Mac Book Air Questions

[tawcat]

Been a PC user for years. Wanting to make the switch to Mac. At first I thought the iMac was what I wanted, until a friend convinced me to go portable.

I like the MBA, but I am not sure how I would accomplish uploading software and/or files.

I do a little photo editing, most of which is cropping and posting on an online service. I do some greeting cards/flyers/brochures and the like, again nothing heavy, just basic stuff.

I have an iPad (1st Gen), so if I got the MBA, I'd probably sell the iPad.

Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Hellhammer]

For your usage, the MBA seems to be sufficient. If you don't need it right now, you could hold own till the update to see what new is included.

 

[KylePowers]

I like the MBA, but I am not sure how I would accomplish uploading software and/or files.

Well, from DVD/CD - USB external disc drive. Apple sells one just for the MBA, but you can buy one for a lot cheaper (less than $30) from Newegg, for example.

From SD Card - Only the 13in has an SD card slot, but an SD-to-USB converter would work for either the 13in or 11in

From USB - 2 USB ports (flash drive, external hard drives, etc etc)

Then of course there's downloadable software, like from the Mac App Store.

Oh, and the next MBA will *probably* have Thunderbolt... which opens doors to future high speed peripherals (faster external hard drives, maybe TB equipped cameras or flash drives or something, who knows). Something to think about.

 

[tawcat]

So I guess the best thing to do is wait.

 

[KylePowers]

So I guess the best thing to do is wait.

It's a horrid experience... I've been waiting since the MBPs got refreshed (13in let me down) *sigh*

 

[PraisiX-windows]

I like the MBA, but I am not sure how I would accomplish uploading software and/or files.

I believe you just go to the website at which you want to upload files, in exactly the same fashion as on your pc, I'm yet to try out OS X though so can't say for sure.

 

[tawcat]

Whatever Mac I get it will be replacing my present PC desktop, which is the reason I am asking so many questions.

I appreciate the patience and knowledge.

 

[Steamrunner]

I like the MBA, but I am not sure how I would accomplish uploading software and/or files.

These days it's very easy to get software online - either trial or full versions. The Mac App Store carries a lot of the most popular apps (not all, though) and makes installing software a breeze - all without a disc. However, if you do need to install from a disc then you can simply attach an external DVD drive.

Files can easily be transferred - over your local network, via a USB stick (or harddrive if there's a lot), or an online service such as Dropbox or SugarSync. But again, if you really need to, you can attach a DVD drive - but I'd be very surprised if that was necessary.

You'll be able to transfer your photos over USB from a camera, and then upload to the online service in the usual way.

Hopefully that helps!

 

[tawcat]

Thanks again for the info. If I decide to get the MBA I'm sure it'll be the 13" with the 256gb flash. I've got a Transcend external drive work or would I need to get a Mac specific external drive?

 

[nebulos]

It's a horrid experience... I've been waiting since the MBPs got refreshed (13in let me down) *sigh*

UUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. me too, exactly.

 

[fyrefly]

It's a horrid experience... I've been waiting since the MBPs got refreshed (13in let me down) *sigh*

I agree with you re: the 2011 13" MBP (where was the 1440x900 screen??) But wow, if you're waiting for a refreshed 13" MBP, it's gonna be a long wait:

http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/22814-ivy-bridge-to-launch-in-march-/-april-2012

 

[nebulos]

I agree with you re: the 2011 13" MBP (where was the 1440x900 screen??) But wow, if you're waiting for a refreshed 13" MBP, it's gonna be a long wait:

no one said this. we were waiting for the 2011 13 MBP (to have 1440x900, at least in my case, yes), after which we began waiting for a refreshed MBA.

 

[KylePowers]

I agree with you re: the 2011 13" MBP (where was the 1440x900 screen??) But wow, if you're waiting for a refreshed 13" MBP, it's gonna be a long wait:

http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/22814-ivy-bridge-to-launch-in-march-/-april-2012

haha, I'm more interested in the new 13in MBA now. The resolution is just way too important to me to look past to get a 13in MBP (my current laptop is 13.1in 1600x900, so I need something close). Plus, an SSD standard is so clutch (never had one before). I'm getting more and more giddy as June approaches