a) Can you rotate it and hold it like a magazine, or a book, and read a PDF like that? I don't care if it's "stupid" or "useless".
b) Can you really open it with one finger, or does it tilt back and then you have to use two? Does it sit well on your lap or is a heavier Macbook a better option?
Sorry for these two somewhat silly questions, but I'm having trouble deciding between the 13" MBP and MBA, because they present the same test results. So, first of all, I'm interested in the MBA weight and build differences. As for the specs, obviously the 1.86hz/4gb setup is 200$ away from the default MBP package, but the MBP SDD and RAM upgrades seem rather costlier.
The long run is the issue here, and I wonder if computing isn't evolving to less demanding tasks, rendering the 'portable powerhouse' category useless. Obviously, 'intensive' use seems related to either 3D, video processing, or gaming, and I have rather light uses planned for the first two. For real hardcore gaming, I'd rather buy a console.
On the other hand, a 128gb seems tiny, not so great when compared to the MBP's default 250gb, but consider this: I'm not worried with having a huge media library, but I can imagine myself downloading 30gb Blu-Ray dvds or 1080p tv show seasons somewhere down the line, and will 128gb be enough for that 'data flow'? I also fear the new application state-saves brought about by Lion will fit the MBA much better. New MBPs are rumoured for April, but if the MBA is 'the new generation of Macbooks', what can we expect? The form factor won't change unless they finally get rid of the optical drive, so it'll still be about a better processor and maybe a new SSD drive, right?
The main issue I have with my current laptop, besides Windows usability and lame hardware design, is the noises (HDD and fans) as well as the lights. I need something that sits next to my bed and doesn't disturb my sleep or light up the whole room. How do the MBP and the MBA stand in this regard? If I use them as primary computers, can I just leave it to download something huge, close the lid, and forget about it?
Finally, if you can just recap the MBA/MBP 13" comparison, or point me a link to it, that would be great. Besides the usual benchmarks, I'm more interested in knowing what's different your daily activity, or of any shortcomings the transition to the MBA has presented.
Thanks!
b) Can you really open it with one finger, or does it tilt back and then you have to use two? Does it sit well on your lap or is a heavier Macbook a better option?
Sorry for these two somewhat silly questions, but I'm having trouble deciding between the 13" MBP and MBA, because they present the same test results. So, first of all, I'm interested in the MBA weight and build differences. As for the specs, obviously the 1.86hz/4gb setup is 200$ away from the default MBP package, but the MBP SDD and RAM upgrades seem rather costlier.
The long run is the issue here, and I wonder if computing isn't evolving to less demanding tasks, rendering the 'portable powerhouse' category useless. Obviously, 'intensive' use seems related to either 3D, video processing, or gaming, and I have rather light uses planned for the first two. For real hardcore gaming, I'd rather buy a console.
On the other hand, a 128gb seems tiny, not so great when compared to the MBP's default 250gb, but consider this: I'm not worried with having a huge media library, but I can imagine myself downloading 30gb Blu-Ray dvds or 1080p tv show seasons somewhere down the line, and will 128gb be enough for that 'data flow'? I also fear the new application state-saves brought about by Lion will fit the MBA much better. New MBPs are rumoured for April, but if the MBA is 'the new generation of Macbooks', what can we expect? The form factor won't change unless they finally get rid of the optical drive, so it'll still be about a better processor and maybe a new SSD drive, right?
The main issue I have with my current laptop, besides Windows usability and lame hardware design, is the noises (HDD and fans) as well as the lights. I need something that sits next to my bed and doesn't disturb my sleep or light up the whole room. How do the MBP and the MBA stand in this regard? If I use them as primary computers, can I just leave it to download something huge, close the lid, and forget about it?
Finally, if you can just recap the MBA/MBP 13" comparison, or point me a link to it, that would be great. Besides the usual benchmarks, I'm more interested in knowing what's different your daily activity, or of any shortcomings the transition to the MBA has presented.
Thanks!
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