just curious? i'm going to pick up a refurb as soon as apple store has them. as for an internet and photoshop user, would this work? and with an external monitor?
thanks
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macbook air (as a desk top replacement) any one doing it?
- Thread starter greendragon
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macbook airs refurbished will prob start at 1600-1700 (for 80gb and 1.6), I would def recommend either a macbook and display or a refurbished macbook pro for those moulas.
you can get a macbook on craigslist for like $900, leaving you with plenty of money for a 23" ACD or a Dell monitor, or external hard drive, etc.
you can get a macbook on craigslist for like $900, leaving you with plenty of money for a 23" ACD or a Dell monitor, or external hard drive, etc.
No, using the MBA as a desktop replacement is foolish. The machine doesn't have the array of ports used in common use, nor does it have a whole lot of power. Save your money and get a MacBook, you'll be happier with it that you will with a MBA.
actually worth it..
Hi!
I´ve been using the MBA as a desk top replacement for a month or so. I know there are stronger (and cheaper) laptops, but portability was the most important thing for me when I chose to buy it.
At the office I use it with an Apple Cinema Display and wireless mouse + keyboard. MBA is a little bit slow some times, but I use Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Lotus Notes, in addition to "normal" programs like Opera/Safari, iTunes ++, without any problems.
I do not regret choosing MBA as a desk top replacement, allthough there are some negative sides to take into account - these two were the most critical for me:
* HDD space.. 80 gb is little, allthough this can be solved with external HDD.
* Only one USB-port. I use Apple Display as an USB-hub at the office and wireless printer connection so I do not have much problems with this, BUT note that the external CD/DVD drive (unfortunately) only work when connected directly to the MBA.
If portability is the most important thing for you I would consider MBA as a possible desk top replacement, especially together with an external display. But it´s not without challenges, but I found it´s worth it =)
Hi!
I´ve been using the MBA as a desk top replacement for a month or so. I know there are stronger (and cheaper) laptops, but portability was the most important thing for me when I chose to buy it.
At the office I use it with an Apple Cinema Display and wireless mouse + keyboard. MBA is a little bit slow some times, but I use Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Lotus Notes, in addition to "normal" programs like Opera/Safari, iTunes ++, without any problems.
I do not regret choosing MBA as a desk top replacement, allthough there are some negative sides to take into account - these two were the most critical for me:
* HDD space.. 80 gb is little, allthough this can be solved with external HDD.
* Only one USB-port. I use Apple Display as an USB-hub at the office and wireless printer connection so I do not have much problems with this, BUT note that the external CD/DVD drive (unfortunately) only work when connected directly to the MBA.
If portability is the most important thing for you I would consider MBA as a possible desk top replacement, especially together with an external display. But it´s not without challenges, but I found it´s worth it =)
I don't recommend it. The initial portability is great but sooner or later you will run into the innate limitations of the MBA.
a desktop replacement isn't meant to be portable. If you want portability go with the macbook air but if you want a desktop replacement I'd get the 17in macbook pro
For $200 more a MBP is a much more capable machine and will be pretty portable. Either way I think the MBA might be good for now but a year or 2 down the line it's lack of power might be a problem.
I find it hard to believe that people buy MBA to use a primary computers when a MBP can be had for just a bit more and is a more competent laptop.
I find it hard to believe that people buy MBA to use a primary computers when a MBP can be had for just a bit more and is a more competent laptop.
Or for several hundred dollars less and better performance and capabilities then the MBA, I think that just a regular MacBook would suit your needs much better. You get a lot more with the MB at much less of a price compared to the MBA
Saliwa said:
Nooooooooo......it isn't
MBA is a laptop
MacBook/MBP are portable computers
(not the difference)
therefore, the OP needs one of the later...if he could stretch, i'd recommend a 15" MBP with the 2.5GHz/512MB graphics
Like everyone said the original iPod was? And now its the most popular music player in the world. You'll be eating your words soon.
