MBP i7 to MBA 13". Opinions wanted, please.

[MikeinJapan]

Hey guys

I just want to bounce this off some people before jumping in.

I bought my MBP in 2008 when the unibody was released and it had the 9400m and Apple replaced it with an i7. I love it but the glossy screen isn't the best and it is a little heavy. I am heading to back to uni to do an MBA and won't be upgrading and my applecare runs out in a year.

The new MBA is small enough for commuting (when at uni) and fastest enough for me. I rarely take my pro above 50% CPU. I used to play a lot of games but haven't installed a game in over year on my mac.

I can sell my MBP and get a 13" MBA (128GB) with 4GB RAM with a little change to boot to put towards Applecare so I will be covered. I should also say that I have a Mac Mini for media center that will become my mass storage.

I just surf the net, edit a few photos and edit a few movies a year. Soon I will be writing and translating (freelance).

Does anyone have an opinion on this change?

 

[Hellhammer]

It should be fine for you. In photo and video editing, a faster CPU would increase the performance but if that is something you only do casually, then MBA is sufficient.

In fact, I'm getting the same MBA soon

 

[MikeinJapan]

I think for me it is the antiglare screen and size/weight. I also want the coverage of the applecare while at uni as I won't be able to finance a new laptop while paying for the masters.

I just think I will miss the backlit keyboard. (not a deal breaker).

 

[bamf]

I have the exact same model MBA you are talking about getting, and I think you'll be fine given the usage pattern you mention above.

I've found myself leaving my 15" i5 on my desk lately and using that as my portable desktop if I need more "oomph" for something.

In every day usage so far the new MBA seems more than capable. I'm loving mine.