Macbook Air, "Best ever Mac" Buy Now!!!

[Reality4711]

Well, I'm shopping for a new laptop. Wife likes the MBA. But I want to take over for photo work afterwards so not sure what to buy.

I know the Air is due a new update.

Any suggestions?

Measure your requirements in photography e.g... Photos + jpgs + a little editing and posting online the MBA is a cracking choice (13' preferred).
However Large RAW files plus layers detailed edits then MBP for mobility, iMac for your desk and MacPro if what you need a truck instead of a sportscar..
I suppose, if you have seen and fallen for the 'retina' displays the MacBook would be your only option for the first scenario with the 13" basic MBP next etc..etc..

Oh and if updates are(the newest and bestest) the most important thing in your life then it is a lose lose situation as there is always something better round the corner. Before I get jumped on for that; of course buying when an update is muted within days can be considered a little short sighted if performance is paramount but buying after the update a product that is just a bit behind the curve can be a rewarding (financially) experience.

I hope this sums this up for you.

Regards

Sharkey.

 

[BornAgainMac]

View attachment 640353
Here's Windows 98. The primary reason for wanting to run an older version of Windows was really to play around again with all of those old CDROM titles I had from "back in the day". Windows 98 + VirtualBox is less than 200MB in total disk space. That's insane. MS Word for OSX is nearly 2GB alone. LOL

View attachment 640354

I really liked those Microsoft multimedia CDs. Imaged all of them so that I can use them in my VMs without dealing with physical CDs.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

It's the seventh time Blut Haus has dropped by the MBA threads specifically to be negative about people with MBAs compared to rMBs in the last month.
There is no need for relentless trolling to go on simply because Blut Haus doesn't approve of other people's purchase decisions being different to theirs.

Well I guess, but I wouldn't ever think, of going as far as counting someone's posts, just some things at 68 don't warrant my attention, but I am glad you are "on the job"

 

[ramonabynes]

Well, I just bought one on sale from Best Buy for $799 today.. (plus tax..grr). I have been mulling this decision for over a month. But I needed something new. The Air won due to having the battery life, ports, and form factor I needed. Of course, the keyboard thing is subjective, but I didn't want to try my luck with the new retina macbook. It was between the 13" MacBook Air and the Macbook Pro for me. I'm actually finishing graduate school this month so I don't think I need the Pro. Plus, at the price point it strikes the right balance.

 

[kiwipeso1]

Stop rationalizing outdated hardware. If you have it, that's fine - it's still a capable machine. But suggesting to buy MBA in 2016 is just crazy. It has a resolution of 1440x900, phones don't even have a resolution that low. It's atrocious compared to retina screens. If it looks so bad now, what will you think of it after a year? So screen alone makes MBA a complete waste of money. The new MacBook is much more viable option, not that much expensive and better in every way, slightly slower - yes - for a fanless trade off, but not like any of these machines are for heavy usage.

Don't buy MBA, it's old and should have been discontinued 2 years ago.

Stop rationalising useless hardware. Macbook Core M is really a toy barely faster than an iPad Pro.
There is no way I'd want something that chokes on anything more complicated than pages,
and doesn't even have a decent keyboard for the one thing it's made for.

 

[sracer]

View attachment 640353
Here's Windows 98. The primary reason for wanting to run an older version of Windows was really to play around again with all of those old CDROM titles I had from "back in the day". Windows 98 + VirtualBox is less than 200MB in total disk space. That's insane. MS Word for OSX is nearly 2GB alone. LOL

View attachment 640354

I really liked those Microsoft multimedia CDs. Imaged all of them so that I can use them in my VMs without dealing with physical CDs.

Yeah! It's very convenient. I like how the VirtualBox and VMs are transportable... easily transferable from one system to another. So much so that I've started scrounging around thrift stores looking to pick up some more older titles.

 

[zorinlynx]

Macbook Air is a great machine but it NEEDS a screen upgrade, badly. It's the only Apple laptop remaining that still has a non-retina screen.

