Sold MBA but want another one REV A? Need advice!

[Airforcekid]

First I have always used the SSD version and 1.8GHZ

Im thinking about getting the $999 refurb on Apples website. I know the heat issues etc. But all im going to due is surf the web use mail and some light iPhoto and iWeb.

Im considering getting the SSD but this will be a secondary computer is it worth it?

 

[aaquib]

In before Scottsdale comes and demands you get a Rev. B.

On serious terms, the Rev.A will be great for just browsing the web. When I had one, I pushed it much farther than you will. Running Mail, Safari, Messenger, iTunes, Pages and Dreamweaver simultaneously. It zipped through everything flawlessly. Get CoolBook and it'll nearly never overheat. It isn't nearly as bad as it used to be, and most- if not all- of the issues are resolved with the refurbs. The only time I noticed the fans spiked up were when I watched any YouTube videos or any HD videos locally. SD videos on my drive were fine.

Go with the Rev.A if that's all you'll be doing. And, if you really want a significant boost in everyday tasks, go with the SSD. It makes a world of difference.

 

[GoCubsGo]

As a secondary computer SSD in a rev A sounds silly. Everything else sounds good. I wouldn't buy a Rev A myself, not even for casual couch surfing, but that's just me.

 

[aussie.damo]

First I have always used the SSD version and 1.8GHZ

Im thinking about getting the $999 refurb on Apples website. I know the heat issues etc. But all im going to due is surf the web use mail and some light iPhoto and iWeb.

Im considering getting the SSD but this will be a secondary computer is it worth it?

I've got the Rev A HDD model - it will be more than adequate for your requirements. I think I must be the lucky one who has never had heat issues, despite using the machine every day.

Good luck with your decision.

Damo

 

[GeekGirl*]

I went from the B back to a new A SSD 1100.00 at macmall and very happy i did no lines

 

[dborja]

In before Scottsdale comes and demands you get a Rev. B.

On serious terms, the Rev.A will be great for just browsing the web. When I had one, I pushed it much farther than you will. Running Mail, Safari, Messenger, iTunes, Pages and Dreamweaver simultaneously. It zipped through everything flawlessly. Get CoolBook and it'll nearly never overheat. It isn't nearly as bad as it used to be, and most- if not all- of the issues are resolved with the refurbs. The only time I noticed the fans spiked up were when I watched any YouTube videos or any HD videos locally. SD videos on my drive were fine.

Go with the Rev.A if that's all you'll be doing. And, if you really want a significant boost in everyday tasks, go with the SSD. It makes a world of difference.

+1 here

Just get Coolbook and SMCFanControl. I've had no core shutdown issues. I've been traveling with mine the last couple of weeks and it's been perfect for my needs (Mail, Web browsing, MSOffice, some development in XCode and some video). I like mine even more now that I'm putting it through its paces for my intended use.

 

[Scottsdale]

Look at the price difference and value alone of the Nvidia 9400m with Snow Leopard. I truly wouldn't understand why anyone in the world would buy an older model... I would recommend a rev B/C to my family, friends, and everyone here... I cannot fathom someone not spending a few extra dollars for all of the advantages that can be had by buying at $1449 or $1549 a rev B/C MBA refurbished.

Criticize me all you will, but I recommend all here based on personal experience and what I would recommend my own.

SSD (SATA-II), Penryn CPU, Nvidia 9400m GPU, DDR3 RAM... each of those are substantial improvements... together they're a no brainer!

I would recommend if you cannot afford a rev B/C with SSD, buy a different Mac, seriously.

 

[xpovos]

Criticize me all you will...

No criticism here, but only if you can manage to find a B/C without lines on the screen. The B/C are better in every way EXCEPT the screen. The A screen was stunning, and then Apple went and screwed it all up. We shouldn't have to compromise on this.

 

[u49aa2]

No criticism here, but only if you can manage to find a B/C without lines on the screen. The B/C are better in every way EXCEPT the screen. The A screen was stunning, and then Apple went and screwed it all up. We shouldn't have to compromise on this.

So for a barely noticeable lines, your are happier to get a an older, slower and worse performing machine (and i quote you in in every way EXCEPT the screen)! I guess different people have different priorities.

 

[Airforcekid]

Look at the price difference and value alone of the Nvidia 9400m with Snow Leopard. I truly wouldn't understand why anyone in the world would buy an older model... I would recommend a rev B/C to my family, friends, and everyone here... I cannot fathom someone not spending a few extra dollars for all of the advantages that can be had by buying at $1449 or $1549 a rev B/C MBA refurbished.

Criticize me all you will, but I recommend all here based on personal experience and what I would recommend my own.

SSD (SATA-II), Penryn CPU, Nvidia 9400m GPU, DDR3 RAM... each of those are substantial improvements... together they're a no brainer!

I would recommend if you cannot afford a rev B/C with SSD, buy a different Mac, seriously.

