Buying MacBook Air 13inch

Next update is in Q2 2012, like all the other threads point to.

Key is - if you need one now... go for it. If you can wait, then wait. Of course there will be a newer machine every few months.

If you keep waiting, you'll wait your entire life out for one

My friend just picked one up tonight. It was a $100 off at Best Buy.

Pure Speculation on my part:

I don't see a huge update to the macbook air in Q1/Q2. Here's why: The Macbook Pro is the flagship of Apple's lineup. No way they give the Air a leg up over their flagship. Most I could see happening is the addition of a 15inch model, and maybe a slight processor update (ie. make i7 the standard). Go for it now.

ethics101 said:

Pure Speculation on my part:

I don't see a huge update to the macbook air in Q1/Q2. Here's why: The Macbook Pro is the flagship of Apple's lineup. No way they give the Air a leg up over their flagship. Most I could see happening is the addition of a 15inch model, and maybe a slight processor update (ie. make i7 the standard). Go for it now.

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I don't intend to start a holy war over here, but I don't see Macbook Pro as Apple's flagship product. The "flagshipness" isn't based solely on performance specs and as Apple says itself, regarding the Macbook Air: "The future of the Macbook". So, considering these facts, I believe that the Macbook Air in fact IS Apple's flagship product, based on mobility, and user experience factors.

i don't agree with either of you..apple flagship product is the iphone and ipad...the computer as we know it today is on it's way to a slow death...ill even guess that lion maybe the last version of osx...

tom vilsack said:

i don't agree with either of you..apple flagship product is the iphone and ipad...the computer as we know it today is on it's way to a slow death...ill even guess that lion maybe the last version of osx...

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I think you're being too pessimistic about traditional computing. The i-devices are mostly for information consumption, but someone still has to create the stuff. I do agree that there will be a shift in computing in general, but not too dramatic. The computers are here to stay

P.S. Let me correct myself: I was referring to the laptop segment when talking about the flagship laptops.

tom vilsack said:

i don't agree with either of you..apple flagship product is the iphone and ipad...the computer as we know it today is on it's way to a slow death...ill even guess that lion maybe the last version of osx...

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Back in the real world we will continue to use traditional computers so put down the koolaid you're drinking. For the average joe user that needs to look at the Internet, Facebook and email a tablet is great, but it will never replace a computer.

How about a $500 bet that lion is not the last version of osx?

The current ones came out in July so we probably won't be getting a newer one before July 2012. So I say go for it

3bs said:

The current ones came out in July so we probably won't be getting a newer one before July 2012. So I say go for it

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+1. Up until last weet there were doubts about a Q1 refresh. With this news regarding desktop CPUs, I doubt the mobile parts will come sooner than Q2.

Buy now.

hayden1250 said:

Hi,

Just asking what you guys think in regards to buying a MacBook Air. Should I buy now, or are we expecting a spec upgrade soon? Not in a huge rush to buy but don't want to wait for months.

Thanks!

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If you need it now then buy it now current machines are total beasts!

If your current equipment is still holding up and you can wait it out another 6 months ... who knows exactly?

My current thinking is to enjoy my current machine but keep stashing cash away!

Roman2K~ said:

+1. Up until last weet there were doubts about a Q1 refresh. With this news regarding desktop CPUs, I doubt the mobile parts will come sooner than Q2.

Buy now.

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Exactly. The desktop and "standard" mobile processors aren't going to be released until sometime next quarter. These use the ULV (ultra low voltage) processors that are usually some of the last to be released (Sandy bridge ULV processors weren't released for 3-4 months after the "normal" Sandy Bridge procs). ULV processors need to be fairly mature and specially binned in order to meet the low watt requirements and that won't be for awhile. I'm guessing late Q2 or early Q3.