Decided to keep my Air....

[PsyD4Me]

After contemplating of selling it and getting the MBP (due to various issues i have with the MBA, keyboard, battery life) I could not let myself part with it. I use my Mac Pro 70% of the time, and a MBP is overkill.

There was just something about it, probably the simplicity and the form factor. I just sold my 15" SR MBP a few months ago and just thinking about its' size made me appreciate this little wonder so much more.

Sorry Scottsdale, but my rev A has been problem free since day one (knock on wood) and it's still very zippy for my grad school needs, the SSD is lighting fast. I really don't know why you bash rev A

I just might wait for the rev C if there's one in the fall.

[Macjames]

I love my air, a Rev A with no issues as well!

you made a good choice, a mbp would be way overkill

[Scottsdale]

Sorry Scottsdale, but my rev A has been problem free since day one (knock on wood) and it's still very zippy for my grad school needs, the SSD is lighting fast. I really don't know why you bash rev A

I am glad YOU are happy with your rev A MBA. The truth is MOST who bought the original MBA were extremely disappointed. You can look all over the threads here and figure out why. Sure, Cool Book and software fixes have helped those who bought the refurbished model.

Obviously Apple had a terrible time with the original MBA. The truth is it had to cost Apple a fortune. Sure, die hard fans like those here actually gave Apple another chance with the rev B MBA, but I an imagine Apple has lost many customers because of the original MBA.

The original MBA was marketed as an ultra portable MAC. The problem is MOST people expect their Macs to do certain tasks WITHOUT overheating, experiencing core shut down, and finally locking up completely. The rev B MBA is what the original MBA was supposed to be.

If you don't believe that MOST had problems with the original MBA, then do a Google search. It is well documented and the problems were widespread. Let the component changes speak for themselves with the new MBA.

If Apple had done anything right with the original MBA, it was the form factor... but they sold an ultra portable as a full fledged Mac without disclosing that it was really to be used as a Mac LIGHT.

65 NM CPU >>> 45 NM Penryn CPU, Low Voltage, 17W, SSF
Intel Graphics >>> Nvidia GPU w/Mini Display Port capable of driving a 30" ACD
PATA Drive Technology & Controller >>> SATA-II

And that is just a start. The problem was the original MBA's CPU with the Intel graphics was problematic as it OVERHEATED often doing normal tasks like watching video. In addition, video was choppy because of the PATA drive controller, which is a constraint even for the SSD. The list goes on and on.

For those that are happy with their ORIGINAL MBA, GREAT. More power to you. But the NORM was NOT happiness. The NORM was overheating, choppy video playback, core shutdown, and complete lock up of MBA. That is NOT fun when people were spending $1799 to $3099 for a MAC that was sold to them as a FULLY CAPABLE Mac. It was NOT fully capable, and the stigma that was put on the MBA was it is good as a secondary computer... it is good for BASIC tasks... it is not meant for intensive use.

The problem is it was sold as an ultra portable LUXURY Mac that performs like a Mac should but is in this wonderful ultra portable, ultra thin, super light, and innovative form factor! The problem is that many spent a fortune for a severely limited Mac and NOT the usual Mac. It was sad that Apple did that to its customers.

Apple got it really quick. It did a complete overhaul with the rev B MBA. The rev B is a luxury item. It performs like a Mac should! It does everything a MacBook can do only faster. It is super lightweight and super fast with SSD.

Sure it's a hefty price tag, but people are paying for the luxury of ultra portable but yet still fully capable Mac. Now in ultra portable form, sure it doesn't have all of the same ports, but in the rev B people can expect to use it just like any other Mac WITHOUT core shutdown, choppy video playback, massive overheating, and complete lockup.

So, the original MBA was good for SOME... but the revised MBA is great for MANY. That is just the truth. There is subjectivity in anyone's opinion of anything. HOWEVER, the original MBA was PROBLEMATIC from DAY ONE! It had a CPU and graphics chip that overheated together. It was too much energy being used in inefficient components that could NOT perform like the components used in the new MBA.

For those that were happy with their original MBA's, GREAT. More power to you. For those who are happy with their refurbished MBA's, GREAT. The refurbished buyers are using Cool Book in huge numbers to make their MBA's usable, and of course the software changes have helped the original MBA. For MOST original MBA buyers, WE got a poor value for our severely limited Macs. The original MBA should have NEVER been sold when it was. Apple should have figured out that people expect more from a Mac.

But for anyone that thinks I am wrong for bashing the original MBA, look at it from MOST people's perspective. A large number of people paid an enormous amount of money for a Mac that could NOT perform. It took a lot of reading, and using several rev B MBAs for me to understand that Apple had really learned its lesson.

Perhaps the BEST way to prove that the original MBA was, IN LARGE PART, a failure, is the revised MBA. Other than the external form factor, it is a COMPLETELY different Mac internally.

Don't believe me, look at the xBench marks. Sure technology improves over time, but the original MBA was a failure for most. SURE, some people could make it work for them. Some people do not use their MBA's heavily or expect them to do much. For a light user, the original MBA, ESPECIALLY the refurbished MBA, was acceptable. For the low low price of the refurbished MBA, and given the reworks, fixes, rewrites, COOL BOOK and etc, the refurbished can be a great computer for a light user OR as a secondary Mac.

The great thing about the rev B MBA, is it is perfectly capable of being MOST Mac user's PRIMARY Mac! It is really really amazing. And that is what I try to sell mostly... while the original MBA has serious limitations and shortcomings, the revised MBA is a perfectly capable MAC. It doesn't NEED to be secondary to any other Mac.

PROOF - don't just read reviews... look at benchmarking and etc. The revised MBA with SSD outperforms the 2.4 unibody MB! The revised MBA is really amazing.

The revised MBA is what the original MBA should have been.

I was NOT awarded the opportunity to learn about the problems of the original MBA before purchasing, because I was an early adopter. As USUAL, early adopters experience problems, yes, but with the MBA the problems were unbelievable for a MAC.

So, people can read ALL of these reviews and learn if the original MBA is NOW right for them. With all of the rewrites, fixes, and of course Cool Book, the refurbished original MBA CAN be a good selection. But, people need to understand the level of problems and limitations. AND, I believe that people should VALUE the original MBA based on the new MBA. NOT base the original MBA's value on what it used to cost. Because frankly, the original cost should NOT a baseline, as it was originally a problem. Value should be based on performance capabilities of the original MBA vs the revised MBA.

For example, people think the original MBA had SSD so if they buy the original MBA with SSD it will eliminate the problems. However, they don't know that even the original SSD is limited severely by the PATA drive controller. I have seen people say it again and again, "I don't have a HDD so my original MBA isn't affected by PATA." That is NOT true, there is a PATA drive controller that SEVERELY limits the SSD performance.

Use a comparison of xBench marks between the ORIGINAL MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD, versus the NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz CPU and HDD. The NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz with HDD OUTPERFORMS the original MBA MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD... by a margin nonetheless!

So, why I bash the original MBA is justified. However, while I bash the original MBA, I speak VERY HIGHLY about the revised MBA. I believe Apple learned its lesson. I believe that EVERYONE should fully understand the limitations and capabilities of the original MBA, and they should base the VALUE on the original compared to the new MBA (not the original prices vs the refurbished prices). They can chose whatever they want. But, I think it is fair and just to fully disclose all of the original MBA's problems.

Why are people so infuriated by the disclosure of facts about the original MBA? I only speak the truth. I think people don't want to hear that they were wrong to spend $999, $1299, $1799 or GOD forbid $3099 for an original MBA. I admit, I spend a lot more money than refurbished buyers are spending... definitely wish I had waited for some real world results before shelling out so much money. Definitely learned to NEVER trust that when Steve introduces a new Mac that it will perform like any Mac user would expect it to perform. I gave Apple too much credit based on past Macs.

More than anything, people should know that the original MBA does NOT perform like all other Macs currently being sold as new or refurbished. It is severely limited, and if people are fine with that, MORE POWER TO THEM.

If you don't use it heavily, use as a secondary Mac, understand limitations, and still want the original MBA, GO BUY ONE. Be happy that you can spend so much less than all of the ORIGINAL MBA buyers spent. Be happy that you can spend $999 or $1299 and make it work for you. For me, and FOR MOST, the revised MBA is the better selection. BUT, I definitely am not stating that ALL require or need a revised MBA. For SOME the original MBA will do just fine. Just make sure the original MBA will work for you BEFORE you spend all of that money.

Also, from everything I have read, Cool Book does WONDERS for Most problematic MBAs. Any refurbished original MBA buyer should probably consider Cool Book seriously. It definitely helps most from all I have read.

What I really don't get is how MY reviews and writing about the original MBA is taken as a personal attack on so many. Not like I am a troll, I give FULL CREDIT to the new MBA. It's just that I am a critic of the original MBA, from MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with the original MBA.

People disagree all of the time... I don't get the people that say the cannot understand while I write bad things about the original MBA, I am NOT attacking anyone, personally. I am simply trying to advise people to get the revised MBA if they expect much at all out of their MBA purchase. I believe the original MBA is a poor performer, and while some disagree, I base that on real world performance, benchmarking, personal use, and most importantly, THE REVISED MBA which in my opinion changes the game.

Not a personal attack, people... it's a review of a computer.

[creon]

Wow.

Now thats a post ^^^^


anyway, congrats on keeping your Air.

[drjsway]

All of Rev A's problems were solved with a simple $10 fix (CoolBook). I don't understand what the big deal was. I bought a Rev A, installed CoolBook the next day, and everything was fine.

I now have a Rev B 1.86ghz/SDD but use my Rev A 1.6/HDD all the time. It's fine for everything people buy it for (flash, 720p video are all perfect). Even if people don't have problems, everyone should install CoolBook on all their laptops. It makes them cooler, quieter, have longer battery life, and, theoretically, extend the lifespan of the CPU.

BTW, my Rev A was my ONLY mac for a good eight months.

[Halon X]

I am glad YOU are happy with your rev A MBA. The truth is MOST who bought the original MBA were extremely disappointed.

It scares me how much time and effort you spend preaching the rev B over the A.

I could go into details on the reasons people "overcompensate" but.....

[Jack Flash]

After contemplating of selling it and getting the MBP (due to various issues i have with the MBA, keyboard, battery life) I could not let myself part with it. I use my Mac Pro 70% of the time, and a MBP is overkill.

There was just something about it, probably the simplicity and the form factor. I just sold my 15" SR MBP a few months ago and just thinking about its' size made me appreciate this little wonder so much more.

Sorry Scottsdale, but my rev A has been problem free since day one (knock on wood) and it's still very zippy for my grad school needs, the SSD is lighting fast. I really don't know why you bash rev A

I just might wait for the rev C if there's one in the fall.

Just curious how an Air is more simple than a MacBook Pro. They both run OS X, right? Also, you can install a SSD in a MacBook Pro.

[Scottsdale]

Wow.

Now thats a post ^^^^


anyway, congrats on keeping your Air.

It's a reply for everyone who gets so upset over me not speaking highly of the original MBA... you know those who take it as a personal attack that the original MBA is inferior to the rev B...

Definitely wouldn't waste my time if I hadn't received many replies with people thanking me for advising them to get the rev B. Also, those agreeing with me about the shortcomings and problems of the original MBA.

But this message was directed at all those, like the OP, who are concerned that I don't speak highly of their rev A MBAs. I have even seen where one poster said he was giving up on his rev A because I bashed it... really??? That had to be a joke, because if something is SOOOO GREAT, surely my experience means nothing to that person. EVERYONE should look at the facts and buy the right computer for THEM. I just try to help with information when someone asks.