 

[617660]

Macbook Air is a great machine but it NEEDS a screen upgrade, badly. It's the only Apple laptop remaining that still has a non-retina screen.

Apple has already done it. It's called 'MacBook'.

 

[The123king]

First Mac was a non-retina MBP 13" (or the roofing slate as i call it). Got a MBA and instantly fell in love with it's power, lightness and size. It also relegated my iPad to the cupboard. An Air and an iPhone is all the Apple anyone needs.
[doublepost=1469624339][/doublepost]

Stop rationalizing outdated hardware. If you have it, that's fine - it's still a capable machine. But suggesting to buy MBA in 2016 is just crazy. It has a resolution of 1440x900, phones don't even have a resolution that low.

You're comparing Apples ( ) with oranges here. Retina was first introduced because the pixel density (and resolution) of the 3GS and prior was TERRIBLE. It wasn't hard to tell where one pixel started and another stopped, producing a horrible grid-like pattern across the screen when you held it close to your face. A laptop, on the other hand, is much further away from your face (even on your lap) reducing the effect of the lower pixel density. Also most non-retina laptops (from any make) have resolutions that can handle 720p and some even can handle 1080p now. Compare that to the 320x480 of the 3GS or 1024x768 of the iPad/iPad2 and you quickly realize that without Retina, none of these form-factors could handle (the new standard of) 720p and 1080p video, hence why Apple had to upgrade the iOS device screens to 300+ DPI. This issue was null and void in the laptop/desktop industry as the screens already had the size and resolutions to cope with the increase in video quality when HD video became mainstream.

TL;DR: Smartphones need retina, laptops don't.

 

[tubeexperience]

Apple has already done it. It's called 'MacBook'.

...that also has more than one port and has a real keyboard

 

[617660]

...that also has more than one port and has a real keyboard

Crazy talk!

 

[stockscalper]

Apple has already done it. It's called 'MacBook'.

I have to disagree with you. My wife has one and I wouldn't have one. The keys feel cheap compared to the Air and it's hard to type on. The screen is too small for me. The trackpad is funky and the M core processor just doesn't have enough power to do what I need. I've looked at the Pro and they're clunky. The Air just fits what I need and I don't have a problem with the screen. I hope they will keep it in the line up. If not, maybe the newer, rumored thinner Pro's will do. But the Macbook just won't do what I need.

 

[ItHurtsWhenIP]

It's the only Apple laptop remaining that still has a non-retina screen.

And thank the sweet Lord for that. Some people don't want retina. I'm sure your mind must be blown...I'll give it time to sink in.

Keep the pointless resolution for actual monitors. Keep the Air light and long-lasting (battery)...I'd never buy a MBAr.

 

[Osty]

Just bought myself an 11 inch MacBook Air. After giving up my last one two years ago so I could 'switch to Linux' it feels like coming home. Take that haters!

 

[Reality4711]

I think the best backup to my OP would be to know how many of you actually work with the 'Air'??
I remember running my little photographic business in the UK (little as in just me) form my 12" G4 and the 11" Air has far more grunt than that little beauty. For example running 'Fast Raw Reader' and 'Affinity' far outstrips the PS I was using in those days - with "Bridge of course'. Include a fast 'Thunderbolt' SSD raid for storage and a +24" IPS display and I would be very happy to be in business again. No need for the Pros of this world at all.

Once again I say portable enough with power to spare for previews and basic editing and connectivity and the power to do the most wonderful creative work in the studio.

Now retired, the MacPro that was a must to run any 'Adobe' monolithic software is rarely used, the 'Air' combined with my old '23" ACD' is much more fun and produces as good a final product as I have ever needed.

Interested to know if any of you have tried or are using something similar for work?

