Black MacBook Or MacAir?

[Dr.Zizooo]

Hi Guys ...

I'm having a hard time deciding buying a laptop ..... I don't know which one should I get a Black MacBook ? or the elegant Mac Air?

I really want something I can use everyday without causing me any problems! I need something I can use for the next 5 years ...I know you may think I should get the new Mac Air, it is extremely beautiful I do love it ... who doesn't? But I'm afraid of that it might have some problems especially it is a new and Apple might produce a better version of Mac Air.

What do you really think .... Which one Should I get ???

Thanks In Advance ...:)

[Scarlet Fever]

1. please use standard font colours and formatting... having everything centre justified and in a weird colour makes your post harder to read.

2. None of the current macs are going to cause you any problems for everyday use. They are all quick enough to do at least basic stuff (iTunes, Safari, Mail, simple Photoshop work). Obviously if you get a faster computer, it will handle your tasks better.

3. 5 years is a long time. It is fairly rare for 5 year old notebooks to still be peoples primary computers. I have a 7 year old Titanium Powerbook, but it is slow as sin, and the display hinges have broken.

4. I personally don't like the MBA that much. I admire Apple for engineering such a thin and light notebook, but you don't buy the computer to admire it. I would find the lack of ports would very quickly irritate me. The MBA is also a few hundred dollars more than the black MacBook, and you get much less for your dollar.

If I already had a recent Intel Mac, and I needed something really light to take around, the MacBook Air would be great. But for everyday use, I would get the MacBook.

[asrmatt]

I'm an old time Mac user, and last month I had your same question in mind.
As you see from my signature I went for the black Macbook, and I'm etremely happy of what i did

I think the MacBook Air is a wonderful machine, but it makes sense to buy it only if your BIG issue is size and weight

Go for the Macbook and you'll be happy. It's great ;)

[Dr.Zizooo]

1. please use standard font colours and formatting... having everything centre justified and in a weird colour makes your post harder to read.

2. None of the current macs are going to cause you any problems for everyday use. They are all quick enough to do at least basic stuff (iTunes, Safari, Mail, simple Photoshop work). Obviously if you get a faster computer, it will handle your tasks better.

3. 5 years is a long time. It is fairly rare for 5 year old notebooks to still be peoples primary computers. I have a 7 year old Titanium Powerbook, but it is slow as sin, and the display hinges have broken.

4. I personally don't like the MBA that much. I admire Apple for engineering such a thin and light notebook, but you don't buy the computer to admire it. I would find the lack of ports would very quickly irritate me. The MBA is also a few hundred dollars more than the black MacBook, and you get much less for your dollar.

If I already had a recent Intel Mac, and I needed something really light to take around, the MacBook Air would be great. But for everyday use, I would get the MacBook.

Firstly I apologize for using the weird colors!
Secondly I really appreciate your response ...... Thanks You so Much ...

[Dr.Zizooo]

I'm an old time Mac user, and last month I had your same question in mind.
As you see from my signature I went for the black Macbook, and I'm etremely happy of what i did

I think the MacBook Air is a wonderful machine, but it makes sense to buy it only if your BIG issue is size and weight

Go for the Macbook and you'll be happy. It's great ;)

Great .... thanks for your quick response .... I really appreciate it ....

1-0 for the Black MacBooK ;)

Thanks Again Bro. ....

[Darsh]

I'd agree with asrmatt... if you need something that is super-mobile and that's your primary objective in getting a laptop, go with the Air. Otherwise you'll be much happier with a MB/MBP

[Dr.Zizooo]

I'd agree with asrmatt... if you need something that is super-mobile and that's your primary objective in getting a laptop, go with the Air. Otherwise you'll be much happier with a MB/MBP

Thanks bro ..... 2-0 for the Black MacBook ..... :)

[jonswan]

3-0 for the Black Book then - it'll take you 6 months to fill the MBA's hard drive, never mind 5 years. The MB looks like a great deal in comparison. But, I think 5 years is a bit unreasonable + weird - I mean, you don't have the next 5 years planned out financially, right?