I think I will go Rev A if im still using a G3 no issues it will be fine.

 

[xpovos]

So for a barely noticeable lines, your are happier to get a an older, slower and worse performing machine (and i quote you in in every way EXCEPT the screen)! I guess different people have different priorities.

"Barely noticeable" really depends. Some are a lot more noticeable than others. But yeah, different folks have different priorities. My take on it has always been that the screen is the one part of the machine that I have to use 100% of the time, so it's pretty important that it be right. For the record, I decided on one of the new MacBook Pros in order to avoid the screen problems with the Air, but I do appreciate the Air's weight and form factor.

 

[itou]

i have a rev. a and have had no problems doing what i need to do on it. i bought it for the price and the portability. i carry my computer with me at all times, nearly 24/7 with the exception of the hours when i sleep. outlook is always on, cs4 is always on, itunes is on, etc... i work with very large files as well and whilst it sometimes can lag a bit when you apply filters and sync outlook, i only feel it after i'm done with my mac pro at home. you just get used to waiting a bit. i don't mind it one bit as long as it doesn't crash (which it doesn't).

i wouldn't go as far to say that some of the comments made here are pointless, but you know best what you need and to be frank, almost any computer will do for what you've said you'll use it for. as an example, i work in the ad industry and most of the ads you see in magazines are all done on G3s and G4s (can't name them...). it's amazing the lifespan of macs in general.

 

[itou]

"Barely noticeable" really depends. Some are a lot more noticeable than others. But yeah, different folks have different priorities. My take on it has always been that the screen is the one part of the machine that I have to use 100% of the time, so it's pretty important that it be right. For the record, I decided on one of the new MacBook Pros in order to avoid the screen problems with the Air, but I do appreciate the Air's weight and form factor.

agree completely.
the screen is the only visible part of the entire computer that you use. how useful would a supercomputer be without a screen?

 

[GeekGirl*]

Look at the price difference and value alone of the Nvidia 9400m with Snow Leopard. I truly wouldn't understand why anyone in the world would buy an older model... I would recommend a rev B/C to my family, friends, and everyone here... I cannot fathom someone not spending a few extra dollars for all of the advantages that can be had by buying at $1449 or $1549 a rev B/C MBA refurbished.

Criticize me all you will, but I recommend all here based on personal experience and what I would recommend my own.

SSD (SATA-II), Penryn CPU, Nvidia 9400m GPU, DDR3 RAM... each of those are substantial improvements... together they're a no brainer!

I would recommend if you cannot afford a rev B/C with SSD, buy a different Mac, seriously.

I can afford it, prefer the Rev A , had the B and the line issue, nope not for me.

 

[GeekGirl*]

I think I will go Rev A if im still using a G3 no issues it will be fine.

Awesome

 

[Scottsdale]

Anyone willing to brag about a display driven by a 3100 isn't seeing the big picture. Honestly, if I need to be so concerned about my display, but not care that the graphics performance is approximately 20% of the capabilities of the newer MBAs, I probably wouldn't get the big picture either.

Snow Leopard absolutely makes an original MBA even more obsolete and inferior. And the future will only mean greater and greater advantages for the OpenCL capabilities present in the 9400m that are non-existent in the 3100.

If you need a different display than offered by a rev B or C MBA, you should honestly buy a 13" MBP. I would gladly carry around an extra two pounds and a thicker form factor long before I would miss out on the capabilities of Snow Leopard and be stuck with a 3100 in an original MBA.

Seriously, if one is stating their PowerBook G3 is powerful enough so they will be happy with an original MBA, they too are missing advancements in technology and the whole purpose of the "upgrade" in the first place. If one cannot afford, or isn't happy with the rev B/C MBA with SSD, they should pick a different Mac.

Buying an original MBA now, with its given inability to capitalize on the advancements of OpenCL and Snow Leopard, just to save a few hundred bucks is, in my opinion, foolish with their money and unable to see the future and purpose of advancing technology in the first place. Seriously, it makes zero sense! I will never understand investing in old (no completely OUTDATED) technology just because you will save 30% over the new model. As a value proposition, with Snow Leopard's advantages being so clearly spelled out, and it being only two months until release, the original MBA has to be the very worst value of ANY Mac for sale by Apple in a sense of it being completely incapable and outdated in just two months.

 

[caonimadebi]

Spending money on something that one doesn't need is foolish, and the OP made it plenty clear what he wanted in his MBA. Did the OP mention the need for Snow Leopard? Is OpenCL really that important to most people? Some of us just use our MBA's for our computing needs and get on with our lives, and not just obsessively check and relish on whatever the specs their MBA's have.
If you really want performance, you would be ill-advised to buy a MBA, ANY MBA of ANY generation, in the first place. Many of us are perfectly happy to admit that even though our MBAs aren't the fastest macs out there, they are plenty sufficient for our day to day lives.