I wish everyone the best whether they want to buy a rev A or rev B. I personally have no stake in it. I just feel the information is not there or people don't take the time to read about the differences. I am trying to provide factual evidence of the difference between the two. However, we all have subjective opinions too. I look at it as Apple is dumping its original MBAs, but others see it as an opportunity.

Not like I make up anything. Everything I experienced with my rev A MBA was EXACTLY what a huge percentage of original MBA buyers experienced. It's all over the place.

Last time I will speak a nice word about the rev A MBA. Because the truth is, Apple isn't providing original MBA owners with Cool Book... I enjoy the feedback I get from my MBA replies. It makes this site more exciting, NO FUN!

Go MBA!

[PsyD4Me]

Just curious how an Air is more simple than a MacBook Pro. They both run OS X, right? Also, you can install a SSD in a MacBook Pro.

I love the simplicity of the design (Unlike the adamo, i lvoe the tapered look) and also that the ssd's startup/operating and boot down times are fast. The form factor/weight allows me to carry thins thing with two fingers (sometimes ;-))
Yes you can install SSD into MBP, but i have a Mac Pro (I do all of my music editing on it) already and it's just a waist of $ to sink all that dough into another powerful machine. I do 70% of work on my Mac Pro.
I had a top of the line 15" MBP for 2 years and honestly for my use I like the MBA over it.

I just hope that they make the keyboard a bit softer in Rev C.

[pilotError]

My Rev A is going strong, never had an issue.

It may not be as good as the Rev B, but it's good enough for me.

Scottsdale, Wow, that was quite a post. The truth is that there were a handful of avid haters that posted everywhere they had the opportunity. There were real issues with Rev A, no denying, but I think these forums overhyped the issue. I have to laugh that folks who continue to bash the MBA went out and bought a Rev B

To the OP... I was debating whether to get rid of my Rev A and get a Rev B, but I ultimately decided against it. Let's see what Apple brings out next, my Rev A is good enough for now, hopefully something better will turn up at the end of the year when the mobile Nehalem's finally arrive.

[gooddeal]

...still love my 10 months old Rev. A.:cool:

[PsyD4Me]

To the OP... I was debating whether to get rid of my Rev A and get a Rev B, but I ultimately decided against it. Let's see what Apple brings out next, my Rev A is good enough for now, hopefully something better will turn up at the end of the year when the mobile Nehalem's finally arrive.

i agree..at this point going to rev B is foolish for me because my Rev A is totally capable of doing what i need it to do (it's not perfect but my work gets done) I'll wait till the fall, i have a feeling Rev C will be nicely upgraded, esp since apple will have their netbook out.

[Thorbjorn]

Scottsdale, maybe folks respond as if you're attacking them personally because YOU YELL IN CAPS, EVEN BOLD CAPS? I think you'd get your points across just fine without those. (Just saying.)

[Hey Jude]

It scares me how much time and effort you spend preaching the rev B over the A.

I could go into details on the reasons people "overcompensate" but.....

....of a saint for reading thru Scott's post. I saw Scottsdale, and scrowled down to the next post.

LOL at highlighted text. Anyhoo, I sometimes wonder why people spend so much time and effort on trivial matters. For the record, I am satisfied with my Rev A purchase.

Jude

[still in school]

....of a saint for reading thru Scott's post. I saw Scottsdale, and scrowled down to the next post.

LOL at highlighted text. Anyhoo, I sometimes wonder why people spend so much time and effort on trivial matters. For the record, I am satisfied with my Rev A purchase.

Jude

He's the present day walking Jesus preaching about the MBA rev B. According to him, apparently he has followers...

Of course the Rev B is going to be a better unit since it's the updated model. But my rev A does an awesome job and some at half the price of the Rev B.

[aimfire]

He's the present day walking Jesus preaching about the MBA rev B. According to him, apparently he has followers...

Hey, I'm one that appreciates Scottsdale's posts - he's very enthusiastic about the MBA, and I think that's great, his posts are very informative.

I just got a MBA (1,86 ssd) this weekend, his posts defintely influenced my decision and I will say he was "right on" about it. The MBA is way faster than I expected and I was lucky enough to get one with none of the screen issues (lines, backlight bleed, etc). This will probably end up replacing my unibody MBP, I like it that much!

So a public 'thanks' to Scottsdale, believe it or not, some people here like reading his posts! :)

[TJRiver]

I am glad YOU are happy with your rev A MBA. The truth is MOST who bought the original MBA were extremely disappointed. You can look all over the threads here and figure out why. Sure, Cool Book and software fixes have helped those who bought the refurbished model.

Obviously Apple had a terrible time with the original MBA. The truth is it had to cost Apple a fortune. Sure, die hard fans like those here actually gave Apple another chance with the rev B MBA, but I an imagine Apple has lost many customers because of the original MBA.

The original MBA was marketed as an ultra portable MAC. The problem is MOST people expect their Macs to do certain tasks WITHOUT overheating, experiencing core shut down, and finally locking up completely. The rev B MBA is what the original MBA was supposed to be.

If you don't believe that MOST had problems with the original MBA, then do a Google search. It is well documented and the problems were widespread. Let the component changes speak for themselves with the new MBA.

If Apple had done anything right with the original MBA, it was the form factor... but they sold an ultra portable as a full fledged Mac without disclosing that it was really to be used as a Mac LIGHT.

65 NM CPU >>> 45 NM Penryn CPU, Low Voltage, 17W, SSF
Intel Graphics >>> Nvidia GPU w/Mini Display Port capable of driving a 30" ACD
PATA Drive Technology & Controller >>> SATA-II

And that is just a start. The problem was the original MBA's CPU with the Intel graphics was problematic as it OVERHEATED often doing normal tasks like watching video. In addition, video was choppy because of the PATA drive controller, which is a constraint even for the SSD. The list goes on and on.

