MBA as your primary computer

[dukebound85]

First of all, don't try to say that all you're doing is "answering the op's question" when you are, in fact, not. Also, yes, you are being difficult. It is my honest opinion that your needs in a computer are a bit arbitrary and irrational. Secondly, none of your needs cannot be satisfied with the air. External display - yes. External hard drive - yes. Keyboard + mouse with BT - yes. You haven't mentioned ANYTHING about lack of power, probably the main concern with using the MBA as a primary machine, so basically all of your arguments against using the MBA as a primary machine are unfounded. That is, besides your irrational preferences for supercilious things. "Just my opinion."

i think i know why i dont want a mba as a primary machine so no they are not unfounded and hardly irrational

the op said " i dont see why a mba cant be a primary computer"

my reasons are reasons enough for me and many others

but as i said if it works for him, more power to him. but dont expect to post that statement and have everybody agree. you follow? lol

 

[mhnajjar]

I couldn't use MBA revA even as a second computer because I watch a lot of HD videos and it couldn't handle doing that alone

 

[aristobrat]

the op said " i dont see why a mba cant be a primary computer"

I think the reason that you're catching a little heat in this thread is because that's *not* what the OP said. The OP asked for other MBA users who used their Air as their primary computer to share their experience:

Besides me, who else in this forum uses MBA as their primary computer and how is computing experience with setup so far?

to which you replied:

why would you want it to be your primary computer is the question when you can get a mb or mbp for about the same cost or cheaper

... and then followed up by giving "only having one USB port when I have six USB devices to plug in" (I didn't count the monitor that you listed as it's not USB) as your example for why the Air wouldn't work for your main computer.

but as i said if it works for him, more power to him. but dont expect to post that statement and have everybody agree. you follow? lol

I think everyone in the thread follows that sentiment, but if the example you're going to give of why the Air isn't good to be a main computer has some pretty obvious solutions, I don't think you should expect everyone to agree that your example is a good example.

 

[jarjarblinks]

would appreciate some feedback

Am thinking of investing in MBA.

HDD space, lack of USB ports, slow 1.6GHz (relatively) processor notwithstanding, Im concerned about the shelf life of this product if I use it as my primary comp. This relates directly to the usage patterns:

Day 1:

arrive at work, use the MBA, its powered on for say, cumulative 6 hrs between 0800 - 2000, with partial discharge of battery before charging again to full capacity to use on the fly. reach home at 2200, MBA is left overnight till the next morn.

Day 2: MBA left running overnight, powered off for 2 hrs whilst travelling to work, arrive at work, likewise used for cumulative 6 hrs in between partial discharge and subsequent full charge. reach home, MBA powered from 2000 to 0300 hrs with electricity (that means battery will be fully charged after say, 1 hr).

the rest of the days are a combination of Day 1 and Day 2 practices. which means, there are infrequent partial discharge / full charge cycles, followed by intermittent nights where the MBA is left on charge for 6 - 8 hrs overnight.

Will this cause the battery's shelf life to reduce drastically within a short period of time, say, 6 mths onwards?

Understand what has been stated abt lithium ion batteries where it can be charged after only a partial discharge, unlike old nickel camdium batts. However, does this stand for prolonged usage say, 1 - 1.5 yrs?

Jarel Seeh

 

[Molopo]

but as i said if it works for him, more power to him. but dont expect to post that statement and have everybody agree. you follow? lol

Don't try to condescend me when you are clearly not in any shape to do so. It's obvious that you do not "follow", seeing as how you can't answer a simple question that the OP had. That's what happens when you fail to read.

I think the reason that you're catching a little heat in this thread is because that's *not* what the OP said. The OP asked for other MBA users who used their Air as their primary computer to share their experience:



to which you replied:



... and then followed up by giving "only having one USB port when I have six USB devices to plug in" (I didn't count the monitor that you listed as it's not USB) as your example for why the Air wouldn't work for your main computer.


