MBA purchase pending- suggestions needed.

[Zband]

Im thinking about replacing my powerbook G4 laptop with the MBA. I dont play games on it and I dont do any video editing. Its main use is going to be email/ web stuff/ WP. Occasional video from YouTube.

I really like the Rev B and C chipset running at cooler 17W, but despite this, does the case stay cool to the touch? I went to best buy to check them out and the case/ palm pad was actually warm- is this normal during use?

I hate to buy now, with a new model on the horizon, what chipset are people expecting in it ? Is the timeframe for a refresh still MW in January? or springtime?
Just wanted to get a rough idea of long so I need to put up with my G4PB!

Thanks

 

[jns2001]

Although, you have not asked for a different opinion, I would suggest getting another laptop as the MBA is way too old.

 

[greenmountain]

I bought a MBA about 6 weeks ago to replace my Powerbook G4, and my use profile seems similar to yours (web, email, word processing, excel, light video editing). So far I love it. It is so slim and light that I have to keep checking my briefcase to make sure it is in there (really)! A few days ago I picked up the G4 for the first time in over a month because I am getting ready to sell it on eBay and was stunned by how huge and heavy it felt - and this was a computer I carried practically everywhere for six years.

Heat does seem to be a bit of an issue with the MBA. The underside of the case can get quite hot to the touch (though I've always noticed this in the back, where the vents are, not up front by the palm pad). I suspect that using it on your lap while wearing shorts could get pretty uncomfortable pretty quickly. Frankly, however, the G4 had exactly the same issue so this strikes me as a wash.

Finally, I understand your reluctance to buy now. I went back and forth on this as well but, ultimately, we've been waiting for a MBA update for, what, a year? It might be next week, or it might never happen. If it is what you need now then now is the right time to buy. In my case, I was about to lose my eligibility for an academic discount and held out as long as I could. Even if they put out a new MBA tomorrow, however, I would have no regrets. It's a great machine, and is exactly what I wanted/needed. If you do decide to pull the trigger I highly recommend springing the extra money for the SSD. It makes a huge difference in the speed of the machine.

Good luck!

 

[Aboo]

You should also check out the apple refurbished store - they are basically brand new machines without the fancy retail packaging and can be had for as much as 20% discount over retail!

 

[bowlerman625]

You should also check out the apple refurbished store - they are basically brand new machines without the fancy retail packaging and can be had for as much as 20% discount over retail!

The rev C refurb with the SSD is an awesome deal!

 

[Zband]

Aboo - thanks for the suggestion! Hows the MBA working out in the hospital?

Greenmountain- I thought I was the only one still using a G4! I'm not going to lie but the fact that you said that MBA still runs hot kinda took some of the excitement out! Are running the 1.86 HDD or the 2.13 SSD?

 

[mangrove]

You should also check out the apple refurbished store - they are basically brand new machines without the fancy retail packaging and can be had for as much as 20% discount over retail!

I just got a refurb'd Mini this week and since I also bought a new one earlier this year I would say the packaging was the same on both. I guess the MBA is different from your experience?

MBA- I have owned one from the original 64GB SSD. Never regretted buying it. Still runs great!

 

[greenmountain]

I have the 2.13 SSD.

 

[Aboo]

Aboo - thanks for the suggestion! Hows the MBA working out in the hospital?

Greenmountain- I thought I was the only one still using a G4! I'm not going to lie but the fact that you said that MBA still runs hot kinda took some of the excitement out! Are running the 1.86 HDD or the 2.13 SSD?

Oh great so far - have been using it for a day and half and its phenomenal. Plenty of power for my work tasks.

Regarding the packaging - refurbished systems usually ship in a plain white box; new systems come in a printed box with a picture of the computer, specs, etc.

 

[mangrove]

Oh great so far - have been using it for a day and half and its phenomenal. Plenty of power for my work tasks.

Regarding the packaging - refurbished systems usually ship in a plain white box; new systems come in a printed box with a picture of the computer, specs, etc.

Agree-just checked both my 2010 mini and the first one came with what you say. Those extra boxes just take up more needed space for me. Now I've got to climb up into the attic to dump them.

 

[gri]

I had the same issue, waiting for a better MBA since it ever came out... (RAM, HD space etc.). In April pulled the trigger and got one. I didn't want to spend that much anticipating an upgrade any time so I went with the 1.86 Rev C with 128 SSD refurbished directly from Apple. Love it so far. HD is a bit small so I had to get rid of some stuff, mostly unused ballast anyway. Just the weight compared to a MBP was worth it and since no new MBA it paid off pretty well (several intercontinental trips with it). I don't think there is a huge difference between 1.86 ad 2.13 due to the throttling anyway, not worth the money at least on the current versions in my book.

 

[Zband]

Thanks for the responses. Heat is still a concern but just curious if the hardware (9400M) accelerated driver from adobe made a difference with flash at all.

What i'm gathering is that MBA will run as hot as my PB 1.5 did while watching flash (you tube), 145F.

 

[Airforcekid]

Thanks for the responses. Heat is still a concern but just curious if the hardware (9400M) accelerated driver from adobe made a difference with flash at all.

What i'm gathering is that MBA will run as hot as my PB 1.5 did while watching flash (you tube), 145F.

Gala improved flash a lot you will not have the same issues you did with your G4 also if heats an issue you can undervolt it to save battery and keep it cooler but I have never seen one get above warm unless I was running FCP.

 

[cleric]

Thanks for the responses. Heat is still a concern but just curious if the hardware (9400M) accelerated driver from adobe made a difference with flash at all.

What i'm gathering is that MBA will run as hot as my PB 1.5 did while watching flash (you tube), 145F.

Yea it halfed the cpu usage, on my 1.86 rev B