[numbersyx]

Would not bother with the MBA. I'm not a big fan of first generation models but other than the cool factor what is the big thing about this laptop? Sure it has a SSD but with such a low capacity, you will that thing up very quickly. No optical drive which means purchasing an add on and the price is very unrealistic.

And is the MacBook that much heavier? Go with that, my friend, you will not be unhappy...

[bartman-chinese]

3 - 1! I personally have a MacBook Air and I think it works great. The single port doesn't bother me at all. After using the Air, the normal MacBooks feel really heavy.

[Abstract]

Thanks bro ..... 2-0 for the Black MacBook ..... :)

Not quite.

The best advice given so far has been to "get what you need." That means, get the MBA if size and weight is a definite issue, and the MacBook is actually too big (I can't imagine that being true, but just play along....)

Do NOT get a MBA if you need 2 USB slots, or wickedly good battery life. The MacBook is quite good. When new, it gave me around 4 hours, which is very practical for me.
Another downside is the lack of upgradeability. I'd personally be a bit bummed about having only 2 GB of RAM (because I'm a multi-tasking monster!), but I only had 2 GB of RAM for all of last year, and I was OK with that. If the MBA had a 3 GB RAM option, then I'd definitely think about getting the faster MBA model.

The MBA's hard-disk is quite small, but if you want it replaced with a bigger one in the future, buy one off the internet, take it to an Apple reseller (or an Apple Store) and have it installed for around......$40 (estimate). I can say the same thing about a new battery. Sure, the MBA's battery is not user replaceable, but if you buy one at the store, ask them to install it for you. They may even do it for free (if you bought the battery from them).



Other than these things, I like the MBA. I thought the idea of an MBA was kind of dumb before, but once I saw one and picked it up, I realized that I just picked up a very sturdy, very solid Mac laptop that's essentially a stronger, sturdier MacBook Pro, and yet has dimensions that are smaller than a MacBook. It was also FAR lighter than I could have imagined. I find that I don't use my USB slots except for my mouse, but a Bluetooth mouse would fix that problem quite quickly. Other than that, I use the USB slot for my flash drive. That's it. With regards to gaming, I don't play games, and my MacBook's GMA 950 integrated graphics is good enough for me. The MBA has an even better integrated graphics chipset, so that's certainly enough for me. It also has a slower CPU, but my 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo is very very fast, so I'd imagine that a slightly slower CPU wouldn't be much slower.


Ask yourself: Is the MBA enough for you?

[Lucky8]

I just bought a MB and never looked back. Just like everyone says, MB is worth a lot more for your dollar compare to MBA

[msinco]

I had the same question a few weeks ago, and i decided to get the MBA.

But you said that you were gonna use it for 5 years, so get the macbook Black. It is faster than the MBA and in the future you can upgrade the RAM or upgrade the hard drive.

The MBA is your choice if size is a concern. When it comes to speed, it is just as fast as the 1st gen Macbook. Sometimes, it is even slower.

[erummel]

Blackbook, without a doubt.

The MBA is nothing more than an oversized PDA.

[weg]

I really want something I can use everyday without causing me any problems! I need something I can use for the next 5 years ...

In that case, it's pretty clear: Get the black (or even the white) MacBook.
The Air has a built-in battery which won't last for 5 years, meaning that you'll have to send it to Apple for replacement, which is a pain..

[Dr.Zizooo]

Wow guys .... I'm pretty amazed by these great responses ...

Honestly guys weight isn't my biggest concern ... also I hate it when the computer becomes slow as everybody else ....

Just to let you know guys I said 5 years ... NOT actual work for 5 years .......... I know myself I'll get board after 2 years at most ... But I meant I want something I can count on ....


Thanks for EveryOne who shares their opinions ...... I Really Appreciate Every Single Letter You Typed ... :)

Thanks Again and Again .....

[ucfgrad93]

I'd only get the Air if weight was a critical issue for you. Otherwise, I think the blackbook will serve you better, faster processor, larger harddrive, more expansion, etc.

