Hello, all!
I'm returning to undergrad this fall and I have been meticulously researching my next laptop purchase. However, as I am not especially confident in my knowledge of computer systems... I'd feel a lot better if *you all* my review my train of thought about my upcoming purchase, so I don't waste my money on excessive upgrades or end up with a computer that doesn't ultimately meet my needs.
My current computer: an old Powerbook G4 12". I bought it used in great condition in 2008 --the guy was basically using it as a glorified harddrive--for about $600. It suited my needs well for three years of undergrad work. Now, however, it feels very sluggish, is really picky about picking up any wifi, and desperately needs a new battery. I LOVE it, though. Wonderful size. AND! To my great surprise, in the 4 years I've owned it, I've only occupied about 40GB of its harddrive space.
I'm interested in the 2012 11" MBA, i5 processor, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM.
I've read that the price difference between the i5 vs i7 processor does not correspond to the computer's actual performance increase, so decided against i7.
I've read that upgrading RAM, which we all know is soldered on in these Airs, is the best way to "future-proof" it, for not too high a premium.
I've decided that 128 GB SSD should suit me just fine. I've barely used 40GB in my other device(!). I access and save more of my images/movies/music in the cloud now, too, which frees up more HD space. Also, I can easily use an external hd to store stuff if I need to, and I imagine that the price of SSDs will fall in the future. If in a few years I decide I need more space, the premium won't be so high.
I'm about 85% sure I should go with the 11" vs the 13", as I enjoyed the small footprint of my 12" powerbook so much. It was only kind of a pain when writing research papers and wanting to glance at multiple documents all up on the screen at the same time. I like that the 11" will fit into the bag I already carry. I like that I can easily use it in bed or on my knee or on a small table or anywhere, and that it is tsa-friendly (I will be flying between Kentucky and Maine for school).
I have 2 more years left of undergrad. I am interested in architecture, design, planning, and I do worry that the 11" air is not powerful enough for my potential future needs. BUT I don't want to shell out a hunk of change to get a computer based on my hypothetical future needs.
Any thoughts? Any suggestions?
I'm returning to undergrad this fall and I have been meticulously researching my next laptop purchase. However, as I am not especially confident in my knowledge of computer systems... I'd feel a lot better if *you all* my review my train of thought about my upcoming purchase, so I don't waste my money on excessive upgrades or end up with a computer that doesn't ultimately meet my needs.
My current computer: an old Powerbook G4 12". I bought it used in great condition in 2008 --the guy was basically using it as a glorified harddrive--for about $600. It suited my needs well for three years of undergrad work. Now, however, it feels very sluggish, is really picky about picking up any wifi, and desperately needs a new battery. I LOVE it, though. Wonderful size. AND! To my great surprise, in the 4 years I've owned it, I've only occupied about 40GB of its harddrive space.
I'm interested in the 2012 11" MBA, i5 processor, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM.
I've read that the price difference between the i5 vs i7 processor does not correspond to the computer's actual performance increase, so decided against i7.
I've read that upgrading RAM, which we all know is soldered on in these Airs, is the best way to "future-proof" it, for not too high a premium.
I've decided that 128 GB SSD should suit me just fine. I've barely used 40GB in my other device(!). I access and save more of my images/movies/music in the cloud now, too, which frees up more HD space. Also, I can easily use an external hd to store stuff if I need to, and I imagine that the price of SSDs will fall in the future. If in a few years I decide I need more space, the premium won't be so high.
I'm about 85% sure I should go with the 11" vs the 13", as I enjoyed the small footprint of my 12" powerbook so much. It was only kind of a pain when writing research papers and wanting to glance at multiple documents all up on the screen at the same time. I like that the 11" will fit into the bag I already carry. I like that I can easily use it in bed or on my knee or on a small table or anywhere, and that it is tsa-friendly (I will be flying between Kentucky and Maine for school).
I have 2 more years left of undergrad. I am interested in architecture, design, planning, and I do worry that the 11" air is not powerful enough for my potential future needs. BUT I don't want to shell out a hunk of change to get a computer based on my hypothetical future needs.
Any thoughts? Any suggestions?
