I'm from Brazil and we got a similar situation here. I found a guy who brings computers from the US though. It took 12 days for the Ultimate config (it would be 5 for a "vanilla" one), but I'm still alive. 
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Is 4G MBA 11.6 model worth the wait?
- Thread starter mcdonaldtosh
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Being able to take it back to the store if a problem arises (dead pixel, creaking, other nagging issues) turned out to be a bigger factor than RAM for me, so I chose the 2GB 13" version. I tried running as many apps as I'd reasonably ever use, after loading several large files, and the machine didn't feel like it slowed down at all. For me, the $100 had nothing to do with it at all, I just tried the machine and used it how I would use it and couldn't see the value in ordering a CTO machine.
I mostly run iPhoto, Vmware Fusion, Xcode, CS5, along with the usual Safari, Mail, Terminal (not necessarily all at the same time but that hasn't been a problem either), and haven't had any spinning beachballs like I've had with previous 2GB machines much less 4GB machines. I think the fast SSD in the Macbook Air just makes this almost a non-issue. The people who actually have 2GB 2010 Airs seems to agree, but on these forums the overwhelming chorus is from people who haven't used a 2GB 2010 Air and are basing their 4GB recommendations on experience with other 2GB/4GB Macs.
Don't bother. The topic had been discussed so many times, and always ended up with the "futureproofing" argument. Even though the extra RAM is not making their MBA substantially faster now, they all seemed to believe it magically will in 2-3 years.
I don't think people will expect a speed up, but more of a reduction in slow down due to possible future software demands and/or higher rate of SSD paging used.
Then again, most macs have conditioned us to think that 4GB is the sweet spot for solid performance under load. And then there's consideration for those who plan to use Virtualization software or bootcamp with Win 7. Again. The conditioning, given our previous Mac releases, pushes this idea.
Then again, most macs have conditioned us to think that 4GB is the sweet spot for solid performance under load. And then there's consideration for those who plan to use Virtualization software or bootcamp with Win 7. Again. The conditioning, given our previous Mac releases, pushes this idea.
No, this is not what most people think. Anyone with a brain knows how they use a laptop just might change over the next 2 - 3 years.
Many apps take lots of memory. If you run any of them, or might in the future, it will be a HUGE performance drag to be limited to only 2GB. Its a much bigger difference than the 11 vs. 13 CPU.
Some examples:
Running a Windows 7 virtual machine can require 1GB of locked memory, meaning that it can't be swapped out. The GPU can lock another 256-756MB and you could end up with practically no memory to run the entire machine.
Handbrake: I was compressing a Blu-ray video. Handbrake by itself was using over 700MB of memory. That might prevent you from doing anything else on the system if it starts swapping.
Eclipse: Lots of development tools use Eclipse. Android, Web, Aptana. Can be a memory hog. In my case, Android development Eclipse can take over 500MB by itself.
And then there's always tons of other programs you're likely to keep running. Safari or Chrome, iChat, Mail, iCal, etc. Everything using up memory. Spotlight can be a huge memory hog.
The longer the system and applications stay up, the more likely they are to consume more memory. So you may see your system start slowing down until the next reboot (could take weeks).
Some examples:
Running a Windows 7 virtual machine can require 1GB of locked memory, meaning that it can't be swapped out. The GPU can lock another 256-756MB and you could end up with practically no memory to run the entire machine.
Handbrake: I was compressing a Blu-ray video. Handbrake by itself was using over 700MB of memory. That might prevent you from doing anything else on the system if it starts swapping.
Eclipse: Lots of development tools use Eclipse. Android, Web, Aptana. Can be a memory hog. In my case, Android development Eclipse can take over 500MB by itself.
And then there's always tons of other programs you're likely to keep running. Safari or Chrome, iChat, Mail, iCal, etc. Everything using up memory. Spotlight can be a huge memory hog.
The longer the system and applications stay up, the more likely they are to consume more memory. So you may see your system start slowing down until the next reboot (could take weeks).
These are good questions. However, how would it be possible for the GPU lock to take up more than 256MB of memory? Isn't that the maximum it can take up, according to the specs? If it does more, that would be a nice hidden feature that I should be aware of.
Of course, one of my considerations for the 4GB was the GPU. Mostly because it's the best way that I can run some applications easily giving up a locked 256MB to the GPU. It makes it almost seem like a dedicated 256MB GPU only because it's DDR3 ram only for its use. I do that with my MBP now.
