MBA 1.0 $1300 1.6/80 or $1650 1.8/64?

[mhnajjar]

Hi guys,

As some of you here might recall, I was not happy with my MBA experience due to some heat and core shutdown issues so I have been waiting for the MBA 2.0 for a long time.

However, now I am tempted to get a MBA 1.0 due to the clearance prices.


Please let me know which one I should go for and why and thanks in advance.


BTW, I have a 3.06 iMac so the MBA would be just for almost nothing but internet surfing, music and some homework assignments.

 

[andreab35]

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Well since you are tempted by prices, in my opinion, I would go with the 1.8/64. That now is like buying the 1.6/80 at regular price, except now you are getting the higher end one!
If you are really on a budget, go for the 1.6/80. Or better yet, revision b will be here extra soon.

 

[mhnajjar]

What is making it really hard is that I might be able to get the NEW MBA (penryn) 120HDD for the same price as the old gen. MBA 64SSD.

I was thinking of getting the basic MBA 1.0 but after seeing that SSD, I was hmmmm $350 more is not that much for what I am getting but it is yet not much (specs wise) compared to the 2.0 with 120 HDD which can be upgradable to SSD later

 

[Philflow]

It would be interesting to see benchmarks between the new 1.6/120 and the old 1.8/64.

Without them it's hard deciding.

 

[mhnajjar]

Does the 1.8 have similar heat & core shutdown issues as the 1.6?
Is the cpu locked to lower frequencies also?

 

[lasuther]

It would be interesting to see benchmarks between the new 1.6/120 and the old 1.8/64.

Without them it's hard deciding.

The new graphics chips, extra hard drive space, more FSB and L2 cache makes the 1.6 more appealing to me. The NVIDA graphics is a massive upgrade.


I think the MBA rev A are bad laptops to get at those prices. I think the best options are:

1. $1300 - 2.0GHz MacBook
2. $1800 - 1.6GHz MacBook Air

You can choose between the expandability, features, power, and cheaper cost versus the 1.5 lbs of extra weight.

 

[nick9191]

I selected the Penryn simply because it outputs less heat resulting in less/no core shutdowns, the thermal paste issue should be fixed also resulting in less/no core shutdowns, and it comes with much better graphics. Oh and it has double the cache meaning it should be faster than the previous revision 1.8.

 

[MontrealMonger]

You can choose between the expandability, features, power, and cheaper cost versus the 1.5 lbs of extra weight.

Yup. It sounds like a no brainer on paper but that extra 1.5 pounds makes such a big difference in how you'll use your machine. With the MB, any time you take it with you some place, it will be because you knew you needed it for that day and were willing to lug a heavy shoulder bag (or what have you) in order to have your machine with you. The MBA is a machine you can always have in your bag for any time a purpose for it may come up. You wouldn't think a pound and a half would make any real difference that way, and if you were talking about the difference between a 6.5 pound notebook and an 8 pound one, you would be right (either would be heavy machines to carry with you everywhere), but 3 pounds to 4.5 is an enormous leap. I never just happen to have my MB in my bag.

 

[lasuther]

No doubt the extra 1.5lbs can be a big deal for some people.

The point I was trying to make was if you need a MBA, go with the new 1.6GHz 120GB HD model. If you have to stay at the $1300 price point, I think the new MacBook easily outclasses the old rev A MBA.

 

[mhnajjar]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions but did you consider that I will be using the MBA almost to do nothing except very light stuff since I already have a 3.06 iMac?

 

[Philflow]

1. $1300 - 2.0GHz MacBook
2. $1800 - 1.6GHz MacBook Air

I would not consider the new Macbook. I just returned one because the contrast is mediocre.

Reviews have confirmed it's about 1:150 contrast, while MBA has 1:500.

 

[mhnajjar]

MB & MBP are out of my bag of choices since I do not need the power (3.06 iMac) and I am only shooting for the sexiness of the MBA.

 

[hooper2]

What are people's thoughts on getting the SSD, but staying with the 1.6 processor? Saving 200 bucks....

 

[twist2b]

saving the 200 bucks and getting the SSD addition is a good idea as well.
THough, if you hated the heating issue so much, go with the new version with the slower HDD. If you just do light browsing on the internet and stuff like that you will be fine

 

[mhnajjar]

What are people's thoughts on getting the SSD, but staying with the 1.6 processor? Saving 200 bucks....

It would be wise to keep the HDD and upgrade to SSD when they drop in prices.

Therefore, now I am narrowing my choices to MBA1 $1300 vs. MBA2 $1800 HDD versions.

This is really hard since no one has posted a review of the new models. I am trying to justify the $500 difference since I am not going to use the Air much spending most of my time on my iMac for doing the real work.

 

[mhnajjar]

saving the 200 bucks and getting the SSD addition is a good idea as well.
THough, if you hated the heating issue so much, go with the new version with the slower HDD. If you just do light browsing on the internet and stuff like that you will be fine

Did the SSD version suffer from the same heat & core issues?

 

[twist2b]

Did the SSD version suffer from the same heat & core issues?

