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Just purchased a 2018 MBA

SpunZ

SpunZ

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 29, 2018
19
23
First time owner of a mac computer. Picked up the 8gb/256ssd model. I decided to spend a little bit more now then having to deal with an external drive in the future. For the couple hours I used it last night, it was great. A few standouts are just how beautiful the computer is and how silent it runs.

I am attempting to avoid dongle town so I picked up a few cables. usb-c to Lightning, usb-c to HDMI, usb-c to Usb-a, and a small usb-c to usb-a female adapter. I also bought an incase protective sleeve, and a clear keyboard protector off amazon that had good reviews, but the jury is out on how that is.

I have a desktop PC I use for gaming. With this machine I plan to use for media consumption and some light photo/video editing. I also have future plans to start and run an online business. The portability is a huge plus for travel and just being able to slip into my backpack.

Any good new user tips?
Thanks
 
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SpunZ said:
Any good new user tips?
Click to expand...
Don't drop it. (More of a pro tip, but useful to noobs too.)

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on moving to macOS. I remember making the move and finding it much easier than I expected; but a lot's changed since those days.

Enjoy the MBA. I agree that portability is one of its best points.
 
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auxbuss said:
Don't drop it. (More of a pro tip, but useful to noobs too.)

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on moving to macOS. I remember making the move and finding it much easier than I expected; but a lot's changed since those days.

Enjoy the MBA. I agree that portability is one of its best points.
Click to expand...

I'll give my full thoughts after using the machine for a week or so, I have been busy so have not been able to use it much.

One thing OS side that I found useful is that static toolbar on the top that has all different options that change based on what application you are using.
 
Last edited:
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Buy the Missing Manual for Mojave, you will learn a lot. Mojave is a pretty powerful OS.
 
Really starting to make use of all the gestures. Very slick. And having different desktops open with different apps, being able to swap in between them with a three finger swipe feels really good.
 
SpunZ said:
First time owner of a mac computer. Picked up the 8gb/256ssd model. I decided to spend a little bit more now then having to deal with an external drive in the future. For the couple hours I used it last night, it was great. A few standouts are just how beautiful the computer is and how silent it runs.

I am attempting to avoid dongle town so I picked up a few cables. usb-c to Lightning, usb-c to HDMI, usb-c to Usb-a, and a small usb-c to usb-a female adapter. I also bought an incase protective sleeve, and a clear keyboard protector off amazon that had good reviews, but the jury is out on how that is.

I have a desktop PC I use for gaming. With this machine I plan to use for media consumption and some light photo/video editing. I also have future plans to start and run an online business. The portability is a huge plus for travel and just being able to slip into my backpack.

Any good new user tips?
Thanks
Click to expand...

I may try the 128gb version, but if I do run out of space I think I may get an external drive to hold any files on. Don't know too much about going that route in the future but we will see.
 
Keep your hands clean when typing on the keyboard. There have been too many reports of keyboard-related issues with the new 2018 MBA...
 
Buy a pentalobe screw driver just incase you need to check or clean something out that instance!
We hope you never need to use that though
 
Eksoccer99 said:
Just bought one over the weekend. Silver - 16gb mem, 512gb storage + apple care. So, far I'm loving it.
Click to expand...

That’s the configuration I’ve been looking at getting :) only difference is I’m thinking of getting the gold one.

How are you finding it so far, is it fast? Also is it worth getting the 16GB Ram?
 
Dave245 said:
That’s the configuration I’ve been looking at getting :) only difference is I’m thinking of getting the gold one.

How are you finding it so far, is it fast? Also is it worth getting the 16GB Ram?
Click to expand...

Seems pretty fast. Haven't fully pushed its limits yet, as I just got it. I do a little bit of photography/graphics on the side. So, looking to use photoshop, lightroom, etc... For that reason, I wanted to make sure, but have read 8gb mem is fine. Was debating between the air vs ipad pro, but for the money and vs. macOS and iOS. Wanted a full OS and not change any/my workflow. Love how light it is, too. If I need something bigger, I have our 27" iMac. I plan on getting KB cover, to be safe, but also went with AppleCare. (which I normally don't get/do).
 
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Currently saving for this exact machine. Apple sells it on Amazon it for $150 less, so that is helping with the cost of the SSD size increase for me.
 
frocco said:
How is the speed and daily use on the 8g/256g MBA?
Click to expand...

I have the 8 GB RAM/256 GB 2018 Macbook Air. I have about 11 applications open including three browsers with multiple tabs open. I haven't noticed any slowdowns. Prior to this, I owned a 2011 Macbook Air. I had really looked into the 2017 Macbook Pro as they were priced similarly but didn't want the older keyboard. I hope this helps.
 
frocco said:
How is the speed and daily use on the 8g/256g MBA?
Click to expand...
With everyday use it is very smooth, I honestly would like to see a side by side of the 8gb and 16gb model to see where / if the difference is noticeable.
 
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