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Convince me to get a base 11" MBA! :D

If upgrading to 4gb RAM is out of the question then I'd get a 13 MBP, or wait for the MBP refresh and see what they change. Getting the low end pro allows upgradeability, you really have to buy what you fully want with an Air up front.
 
2IS said:
Lets be realistic and practical. Anyone buying an MBA isn't going to want to carry around an external HDD. You make it seem like the difference between 64 and 128 isn't much when in-fact it is a 100% increase in storage capacity which can easily be the difference between carrying an MBA, and carrying an MBA in addition to a HDD and having to hook it up every time you want information from it. As if that weren't inconvenient enough, if you use your laptop in cramped places like an airplane or a small classroom desk, having a HDD dangling from the side is pretty inconvenient.
Click to expand...

If you need that much hdd space, you probably want a pro instead of an air. Otherwise, a simple flashstick drive can also double your capacity, isn't limited only to the air, and doesn't take up much space.

Now you're thinking with Air [/Glados voice]
 
Eclipse278 said:
If you need that much hdd space, you probably want a pro instead of an air. Otherwise, a simple flashstick drive can also double your capacity, isn't limited only to the air, and doesn't take up much space.

Now you're thinking with Air [/Glados voice]
Click to expand...

Why would I want to go with a Pro just because I want more HDD space when I can have more HDD space and a lighter, smaller laptop with the AIR? You're simply not making any sense at all. The HDD IS an inconvenience, no matter how much you try to pretend otherwise. Not to mention it takes up a USB port and is much slower.
 
2 week trial if you have apple store access

Not sure if you do (have an apple retail store) but since the restocking fees have been removed you can just get it and see if you are happy. This is the best way to find out.
 
2IS said:
Lets be realistic and practical. Anyone buying an MBA isn't going to want to carry around an external HDD. You make it seem like the difference between 64 and 128 isn't much when in-fact it is a 100% increase in storage capacity which can easily be the difference between carrying an MBA, and carrying an MBA in addition to a HDD and having to hook it up every time you want information from it. As if that weren't inconvenient enough, if you use your laptop in cramped places like an airplane or a small classroom desk, having a HDD dangling from the side is pretty inconvenient.
Click to expand...

In the way that you're imagining using it, it wouldn't be very practical. But I have all of my essentials on my MBA for daily use. Anything else that is on the external are things that I'll need maybe once every month (at most). It's not very inconvenient pulling out an external once in a blue moon. And as another user here said, you can use that extra cash towards something else, like when you upgrade, or a very nice case for the MBA.
 
MarximusMG said:
In the way that you're imagining using it, it wouldn't be very practical. But I have all of my essentials on my MBA for daily use. Anything else that is on the external are things that I'll need maybe once every month (at most). It's not very inconvenient pulling out an external once in a blue moon. And as another user here said, you can use that extra cash towards something else, like when you upgrade, or a very nice case for the MBA.
Click to expand...

You can also spend less than half as much for an Acer and spend the money you save elsewhere too. ;)
 
2IS said:
Why would I want to go with a Pro just because I want more HDD space when I can have more HDD space and a lighter, smaller laptop with the AIR? You're simply not making any sense at all. The HDD IS an inconvenience, no matter how much you try to pretend otherwise. Not to mention it takes up a USB port and is much slower.
Click to expand...

do you mean a flashdrive is an inconvenience? Maybe I'd agree, in the same way that having to carry around a key to start my car is not as convenient as a world with keyless cars. But tech has limitations, and if you want the small size of the air then you make a sacrifice in the storage capacity.

I've never transferred enough data through a flashdrive to notice its speed on the air. I don't store much on it though, it mostly just connects to larger file servers. That's kind of the whole point of the air.

fkntotalkaos said:
Does some of the memory/virtual memory come from the SSD which is fast
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I usually have at least 500mb free+inactive memory, and usually more around 1gb. Though I use the air to control servers who do the grunt work instead of it, the SSD and the 320m make the laptop feel very fast. All around a solid laptop.
 
Eclipse278 said:
do you mean a flashdrive is an inconvenience? Maybe I'd agree, in the same way that having to carry around a key to start my car is not as convenient as a world with keyless cars. But tech has limitations, and if you want the small size of the air then you make a sacrifice in the storage capacity.
Click to expand...

Yes it is. Nevermind the fact that you have to plug it in every time you use it, but it can also very easily be forgotten or lost. We're also debating between the 64 and 128GB SSD's both of which are available for the smallest MBA. If you're SURE you won't need more than 64GB, or more accuratly, whatever is left after the OS is installed, then by all means save your money. But if you think you may need more, I think the smart money is on the 128GB drive over external storage options. My personal opinion.
 
whatevs. I dont actually use flashdrives. (never put anything on a flashdrive you cant afford to lose) Still over half the hdd free on my base 64gb air.
 
There are quite a few things that I like about the 11.6 inch air over my old MBP.

1. The screen is way less reflective, which means I can set it dimmer and still be able to comfortable see what's on the screen, even in a well-lit room.

2. It is snappy. This is most probably thanks to the geforce 320m and the SSD and despite the fact that I only have 2GB of RAM, everything is still smooth and buttery even when I open several apps and multiple tabs in Safari.

3. It keeps its cool. Unlike my previous MBP, my new Air is cool and so quiet when I use it. I guess its architecture is designed to emit less heat? haha

4. It's so light.

5. The battery's rating says 5 hours, and yet, I've been getting solid 7 hours plus from it.(Thanks to the screen, I could use dim the screen and still get less glares, so that's why I could get more hours out of it)

6. Aluminum bezel means that you don't have to worry that you'll leave fingerprints on your screen.

7. Separate USB ports. Now I can plug 2 fat USB devices at once :D

8. High-res screen. Love the PPI :)

and more....
 
I've owned more Mac notebooks than I can count on both hands and this 11" Air is BY FAR the most fun to use of them all...just a joy to take just about anywhere I go...one of the best technology purchases I've ever made...
Apple truly hit this one out of the park IMO...:D:apple:
 
So I am split between decisions here.

One one hand, I really don't use my computer for more than basic stuff, and I want the OS X as I just love working in it.

On the other hand, I might want to use my computer for more stuff in the future, and now that the MBP update is closing in (?) I just dont know what to do...:confused:
 
it's sufficient

My dad's a lawyer and he uses the MacBook Air 11 inch as his main laptop.

Since he needs Office Suite, Mail and Internet, the Air is more than enough.
Document files are relatively small so the 64GB SSD isn't a problem for him.

He's had it for a few months now and he's really (and I mean really) happy with it. :D

Just to give you an idea on how capable the base model is:
it can play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 on 1366x768 resolution/High/no anti-aliasing.

Hope this helps you in making your decision:D
 
jianadmu said:
My dad's a lawyer and he uses the MacBook Air 11 inch as his main laptop.

Since he needs Office Suite, Mail and Internet, the Air is more than enough.
Document files are relatively small so the 64GB SSD isn't a problem for him.

He's had it for a few months now and he's really (and I mean really) happy with it. :D

Just to give you an idea on how capable the base model is:
it can play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 on 1366x768 resolution/High/no anti-aliasing.

Hope this helps you in making your decision:D
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
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