For those that are happy with their ORIGINAL MBA, GREAT. More power to you. But the NORM was NOT happiness. The NORM was overheating, choppy video playback, core shutdown, and complete lock up of MBA. That is NOT fun when people were spending $1799 to $3099 for a MAC that was sold to them as a FULLY CAPABLE Mac. It was NOT fully capable, and the stigma that was put on the MBA was it is good as a secondary computer... it is good for BASIC tasks... it is not meant for intensive use.

The problem is it was sold as an ultra portable LUXURY Mac that performs like a Mac should but is in this wonderful ultra portable, ultra thin, super light, and innovative form factor! The problem is that many spent a fortune for a severely limited Mac and NOT the usual Mac. It was sad that Apple did that to its customers.

Apple got it really quick. It did a complete overhaul with the rev B MBA. The rev B is a luxury item. It performs like a Mac should! It does everything a MacBook can do only faster. It is super lightweight and super fast with SSD.

Sure it's a hefty price tag, but people are paying for the luxury of ultra portable but yet still fully capable Mac. Now in ultra portable form, sure it doesn't have all of the same ports, but in the rev B people can expect to use it just like any other Mac WITHOUT core shutdown, choppy video playback, massive overheating, and complete lockup.

So, the original MBA was good for SOME... but the revised MBA is great for MANY. That is just the truth. There is subjectivity in anyone's opinion of anything. HOWEVER, the original MBA was PROBLEMATIC from DAY ONE! It had a CPU and graphics chip that overheated together. It was too much energy being used in inefficient components that could NOT perform like the components used in the new MBA.

For those that were happy with their original MBA's, GREAT. More power to you. For those who are happy with their refurbished MBA's, GREAT. The refurbished buyers are using Cool Book in huge numbers to make their MBA's usable, and of course the software changes have helped the original MBA. For MOST original MBA buyers, WE got a poor value for our severely limited Macs. The original MBA should have NEVER been sold when it was. Apple should have figured out that people expect more from a Mac.

But for anyone that thinks I am wrong for bashing the original MBA, look at it from MOST people's perspective. A large number of people paid an enormous amount of money for a Mac that could NOT perform. It took a lot of reading, and using several rev B MBAs for me to understand that Apple had really learned its lesson.

Perhaps the BEST way to prove that the original MBA was, IN LARGE PART, a failure, is the revised MBA. Other than the external form factor, it is a COMPLETELY different Mac internally.

Don't believe me, look at the xBench marks. Sure technology improves over time, but the original MBA was a failure for most. SURE, some people could make it work for them. Some people do not use their MBA's heavily or expect them to do much. For a light user, the original MBA, ESPECIALLY the refurbished MBA, was acceptable. For the low low price of the refurbished MBA, and given the reworks, fixes, rewrites, COOL BOOK and etc, the refurbished can be a great computer for a light user OR as a secondary Mac.

The great thing about the rev B MBA, is it is perfectly capable of being MOST Mac user's PRIMARY Mac! It is really really amazing. And that is what I try to sell mostly... while the original MBA has serious limitations and shortcomings, the revised MBA is a perfectly capable MAC. It doesn't NEED to be secondary to any other Mac.

PROOF - don't just read reviews... look at benchmarking and etc. The revised MBA with SSD outperforms the 2.4 unibody MB! The revised MBA is really amazing.

The revised MBA is what the original MBA should have been.

I was NOT awarded the opportunity to learn about the problems of the original MBA before purchasing, because I was an early adopter. As USUAL, early adopters experience problems, yes, but with the MBA the problems were unbelievable for a MAC.

So, people can read ALL of these reviews and learn if the original MBA is NOW right for them. With all of the rewrites, fixes, and of course Cool Book, the refurbished original MBA CAN be a good selection. But, people need to understand the level of problems and limitations. AND, I believe that people should VALUE the original MBA based on the new MBA. NOT base the original MBA's value on what it used to cost. Because frankly, the original cost should NOT a baseline, as it was originally a problem. Value should be based on performance capabilities of the original MBA vs the revised MBA.

For example, people think the original MBA had SSD so if they buy the original MBA with SSD it will eliminate the problems. However, they don't know that even the original SSD is limited severely by the PATA drive controller. I have seen people say it again and again, "I don't have a HDD so my original MBA isn't affected by PATA." That is NOT true, there is a PATA drive controller that SEVERELY limits the SSD performance.

Use a comparison of xBench marks between the ORIGINAL MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD, versus the NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz CPU and HDD. The NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz with HDD OUTPERFORMS the original MBA MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD... by a margin nonetheless!

So, why I bash the original MBA is justified. However, while I bash the original MBA, I speak VERY HIGHLY about the revised MBA. I believe Apple learned its lesson. I believe that EVERYONE should fully understand the limitations and capabilities of the original MBA, and they should base the VALUE on the original compared to the new MBA (not the original prices vs the refurbished prices). They can chose whatever they want. But, I think it is fair and just to fully disclose all of the original MBA's problems.

Why are people so infuriated by the disclosure of facts about the original MBA? I only speak the truth. I think people don't want to hear that they were wrong to spend $999, $1299, $1799 or GOD forbid $3099 for an original MBA. I admit, I spend a lot more money than refurbished buyers are spending... definitely wish I had waited for some real world results before shelling out so much money. Definitely learned to NEVER trust that when Steve introduces a new Mac that it will perform like any Mac user would expect it to perform. I gave Apple too much credit based on past Macs.

More than anything, people should know that the original MBA does NOT perform like all other Macs currently being sold as new or refurbished. It is severely limited, and if people are fine with that, MORE POWER TO THEM.