 

[u49aa2]

agree completely.
the screen is the only visible part of the entire computer that you use. how useful would a supercomputer be without a screen?

Guys, you really make me laugh I am not sure if any of you owns/owned an MBA. But in my experience these lines are barely noticeable (sorry if it wasn't in yours) and in compare to the MB screen the MBA screen is still much better screen. I own a 17" MBP and when i work on the MBA i really don't feel that i miss the MBP screen that much (though i agree it is better).

In term of multitasking (4 major programs or more) the MBP will win no argument. But when bitask or even tritask you barely notice a difference (I own the MBA with SSD) i mean an MBA with SSD = unbelievable fast very well performing laptop for the spec it has (with the coming SL multiply this by 2).

You guys are picturing the lines in the screen to be so bad making the screen unusable which from personal experience it is not the case.

So yeah, i can accept the argument behind advising the OP to buy the 13" MBP, but not to advise him to get the outdated rev A MBA!

 

[Airforcekid]

Anyone willing to brag about a display driven by a 3100 isn't seeing the big picture. Honestly, if I need to be so concerned about my display, but not care that the graphics performance is approximately 20% of the capabilities of the newer MBAs, I probably wouldn't get the big picture either.

Snow Leopard absolutely makes an original MBA even more obsolete and inferior. And the future will only mean greater and greater advantages for the OpenCL capabilities present in the 9400m that are non-existent in the 3100.

If you need a different display than offered by a rev B or C MBA, you should honestly buy a 13" MBP. I would gladly carry around an extra two pounds and a thicker form factor long before I would miss out on the capabilities of Snow Leopard and be stuck with a 3100 in an original MBA.

Seriously, if one is stating their PowerBook G3 is powerful enough so they will be happy with an original MBA, they too are missing advancements in technology and the whole purpose of the "upgrade" in the first place. If one cannot afford, or isn't happy with the rev B/C MBA with SSD, they should pick a different Mac.

Buying an original MBA now, with its given inability to capitalize on the advancements of OpenCL and Snow Leopard, just to save a few hundred bucks is, in my opinion, foolish with their money and unable to see the future and purpose of advancing technology in the first place. Seriously, it makes zero sense! I will never understand investing in old (no completely OUTDATED) technology just because you will save 30% over the new model. As a value proposition, with Snow Leopard's advantages being so clearly spelled out, and it being only two months until release, the original MBA has to be the very worst value of ANY Mac for sale by Apple in a sense of it being completely incapable and outdated in just two months.

That is a good point I may go with the Rev B 120GB model. Also when upgrading to snow leopard we can use remote disc right?

 

[coast1ja]

I am currently typing this on my rev. A MBA 1.8 with 80gb HDD. I was skeptical about the performance trade off for portability, but I have to say it is perfect for what I need. I use mine every day for web, office apps, and data analysis (SPSS and LISREL). This little machine is wonderful for what I do with it. I have never experienced any core shutdowns, lines on the screen, broken hinges, or any of that stuff that others have seen. I even run vista in parallels occasionally for some windows-only data analysis programs and my Rev. A never skips a beat! I'm sure the refurb from apple wouldn't give you any troubles either, and the warranty is nice... a lot better than buying it on ebay or something. When you factor in the cost to buy a warranty from squaretrade or something, you'd be paying just as much for a used one on ebay as you would for the refurb from apple.

I vote for the Rev. A!

 

[u49aa2]

That is a good point I may go with the Rev B 120GB model. Also when upgrading to snow leopard we can use remote disc right?

Yes

 

[GeekGirl*]

Snow leopard runs very well on a rev A, makes it much quicker.

 

[uberamd]

I love my Rev A HDD MBA. 1.6GHz, 80GB is plenty for a secondary machine. I have had a few issues with mine but it was a quick Apple Care fix (bluetooth cable came unplugged). Everyone who puts down the Air rev A is just crazy. IMO.

 

[maroulis]

I love my Rev A HDD MBA. 1.6GHz, 80GB is plenty for a secondary machine. I have had a few issues with mine but it was a quick Apple Care fix (bluetooth cable came unplugged). Everyone who puts down the Air rev A is just crazy. IMO.

anyone who thinks Rev A is good hasn't tried the Rev C. First of all I bought a Rev C as my Rev A was getting repaired for two broken hinges (luckily apple covered that under warranty). The Rev C is *blazing fast* on SSD compared to Rev A, also with the Rev C I use a mini-display port to regular display port ($20 cable) to connect my rev C on a Dell 30" 3008 wfp display and works w/out any issues (the rev A/B graphics card couldn't handle this!). Now my g/f uses the Rev A and she's happy

 

[mykoljay]

I think I just got lucky.. knock on wood. Got a rev a with a hdd first week of launch. used to have some stuttering with hulu but that was fixed ages ago with the automatic firmware update. no hinge issues (even though i know it is random and unexpected). no coolbook installed. can't play hd though.