Why do people buy the MBA? [Archive]

netdog

Jun 27, 2008, 03:52 AM

Piarco

Jun 27, 2008, 04:32 AM

.

What's the reason behind the question?

.Andy

Jun 27, 2008, 04:40 AM

Piarco

Jun 27, 2008, 04:48 AM

I had my first real play with one last night and I'm in love. It was wonderful and although I love my 12" powerbook, it surpassed my expectations and I'll most probably drop the cash on an MBA revision 2 :).

The majority of my work is word processing, excel, viewing images, the internet, and email, which the MBA more than covers. I spend most of my time working out of home, so the weight and profile is perfectamondo for me. I think it's a lovely machine.

I've just fired up excel from Office for Mac 2004 for the first time, and it sadly runs like a one-legged dog :(.... so I'm installing the trial of iWork 08 to see if that is an avenue. Rather not install VMware & XP unless really needed... only due to HDD constrictions...

Simon R.

Jun 27, 2008, 04:55 AM

I've just fired up excel from Office for Mac 2004 for the first time, and it sadly runs like a one-legged dog :(

Of course it does - it runs under Rosetta (PPC emulation).

Chundles

Jun 27, 2008, 04:59 AM

Because it's just so right for some people.

I have a customer who bought a fully specced out MacBook late last year and replaced it with a MacBook Air once he'd held one.

He wanted the lightest Mac he could get and at the time the MacBook was it. I moved everything over to the MBA for him and he hasn't used his MacBook since.

Some people need as little weight as possible without sacrificing too much.

aussie.damo

Jun 27, 2008, 06:44 AM

I bought mine as a bit of an indulgence, I guess. I have a (work provided) Dell that stays cable locked to my desk at the office and a mac mini hooked up to my TV at home. The MBA was the perfect addition to my computing family. It allows me to do my internety / itunesy / iphotoy stuff at home, on the road and on holidays. The size and weight make it a no-brainer travel companion, especially compared with the 4KG of Dell I would otherwise have to use. Versus the Macbook, I appreciate the backlit keyboard (I had an MBP before this, so would've really missed that) and the build quality. Obviously the weight difference is a big thing too!

Probably the biggest reason I bought an MBA was OS X. I was very close to buying the Sony TZ, but couldn't see myself being happy with Vista (which I use, and detest, at work) or XP (how old is that now?)

I recognise that the MBA isn't for everyone - that's fine. It is, however, the right computer for me.

bamaworks

Jun 27, 2008, 06:49 AM

For the same reason someone buys a two seater sports car instead of a gas saver... or a luxury car instead of an economy car. I suppose it's because "they can".

Phil A.

Jun 27, 2008, 07:21 AM

Because for me it's the best notebook Apple have ever made :)
Yes, it's not as powerful as a MacBook Pro, or as cheap as a MacBook, but I absolutely love mine: It has more than enough power for everything I need to do on it (including running virtual machines, CS3, Eclipse and the normal day to day apps such as Office) and it weighs less than a flea that's been on a crash diet (OK, slight exaggeration, but it is very, very light)
It also has a gorgeous screen, and a superb backlit keyboard which make using it a joy

AlanShutko

Jun 27, 2008, 10:54 AM

I had been using a Thinkpad T42p as my sole computing platform. It got annoying to keep tethering devices to it (external storage, sync my remote, sync my ipod, sync my phone, etc), and there were things I wanted to do that were always on (and the laptop, naturally, wasn't). so I decided to replace with a desktop to which I could attach all these things and just leave them there.

Then, my laptop could just be for mobility. And at that, the Air is perfect. I never used my optical drive while away from my desk on my old computer. I don't need hundreds of gigs of disk space, just enough for the projects I'm currently working on. I don't carry around a ton of USB devices and need lots of ports. I don't even need tons of speed: the dual core is faster than my old laptop. It's perfect, and it's light.