If you don't use it heavily, use as a secondary Mac, understand limitations, and still want the original MBA, GO BUY ONE. Be happy that you can spend so much less than all of the ORIGINAL MBA buyers spent. Be happy that you can spend $999 or $1299 and make it work for you. For me, and FOR MOST, the revised MBA is the better selection. BUT, I definitely am not stating that ALL require or need a revised MBA. For SOME the original MBA will do just fine. Just make sure the original MBA will work for you BEFORE you spend all of that money.

Also, from everything I have read, Cool Book does WONDERS for Most problematic MBAs. Any refurbished original MBA buyer should probably consider Cool Book seriously. It definitely helps most from all I have read.

What I really don't get is how MY reviews and writing about the original MBA is taken as a personal attack on so many. Not like I am a troll, I give FULL CREDIT to the new MBA. It's just that I am a critic of the original MBA, from MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with the original MBA.

People disagree all of the time... I don't get the people that say the cannot understand while I write bad things about the original MBA, I am NOT attacking anyone, personally. I am simply trying to advise people to get the revised MBA if they expect much at all out of their MBA purchase. I believe the original MBA is a poor performer, and while some disagree, I base that on real world performance, benchmarking, personal use, and most importantly, THE REVISED MBA which in my opinion changes the game.

Not a personal attack, people... it's a review of a computer.

I would love to see your statistical (or any other factual) support for this assertion. The number of Airs (version A) sold versus the number of complainers on a handful of Apple oriented message boards? I really do not think we are talking "MOST" here. I'm not defending Apple, if the product has problems, it has problems, but your bald assertion to try and win an internet argument, simply strains credibility.

[petermcphee]

Hey, I'm one that appreciates Scottsdale's posts - he's very enthusiastic about the MBA, and I think that's great, his posts are very informative.

I just got a MBA (1,86 ssd) this weekend, his posts defintely influenced my decision and I will say he was "right on" about it. The MBA is way faster than I expected and I was lucky enough to get one with none of the screen issues (lines, backlight bleed, etc). This will probably end up replacing my unibody MBP, I like it that much!

So a public 'thanks' to Scottsdale, believe it or not, some people here like reading his posts! :)


You can't argue with the diligence and thorough approach he employs, regardless of his position. This is clearly someone who does not take half-measures.

[frogcat]

hahaha

[SnowLeopard2008]

I am glad YOU are happy with your rev A MBA. The truth is MOST who bought the original MBA were extremely disappointed. You can look all over the threads here and figure out why. Sure, Cool Book and software fixes have helped those who bought the refurbished model.

Obviously Apple had a terrible time with the original MBA. The truth is it had to cost Apple a fortune. Sure, die hard fans like those here actually gave Apple another chance with the rev B MBA, but I an imagine Apple has lost many customers because of the original MBA.

The original MBA was marketed as an ultra portable MAC. The problem is MOST people expect their Macs to do certain tasks WITHOUT overheating, experiencing core shut down, and finally locking up completely. The rev B MBA is what the original MBA was supposed to be.

If you don't believe that MOST had problems with the original MBA, then do a Google search. It is well documented and the problems were widespread. Let the component changes speak for themselves with the new MBA.

If Apple had done anything right with the original MBA, it was the form factor... but they sold an ultra portable as a full fledged Mac without disclosing that it was really to be used as a Mac LIGHT.

65 NM CPU >>> 45 NM Penryn CPU, Low Voltage, 17W, SSF
Intel Graphics >>> Nvidia GPU w/Mini Display Port capable of driving a 30" ACD
PATA Drive Technology & Controller >>> SATA-II

And that is just a start. The problem was the original MBA's CPU with the Intel graphics was problematic as it OVERHEATED often doing normal tasks like watching video. In addition, video was choppy because of the PATA drive controller, which is a constraint even for the SSD. The list goes on and on.

For those that are happy with their ORIGINAL MBA, GREAT. More power to you. But the NORM was NOT happiness. The NORM was overheating, choppy video playback, core shutdown, and complete lock up of MBA. That is NOT fun when people were spending $1799 to $3099 for a MAC that was sold to them as a FULLY CAPABLE Mac. It was NOT fully capable, and the stigma that was put on the MBA was it is good as a secondary computer... it is good for BASIC tasks... it is not meant for intensive use.

The problem is it was sold as an ultra portable LUXURY Mac that performs like a Mac should but is in this wonderful ultra portable, ultra thin, super light, and innovative form factor! The problem is that many spent a fortune for a severely limited Mac and NOT the usual Mac. It was sad that Apple did that to its customers.

Apple got it really quick. It did a complete overhaul with the rev B MBA. The rev B is a luxury item. It performs like a Mac should! It does everything a MacBook can do only faster. It is super lightweight and super fast with SSD.

Sure it's a hefty price tag, but people are paying for the luxury of ultra portable but yet still fully capable Mac. Now in ultra portable form, sure it doesn't have all of the same ports, but in the rev B people can expect to use it just like any other Mac WITHOUT core shutdown, choppy video playback, massive overheating, and complete lockup.

So, the original MBA was good for SOME... but the revised MBA is great for MANY. That is just the truth. There is subjectivity in anyone's opinion of anything. HOWEVER, the original MBA was PROBLEMATIC from DAY ONE! It had a CPU and graphics chip that overheated together. It was too much energy being used in inefficient components that could NOT perform like the components used in the new MBA.

For those that were happy with their original MBA's, GREAT. More power to you. For those who are happy with their refurbished MBA's, GREAT. The refurbished buyers are using Cool Book in huge numbers to make their MBA's usable, and of course the software changes have helped the original MBA. For MOST original MBA buyers, WE got a poor value for our severely limited Macs. The original MBA should have NEVER been sold when it was. Apple should have figured out that people expect more from a Mac.

But for anyone that thinks I am wrong for bashing the original MBA, look at it from MOST people's perspective. A large number of people paid an enormous amount of money for a Mac that could NOT perform. It took a lot of reading, and using several rev B MBAs for me to understand that Apple had really learned its lesson.

