School Purposes - Macbook vs macbook air?

[PDiPietro]

I'm still upholding that the Air, while lightweight, is an absolute waste of money, or certainly not worth $1700 (with an education discount).

I have a mid-range MacBook that I purchased in January of 2007. The thing has held up through frequent use and movement like a champion so far. I did purchase the AppleCare recently before the warranty expired as I need a cosmetic thing or two fixed (primarily the cracking of the wrist pad lip, which should fortunately replace my whole top case which is worn). However, 5.2 pounds is not heavy at all when compared to 6.5 pounds or more, and this machine, being over a year old now, is still more powerful than the Air.

When you start bringing the machine to various places, you'll sometimes want to have the extra features -- primarily the DVI out for presentations, the optical drive, or the extra USB port. You may not think you need it now, but there will inevitably be a time when you do need it and wish you had it.

The bottom line is you get more for your money with the MacBook.

 

[bluedoggiant]

I'm not sure which would be damaged more in that case. The classic has a regular hard drive, which would be more prone to shock than the flash drive inside the nano. This is the only factor I can see as more likely to suffer damage in the classic. Are you planning on buying an SSD-driven Macbook Air? Because that's the only way you'd get the drive shock advantage over the regular Macbook.

My point, the classic is more fragile, there is no way im shooting for an SSD until it becomes more popular, and more widely used. And actually becomes a standard, but as someone has mentioned before that 4200RPM is slow.

I am still stuck. this is very difficult (now im repeating my self frantically). I think i may have to wait for them to hit stores and ill go rush to test them both out. like see how fast each opens safari and what not. but im suspecting apple would be putting the 2.8ghz models on displays cuz apple customers at the store tend to just idiotically open up all the apps on the system and overload it.

I'm still upholding that the Air, while lightweight, is an absolute waste of money, or certainly not worth $1700 (with an education discount).

I have a mid-range MacBook that I purchased in January of 2007. The thing has held up through frequent use and movement like a champion so far. I did purchase the AppleCare recently before the warranty expired as I need a cosmetic thing or two fixed (primarily the cracking of the wrist pad lip, which should fortunately replace my whole top case which is worn). However, 5.2 pounds is not heavy at all when compared to 6.5 pounds or more, and this machine, being over a year old now, is still more powerful than the Air.

When you start bringing the machine to various places, you'll sometimes want to have the extra features -- primarily the DVI out for presentations, the optical drive, or the extra USB port. You may not think you need it now, but there will inevitably be a time when you do need it and wish you had it.

The bottom line is you get more for your money with the MacBook.

Just want to point out that the mba has that.

 

[AvalonX]

Hmm...This is very hard. Right now I'm starting to think, maybe it isnt worth the extra $$$ for aluminum to match my imac, thiness, sexiness, and a blacklit keyboard.

**thiness..... its the whole point of a portable, also you get a 30 day return policy i think. carry it around for a month, i think you'll truely appreciate the lightness. Otherwise, whats the point of a portable? mind as well carry your iMac around. hehe
**sexiness... one of the reasons we love macs.
**backlit... it'd be way nice to be able to sit in bed and see the keyboard with the lights out. I got an MB and I use it in bed all the time.. and i spend extra time hunting keys or having to turn lights on. I'm sitting in bed right now typing this. *giggles* (and yes I'm slim and fit too ok?)

So ya. worth the extra $$$ in my opinion. But everyone is different. To each his/her own I guess. So if u can afford it, get the AIR. If you're on a budget, get the MB. Pick one and be happy with it.

 

[PDiPietro]

Okay, then the other two things.

I still think you'd be wasting money to lose two pounds. I'm in college, and trust me that it makes absolutely no difference.

The machine was intended for business people that have a small briefcase or tote bag and the thin/light/small machine provides an advantage.

It was not built for college students. That's why the MacBook exists. If you want to blow your money, drop an extra $400-500 on something that won't prove much more useful in the long run, especially if you're "only taking it to classes".

Edit: To add, if you're so concerned about little things like "how fast Safari opens up", then you shouldn't be looking at a machine with a slower processor.