Kind Regards

Sharkey

 

[thats all folks]

I think the best backup to my OP would be to know how many of you actually work with the 'Air'??

on my second Air (this a 2012, i7, 8GB) it's with me constantly and proven very useful but more importantly, like choosing a point and shoot over a DSLR, its too easy to keep nearby. I still have a Mac Pro at home for the big work (After Effects wants more than 8GB RAM) but also have a 27" display/keyboard/mouse setup to hook the Air into as my personal life is on that. just waiting for Apple to let me know whether I'm upgrading to a 2015 or 2016 Air. Come on Apple, update or confess already.

 

[Closingracer]

They did a minor update to make 8gb the default ram in the 13 inch earlier this year. I honestly think they are being phased out and this will be the extent of the updates, if you want an air now is as good a time to buy as any.

Well that answered why i saw an early 2016 version in the refurb section

Honestly if they had 8GB and 256GB SSD in the 13 inch when I was buying my rMBP I would at least given the Air some serious thought... Probably end up going for the rMBP with the Retina screen but would of at least thought of the Air than.

 

[Chicane-UK]

I bought my 11" Air just under 3 years ago - and it's honestly one of the best computers I've ever owned. I did pretty much max it at the time, so went with the i7, 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's been rock solid reliable, build quality is exceptional, it punches well above it's weight in terms of performance and speed.. the only thing showing it's age at the moment is the screen really.

I've become pretty disillusioned with what Apple have been up to in the last few years, but this machine has been so good, when it comes to the end of it's life, I'm going to have to have another laptop - probably a Macbook Pro for the extra horsepower and expansion ports.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

My 2011 11" MBA was my primary computer for a little over two years. I took up dSLR photography during that time and used my "little" MBA for processing lots of RAW images in Lightroom at one time. It never missed a beat.

Now I have an iMac that does the bulk of my image processing, but whenever I'm out of town I still use my trusty MBA to process the day's images and get them posted online. Five years later the battery is still at 84% (has been for close to a year). I see no reason to replace it anytime soon.

 

[scarrab666]

I had several MBA's. Decent machines, but, I certainly enjoy my MB more. More portable, lighter, way way way better screen. Not saying the MBA's are bad, as they are certainly great machines. Just my perspective.

Agree 100%

 

[MacBAir]

Wonderful screen designed for single UI. No need for wide viewing angle, fast, contrasty* and battery friendly.
Powerful for its size and capable of almost all you will need on the road or sofa. Very wide choice of processing speeds and storage availability both for browser and office pro.. Runs Windows 10 faultlessly, excellent keyboard and very flexible socket selection. This laptop in it's two sizes provides enormous variety of options for the user; not just size but capability, price and longevity. Like my original Mac (12' mbp G4) this little machine is well capable being used to run a company, write a novel or create art for the web and gallery.
Certainly IMO the very best little dynamo since the afore mentioned G4......
Marketing and rumour aside the MacAir is an excellent buy for all but the more specialised user doing video editing professionally for example.
I shall update mine if it becomes necessary but will still look for the same balance as my present 11" gives me now.

Kind Regards

Sharkey

It doesn't change the fact that a modern display (IPS) would be better in every metric, including energy efficiency.
That I can't forgive.

When I bought mine, in 2011, the screen was already subpar for the price.

But all things considered the 2011 version (mine) is the best laptop of all time. If you don't game on it, the only noticeable difference between mine and one from today is battery life.

This computer makes me an Apple costumer for life. **** windows.
However we still need to inform ourselves and avoid Apple's obvious money grabs. I don't think that a modern MBAir is a great deal at all, even when considered against a 13" rMBP.

The rMBP is better on every metric, besides being 300grams heavier. (Doesn't bother me at all). But my Air has many years left in it.

0 issues. Used and abused every single day. Even yesterday I was converting my multi GB music library. It was up all night at 100% CPU and 30ºC ambient temperature.

It just goes and goes. Love it.

 

[Reality4711]

It doesn't change the fact that a modern display (IPS) would be better in every metric, including energy efficiency.
That I can't forgive.

When I bought mine, in 2011, the screen was already subpar for the price.

But all things considered the 2011 version (mine) is the best laptop of all time. If you don't game on it, the only noticeable difference between mine and one from today is battery life.