Perhaps the BEST way to prove that the original MBA was, IN LARGE PART, a failure, is the revised MBA. Other than the external form factor, it is a COMPLETELY different Mac internally.

Don't believe me, look at the xBench marks. Sure technology improves over time, but the original MBA was a failure for most. SURE, some people could make it work for them. Some people do not use their MBA's heavily or expect them to do much. For a light user, the original MBA, ESPECIALLY the refurbished MBA, was acceptable. For the low low price of the refurbished MBA, and given the reworks, fixes, rewrites, COOL BOOK and etc, the refurbished can be a great computer for a light user OR as a secondary Mac.

The great thing about the rev B MBA, is it is perfectly capable of being MOST Mac user's PRIMARY Mac! It is really really amazing. And that is what I try to sell mostly... while the original MBA has serious limitations and shortcomings, the revised MBA is a perfectly capable MAC. It doesn't NEED to be secondary to any other Mac.

PROOF - don't just read reviews... look at benchmarking and etc. The revised MBA with SSD outperforms the 2.4 unibody MB! The revised MBA is really amazing.

The revised MBA is what the original MBA should have been.

I was NOT awarded the opportunity to learn about the problems of the original MBA before purchasing, because I was an early adopter. As USUAL, early adopters experience problems, yes, but with the MBA the problems were unbelievable for a MAC.

So, people can read ALL of these reviews and learn if the original MBA is NOW right for them. With all of the rewrites, fixes, and of course Cool Book, the refurbished original MBA CAN be a good selection. But, people need to understand the level of problems and limitations. AND, I believe that people should VALUE the original MBA based on the new MBA. NOT base the original MBA's value on what it used to cost. Because frankly, the original cost should NOT a baseline, as it was originally a problem. Value should be based on performance capabilities of the original MBA vs the revised MBA.

For example, people think the original MBA had SSD so if they buy the original MBA with SSD it will eliminate the problems. However, they don't know that even the original SSD is limited severely by the PATA drive controller. I have seen people say it again and again, "I don't have a HDD so my original MBA isn't affected by PATA." That is NOT true, there is a PATA drive controller that SEVERELY limits the SSD performance.

Use a comparison of xBench marks between the ORIGINAL MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD, versus the NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz CPU and HDD. The NEW MBA with 1.6 GHz with HDD OUTPERFORMS the original MBA MBA with 1.8 GHz CPU and SSD... by a margin nonetheless!

So, why I bash the original MBA is justified. However, while I bash the original MBA, I speak VERY HIGHLY about the revised MBA. I believe Apple learned its lesson. I believe that EVERYONE should fully understand the limitations and capabilities of the original MBA, and they should base the VALUE on the original compared to the new MBA (not the original prices vs the refurbished prices). They can chose whatever they want. But, I think it is fair and just to fully disclose all of the original MBA's problems.

Why are people so infuriated by the disclosure of facts about the original MBA? I only speak the truth. I think people don't want to hear that they were wrong to spend $999, $1299, $1799 or GOD forbid $3099 for an original MBA. I admit, I spend a lot more money than refurbished buyers are spending... definitely wish I had waited for some real world results before shelling out so much money. Definitely learned to NEVER trust that when Steve introduces a new Mac that it will perform like any Mac user would expect it to perform. I gave Apple too much credit based on past Macs.

More than anything, people should know that the original MBA does NOT perform like all other Macs currently being sold as new or refurbished. It is severely limited, and if people are fine with that, MORE POWER TO THEM.

If you don't use it heavily, use as a secondary Mac, understand limitations, and still want the original MBA, GO BUY ONE. Be happy that you can spend so much less than all of the ORIGINAL MBA buyers spent. Be happy that you can spend $999 or $1299 and make it work for you. For me, and FOR MOST, the revised MBA is the better selection. BUT, I definitely am not stating that ALL require or need a revised MBA. For SOME the original MBA will do just fine. Just make sure the original MBA will work for you BEFORE you spend all of that money.

Also, from everything I have read, Cool Book does WONDERS for Most problematic MBAs. Any refurbished original MBA buyer should probably consider Cool Book seriously. It definitely helps most from all I have read.

What I really don't get is how MY reviews and writing about the original MBA is taken as a personal attack on so many. Not like I am a troll, I give FULL CREDIT to the new MBA. It's just that I am a critic of the original MBA, from MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with the original MBA.

People disagree all of the time... I don't get the people that say the cannot understand while I write bad things about the original MBA, I am NOT attacking anyone, personally. I am simply trying to advise people to get the revised MBA if they expect much at all out of their MBA purchase. I believe the original MBA is a poor performer, and while some disagree, I base that on real world performance, benchmarking, personal use, and most importantly, THE REVISED MBA which in my opinion changes the game.

Not a personal attack, people... it's a review of a computer.


No life. Enough said.

[PsyD4Me]

Hey, I'm one that appreciates Scottsdale's posts - he's very enthusiastic about the MBA, and I think that's great, his posts are very informative.

I just got a MBA (1,86 ssd) this weekend, The MBA is way faster than I expected and I was lucky enough to get one with none of the screen issues (lines, backlight bleed, etc). This will probably end up replacing my unibody MBP, I like it that much!

ok so scottsdale has a fan, however, i don't get your post. what is your MBA rev B faster than?
we're all apple geeks here and i just don't understand the energy and the animosity that scottsdale brings to this rev A vs rev B debate.
who cares? i mean really, we all enjoy what we have.

[aimfire]

ok so scottsdale has a fan, however, i don't get your post. what is your MBA rev B faster than?.

It's faster than... "I expected" ;)

Wasn't comparing it to any other models... it just exceeded my expectations in terms of overall speed and performance in general. The MBA sometimes gets some criticism for being an "under spec'ed" machine, but I'm not seeing that at all. I'm very happy with it. :)

[Scottsdale]

I only speak the truth. I think readers should hear the truth about the original MBAs... some just cannot handle it. Some do not want to hear that their baby is no comparison to the new kid on the block - and that is why the hostility from some.

