Original MacBook Air Available for $1149.99

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/14/original-macbook-air-available-for-1149-99/)

Our affiliate partner MacMall notified us that they are now offering the original 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 80GB hard drive for $1149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate (http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-462641-10485172 ).

This represents a significant drop in price for the 1st generation MacBook Air. The 1.6GHz model originally retailed for $1799 but has since been replaced by the NVIDIA-based MacBook Air that was introduced in October. Specs for the new machine are roughly similar, though, the graphics card has been upgraded to a faster NVIDIA integrated chipset.

The offer runs until the end of the month (or presumably when stock runs out).

Article Link: Original MacBook Air Available for $1149.99 (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/14/original-macbook-air-available-for-1149-99/)

[SkippyThorson]

Yes. :D If these things hit the less-than-a-grand area, I'm going to be in heaven. Given the Mini doesn't get the boost I'm hoping for. I love the out of the ordinary computers.

[thechidz]

I have a feeling they will sell out quick with this plug

[SFStateStudent]

So, my MBA at $1799 has depreciated in a matter of (3) months to $1149 or a measly $650 in the minus column. You've got to be $hi&&in' me...:mad:

[thechidz]

So, my MBA at $1799 has depreciated in a matter of (3) months to $1149 or a measly $650 in the minus column. You've got to be $hi&&in' me...:mad:

probably even more than that since yours is used. thats tech for ya. I paid 1100 for my macbook a few months ago and its probably only worth 750-800 now. oh well

[SFStateStudent]

probably even more than that since yours is used. thats tech for ya. I paid 1100 for my macbook a few months ago and its probably only worth 750-800 now. oh well

I hear ya' but maybe I can sell this to my other brother and get some of that money back so I can go out and buy the new MBA...:p

[arn]

So, my MBA at $1799 has depreciated in a matter of (3) months to $1149 or a measly $650 in the minus column. You've got to be $hi&&in' me...:mad:

it's actually priced less than what a new one recently went for on ebay

$1325
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-APPLE-MACBOOK-AIR-1-6GHZ-80GB-SEALED_W0QQitemZ320317158196QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320317158196&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[SFStateStudent]

it's actually priced less than what a new one recently went for on ebay

$1325
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-APPLE-MACBOOK-AIR-1-6GHZ-80GB-SEALED_W0QQitemZ320317158196QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320317158196&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I've always purchased my MacBooks in part, due to their resale value and their ability to hold their own in a once stable economy, but that situation seems to be falling to the wayside. Dang, those updates are killing us...:eek:

[maccam]

Big deal...

All of MacMall's Macs are preowned.

And you can get a MacBook Air on eBay for $800

Just my 2 cents.

[thechidz]

Big deal...

All of MacMall's Macs are preowned.
.

no they're not

[SFStateStudent]

no they're not

+1 ^^^ I 2nd that motion...:eek:

[madmaxmedia]

I've always purchased my MacBooks in part, due to their resale value and their ability to hold their own in a once stable economy, but that situation seems to be falling to the wayside. Dang, those updates are killing us...:eek:

There's always updates. But the economy I think has had a large effect on vaunted Mac resale prices lately- if not MacMall prices then definitely secondhand market prices.

[bluefire75]

Just ordered one. Really good deal all around and will definitely meet my needs. Now, I just have to wait it out. Also, I did contact MacMall and these are new machines, not preowned or refurbs.

[phoobo]

So, my MBA at $1799 has depreciated in a matter of (3) months to $1149 or a measly $650 in the minus column. You've got to be $hi&&in' me...:mad:

Hey, the entire country has depreciated by more than 1/3 in that time!

[puffmarvin]

All of MacMall's Macs are preowned.


Brilliant. I bought a Mac the day they became available from MacMall. Obviously a pre-owned machine. Obviously.

[Royale w/cheese]

Big deal...

All of MacMall's Macs are preowned.