Of course, the work by your examples, seems like stuff that's way over the typical user these MBAs are targetted at. It's great, but it does seem much of your 4GB demands are a little on the side of a power-user. Or a least a strong content-creator. Virtualization software is obviously ram hungry, so those intending to use such a thing definitely benefit from more ram.
So the question still remains whether this is truly meant to be your main machine or not. Are you a consumer of stuff or are you more of a creator of stuff? That makes a big difference into what you'll bother to config the thing with. I, myself, spent a bit extra than what I may have needed for now. But I wanted to future-proof my more casual/on the road tool a bit. But I also wanted to pick a spec low enough to really not replace my MBP since that is my current main machine. In the future, that might change. Maybe the MBP will eventually become an iMac, but I have enough juice, in the right places, for that to be my workhorse for some time to come. And for right now, my house is mainly a portable house, when it comes to computers.
Of course, one of my considerations for the 4GB was the GPU. Mostly because it's the best way that I can run some applications easily giving up a locked 256MB to the GPU. It makes it almost seem like a dedicated 256MB GPU only because it's DDR3 ram only for its use. I do that with my MBP now.
Of course, the work by your examples, seems like stuff that's way over the typical user these MBAs are targetted at. It's great, but it does seem much of your 4GB demands are a little on the side of a power-user. Or a least a strong content-creator. Virtualization software is obviously ram hungry, so those intending to use such a thing definitely benefit from more ram.
So the question still remains whether this is truly meant to be your main machine or not. Are you a consumer of stuff or are you more of a creator of stuff? That makes a big difference into what you'll bother to config the thing with. I, myself, spent a bit extra than what I may have needed for now. But I wanted to future-proof my more casual/on the road tool a bit. But I also wanted to pick a spec low enough to really not replace my MBP since that is my current main machine. In the future, that might change. Maybe the MBP will eventually become an iMac, but I have enough juice, in the right places, for that to be my workhorse for some time to come. And for right now, my house is mainly a portable house, when it comes to computers.
... and they think simply having the additional 2GB of RAM will magically allow them to handle whatever changes in use over the next 2 - 3 years.
This is exactly my point. A lot of changes can happen "in the future" making you want a more capable computer. RAM is only one of many factors. It's just as likely that you'll need a faster CPU, better graphic card, larger display, longer battery life, faster system bus, faster SSD, larger SSD, ....
Surely, for some apps, having more RAM is advantageous. But the whole "future needs may change" argument is weak in my opinion. It's like: "I can't come up with a reason now, let's blame it to the "future" since no one can predict or defend it".
Guess what, may be the next iPad update will make you sell your MBA, and you'll wish you didn't waste that money on upgrading your MBA from the base configuration.
I haven't investigated how the GPU works regarding memory.
But looking at my 4GB 13" MBA right now, Activity Monitor is reporting that I have 690MB 'wired', ie can't be swapped out. I'm not sure what else wires memory other than the GPU. The value does seem to be dynamic and changes every few seconds. I do have three monitors connected at the moment.
Interesting that you call me a power user, then mention having multiple machines.
My intent is to have only one machine. Trying to keep multiple machines in sync isn't worth the hassle to me. I've learned from playing with even the 11" MBA, that my 'power' needs are pretty modest and even the 11" MBA handles them with great ease. I'm having a heck of a time deciding between keeping my MBP unaltered, getting an SSD for my MBP, keeping the 13" MBA which isn't much more portable than my MBP, or making due with a 11" MBA with its small display but enhanced portability.
Makes sense. If you're trying to go with 1 machine, of course you want something beefier. I mentioned the needs of yours requires a bit more power. I completely call myself a user that (at home) could be considered a strong power user. I push stuff in Logic Pro, through my MBP, that is true heavy duty stuff. But that's temporary and generally in one location. When I'm not doing that, my computing needs differ to lighter stuff.
I've been thinking about a future possibility of not having a MBP and going iMac, but having a portable workhorse has actually been useful in the past. (Allowed me to set up a mini-recording session in some of the darndest places). Not sure if I can completely give that up. I do realize I do need something very portable, and with a very nice battery life, that handles the 70% of other not-so-hungry tasks I do. Runs full MacOSX and capable of Windows 7.
