Thread: thinking about my next mac... looking at the mac book air

Originally Posted by lparsons21

Yes, you just have to get the AppleCare before the warranty runs out.

Yeah, I read this afternoon that you can purchase it at anytime BEFORE the warranty ends.

I feel a little left out on the Apple train. The one and ONLY Apple computer I have ever used or even see in person was an Apple II back in 1991 or so. Maybe it is time to take a look at one? I guess the fact that I got a Microsoft cert back in the late 90's has always kept me using PCs.

I was firmly in the winter camp for many years, and then took a flyer on one of the strawberry iMacs. It was the first of the line. I didn't like the os9 that Apple was using at the time, but jumped on the beta of OSX and I've been almost all Mac since. There just is no comparison to what you saw way back when.

a couple of consideration for you in deciding between models. the big thing to watch out 4 is the keyboard and you might find the 1on the 11 inch to be a little small for your liking. do some serious typing on it and the 13 inch before you make your decision.

also, aren't you eligible for an academic discount? I don't know how much they are but that could be a deciding factor in price etc.

are they using traditional form factor ssds or are they using the m-sata module that plugs into the connector? if it is the m-sata you will find your storage upgrade options limited.

finally, will be 11 inch screen be big enough at your normal sitting distance?


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Originally Posted by John Kotches

a couple of consideration for you in deciding between models. the big thing to watch out 4 is the keyboard and you might find the 1on the 11 inch to be a little small for your liking. do some serious typing on it and the 13 inch before you make your decision.

also, aren't you eligible for an academic discount? I don't know how much they are but that could be a deciding factor in price etc.

are they using traditional form factor ssds or are they using the m-sata module that plugs into the connector? if it is the m-sata you will find your storage upgrade options limited.

finally, will be 11 inch screen be big enough at your normal sitting distance?


Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

John - the keyboard is actually exactly the same as on my mbp; surprising for sure, but the keyboards on both airs are the same; and I think the 11 will work for how I sit with it -- I am cognizant of that issue though. When you are in a Best Buy, check them out side by side - kind of surprising how Apple has managed to keep the keyboards really functional. Some of it is less dead space on the edges.

The academic discount on the airs is just $50, and the sale price is actually better than that. Its disappointing actually.

Planning to order it this week. Still debating whether to go refurbished or new; basically $50 difference. I appreciate the argument for refurbished, but its a small price difference.

What are the advantages of a Mac these days versus a good PC? I mean I have no experience with Apple products, except the old Apple IIe I used in school.. I always strayed away from them cuz I never knew anyone that used one. The software availabilty seems trivial at best. But I hear they are really stable and powerful. What are your generic thoughts on Apple computers? I am just curious if I should maybe look at one. As I have never even seen one in action I am just wanting to get a handle on the general why of a Mac.

Originally Posted by mcintire123

What are the advantages of a Mac these days versus a good PC? I mean I have no experience with Apple products, except the old Apple IIe I used in school.. I always strayed away from them cuz I never knew anyone that used one. The software availabilty seems trivial at best. But I hear they are really stable and powerful. What are your generic thoughts on Apple computers? I am just curious if I should maybe look at one. As I have never even seen one in action I am just wanting to get a handle on the general why of a Mac.

Actually, the software is not at all trivial. I have found a ton of very good - and often very creative - mac programs that I did not have on the pc. For example, I organize much of my work using a great information manager/database called DevonThink Professional. Mac only, game changer for my research, teaching, and indeed, overall computing.

My mac is incredibly stable and powerful. It manages memory extremely well; I reboot it maybe once every couple weeks; it rarely hiccups; it has far less security concerns than a pc (just because of the sandbox approach taken to memory for each program). And the hardware is top notch. Yeah, you pay for it, but my mbp is a beast.

Oh there is a learning curve - for me about 3 weeks -to truly begin to grasp the Apple way of doing things, and to retrain my brain to use the Command and not Control key. But it was worth it.

Originally Posted by rockymtnhigh

Actually, the software is not at all trivial. I have found a ton of very good - and often very creative - mac programs that I did not have on the pc. For example, I organize much of my work using a great information manager/database called DevonThink Professional. Mac only, game changer for my research, teaching, and indeed, overall computing.

My mac is incredibly stable and powerful. It manages memory extremely well; I reboot it maybe once every couple weeks; it rarely hiccups; it has far less security concerns than a pc (just because of the sandbox approach taken to memory for each program). And the hardware is top notch. Yeah, you pay for it, but my mbp is a beast.

Oh there is a learning curve - for me about 3 weeks -to truly begin to grasp the Apple way of doing things, and to retrain my brain to use the Command and not Control key. But it was worth it.

We need a new laptop, our little netbook we use in the living room for everyday surfing is starting to get a little rough. Maybe I will find a newer used mac since all we use it for is surfing it might be a good way to get into mac's and get a feel for them. We have had a few laps now and we actually use them more than our desktop since we do more surfing in front of the tv than anything anymore. I just haven't found one yet that can put up with a daily beating. ALOT of charger issues and hinge problems from the constant movement and use. Right now my netbook has its charger hard wired to the inside and the power button is just two wires sticking out of the hole where the button used to be haha. Kids don't use it but they still find ways to abuse it.

Originally Posted by mcintire123

We need a new laptop, our little netbook we use in the living room for everyday surfing is starting to get a little rough. Maybe I will find a newer used mac since all we use it for is surfing it might be a good way to get into mac's and get a feel for them. We have had a few laps now and we actually use them more than our desktop since we do more surfing in front of the tv than anything anymore. I just haven't found one yet that can put up with a daily beating. ALOT of charger issues and hinge problems from the constant movement and use. Right now my netbook has its charger hard wired to the inside and the power button is just two wires sticking out of the hole where the button used to be haha. Kids don't use it but they still find ways to abuse it.

Two good options -- go to the Apple Store's refurbished sales - as was pointed out above in this thread. You can get a 128GB 11" mba for $999. OR look around for a "white" mac book. I suspect you can find one for around $800 or so. More money than a "netbook" for both, but both would be very powerful.

I have $215 in Amazon credit coming to me from trading-in some textbooks, and as soon as it shows up, I am ordering my air.