I think everyone in the thread follows that sentiment, but if the example you're going to give of why the Air isn't good to be a main computer has some pretty obvious solutions, I don't think you should expect everyone to agree that your example is a good example.

Ditto, and thank you.

 

[aristobrat]

Understand what has been stated abt lithium ion batteries where it can be charged after only a partial discharge, unlike old nickel camdium batts. However, does this stand for prolonged usage say, 1 - 1.5 yrs?

Here's a quote from Apple's website about notebook batteries. I think your scenarios definitely have "the electrons" moving, so that's a good thing.

Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her MacBook Pro on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing.

http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html

 

[Cynicalone]

Apple also recommends that you calibrate your battery as I posted about here.

 

[dukebound85]

Don't try to condescend me when you are clearly not in any shape to do so. .

lol im not condescending you. i simply stated why the mba imo is not suitable to be a primary computer. you are the one who is getting all worked up over nothing

i have my opinion as do you. however, you stated my reasons for not wanting the mba as a primary computer as irrational and that is just absurd sounds condescending to me

I think the reason that you're catching a little heat in this thread is because that's *not* what the OP said. The OP asked for other MBA users who used their Air as their primary computer to share their experience:



to which you replied:



... and then followed up by giving "only having one USB port when I have six USB devices to plug in" (I didn't count the monitor that you listed as it's not USB) as your example for why the Air wouldn't work for your main computer.


I think everyone in the thread follows that sentiment, but if the example you're going to give of why the Air isn't good to be a main computer has some pretty obvious solutions, I don't think you should expect everyone to agree that your example is a good example.

fair enough, i just interpreted his post as saying its suitable and hence reccomending it as a primary computer but i see what you mean as well. thanks for pointing it out. if only molop could be civil and tolerate those who dont agree with him

 

[Molopo]

lol im not condescending you. i simply stated why the mba imo is not suitable to be a primary computer. you are the one who is getting all worked up over nothing

i have my opinion as do you. however, you stated my reasons for not wanting the mba as a primary computer as irrational and that is just absurd sounds condescending to me



fair enough, i just interpreted his post as saying its suitable and hence reccomending it as a primary computer but i see what you mean as well. thanks for pointing it out. if only molop could be civil and tolerate those who dont agree with him

I mean im merely adressing the op's question lol

i think i know why i dont want a mba as a primary machine so no they are not unfounded and hardly irrational

the op said " i dont see why a mba cant be a primary computer"

my reasons are reasons enough for me and many others

but as i said if it works for him, more power to him. but dont expect to post that statement and have everybody agree. you follow? lol

I thought I was being perfectly civil. Never did I swear at you or make statements to which I did not back up with logic. YOU, however, threw condescending remarks at me left and right, treating me as if I were unable to understand simple concepts. Even if it was not outright, it wasn't called for either way. Also, you say that we are all so intolerant of your disagreement with the fact that the MBA can be used as a primary machine. However, you are the one being so overly defensive about your opinion, which is in itself extremely intolerant.

""

It's a shame that I am acting so civil; I normally don't reserve civility for those who don't deserve it.

 

[dukebound85]

I thought I was being perfectly civil. Never did I swear at you or make statements to which I did not back up with logic.

same here....

YOU, however, threw condescending remarks at me left and right, treating me as if I were unable to understand simple concepts. Even if it was not outright, it wasn't called for either way.

i guess you just werent seeing it from my point of view. and for the record, i was NOT throwing condesceding remarks at you left and right. i dont know where you got that idea to be honest. i just wrote "you follow" and you got bent out of shape. you on the other hand called my reasons "irrational". do you not see the irony in your statements claiming i am condescending?

however please accept my apologies

Also, you say that we are all so intolerant of your disagreement with the fact that the MBA can be used as a primary machine. However, you are the one being so overly defensive about your opinion, which is in itself extremely intolerant.

