Is the MBA right for me?

[AppleGirl(:]

I went to the Apple Store yesterday by me intending to look at and even purchase the iPad 2. I was going to get a wireless keyboard and use it to write on for school, e.t.c. But, the eleven inch MBA caught my eye. It has a keyboard built in (duh), which is already a +1 for me. I would be using it to write school papers (just high school papers, but still), do some Keynote/PowerPoint presentations, and Safari. I like to watch YouTube videos but I'm not on there all the time and primarily I go on Facebook and the forums I belong to.

I would be getting the lowest end model of the eleven inch because of its less expensive price, and I'd rather just get the MBP than pay another $100 for 4 GB memory instead of 2 GB.

So, what do you think? Will the MBA work for me? This is a big purchase for me and I'd like to do it right.

Thanks!

~AppleGirl

 

[jonnysods]

If you are going to be doing a lot of school work, I recommend the MBA. You are going to want a keyboard for an iPad anyways, so skip it and get the MBA.

iPads are awesome, but the MBA has the most versatility....

 

[Lord Appleseed]

The MBA will certainly be better suited for your described needs.
However, i would really recommend the 4GB Ram option...it greatly improves Youtube videos in higher quality. If the 100$ are really not acceptable for you then you should really consider the 13" MB Pro.

 

[TRUCRACKER]

MBA sounds perfect for you. But 4 GB of RAM is basically todays standard so the extra $100 is really worth it.

 

[KPOM]

A base MacBook Air would be far better than an iPad for what you want it for. The iPad is nice for viewing content, but a "real" computer is better for writing papers and presentations. If cost is a concern, consider the refurbished models from Apple's site, which are 15% less than a new device. They are all thoroughly checked by Apple and are indistinguishable from new machines except that they don't ship with the fancy box. I use a refurb 11" model myself.

As to whether to get 2GB or 4GB, it depends on how long you intend to use it. Newer software is more RAM-hungry so if you plan to hold onto it for more than a year or two then consider the 4GB model as RAM is not upgradeable. Storage may also become an issue with the base model since it has just a 64GB SSD, though you can use external USB drives to store data that you don't need all the time.

 

[kapolani]

The single most important thing for any computer is ram. The more the better (for the most part).

Get the Air. I just got mine. If I loved it any more I would have to leave my wife and marry it.

 

[DaveOZ]

If I loved it any more I would have to leave my wife and marry it.

Now there's an idea... imagine how much simpler life would be.

 

[Big D 51]

Another vote for MBA...definitely best choice

 

[AppleScruff1]

Now there's an idea... imagine how much simpler life would be.

How true. For the OP, I vote for the Air for your needs as long as you can get by with the 64GB drive, otherwise you'll need to bump up the specs and then the price will be in MBP territory.

 

[Smoothness]

Now there's an idea... imagine how much simpler life would be.

+1 i say go for it

 

[DNAppleGold]

I love my Ipad, but it sounds like you need an Air - unless your already have another computer.

 

[rrl]

Ditto. And be sure to get a 4 GB RAM model.

 

[AppleGirl(:]

I'd be trying to use it for four years. Thinking I might just go with an MPB considering that it sounds like I'd need to get 4 GB anyway.

 

[Apple OC]

I'd be trying to use it for four years. Thinking I might just go with an MPB considering that it sounds like I'd need to get 4 GB anyway.

Good Idea ... the MBP will offer the chance to upgrade your Ram even more over the years..

 

[guitardave62000]

As much as I love my Macbook Air, I'd recommend for your needs to get the Macbook Pro. Its more of a bang for your buck and it has the ability to be a little more versatile.

As others may have mentioned, definitely check out the refurbished section on Apples website. You can save a lot of money and I think the products are just as good if not better then buying new.

 

[steadysignal]

I

So, what do you think? Will the MBA work for me? This is a big purchase for me and I'd like to do it right.

:

the MBA will exceed your expectations. both in usability and battery life. not to mention the form factor and how light it is carrying it to school...

 

[smugDrew]

I just cancelled my iPad 2 order, for a little extra you get a full proper computer with far more power than the A5 and a larger higher resolution screen.

