Scored a great deal on a MBA M3 15” 16/512, not sure if I actually need it. Thoughts on my setup and use case?

[aarono2690]

I found the Slickdeals Microcenter deal and got Best Buy to price match. Scored the M3 15” 16gb/512gb for $1,223 before tax. Computer is currently awaiting pickup at my local Best Buy. I’m trying to decide if I need this computer or if the adrenaline of a good deal over took me.

Here is my current setup:

- Desktop gaming PC with 3080ti

- iPad Pro 12.9 with Magic Keyboard

- Work provided laptop strictly for work. I am a CPA and have a lot of restrictions for security reasons - my laptop is only for work.

I currently do not have a personal laptop. Here are my concerns regarding keeping the MBA:

- iPad Pro has a better display

- MacOS still doesn’t have all the streaming apps I use. Can’t download all the movies I want before a flight for instance or area of no service.

- Not sure if it fills a niche or role I require.

- Can handle light gaming, but anything heavy and I’m going to my PC.

Here is what makes me want to keep it:

- Currently do not have a laptop.

- Sidecar capabilities with my iPad

- Currently learning drums/piano. Hope to join a band in the future. Might be useful to have a good laptop for recording and learning editing/production.

- Want to learn Python. My CPA job keeps me chained to the desk for hours everyday. Might be nice to sit outside with a coffee and the MBA while I learn Python.

- It’s a great deal. Not sure if I’ll see something similar for a while.


Money isn’t a huge concern, but I also don’t want to waste money. I wanted this communities thoughts before my order pickup window closes.

Thank you!

 

[chevyboy60013]

The MacBook Air is a great computer and was thinking about getting one to replace my 2010 MacBook Pro and the only reason I did not get one is I found an awesome deal on a 2017 MacBook Pro at the place I was getting my iPhone battery replaced at for under $200.00

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Is there anything you could do, and see yourself doing, on the MacBook that you cannot already do on your iPad + MKB? For myself, the best way to address temptation is to break it down and make sure the thing I want is not something I already have.

- Currently do not have a laptop.

- Your 12.9" iPP and MKB disagree.​

- Sidecar capabilities with my iPad

- Is this something you'll use? It seems a little impractical, especially if you can just use your PC monitor.​

- Currently learning drums/piano. Hope to join a band in the future. Might be useful to have a good laptop for recording and learning editing/production.

- Check the App Store for music editing and production apps.​

- Want to learn Python. My CPA job keeps me chained to the desk for hours everyday. Might be nice to sit outside with a coffee and the MBA while I learn Python.

- Pythonista is great for learning! There's also A-Shell for that terminal environment.​

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I used the 12.9” iPad Pro as my primary device/laptop replacement for about a year and a half. I ended up switching to a 16” MacBook Pro due to the limitations of the iPad for my use (this was shortly before the 15” MacBook Air was introduced, otherwise I likely would have bought that). I sold the iPad Pro and just use my iPad mini when not using the MacBook.

Everyone’s use case is different. iPad as primary works for some people… but not for me.

 

[anakin44011]

- MacOS still doesn’t have all the streaming apps I use. Can’t download all the movies I want before a flight for instance or area of no service.

Get Downie or another YouTube downloader - and download hours of YouTube content that you want to watch for flights, etc. Then delete after you watch it.

If you can't find hours and hours and hours of interesting Youtube content...then you aren't trying.😜

Enjoy the MBA!

 

[aarono2690]

Get Downie or another YouTube downloader - and download hours of YouTube content that you want to watch for flights, etc. Then delete after you watch it.

If you can't find hours and hours and hours of interesting Youtube content...then you aren't trying.😜

Enjoy the MBA!

Suppose that’s one way to utilize it! I assume these apps are also available for iPad?

 

[anakin44011]

Suppose that’s one way to utilize it! I assume these apps are also available for iPad?

Not to my knowledge (since it is a Safari plug-in) - although you can download on a Mac and then transfer to iPad.

 

[aarono2690]

Seeking any last minute advice before my pickup window closes in a few days

 

[smirking]

Seeking any last minute advice before my pickup window closes in a few days

I say DO IT!

The lower quality screen isn't anything that would bother me. I own an Apple Studio display and a 16" MBP. I don't really notice that I'm not using a Promotion display when I'm on my external monitor.

Not that the MBA is a light hitter, but it doesn't sound like you need a heavy duty workhorse.

You want something to use as a learning device. If you're serious about learning how to code, there's no substitute for having a real computer. It just makes everything easier. As you expand, there's all sorts of stuff that you'll want to install that you can't install on an iOS device.

Besides, if you decide it's not for you, at the price you're getting it at you could easily offload it on a secondary market and get back most of your money if not more than you paid. You could also just return it within the 2 week window if you decide it was a mistake.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Seeking any last minute advice before my pickup window closes in a few days

BestBuy, right? If you end up not liking it, you have 2 weeks to return it. Not sure about restocking fees though.

 

[aarono2690]

BestBuy, right? If you end up not liking it, you have 2 weeks to return it. Not sure about restocking fees though.

Yeah BBY. I don’t believe they charge restocking fees - never been assessed one on any return. Never returned an apple product though.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Yeah BBY. I don’t believe they charge restocking fees - never been assessed one on any return. Never returned an apple product though.

Should be fine, my Mac Mini was an open box return from BBY.