im just stating my opinion on what MY needs require in a primary machine. since this thread is dealing with the very topic of using a mba as a primary machine, i can state my opinion on it whether you like it or not. afterall it is a forum

It's a shame that I am acting so civil; I normally don't reserve civility for those who don't deserve it.

well im glad you can be "civil" when someone has an opinion that varies from yours lol

afterall, it is just a freaking computer and frankly i just wrote why i thought a mba is not suitable for a primary/sole machine. so sue me

owell lets move on and let bygones be bygones shall we

 

[Molopo]

same here....



i guess you just werent seeing it from my point of view. and for the record, i was NOT throwing condesceding remarks at you left and right. i dont know where you got that idea to be honest. i just wrote "you follow" and you got bent out of shape. you on the other hand called my reasons "irrational". do you not see the irony in your statements claiming i am condescending?

however please accept my apologies



im just stating my opinion on what MY needs require in a primary machine. since this thread is dealing with the very topic of using a mba as a primary machine, i can state my opinion on it whether you like it or not. afterall it is a forum




well im glad you can be "civil" when someone has an opinion that varies from yours lol


owell lets move on and let bygones be bygones shall we

Clearly, you still don't grasp the fact that a number of people have already provided obvious workarounds to the "limitations" you claim the MBA has. Therefore, yes, your reasons are irrational. It is not my fault that you choose to ignore the opinions of those individuals.

Also, I wasn't saying that you don't deserve my civility because you have a dissenting opinion from me. I'm perfectly fine with people who disagree with me (when they go about it in a logical manner ). Thank you for twisting my words though; I've become quite used to it by now.

I think at this point it would be wise to let bygones be bygones - it is proving quite difficult to talk to you. I'd rather not get in the way of the real purpose of this thread any longer. I'm doubtful of the true intentions behind your "apology", but it is accepted nonetheless.

 

[dukebound85]

Clearly, you still don't grasp the fact that a number of people have already provided obvious workarounds to the "limitations" you claim the MBA has. Therefore, yes, your reasons are irrational. It is not my fault that you choose to ignore the opinions of those individuals.

Also, I wasn't saying that you don't deserve my civility because you have a dissenting opinion from me. I'm perfectly fine with people who disagree with me (when they go about it in a logical manner ). Thank you for twisting my words though; I've become quite used to it by now.

I think at this point it would be wise to let bygones be bygones - it is proving quite difficult to talk to you. I'd rather not get in the way of the real purpose of this thread any longer. I'm doubtful of the true intentions behind your "apology", but it is accepted nonetheless.

oh jeeze, just because there are "workarounds" doesnt make it convienient. and for me convenience is nice in a primary machine. i hope you see where im coming from with that and see its not as you say irrational to want convienience

the mba is a "limited" machine compared to others. so while there are workarounds, it doesnt mean i want it as a primary machine because i dont want to have to deal with one usb port (which to me is very limiting as i at times have a ton of peripherials plugged in, such as a camera, printer, ipod, hard drive, keyboard, etc)


but hey, ill accept people are ok with using it as a primary machine. im just saying its not MY cup of tea and dont understand the reasoning behind it (which by the way is all I have said and then you have kept this argument going with me because i dont agree with you and instead call my reasons irrational)

lol ill agree with you on the point its difficult to talk to you as well

 

[darngooddesign]

for a primary comupter i like to plug in a

1) mouse
2) keyboard
3) maybe an external display
4) an external hard drive if needed
5) flash drives occasionally
6) printer
7) ipod

These would be solutions to your needs:

1) BT or LCD display (The new cinema comes with 3 USB 2.0 slots)
2) BT or LCD, or mouse plugs into keyboard
3) Same port as the MBP so same issues.
4) USB as needed
5) Hub or LCD display
6) Airport Express
5) Hub or LCD display

I am not hassling you on your post, I'm just giving solutions to what you saw as hurdles.

 

[Apple Ink]

There are not many valid reasons one might skip the MBA over any other notebook as a primary computer.

