Making the leap to Apple from PC

[impact]

I am finally abandoning PCs for mac (thanks, vista) and considering a MBA. I had a few questions:

1) Is the heat issue resolved?

2) I don't know anything about mac speeds - is a MBA that much slower than a MB that I would notice if doing web surfing/ word processing/ etc.?

Thanks much

 

[xparaparafreakx]

Heat thing is still there for some people. It all depends on what applications you run.

You should not notice anything when doing something basic like that unless one of your cores shut off.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

For the sacrifices made with the MBA - unless you absolutely need an ultra-portable - get a MB or MBP. (I'd favor the MBP)

I made the jump about 3 years ago now - and have never looked back. (though I am running 2 copies of XP right now within OSX)

Go to an Apple store and play with them - you'll find what you want pretty fast.

 

[Savagestorm]

I switched from PC to MBA about a week ago, and it's going great so far. Infact I literally haven't turned on my (very powerful) PC since transferring over my information. I'm in love with the way the programs syncronize with each other, but anyway, to your questions.

I haven't had any heat issues, however I do keep heat in mind as the laptop can tend to get hot when using iMovie, however this is no more than you'd expect from any other laptop. I've had no problems with heat, and my maximm temp was 82 degree's, however temp very rarely strays above 72. With normal use, eg MS Office, iTunes and Safari open, the temp generally stays in the 50's, with it going to the 60's if using youtube.

Regarding speed, I have absolutely no complaints, and this is coming from someone who has been using a dual core 3.2ghz pc, with 4gb of ram. Applications load up perkily, everything runs smoothly, the only real complaint from me is the boot up time, which seems to be over a minute, however I haven't timed it.

 

[impact]

Thanks for all the quick responses. I will be transporting the laptop around a lot, so that is why I like the slim size versus the MBP. But am less sure about MBA v MB.

Is there any difference in terms of the quality of the display between the MB and MBA?


In terms of a time to buy, is there any way to gauge if a price reduction or new version is right around the corner? I looked at the buyer's guide section of this site, but it didn't have that much to say regarding the MBA. Thanks again

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Well, from the main page: https://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/03/1-8ghz-ssd-macbook-air-drops-500/

Aside from that, I have no idea about any future drops or upgrades.

Personally, I'd go with a MB over the air, Optical Drive and the additional ports are worth the bulk to me. (this coming from a guy who still has an Inspiron 8600)

Go to a store and play around, like I said, you'll find what's right for you in a jiffy.

 

[NewGenAdam]

1) A minority of Airs shipped have overheating issues. If you're unlucky enough to get one, just take it back and they'll replace it. All Airs get warm on the top left side, although this isn't an issue as performance isn't affected, and it's normal for laptops to get warm. Further, it'll on warm up if you're doing graphic intensive stuff (for the Air!), like Google Earth, or videos.

2) As you'll see from its size (and beauty), the Air is unconventional. Yes it has a slower processor than other Macs, and it won't handle games fantastically, but I don't think people buy Macs for games! You won't notice a thing doing email/messenging/websites/video all at once. Throw in a 3d game on top, and you may get some slow down. You can see they're pretty good if you go in store. I wouldn't worry about performance: for me, the fun begins with economising for the 80GB hard drive!

 

[Savagestorm]

I can only speak for the MacBook Air as I've never owned a MacBook. The majority of the negative feedback about the air is from people who have never owned one.

Regarding the lack of connectivity, I was worried about the lack of USB ports but not about the lack optical drive as I rarely used the one on my pc, however I bought one to install Windows, (which I haven't actually used to date, other than setting it up). The lack of USB isn't really a problem, I thought it would be, but it really isn't, simply unplug connected devices when used, being a laptop, you'll automatically do this.

The laptop is very solid and durable, and to me, fells like it will hold up to a fair number of knocks. It is very light and damn sexy. Overall I'm delighted with my purchase. Hope this helps.

 

[impact]

Thanks again - all very helpful. I am pretty much sold. One last question - is the display better on the MBA than MB?

 

[ayeying]

Thanks again - all very helpful. I am pretty much sold. One last question - is the display better on the MBA than MB?

the MBA screen is vastly superior to the MB if you were to compare. The LED from the MBA is nice also, power saving, and extremely bright. The LED on the MBA is rated for 300nm (I hope I got the units right) while the LCD on the MB is rated for 250nm, according to developer specs on apple.com

 

[Sesshi]

I am finally abandoning PCs for mac (thanks, vista) and considering a MBA. I had a few questions:

1) Is the heat issue resolved?

2) I don't know anything about mac speeds - is a MBA that much slower than a MB that I would notice if doing web surfing/ word processing/ etc.?

Thanks much

Ah - another sheep abandoning a ship that's recently just as good as the one they're jumping to because other people (who themselves don't know what they're talking about) says so. Welcome.

1) No, although you may not notice it given your mode of use

2) No. Provided it is not stuttering everything works at a decent pace - i.e. a 1.8Ghz Air running Office is generally matched by a 1.33Ghz Low Power notebook running Office in Vista.

The screen is good. As good as a Sony SZ for example. The keyboard is an acquired taste. Read about the other problems as well.

 

[glitch44]

Ah - another sheep abandoning a ship that's recently just as good as the one they're jumping to because other people (who themselves don't know what they're talking about) says so. Welcome.

Calling people sheep, making assumptions about why he doesn't like Vista or why he's switching to OS X? You don't need to lace your post with that stuff here. We give help to all those who need it.

To the OP:
you won't notice while doing word processing or surfing, although the 4200rpm drive makes app loading a little slower at the start.

 

[impact]

Thanks Glitch et al for your help. Glitch, you are right - the people on this board (at least the vast majority of them) are extremely generous with their help.

 

[ScottFitz]

impact, make the switch. find the mac that best fits your needs. I have an imac on my desk, so the MBA was an easy choice. It's not designed, IMHO, to be a person's only computer. Maybe some people, but not me.

For me, it's the best solution for my travels. I spend at least 2-3 weeks a month on the road. Can't beat the mba so far. I'm still in the honeymoon stage with the MBA, but so far after two trips, it fits my needs quite well.

 

[shootr]

My first post!

I'm about 6 hours into my new MBA after being PC from the XT days. As others had said - thanks Vista!

Dude I'm digging this machine. The thing refuses to heat up past mildly warm, display is as bright and clear as anything I've ever used. Currently typing in the dark thanks to illuminated keyboard. Shortcuts ridiculously easy to learn.

Biggest setbacks as been compatibility - Netflix, Paltalk, stuff like that. I just got here but wanted to add my .02.

I'm very happy so far!

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

Thanks again - all very helpful. I am pretty much sold. One last question - is the display better on the MBA than MB?

The MBA screen is much better, but that's not to say the MB screen is bad. It's fine; it's just that the MBA screen is amazing.

 

[aussieinrome]

Hi Impact,

The MacBook Air is also my first mac and when I have to use Windows, even XP it is just such a come down after the snappy interface of OS X!

 

[gcmexico]

the MBA is awesome...but the heat issues are there

 

[nyzballa12]

Heat will be an issue depending on which programs you are running and for how long you run the laptop.