Which MBA?

[hobes270]

Hi!

I have a new imac 3.06ghz with a ati 4850 graphics. I want a mba for something portable. i am getting it from ebay because they are much cheaper and you can get the live.com discount. That being said, is there a noticeable difference in the 1.6 and 1.86ghz processors? Also, can you upgrade the hard drive to an ssd yourself?

Thanks!

 

[aaquib]

You won't see a significant difference in the actual processor speeds themselves, but you will see a major difference if you move up to the SSD. There is no self-upgrade and no way to get an SSD into your system later. The SSD will speed up your boot up times, sleep/shut down times, opening/closing apps, and you won't have hard drive slow downs as your drive fills up.

Go with the SSD, you won't regret it.

 

[11800506]

Depends on what you'd be doing with it. If it's just email, web, and word processing, then there won't be a significant difference between the 1.6 and 1.86. It's technically possible to replace the HDD with an SSD but it voids the warranty and the connector that the MBA uses is a nonstandard connector, so you may have some trouble finding drives for it.

 

[ayeying]

I did the same thing as the OP except I have a Mac Pro instead of a iMac. I got the refurbished 1.6GHz/80GB HDD model because all I'm doing really is e-mail, light websurfing and word processing. Everything else I do on the Mac Pro.

I'd say go for the 1.6GHz (Rev A or Rev B).

 

[zer0tails]

well it depends which one you can afford. I personally would recommend the 1.86 with SSD if you don't mind paying extra.

You'll definitely feel the difference in usage because of the SSD..it's all snappier.

 

[zedsdead]

The SSD is worth the money, it is very fast and is a noticeable difference, especially over the 1.8" HDD. I will never buy another computer without an SSD hard drive. Really hope that Apple puts them in the Desktops in about 2 years, which should be when I am due to get rid of my iMac.

 

[Bokes]

I also just picked up the 1.8 SSD and I'm very impressed.
I had the first MacAir with a standard hard drive and this new one is much, much better. You will not regret it.

 

[hobes270]

I think I am going to go with the 1.86 and the ssd.

To what extent can you use the mba for? I will use my imac for all my web design, photoshop and video editing, but if I ever want to do a little photoshop on the road will I be able to? Also can you play any games on it? COD 4?

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

The Rev. B will hold up to light PS, light video edit, and moderate gaming. Remember, it's not a full notebook but an ultra portable. Don't expect great graphics performance.

 

[Scottsdale]

Any rev B MBA will do the job. The CPU upgrade will not make much difference between the 1.6 and 1.86. The SSD will make a huge difference over the HDD. My rev B MBA at 1.86 GHz and SSD seemed faster than my MBP at 2.33 GHz and my MB uni with 2.4 GHz. The SSD makes normal tasks really fast. Bootups will happen in less than 1/3 of the time with the SSD. Apps open instantly with the SSD. Also, the HDD is 4200 rpm which limits the performance, but still a SATA-II drive.

A rev B MBA with 1.6 GHz CPU and HDD performs better than an original MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD. Check for the xBench marks here in the MBA section of MR. Shows all four setups for each version of the MBA.

I suppose if you want to use it as a secondary computer, and video is not your primary concern... get the 1.6 GHz with HDD. Also note, you can buy it for a $250 discount as a refurbished unit at Apple.com. The price is only $1549, which makes it easier to afford. It still has a one year warranty from Apple same as new.

Good luck whichever route you go.