A simple powered hub is the best solution. Plug in a cord when at home and pull it out when leaving!

The only thing that bothers me is the rather limited internal storage capacity! While some of us may agree that xHDDs are a simple answer.... they are not an answer at all!

 

[smetlitzky]

Works for me

I have to say I bought my MBA (rev a) as a 2nd computer for business trips and browsing on the couch, thinking I would continue to use my Macbook Pro as my primary machine.. but I have been pleasantly surprised, I run all my apps including VMWare Fusion for my Windows accounting system, Access etc and have found it does 99% of what I want. When I get to work I plug it into my large LCD monitor and away I go. My kids now use my Macbook Pro more than I do.

I have to agree that the internal hard disk space is the major issue I keep confronting so I keep my large iTunes and iPhoto libraries on an external hard drive but this too is easy to carry around - not perfect and eventually would like more internal space but the portability of the MBA is just so fantastic - works for me

Cheers
Steve

 

[Molopo]

These would be solutions to your needs:

1) BT or LCD display (The new cinema comes with 3 USB 2.0 slots)
2) BT or LCD, or mouse plugs into keyboard
3) Same port as the MBP so same issues.
4) USB as needed
5) Hub or LCD display
6) Airport Express
5) Hub or LCD display

I am not hassling you on your post, I'm just giving solutions to what you saw as hurdles.

Don't bother; the same thing has been said many, many times throughout this thread. A certain someone just won't accept them as real solutions simply because they are "inconvenient".

Apple Ink: In a few months or so I think Intel will be releasing higher capacity 1.8" SSDs, so that problem will be eliminated by then. The only real gripe I have with the air's memory is RAM. 2 GB is considered a bit middle of the pack in terms of storage nowadays, and with no option to expand it could become quite a hassle in the future. IMO more than 2 GB is really a bit superfluous as it stands, but more down the road might be necessary.

 

[dukebound85]

Don't bother; the same thing has been said many, many times throughout this thread. A certain someone just won't accept them as real solutions simply because they are "inconvenient".

i value convenience over workarounds. thats not unreasonable to me. once again i have my preferences and you have yours ok?

stop being so condescending lol

 

[Ironic]

Bought the SSD MBA to replace the macbook I gave to my son, i just surf and email and a few pics.... so its my only mac.

 

[Retops]

Not to worry

My useage pattern is very much like yours. MBA is my primary work computer as I am on the go everyday working from different offices, out of my car, in public places, etc. I am using the MBA almost all day every day and well into the evening. I use AC if it is available, otherwise run on battery, recharging when I can. The battery is holding up just fine.

My MBA was one of the first in this state and has maintained 94% of battery with this heavy usage.

Am thinking of investing in MBA.

HDD space, lack of USB ports, slow 1.6GHz (relatively) processor notwithstanding, Im concerned about the shelf life of this product if I use it as my primary comp. This relates directly to the usage patterns:

Day 1:

arrive at work, use the MBA, its powered on for say, cumulative 6 hrs between 0800 - 2000, with partial discharge of battery before charging again to full capacity to use on the fly. reach home at 2200, MBA is left overnight till the next morn.

Day 2: MBA left running overnight, powered off for 2 hrs whilst travelling to work, arrive at work, likewise used for cumulative 6 hrs in between partial discharge and subsequent full charge. reach home, MBA powered from 2000 to 0300 hrs with electricity (that means battery will be fully charged after say, 1 hr).

the rest of the days are a combination of Day 1 and Day 2 practices. which means, there are infrequent partial discharge / full charge cycles, followed by intermittent nights where the MBA is left on charge for 6 - 8 hrs overnight.

Will this cause the battery's shelf life to reduce drastically within a short period of time, say, 6 mths onwards?

Understand what has been stated abt lithium ion batteries where it can be charged after only a partial discharge, unlike old nickel camdium batts. However, does this stand for prolonged usage say, 1 - 1.5 yrs?

Jarel Seeh