I think it was not as bad, but it still suffered. I think the problem was more in the graphics card. The 9400 thats now in the airs are quieter and cooler. More efficient as well.

I just noticed you said you would do your real work on the iMac.

Seriously, if you already have a power computer, and are looking for the air as a travel/browsing internet/watching some vids

GET THE NEW version WITHOUT the SSD. Its not worth it. You already have the power on the separate computer. If you can switch whenever you need to then just get the air for enjoyment. A guy did a review on the REV A mba with the HDD and he said even though it was weaker then HIS iMac, he still used the thing more then the iMac due to its features. So, yeah, its not worth it in your case (pure opinion)

Again, I don't know you, and I don't know what you would prefer. But if I was in your case I would get the REV B HDD
But I will be getting the Rev B SSD due to the fact that I am going to college and will be using the lappy 24/7

 

[Philflow]

. The 9400 thats now in the airs are quieter and cooler.

The Nvidia 9400M cooler than Intel X3100? Where did you get that information?

 

[mhnajjar]

I think it was not as bad, but it still suffered. I think the problem was more in the graphics card. The 9400 thats now in the airs are quieter and cooler. More efficient as well.

I just noticed you said you would do your real work on the iMac.

Seriously, if you already have a power computer, and are looking for the air as a travel/browsing internet/watching some vids

GET THE NEW version WITHOUT the SSD. Its not worth it. You already have the power on the separate computer. If you can switch whenever you need to then just get the air for enjoyment. A guy did a review on the REV A mba with the HDD and he said even though it was weaker then HIS iMac, he still used the thing more then the iMac due to its features. So, yeah, its not worth it in your case (pure opinion)

Again, I don't know you, and I don't know what you would prefer. But if I was in your case I would get the REV B HDD
But I will be getting the Rev B SSD due to the fact that I am going to college and will be using the lappy 24/7

I like your comments but would you get the MBA2 for $1800 or MBA1 for $1300 (BB)/$1150(eBay)?

 

[twist2b]

The Nvidia 9400M cooler than Intel X3100? Where did you get that information?

In the airrrr boi! the 9400 runs the HD movies "more correctly" is the best way I can put it. Meanwhile the x3100 struggles, bringing the temp up. Older graphics cards heat up really easy in new stuff like HD.

mhnajjar - If I was YOU, I would get the older version, go for the SSD because a few have sold at only 1300 used but perfect condition WITH superdrive. But it really depends. If you plan to use this VERY often, you should seriously consider getting the 1800. But seriously, I really don't know how you plan to use this.


Maybe you should explain what your thinking. Like why are you getting the AIR? Like what would be your main uses. I personally will be using every day at college, and will mostly just browse the web and working on word/excell spreadsheets for school. In my spare time maybe some fun (a little more "intense") things. Because it will be my ONLY computer I will get the SSD upgrade.

 

[Philflow]

In the airrrr boi! the 9400 runs the HD movies "more correctly" is the best way I can put it. Meanwhile the x3100 struggles, bringing the temp up. Older graphics cards heat up really easy in new stuff like HD.

Oh yeah it will run cooler while doing grapichs intensive stuff because the GPU is offloading the CPU.

But for normal use (not graphics intensive) the X3100 will run cooler I expect.

 

[twist2b]

Oh yeah it will run cooler while doing grapichs intensive stuff because the GPU is offloading the CPU.

But for normal use (not graphics intensive) the X3100 will run cooler I expect.

Thats not possible they will be the same for anything not intensive... why?

Take it to an electrical level: (I am an EE)
A graphics card is made up of (for the most part) MILLIONS of switches. Those switches are.... switched from voltage. The voltage running through will be the same, i.e. the Resistance (E=IR) will be the same. Becuase they both would run with low resistance the end result would be LOW heat.

(for those that don't know, the heat is produced by the resistance)

 

[mhnajjar]

Maybe you should explain what your thinking. Like why are you getting the AIR? Like what would be your main uses. I personally will be using every day at college, and will mostly just browse the web and working on word/excell spreadsheets for school. In my spare time maybe some fun (a little more "intense") things. Because it will be my ONLY computer I will get the SSD upgrade.

I already did on my first post "BTW, I have a 3.06 iMac so the MBA would be just for almost nothing but internet surfing, music and some homework assignments on the go if any."

 

[twist2b]

I already did on my first post "BTW, I have a 3.06 iMac so the MBA would be just for almost nothing but internet surfing, music and some homework assignments on the go if any."

Crap, my bad. Damn, ya. ANY of them would work to tell you the truth. I would still go with the REV B just because heating issues PISS ME OFF. But with the heating fix (forgot app name) There is no reason NOT to get the Rev A. Just look at the deals and consider if its worth it.

Seriously though, such a nice iMac and only light things on your air? Common, every option available works perfect for you.

 

[Philflow]

Thats not possible they will be the same for anything not intensive... why?

No I disagree again

The Nvidia chipset is not only the GPU. The Intel chipset is better than Nvidia in powersaving.

Mark my words, let's see some benchmarks on battery life.