[bestthereis27]

I would get the blackbook if your really going to use the computer. I would only consider the Air if you travel a lot or you want to show off to your friends.

[iHusky]

i'd definitely recommend the macbook. the air is just a more expensive, more portable version, less powerful. Not to say that the macbook isn't portable, but it doesn't quite fit in a manila envelope.

And if you're looking for some more longevity, why not save some money and buy a white macbook, then use that money you saved to upgrade the hard drive or ram a few years down the road? just a thought.

[BlackThunder]

"Apple might produce a better version of Mac Air."

Ya think? :rolleyes:

This is a no brainer. More power, less money...

I don't see why you would opt for the MacAir. It's not as if the Macbook isn't portable. I really don't see why anybody would get an Air unless they are CONSTANTLY on the go, and even then it just seems like too much money to spend for mediocre performance.

If the MacAir had the specs of a Macbook (minus the optical drive of course).. 4gb ram, 2.4ghz etc... then I would say it's worth it. The current mac air specs are sub par now, so in 5 years.... forget about it.

[xtravgnt]

Had the black macbook, had a white macbook air for the g/f. Bought myself a Macbook air and haven't looked back since, when I hold my normal macbook it feels like a brick lol. G/fs macbook got stolen, I picked her up a Macbook air and she loves it.

Everyone likes to complain about the price of the air, if money for performance is an issue really you should be looking at a more cost effective windows machine anyways. That being said the other complaints are lack of an optical drive, honestly I have needed to use an external one time and that was to install XP for parallels, other than that I honestly don't miss it, as I don't have anything on CD I need to get to anyways?? The next big complaint is lack of connections, umm I plug in a flash drive now and again or a camera, each of those only uses one USB board as I don't need them both at the same time, imagine that:confused: The other connections I never used anyways. So that leaves HDD space which I can agree with, I wish I could toss my whole music collection and take it with me and not worry about space but hopefully soon larger drives come out or SSD comes down and I'll just get one put in.:D

The air does everything I need it to do except for gaming and I have a PS3 or 360 for that, my high end Windows Desktop just sits there pretty much it has become a storage box for my air:eek:

[1rottenapple]

I am actually looking to sell my Macbook (Black) COD2 2.16 ghz with 160hd and 3gig of ram for a Macbook Air. Are you interested in buying it, let me know.

[vchalupa]

MB for sure! I don't understand anyone who would waste their money on a MBA. I love that ti's so tiny and looks great but personally, I think it's the biggest waste of money that Apple has to offer. Every one of Apple's products are awesome and so useful but you really don't get much for your money with the MBA. Sure, if you're ALWAYS on the go, maybe it makes sense but still, 5 pounds still qualifies as a portable laptop. The Black book is so much more useful and I feel like it'll last you much longer.

I haven't gotten to use a MBA yet but I feel like it's not durable at all. And if you're like me, hoping to have a laptop last you 5 years, then I'd feel much more comfortable having a slightly more durable computer than the MBA.

[hotsauce]

Hi Guys ...

I'm having a hard time deciding buying a laptop ..... I don't know which one should I get a Black MacBook ? or the elegant Mac Air?

I really want something I can use everyday without causing me any problems! I need something I can use for the next 5 years ...I know you may think I should get the new Mac Air, it is extremely beautiful I do love it ... who doesn't? But I'm afraid of that it might have some problems especially it is a new and Apple might produce a better version of Mac Air.

What do you really think .... Which one Should I get ???

Thanks In Advance ...:)

That depends on how much you bench press. :)

Seriously though, what's up with the flamboyant formatting of your text? Are you a middle child by any chance?

[xtravgnt]

MB for sure! I don't understand anyone who would waste their money on a MBA. I love that ti's so tiny and looks great but personally, I think it's the biggest waste of money that Apple has to offer. Every one of Apple's products are awesome and so useful but you really don't get much for your money with the MBA. Sure, if you're ALWAYS on the go, maybe it makes sense but still, 5 pounds still qualifies as a portable laptop. The Black book is so much more useful and I feel like it'll last you much longer.