I thought of doing this myself. I'm not a big power user either and while I don't travel enough to justify using a MBA, I move around enough to appreciate the lightness of the MBA over even the MBP.
Ultimately though, I was looking for a computer (desktop replacement) that would last me 4+ years. And while I am a low-power user, I am also a highly impatient person.
I know I would be willing to put up with any growing pains when the product is new. But when the novelty wears off and I'm stuck with a fairly slow machine for $2000, I'd be slightly ticked off.
It's why I opted for the MBP.
Not as mobile. Just as pretty (IMO). Powerful enough to last me 4+ years even in its most basic configuration. (Again, I'm a low powered user here. It's nice to know that if I do need to, however, I can always upgrade the HDD and upgrade the RAM. There's a nice feeling in having everything bundled in one attractive package too. No separate DVD drive or ethernet port. Pick up the laptop and go!)
Ultimately though, I was looking for a computer (desktop replacement) that would last me 4+ years. And while I am a low-power user, I am also a highly impatient person.
I know I would be willing to put up with any growing pains when the product is new. But when the novelty wears off and I'm stuck with a fairly slow machine for $2000, I'd be slightly ticked off.
It's why I opted for the MBP.
Not as mobile. Just as pretty (IMO). Powerful enough to last me 4+ years even in its most basic configuration. (Again, I'm a low powered user here. It's nice to know that if I do need to, however, I can always upgrade the HDD and upgrade the RAM. There's a nice feeling in having everything bundled in one attractive package too. No separate DVD drive or ethernet port. Pick up the laptop and go!)
That's a really bad idea, It just doesn't have the power for those tasks. However that doesn't mean it's the stupidest invention ever. It has it's uses.
MBA doesn't have a DVD reader and no Firewire, so what can you do with it beside watching pirated videos and lurking on Techcrunch...
I am not sure the iPod was bashed when it came out. Actually it is a copy of a former HD music player that came out before but it was ahead of its time, read: too expensive.
I am not sure the iPod was bashed when it came out. Actually it is a copy of a former HD music player that came out before but it was ahead of its time, read: too expensive.
Desktops are powerful machines used to crunch video, multitask, and get things done in a timely manner. MBA's are meant to supplement you and help you be productive in transit or at lunch etc. No way I am going to count on getting any meaningful production done on a MBA. Go with a macbook Pro. You will actually be able to do something meaningful with it if you need to.
erm in theory you could manage if you get an ACD and a KB and mouse (will only use a single USB as mouse plugged into KB USB)... lack of optical drive would be frustrating, ultimatum of typing with KB or using a CD..
I suppose it would be good if you are on the go a lot and spend minimum time in office. Make sure any resources you need to access on office network ar emade available wirelessly otherwise you will be in trouble..
I suppose it would be good if you are on the go a lot and spend minimum time in office. Make sure any resources you need to access on office network ar emade available wirelessly otherwise you will be in trouble..
It's just such a luxury item. I don't get it. Where the EeePC is driving the cost of things down, the MBA is going the other direction. It just isn't a novel enough of an idea to get my vote.
Lots of people I know, mac and PC users alike (and these are mostly people who don't usually care about their computers like we do on this board) absolutely drool over the Air. If you compare specs and whatnot it doesn't seem like a good idea, but most people who see it are in love.
I don't see how you can mention the eee in the same breath as the air. It has an 8" screen and a 900 mhz celeron. It's a completely different product.
More Power
A MacBook and an external display or a MacBook Pro wouldn't cost much more, and either one would make you way happier for Photoshop use compared to the Air. Even for day to day though, the Air has limitations. It is simply not designed, nor does it function well, as a desktop replacement. The MacBook Pro, especially, does.
A MacBook and an external display or a MacBook Pro wouldn't cost much more, and either one would make you way happier for Photoshop use compared to the Air. Even for day to day though, the Air has limitations. It is simply not designed, nor does it function well, as a desktop replacement. The MacBook Pro, especially, does.