And you can get a MacBook Air on eBay for $800

Just my 2 cents.
Yeah, were did that come from? Do you mean Mac Resource, Mac Connection, or Mac of all Trades?

Does MacMall even sell refurbs?

2 cents doesn't buy much:D

[gkarris]

The Fry's ad for today has the original White 2.1 MacBook with the Combo Drive new for $799... :eek:

They also have a couple of older MacBooks closeout.

I guess they are just closing these computers out at this point. Great time to buy cool Macs at lower prices.

[thechidz]

The Fry's ad for today has the original White 2.1 MacBook with the Combo Drive new for $799... :eek:

They also have a couple of older MacBooks closeout.

I guess they are just closing these computers out at this point. Great time to buy cool Macs at lower prices.

ouch

[mdgolom]

it's actually priced less than what a new one recently went for on ebay

$1325
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-APPLE-MACBOOK-AIR-1-6GHZ-80GB-SEALED_W0QQitemZ320317158196QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320317158196&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Some of the people who buy computers on eBay don't have a clue on how much something is going for on the open market. I've seem people bidding almost list price for Apple computers and having to pay shipping. It would be cheaper for them to buy from Amazon with free shipping and no tax.

[andyr2120]

Some of the people who buy computers on eBay don't have a clue on how much something is going for on the open market. I've seem people bidding almost list price for Apple computers and having to pay shipping. It would be cheaper for them to buy from Amazon with free shipping and no tax.

Tell me about it! It's barely worth checking Ebay for a used Mac these days. I still do it, but you are better off at the apple refurb site or Amazon, etc.

[andiwm2003]

Ahhhhh, Arn! I don't need it but now I want it. Must resist..........



Seriously that is a great deal, thanks for posting.

Refurbs are 1349.-

At 1149 i could imagine to crack it open and put a 5400 rpm 160 GB HD in as soon as they are available.

[Scottsdale]

The problem is with the new revisions, you have to compare value to not what price was before but rather how much nicer, and more powerful, the new one is.

I mean with the penryn 45nm processor so it's cooler, and the Sata so it's much faster, and the graphics of the Nvidia gpu, and the faster memory, TO ME the old one is worth less than half as much as the new one.

I am truly considering the new Air at $2499 and selling both my new MB and v 2,2 MBP. And adding the 24" led App. But then I cannot decide. I love the portability of the air.

[SFStateStudent]

I am truly considering the new Air at $2499 and selling both my new MB and v 2,2 MBP. And adding the 24" led App. But then I cannot decide. I love the portability of the air.

Well, with that said, why don't you wait until it's available for $1248.50... LOL :p

[Rocketman]

That's a deal. Buy one.

Rocketman

[Scottsdale]

Well, with that said, why don't you wait until it's available for $1248.50... LOL :p

No it was very obvious I was comparing two base models. But I then gave my own personal feeling of how I really like the SSD upgraded model for myself.

So, the price would have to come down to $899.50 based on my point of comparing two base versions.

Even then at $899.50, the original Air doesn't compare in my book based on all improvements of the new one.

Remember when you buy version one it is much slower in hard drive and graphics. Plus the old one overheats and shuts down while the new one is cool and powerful.

So, in my opinion it's even worse news to old Air owners as to me they are not worth $899.50. Just my opinion of value of old relative to new Air's price.

[weckart]

Some of the people who buy computers on eBay don't have a clue on how much something is going for on the open market. I've seem people bidding almost list price for Apple computers and having to pay shipping. It would be cheaper for them to buy from Amazon with free shipping and no tax.

Well, yeah, and then they contact the seller asking for shipping charges to Nigeria....

[OriginalMacRat]

The Fry's ad for today has the original White 2.1 MacBook with the Combo Drive new for $799... :eek:

They also have a couple of older MacBooks closeout.

I guess they are just closing these computers out at this point. Great time to buy cool Macs at lower prices.

There's only one MacBook on today's Fry's ad and it is for $1,299.

http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?adid=7196911&advid=32664&type=

[RichP]

I think I would still chose a new Macbook over the MBA even at that price. The macbook offers so much more, in a package that is not that much larger.

