College Student (Time for a new Laptop)

[zotes24]

Hello,
1st want to say thank you for looking.
2nd I have read the other thread about the CS major but i found that it was not the right thread for me.

OK, I am a college student (Psychology major). And i am wondering if the Macbook Air is for me.

this is what i need it for:
-Type papers
-Listen to a lot of music-(i might put them on the MBA or leave it on a usb flash drive)
-Need to last about 2 1/2 years
-I am not worried about the 1 usb port bc i only need to hook up my printer only when i need to print, my iphone 3g when i want to update, and the flash drive when i need it, and the superdrive when i need to, the only thing is that it would be taken up all of the time for the ethernet cable. (are there usb port that makes more ports like 2 or 3).
-Possibly Need to run some windows applications
-Will buy the Superdrive
-will need to buy the ethernet cable

is this for me... In a nut shell i type papers, listen to music, surf the web, need the ethernet cable because that is all our dorms have, will buy the superdrive.

**Also i hear talk about an upgraded Air?? What is this should i wait and get a "newer" model? Also is iWork 08 the equivalent to microsoft office (Word, Powerpoint, excell **


EDIT: considering the updated Macbook!

[bobsaget611]

ok... I have pretty much the same setup as you.

I'm a college freshmen, biology major.

have a macbook air, iphone 3g, and have to use the ethernet adapter (no wireless in rooms).

Trust me, your needs sound exactly like mine and the air will be perfect. I came from a dell desktop and the air is by far, much faster. for everything you described, i would be that you would be more than impressed with the air's performance. I have friends with the macbook and the macbook pro and for the tasks you describe (I always have itunes running, ichat, and pages, etc) it is blazing fast. I also have the superdrive and it is not annoying that the air doesn't have one built in. I pretty much use the drive to install a program and then never again (I rarely burn cd's etc.) And, also, if you need the cd in the future you can just copy and paste it, which i think is better than lugging cd's. If you have any specific questions about college tasks on the air, let me know.
I would give the air an A+!

[bobsaget611]

oh and i forgot.. my suitemate has the xps and trust me the air looks much better and is much thinner. and not to mention idk about you, but this is my first mac and i dont see myself ever going back to pc. I was just up all night last night reformatting my cousins dell because she got a virus that crashed it.

Not only the virus' the macs are just seamless have muchhhh better style and really do just work smoothly even on my campus. I love mac now!

[zotes24]

ok... I have pretty much the same setup as you.

I'm a college freshmen, biology major.

have a macbook air, iphone 3g, and have to use the ethernet adapter (no wireless in rooms).

Trust me, your needs sound exactly like mine and the air will be perfect. I came from a dell desktop and the air is by far, much faster. for everything you described, i would be that you would be more than impressed with the air's performance. I have friends with the macbook and the macbook pro and for the tasks you describe (I always have itunes running, ichat, and pages, etc) it is blazing fast. I also have the superdrive and it is not annoying that the air doesn't have one built in. I pretty much use the drive to install a program and then never again (I rarely burn cd's etc.) And, also, if you need the cd in the future you can just copy and paste it, which i think is better than lugging cd's. If you have any specific questions about college tasks on the air, let me know.
I would give the air an A+!

Thanks i appreciate the quick response! Thats great, my question is do you have a lot of music on your computer, if so how does it effect it. I am thinking of leaving all my music on my external hard drive so not slow down the computer. Do you find yourself needing windows for some things? because i know now that mac has really almost eliminated the need for that b.c. mac is really starting to be compatible with everything. I know i am going to buy
The ethernet,superdrive,and iWork 08 with those additions and student discount the price comes to $1898.

**Also i hear talk about an upgraded Air?? What is this should i wait and get a "newer" model? Also is iWork 08 the equivalent to microsoft office (Word, Powerpoint, excell **

[zotes24]

After looking at the Mac Book pro it looks like it will be a better fit, but the price is equal, but i like the air better for portability. I am in such a pickle :eek:

[brop52]

How do you get all of this loan money as a freshman for the MBA/iPhone. Perhaps a little parental assistance? I don't see the necessity for a MBA or the Pro. Save your money and go with a MB when they are updated. It is much much faster than the MBA and needless to say cheaper.

