How long do you think your MBA will last?

[1rottenapple]

Ok Im an admitted apple gadget freak and I've had a new every 1 yr. I REALLY REALLT REALLY wanna break that habit so I'm aiming to keep this for 3 yrs, and possible getting a use mini in the future for dvd/movie serving duties. But yeah aiming to keep this for a while to prove to myself.

 

[double329]

I think, the MBA will last as long as you want it to last. In most cases, the owner determine how long the system will last over the actual system itself.

 

[aneftp]

Honestly, no matter how Apple markets how efficient OSX is, you will eventually kick yourself if you brought the bare 2GB RAM.

Here's my take:
11.6 MBA 1.4/1.6 2GB (2 years max is probably what most of us macrumors people will get out of the people).

11.6 MBA 1.4/1.6 4GB (you could stretch it out to 3 years).

13.3 MBA 1.83/2.13 2GB (again probably closely to 2 years maybe 2.5 years)

13.3 MBA 1.83/2.13 4GB (3 years, maybe stretch it to 4 years).

Not sure those with 2GB RAM will be able to smoothly support OSX 10.7 (Lion)

I have the 13.3 MBA 1.83/4GB and honestly am looking at 2 years use for my own use. Maybe I will hand me down to a family member. But that's how long I plan on using my MBA.

I don't keep computers that long. My 2007 24 inch intel core 2 duo iMac lasted me 2 years before I resold it. My 2008 Macbook 2.4 intel core 2 duo penryn lasted 1 year before I resold it.

I still have my 2009 iMac 27 inch core i7. I will probably end up keeping that 3 years and give it to my mom as a hand me down.

I kept my 32GB iPad 3g for about 7 months.

 

[Bakari45]

Honestly, no matter how Apple markets how efficient OSX is, you will eventually kick yourself if you brought the bare 2GB RAM.
Not sure those with 2GB RAM will be able to smoothly support OSX 10.7 (Lion)

This is disappointing to hear, for based on my past experiences with Apple computers, it sounds plausible. Sort of like planned obsolescence. It’s not that Apple computers are built to break down, but they are certainly not built to keep up with future operating system upgrades, so you’re compelled to shell out another couple of thousand for a new computer like every two years. The great Apple tax.

I still would like to hang on to my Air for at least five years. Or maybe I should keep it in shape and be prepared to sell it in a year or so.

 

[Boston007]

This is disappointing to hear, for based on my past experiences with Apple computers, it sounds plausible. Sort of like planned obsolescence. It’s not that Apple computers are built to break down, but they are certainly not built to keep up with future operating system upgrades, so you’re compelled to shell out another couple of thousand for a new computer like every two years. The great Apple tax.

I still would like to hang on to my Air for at least five years. Or maybe I should keep it in shape and be prepared to sell it in a year or so.

Unless you're doing heavy stuff on your MBA, your 2G of ram will suffice for Lion. Obviously don't upgrade right away. Research and see if it can handle it with the apps you will using it on.

If not and you want Lion, trade in your MBA 11". The great thing about Apple computers is they retain their value MUCH more than a windows PC.

 

[Ronnoco]

Ok Im an admitted apple gadget freak and I've had a new every 1 yr. I REALLY REALLT REALLY wanna break that habit so I'm aiming to keep this for 3 yrs, and possible getting a use mini in the future for dvd/movie serving duties. But yeah aiming to keep this for a while to prove to myself.

Good luck with dat...

 

[aneftp]

Unless you're doing heavy stuff on your MBA, your 2G of ram will suffice for Lion. Obviously don't upgrade right away. Research and see if it can handle it with the apps you will using it on.

If not and you want Lion, trade in your MBA 11". The great thing about Apple computers is they retain their value MUCH more than a windows PC.

The issue with RAM in the MBA is that's it's not upgradable (at least by legal/void your warranty means) Apple soldiers the RAM onto the computer. It's near impossible to upgrade the RAM yourself.

You have to plan ahead. You just can't get 2GB of RAM and install your own software (say Virtual Windows program like Parallels) and than 2 months down the road feel you need to upgrade to 4GB RAM. You just can't take that chance with RAM.

The hard drive you could get away with because either you have an SD card for the 13.3 inch to store more movies/music on the SD card or for the 11.6 inch you can use your portable hard drive or store things in the "cloud"

The thing that bugs me about Apple's 2GB of RAM is RAM is dirt cheap. Almost every single notebook manufactuer ships with 4GB RAM as standard, even on cheap $500-600 real notebooks (not netbooks).

 

[hsl]

The only thing I know I'm going to sell it and buy a new model long before it dies,.. ;-) or atleast, I hope it won't die before that.

 

[leowyatt]

I expect to be using my 13" Air for the next 4-5 years unless my circumstances really change and I need something more powerful. When it does come time to upgrade I'll sell this one on and put the difference towards the newer machine.