Need Advice MBA or Blackbook

[mattniles007]

I have decided that I am buying my new Mac this week, and I have narrowed it down to a MBA or Blackbook. I am currently in school, and that will be its primary purpose since I have an iMac at home. I am just concerned the MBA will not have enough storage, but all I am doing is writing papers, music, iphoto. What are everyone elses experiences and advice? Thanks

[King t.]

well i would get the MBA if I were you, and for the stuff that you're going to use it for it'll just be fine.

i had a mbp before and switched to a MBA 1.8ghz with the 80gb HDD and i could not be happier :D

aside from that buying the MBA has alot of advantages like backlit keyboard, aluminum case, portability, the weight of this machine is just perfect for on the go.

[mlemonds]

how long are you planning on using this new computer?

The MacBook can have the RAM and HDD upgraded very simply.

The MacBook Air's RAM can not be upgraded, the HDD can from what i have read, but it is a very involved and warranty voiding experience.

For myself, the next computer i will by will likely be a MBA, but i cycle through computers annually

[jessica.]

If you use this for school then chances are you don't need to store all your music/photos on your HDD. You will enjoy the size/weight of the MBA when you're carrying around those heavy books. I think storing your photos online in the event you want to show people something and just getting some sort of network drive so when you're home you can easily access files (as well as computers) and the Air is a nice choice. Max out the ram and get the largest HDD possible because neither can be changed.

Yes, you can change the Air HDD, but like the above poster said it is involved and voids the warranty.

[mattniles007]

Thanks for advice, I would have to add that I am going to use this for the next 18 months, then I would buy a new Mac for graduate school. I will replace my Airport with Time Capsule so that helps with room. Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

[kalex]

how big is your photo library and music library?

if they are under 80GB then u can get AIR as it will handle your daily tasks just fine. if your music and pics are over 80GB then u will have to have an external drive for your AIR or just get macbook :)

[TFMTASAD]

I would suggest you get the macbook. It's cheaper, faster, it has more storage, the HDD is upgradeable, the ram is upgradeable, the Battery is easily replaced if you're in need of more juice. You just get more out of your money.

[Bobjob186]

Blackbook is more diverse. Allows you do to handle more if you need to. Air is limited, however if you can handle the limitations then it's phenominal. It's like a 2 seater roadster, it's fun as heck until you need to pick your parents up from the airport with their bags or go to home depot for 2x4s. But if you don't have an airport near you or never do hardware stuff, it's the best thing ever. Does that make sense? kind of a random analogy but explains it perfectly. I have the air and i upgraded from a blackbook, wouldn't say i'm completely better off, but the positives out weight the negatives.

[SFStateStudent]

Having owned a BlackBook 2.4 Penryn and (2) MBAs, I would go with the MBA due to its transportability, its speed (I haven't noticed any difference between the BlackBook and the MBA with regards to speed), its remote capabilities, syncing my 3G iPhone, managing my iPhoto and iTunes, and viewing DVDs and downloading music, TV shows and movies then managing all of them is a breeze with the MBA. Learn how to manage your iTunes/Music/Movies/TV Shows and Podcasts with playlists. Get the SuperDrive and a nice 1TB external hard drive and you'll be set...:cool: