Am I stupid for considering a new 11 MBA?

[MacBoook160]

Both machines are a compromise. For me, if I had a workable laptop (from work or otherwise) that I could use for most things and all I needed was a media machine, I'd get the rMB.

I do think that in 2-3 years the rMB will be a capable machine, and there won't be an either-or (or at least not the same either-or) in screen v. power/ports.

I quite agree about the 2-3 years, if I can wait that long. My one and only workable laptop is a lovely girl; she's feeling her age a bit, though!

 

[newellj]

You guys realize this is all transitory, right? "Air" and "Cloud" are headed for history. Wait and see...2015 was the year of the MacBook Wearable. By 2020 we will be looking at the MacBook Implant.

 

[MacBoook160]

You guys realize this is all transitory, right? "Air" and "Cloud" headed for history. Wait and see...2015 was the year of the MacBook Wearable. By 2020 we will be looking at the MacBook Implant.

The question is: where will they implant it?

 

[Macula]

The question is: where will they implant it?

I don't know, but iFixIt will give it a repairability score of 1/10 in any case.

 

[vanimal]

Three words... "Calibrate the screen". Its NIGHT & Day difference "contrast" wise. Having a off contrast and color screen bothers me more than a tad grainer text. I have had a MBPR and a MBA. I never bothered to calibrate the Pros screen. But i ALWAYS use the built in screen calibration for the Air. It brings the contrast and colors MUCH closer to the Pro, than how it comes out of the box. Some come kind of "yellow" out of the box. Very easy fix on the Air for the most part.

Granted it won't be the "retina" but trust me when i say it makes a HUGE difference!

 

[intervenient]

I went with the 11 MBA. I was able to get last years model for $600 after discounts through Best Buy and my credit card. I'm pretty happy with the decision. Should definitely make a great 2nd-ary computer and enough to hold me over to the rMB 2nd or 3rd gen.

thanks guys

 

[newellj]

The question is: where will they implant it?

Here's the trackpad. I guess this is still a "wearable," technically, but the next step is obvious. MacBook You?

 

[MacBoook160]

Here's the trackpad. I guess this is still a "wearable," technically, but the next step is obvious. MacBook You?

Image

I shudder to consider how I would be rebooted if necessary. Though if someone could increase my brain RAM, it might be a worthy trade-off.

 

[Hieveryone]

I received a 15 rMBP from my work and decided to give away my 13 MBA to my girlfriend. I had planned to buy the Retina MBA but we got the MB instead, and while I do think it would solve 98% of my needs of a non-work laptop, it's definitely a generation 1 product that's $300 too expensive.

Basically I wanted a laptop that will be super small, but I can store all my personal images and files and media collection on, which I can't do with my work computer because it gets wiped every so often. After the announcement of the Microsoft Surface 3, I was pretty dead set on that. However, reviews seemed mixed and it sounds it's neither an outstanding laptop nor tablet. Then again, I'm not going to be using this thing for anything major other than media storage and document creation.

Also, after all the accessories I would buy for the Surface 3, it would come out to about $770. Best Buy has the new 11 MBA for ~$800. Also, if I wanted to see the MBA at some point once the rMB has a few more ports and a cheaper price, I could probably resell it for much more than then the Surface 3.

I've also considered the 13 inch rMBP and the iPad Air 2, but the 13 rMBP is a little bigger than I would like for a non-work laptop, and the iPad Air 2 isn't a great media hub.

I just hate the dull MBA screen and hate getting something that's so clearly going to be phased out once they can make the MB cheap enough.

You GAVE it to her? Like for free? I'd have made her pay.

Anyway, no I don't think you're dumb for considering the 11"

It seems very powerful, these new models at least.

BUT

That screen....

 

[mattopotamus]

I think you made a good choice with the 11" air. Personally it is a good time to get a "filler" laptop. I think next year we will see some new designs, and the current rMB feels much slower than the 11" air.

Get the movers coupon at best buy and you have a great deal.

I have $500 in best buy rewards plus the movers coupon. I can get the 11" with 256gb for $450 out of pocket. That makes it very temping considering I could sell it for more in a year.

 

[Jacoblee23]

Three words... "Calibrate the screen". Its NIGHT & Day difference "contrast" wise. Having a off contrast and color screen bothers me more than a tad grainer text. I have had a MBPR and a MBA. I never bothered to calibrate the Pros screen. But i ALWAYS use the built in screen calibration for the Air. It brings the contrast and colors MUCH closer to the Pro, than how it comes out of the box. Some come kind of "yellow" out of the box. Very easy fix on the Air for the most part.

Granted it won't be the "retina" but trust me when i say it makes a HUGE difference!

I never could comprehend exactly how to do this when I had my Air. I went through it but the instructions were terrible and I didn't understand how to do it properly.

 

[z31fanatic]

Ignore the MBA, the screen sucks to be blunt..
Go for the new rMB or the surface.

I agree with this. I have a 2014 MBA and a late 2013 rMBP and find the Air screen to be unacceptable. If I use it for more than an hour, my eyes start hurting.
I think I am going to just sell it even though I love its portability.

 

[David58117]

I agree with this. I have a 2014 MBA and a late 2013 rMBP and find the Air screen to be unacceptable. If I use it for more than an hour, my eyes start hurting.
I think I am going to just sell it even though I love its portability.

I don't get this.

Years ago, laptop screens truly used to suck and people used them for hours without issue.

The screen on the air is much better than those, especially once calibrated and the washed out effect is gone.