I am perfectly happy with my MBA, but I must admit that I like to always have the "latest and greatest". The new MacBooks look great, although I haven't seen one "live" or had the opportunity to get hands on with one yet. If I buy a new MacBook, I give up the form factor, but gain the processor power, features, etc. Also, it will really feel like a new computer because of the different appearance. Since I like the MBA form factor, I was thinking of just upgrading to that. The problem is that it won't even feel like I got a new laptop, because visually it would be identical to the one I have now. In fact, the reduced battery life may not offset the benefit of larger HD and improved graphics. Dying for a new laptop though... what are you other MBA owners thinking?
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MBA: to upgrade or not. Worth it?
- Thread starter jameskohn
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I have upgraded to the same looking machine before, and it's still fun.
You do notice the speed improvements even when slight, and just the feel of the machine being right of the box should be extra special again.
I think the extra space of the hard drive or SSD is a big thing, but maybe the 80 works fine for you.
If you sell yours, you can minimize the costs to upgrade obviously. You'll have to see approximately how much you could get for yours, take teh low end figures, and then subtract that from the price of a new one. Then decide if the difference is worth upgrading, to you.
The MacBooks are also very nice. That is a lot of computing power. Thing is, do we want to go back to a heavier machine?
Tough decisions.
You do notice the speed improvements even when slight, and just the feel of the machine being right of the box should be extra special again.
I think the extra space of the hard drive or SSD is a big thing, but maybe the 80 works fine for you.
If you sell yours, you can minimize the costs to upgrade obviously. You'll have to see approximately how much you could get for yours, take teh low end figures, and then subtract that from the price of a new one. Then decide if the difference is worth upgrading, to you.
The MacBooks are also very nice. That is a lot of computing power. Thing is, do we want to go back to a heavier machine?
Tough decisions.
I am in the same position. I really like the new MacBooks, I'm trying to decide whether or not the size difference will factor into the decision. I would probably go for the $1299 model, but I will miss the backlit keyboard. I have not really had a need for an optical drive, but I'm not sure if it's because I knew I did not have access to one. Does anyone know what a good resale price would be for a mint condition macbook air (with the box etc)?
I'm in the same boat you are in...I really want to upgrade to the 128ssd model...as I am sure it will run much more smoothly than the 1.6/80 I have now. Only thing that bums me out is that I bought applecare before the keynote and registered it to make sure that I DO NOT upgrade but I can't resist the urge after seeing the specs. I think I might wait it out to see tests to see actual real world performance before I jump the boat.
I think I'm beginning to understand why so many people call Air a "fasion accessory" or say people only buy it to show off...
This thread-- about the merits of upgrading to a faster model of the same computer with a bigger hard drive-- makes you understand the Air as a fashion accessory? Interesting line of thought!
I think it really depends on just how much you love your Air, in particular the form factor and weight vs the huge price differential. As others have mentioned, it's only 1.5 pounds less than the MB. Of course that number is all relative, because 1.5 pounds is 33% of the weight so from a percentage value it's more substantial.
For me, I just absolutely love the MBA form factor and weight/size. While I can't say if the thicker MB and 1.5 pounds would really detract that much, what I do know is I am comfortable bringing my MBA everywhere, and I don't think the MB would balance as well on my fingertips or my palm as I often like to do
As much as I loved the MBA, the only thing I was really wishing for was a better processor, a bigger hard drive and better graphics capability for gaming (the X3100 was surprisingly close to handling everything I threw at it, so this upgrade should hopefully push it over the edge). While the processor is not faster, the move to Penryn and 33% faster memory/bus speed is still an improvement, so they essentially delivered on all 3 of my desires.
So, long story short... my preorder is already in.
For me, I just absolutely love the MBA form factor and weight/size. While I can't say if the thicker MB and 1.5 pounds would really detract that much, what I do know is I am comfortable bringing my MBA everywhere, and I don't think the MB would balance as well on my fingertips or my palm as I often like to do
As much as I loved the MBA, the only thing I was really wishing for was a better processor, a bigger hard drive and better graphics capability for gaming (the X3100 was surprisingly close to handling everything I threw at it, so this upgrade should hopefully push it over the edge). While the processor is not faster, the move to Penryn and 33% faster memory/bus speed is still an improvement, so they essentially delivered on all 3 of my desires.
So, long story short... my preorder is already in.
I think you don't understand neither my post nor the first one in this thread.
I'll bother to quote in hope that you'll bother to understand:
So, you know, it's kind of annoying when you're judged as fashion victim for wanting an Air. But it seems there're reasons many people think so - and it's them that I'm beginning to understand. There's a difference between understanding other people's views and sharing them, you know?
I think you don't understand neither my post nor the first one in this thread.
I'll bother to quote in hope that you'll bother to understand:
So, you know, it's kind of annoying when you're judged as fashion victim for wanting an Air. But it seems there're reasons many people think so - and it's them that I'm beginning to understand. There's a difference between understanding other people's views and sharing them, you know?
Okay, I sort of get your point. But I didn't see the first post as touting a fashion accessory. Case in point-- I used to be an amateur bodyuilder of sorts, and would always get the latest and greatest nutritional supplements, even if my existing protein/creatine/etc. was good enough and cheaper. If anything, wanting a newer MBA with better innards would be the opposite of a fashion accessory--because you already have a good looking machine and are replacing it with the same looks but better power.
Alright, maybe a fashion accessory wasn't the best term. I can understand replacing something that's just good enough with a better version, as you said. But the OP seems to be concerned about exactly this - getting the same looks, which won't give the feel of novelty a new MacBook would provide. I suppose I simply don't get all this "latest and greatest" idea.
She is a polish girl, she likes the fashion about new thinks..
(I hope you have some sense of humor). Did you ever manage to get the 5 HOURS of battery life?. I think just that apple reconsidered to be honest with their customers this time. No reduced battery life, 4.5 hours might be the real number (even with the new graphics chip).. and under extreme energy saving conditions. Sorry, no fuel cells for laptops yet.