 

[BOSS10L]

I bought the "bottom of the barrel" MB yesterday, and I have no regrets. I tortured myself for a few weeks over getting a MBP and even considered a MBA (for about 30 seconds), but in the end, from a features/cost standpoint, the MB can't be beat. I'm glad I did buy the MB I did. It is saving me money to add some RAM and a bigger HDD when I need the space, and the savings can also be passed on when I purchase an iMac in the near future.

In all honesty, nobody can tell you what to do or what will be best. It is something you have to decide for yourself. The main question you need to ponder is: "Is the weight savings and space savings worth the extra money and lack of features?"

Good luck.

 

[aiongiant]

if you have a primary computer at home then get the air
but if your planning for this to be your primary computer get the macbook

 

[bluedoggiant]

Decision Made

I hereby pledge the bathroom the most exquisite place to make your decision on an Apple computer. I was taking a shower when i decided to go for an iMac instead of a macbook, and was just using the toilet when i made my decision between the macbook and macbook air.


MACBOOK.

I think im just going to live on taking my dads laptop to school everyday (macbook pro), which he doesnt really mind, but he doesnt want me taking it either. And why? Cause I'm planning to wait until Penryn enters the macbooks. Then the macbook will be a GREAT investment. So I'm looking forward to my macbook in the future (just like how i did in the summer before i pulled the trigger for a 24" imac). The mba isnt for me, thank you PDiPietro, and everyone who tried to drag me away from the mba. And thank you everyone who helped me, including the people who suggested the mba, even though i don't think its right for me, thank you. I will try not to look back at this comparision and get second thoughts. I am going to stick with a macbook, and see what Apple comes out with its next revision of the macbook, which will probably be the summer (just in time for vacation).

I am very confident about my decision, though the mba is nice to take everywhere, I dont think ill need that for a while if not never. So. macbook. Period.


*Looking at the MacBook page*

 

[heatmiser]

My point, the classic is more fragile, there is no way im shooting for an SSD until it becomes more popular, and more widely used. And actually becomes a standard, but as someone has mentioned before that 4200RPM is slow.

You can't compare the fragility of the iPod classic v. the iPod Nano to the fragility of the Macbook v. the Macbook Air. Laptops are designed differently from iPods, and you can't logically make inferences from one to the other in durability.

 

[bluedoggiant]

You can't compare the fragility of the iPod classic v. the iPod Nano to the fragility of the Macbook v. the Macbook Air. Laptops are designed differently from iPods, and you can't logically make inferences from one to the other in durability.

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

The macbook will be more damaged to do its weight.

 

[matperk]

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

don't worry...there'll be a website to do this to the MBA soon

 

[skyrider007]

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

The macbook will be more damaged to do its weight.

Both of them will die, lol.

Anyway I think you want a MacBook Air and it is perfect for you since you already have an iMac

 

[bluedoggiant]

don't worry...there'll be a website to do this to the MBA soon

Yeah, like dropping the iPhone.

 

[netdog]

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

The macbook will be more damaged to do its weight.

And due to its construction.

 

[heatmiser]

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

The macbook will be more damaged to do its weight.

One would crack, the other would dent. If either landed on its screen, that would be toast. Overall, I'd put my money on the Macbook, due to the thicker plastic shell. In either case, it would be great if you'd stop comparing iPods to laptops, as that comparison just doesn't work (for a number of reasons already discussed).

 

[bluedoggiant]

One would crack, the other would dent. If either landed on its screen, that would be toast. Overall, I'd put my money on the Macbook, due to the thicker plastic shell. In either case, it would be great if you'd stop comparing the iPods to laptops, as that comparison just doesn't work (for a number of reasons already discussed).

uhh, did you read my post from above at all?? i quoted it below. And you know, the funniest thing ive ever done happened a second ago. I just called the apple store to ask if they have the mba's yet. You can see why thats funny after reading the post below.

