I like. I left in doubt.

When I arrived at home and set it up, the first thing I noticed was the power cord was really annoying to plug in compared to the other MB's. I also didn't realize the air does not have an audio input....not a deal breaker. Finally I immediately felt the difference of not having a glass trackpad. It's definitely weird...sort of a throwback.

Plus what's up with the two finger right click? I miss the lower right corner method. Any pluses? Yes the lightweight is nice....that's the only plus for me, but it is a big plus having to lug around gear back and forth everyday. It's not really much thinner and it's just as wide.

Should I give it a few weeks before running back to Apple for an exchange? Did anyone else have the same remorse and end up loving it?

 

[halledise]

no mistake my friend.

give it time - you'll love it.

go back in a week's time and play with a 13" MBPro, then pick it up.

you'll stay with the Air.

 

[theappleguy]

When I arrived at home and set it up, the first thing I noticed was the power cord was really annoying to plug in compared to the other MB's.

Other than the port not being visible, the connection is the same. Once you've plugged it in a few times I don't think you'll notice the difference.

Should I give it a few weeks before running back to Apple for an exchange? Did anyone else have the same remorse and end up loving it?

I would give it a bit more time if exchanging it is an option in your country - it's been opened now, so you might as well use it for as long as you can to decide whether you like it or not.

 

[aced411]

I have to admit after I picked it up a few times last night I was thinking "wow, this really is light". I did see that I can get a 2.66ghz MBP with a solid state hard drive for the same price so if it turns out it's not for me I can do an even exchange.

 

[cleric]

The guys at the store a clueless salesman. It's really sad they are not selling the MBA to people that want it, someone tried to give me the same line when I went in to A B them before buying the refurb. Some old timer sales guy was like but it doesnt have a dvd-rom drive you should get a macbook pro. So yea I don't know why they push people away from them especially you the target market of traveling professional.

 

[freitas]

I also bought the air then seriously considered trading for the 13" MBP because of the airs performance trade-offs. But once I remembered why I bought the air in the first place, its light weight, I realized I had made the right decision.

 

[aced411]

Sorry guys I ended up taking the air back and getting the mbp. In the end it wasn't the price or lack of features that drove me to my decision. It was the simple fact that it just felt out of date. It has the same design as the 1st gen unibodies....and paying a premium for an out of date model didn't sit right with me.

I give you guys full props though, the 13 mbp is significantly heavier for sure. I may not carry it everyday like I would the air. If they update the air, I'm sure I'll want one...but for now I'll get by with the pro.

 

[revelated]

Sorry guys I ended up taking the air back and getting the mbp. In the end it wasn't the price or lack of features that drove me to my decision. It was the simple fact that it just felt out of date. It has the same design as the 1st gen unibodies....and paying a premium for an out of date model didn't sit right with me.

I give you guys full props though, the 13 mbp is significantly heavier for sure. I may not carry it everyday like I would the air. If they update the air, I'm sure I'll want one...but for now I'll get by with the pro.

My opinion: you made the right choice.

If it weren't for the Air's price point, one could likely justify its shortcomings. Saying it's okay to pay nearly $1800 for a machine that:

- Has no audio input jack
- Has a nerfed trackpad (not the glass one which is easier to work with)
- Does not have the battery life anywhere near its big brothers
- Does not have an optical drive (no, I don't use mine frequently, but that it's there reminds me I can play DVDs if/when needed)
- Has no SD or other flash card slot besides USB
- Cannot have its RAM upgraded beyond 2GB in a time when most laptops are coming with 4GB standard MINIMUM
- Offers performance that is surpassed by even the lowest level MacBook

Doesn't work for me, and the sales reps already know that it just doesn't make sense. If it were $800, I would be all over it as a secondary machine to my MacBook Pro 15", but as it is, coming from a Gateway P7805u weighing in at nearly 10 pounds, this thing is light as a feather.

If they can get the specs up and get the price point centered - no more than $1500 for sure, assuming 4GB of RAM, flash card slot, improved battery life, and better performance, parity with the MacBook Pro 13" - they'll see more success. Right now the ones buying it are doing so because of the aesthetic appeal; lots of executives at my company have one, but are frequently frustrated by their inability to demo anything as well I can.

 

[aced411]

You hit the nail on the head. Too much for too little

 

[gwsat]

I agree that the current MBA is not a good choice, for all of the reasons stated above. In summary, the downside to the 13 inch MBP is that it is 1.5 pounds heavier than the MBA and lacks its elegance of design. After that, though, every factor is in the MBP's favor. It is cheaper, expandable, and comes standard with a generous array of ports and an optical drive. An updated MBA is going to have to come a lot closer in features to the 13 inch MBP than it does now for me to be consider buying one.

 

[Spacekatgal]

I agree that the current MBA is not a good choice, for all of the reasons stated above. In summary, the downside to the 13 inch MBP is that it is 1.5 pounds heavier than the MBA and lacks its elegance of design. After that, though, every factor is in the MBP's favor. It is cheaper, expandable, and comes standard with a generous array of ports and an optical drive. An updated MBA is going to have to come a lot closer in features to the 13 inch MBP than it does now for me to be consider buying one.

I also agree.

I bought the 13 inch MBP last night. It's heavier, but it's so much more powerful than the Air. I really wish Apple had updated it, because it's impossible to recommend right now.

 

[sushi]

The MBP13 reminds me of the PB12. Both are very good full featured road warrior machines.

The MBA is cool, but limited. IMHO, the iPad has changed the dynamic for desiring the MBA.

Hopefully, Apple will have a good update for the MBA next time.

 

[colourfastt]

I'll stick with my MBA; since buying it I've moved my business from my MBP to the Air and rarely turn on the MBP at all. The only thing I'd like is a 2nd USB port but that's FAR from a deal breaker.

 

[gwsat]

I also agree.

I bought the 13 inch MBP last night. It's heavier, but it's so much more powerful than the Air. I really wish Apple had updated it, because it's impossible to recommend right now.

That's probably what I will do, too, as soon as Applecare on my current MBP runs out in late March. By that time, the MBA will have been updated, or not, and there will probably be another MBP update by then, too. In the event Apple does a complete redesign of the MBA and gives it memory slots (unlikely) I will buy one the first day. Unfortunately, I expect only a 4Gb option in an updated model and I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough for my needs. In that case, I will buy a base 13 inch MBP and upgrade its RAM to 8Gb and its hard drive to a 256Gb SSD.

The MBA is cool, but limited. IMHO, the iPad has changed the dynamic for desiring the MBA.

Hopefully, Apple will have a good update for the MBA next time.

I have a love-hate relationship with my iPad. It is beautifully designed, has a terrific display, and is laudably small and lightweight. I hate, though, that it is as crippled as it is. Transferring files is a nightmare and the only apps available for it are those Apple deigns to make available at the App Store. Unfortunately, the iPad has many more weaknesses than that but I will not detail them here. Despite its many weaknesses, the iPad will have to do for the moment because the price of the current model MBA, coupled with its own well know limitations, add up to its being not cost effective, or at least not to me.

 

[Ace134blue]

Sorry guys I ended up taking the air back and getting the mbp. In the end it wasn't the price or lack of features that drove me to my decision. It was the simple fact that it just felt out of date. It has the same design as the 1st gen unibodies....and paying a premium for an out of date model didn't sit right with me.

I give you guys full props though, the 13 mbp is significantly heavier for sure. I may not carry it everyday like I would the air. If they update the air, I'm sure I'll want one...but for now I'll get by with the pro.

Good, one. Youll be glad as your new mbp runs circles around that slow 3 year old outdated mba. I wouldnt recommended it to anyone ever until it gets upgraded

 

[Spacekatgal]

Good, one. Youll be glad as your new mbp runs circles around that slow 3 year old outdated mba. I wouldnt recommended it to anyone ever until it gets upgraded

Also agree. It's sad to carry a laptop so heavy it feels out of date as well. But, a pound and 1/2 is a fair trade off for a machine you can actually work on.

It runs Portal pretty perfectly, I just discovered.

Bri

 

[Spacekatgal]

That's probably what I will do, too, as soon as Applecare on my current MBP runs out in late March. By that time, the MBA will have been updated, or not, and there will probably be another MBP update by then, too. In the event Apple does a complete redesign of the MBA and gives it memory slots (unlikely) I will buy one the first day. Unfortunately, I expect only a 4Gb option in an updated model and I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough for my needs. In that case, I will buy a base 13 inch MBP and upgrade its RAM to 8Gb and its hard drive to a 256Gb SSD.

I think this is a really wise COA. I'm not sure what your workflow is, but 8 gigs of RAM is pretty critical for mine.

The SSD is icing on the cake, as I need storage for my work more than speed. But, since I have my MBP i7 15 for that, I might indulge on this box.

Bri

 

[gwsat]

I think this is a really wise COA. I'm not sure what your workflow is, but 8 gigs of RAM is pretty critical for mine.

The SSD is icing on the cake, as I need storage for my work more than speed. But, since I have my MBP i7 15 for that, I might indulge on this box.

Despite my admiration for the MBA, I fear that what I expect to be its being limited to 4Gb of RAM is going to be a deal breaker for me. I routinely run Windows 7 and several Windows apps from the OS X desktop, thanks to running them under VMware Fusion in Unity mode. To make matters worse, there are usually at least 4 or 5 OS X apps open on the desktop at the same time. I am simply unwilling to put up with the hassle of trying to do that with only 4Gb or RAM. I fear trying to do so would lead only to frustration.