Clix Pix

Jun 27, 2008, 11:39 AM

I bought my MBA because I wanted pure, untethered mobility and this machine provides that for me while my other Macs are anchored to desks and peripherals and suchlike. I can quickly grab the MBA and take it with me in an instant, whether it be out to the deck for fresh air or out around town or on a long trip. Love the light weight and sleek appearance of the machine but more than that I appreciate its functionality and full-sized keyboard.

kuribohbabylon

Jun 27, 2008, 11:53 AM

I picked up my MBA originally from the wow factor. In the week that I've had it though I've found myself using it way more than my mini at home or my MBP that I have for work. Its a joy to use around the house and a lot easier to lug around than the MBP17. All of my big computing I do on my other Macs and this is just my run around and use wherever mac.

ryan.hayes79

Jun 27, 2008, 01:11 PM

I have a 24" iMac at home that has all the horsepower I need. I previously had a MacBook and that was ok but I didn't use it half as much as I use this. I use my air every day and right now I am sat on the back of a bus having just done some work I would have normally waiting for me at home.

I personally wouldn't have one as my main machine but it pretty much is perfect for what I require!

Love it.

Sound Evolution

Jun 27, 2008, 02:21 PM

I bought a macbook air for one reason only. And that is that it is so light that I don't even feel it in my bag. It is a huge relieve for me and open up new worlds. A world where in I always have my computer with me wherever I go in europe.

The bonus was the wonderful screen that is the best of any laptop I've ever seen. Internet with the SSD version is a great experience with instant speed.

Most people never really understood the place of the macbook air in computer world. It isn't about specs or speed, it isn't even about a gadget. It is all about having a truth portable computer anywhere with you without the burden of weight and space.

With kind regards,
Bas

NC MacGuy

Jun 27, 2008, 02:33 PM

It's the only Mac that fits in my stylish metrosexual briefcase.:p

Seriously, I want OSX in the smallest package possible for travel and the MB didn't trip my trigger for various reasons and my 12" PB was getting a bit too long in the tooth.

NT1440

Jun 27, 2008, 02:43 PM

For the same reason someone buys a two seater sports car instead of a gas saver... or a luxury car instead of an economy car. I suppose it's because "they can".

yes, because every single one of us is a flashy jerk:rolleyes:

some people need portablility, the MBA has that down pat:apple:

iSee

Jun 27, 2008, 02:57 PM

We chose one for my wife's law practice because:
* she wanted as small and light a computer as possible because takes it with her everywhere (court, office, home).
* I wanted her to get a Mac to ease my support burden

It easily has the power for her needs (Office suite, email, internet, other basic business apps).

And it looks good. That's a practical concern for a professional who deals directly with clients (as well as an aesthetic one). Clients tend to choose professionals that look successful and tend to have more confidence in their advice, too.

That’s what my wife always says, anyway, when she buys clothes...and shoes...and her car...and her computer...ack. :rolleyes:

urbnsoul

Jun 27, 2008, 04:39 PM

I bought one because as a college student I am always carrying my books and whatnot with me. Walking between classes on campus with 3+ books plus a 5 pound MPB was more than doable, but the MBA does indeed give my back a little rest.

Grizzly Adams

Jun 27, 2008, 04:53 PM

Because I don't want to have to lug a gigantic hunk of crap around with me to school or anywhere else that I go. My MBA is no problem to take with me anywhere. I have used my mom's 17" Dell and that thing is massive, I couldn't imagine leaving the house with that thing. Plus the MBA is just so cool :cool:

dudup

Jun 28, 2008, 12:46 AM

.

Because I can! :p

alphaod

Jun 28, 2008, 04:18 AM

Because they don't need a disc drive, they don't have peripherals, they don't install software; their printers are network and they have a few good wireless network.

maestrokev

Jun 28, 2008, 04:45 AM

Because without a MBA my Macbook Pro would be an only child and no one likes an only child :)

netdog

Jun 28, 2008, 04:47 AM

Why do people constantly question this machine? I would never see a "Why do people buy an iMac?" thread. These are great machines that do exactly what they are meant to.

I think the MacBook is kind of cr@ppy but I don't make posts about it, and I do understand that a regular MacBook is a great solution for many users.

Jaydhil24

Jul 1, 2008, 12:19 AM

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

TuffLuffJimmy

Jul 1, 2008, 12:23 AM

xparaparafreakx

Jul 1, 2008, 12:29 AM

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

Jul 1, 2008, 12:41 AM

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

Jul 2, 2008, 05:02 PM

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

Jul 2, 2008, 05:56 PM

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

Jul 5, 2008, 08:42 PM

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

Jul 5, 2008, 08:45 PM

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 :cool:

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

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

Jul 5, 2008, 08:50 PM

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

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

Jul 5, 2008, 10:57 PM

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

Jul 5, 2008, 11:17 PM

Ultimate road warrior machine for me.

maestrokev

Jul 5, 2008, 11:33 PM

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

Jul 5, 2008, 11:36 PM

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. :cool:

icecold0913

Jul 6, 2008, 02:37 AM

Why do people buy the MBA?

just to piss you off.

SodiumBenzoate

Jul 6, 2008, 04:27 AM

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

Jul 6, 2008, 10:00 AM

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

Jul 6, 2008, 10:08 AM

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

Jul 6, 2008, 10:13 AM

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

Jul 6, 2008, 11:43 AM

rangerdanger

Jul 6, 2008, 12:05 PM

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

Jul 6, 2008, 12:16 PM

Because everyone these days has a MacBook:)

AC Rempt

Jul 6, 2008, 12:59 PM

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.

Jul 6, 2008, 02:15 PM

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

Jul 7, 2008, 09:33 AM

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

Jul 7, 2008, 05:36 PM

.

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

Jul 7, 2008, 07:40 PM

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.

janph76

Jul 7, 2008, 09:16 PM

I bought it to replace the heavy MacBook I carried around. Having to carry a MacBook with all my other stuff in a backpack around allday isn't so nice especially when I have to travel. MBA is just perfect.....no more heavy lifting for me :p

mykoljay

Jul 11, 2008, 02:25 PM

Because I wanted a laptop that I could carry around 24/7 and not even think about it and has a full size keyboard.

Since then, I've fallen in love with OSX, the touchpad, and screen.

All the usual discussed limations do not affect me (ports, drive, hdd size)...I have a 22" with a powered hub and external hdd, however I rarely use it.

kingcrowing

Jul 11, 2008, 05:02 PM

I'm buying mine tomorrow morning for many of the same reasons.

See my sig, I've got a desktop thats basically a Mac Pro (more RAM/GPU, less CPU but more tan enough for video encoding/editing, etc) I personally like using desktops WAY more than laptops too. Dull sized wireless keyboard, 24" HD Screen, 2.1 Speakers. It's a lot nicer, faster, more powerful, and cheaper (This desktop cost about as much as a macbook and its much more powerful).

So for my laptop I really just need the basics. I want to chat, surf the web, have e-mail access and some music to sync my (free!) iPod with, and then video chatting once in a while. When I go on trips I just rip DVDs and toss them on my laptops anyways for battery life purposes and I've got wifi at my University where I also work, and home so the air is perfect. I'll be taking it home every day and I walk every day with it. A <3.5lb computer (w/ adapter) is much easier to deal with than a >5.5lb macbook.

I can afford it, It's a much more solid, sleeker machine, and its a head-turner which just makes you want to use it more.

born2win413

Jul 11, 2008, 05:43 PM

because it was 1400 brand new for me.

kingcrowing

Jul 11, 2008, 07:43 PM

$1400! Wow great deal! I'm getting mine tomorrow with no shipping (picking up) no tax (tax free weekend!) the education discount (Student at University/Employee of same Uni) AND $300 of a 16GB touch... $1800 total, but you still got a huckuva deal!