This computer makes me an Apple costumer for life. **** windows.
However we still need to inform ourselves and avoid Apple's obvious money grabs. I don't think that a modern MBAir is a great deal at all, even when considered against a 13" rMBP.

The rMBP is better on every metric, besides being 300grams heavier. (Doesn't bother me at all). But my Air has many years left in it.

0 issues. Used and abused every single day. Even yesterday I was converting my multi GB music library. It was up all night at 100% CPU and 30ºC ambient temperature.

It just goes and goes. Love it.

Almost every posting on this little machine has a complement in it. Battery life, ports, reliability, computing power etc. etc..

So just to add to the soup - my biggest dislike is not in any way the fault of the MBA.

Why can I not have a browser setup that recognises the shallow screen and enables the ability to dump/hide the mostly unnecessary stuff. e.g.. the top of this page I am writing on. I cannot CMD+ because it mucks up the next page. I know some browsers have a simplified version for the little stuff; iPhones etc. so why not the MBA and the shallow screens? I recognise this is out of sync. with the OP but it shows (to me) how hard I have to look to be critical.

It seems most find many things to suite them with the "deal breaker" being an individual need that life is just no good without.

Nothing is perfect (ask God; he, she, it knows).So I reiterate my earlier thought.

The modern MBA is IMO the nearest to bestest there is at the moment; apart from that 24hr, 500ppi - in eye display, mind reading one you keep behind your left ear that I heard of which obviously should be behind your 'right' ear - idiot designers. DUH!!!

Regards

Sharkey

 

[Checksix2x]

I've got a MacBook Pro which is (at least for me) an unbelievable machine. I've been thinking about purchasing an Air for a 79 year old relative simply because trying to teach a person that old how to use a Windows-based machine is out of the question and they've had no problem learning on my Pro. A couple of questions:

How are the speakers compared to a Pro and is there really that big of a difference between retina/non-retina screens?

She'd probably use it for email between others in her age group and her grandchildren, listening to music and looking at photos we'd place on the machine for her.

Thanks for your opinion(s).

 

[thats all folks]

I've got a MacBook Pro which is (at least for me) an unbelievable machine. I've been thinking about purchasing an Air for a 79 year old relative simply because trying to teach a person that old how to use a Windows-based machine is out of the question and they've had no problem learning on my Pro. A couple of questions:

How are the speakers compared to a Pro and is there really that big of a difference between retina/non-retina screens?

She'd probably use it for email between others in her age group and her grandchildren, listening to music and looking at photos we'd place on the machine for her.

Thanks for your opinion(s).

The air is certainly a very capable machine for that task. I'd say the sound, for the size, is better than expected but is only really loud enough for being right in front of the machine.

without knowing anything about this person, I'm wondering if a laptop is the way to go. does she need portability? also, most laptop screens are pretty dense, small letters. maybe a base Mini and a low DPI monitor would be a better fit? There are a wide variety of 27", 1920 by 1080 monitors. that will have some pretty big pixels, so easier to read. and a better size for watching TV, movies... Should that become a thing. Add some external speakers that it the space the computer is in. and a desktop system would be more, set it and forget it. with a laptop, you are potentially dealing with having to plug and unplug things, wireless connection issues...

alternately, going off the experience of some of my own older relatives, this might be a good fit for an iPad. built in camera for FaceTime. I've kept my parents in Macintoshes for 17 years now and they are still more comfortable with the iPad, and especially with Words with Friends. and to that, you could add an adjustable arm mount, next to the comfortable chair, so she could use it without having to hold it up.

 

[organic bond]

I have to disagree with you. My wife has one and I wouldn't have one. The keys feel cheap compared to the Air and it's hard to type on. The screen is too small for me. The trackpad is funky and the M core processor just doesn't have enough power to do what I need. I've looked at the Pro and they're clunky. The Air just fits what I need and I don't have a problem with the screen. I hope they will keep it in the line up. If not, maybe the newer, rumored thinner Pro's will do. But the Macbook just won't do what I need.

Agree 100%