MB or MBA to replace MBP

[ucfgrad93]

If i were you, go for the MB. I think you will miss out on the features of the MB if you go for the MBA. It's easier with a built in superdrive, several usb ports instead of carrying around an external superdrive and usb hub for the MBA. The MB will also give you more RAM, HDD space etc.

Agreed. I would go for the MB for these same reasons.

 

[miles01110]

But the really big deal is the lack of a removable battery... For road warriors, having and using an extra battery is important - I put it into my main suitcase, but pull it out if necessary.

Yeah, I forgot about that for some reason. Lack of a removable battery is a huge deal.

 

[mmulin]

sounds more and more that the MB is for me... one has to wonder, if the MBA isnt for me, then is it really for anyone

Mainly, I use my MBA for coding and Unix system administration including managing presentations and documents which come with the jobs. Occasionally, I pre-edit some smaller movie projects in QT or FCE. Since, I am mostly jet-setting for my job, I value the low weight combined with a decent enough big screen. I don't mind the battery issue since business & first class mostly have outlets these days. As for not having a CD/DVD, is not an issue at all. I rarely need one and if, I use the remote drive option on another Mac/ PC, simply Wifi, or have the disk image handed over on a USB stick. For me the perfect machine.

Seeing your performance needs, the questions boils down to CD/DVD and removable battery.

 

[mmulin]

If someone pulled out a MacBook Air in a meeting with me, the first thing I'd think is that this person values style over substance. Fine if you work in fashion, but not so much elsewhere.
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Yeah, but this is more your problem that you can't see past that. We are not comparing a Corolla to a Hummer for city driving. My professionalism hasn't been questioned yet over the choice of equipment I am using but rather the results I provide despite what I charge for them. That is all they are interested in.

 

[Lexoticstylez02]

Remember, you will be sacrificing LCD screen quality going from the MBP to the MB or MBA. I only mention this because you mentioned video editing.....

The MBA LCD is actually substantially better than the MacBook, so I don't think this would be a great issue if he went with the MBA.

I would go for the Air if you don't need a SuperDrive and USB ports much, the thinness and lightness of the Air will make quite a difference since you travel alot. On the other hand, if you need the SuperDrive and USB ports go for the MB of course.