Some last min advice before purchase...

[Bongolo]

Hi guys,

I am about to purchase an 80Gb MBA and have a couple of questions.

I will run Vista Ultimate along with OSX (I know but it's for work). I will also use Photoshop on the machine.


Question 1: Is it worth going for the 1.8GHz Version?

Question 2: Is there any known problems with the MBA (like there was with the 1st gen Macbooks)

Question 3: Should wait a few weeks for a higher processor, better battery life & a larger HDD??


Looking forward to your comments.

TIA

 

[Heavenkittykat]

Hi guys,

I am about to purchase an 80Gb MBA and have a couple of questions.

I will run Vista Ultimate along with OSX (I know but it's for work). I will also use Photoshop on the machine.


Question 1: Is it worth going for the 1.8GHz Version?

Question 2: Is there any known problems with the MBA (like there was with the 1st gen Macbooks)

Question 3: Should wait a few weeks for a higher processor, better battery life & a larger HDD??


Looking forward to your comments.

TIA

A little research could have answered your questions. But here are my answers.

1. This have been mentioned many times in the forum, the $300 upgrade from 1.6 to 1.8Ghz is not worth. There are obvious difference in speed.

2. There have been quite a few heat and fan problems mentioned here in the forum. I for one have an MBA and have no problems so far. Also some people mentioned that the updates seemed to have helped with heat problems

3. I don't think MBA will be updated "in a few weeks" like you mentioned. Your best bet for next revision would probably be macworld 09

 

[ayeying]

Hi guys,

I am about to purchase an 80Gb MBA and have a couple of questions.

I will run Vista Ultimate along with OSX (I know but it's for work). I will also use Photoshop on the machine.


Question 1: Is it worth going for the 1.8GHz Version?

Question 2: Is there any known problems with the MBA (like there was with the 1st gen Macbooks)

Question 3: Should wait a few weeks for a higher processor, better battery life & a larger HDD??


Looking forward to your comments.

TIA

1) I'd only get the 1.8GHz if you get the SSD. For the HDD, its not worth $300 imo.

2) There is a few known problems, mostly the core shutdown. It varies among everyone... and its slightly random at least from what I experienced. There are many posts here.. and many complaints from me.. about this. lol

3) 1% chance buddy. There won't be a revision until many have said 2009.

 

[Bongolo]

Thanks guys, I'll do some reading about the problems.

 

[aussieinrome]

I've got the 1.8 SSD and I have never experienced core shut down, excessive fan noise or any other problems reported on this forum.

Remember, people use this forum to find solutions to their problems, so don't think of it as indicative of the built quality of the MacBook Air.

 

[Bongolo]

I decided to go for it from the Apple Store...

I could always return it or use the warranty if I get any problems, and sell & upgrade when a higher spec one comes out!

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

Question 1: Is it worth going for the 1.8GHz Version?

Question 2: Is there any known problems with the MBA (like there was with the 1st gen Macbooks)

Question 3: Should wait a few weeks for a higher processor, better battery life & a larger HDD??


Looking forward to your comments.

TIA

1: Not really.

2: Some overheating issues, not sure how widespread they actually are.

3: I doubt there will be a revision anytime soon.

 

[Bongolo]

OK, so I am now the proud owner of a 1.6 / 80Gb MBA...

So far very pleased even though it seems to run very hot.

Is there a guide somewhere of what stuff can be removed from OSX to gain some HDD space?

TIA

 

[silverblack]

Is there a guide somewhere of what stuff can be removed from OSX to gain some HDD space?

TIA

Search the forum for Xslimmer, and also go here -
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/427768/

 

[alphaod]

My father's MBA does not have any issues.

 

[Bongolo]

Search the forum for Xslimmer, and also go here -
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/427768/

Thanks silverblack.

 

[Johnner1999]

I'm on the fence as well


- MBA 1.6GHz with 80GB - brand new
or
- MBP 15" 2.2 120GB (I think its 2 models old - but brand new on Amazon)



I really want a nice portable for web, keynote, Fusion Vista and some light video editing while I watch TV and while at the Office.

I have a 3.06 iMac fully loaded for my real HD editing and keynote and vista etc etc...

I do find my self using a laptop more and more... and I don't want a MB (I like the metal housing and back lit keyboard)

I have read issues with cores powering down on the MBA which is having me lean toward the older MBP which costs about $200 less - but the small size of the Air is nice, so is the battery run time....

 

[mhnajjar]

Apple made it really hard by making the Air $100 cheaper than the base MBP

I have the same 3.06 iMac and I have been considering the Air for quite some time

 

[alphaod]

Apple made it really hard by making the Air $100 cheaper than the base MBP

I have the same 3.06 iMac and I have been considering the Air for quite some time

Well they had to price it more than the Macbook and since it's not as powerful as the Macbook Pro they don't want people to misinterpret; some people think products are tiered by base prices, so if the Macbook Air's base model was more than the Macbook Pro, they would assume the Air was a better computer.

 

[ScottFitz]

Today was my birthday and I pulled the trigger for an Air today with Amazon. Even with overnight shipping, it'll still be less than a refurb!

I'm looking forward to it. If I have any issues, I'll send it back for another. I've bought a lot of high end stuff from amazon. They've always taken care of me.

 

[SFStateStudent]

Congrats on your new MBA! I sold mine awhile back, but I'm purchasing the 1.8/SSD in August. Never had any issues to speak of, just needed the larger hard drive at the time.

 

[Bongolo]

I'm on the fence as well


- MBA 1.6GHz with 80GB - brand new
or
- MBP 15" 2.2 120GB (I think its 2 models old - but brand new on Amazon)

....

Just upgraded from a 15" MBP and if you are looking for portability, the Air is fantastic!

 

[Johnner1999]

Today was my birthday and I pulled the trigger for an Air today with Amazon. Even with overnight shipping, it'll still be less than a refurb!

I'm looking forward to it. If I have any issues, I'll send it back for another. I've bought a lot of high end stuff from amazon. They've always taken care of me.

if I may ask --- how did you get it cheaper on Amazon then a refurb? Apple's refurb for the Air is 1549 and amazon is 1699 after rebate... then again I am assuming you got the 1.6

 

[ScottFitz]

if I may ask --- how did you get it cheaper on Amazon then a refurb? Apple's refurb for the Air is 1549 and amazon is 1699 after rebate... then again I am assuming you got the 1.6

Oops, I calculated the tax from apple at an incorrect rate. Yep, my amazon was 22 bucks higher than the refurb. My mistake, sorry.

Loving the new Air so far.