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Macbook Air, the worst Macbook ever, don't buy it

bubulol said:
Don't you know that a 200$ Chromebook would suit to your need (Youtube, Netflix) and has way better display (IPS)?

About price, i cant imagine ppl still defending Apple, IPS isnt cheap for sure but i doesn't cost 500$ either, Apple selling a TN laptop for 1000$ lmao and ppl still believe its a formidable machine
Neither MBA nor the new Macbook does
There is only one viable Macbook on the market: Retina Macbook Pro
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I have been a Mac owner since 1988. I am not about to go to a Windox machine or any other brand, not interested in another learning curve. Been there done that. I know whats out there, and I made my choice, you need to respect other peoples decisions instead of your own preferences.
 
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I've had an 11" MBA since 2011. It's by far the best laptop I've owned (my first was a PowerBook 170) in terms of balance between size, weight, speed, and display. I use it nearly every day for work and don't think that the screen is nearly as bad as the OP does. However, I've decided that whatever replaces it will have a retina display, so I'm waiting to see what Apple does. My guess is that the MBA line will go away, but I certainly wouldn't mind if Apple kept it as an entry-level machine.

BTW, the title of this thread is so over the top that it negates the OP's points. It does serve as click bait, though. :)
 
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Hellhammer said:
And TN panel is exactly what makes the MBA cheaper. High resolution IPS panels are considerably more expensive than the TN panels used in the MBA, so switching to IPS would push the price up. For many, the TN panel is just fine - it's miles ahead of the 768p panels that most of the cheap-ish PCs have.

I never found the resolution to be an issue on my 13" MBA. The retina IPS display in my new 2016 rMB sure is nicer, but if I was on a budget I wouldn't mind making the tradeoff for MBA's TN panel. Also, you have to remember that the MBA has the best battery life out of all Macs and that is primarily due to the lower res panel.
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Welcome back HH
 
Indeed, the screen is far from the top of the list of things I care about. It is certainly important, but the difference between a "retina" display and non-HD display is not worth $500. The biggest thing is that the Air is a lightweight, portable machine capable of doing moderately intensive things. Gaming, development/compiling, some video editing, photoshop...

In what way, in terms of power, does the Macbook compete with the Air?

Also, that fancy screen is not worth the amount of battery life it chops off. 12 hour battery life turns into 8 with my typical use, but only 6 hours would ruin it. I need to have a device that functions all day during school.

Also, you can always hook up your Macbook to an external display and using it in clamshell- oh. Sorry, you need a dongle for that.

And I'd like to charge my device and my phone at the same time... oh.

Okay, that's not fair. I'll just plug in my SD card..... oops.

My biggest problem with the Macbook is that it's a glorified iPad with a keyboard. It can't really do what I need it to do. I wouldn't care except that it's more expensive than the more powerful Macbook Air...

But, hey, it has a nice screen!
 
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akimoriRyuuji said:
Indeed, the screen is far from the top of the list of things I care about. It is certainly important, but the difference between a "retina" display and non-HD display is not worth $500.
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It doesn't have to Retina quality. It needs to be acceptable. You are paying $1000 or more for the Air. There is no excuse for it to have such an abysmal screen. There are $250 Chromebooks with IPS screens. The suggestion that an IPS screen would have made the Air more expensive doesn't fly.
 
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akimoriRyuuji said:
Indeed, the screen is far from the top of the list of things I care about. It is certainly important, but the difference between a "retina" display and non-HD display is not worth $500. The biggest thing is that the Air is a lightweight, portable machine capable of doing moderately intensive things. Gaming, development/compiling, some video editing, photoshop...

In what way, in terms of power, does the Macbook compete with the Air?

Also, that fancy screen is not worth the amount of battery life it chops off. 12 hour battery life turns into 8 with my typical use, but only 6 hours would ruin it. I need to have a device that functions all day during school.

Also, you can always hook up your Macbook to an external display and using it in clamshell- oh. Sorry, you need a dongle for that.