I used Office 08 and it is fine. Get it from your school for cheap.

[zotes24]

How do you get all of this loan money as a freshman for the MBA/iPhone. Perhaps a little parental assistance? I don't see the necessity for a MBA or the Pro. Save your money and go with a MB when they are updated. It is much much faster than the MBA and needless to say cheaper.

I used Office 08 and it is fine. Get it from your school for cheap.

I am not a freshmen i am a junior (unless you are referring to the other post). But no matter what computer i get my parents are paying $1600 for a laptop and i am going to put in the rest. I should be no ones concern how this is going to be paid for so that really should not come up in this discussion.

As for the Air, i have decided not to get the Air, but i am almost sold on the Macbook Pro. (Is the current pro the updated one?)

Also The macbook, when is that going to be updated, i am not familiar with when and what that update will consist of.

Also the macbook does look like a good buy, i might get the macbook and then when i graduate go with the pro or Air, but is the update done? http://www.apple.com/macbook/ is that the new one?

Thank you

[brop52]

I am not a freshmen i am a junior (unless you are referring to the other post). But no matter what computer i get my parents are paying $1600 for a laptop and i am going to put in the rest. I should be no ones concern how this is going to be paid for so that really should not come up in this discussion.

As for the Air, i have decided not to get the Air, but i am almost sold on the Macbook Pro. (Is the current pro the updated one?)

Also The macbook, when is that going to be updated, i am not familiar with when and what that update will consist of.

Also the macbook does look like a good buy, i might get the macbook and then when i graduate go with the pro or Air, but is the update done? http://www.apple.com/macbook/ is that the new one?

Thank you

I was posting to bob about those things. As for your situation cost is always an issue unless you aren't paying for it so that is an important detail. The MB, MBP, and MBA should all be updated in the next 1.5 months. They haven't been updated yet.

[chrono1081]

I think the air would be quite a convenience in your situation.I also wanted to make sure if you are going away to college get all of your toys insured. Insurance is dirt cheap for renters/dorm rooms. I have 30k of photography gear insured against everything for $130 a year.

[Mikebuzzsaw]

Air is awesome in college. I take it everywhere I go and it's been so handy. Way better than my old mbp and mb when it comes to portability.

All the heavy stuff I do is used on desktop.

[Heavenkittykat]

I am not a freshmen i am a junior (unless you are referring to the other post). But no matter what computer i get my parents are paying $1600 for a laptop and i am going to put in the rest. I should be no ones concern how this is going to be paid for so that really should not come up in this discussion.

As for the Air, i have decided not to get the Air, but i am almost sold on the Macbook Pro. (Is the current pro the updated one?)

Also The macbook, when is that going to be updated, i am not familiar with when and what that update will consist of.

Also the macbook does look like a good buy, i might get the macbook and then when i graduate go with the pro or Air, but is the update done? http://www.apple.com/macbook/ is that the new one?

Thank you

first off, I want to ask how big is your itunes library. Because the air has only 80 GB of hard drive space. Also I know that the MBP sounds so much better because it has more features and better graphics but unless you are performing intensive applications in your laptop, you won't really notice the difference in speed. In addition, I wanted to point out that the main selling point of the Macbook Air is portability. The Macbook pro is twice as heavy as the macbook air, if you are planning to use your notebook to take notes in class, you may want to reconsider because you would need to lug your computer with you at all times.

I'm a college student too (Biology Major). I will be an incoming senior and I've used my MBA in school since March and I love it. Unless your have a very big itunes library and files, I would suggest MBA for you since it sounds perfect for you needs. However, if you are the type of person that play games and do grahic-intensive applications on their laptop then you can go ahead and purchase MBP. Also bear in mind that the MB and MBP will be updated soon. If you search in Macrumors, it seems likely that they will be updated in approx 1 month. The MBA on the other hand was rumored to be updated but the rumors are not that strong and compelling compared to the update rumors of MB and MBP. I would say the MBA might be updated around MWSF '09.