If the MBA13" didn't have a big advantage of battery life over my current MBP (which is a 2009 model), then I would be less inclined for going that route. However, it's form factor and weight is actually enough to make the difference in my bags, so like the 11" it still fits my ultra-portable needs.
I've gone to a pretty much portable house since 2 years ago. I tend to do a lot of computing without drawing any house current to do so. (except for recharging, or when I do a long studio session)
I've been thinking about a future possibility of not having a MBP and going iMac, but having a portable workhorse has actually been useful in the past. (Allowed me to set up a mini-recording session in some of the darndest places). Not sure if I can completely give that up. I do realize I do need something very portable, and with a very nice battery life, that handles the 70% of other not-so-hungry tasks I do. Runs full MacOSX and capable of Windows 7.
If the MBA13" didn't have a big advantage of battery life over my current MBP (which is a 2009 model), then I would be less inclined for going that route. However, it's form factor and weight is actually enough to make the difference in my bags, so like the 11" it still fits my ultra-portable needs.
I've gone to a pretty much portable house since 2 years ago. I tend to do a lot of computing without drawing any house current to do so. (except for recharging, or when I do a long studio session)
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I just ordered the 4GB 13" model from Apple Store Online yesterday. Will be getting it on the 30th. Worth the wait seriously.
Got the basemodel, and so far so good. Snappier than my old Macbook Pro 2,66Ghz, installing CS5 now. Will give you some juice after some testing.
Seems like the people who went for the ultimate edition, own too much equipment to actually use it as their main computer. Right now I love it, but things may change after a couple of years, but then it's probably sold and replaced
Seems like the people who went for the ultimate edition, own too much equipment to actually use it as their main computer. Right now I love it, but things may change after a couple of years, but then it's probably sold and replaced
Got the basemodel, and so far so good. Snappier than my old Macbook Pro 2,66Ghz, installing CS5 now. Will give you some juice after some testing.
Seems like the people who went for the ultimate edition, own too much equipment to actually use it as their main computer. Right now I love it, but things may change after a couple of years, but then it's probably sold and replaced
Good for you. You'll be happy with it, I am with mine.
mac32
Glad to find out about the warranty and repair deal. Sometimes you can't wait, and I believe in the tip...
Don't think about the computers of the future, when there is something already out there working.
Photoshop CS5 Extended is working just above my requirements, some stuttering when adjusting 20MP Nikon RAWs, if you hold the mousebutton down and slide, you may experience a lag, but curves, levels and the healing tool is working very good.
Silverlight HD is a challenge though, but I got a silent Windows machine and a 40" to handle my video needs. Lack of GPU acceleration is the cause.
Glad to find out about the warranty and repair deal. Sometimes you can't wait, and I believe in the tip...
Don't think about the computers of the future, when there is something already out there working.
Photoshop CS5 Extended is working just above my requirements, some stuttering when adjusting 20MP Nikon RAWs, if you hold the mousebutton down and slide, you may experience a lag, but curves, levels and the healing tool is working very good.
Silverlight HD is a challenge though, but I got a silent Windows machine and a 40" to handle my video needs. Lack of GPU acceleration is the cause.
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If you need the power now then get 4Gb. If you don't then get 2 GB, future proofing is a scam. If you need more then 64 Gb of storage then you should get 128 GB, if you need 400 Gb get a pro.
a base 11.6" is $1000 and if you sell it in a year you will get $700 a 300$ hit. A fully upgraded model is $1400 and you could sell it for 800$ after a year a 600$ hit. The $700 you get from the sale and the 400$ less initial will give you 1100$. this is enough money to get next years base model with better specs and features and save 100$ (maybe even a free ipod touch if your timing is good). Your new machine will have another one year warranty and has a better resale value then the one you just sold.
My numbers may be off a little but the low end models do depreciate the less percentage wise.
a base 11.6" is $1000 and if you sell it in a year you will get $700 a 300$ hit. A fully upgraded model is $1400 and you could sell it for 800$ after a year a 600$ hit. The $700 you get from the sale and the 400$ less initial will give you 1100$. this is enough money to get next years base model with better specs and features and save 100$ (maybe even a free ipod touch if your timing is good). Your new machine will have another one year warranty and has a better resale value then the one you just sold.
My numbers may be off a little but the low end models do depreciate the less percentage wise.