Macbook Air Comparison

[Stev0lution]

My significant other has gotten bit by the Macbook bug

She really wants a MBA, so I think I'm going to try and find her one for Christmas. Being students, money is a bit tight. I've found a couple of MBA's in the range of $600-$800US. 600 being a MBA 1,1 and 800ish being either a MBA 2,1-3,1.

Aside from the obvious hardware, is there a HUGE difference (real life performance) between a MBA 1,1 and a MBA 3,1 given semi-equal hardware ratings? She won't be using it for anything more than MS Office and browsing the net. No photo-editing, music, or anything resource-heavy. I'm just afraid that after using my White macbook 2,1 and then my MBP 7,1 she'll think that the MBA is a toy (performance-wise).

Any suggestions and insight will be greatly appreciated.

 

[equiprimordial]

Do not get the 1,1 under any circumstances. It had horrible performance and overheating issues. The 3,1 is a quantum leap ahead in terms of performance. The best qualities of the MBA shine with 3,1 and are obscured in 1,1.

 

[jenzjen]

Agreed, avoid the 1,1. Apple refurbished has the 3,1 for $850 (when in stock), so I'd try craigslist to find a 2,1 or 3,1 for under $750/800.

 

[Lifequest]

Do not get the 1,1 under any circumstances. It had horrible performance and overheating issues. The 3,1 is a quantum leap ahead in terms of performance. The best qualities of the MBA shine with 3,1 and are obscured in 1,1.

So not much of a difference?

A quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity involved in an interaction

 

[zstar]

So not much of a difference?

A quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity involved in an interaction

That definition only applies to Physics when discussing Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic radiation concepts. I highly doubt we are talking about Physics here.

According to the merriam-webster dictionary, 'Quantum Leap' means:

an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum?show=6&t=1292331575

Next time, do search for appropriate definitions by including the context of the word in question.

 

[KPOM]

I'd go for the 3,1 if you want the relationship to outlast the computer, especially if you can find one with an SSD.

 

[j_maddison]

You mention you are both students, the 11" MBA should work out at $859. Assuming you receive a 14% discount in the US like we do in the UK when purchasing items from the Applestore.

You'll also receive a 3 year warranty for free

I'm not entirely sure 2Gig of Ram at that price will be a good option though, I have 4Gig and wish the Air could handle more

 

[lucashungaro]

Buy the latest model. It's way faster and more reliable.

 

[gwsat]

That definition only applies to Physics when discussing Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic radiation concepts. I highly doubt we are talking about Physics here.

According to the merriam-webster dictionary, 'Quantum Leap' means:

an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum?show=6&t=1292331575

Next time, do search for appropriate definitions by including the context of the word in question.

+1! You beat me to it. While it's true that many of us here are nerds, even our geekiness has its limits.

 

[darngooddesign]

So not much of a difference?

A quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity involved in an interaction

That definition only applies to Physics when discussing Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic radiation concepts. I highly doubt we are talking about Physics here.

According to the merriam-webster dictionary, 'Quantum Leap' means:


Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum?show=6&t=1292331575

Next time, do search for appropriate definitions by including the context of the word in question.

HAHAHAHA Lifequest FTL.

 

[KPOM]

So not much of a difference?

A quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity involved in an interaction

And here I was, thinking Scott Bakula would jump back in time and prevent that major system crash from ever happening.

 

[Stev0lution]

You mention you are both students, the 11" MBA should work out at $859. Assuming you receive a 14% discount in the US like we do in the UK when purchasing items from the Applestore.

You'll also receive a 3 year warranty for free

I'm not entirely sure 2Gig of Ram at that price will be a good option though, I have 4Gig and wish the Air could handle more

During undergrad, our discount was 10%. I'll have to check and see if grad students are still eligible. Does Apple give the student discount on refurbs as well?

 

[j_maddison]

During undergrad, our discount was 10%. I'll have to check and see if grad students are still eligible. Does Apple give the student discount on refurbs as well?

No, the student discount is only available on new devices

There is a 10% discount in the UK too, but that is if you purchase as a student while not connected to the University/ Collage/ School network. If you connect to the Applestore (assuming you chose the Higher ed store option), it registers the IP address of the institution you are in and you get the extra discount

If I walk into an Apple store, I wouldn't get the same discount

Post grad students are eligible, even part time students are. You just need to be enrolled on a course.

 

[iCheddar]

The student discounts these days are basically worth nothing. Apple sells the base MBA for $949 - depending on your tax rate, it's generally cheaper to just purchase from a third party retailer like Amazon that doesn't tax.

 

[j_maddison]

The student discounts these days are basically worth nothing. Apple sells the base MBA for $949 - depending on your tax rate, it's generally cheaper to just purchase from a third party retailer like Amazon that doesn't tax.

Unless you're in the UK

The founder of this thread is in the US though I believe, so I wouldn't be able to comment on what the best option is.

 

[Stev0lution]

Unless you're in the UK

The founder of this thread is in the US though I believe, so I wouldn't be able to comment on what the best option is.

You're absolutely correct. I'm in the US.

So, this is what I've narrowed it down to so far... I can get a base MBA 1,1 for $450 or a MBA 2,1 (2.13 c2d) w/ the 128SSD for $750ish (still negotiating). Both are in pristine condition. Should I bite on one or wait until the new MBA comes out, possibly lowering the price of used ones?

 

[jenzjen]

You're absolutely correct. I'm in the US.

So, this is what I've narrowed it down to so far... I can get a base MBA 1,1 for $450 or a MBA 2,1 (2.13 c2d) w/ the 128SSD for $750ish (still negotiating). Both are in pristine condition. Should I bite on one or wait until the new MBA comes out, possibly lowering the price of used ones?

Since the 2010 MBA just came out, I don't think that will change for another year so you might as well buy now. 450 for that 1,1 is really tempting, though, but I would still avoid it if possible.

 

[zinka]

The student discounts these days are basically worth nothing. Apple sells the base MBA for $949 - depending on your tax rate, it's generally cheaper to just purchase from a third party retailer like Amazon that doesn't tax.

Amazon does charge sales tax.

 

[Stev0lution]

Update:

I just picked up a heck of a deal. This soon-to-be-graduate sold me her Mid-2009 MBA 13" 2.13 c2d, 2gb ram, and 128 SSD for $525! It also has 2 years of AppleCare left on it.

 

[KPOM]

That is a heck of a deal. I sold my 1.86GHz Rev B (SSD) for a shade under $800 last month.

 

[iCheddar]

Edit: Wrong thread, I thought I was posting in the Setups thread...*facepalm*

In any case, Amazon may charge you sales tax zinka, but for the majority of us, they don't.

I myself am seriously considering getting back into the notebook game. In April I sold my 13" Pro and picked up an iPad instead, but I found the iPad quite lacking this semester, and I might pick up an Air instead. While the new ones are incredibly beautiful, I might opt for the old 2,1 or 3,1.

As long as I can pick one up with an SSD I'll be happy.