 

[halledise]

aah modern consumerism. we have too much choice and too little commitment.
it's indeed fortunate that Apple have the fall back policy.
not for no reason did someone once say 'a double minded man is unstable in all his ways'.
imagine the angst if one was stuck with one's purchase and actually had to follow thru and stay with it.
that'd create either worry or contentment.
hope the Pro still does the job so that when the updates to both Pro and Air appear in the next few months, contentment still reigns

 

[aced411]

"Modern Consumerism"? I don't care if it's 1872. If I bought an inadequate product, you bet your a$$ that butter churn is going back to the general store

aah modern consumerism. we have too much choice and too little commitment.
it's indeed fortunate that Apple have the fall back policy.
not for no reason did someone once say 'a double minded man is unstable in all his ways'.
imagine the angst if one was stuck with one's purchase and actually had to follow thru and stay with it.
that'd create either worry or contentment.
hope the Pro still does the job so that when the updates to both Pro and Air appear in the next few months, contentment still reigns

 

[halledise]

If I bought an inadequate product, you bet your a$$ that butter churn is going back to the general store

then why did you buy it in the first place?

 

[gwsat]

"Modern Consumerism"? I don't care if it's 1872. If I bought an inadequate product, you bet your a$$ that butter churn is going back to the general store

That's a sensible position, of course. Just because a product is not defective, doesn't mean that you are somehow not doing the right thing if you decide to return it. If it doesn't live up to your expectations then you are within your rights to return it. That's why the terms of sales that are made on an "as is" basis must be clearly spelled out in advance. Of course, most of us wouldn't touch such a transaction with a ten foot pole but that's a discussion for another day.

 

[Spacekatgal]

That's a sensible position, of course. Just because a product is not defective, doesn't mean that you are somehow not doing the right thing if you decide to return it. If it doesn't live up to your expectations then you are within your rights to return it. That's why the terms of sales that are made on an "as is" basis must be clearly spelled out in advance. Of course, most of us wouldn't touch such a transaction with a ten foot pole but that's a discussion for another day.

I agree. I also think it's a fair criticism to say this - I can easily see how a consumer could feel a little cheated by this particular Mac. I'm really surprised Apple is selling it, because it feels seriously overpriced and underpowered. It's surprising they are selling something that could be considered a bad product by many.

I can easily imagine someone without a great deal of information about this mac buying it, and then later feeling cheated.

Bri

 

[halledise]

I agree. I also think it's a fair criticism to say this - I can easily see how a consumer could feel a little cheated by this particular Mac. I'm really surprised Apple is selling it, because it feels seriously overpriced and underpowered. It's surprising they are selling something that could be considered a bad product by many.

I can easily imagine someone without a great deal of information about this mac buying it, and then later feeling cheated.

Bri

oh pullleeease.
taste and try before you buy - and research your product.
I'm sure most people do it and even with food.
(if one thinks the Air to be a 'bad product' then there must be at least 5 of you by now.)

why, one can go to an Apple Store, 'play' with all the products on offer, consult with the Geniuseses and then make your purchase.
or, one can go home and sleep on it for a night or two and research further.

Air's are what they are and designed to be, as are Pro's.
one trawls thru forums like these to see what others are saying, look at Cnet's reviews, etc etc.

it's a bit like buying a new car - you research and test drive the Ford.s, Subaru.s, Kia.s (if you're game), Honda.s, Nissan.s etc and then make a pre-emptive decision before making your final decision.

when you drive away on the Honda, you don't go 'aw nu, I really wanted the Ford' and take it back for an exchange.
Apple are very generous with their 10-day cooling off no-questions-asked sales policy if you ask me.

back to the original point, if you want an SUV of a Mac, don't buy the sports car version in the first place.

I have empathy for aced411 and his/her predicament of buyer's remorse and think it's a wonderful thing to have been able to settle on what was really required in the first place.

but a little more care in the first place and try the flipper out would prevent all this from happening

 

[gwsat]

oh pullleeease.
taste and try before you buy - and research your product.
I'm sure most people do it and even with food.
(if one thinks the Air to be a 'bad product' then there must be at least 5 of you by now.)

why, one can go to an Apple Store, 'play' with all the products on offer, consult with the Geniuseses and then make your purchase.
or, one can go home and sleep on it for a night or two and research further.

First, I agree with you that the MBA is hardly a "bad product." It is obsolescent but its gorgeous design and ultra lightweight are still very impressive.

I believe, though, that your criticism of the OP for deciding to exchange the MBA he originally bought for an MBP was based on faulty analysis. One of the reasons we are willing to pay Apple's premium prices is its liberal return policy. The OP just availed himself of a right that he had bargained for. After actually using the MBA for awhile, the OP decided that it didn't live up to his reasonable expectations, considering the high price he had paid for it, so he took it back. Is that so unreasonable? Not to me, and it would appear, not to anybody else who has weighed in on the issue here, except you.