I haven't gotten to use a MBA yet but I feel like it's not durable at all. And if you're like me, hoping to have a laptop last you 5 years, then I'd feel much more comfortable having a slightly more durable computer than the MBA.
I bolded your problem, it's almost like pure windows users talking about Macs that they have never used;)

[zainjetha]

Scarlet Fever ------ Where In The Forum Rules Does It Say That A User Must Stick To Plain Text???

If Macrumors Didnt Want The Users To Use This They Would Disable Colours, Fonts, They Would Disable It.. If Mr Dont Say Not To Use It Then Im Not entirely Sure Who You Are To....
I Think Dr.zizooo Deserves An Apology As He/she Is Perfectly In Her Rights, using A Facility Which Is Given To Him
In The Forum Text Editor...

He Hasnt Broken Any Rules Or Written Any Abuse....

[hotsauce]

Scarlet Fever ------ Where In The Forum Rules Does It Say That A User Must Stick To Plain Text???

If Macrumors Didnt Want The Users To Use This They Would Disable Colours, Fonts, They Would Disable It.. If Mr Dont Say Not To Use It Then Im Not entirely Sure Who You Are To....
I Think Dr.zizooo Deserves An Apology As He/she Is Perfectly In Her Rights, using A Facility Which Is Given To Him
In The Forum Text Editor...

He Hasnt Broken Any Rules Or Written Any Abuse....

CAPS LOCK IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO ME, SO SHOULD I USE IT ALL THE TIME!!!! There is this thing called a nettiquette.

Seriously Zain, would it not bother you a little if this forum looked like a rainbow, with some text left justified, some centered, some right and so on...

Sometimes you shouldn't do things just because you can.

[zainjetha]

Nope, it wouldnt and even if it did i would have no grounds to complain on providing the person is discussing the topic POLITELY AND DOING NO HARM...

and even the Moderators or Arn wouldnt say anything because in MR Forum Text Editor, rich-text/html is available and is provided to the User by MR, therefore it would be contradictory for MR to say anything..

A suitable analogy may be being asked to draw a diagram of something and being provided with all different colored pencils, felt tip pens, pencils etc and then being asked 'Why did you make it colorful'? my response 'I did nothing wrong, I merely used the tools which you made available to me, in a way which i deemed fit' 'I did no harm to anybody'.

No offense, just a discussion..

ALL MY POSTS WILL BE THIS WAY

O K A Y

[tringo]

I really don't like cutting into people, but this person seems a little clueless.

On a Mac forum calling a a certain notebook the "MacAir" is borderline blasphemy. Almost as bad as those ignorant people who call a certain music device the "iTouch" :cool:(Not cool in this case)

[Dr.Zizooo]

That depends on how much you bench press. :)

Seriously though, what's up with the flamboyant formatting of your text? Are you a middle child by any chance?

Firstly thanks for responding .... I really appreciate it :)

Secondly, I can't see why I shouldn't use these tools if MR made them available to me ...... Also brother I'm getting bored using the same routine every time.

One more thing that you really have to understand is that if you don't like something it doesn't mean it is wrong !! People like different things ... if everyone like the same thing it will be no need for other things!

I really hope you got my point ...... and Thanks again for your respond.... :)

[Dr.Zizooo]

Scarlet Fever ------ Where In The Forum Rules Does It Say That A User Must Stick To Plain Text???

If Macrumors Didnt Want The Users To Use This They Would Disable Colours, Fonts, They Would Disable It.. If Mr Dont Say Not To Use It Then Im Not entirely Sure Who You Are To....
I Think Dr.zizooo Deserves An Apology As He/she Is Perfectly In Her Rights, using A Facility Which Is Given To Him
In The Forum Text Editor...

He Hasnt Broken Any Rules Or Written Any Abuse....

Thank you so much for your words .... well appreciated :)

[MattZani]

at the moment go Blackbook, but in a year or so who knows? If the MBA gets its act together and gets some more power, i'd be sold! I'd gladly own one, but its a laptop designed for a purpose that i dont need...

