Macbook Air 2008 - A trade worth making?

[SeanZy]

So I have an iPad 1 64GB 3G that is basically brand new. It has a warranty through December of this year, and it is in pristine condition.

I have been offered a straight trade for a fully functional and good battery health Macbook Air 2008 (the 80GB hard drive) including the external superdrive for discs.

Now I know the computer is old, but I have heard good things about it. I am super appealed by the size and everything, and the 80GB hard drive does not bother me since I have an iMac with a 320GB HD.

My main concern is running WoW on it. I have read conflicting reports about this and was looking to get some forum insight on it. I know the Intel 950M would run wow fine, so is it safe to assume the X3000 would as well? Anyone have experience with this?

Also I was looking for opinions on overall performance. Have you been pleased with how it performs for an older machine?

Any input is appreciated and thanks!

 

[SeanZy]

No one has some input on daily use of the 2008 model? -_-

 

[halledise]

No one has some input on daily use of the 2008 model? -_-

to be honest, I wouldn't consider anything less than a RevC MBA and I believe the model you are referring to is the original RevA.

here's the full specs for you to make your evaluation.
http://goo.gl/RsJET

personally, I wouldn't do the trade but consider flogging off the iPad and putting additional $ towards a current model.

as for WoW I have to confess I'm not a gamer, but on the specs of the RevA and the requirements of WoW, I'd say you be in for a frustrating time with a Rev A

 

[diminiko]

No one has some input on daily use of the 2008 model? -_-

I am typing this on a Rev A that I have owned since new on 2008. Whilst it suits my needs and is perfectly capable for email, word, internet surfing etc, it does have significant shortcomings compared to the current generation:

- Slow and small capacity hard drive
- Very poor intel graphics (I can't comment on WOW but would be surprised if it could handle even the lowest settings)
- Overheats when moderately pushed
- Screen hinge weakness (covered by apple even outside warranty tho)
- Poor battery life (2-3hrs light use)
- Slow CPU compared to newer models

You can improve the performance with an after market SSD but when you add up your total costs you will be part the way to a new machine.

 

[Mac Heretic]

If your main interest is wow or gaming, do what was suggested, buy a newer model. Rev a is hopeless in that. Newer models have much better graphics power and a ssd for smooth file access, plus some other qualities and one does get enough improvements to justify that added cost.

For basic mobile computer use, all Airs (even rev a, especially with a modern ssd) are amazing, mainly because of the great form factor and solid structure.

Diminiko summarized the properties of rev a very well. One thing i might add: working with only one usb port is a bit challenging sometimes.

 

[Scottsdale]

If you don't mind incredibly slow, do it. That MBA with Merom CPU, Intel IGP, and PATA 80GB 4200rpm HDD is slow slow slow.

Unless you want slow and incapable, I would advise you to pass. Now, I put an SSD in one and it made it worlds better, but that would cost you $350 or so that I wouldn't suggest you invest that unless you plan to keep until the MBA dies. You will never get the value back.

If you want an MBA, get an Nvidia-based rev B, C, or D. I would sell the iPad and buy at least a revision B with 128GB SSD.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[princealyy]

Just keep in mind your iPad is worth about 450 ish today so base that on your purchase decision..

 

[SeanZy]

I am not trying to spend too much money either and I should have mentioned that... but I am feeling like at this point the macbook air with the superdrive still holds more value than the iPad.

Maybe I am wrong.

 

[princealyy]

I am not trying to spend too much money either and I should have mentioned that... but I am feeling like at this point the macbook air with the superdrive still holds more value than the iPad.

Maybe I am wrong.

I think I agree with that

 

[halledise]

I am not trying to spend too much money either and I should have mentioned that... but I am feeling like at this point the macbook air with the superdrive still holds more value than the iPad.

Maybe I am wrong.

you could well be right - there's a RevA going on eBay Australia for Aus$789 with 11 hours to run.
surprised me …

http://goo.gl/7Jo4S