Had Apple done ANYTHING right with the internal components of the original MBA, we would not have seen a complete OVERHAUL of the rev B. The original MBA cost Apple a fortune in its reputation. I base that on speaking with colleagues and clients... most who bought the original MBA have MOVED ON to either a rev B, another Mac, or worse yet a WINDOWS PC! In fact, of over 20 people I know who bought the original MBA, ONLY ONE still has it (and he swears by it - btw uses it for email, Internet, and Word and has Cool Book installed). That is pretty big considering it's only ONE YEAR OLD! That is real world example and knowledge of the original MBA, NOT message board chatter.

The component changes speaks VOLUMES about the problems with the original MBA. One doesn't need to search the message boards for the original MBA's failures, just ask anyone that OWNED an original MBA who bought it within six months of release.

Actually, if you look back to posts, PRE-$999 to $1299 MBA, people had NOTHING nice to say about the original MBA other than its form factor. The problems, complaints, overheating, core shutdown, and etc was unlike anything I had ever seen from a recent Mac. Seriously, check yourself. Go to other sites. Check Google. MANY that bought the original MBA was disappointed and experienced problems. The thing is that the original MBA was a poor seller because of the bad reputation. It took some serious changes to change the stigma related to the MBA. A lot of people still think the MBA is challenged, not capable to play video, only meant as a secondary computer. They do not believe the rev B changed the game for the MBA.

If people want to love their original MBAs, more power to them. Look at the xBench results. The very best, $3099 original MBA, doesn't even compare to the low end new MBA. The difference is amazing. It took a lot for me to even consider buying the rev B, as my experience with the original was horrible.

At least I can admit to the truth about the MBA, both iterations. All refurbished buyers want to FEEL great about saving some money, but saving money is different than a VALUE or PERFORMANCE measure of the original MBA.

Yes, Apple has helped the original MBA along, and Cool Book has done wonders, but how many of you original MBA users are using it WITHOUT Cool Book? How many are using it as a primary computer? In the end, that is the point. The rev B MBA is going to stand the test of time much better than the original MBA. We all demand MORE and MORE from our Macs. File sizes, video and entertainment demands INCREASE over time. Sure, the original MBA, with Cool Book, and massive software fixes, can do certain tasks now, BUT what about three years down the road??? I would say, and this is what I base my advise on, that three years down the road the rev B MBA will still be able to perform NORMAL TASKS... I doubt the same for the original MBA.

So people say the original refurbished MBA is a lot cheaper, BUT I think in the long run, a rev B MBA buyer will get A LOT MORE VALUE FROM THEIR MBA.

BTW, I bash the original MBA (and praise the rev B MBA), while many of you bash PEOPLE. What's worse?

It's sad really... my two cents.

That is the last I will say in this thread. If people want to bash ME, go ahead. I really don't care, as I am not going to stoop to that level.

[SFStateStudent]

Have I ever mentioned that I returned my MBAir to the Apple Store that I bought it from and received $3400.00 after (7) months of ownership and they gave me full pop on all the accessories and AppleCare with no questions asked. I just asked Customer Relations where I could send the $3,000.00 paperweight, that forced me to go out and purchase a MBP to do all the work that I had bought the MBAir to do. Took it back the same day that Customer Relations and the Store Manager called me. No regrets; what a relief.....:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

[jeremybuff]

Scottsdale's post are awesome. Look, the bottom line is that most Rev A buyers have been SCREWED OVER by Apple and the hinges. Luckily, I got my macbook air fixed by the awesome guys at Charlotte Street Computers (Asheville, NC). They really went to bat from me, but Apple gave them HELL.

Just go to jeremybuff.com and check out my blog, you'll see two recent posts on the MacBook Air hinge issue.

[PsyD4Me]

most Rev A buyers have been SCREWED OVER by Apple and the hinges.

define MOST?
that's a pretty ridiculous statement to make.
MOST people come on here to post problems they have, MOST users are not even on these forums....
my hinge is fine.

[Halon X]

I only speak the truth. I think readers should hear the truth about the original MBAs... some just cannot handle it. Some do not want to hear that their baby is no comparison to the new kid on the block - and that is why the hostility from some.

Truth is that the Rev A, while no comparison to the B (just like most A/B comparisons) is still a very capable and usable computer and is an absolute steal at the prices offered for refurbs.

As I've said before, I own and use both Rev A and B MBA's (both SSD) so am able to compare the two directly. When used for Email/Web/Office/iPhoto/iTunes, there is little noticeable difference in performance between the two. Most people I know who use the air use it for exactly these tasks and are therefor completely satisfied with their laptop.

There have been times I've thought I was on one laptop only to realize I was on another when I couldn't find a file I knew I had saved to the disk.

Had I to do it again, I would have purchased a refurb Rev A over the Rev B.

[Halon X]

define MOST?
that's a pretty ridiculous statement to make.
MOST people come on here to post problems they have, MOST users are not even on these forums....
my hinge is fine.

I know 11 or 12 MBA Rev A owners, all completely satisfied with their laptops and not one who posts or uses the forums.

One of my friends purchased the MBA and was very unhappy with the performance, she ended up returning it in exchange for an MBP!

[dborja]

Truth is that the Rev A, while no comparison to the B (just like most A/B comparisons) is still a very capable and usable computer and is an absolute steal at the prices offered for refurbs.

As I've said before, I own and use both Rev A and B MBA's (both SSD) so am able to compare the two directly. When used for Email/Web/Office/iPhoto/iTunes, there is little noticeable difference in performance between the two. Most people I know who use the air use it for exactly these tasks and are therefor completely satisfied with their laptop.

There have been times I've thought I was on one laptop only to realize I was on another when I couldn't find a file I knew I had saved to the disk.

Had I to do it again, I would have purchased a refurb Rev A over the Rev B.

+1

I've been mostly staying out of the Rev A vs Rev B debate/arguments but I had two cents lying around so I'm tossing them in. ;)

I don't think there's any argument against the fact that the Rev B MBA is better than the Rev A MBA. It's evolution and applying lessons learned just like in the case of the Mini, iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacPro.

Depending on people's operational needs, they may be perfectly fine with the previous gen machines. And, especially in the case of refurbs, issues with the previous gen may have been rectified or workarounds have been found that do require extra steps on the part of the owners but still do not detract from the intended use of their machines.

The savings on refurbs and previous gen clearance deals hit the sweet spots for some people's budgets so that they could now pull the trigger. And, in some cases, the previous gen may be better than the current ones for people's needs. Witness the discussions going on with the iMac previous and current gen graphics cards in that MacRumors forum...

In my case, I had a white 20" iMac and a MacBook just two months ago. I've been wanting a 24" iMac and an MBA for my computing needs but could not justify the price vs how much I can sell my current machines for. Then the refurb MBA Rev A came out and the new iMacs caused the then-current iMacs to go on clearance. I did my research and found that they met my needs and were at the sweet spot WRT pricing for me. Bam! (With my apologies to Emeril, who has apparently copyrighted the expression) I'm now a happy owner of a previous gen 24" iMac and a refurb Rev A MBA. My computing needs are now better met.

"Different strokes for different folks." I think there should be an acknowledgment of this truism rather than the myopic view that this or that version/configuration is the only right one for everybody.

Ok, I'm getting off the soapbox now. (Boy! Those two cents went a long way didn't they?!) I don't expect my post will end the arguments but I do feel better now, thank you! :)

[cryonicjim]

Back in July when i was getting a new laptop for college, I almost took the leap and got a rev. A macbook air (the low end, with the 80gb pata drive). i wouldn't have gotten the high end just because it would have set me back basically my whole salary for the summer (i work as an IT intern, doesn't pay much). In the end I couldn't deal with the Hard drive size limits (I have 84gb of itunes files). I ended up getting a black macbook.

[Halon X]

Ok, I'm getting off the soapbox now. (Boy! Those two cents went a long way didn't they?!) I don't expect my post will end the arguments but I do feel better now, thank you! :)

Sometimes I wish we could move the discussions had here to a pub...

[dborja]

Sometimes I wish we could move the discussions had here to a pub...

As long as the darts are stowed...:)

[EnderTW]

The problem with the revA MBA was that it couldn't handle Flash video, not for long periods of time. For those of you who say "well get coolbook" you're wrong. You shouldn't have to rely on a third party application to make your computer work.

RevA was and is one of Apple's blunders. They totally changed the engineering in the RevB, that goes to show how far they noticed the RevA was horribly engineered.

If revA works for you, more power to you. It's a great laptop for only specific tasks.

[Scottsdale]

The problem with the revA MBA was that it couldn't handle Flash video, not for long periods of time. For those of you who say "well get coolbook" you're wrong. You shouldn't have to rely on a third party application to make your computer work.

RevA was and is one of Apple's blunders. They totally changed the engineering in the RevB, that goes to show how far they noticed the RevA was horribly engineered.

If revA works for you, more power to you. It's a great laptop for only specific tasks.

Very wise statement. Very accurate. Very nice to see others who are capable of admitting the problems of the original MBA. Mine couldn't play Quicktime or any video for 90 seconds without overheating.

Yes, anyone can buy an original MBA for cheap, but that doesn't make the value good for everyone. I agree, if it works for them, great. So, some don't require the capabilities of the rev B, in that case be happy with the refurbished original and save some money.

I think some just want to believe they are right for buying the original refurbished. And they don't need other opinions to make it right for them. They shouldn't take the truth about the original MBA as an attack on them personally. Different people have different requirements, and I don't feel it's an attack for me to state issues I see/experienced with the original.

[aussie.damo]

I really enjoy reading the hysterical assertions that MOST Rev A MBAs were basically un-useable. There is never any actual statistics provided, just the tired old "everyone on this forum hates it" argument.

It's especially funny when those people claim that they deal in FACTS yet never actually provide any.

In any case, my house has 2 Rev A MBAs and both are just fine. From my statistical analysis, that means 100% of Rev A MBAs are perfect?

Damo

[dudup]

I would love to see your statistical (or any other factual) support for this assertion. The number of Airs (version A) sold versus the number of complainers on a handful of Apple oriented message boards? I really do not think we are talking "MOST" here. I'm not defending Apple, if the product has problems, it has problems, but your bald assertion to try and win an internet argument, simply strains credibility.

OK, I'm a Rev. A lover, I have problems with core shutdowns now and then, I would love to upgrade to Rev. B, but hadn't the bollocks to do that.

But I can tell you something:

Here in Brazil, I know precisely five Rev. A owners other than me.

All of them sold their MBAs and bought unibody MBs when they came out.

All of them complained a lot about the heat and core shutdown issues, and all of them patiently wait for Apple's updates, and gave up after seeing not much improvement on that.

All these guys would never come to a forum to post complains. Never.

Looking and Mercado Livre (which is eBay for Brazil), you'll see like 15% of the MBAs there are Rev. B. All the rest are Rev. A that are hanging there for months. That's because the MBA is seen here as a pricy flop.

I'm a huge fan of the MBA, but no one believes me when I say it's a great machine. No one.

Sad, but true.

So, it's not a scientific or representative measure or anything, but the fact that Apple ships thousands, millions of machines and we only see a handful of users complaining at boards doesn't means they're not having issues.

In fact, I never saw any refurbished Apple laptop get so big discounts like the Rev. A is doing. That must mean something, don't you agree?