And I'd like to charge my device and my phone at the same time... oh.

Okay, that's not fair. I'll just plug in my SD card..... oops.

My biggest problem with the Macbook is that it's a glorified iPad with a keyboard. It can't really do what I need it to do. I wouldn't care except that it's more expensive than the more powerful Macbook Air...

But, hey, it has a nice screen!
Click to expand...
Try Macbook first and do not listen ppl who never use it, its perfect laptop for mobility
If you want some power, get MBP Retina 13
I can use Macbook on my couch/bed, not the MBA due to TN screen display
Its terrible for a laptop supposed to be used for mobility when you cant simply laying down on the couch and use Macbook to watch video content
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akimoriRyuuji said:
Indeed, the screen is far from the top of the list of things I care about. It is certainly important, but the difference between a "retina" display and non-HD display is not worth $500. The biggest thing is that the Air is a lightweight, portable machine capable of doing moderately intensive things. Gaming, development/compiling, some video editing, photoshop...

In what way, in terms of power, does the Macbook compete with the Air?

Also, that fancy screen is not worth the amount of battery life it chops off. 12 hour battery life turns into 8 with my typical use, but only 6 hours would ruin it. I need to have a device that functions all day during school.

Also, you can always hook up your Macbook to an external display and using it in clamshell- oh. Sorry, you need a dongle for that.

And I'd like to charge my device and my phone at the same time... oh.

Okay, that's not fair. I'll just plug in my SD card..... oops.

My biggest problem with the Macbook is that it's a glorified iPad with a keyboard. It can't really do what I need it to do. I wouldn't care except that it's more expensive than the more powerful Macbook Air...

But, hey, it has a nice screen!
Click to expand...
Photoshop with TN screen display really?
TN colors are poor and false, IPS colors are more realistic
I never trust images/pictures on TN display, i always check it on my smartphone (hey guess what, its IPS lol)
 
Well, one can definitely buy a Chromebook with an IPS display for $250, but let's be fair here (though I suspect several in this thread are cherry-picking and being purposefully obtuse), the display isn't the only difference between a MBA & a Chromebook.

You have:
  • processors
  • onboard storage
  • general quality of design and materials
  • warranty
  • tech support.

Oh, and you can use MBA's without the internet too. :-/
 
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Boske said:
You Americans are so polite and have so much patience with people like
"bubulol" and "Fancuku". I'm really impressed.
Click to expand...

Well here is the plot twist ... I am not an American :eek::confused::eek::mad::eek:.


Ohh I just love TN displays. They are my favourite <3... Macbook Air is definietly gonna stay strong in the next few years and those who can't stand this please don't create useless threads :). Everyone buys what they like and as you can see many users preffer the MBA.
 
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organic bond said:
Totally disagree. In fact the MacBook Air is the best computer I've have used, and I started in 1981. I bought one in 2010 and another one last year.

And BTW, last year I bought a MacBook as well. Returned.
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Ulenspiegel said:
I have to disagree. It is not the display, at least in my case, that is the most important criteria when it comes to portable computers.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

This is not the first thread I have read on this topic.

Noe is it the first thread on this topic where the opinions expressed by the OP are expressed in a tone of such adamantine certainty that it admits neither discussion nor disagreement.

Now: I have had MBAs of one sort of another since 2010, when I bought what was then called the Rev-C.

The MBA is easily the best computer I have ever had, period. Prior to that I had a 15" MBP, a terrific computer, but frankly, it was too heavy for me - a middle aged female - to lug around with any degree of comfort.

You see, there are those of us who need certain things in a computer. A seriously good screen (and prior to the introduction of retina, the MBA's screen was seen as one of the best in the business) - while very nice, is not the key determinant for me when buying a computer.

Firstly, I travel a lot, therefore weight - portability matters a lot.

Likewise, because I am on often the move, trains, planes, airports, or - put another way, in my last job, my 'office' was the coffee shop, because that was where I could meet the people I needed to meet - I need excellent battery life.

Thirdly, I want power.