[leekohler]

BlackBook. Just got one and I love it! I plan keeping it for about four years. Of course it isn't my main computer, but it's a close second.

[ziwi]

The value of the MacBook over the Air is what would do it for me. Just don't see the need to be that thin and lose all the amenities.

[bart rijksen]

That depends on how much you bench press. :)

Seriously though, what's up with the flamboyant formatting of your text? Are you a middle child by any chance?

Do you think i'll manage? I do 100 push ups daily, so will carrying the macbook pro be a problem?

[NC MacGuy]

You buy whatever will make YOU happy! The MB certainly has its tech. attributes as the Air its aesthetics. I think they'll both last but I can't think of a 5 year old laptop I'd love to own right now.

Sounds like you really have Air lust in your heart though, so I'll vote Air;)

[OasisNYK]

I recommend going all Air if you can.

There is more than enough power in it, the HD is a little tight but it is enough storage for now. There is no need for an optical drive these days. The build quality is great (except for the few rev a bugs, but I think most laptops have issues). What is it you really need on a MB that you don't get in a MBA? USB ports? Optical? Power? - if you aren't gaming or designing go Air.

I think the real issue people have is price. If it were cheaper many people would buy it. So now people use price and compare amenities and don't think it adds up to value in the Air. Reality is you probably don;t need most of those extras.

[akm3]

I have decided that if you even have to ask the question of MBA versus Macbook, then the Macbook is always the answer.

Those who truly should get the MBA won't have the dilemma.

[iHerzeleid]

I love my MBA.

[pjarvi]

If you want something that can serve as your primary desktop system sitting on a stand with USB+Firewire+Ethernet and an external display hooked up to, go with the BlackBook. It is easier to upgrade and you get more: "bang for your buck". The only real benefit of the MBA is it's light weight. If you do not travel constantly for work, then I wouldn't recommend the MBA.

The BlackBook is also easier to upgrade.

I've had my BlackBook for almost 2 years and have no remorse. It is one of the best systems I ever purchased. It's only downside is lack of dedicated graphics. If you want to play games then you'll need a MacBook Pro.

[sarayut400rt]

I bolded your problem, it's almost like pure windows users talking about Macs that they have never used;):D

[zainjetha]

i say go blackbook.. its got a reasonable sized harddisk and ram is enough... its not that heavy or large tbh.. MBA as a PRIMARY MACHINE

WOULD NOT BE WISE...

[Dr.Zizooo]

i say go blackbook.. its got a reasonable sized harddisk and ram is enough... its not that heavy or large tbh.. MBA as a PRIMARY MACHINE

WOULD NOT BE WISE...

I Got It!! :D I just bought it today it is really worth every single dollar i spent on it ..... i love it!

Thanks brother for your responds .... ;)

[leekohler]

I Got It!! :D I just bought it today it is really worth every single dollar i spent on it ..... i love it!

Thanks brother for your responds .... I really appreciate what you did taking care of some ignorant responds while i wasn't available ;)

Yes- the new BlackBooks are awesome! Glad you like it!

[hexonxonx]

I Got It!! :D I just bought it today it is really worth every single dollar i spent on it ..... i love it!


Enjoy that new Mac!

[asrmatt]

I Got It!! :D I just bought it today it is really worth every single dollar i spent on it ..... i love it!


Bravo!
I hope you enjoy it as much I'm doing with mine... :)

[netdog]

I Got It!! :D I just bought it today it is really worth every single dollar i spent on it ..... i love it!

Thanks brother for your responds .... I really appreciate what you did taking care of some ignorant responds while i wasn't available ;)

Congrats.

To be honest, you wouldn't have gone wrong with either machine.

[Nyaos]

Not sure why you got the BlackBook though, the white version is cheaper with the same specs.

[mr.stinki]

Hope you're enjoying your new BlackBook!! I've got the previous version, but I'm loving it!!

It handles all the things i need it to do, and the battery life is amazing!!

Hope you enjoy your new machine!!

[Dr.Zizooo]

I'm so glad I decided finally, I got the Black MacBook and it is marvelous.