[bobsaget611]

as for my music library i only have 3gb... but i dont think adding music would slow your computer down??? and if you want to go with the pro, go for it, but it is quite a bit heavier. i love the air for its portability and honestly i have used the pro, and for the stuff we do (typing, itunes, etc) even multitasking, its the same speed. maybe some sort of programming would be slower, but i dont do that. and no i have no need for windows at all.

about iwork... i used to be against it, but i got fed up w/ office b/c it was so slow (even on the pro, its not an air thing). I switched to iWork (it was only $40 on campus) and its the same thing pretty much. My teachers will send excel files, pwpts, and .docs and they all open perfect.

And for funding, yes I'm only a freshmen but no i pay for everything including my iphone service. you dont need to be old to have a summer job. It took me a while to justify the purchase of the air as the macbook was so much cheaper, but I am really glad i spent the extra money and i love the air.

but for the pro and macbook, they are talking about an oct 14 update, so i'd hold off.

[mattniles007]

I am in the same situation as in I have alot of music 100GB and I am almost certain to buy the MBA I have a time capsule to store the music and I'll put maybe 20GB on the Air. The word is Oct 14th 120GB Air, but for me I wont wait 5 weeks is along time in college, especially when I have 3 semesters left and I am a history major. The blackbook is my other option, and it seems they will see the total remodel soon.

[mattniles007]

as for my music library i only have 3gb... but i dont think adding music would slow your computer down??? and if you want to go with the pro, go for it, but it is quite a bit heavier. i love the air for its portability and honestly i have used the pro, and for the stuff we do (typing, itunes, etc) even multitasking, its the same speed. maybe some sort of programming would be slower, but i dont do that. and no i have no need for windows at all.

about iwork... i used to be against it, but i got fed up w/ office b/c it was so slow (even on the pro, its not an air thing). I switched to iWork (it was only $40 on campus) and its the same thing pretty much. My teachers will send excel files, pwpts, and .docs and they all open perfect.

And for funding, yes I'm only a freshmen but no i pay for everything including my iphone service. you dont need to be old to have a summer job. It took me a while to justify the purchase of the air as the macbook was so much cheaper, but I am really glad i spent the extra money and i love the air.

but for the pro and macbook, they are talking about an oct 14 update, so i'd hold off.

Thats good to know that you love your decision to get the Air over Macbook. I saw on the front page that MBA might be updating also on 14 Oct

[z0n3x]

I think you are wasting both yours and your parents money by purchasing a MBA. Take the 1600 from them, buy a blackbook or a regular macbook and call it a day. After all, your only a student. The MBA is somewhat debilitating with only one usb and the lack of an optical drive. IMO its overkill for a student. Smaller is not always better. You could easily fit your extra $400.00 elsewhere.

[*Sandy*]

I had the Air, and I went back to the MB, the fans drive me nuts on the AIr, save money buy a MB.

[drconehead2000]

I agree with everything people have said, I love my MBA, I take it to school (med school) every single day and it is amazing. Without wi-fi on and screen at about 50% I get some obscene battery life and can work all day on the fly. Also, I got a vaja case that makes me feel like this computer is thoroughly protected in my bag.

Get it and you will love it!

[zotes24]

What is this talk that the Macbook AIR is going to be updated? Already? Is this true (about 2 posts above)? Or was that a mistype and you meant MB?

But my decision is just about final. I am going to get the Macbook (the updated one if it comes out Oct. 14) and upgrade to the 4 GB and a higher harddrive. But if the air will get revamped as well i still my consider that.

Right now i am hoping for the soon release of the macbook. and if the prices stay the same and the upgrade (unless the updated one comes with those hard drive and ram upgrades will be about $1600, so that would be perfect)

[mattniles007]

NO misprint read the front page that is the new "rumor"

[Heavenkittykat]

What is this talk that the Macbook AIR is going to be updated? Already? Is this true (about 2 posts above)? Or was that a mistype and you meant MB?