Now, my MBA - I have a CTO, Core i7, 8 GB RAM and 512 SSD - hits that sweet spot of power, portability, and excellent battery life. And it has ports; more than one are nice - and necessary - to have.

Yes, the retina screen is nice - but the absence of it is not something that bothers me.

The MB reminds me of the original MBA, released back in 2008. I remember examine one, admiring the form factor and portability, and privately deciding that I would treat myself to one, someday. The 'someday' wasn't then, simply because in 2008, the MBA was a seriously underpowered (the first iteration had 64 GB SSD, or an 80 GB HDD) and overpriced machine. Over time, the specs improved - so much so that the 2013 MBAs are - to my mind - one of the best computers Apple ever designed.

For now, until the MB is seriously powered up, with better specs, and is granted an improved battery life, which I don't doubt may well happen - for all of its weight and pretty screen, it is not on my shopping list.
 
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Apple should say in their June 2016 keynote, "The Macbook Air is our best selling notebook in Apple's History... And that is why we are going to replace it.". Like what Steve Jobs said about one of the smaller iPods one time.
 
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I dont understand some of you, you want power? Get MBP Retina, more power, more connectivity, Retina screen and not that expensive (from 1500$)
Best laptop for mobility purpose?
Obviously the Macbook 12, however i had doubt and tough criticizes from a recent past, until i tried it, everything i need, Apple have made it
I love its slick design (not fan of iPad/iPhone colors though), so light on my hands, and damn it, Retina display is gorgeous
I dont make ads for MB but its the way to go, you guys seem to be a bit conservative
Macbook Air is outdated
Macbok 12 is better in every way except for power (still lacking) but its enough for most of daily use (i am considering as an average Apple user, youtube, mailing, browsing, some MS Office stuffs...)
Macbook Air should have a Retina display and i would reconsider it...
If i was Apple seller in Apple Store and customer would ask me which one to buy?
Should i push them to Macbook Air, outdated laptop with non Retina and TN screen displays?
Cmon, its the most ugly screen you could see on Apple Store (iPad, iPhone, iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook 12, all have Retina and IPS!)
 
bubulol said:
I dont understand some of you, you want power? Get MBP Retina, more power, more connectivity, Retina screen and not that expensive (from 1500$)
Best laptop for mobility purpose?
Obviously the Macbook 12, however i had doubt and tough criticizes from a recent past, until i tried it, everything i need, Apple have made it
I love its slick design (not fan of iPad/iPhone colors though), so light on my hands, and damn it, Retina display is gorgeous
I dont make ads for MB but its the way to go, you guys seem to be a bit conservative
Macbook Air is outdated
Macbok 12 is better in every way except for power (still lacking) but its enough for most of daily use (i am considering as an average Apple user, youtube, mailing, browsing, some MS Office stuffs...)
Macbook Air should have a Retina display and i would reconsider it...
If i was Apple seller in Apple Store and customer would ask me which one to buy?
Should i push them to Macbook Air, outdated laptop with non Retina and TN screen displays?
Cmon, its the most ugly screen you could see on Apple Store (iPad, iPhone, iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook 12, all have Retina and IPS!)
Click to expand...

And you don't understand what we are saying - and appear obdurately intent on not accepting that people can legitimately hold an opinion which differs from yours.

We get it. You like the MB, and you adore the Retina screen. Very nice. But some of us like the MBA, because it meets our needs now.

The MBA hits a sweet spot of portability, and power and battery - and those are the features that I want and need.

'A bit conservative'? No, just content with what the MBA offers.

For now, the MB reminds me of the MBA in 2008; a gorgeous design, but a device that is under powered, lacking some key specs, and over priced for what it offers, which is a gorgeous screen and minimal weight.

Personally, the Retina screen comes under the heading of 'attractive optional extra'; but it is not a core need. Portability, power and battery are.
 
