Why do people buy the MBA?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

because most people just use computers for web browsing, email, organizing jpegs and iTunes. And you don't need a 2.6ghz Core2Duo with 4GB of ram to do that.

Plus a macbook air is just stylish

 

[xparaparafreakx]

Because we are stupid and do not realize that we get a better deal by buying a Macbook.

Over my dead body I would buy a Macbook Regular. Macbook Pro 17" or Macbook Air. I have both of them and love it.

 

[heatmiser]

Because we are stupid and do not realize that we get a better deal by buying a Macbook.

What he said. :^)

Seriously, different folks have different needs. I'd never buy an MBA, but if folks choose to do so, and have the funds to do so without neglecting real responsibilities (family), it's all good.

 

[splashnader]

Before the MBA came out. I never heard anyone state, "This powerbook is just so heavy on my lap, it's uncomfortable." Yes I have heard people complain that the MBp runs hot when on their lap, but that is to be expected with most if not all laptops. I mean unless you are using the computer in your underwear, it shouldn't be a big deal. I have used my powerbook for years without ever having a problem with the heat given off by the computer. Now that the MBA has come out it's like people refer to the MBP as some kind of ironclad tank casing that weighs more than a baby. The weight is not that astronomically different, and the screens are basically the same. The only reason I can see for Mac introducing the MBA was to increase market share. I don't see there being a MBA 2. I see it going the way of the old EMAC. It's basically just a trimmed down MBP.

 

[alphaod]

Did I mention I'm a gigolo and I need to do my webcam shows holding the computer in one hand and "stuff" in the other.

 

[thecartoonguy]

I too been thinking about this same question

I have owned and sold just about every mac you can think of (well not the tower.) But with my recent sale of my MacBook I decided to use my old G4 swivel until I can finally decided on a MBA or a MBP. I would rather have the MBA since I am a student and want to reduce my overall load. Yet the pricing is so close to a MBP it almost makes sense to purchase the higher, faster, but heavier unit.

Yet the lighter, less powerful, expensive unit does have some greater advantages . Sigh...this and how can we be build a transporter will be on my mind for awhile

 

[dukebound85]

because most people just use computers for web browsing, email, organizing jpegs and iTunes. And you don't need a 2.6ghz Core2Duo with 4GB of ram to do that.

Plus a macbook air is just stylish

oh, guess it just makes sense to spend all that money if thats all you need

for those requirements, why not get the cheaper more capable machine again?????

the only reason i see it makes sense is if you travel a lot, but if you dont, i dont see the logic honestly

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

oh, guess it just makes sense to spend all that money if thats all you need

for those requirements, why not get the cheaper more capable machine again?????

because they have the funds, they don't want a crappy dell, they want a thin computer and again they don't need a more capable machine. If the specs of the air are good, you like the thinness and you have the money then you should get the Air.

 

[dukebound85]

because they have the funds, they don't want a crappy dell, they want a thin computer and again they don't need a more capable machine. If the specs of the air are good, you like the thinness and you have the money then you should get the Air.

did you not see what i quoted?
you said the air is perfect for users who just email, music, look at jpegs


yea if they have funds sure go ahead, but for users that just need those functions out of a computer and doesnt travel a lot, why would the air be reccomend over a mb? seriously

the air is perfect for travelers but not a stay at home mom who just uses it for those things. id tell her to save the 1000 and get the mb

the air has its place (people who value the weight savings), but the place is not for people who dont use most features of a computer as it makes no sense finaicially

 

[ScottFitz]

Ultimate road warrior machine for me.

 

[maestrokev]

Due to an unforeseen injury, ruptured my Achilles tendon during sports ... I'm loving my MBA. It's light enough to be carried while using crutches. Easy and light to position on my body as I lay in bed trying to find a comfortable position for my cast.

 

[AC Rempt]

I will admit that I was taken by the look and feel first and the utility second. I carry my MBA back and forth to work, and I walk, so it's nice to have a light machine. It's also plenty powerful for what I do, and so far, it's been one of my all time favorite Macs (after 16 years of Mac use).

In the end, I own it because I want to. Do I need it? Of course not, no more than I need the 3G iPhone I'm getting Friday.

 

[icecold0913]

Why do people buy the MBA?

just to piss you off.

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

For those of us with another computer that we have regular access to.. Why not?

Sure, if you were buying a MBA to be your only computer, that would be stupid. But that's not what we're doing. They're mobile computers designed to do the tasks people do outside of their home and workplace, and they do it while being very light and damn pretty.

 

[pilotError]

did you not see what i quoted?
you said the air is perfect for users who just email, music, look at jpegs


yea if they have funds sure go ahead, but for users that just need those functions out of a computer and doesnt travel a lot, why would the air be reccomend over a mb? seriously

the air is perfect for travelers but not a stay at home mom who just uses it for those things. id tell her to save the 1000 and get the mb

the air has its place (people who value the weight savings), but the place is not for people who dont use most features of a computer as it makes no sense finaicially

It has a niche, but there's this big perception that all you can do is use lightweight applications. Your not going to do Final Cut Pro on it, but then again, FCP won't run on most iMacs that were made 2 years ago. I use it for a portable XCode machine and it works just fine.