[Kwill]

To sweeten the deal MacMall is also offering free Parallels Desktop 4.0 (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new.asp?dp=7373085&EnhancedPrd=&family=macbook_air) or get Parallels and Windows XP home for $155 or Parallels with XP Pro for $210 or VMware Fusion 2.0 for $20 or other promotions when purchased with any new Mac.

[blsmith]

I am going to buy a MBA as a second laptop for mainly internet/mail use. Was waiting on the new one to ship, but this price has me reconsidering. Any thoughts on whether the new version would be that much ($600+ better) for internet and occasional use?

[gkarris]

There's only one MacBook on today's Fry's ad and it is for $1,299.

http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?adid=7196911&advid=32664&type=

The Chicago area ad from the Trib on Friday...

[lftrghtparadigm]

Honestly that price is hopeless. A few will sell but you're not gonna convince anyone to spend $1200 on an obsolete laptop, not someone who is on the fence and not someone who is saving up for a new computer. At 1200 thats a terrible buy compared to the MacBook.

[lftrghtparadigm]

I am going to buy a MBA as a second laptop for mainly internet/mail use. Was waiting on the new one to ship, but this price has me reconsidering. Any thoughts on whether the new version would be that much ($600+ better) for internet and occasional use?


If its for internet and occasional use then get an iPod touch and don't waste such a gross amount of money for something you don't really need.

Just and idea.

[Lancetx]

The Fry's ad for today has the original White 2.1 MacBook with the Combo Drive new for $799... :eek:

They also have a couple of older MacBooks closeout.

I guess they are just closing these computers out at this point. Great time to buy cool Macs at lower prices.

I also saw those at Fry's when I went in there last night. In addition, they also had the discontinued white 2.4 MacBook with SuperDrive on closeout for $999 and the black 2.4 MacBooks for $1,099. All were brand new units and not just open boxes or demos.

[andiwm2003]

Honestly that price is hopeless. A few will sell but you're not gonna convince anyone to spend $1200 on an obsolete laptop, not someone who is on the fence and not someone who is saving up for a new computer. At 1200 thats a terrible buy compared to the MacBook.

well, if you want a light mac "netbook" that is as close as it gets.

but i see your point. for 1299 you get a much faster macbook with superdrive, better GPU and only 1 pound heavier. now if the macbook had the screen of the macbook air then it would be a clear win for the MB. but with the better screen and lower weight the air is a interesting alternative for me. especially when you own already a MBP.

[Eric S.]

So, my MBA at $1799 has depreciated in a matter of (3) months to $1149 or a measly $650 in the minus column. You've got to be $hi&&in' me...:mad:

But of course you realized in the first place that you were grossly overpaying just to get the swoopy thin design. Didn't you?

If its for internet and occasional use then get an iPod touch and don't waste such a gross amount of money for something you don't really need.

I don't know how anyone can claim to do serious Internet stuff on the iPod touch. I find it to be a highly frustrating experience, with only a small amount of information displayed at any one time and lots and lots of scrolling, constant inadvertent clicks on unintended links and waiting, waiting, waiting while the original page reloads, plus having to enter any textual information is excrutiating. The touch is a nice toy but for real use, no way.

[kamchadal]

Apple has some smart people working there. They try to make new models different and so unique, as to make older models unfavorable, rendering them almost "obsolete" so that people will want to buy only the new models. What can you do? Thats the only way Apple can survive, I guess... The only bad thing is that they start removing basic necessities, like firewire and matte screen. I think that those features will return in the future, though.

[robeddie]

Honestly that price is hopeless. A few will sell but you're not gonna convince anyone to spend $1200 on an obsolete laptop, not someone who is on the fence and not someone who is saving up for a new computer. At 1200 thats a terrible buy compared to the MacBook.