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I respect opinions of anyone, no problem at all, i just would share my opinion about MBA/MB 12/MBP
Under powered? For basic stuffs? Why i need i7 just for web browsing or watching on Youtube?
Dont make me wrong, if you really want power, you most likely did not choose the right Macbook, as i said, Macbook Pro Retina is aimed for ppl who need power such as professional users
Overpriced? MB has 8 gb of ram and 256 gb of ssd, a similar specs for MBA, it would cost 1350/1400$, so within MB price range
For 1000$ you ll get, 4 gb of ram, 128 gb of ssd, 1366x768, 11 inches, web browsing is a nightmare on 11 while its pleasant on 12 because of Retina
 
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bubulol said:
Overpriced? MB has 8 gb of ram and 256 gb of ssd, a similar specs for MBA, it would cost 1350/1400$, so within MB price range
For 1000$ you ll get, 4 gb of ram, 128 gb of ssd, 1366x768, 11 inches, web browsing is a nightmare on 11 while its pleasant on 12 because of Retina
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The early 2016 refreshed 13" Air has 8GB standard now. The 256GB model is $1200. So $100 less than the 12" Macbook.
And the base 11" with 4GB/128GB SSD is $900, not $100.
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bubulol said:
I dont understand some of you, you want power? Get MBP Retina, more power, more connectivity, Retina screen and not that expensive (from 1500$)
Click to expand...
The 13" retina MBP is not much more powerful than the Air. It uses U processors like the Air.
 
bubulol said:
I respect opinions of anyone, no problem at all, i just would share my opinion about MBA/MB 12/MBP
Under powered? For basic stuffs? Why i need i7 just for web browsing or watching on Youtube?
Dont make me wrong, if you really want power, you most likely did not choose the right Macbook, as i said, Macbook Pro Retina is aimed for ppl who need power such as professional users
Overpriced? MB has 8 gb of ram and 256 gb of ssd, a similar specs for MBA, it would cost 1350/1400$, so within MB price range
For 1000$ you ll get, 4 gb of ram, 128 gb of ssd, 1366x768, 11 inches, web browsing is a nightmare on 11 while its pleasant on 12 because of Retina
Click to expand...

I think you have problems with either reading comprehension, or simply basic comprehension of what others have written.

Your thread title one is designed to evoke - or provoke - a reaction - and is an example of complete hyperbole ('worst MacBook ever') - possibly intended as clickbait.

Actually, I get the sense that, rather than stating that you think the MB is an excellent computer (for your needs) - which is a perfectly reasonable position to hold - you insist on trying to bludgeon anyone who disagrees with you into compliance, and ridiculing their reasons for choosing what works perfectly well for them.

Look: As I have said, I want portability, power and long battery life in one computer. The MBA delivers that, especially the 11" - (I have had both) - which is a superlative computer.

Retina is not a pressing need of mine. And, while I value portability over power, (remember I have had a MBP), I want both in my computer. And, if this comes at the expense of a Retina screen, so be it. That is my choice.
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
I think you have problems with either reading comprehension, or simply basic comprehension of what others have written.

Your thread title one is designed to evoke - or provoke - a reaction - and is an example of complete hyperbole ('worst MacBook ever') - possibly intended as clickbait.

Look: As I have said, I want portability, power and long battery life in one computer. The MBA delivers that, especially the 11" - (I have had both) - which is a superlative computer.

Retina is not a pressing need of mine. And, while I value portability over power, (remember I have had a MBP), I want both in my computer. And, if this comes at the expense of a Retina screen, so be it. That is my choice.
Click to expand...


He is not reading anyones posts because this thread purpose is to advertise his sweet macbook and as you said provoke discussions :). He is talking like there are no prefferences and people must buy what he says because what he recommends is THE BEST.
 
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I have little issue with my 2013 MBA 13". Its served me well so far. Things I wish I could change are the resolution of the monitor and RAM. But the screen doesn't make it a bad laptop. I've upgraded my HDD to 256 from 128. Hope it lasts for another year or so.

the Macbook I dislike. As I've said on another thread, the keyboard on it is horrible. Very prone to problems with dirt/debris. Does feel underpowered at times.
 
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