But my decision is just about final. I am going to get the Macbook (the updated one if it comes out Oct. 14) and upgrade to the 4 GB and a higher harddrive. But if the air will get revamped as well i still my consider that.

Right now i am hoping for the soon release of the macbook. and if the prices stay the same and the upgrade (unless the updated one comes with those hard drive and ram upgrades will be about $1600, so that would be perfect)

good that you already made your decision. I was going towards macbook too when i bought the air because of what all the apple employees told but i guess i am more willing to compromise power with portability. However a few of my friends own a macbook and its great too!! i hope you will enjoy your purchase in the near future.

[bobsaget611]

I think you are wasting both yours and your parents money by purchasing a MBA. Take the 1600 from them, buy a blackbook or a regular macbook and call it a day. After all, your only a student. The MBA is somewhat debilitating with only one usb and the lack of an optical drive. IMO its overkill for a student. Smaller is not always better. You could easily fit your extra $400.00 elsewhere.

obviously you did not read my post. I said everything exactly the opposite and I actually own an air. I paid for the laptop all by myself, I love it, and am glad I spent the extra money. I'm sorry just because I'm 18 I guess some people dont think im entitled to have a laptop that i like if i can afford it

[elpenguino]

I used Office 08 and it is fine. Get it from your school for cheap.

Or get iWork for cheaper. It's about half the money and will do everything you need it to do. But if you're comfortable with Office get it anyway. I'm a college student too and ever nickel and dime helps. I would get iWork just for the price.

[brop52]

Or get iWork for cheaper. It's about half the money and will do everything you need it to do. But if you're comfortable with Office get it anyway. I'm a college student too and ever nickel and dime helps. I would get iWork just for the price.

iWork is $75.26 with tax and the $8 discount you get as a student on the online Apple Store. At my university Office 08 was $66.80. Many schools give it away for cheaper than that.

[Heavenkittykat]

obviously you did not read my post. I said everything exactly the opposite and I actually own an air. I paid for the laptop all by myself, I love it, and am glad I spent the extra money. I'm sorry just because I'm 18 I guess some people dont think im entitled to have a laptop that i like if i can afford it

ummm. I think he was talking to the OP not to you

[zotes24]

Yea he was talking to me, lol

[BillG07]

instead of worrying about the ethernet cable why not just buy an airport express and set it up in your room... Then you have your own wireless so you can move the computer around, and you can plug the printer into it permanently so you dont have to keep switching. If you go with the air that seems like the best way to do it. Sure its $100 but over 2.5 years thats not so bad.

[zotes24]

instead of worrying about the ethernet cable why not just buy an airport express and set it up in your room... Then you have your own wireless so you can move the computer around, and you can plug the printer into it permanently so you dont have to keep switching. If you go with the air that seems like the best way to do it. Sure its $100 but over 2.5 years thats not so bad.


because my college blocks all routers and wireless networks...:(

[BillG07]

So did mine but if you set it up right they can't tell...

[Heavenkittykat]

because my college blocks all routers and wireless networks...:(

really? that sucks in our university you can have a router or wireless network as long as you've registered it. Oh well good luck with your purchase. Oh just a quick question are you planning to buy the blackbook now or the updated version in the future?

[SnowLeopard2008]

Go with the new macbooks that are coming in october. macbook pro also comes in october in conjunction with the macbook. the air is lighter and more portable but is not going to work with multiple usb devices, assuming you have a scenario like this: using internet (ethernet) and syncing iphone.

[SFStateStudent]

^^^ I beg to differ on the USB thing and my MBA. I've got four USB port jack (iPhone, Ethernet Adapter) and they operate without an additional power source. I use my adapter power source when I plug-in my SuperDrive and I strongly recommend that you get the Ethernet Adapter for those rooms that have little or no WiFi signal. Get to class early so that you can set-up power and the 25' ethernet cable... :p

[mattniles007]

because my college blocks all routers and wireless networks...:(

Thats terrible what a crock, you pay a huge sum of money and they wont let you bring a router, what capitalistic mentality.

[zotes24]

i am going to wait for the Updated ones! i hope they do come out soon (oct 14th or so) as for the usb 4 port thing for the air, i was under the impression that these would not work on the air for some reason. am i mistaken?

[zotes24]

i have had my mind set on the macbook (updated one) but i still have those air thoughts are in my mind. lol i cant take it, ill prob. go with the macbook now (i will be taking it to class for notes) hopefully its not to big to do this. The thing is that my current computer isnt completely dead (fans broken over heats, slow as hell) so i could just get the air and leave all the "dumb" stuff on this computer and use the macbook air for papers, internet, ect. but i dont see this of convenience. So i still am going to go with the updated macbook.

[63dot]

I think the MBA is a totally suitable companion. Many can get by with the less expensive Macbook, but the MBA is really great in how light it is. Add textbooks and other school supplies, and if you are on a big campus, then the value of the MBA shines.

[zotes24]

if the new updated macbooks dont come out in october i will be so angry, but i would then either get the current macbook or dell xps

[63dot]

if the new updated macbooks dont come out in october i will be so angry, but i would then either get the current macbook or dell xps

I hope they come out this month. All should have a superdrive and much larger hard drives due to the rising popularity of digital video. Maybe shave off half a pound or so, and you have a real winner.

[Mikebuzzsaw]

I hope they come out this month. All should have a superdrive and much larger hard drives due to the rising popularity of digital video. Maybe shave off half a pound or so, and you have a real winner.

Shaving too much weight and it'll get into MBA territory and I don't think apple would do that to themselves.

[SFStateStudent]

i am going to wait for the Updated ones! i hope they do come out soon (oct 14th or so) as for the usb 4 port thing for the air, i was under the impression that these would not work on the air for some reason. am i mistaken?

I'm using a 4 port USB hub with an adapter that provides enough power for my SD, Ethernet Adapter, and MagicJack. No problems...:cool:

[zotes24]

I'm using a 4 port USB hub with an adapter that provides enough power for my SD, Ethernet Adapter, and MagicJack. No problems...:cool:

wow that is surprising, i must have misread somewhere that you couldnt do that idk but that is a good thing to know. I hate you making my decision that much harder ;)

[63dot]

Shaving too much weight and it'll get into MBA territory and I don't think apple would do that to themselves.

Really, why not? Let me explain and see if people agree.

Over the years, Apple has really been their only competitor or at least since I have been using them since 1993. ;)

I remember when the Macbook came out with core duo processor in tow. People for quite some time thought it was nearly a Macbook Pro on many levels. But both laptops sold decently even though both cost far more than similar core duo PC laptops.

Apple could have used the core solo, still a good engine in its own right, in the Macbook for a long time, or forever, but Apple wanted what "we", the core cutting edge users on this site want. I recently saw some PC laptops still sporting the core solo in their laptops at Best Buy.

Look at the history of the iPod and iPhone. Each model totally make the one previous to it obsolete and they come down the pike faster than we can even predict they would. And the history of the lowering of price even trumps the respectable lowering in price of the Macs themselves.

What may happen with a sleeker Macbook

[ishopukisfake]

I think that laptops with disk drives will become obsolete actually. Now you can download many apps from macromedia and the internet legit, download music, files, movies, you can see the way its going. In a few years all laptops will go the way of the air and remove the cumbersome disk drives imo.
MBA is ahead of its time like the iphone I think.

[Cheffy Dave]

Thanks i appreciate the quick response! Thats great, my question is do you have a lot of music on your computer, if so how does it effect it. I am thinking of leaving all my music on my external hard drive so not slow down the computer. Do you find yourself needing windows for some things? because i know now that mac has really almost eliminated the need for that b.c. mac is really starting to be compatible with everything. I know i am going to buy
The ethernet,superdrive,and iWork 08 with those additions and student discount the price comes to $1898.

