MBP to MBA to MBP to MBA...

[mbonamassa]

There is definitely something about the MBA that is greater than just it's specs would imply. I had a 15" MBP when the MBA was announced. I was going to hold off since it was a little too anemic for my daily use at work. Then I saw it in my Apple store and (unfortunately - they had them in stock). So I went big for the MBA with SSD. My immediate reaction was this thing is incredible. Then I tried to move my data to it (forget the iTunes data that went right to my WD Passport). The wireless connection was about the only way to go since there was no way to do target disk mode. Anyway that did not work after several attempts so I just moved everything manually via my USB Passport drive. Man was it slow loading. However, once everything was on it the performance of the SSD was great.

I used my new MBA but found the single USB port limiting. I bought the smallest powered hub I could (from Targus) but using the hub and a JavoEdge USB powered battery would not spin up my WD. Only my big powered hub would do that. So now I am lugging around an external drive, USB hub (and power brick), and an external superdrive. This is crazy how is this saving me weight? So after a couple months I go back to the MBP. I planned to sell the MBA but could not part with it. Then I read about the Dr. Botts T3 hub in here and voila - could this be the magic dust that makes my MBA useable again?

Sure enough the combo of the MBA with the T3 Hub and my WD Passport is a viable lightweight option. I don't know what it is about the MBA but despite the shortcomings it is real hard to go back to a big MBP. Any other MBA owners have this kind of flip flopping experience?

 

[brudy]

I have an aging 17" powerbook and just bought an MBA. I'll tell you, I hardly ever reach for the powerbook anymore. I do most of my design and photography on my dual G5 these days anyway. The MBA is the perfect machine for my surfing needs, as well as light traveling photoshop/lightroom stuff. But there are times when I really miss the extra screen real estate, the 17" is simply awesome. And firewire (I have some drives and protools that require firewire). But the MBA is an alluring machine. You can really get sucked into its weightlessness. It's just such a gorgeous machine and I'm lucky to be able to have both. I went to the apple store to buy a macbook pro and left with the MBA. No regrets yet!

 

[alphaod]

My father bought a MBA so I tried it out; very computer and feels great, but I think the touchpad is way too big and button too small. Also I don't like the space between the keys on the keyboard.

I tend to like computers will a little more mass; feels sturdier.

 

[jonswan]

The MBA is rock solid and amazing in pretty much every way. But if it had 2 USB ports and a firewire socket then that would be even better. I guess more speed will be useful in next year's revisions.

 

[brudy]

The smaller trackpad button took me a few days to get used to it but then it's fine. And I think the whole laptop actually feels pretty sturdy. More sturdy than my wife's macbook (which I also l like). It feels very solid. Light, but stiff, if that makes sense.

My only real gripe is I wish the HD were larger and faster. A firewire port would be nice, but it's not a deal-breaker for me.

 

[anirban]

My only real gripe is I wish the HD were larger and faster. A firewire port would be nice, but it's not a deal-breaker for me.

Agreed.

 

[evirob]

My experience with the MBA so far is pretty good...never expected it to do resources sapping applications in the first place.... Bought it only for it's portability, OSX and it's larger screen....

I had a chance to try out the current MBP for bout 2 weeks, must say really like its horse power and it's feeling of robustness....Cadding and Illustrator was a real breeze... However, can't stand lugging it around town....

Hence, went back to my MBA....They both really belong to a different market segment...

 

[HotAir]

They both really belong to a different market segment...

EXACTLY by jove! These complainers fill up the forums with desperate wishes for apples to be oranges. "If only it had this or a little more that then I'd be happy..." Stop whining and enjoy your APPLE... or go buy an orange.