To your point, it's not a desktop replacement and it doesn't make sense to put one in the kitchen mainly because of price. You could if you wanted to though. It's certainly powerful enough for daily family activity.

Does anyone know how big the brick is for the new Dell machine? Total carrying weight is really a factor. The MBA has a nice small power adapter.

 

[netdog]

Before the MBA came out. I never heard anyone state, "This powerbook is just so heavy on my lap, it's uncomfortable."

I considered getting a Sony for travel and for lugging to and around school. I suspect that I am not alone in that. The MBA solved those problems for a number of us.

It's basically just a trimmed down MBP.

Exactly. People here went on and on about how great the 12" PowerBook was, and when were they going to bring out a replacement. Well, this is it, the difference being that most of what we used ports for we can now handle via WiFi and Bluetooth and the one USB port serves us very well. After all, this machine isn't for editing video and neither was the 12" PowerBook.

 

[sushi]

What's the reason behind the question?

I am curious to know the answer to this question as well.

As for the question as to who buys an MBA?

Anybody who wants what the MBA delivers.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

did you not see what i quoted?
you said the air is perfect for users who just email, music, look at jpegs


yea if they have funds sure go ahead, but for users that just need those functions out of a computer and doesnt travel a lot, why would the air be reccomend over a mb? seriously

the air is perfect for travelers but not a stay at home mom who just uses it for those things. id tell her to save the 1000 and get the mb

the air has its place (people who value the weight savings), but the place is not for people who dont use most features of a computer as it makes no sense finaicially

getting any computer that you can't afford is a dumb choice. Seriously you're not making an good points.

 

[rangerdanger]

I'm buying a MBA revision 2 later on because of many reasons. First, it's just so cool!! Many times I've had to settle for a weaker machine, or something bulky, but when I can afford it, I like to buy the coolest gadget out there, especially from Apple!! I also want to be able to carry it around all day without so much weight. I a 24" iMac right now, and I love it!! I just want some portability for the few road trips we take every year. I do nothing really but surf the web, light photo editing, watch movies, listen to music, Pages, Keynote, and Numbers for school. I also want the features the MB doesn't have, like the back-lit keyboard, multi-touch, and just being so light!!!! Can't wait to get one!!

 

[MattZani]

Because everyone these days has a MacBook

 

[AC Rempt]

Because everyone these days has a MacBook

That's another point for me. I have a BlackBook, 1st gen, and it's been a disappointment. The case isn't wearing well, and I am very careful with my computers, and there are dead pixels on the screen.

The Air is just a superior piece of equipment all around.

 

[Phil A.]

did you not see what i quoted?
you said the air is perfect for users who just email, music, look at jpegs


yea if they have funds sure go ahead, but for users that just need those functions out of a computer and doesnt travel a lot, why would the air be reccomend over a mb? seriously

the air is perfect for travelers but not a stay at home mom who just uses it for those things. id tell her to save the 1000 and get the mb

the air has its place (people who value the weight savings), but the place is not for people who dont use most features of a computer as it makes no sense finaicially

The MBA is made out of superior materials (aluminium vs plastic)
The MBA has an LED backlit display that is, quite simply, gorgeous
The MBA has a superior keyboard (much smoother than the one on either my wife's or daughter's Macbook) that is also backlit
The MBA comes complete with a DVI adapter in the box
The MBA consumes less power and has a better, re-designed, MagSafe tip that is less prone to fraying / damage

There is nothing wrong with a MacBook - it's a fantastic notebook at a great price, but the MBA is, to put is simply, in a different class

 

[buccsmf1]

As a student who travels a lot, it is perfect for me. I have a Mac Pro at home, so the idea of the horsepower or ports is obviously not an issue for me. It is my portable connection to my home network via Back To My Mac, it is perfect for lectures, it travels light, it works great for watching movies on the road, and it's just so bitchin'. I am really pleased not to be hauling around a MBP or MB any longer.

haha I'm in the exact same situation. Student who travels a lot. The light weight and small form factor make it extremely easy to carry to around campus all day or on carry thought the airport. I've got an imac at home with tons of storage so I keep all my big files on there and just keep smaller stuff on the air.

 

[HotAir]

.

I got the MBA because I like having the new gadgets Apple comes out with. I like having the Apple stores to browse in and the help available if the MBA ever needs attention. I like the Apple experience because it's all together under one banner. I'll buy the iPhone 3G for that reason and next year's models as well. While the CompUSAs, Circuit Cities and Best Buys will probably be history, Apple provides a better buying experience and is poised for the future. I like what they do.

I like the MBA for these reasons.

 

[Goldcard]

Personally, I would just purchase a MacBook if you are always on the run and bypass the ultra-thin style.

This depends on your definiton of "on the run". For me, I walk a half hour through skyways to and from school each day so cutting two pounds from my backpack was HUGE with all my books jammed in it! Also, the Air does everything I need and more from a portable so I've been very pleased.