Macbook Air 13" as a complimentary laptop?

My main laptop at home is a Alienware M14x (2nd gen i7 with 8 GB of RAM). I do have a Desktop as well (core i7 + 8 GB RAM) and a older Core 2 Duo based server that I use for media streaming/storage purposes. I am looking for something lighter which I can use while sitting on the couch for tasks like:

- Web browsing (the most extreme case most likely being youtube videos)
- Scripting (main reason for looking at a laptop which is portable. Python, PHP, etc) so a GUI based editor like PyCharm, Eclipse, etc.
- Email (web and built in Apple client)
- Maybe 'Office' software like Works, etc. Viewing PDF's
- Once in a while watching some .mkv, .avi video files (720p/1080p)

I will be getting the Air using my Best Buy credit card + rewards. The main question I have is if the 4 GB of RAM will be enough for my requirements? I would be all up for spending $100 more for 8 GB of RAM but Best Buy does not appear to stock those.

Thanks guys.

ClassObject said:

I use a Mac Pro as my main code writing beast and a 2011 air for portable needs. I really wish the air had 8gb for long term needs but right now it's great.

Click to expand...

Do you think 4GB would be good enough to meet my needs for atleast 2, maybe even 3 years??

The other alternative for me could be to get a MacBook pro with 4 GB and upgrade it to 8 GB myself.

My wife already has as IPad at home which does not suit my purposes. I cannot script on it and I just can't get the same utility out of it as a standard laptop.

I do understand that the MacBook Air comes with 8 GB now. However, as mentioned in my OP, I will be getting this using my Best Buy card + Rewards and BB does no appear to stock the 8 GB one.

GeekGuys said:

I have to read from your OP that you are windows/Linux person? Your desktop/laptops now are not Apple so I am wondering why spend so much money on a MBA?

If it were my money, buy cheaper and save yourself some cash. Lenovo X1, Asus, Acer, Sony... they all do Ultra Notebooks that would be as small, as light and as attractive (imho) as the MBA.

Don't get me wrong, I've have every Apple product going since the Newton but there is no point spending money when you don't need to. It seems, for your requirements, you don't need to!

Click to expand...

You make some really good points.

The truth is I love my wife's laptop (older C2D based Macbook Pro) and have wanted something like that for the last 2 years.

Also, the main reason I am trying to get away from getting a Windows based laptop is because I want something that runs *nix natively. I have talked to a lot of people who work as full-time *nix administrators and even they recommend that using a Macbook is the safest bet to get what I am looking for.

Plus honestly, this is more about WANT than NEED. I have a really good desktop and laptop already which are both dual-booted to use Ubuntu along with Windows 7. I am looking to get a nice Macbook to compliment these. Just not sure which one.

As my wife would say, 'Any excuse to get a new toy!'.

26139 said:

Seriously, I get compliments on my MBA all the time.

I wish it told me I looked pretty every once in a while, though.

Click to expand...

That made me laugh out loud at work.

I am leaning towards the 4 GB Macbook Air right now.