Turns out that I am in no hurry and so waiting for the MBA refresh, but if I was shopping now and the choice was iPad 2 or MBA.. MBA all the way.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

As much as I love my Macbook Air, I'd recommend for your needs to get the Macbook Pro. Its more of a bang for your buck and it has the ability to be a little more versatile.

As others may have mentioned, definitely check out the refurbished section on Apples website. You can save a lot of money and I think the products are just as good if not better then buying new.

Agree completely. Go for the MBA instead of an iPad; it will be much better for your needs, such as essay and paper-writing. For what it's worth, I have both a 15" MBP and a MBA (Rev C). Re value for money, the MBP obviously is a lot better, carrying it around might become an issue. I have to say that the weight (or wonderful lack thereof) of the MBA is fantastic. Since I got my MBA last September, to all intents and purposes it has become my main, or almost sole computer and goes everywhere with me.

Also, on value for money, as both KPOM and guitardave62000 suggest, I also strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a refurb computer. You will get a machine that has been individually tested and tried, and will come with all of Apple's warranties.

Cheers

 

[panzer06]

I just cancelled my iPad 2 order, for a little extra you get a full proper computer with far more power than the A5 and a larger higher resolution screen.

Turns out that I am in no hurry and so waiting for the MBA refresh, but if I was shopping now and the choice was iPad 2 or MBA.. MBA all the way.

I stayed w iPad 1 and bought the base MBA during that $849 eBay / macmall sale. Both fit in my 10" iPad bag and are all I carry for work. I do have iMac desktops for heavy work but for general sales/office/research activities the MBA is a great companion. I have both but if I had to choose I'd probably learn to use a trackpad go with the MBA. Going to 4gb was not an option for the promo but so far I don't have an issue since it's really just a mobile office platform for when the iPad doesn't cut it.

Cheers,

 

[Commenter]

99% chance you absolutely do not need 4GB. Maybe years from now, or for resale value, but that's a long time away.

99.5% chance the Air is a better choice than an MBP for you (even with 2GB and 4GB respectively).

 

[kapolani]

99% chance you absolutely do not need 4GB. Maybe years from now, or for resale value, but that's a long time away.

Don't know if I agree with this statement. If the OP is a normal computer user they like to have many apps open at the same time. Furthermore, user's needs are always changing. The more ram you get now the better off you will be later, especially if you intend to keep your computer for a while.

I don't know if it's impossible to add RAM to the Air later, but I'm sure it is difficult for the average end user. If you're getting an MBP then you have other options for adding ram.

 

[entatlrg]

To not spend $99 on 4GB ram is just plain foolish, period.

Skip a few trips to Starbucks and buy the ram.

 

[entatlrg]

To not spend $99 on 4GB ram is just plain foolish, period.

Skip a few trips to Starbucks and buy the ram.

Buy the Air you'll be glad you did.

 

[Commenter]

Don't know if I agree with this statement. If the OP is a normal computer user they like to have many apps open at the same time. Furthermore, user's needs are always changing. The more ram you get now the better off you will be later, especially if you intend to keep your computer for a while.

I don't know if it's impossible to add RAM to the Air later, but I'm sure it is difficult for the average end user. If you're getting an MBP then you have other options for adding ram.

I'm just saying she very likely doesn't need 4GB, at all. Maybe at times it'll be marginally slower (if it swaps, it'll just be swapping to the Air's flash RAM), and the Air is already plenty snappy to begin with.

It is true that the memory decision is kinda permanent with the Air, though.

To not spend $99 on 4GB ram is just plain foolish, period.

No: It's 10% of the machine's price, and she was already upsold from an iPad to an Air. She's a high school kid. Not everyone is able or willing to spend how much you seem to on tech:

Mac Pro dual ACD | 17" MBP, 2.2, 8gb, 512ssd | 13" MBA ultimate
iPhone 4 | iPad2 3G 64gb | Apple TC | Apple TV​

It may or may not be worth it to her, but she does not need 4GB in the Air, as people here are telling her she does.

 

[cambookpro]

Get 4GB RAM. It will last you much longer, even if the $100 seems a lot now.
In the grand scheme of things, it's better to buy the slightly more expensive one now and have it last 5 years than getting the 2GB and realising it will only last 2 years. $100 now, or another $1000 two years down the line?