Which 13" MBA: i5 1.4/8/256 or Refurbished i7 1.7/8/512

gregpod9 · May 11, 2014

Today, I will be ordering a MBA as my main machine. I recently tried out 4 late 2013 13" MBPr's and all had yellow tint in different parts of the screen, image retention, scrolling lag when I set scaling to above best for retina, and the online website that I use for work looked fuzzy. For now, I giving up on retina displays.

I decide to purchase either the 13" i5 1.4/8/256 or the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512. The price difference is $140. I plan on using it for 3 years. I will be using the MBA for the following things:
1. Internet
2. Work
3. Microsoft Office
4. Bootcamp Windows 8.1 Pro

Also I have few questions on the MBA:
1. Did Apple finally fixed the latency times when pinging to the router via wireless?
2. Where can I download the screen calibrated profiles if I get a Samsung or LG screen?

Please recommend which MBA is the right one for me?

Scepticalscribe · May 11, 2014

The 2013 MBA that comes with 8 GB RAM, 512 SSD and i7 is a really superb machine; indeed, it is the very device that I have, - I bought it as a CTO last summer - and am currently writing this post on.

For what it is worth, I recommend it strongly, - it is a fantastic computer, with terrific performance - and is what I do almost all of my work on - it'll take anything you throw at it.

Indeed, I'm not sure that the slight upgrade in 2014 will be an improvement on what was the very best device from 2013. My personal advice would be to go for the refurb; the battery life is incredible, and the speed - between the SSD and 8 GB RAM is blazing fast.

gregpod9 · May 11, 2014

I just ordered the refurbished 13" MBA i7 1.7/8/512 as my main computer, instead of the 13" MBA 1.4/8/256. I felt that the 1.4/8/256GB would be too small (storage) for for both Mac OS X and bootcamping and perhaps slow for VM Windows 8.1. I considered the 1.4/8/512, but it cost $160 more than the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512 and with a new i7/8/512 (same as 2013 model), I saved about $310 by going with the refurbished one.

Hopefully, I'll be happy with the purchase than the 4 late 2013 MBPr's that I returned due to issues that all 4 had (no wonder Apple has lots of returns on the Macbook Pro with Retina Display).

Scepticalscribe · May 11, 2014

gregpod9 said:
I just ordered the refurbished 13" MBA i7 1.7/8/512 as my main computer, instead of the 13" MBA 1.4/8/256. I felt that the 1.4/8/256GB would be too small (storage) for for both Mac OS X and bootcamping and perhaps slow for VM Windows 8.1. I considered the 1.4/8/512, but it cost $160 more than the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512 and with a new i7/8/512 (same as 2013 model), I saved about $310 by going with the refurbished one.

Hopefully, I'll be happy with the purchase than the 4 late 2013 MBPr's that I returned due to issues that all 4 had (no wonder Apple has lots of returns on the Macbook Pro with Retina Display).

Well, then, I wish you the very best of luck with it, and I hope you enjoy it. All I can say to you is that this model, the 2013 13" i7, 8 GB RAM, and 512 SSD is by far the best computer I have ever had by a vast margin; it's a terrific machine.

Reading the threads here, I really don't think that there is much of difference - performance wise - between the 2013 and 2014 models, certainly not enough to justify the difference in price. However, there is a considerable difference between those of 2013 and 2012, which is why the former is by far the better buy, and which is why I recommend it irrespective of whatever saving could be had by buying the models from 2012.

RightMACatU · May 12, 2014

gregpod9 said:
I just ordered the refurbished 13" MBA i7 1.7/8/512 as my main computer, instead of the 13" MBA 1.4/8/256. I felt that the 1.4/8/256GB would be too small (storage) for for both Mac OS X and bootcamping and perhaps slow for VM Windows 8.1. I considered the 1.4/8/512, but it cost $160 more than the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512 and with a new i7/8/512 (same as 2013 model), I saved about $310 by going with the refurbished one.

Good call on the refurb Ultimate, that's what I got last fall.
Regarding storage capacity it all comes down to the quantity of music and videos you have. 256GB is plenty enough for multiple VMs. 512GB will give you that extra multimedia space.

alphaod · May 12, 2014

gregpod9 said:
Please recommend which MBA is the right one for me?

I would get the i7 model for only $140 difference it's quite a bit faster.

As for downloading profiles, I recommend buying a calibrator and borrow one from a friend. Using a profile from another panel won't give you more accurate colors.

Hey Apple! · May 14, 2014

gregpod9 said:
I just ordered the refurbished 13" MBA i7 1.7/8/512 as my main computer, instead of the 13" MBA 1.4/8/256. I felt that the 1.4/8/256GB would be too small (storage) for for both Mac OS X and bootcamping and perhaps slow for VM Windows 8.1. I considered the 1.4/8/512, but it cost $160 more than the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512 and with a new i7/8/512 (same as 2013 model), I saved about $310 by going with the refurbished one.

I'm currently contemplating the same option. The feedback in this thread has given me a lot to think about. You mentioned that you recently opted for the refurb option. Once you've had a chance to use it for a bit, I'd like to hear about how you feel about your purchase.

savetheunstable · May 20, 2014

Hey Apple! said:
I'm currently contemplating the same option. The feedback in this thread has given me a lot to think about. You mentioned that you recently opted for the refurb option. Once you've had a chance to use it for a bit, I'd like to hear about how you feel about your purchase.

I've had my refurb maxed-out 11" since October of last year. No regrets whatsoever; it seemed like a brand new machine, and I've had no issues at all.
It's a good way to save some money, and with the return policy being what it is, I don't think it's much of a risk.

Ronnoco · May 29, 2014

I've had many Apple laptops over the years including maxed out G4 PowerBooks and high-end MBP's but this 13" Ultimate Air is the best of them all. Blazing fast speeds, light as a feather, built like a tank and handles everything I've thrown at it with ease. Just an outstanding product IMO. Couldn't be happier.

C. Robert · May 29, 2014

Get the higher spec'd model.

Saturn1217 · May 29, 2014

gregpod9 said:
I just ordered the refurbished 13" MBA i7 1.7/8/512 as my main computer, instead of the 13" MBA 1.4/8/256. I felt that the 1.4/8/256GB would be too small (storage) for for both Mac OS X and bootcamping and perhaps slow for VM Windows 8.1. I considered the 1.4/8/512, but it cost $160 more than the refurbished i7 1.7/8/512 and with a new i7/8/512 (same as 2013 model), I saved about $310 by going with the refurbished one.

Hopefully, I'll be happy with the purchase than the 4 late 2013 MBPr's that I returned due to issues that all 4 had (no wonder Apple has lots of returns on the Macbook Pro with Retina Display).

If I'd had the ability to wait I would have waited for this refurb. Excellent choice. I have the i7/8/256 version and I love it.

----------

Ronnoco said:
I've had many Apple laptops over the years including maxed out G4 PowerBooks and high-end MBP's but this 13" Ultimate Air is the best of them all. Blazing fast speeds, light as a feather, built like a tank and handles everything I've thrown at it with ease. Just an outstanding product IMO. Couldn't be happier.

Don't forget battery life that makes you almost forget what plugs are!

My coworker was complaining the other day because she wasn't sure her laptop battery would last through a presentation she had to give. (It was a new ultrabook too). I just silently lol'd while petting my MBA...

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Which 13" MBA: i5 1.4/8/256 or Refurbished i7 1.7/8/512

gregpod9

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