Thanks to you guys ... Thanks to everyone of you ... I swear I wouldn't be able to decide without asking you .......

I really appreciate sharing your opinions ... It helped me a lot .....

No doubt MR is the best forum ever :)

http://www.zwani.com/graphics/thank_you/images/1.gif

[hotsauce]

Firstly thanks for responding .... I really appreciate it :)

Secondly, I can't see why I shouldn't use these tools if MR made them available to me ...... Also brother I'm getting bored using the same routine every time.

One more thing that you really have to understand is that if you don't like something it doesn't mean it is wrong !! People like different things ... if everyone like the same thing it will be no need for other things!

I really hope you got my point ...... and Thanks again for your respond.... :)


Good choice on the BlackBook and hope you realize that that post was really in jest.


Even though your unorthodox formatting bothers me a little, I will defend to the death your right to do so. :)

[Abstract]

Congrats.

To be honest, you wouldn't have gone wrong with either machine.

I thought the same thing.

I'm just glad he decided. He got a nice laptop, though. Sometimes, I wish mine was black.

[Dr.Zizooo]

Good choice on the BlackBook and hope you realize that that post was really in jest.


Even though your unorthodox formatting bothers me a little, I will defend to the death your right to do so. :)


I totally understand I just wanna Thank you for the nice spirit brother .... :) >>>> I didn't use any kind formatting I don't wanna bother you :D

[Dr.Zizooo]

I thought the same thing.

I'm just glad he decided. He got a nice laptop, though. Sometimes, I wish mine was black.

glad to see your respond :)

[dlubis]

The MBA is your choice if size does matter for your mobility, but for technology, go to MB. I own both, MB for office and MBA for mobile. ;)

[mashinhead]

What do you really think .... Which one Should I get ???

I need something I can use for the next 5 years

Thanks In Advance ...:)

you answered your own question a MBA will not last you 5 years

[Cassie]

Not sure why you got the BlackBook though, the white version is cheaper with the same specs.

Bigger HDD is really the only upside. Maybe he just prefers black over white.

[Dr.Zizooo]

Bigger HDD is really the only upside. Maybe he just prefers black over white.

you're right I got the black cuz it has a bigger HDD. :)

Thanks for Responding .... by the way your website looks great ^_*

[UCLA-Bruin]

1 vote for BLACKBOOK - only complaint: no backlit keyboard.

[UCLA-Bruin]

I have decided that if you even have to ask the question of MBA versus Macbook, then the Macbook is always the answer.

Those who truly should get the MBA won't have the dilemma.

I wholeheartedly agree.

[UCLA-Bruin]

Not sure why you got the BlackBook though, the white version is cheaper with the same specs.

Resale value for the black = no comparison. I got mine last month for $1099 on education super discount.

[leekohler]

you're right I got the black cuz it has a bigger HDD. :)

Thanks for Responding .... by the way your website looks great ^_*

So, have you slept yet? :)

[markm]

Don't forget the MacBook Air has an LED backlit screen.

For me, at this point, the single most important element of a computer choice is the quality and therefore safety of the screen. Better screens let you spend more time on the machine, and walk away less like a zombie.

[flamebourne]

I think you should go for the Black MB, cause you are paying less for a better processor and hard drive :) Air is all portability, but Black MB has both, but just isn't as portable as the Air :)

[Dr.Zizooo]

So, have you slept yet? :)

I just woke up :D

[Cassie]

you're right I got the black cuz it has a bigger HDD. :)

Thanks for Responding .... by the way your website looks great ^_*

Haha, thanks I guess, I designed it when I was 11, definitely not my best work.:o

[mikethemovie]

I would go with the macbook..
I think its more durable then the macbook air.. I think the air is a brilliant laptop, but it looks so fragile to me.. I told myself after introdution that i would get one.. My best friend bought one and i could try it out for a week.. I hated it.. Especially the charger was really bad.. I think its good for journalists or businesspeople or collegestudents.. I would go with the macbook.. Can you wait for the redesign? Maybe aluminium?