I love it when people state their opinions as 'facts'. The fact is, the screen on the Macbook Air is far brighter, far better than the one on the $1299 macbook.

You've also got a backlit keyboard on the Air, an important feature for some of us (that's not on the $1299 Al Macbook). Finally, there's the weight issue ... again subjective, but certainly a big plus side for an Air.

For 99 percent of what I do (web surfing, casual photoshop work, playing casual games) the Macbook Air is a SLAM DUNK choice at $1200 compared to the overly glossy, dimmed screened Al Macbook.

Those are MY facts :)

[ryanwarsaw]

Seems to me that the MBA is not selling well and they are getting rid of old stock. Since when did Macs ever go down in value? This in my opinion is a sign of very low demand.

[macbookairapple]

I think I would still chose a new Macbook over the MBA even at that price. The macbook offers so much more, in a package that is not that much larger.Actually the Macbook is bulkier and the weight difference is noticable, as well the air looks overall well more designed at least to me.

[macbookairapple]

Seems to me that the MBA is not selling well and they are getting rid of old stock. Since when did Macs ever go down in value? This in my opinion is a sign of very low demand.Are you being serious or what?

[CaneCollegeboy]

The price is so tempting. I was planing on waiting until the Air 2.0 go down in price but torn. If the Macbook had the Air screen it would be a no brainer but if screen quality ( save your eye vision) is important then its either an air or pro. :)

[gkarris]

Apple has some smart people working there. They try to make new models different and so unique, as to make older models unfavorable, rendering them almost "obsolete" so that people will want to buy only the new models. What can you do? Thats the only way Apple can survive, I guess... The only bad thing is that they start removing basic necessities, like firewire and matte screen. I think that those features will return in the future, though.

The only thing Apple is doing for these closeouts is removing "The Apple Tax" making the price more in line with PC's, but you are stuck with older models, especially if a redesign is released (like the MacBooks).

[berniemac]

I couldn't resist... I bought one. At that price it seems worth it just to have for those times when you want something small (conferences, meetings, etc.). My original MPB still feels like a new computer even though it's almost 3 years old so I'm not too worried about it being slightly out-dated.

[OriginalMacRat]

To sweeten the deal MacMall is also offering free Parallels Desktop 4.0 (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/new.asp?dp=7373085&EnhancedPrd=&family=macbook_air) or get Parallels and Windows XP home for $155 or Parallels with XP Pro for $210 or VMware Fusion 2.0 for $20 or other promotions when purchased with any new Mac.

VirtualBox is free.

http://virtualbox.org/

[joepunk]

Honestly that price is hopeless. A few will sell but you're not gonna convince anyone to spend $1200 on an obsolete laptop,

I personally think that we as consumers need to stop thinking about yesterdays product as being obsolete. Most products from a few years ago are still great performers. Items from like 10 years ago sure they are probably out dated. We need to stop being told by companies that we need the latest and greatest all the time and what we have is no longer good for everyday use. Please people quit with this obsolete nonsense.

/rant over thanks for listening

[odedia]

The problem is with the new revisions, you have to compare value to not what price was before but rather how much nicer, and more powerful, the new one is.

I mean with the penryn 45nm processor so it's cooler, and the Sata so it's much faster, and the graphics of the Nvidia gpu, and the faster memory, TO ME the old one is worth less than half as much as the new one.

I am truly considering the new Air at $2499 and selling both my new MB and v 2,2 MBP. And adding the 24" led App. But then I cannot decide. I love the portability of the air.

My friend,

it's a macbook air.

take one in your hands and test it. It is fast, and it does what it's supposed to do.

I don't need so much power in a secondary computer.

I managed to get through a whole Google developer's day with a single charge. I worked on Eclipse/Java, booted a webserver, watched videos, recorded something in Photo Booth, etc. etc. I had everything I could possibly need.

[Chupa Chupa]

I was almost impulsively bought the MBA closeout @ BB a few weeks ago for $1299. In the "old days" (last year) I wouldn't have given it a second thought, but with the stock market in the crapper I have to give every purchase a second thought.

Here is what occurred to me: as a 2nd or even 3rd computer, a $1299 or even $1149 MBA is still over priced. Sure it's sexy, but

fact 1: a slightly heavier (unless you are a weakling), but much faster and more versatile MB can be had for the same price or less.

fact 2: a vastly less expensive linux, but similar specs, "netbook" can be had for 75% less of even an $1149 MBA. The only major difference would be you'd get a 10" screen instead of a 13".

After realizing this I put my CC back in my pocket. I'll probably pick up a linux netbook in Jan.

[robbyx]

I personally think that we as consumers need to stop thinking about yesterdays product as being obsolete. Most products from a few years ago are still great performers. Items from like 10 years ago sure they are probably out dated. We need to stop being told by companies that we need the latest and greatest all the time and what we have is no longer good for everyday use. Please people quit with this obsolete nonsense.

/rant over thanks for listening

Well said!!!

Our obsession with the latest and greatest is one of the primary reasons our planet is turning into a trash dump. No one fixes anything anymore. No one upgrades anything. We're told we need a new car every few years, a new computer, new, new, new. It's gross.

Where does all the trash go? Into the ground! And all the heavy metals, chemicals, etc. end up in our water, our crops, etc.

Last year's MacBook Air is just as capable as the current revision for most tasks. Yeah, the new one has some very nice improvements, but they hardly render the first generation model worthless.

[crackermac]

I personally think that we as consumers need to stop thinking about yesterdays product as being obsolete. Most products from a few years ago are still great performers. Items from like 10 years ago sure they are probably out dated. We need to stop being told by companies that we need the latest and greatest all the time and what we have is no longer good for everyday use. Please people quit with this obsolete nonsense.

/rant over thanks for listening

Exactly. I still use my 5 year old Powerbook for my everyday use. Sure, it's a little slow at times, but it can still rip dvds, encode (slowly), check email, word process, and surf the internet just fine. I don't plan on buying another one until mine doesn't turn on in the morning or until mine just won't do the things I want it to anymore.

Obsolete is when your computer stops doing what you need it to.

[Netniks]

... would it feel like a reasonable move up if I bought the 1.6GHz?

[Pnapp]

I ordered the MBA because of the price and after spending the entire morning and most of the afternoon on the phone with Apple Care trying to get it to transfer files and settings i realized why it's at the price that it is.....
They are not selling at all and for obvious reasons....they are expensive toys and not much more. My G4 powerbook pissed all over the MBA with speed, rendering and general tasks. While i was taken back and let down because i so wanted the MBA to be the real deal but unfortunately its not. Anyway, as the saying goes...you get what you pay for and even at this "blowout sale" price i still feel ripped off.
In conclusion, save your hard earned money folks and don't buy into the hype like I did. Yes this sharp looking toy is being shipped back in the morning but I will still have to eat the restocking fee. Not cool at all. Especially in troubled times like we have today.

Peace

[Lancetx]

My G4 powerbook pissed all over the MBA with speed, rendering and general tasks. While i was taken back and let down because i so wanted the MBA to be the real deal but unfortunately its not. Anyway, as the saying goes...you get what you pay for and even at this "blowout sale" price i still feel ripped off.


I'm sorry you had trouble with yours, but my experience has been the total opposite of yours. I don't feel ripped off one bit, and the performance has been light years faster than it ever was on our old 1.5 GHz 12" PB G4. Definitely couldn't any be happier with the MBA here.

[Adamo]

I ordered the MBA because of the price and after spending the entire morning and most of the afternoon on the phone with Apple Care trying to get it to transfer files and settings i realized why it's at the price that it is.....
They are not selling at all and for obvious reasons....they are expensive toys and not much more. My G4 powerbook pissed all over the MBA with speed, rendering and general tasks. While i was taken back and let down because i so wanted the MBA to be the real deal but unfortunately its not. Anyway, as the saying goes...you get what you pay for and even at this "blowout sale" price i still feel ripped off.
In conclusion, save your hard earned money folks and don't buy into the hype like I did. Yes this sharp looking toy is being shipped back in the morning but I will still have to eat the restocking fee. Not cool at all. Especially in troubled times like we have today.

Peace
It's not like you didn't know of these "troubled times", so why spend so much on something like an Air? That makes no sense.. And why not play with on in an Apple Store or simply hold off on buying one?

[maccam]

It's not like you didn't know of these "troubled times", so why spend so much on something like an Air? That makes no sense.. And why not play with on in an Apple Store or simply hold off on buying one?

Excellent post man!

The MacBook Air is very nice (I've tried them before). They are NOT overpriced, look at other ultra-portable laptops prices are fairly close.

Although the Air is nice, it just doesn't have enough ports, otherwise I would get one.

[scottintosh]

even at that price, I still wouldn't consider buying it.

[Pnapp]

Ok after a visit (3 hours) at a Apple Store/Genius Bar I got all the kinks sorted out. Yawn.
Bottom line, unless you travel often like me do not get the MBA. It blows in comparison to the new Macbooks (not much heavier) and the upgrade is not expensive. For now i will hold on to this elaborate ashtray to impress the thrill seekers on jet flights, surf the net at wifi hotspots and a few other minor tasks but thats about it.
In the meantime i will be dreaming of a new 10" Mac Tablet come Jan 09.

Peace!

[Mindflux]

Don't forget your 2% Fatwallet cashback by using their clickthrough.

[iSamurai]

I asked them and they don't ship internationally... :(:(:( (amazon also)

Does anyone know where I can get this kind of price that ships internationally??? thanks...

[FuzzMonkey]

Bottom line, unless you travel often like me do not get the MBA. It blows in comparison to the new Macbooks (not much heavier) and the upgrade is not expensive.

Peace!

It's ultra portable, its not going to perform as well as bigger / heavier laptops. You sacrifice performance for portability, unfortunately thats how it goes...

[Pnapp]

It's ultra portable, its not going to perform as well as bigger / heavier laptops. You sacrifice performance for portability, unfortunately thats how it goes...

True... also reminds me of the most beautiful girl in school who went out on dates but would never put out. :confused:

[cmob]

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MB003LL-Laptop-Processor/dp/B0006HU4DK/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

[cmob]

never mind the previous post. now showing that they still have them at $1199. i guess they ran out but got more in later today.

[ingenious]

I personally think that we as consumers need to stop thinking about yesterdays product as being obsolete. Most products from a few years ago are still great performers. Items from like 10 years ago sure they are probably out dated. We need to stop being told by companies that we need the latest and greatest all the time and what we have is no longer good for everyday use. Please people quit with this obsolete nonsense.

/rant over thanks for listening

sounds like a great idea. :)

however, i am going to enjoy the brand spankin' new, fully-loaded, Unibody 15" MBP Apple is sending me to replace my Early08 (as in August) lemon of a 15" Al MBP.

[Kan-O-Z]

Has MacMall changed their price from $1149 to $1199? It sure seems like they did. By the way do you think it might get any cheaper for Black Friday? Perhaps the price was adjusted up a bit for this reason ;)

Kan-O-Z

[Joz3d]

Wow, a lot of people being very negative about the Air in this thread. I jumped on this deal and got one. This is my first Mac (well, in 15 years). I've had it for a week and so far I totally love it. And no, I don't go on trips all the time, it's just my laptop, and I'm for sure selling my old HP Core 2 duo ~2.2ghz laptop.

I don't understand how people are hating so much on something that is so beautiful, light weight, sleek, solid, and works very well. I mean, are these people serious hardcore designers or music/video editors or gamers trying to use this or something? What's the problem!? Internet, music, video (streaming 1080p looks beautiful), iPhoto editing, super-awesome multi-touch trackpad, lovin' it!

An elaborate ashtray? Having stuff just to impress others? Super lame.