**Also i hear talk about an upgraded Air?? What is this should i wait and get a "newer" model? Also is iWork 08 the equivalent to microsoft office (Word, Powerpoint, excell **

The talk is maybe a processor bump, and a 120 GB HDD;) Oct 16 is just around the corner, I'm waiting. My Daughter is waiting for the new MB as well:eek:

[mmacnama]

I'd say we're in the exact same position except I've owned an Air for about 7 months now... I'm in law school and i absolutely love it for it's style and convenience but I do have a lot of music and I find the storage could use an upgrade... If I were you I would wait until the rumored october release of the new macbooks and macbook pros to see if

A) the regular macbook might have more storage/capabilities and
B) a refreshed air with a little more storage might be available at the same price.

Another option would be to pickup a time capsule. I don't have one yet but am seriously considering it... although expensive it serves the dual purpose of being a router and storage/backup utility that pairs perfectly with the Air... all wit the convenience of no wires.

Ultimately, if you decided to buy early it's just not possible to go wrong with the Air, such a great comp. Goodluck!

:apple: 1.8, 80, Glossy :apple:

[coupdetat]

My Air is perfect for school! I am on a big campus so having low weight is really important. Plus, I tried to use one of those 11.1" subnotebooks and found that long sessions in the library just weren't practical on such a small screen. I don't know how people using netbooks can get any work done at all.

While I think 12.1" is the sweet spot, the MBA is fitting into my college habits really well. I carry it around everywhere, and I have my old Powerbook in my dorm set up as a print/file/remote disc server and router. That way the only physical cord I need is the power cord.

However, it's good to consider whether your usual work spaces have lots of outlets available. Doing regular academic work, I get about 4 hours on the battery but often I'm working for more than 7-8 hours at once. My school's main library is really short on outlets, which makes the battery limitation kind of annoying.

[zer0tails]

Hi,

for all the college macbook air users here: can you tell me how well it handles spread sheets? like microsoft excel? I usually have to work with tons of those and I wasn't sure if the air could handle them whilst having safari, and skype running at the same time.

Anyone who can shed light on this matter, will be greatly appreciated.

Despite my sig below, I am transitioning to a mac pro + ultra-portable. Thus, I am considering the MBA. or maybe the new macbooks, however, i doubt the new macbooks will be as portable as the air.

thanks

[z0n3x]

Be practical, even though your 18 what makes you need a notebook like that? I'm not saying your not entitled, just be wise. I had one for 2 weeks and I couldn't justify it, especially if I was 18! Either way its your money, I can at least thank you for contributing to our poor economy and buying something.

[zotes24]

i am 100% going with the New Updated Macbook cant wait....

[1rottenapple]

Dude if you are in the dorms I would not get an Air. That thing is gonna get jacked. Otherwise, air is fine for what you need. I'm in a social work program and the air is fine. Its my only computer actually.

[dukejen04]

i know what you mean! i'm in the same boat- am in grad school and DYING for a new computer. was working with my dad's MBA all summer long and just loved it. was tempted to buy one before leaving for grad school but kept thinking a new one would be out "any day now."

right now i think my decision (MBA vs. MB) will be based on what comes out supposedly on oct. 14.

i can't hold out much longer, so if the MBA isn't updated, i may have to go with the MB if they have made it slightly thinner and the performance is good. if the air is updated, even just a little bit (maybe a bit faster, less heating issues, and maybe longer battery life?), then i probably won't even think twice about it.

hurry up apple!!! i've been holding my breath for laptop updates for what seems like ages!

[nsbio]

MBA is best if you have more than one computer at your disposal. With MBA, it is impossible to perform a simple task of staying online through ethernet and communicating with a flash drive, without using a USB dongle. In my (personal) experience, using USB dongles with a laptop becomes tired very quickly. Oh, and do not forget to buy yourself an external firewire HD for backups :D.

Macbook would be a much better solution here, Pro if you can stomach a few extra Franklins for it.

[gooddeal]

With MBA, it is impossible to perform a simple task of staying online through ethernet and communicating with a flash drive, without using a USB dongle.

I don't understand why people rather use ethernet port instead of wireless connection when they use laptops...b/c they don't want to be portable? I never need to use my ethernet port on my laptops for the past 3 years.

Also, how many things do you want to connect via USB port? The only thing I ever connect to the USB port is the flash memory.
...mouse, keyboard? I think the multi-touch pad is a lot nicer and easier to use than any other mouses out there.

[nsbio]

I don't understand why people rather use ethernet port instead of wireless connection when they use laptops...b/c they don't want to be portable? I never need to use my ethernet port on my laptops for the past 3 years.


Because for the thread starter, WIFI is NOT allowed on campus. Therefore, ethernet connection is the only option for him. (Yes, there are still places where wireless can not be used, alas.) Incidentally, the place I work at also does NOT allow WIFI and ethernet is the only means to connect to the network.


Also, how many things do you want to connect via USB port? The only thing I ever connect to the USB port is the flash memory.
...mouse, keyboard? I think the multi-touch pad is a lot nicer and easier to use than any other mouses out there.

Let's see... External keyboard (I do not want to have batteries in a keyboard), iPod, flash drive (sometimes two). Occasionally a scanner. Very occasionally a couple other devices such as GPS or voice recorder. Two built-in USB ports is the bare minimum for me and I am sure I am not alone in this respect.

[gooddeal]

Because for the thread starter, WIFI is NOT allowed on campus. Therefore, ethernet connection is the only option for him. (Yes, there are still places where wireless can not be used, alas.) Incidentally, the place I work at also does NOT allow WIFI and ethernet is the only means to connect to the network.

Wow, I can understand if they restrict WIFI access in a certain workplace ...but at schools? I think most schools are competing to be the WIRELESS school. If I'm a freshman, I wouldn't go to a school with no WIFI access.:mad:

[gooddeal]

Let's see... External keyboard (I do not want to have batteries in a keyboard), iPod, flash drive (sometimes two). Occasionally a scanner. Very occasionally a couple other devices such as GPS or voice recorder. Two built-in USB ports is the bare minimum for me and I am sure I am not alone in this respect.

Haha, after you connect all of those devices, a laptop is not a laptop anymore...it's a DESKTOP. I use my laptop when I travel or when I'm on my lazy chair (or bed) watching TV.

[nsbio]

Haha, after you connect all of those devices, a laptop is not a laptop anymore...it's a DESKTOP. I use my laptop when I travel or when I'm on my lazy chair (or bed) watching TV.

Oh, I use those maybe a couple hours each day. The rest of the time my laptop is a laptop. Still, needing two USB ports for an hour each day means that I need two :o

[avigalante]

For those of you that complain about the lack of USB ports on the MBA - I recently purchased the Griffin Simplifi (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/simplifi), which seems to remedy my USB needs.

It's essentially an iPod/iPhone dock with extra USB ports (along the back) and card readers (along the front). I find this to be quite useful as it automatically eliminates the need for dedicated USB ports with regards to iPods/iPhones and card-readers alike. Also, it's made as a universal dock - so it'll play nice with all types of iPod/iPhones if you have the given dock adapter.

In my contention, it's an absolute must have for any MBA user.

(I picked one up at Buy.com Marketplace for ~$43-shipped with use of $10-off from Google-Checkout).

Hope this helps.

[zotes24]

For those of you that complain about the lack of USB ports on the MBA - I recently purchased the Griffin Simplifi (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/simplifi), which seems to remedy my USB needs.

It's essentially an iPod/iPhone dock with extra USB ports (along the back) and card readers (along the front). I find this to be quite useful as it automatically eliminates the need for dedicated USB ports with regards to iPhones and card-readers. Also, it's made as a universal dock - so it'll play nice with all types of iPod/iPhones if you have the given dock adapter.

In my contention, it's an absolute must have for any MBA user.

(I picked one up at Buy.com Marketplace for ~$43-shipped with use of $10-off from Google-Checkout).

Hope this helps.

yea i am definatley buying this even if i get the macbook!

[Cubytus]

For those arguing over iWork or MS Office price, there's an equivalent, free solution in the software of Open Office 3 beta. Although it's still a beta, it's not a Microsoft Beta, so it's really usable now. And it doesn't cost a single dime. :):cool: