Itech deals has refurbished 2015 11” 4gb 128 airs for $349 and was wondering g how 4gb holds up in 2018 for light work and if this was worth it ?
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Is it worth buying a 4gb ram air in 2018?
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My MBA (2011) has 4GB RAM it is does fine with the web, social media stuff, word processing, notes and most things on a normal basis
However, you aren't going to want to run VMs or do video editing, or heavy photo editing and such
However, you aren't going to want to run VMs or do video editing, or heavy photo editing and such
My 2011 MBA had 4gb RAM (the only choices back then were 2gb or 4gb) and I was surprised by how well it worked with Final Cut Pro. It literally ran circles around my 2008 15" MBP for video editing. Now I was still using legacy Final Cut Pro and MacOSX 10.7 back then. But all around, I was really surprised how well that machine ran on 4gb. I'm sure there was a lot of swapping going on, but with the SSD I wasn't really aware of it. Also did a nice job running Logic Pro 9.
Of course, that was then and this is now. I wouldn't buy a computer with 4gb today just on general principles, but $350 sounds like a very good deal. I just don't know how well new(er) version of MacOS would run on 4gb but suspect it would be fine for "light work".
I am running High Sierra on my 2011 MBA with 4GB
As I said, it performs well (even driving an external monitor)
For email, web, Word/Excel, TeamViewer and RDP, and most other things, it is fine
I used to run Final Cut on it is well, but as was said above, that was then, and I eventually got a MBP for that (16 GB RAM, etc.)
For general light use, it works fine, but I wouldn't run VMs and such or try to do any real heavy lifting
As I said, it performs well (even driving an external monitor)
For email, web, Word/Excel, TeamViewer and RDP, and most other things, it is fine
I used to run Final Cut on it is well, but as was said above, that was then, and I eventually got a MBP for that (16 GB RAM, etc.)
For general light use, it works fine, but I wouldn't run VMs and such or try to do any real heavy lifting
I have a 2013 MBA with i5, 4 GB of RAM (running High Sierra) and it runs just fine for basic computing stuff (web browsing, making playlists, backing up photos, occasional word/excel use). That said I've already got a good 5 years out of mine and generally when I spend $ on a computer I like to get 5-6 years out of it, and I'm not seeing a reason to retire my MBA yet.
In your case it really depends what you are using it for. For basic computing it will probably be fine for a few more years yet (and at that price you may not feel like you need to get more than 2-3 years out of it?) 8 GB would definitely make it more future proof and might be worth a little extra if you can fine one.
In your case it really depends what you are using it for. For basic computing it will probably be fine for a few more years yet (and at that price you may not feel like you need to get more than 2-3 years out of it?) 8 GB would definitely make it more future proof and might be worth a little extra if you can fine one.
My 2014 11" MBA is an entry level model, 4GB/128GB. I have and continue to use it for anything and everything, from basic productivity work, to video and audio encoding and even running virtual machines. It will easily handle light work without breaking a sweat.
As for the price, that is in the eye of the beholder. I make it a point to not buy refurbished Apple products, but the 11" is long since been discontinued so if I were in your shoes, I'd make an exception.
2011 / 11" / 1.6 i5 / 4GB / 128GB / High Sierra.
As noted above, I found that it runs just fine on the daily tasks required of it (Chrome via Thunderbolt gigabit internet, MS Office Suite, VLC, photo manipulation thru iPhoto / Photos / Preview, etc) and I rarely experience the beach ball - certainly no worse than colleagues with more kitted out Macs. As ever, more RAM is always desirable, but, as sracer points out, the option to buy a new 11" is long gone, so if that's what you're looking for...
And, at that price, its competing favourably against tablets or Chromebooks, but is a 'real' computer with ports capable of connecting to peripherals with ease. And, it being a 2015, it's scheduled to be able to handle the next MacOS - if you want to go there.
As noted above, I found that it runs just fine on the daily tasks required of it (Chrome via Thunderbolt gigabit internet, MS Office Suite, VLC, photo manipulation thru iPhoto / Photos / Preview, etc) and I rarely experience the beach ball - certainly no worse than colleagues with more kitted out Macs. As ever, more RAM is always desirable, but, as sracer points out, the option to buy a new 11" is long gone, so if that's what you're looking for...
And, at that price, its competing favourably against tablets or Chromebooks, but is a 'real' computer with ports capable of connecting to peripherals with ease. And, it being a 2015, it's scheduled to be able to handle the next MacOS - if you want to go there.
I already have a 2017 13"MacBook Air, 2017 13" MacBook Pro, and a 2017 12" MacBook. I just love MacBooks and for that price I figured why not lol.
Sounds like when I walk into Costco, see 100 rolls of TP, costing almost nothing per roll and go, what the heck! I ended up renting a storage$$ space for all the "good deals."
I have the same ~ MBAir 13" mid 2011. Works for me as a sandbox for my xcode development work. I use it to access servers (cloud and VMs) online, which serves me just perfect. It is so light that I can bring it anywhere (i.e. the beach).
Just my 2 cents.
Mahalo (Thanks)
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That's the last place I would bring my MBA or any computer, even my phone! Water and Sand? I don't think so
Lou
That's the last place I would bring my MBA or any computer, even my phone! Water and Sand? I don't think so
Lou
Usually at a "picnic like bench/desk", specially under a shade near the beach. Definitely not on top of the sand. Just trying to enjoy the breeze, the view and staring at folks, while doing computing work
Hi, did you go for this? I’m using the first version of the 2008 unibody pros but in the U.K. MacBooks are a terrible price. I spotted this deal as I am in the US in a few weeks time. I spotted it on slickdeals but people were a bit cautious about the company since they were refurbished. Happy for any US based to give their 2 cents.
IMO $350 for any 2015 MacBook Air is cheap enough to make me suspicious. I wouldn’t buy something like that without knowing a lot about the seller and the condition of the computer. One reputable source for used Macs in the US is Macsales, AKA Other World Computing (OWC). I got a 2012 quad core mini from them two years ago and it has been great. You can return/exchange their Macs for two weeks and IIRC they have a 90 day warranty. The Mini looked like it was new.
Now they are going to be more expensive than a private seller, but I was willing to pay the difference to have a reputable company to fall back on in case of problems.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple-Systems/Used/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-and-13-Inch
Of course, a real Apple refurb would be best - it will be just like new with full 1 year US warranty. But that is going to be even more expensive. If it’s something you plan to keep a long time, IMO it’s worth the extra cost.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple-Systems/Used/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-and-13-Inch
Now they are going to be more expensive than a private seller, but I was willing to pay the difference to have a reputable company to fall back on in case of problems.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple-Systems/Used/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-and-13-Inch
Of course, a real Apple refurb would be best - it will be just like new with full 1 year US warranty. But that is going to be even more expensive. If it’s something you plan to keep a long time, IMO it’s worth the extra cost.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple-Systems/Used/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-and-13-Inch
I haven't bit yet. People who spent $30 for expedited shipping days ago still haven't received theirs.
[doublepost=1529775897][/doublepost]Hey guys should I do this deal instead of the 2015 11" Air from itechdeals?
Its a 2014 grade B refurbished for the same price from Newegg. I saw that the 2015 model is a bit faster but not sure how much of a difference it would make in real life: https://flash.newegg.com/Product/9SIA7WP6BP7395
Well that is from a well known company and includes a warranty. I'm surprised that these aren't more expensive. Also not sure what "refurbished" means at a third party dealer. This is what it means if you purchase refurbished directly from Apple: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...nch-macbook-air-16ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5
________
(1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, every unit is evaluated to ensure it meets Apple's quality standards.
Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
(2) What should I expect when I purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished Product?
All Apple Certified Refurbished Products are covered by a one-year limited warranty. For extended coverage, you have the option of purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan with your Apple Certified Refurbished Product.
__________
2013 was the year when Apple made the biggest change to the MBA - they switched to a more efficient CPU that almost doubles battery life compared to 2012 and earlier. In the following years the improvements were pretty minimal (especially with the 11" - the 13" got a faster SSD). So 2014 should be good, but SSD's have finite lives and 2015 is a year newer. But without knowing how it was used, that might not be relevant.
________
(1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, every unit is evaluated to ensure it meets Apple's quality standards.
Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
- undergoes full functionality testing and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced.
- Apple Watch and Apple Pencil devices that require replacement parts are not included in the Apple Certified Refurbished Program.
- is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
- is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes).
- includes either the Operating System originally shipped with the unit or, in some cases, a more recent version.
- is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
(2) What should I expect when I purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished Product?
- Substantial savings
- A fully functional unit with complete documentation
- The assurance that the unit meets Apple's premiere quality standards, and that its defective components have been replaced by genuine Apple components
All Apple Certified Refurbished Products are covered by a one-year limited warranty. For extended coverage, you have the option of purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan with your Apple Certified Refurbished Product.
__________
2013 was the year when Apple made the biggest change to the MBA - they switched to a more efficient CPU that almost doubles battery life compared to 2012 and earlier. In the following years the improvements were pretty minimal (especially with the 11" - the 13" got a faster SSD). So 2014 should be good, but SSD's have finite lives and 2015 is a year newer. But without knowing how it was used, that might not be relevant.
Alright chaps, tempted to go with one from a reliable ebay seller or best buys and get the 2017 model. It’s an extra $300 and on paper there seems damn all difference....am I wise?
Well, there's a difference between an 11" and 13" Air. The 11" is discontinued so gotta go with what is available. With the 13" you can be a bit more selective .
I don’t understand this. And you will not find an 11” MBA (which is the topic of this thread) at Best Buy.
Apologies for the confusion, I found a refurb on the Best Buy store the same year as the one on this post but it is more expensive.
I don’t know if I trust it though through I tech deals given the reviews I’ve read. Is it like a groupon of tech?
[doublepost=1529937633][/doublepost]
Jolly good, I’ll maybe check out the 13 and newer. 11 May be small
Chaps - don’t know if you’re following or not but people are saying the MacBook are arriving badly dented and scraped. I’m gonna Opt out of this one