I hereby pledge the bathroom the most exquisite place to make your decision on an Apple computer. I was taking a shower when i decided to go for an iMac instead of a macbook, and was just using the toilet when i made my decision between the macbook and macbook air.


MACBOOK.

I think im just going to live on taking my dads laptop to school everyday (macbook pro), which he doesnt really mind, but he doesnt want me taking it either. And why? Cause I'm planning to wait until Penryn enters the macbooks. Then the macbook will be a GREAT investment. So I'm looking forward to my macbook in the future (just like how i did in the summer before i pulled the trigger for a 24" imac). The mba isnt for me, thank you PDiPietro, and everyone who tried to drag me away from the mba. And thank you everyone who helped me, including the people who suggested the mba, even though i don't think its right for me, thank you. I will try not to look back at this comparision and get second thoughts. I am going to stick with a macbook, and see what Apple comes out with its next revision of the macbook, which will probably be the summer (just in time for vacation).

I am very confident about my decision, though the mba is nice to take everywhere, I dont think ill need that for a while if not never. So. macbook. Period.


*Looking at the MacBook page*

 

[Freyqq]

I'd like to see you drop both a macbook and a macbook air on marble. from 5 feet. Tell me which is working more normal.

The macbook will be more damaged to do its weight.

i don't think you should make a decision like this based on which will be less damaged in a fall. Both will be severely damaged from a 5 ft drop. If you want a laptop that can survive a fall like that, don't get a mac. Get a toughbook or something.

 

[skyrider007]

uhh, did you read my post from above at all?? i quoted it below. And you know, the funniest thing ive ever done happened a second ago. I just called the apple store to ask if they have the mba's yet. You can see why thats funny after reading the post below.

stop stressing (by ignoring posts you don't want to hear) and order yourself an MBA, then you'll be happy

 

[heatmiser]

uhh, did you read my post from above at all?? i quoted it below. And you know, the funniest thing ive ever done happened a second ago. I just called the apple store to ask if they have the mba's yet. You can see why thats funny after reading the post below.

Dude, I read your post--I'm not trying to convince you to buy a Macbook over the MBA. But when you make the durability argument by comparing a laptop to an iPod, I've got to explain why that isn't a valid comparison. Believe me, you can get an MBA--but don't get one because an iPod nano is lighter than an iPod classic. That's just...bizarre.

 

[bluedoggiant]

i don't think you should make a decision like this based on which will be less damaged in a fall. Both will be severely damaged from a 5 ft drop. If you want a laptop that can survive a fall like that, don't get a mac. Get a toughbook or something.

I didnt make my decision on that.

stop stressing (by ignoring posts you don't want to hear) and order yourself an MBA, then you'll be happy

mm-mm lol. I'm on a mission not to look back at this comparision.

 

[gadgetgirl85]

I'm kind of in the same predicament but the MBA is a bit too expensive for me

 

[skyrider007]

I'm kind of in the same predicament but the MBA is a bit too expensive for me

Then the SR MacBook will do you justice!

Otherwise if you don't mind using Vista, I highly recommend Toshiba R500 or IBM X-Series. They're quite affordable and are high portable without compromising features.

 

[bluedoggiant]

Then the SR MacBook will do you justice!

Otherwise if you don't mind using Vista, I highly recommend Toshiba R500 or IBM X-Series. They're quite affordable and are high portable without compromising features.

uhh, penryn macbook please!!!

 

[Virgil-TB2]

MacBook Air FTW!

... I like the portability of the macbook air, power, not so much, but I think i can get by it, since i cant get a 1.8ghz (dont ask why i cant). but that means ill get the macbook air only for school, and i can take it everywhere, and use it for web surfing, and due to the small HD size, there is really no use for putting my photos and music, and music wont sound good on its mono speakers anyway. ....

My take on it is to simply quote this bit about the "disadvantages" of the Air and go over it point by point.

The three things you mention are:

- mono speakers
- not enough room for photos and music
- not hugely powerful

and you also mention you have an iMac at home as your main machine.

1) The mono speaker is not a problem as you have the headphone jack. No offense but only a tool that has no appreciation for music would use the speakers on his laptop to listen to music. The speakers on the MacBook for instance, while stereo, are as awful as all tiny metal-membrane speakers are. So I am going to argue here that you simply should not use speakers on a laptop to listen to music, (especially if you want to impress your girlfriend/boyfriend etc.), and that the mono speaker is therefore a "non-issue."

2) The 80 Gig hardrive is not the biggest, but then again an 8 Gig HD on the iPhone is more than enough for the average music collection. If you seriously are carrying around more than 20 Gigs or so of music, you should probably get yourself a Classic iPod and use that. You can easily keep the majority of your music on your iMac at home and just carry a subset of it with you at any time, so again, I think this is basically a non-issue. You kind of imply in your post that you have an iPod of some kind, so why would you want to have a gigantic music collection on your home computer and replicate that both on a laptop and on an iPod? I think you need to make some choices rather than just having everything everywhere all the time. On the other hand, if that's what you want, I would ditch the multiple iPods, computers etc, and get a high end MacBook Pro that has it all and just use that for everything.

3) The Air is not a hugely powerful machine, but it's perfect for what you say the majority of your useage is going to be. If you have an iMac at home and you just want to keep a laptop with you at school that you can carry around easily and surf the web, write an essay etc. the MacBook is more than powerful enough. The only person I know that has one so far told me that using the Air was about the same "feel" as using an iMac in terms of "teh snappy."

Finally, if you add in the "back to my Mac" feature, (you have to join .Mac for that at 100 bucks a year), you can use the Air to access your home computer from school anyway, and *that* will make you the coolest dude/dude-ette at school bar none.

 

[MacDude415]

I would go for the mid-range white MacBook as well. When you get it purchase RAM from crucial and install yourself (very easy).

 

[bluedoggiant]

My take on it is to simply quote this bit about the "disadvantages" of the Air and go over it point by point.

The three things you mention are:

- mono speakers
- not enough room for photos and music
- not hugely powerful

and you also mention you have an iMac at home as your main machine.

1) The mono speaker is not a problem as you have the headphone jack. No offense but only a tool that has no appreciation for music would use the speakers on his laptop to listen to music. The speakers on the MacBook for instance, while stereo, are as awful as all tiny metal-membrane speakers are. So I am going to argue here that you simply should not use speakers on a laptop to listen to music, (especially if you want to impress your girlfriend/boyfriend etc.), and that the mono speaker is therefore a "non-issue."

2) The 80 Gig hardrive is not the biggest, but then again an 8 Gig HD on the iPhone is more than enough for the average music collection. If you seriously are carrying around more than 20 Gigs or so of music, you should probably get yourself a Classic iPod and use that. You can easily keep the majority of your music on your iMac at home and just carry a subset of it with you at any time, so again, I think this is basically a non-issue. You kind of imply in your post that you have an iPod of some kind, so why would you want to have a gigantic music collection on your home computer and replicate that both on a laptop and on an iPod? I think you need to make some choices rather than just having everything everywhere all the time. On the other hand, if that's what you want, I would ditch the multiple iPods, computers etc, and get a high end MacBook Pro that has it all and just use that for everything.

3) The Air is not a hugely powerful machine, but it's perfect for what you say the majority of your useage is going to be. If you have an iMac at home and you just want to keep a laptop with you at school that you can carry around easily and surf the web, write an essay etc. the MacBook is more than powerful enough. The only person I know that has one so far told me that using the Air was about the same "feel" as using an iMac in terms of "teh snappy."

Finally, if you add in the "back to my Mac" feature, (you have to join .Mac for that at 100 bucks a year), you can use the Air to access your home computer from school anyway, and *that* will make you the coolest dude/dude-ette at school bar none.

the iphone does not have an HD . and i did not say i have an ipod nor iphone, i want a classic. And you are comparing a phone to a computer. Those 80 gigs have other uses you know, and like 10gigs are already gone for the OS. I do have .mac, and plan to use back to my mac a lot. and this post really is giving me second thoughts. i seriously need to try both.