I've decided to keep my iPad 1 and use the money I was going to spend on the iPad 2 to get a MBA. I'll be ordering the 11 inch I think. I can get the base model from the refurb store for $849, but it has 2 gb of ram. To get 4gb, I have to order new, which would cost $1099. Is it worth the extra cost still? I had a unibody MBP with only 2gb of ram until a couple months ago when I upgraded to 6gb, and it wasn't too bad. Mostly plan to use the air for web, email, and some light Photoshop work. No video editing, as that will be done on the MBP. What do you guys suggest?
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Worth it for the extra ram?
- Thread starter Eric8199
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Option 3? Check the apple refurb store constantly and find a refurb with 4GB of RAM. I initially bought a new but open-box model from best buy for $900 with 2GB of RAM, but then got lucky and found the 4GB version on the refurb store for $929. I'm definitely really glad I made the switch.
Remember, you can't upgrade the RAM on the MBA. It's built into the motherboard. Absolutely get the 4GB model upfront.
Thanks guys, I really had myself convinced that 2gb was going to be enough. On the refurb site, it's not much more to get the 11-inch ultimate, so I might just aim for that, get 128gb and 4gb for a little more than getting a brand new one. But I'll be checking the refurb store daily hoping that a 64gb/4gb shows up.
It sucks that you can't upgrade them later on. I still think I likely wouldn't need more than 2gb, so I might still go that route anyway. I have a MacBook Pro, which I am not getting rid of, that would do just fine for any heavy tasks. My next upgrade would probably be that, a couple years down the road. The MacBook Air I want mostly for traveling, so I have a little bit more oomph than the iPad, but not the weight of lugging around my MBP.
So we'll see. I might get one and play with it for a week, and if it doesn't suit my needs, send it back and get the beefed up model.
It sucks that you can't upgrade them later on. I still think I likely wouldn't need more than 2gb, so I might still go that route anyway. I have a MacBook Pro, which I am not getting rid of, that would do just fine for any heavy tasks. My next upgrade would probably be that, a couple years down the road. The MacBook Air I want mostly for traveling, so I have a little bit more oomph than the iPad, but not the weight of lugging around my MBP.
So we'll see. I might get one and play with it for a week, and if it doesn't suit my needs, send it back and get the beefed up model.
Think how long you are going to want it. 2GB will not be enough in 2 or 3 years. Lion may get by with 2GB, but the next iteration may not.
It it could be done yourself I'd say get 2GB now and upgrade later. However, you cannot do that so buy 4GB now or you will regret it!
It it could be done yourself I'd say get 2GB now and upgrade later. However, you cannot do that so buy 4GB now or you will regret it!
Depends what you want to do. I plan on running VMWare on it occasionally, so I really need the extra 2GB. I'm also looking for the base 11" model with 4GB, I'm checking the Apple store every day. It seems to be updated around 00:30 GMT but that's the Ireland store, don't know if that goes for the US store too. You can tell because there's no refurbs available at all then.
Unfortunately this model seems to be in very short supply, I've seen most of the other configurations come up but not this one
Been checking for a week now.
Unfortunately this model seems to be in very short supply, I've seen most of the other configurations come up but not this one
Been checking for a week now.Use my 11'' 2gb as primary machine and its fine..
I'm pretty impatient with my computers, seeing as I use them for the majority of the day.
I'm pretty impatient with my computers, seeing as I use them for the majority of the day.
Def helps with lots of windows open. And its soldered in so what you start with is what you get!
For $100 yeah its worth it. But I don't think its necessary. I have the 13" MBA 2 GB RAM, 128 SSD and the only reason I didn't spring for the RAM upgrade is b/c I wanted it that day so I shot over to the Apple store and got one. Its still lightening fast and the 0.000578s edge the 4 GB RAM has over mine doesn't bother me.
If it were my decision I'd rather spend the extra money on the bigger SSD over the RAM on these particular machines. But as a general rule I will never pay over $1,000 for a PC and over $1,500 for an Apple. I like to have 2 laptops at all times, one serving as a backup, and $2,500 is my limit for the amount I would spend on the hardware.
If it were my decision I'd rather spend the extra money on the bigger SSD over the RAM on these particular machines. But as a general rule I will never pay over $1,000 for a PC and over $1,500 for an Apple. I like to have 2 laptops at all times, one serving as a backup, and $2,500 is my limit for the amount I would spend on the hardware.
It's like $250 more for the ram for me because the refurb is so cheap. Again, this will not be a primary machine for me, as my MBP serves that purpose. I a couple years, i'll get a new MBP. Just want the air for portability and backup. I have no plans to put windows on the machine, or do any virtualization. I pretty much want to be able to install Office and use it for writing. I'm a journalist, and that's mostly what I use my computers for. I do some light Photoshop stuff, but for anything major Id use the MBP, or my iMac i5 at work. So I think the base air will serve the purpose that I need, which is essentially a high-end net book.
4GB of RAM. There is a reason that 4GB is standard on most machines these days... and that is because 2 is not good enough. It will "work" but you will be much more satisfied with 4gb.
Always, max out ram, makes for smiles, not frowns
Good advice.
You buy a much more capable computer for yourself now, for your future use, and for the person that may eventually use the computer (when you give or sell it to them).