Secondhand Macbook Pro or Macbook Air?

[cupcake86]

Hi guys

I'm new to this forum and to macs in general and was wondering if you could help me.

I'm looking to buy a new laptop - I'm studying (humanities) so use it for word processing, browsing and some limited indesign, etc. I take the laptop to uni and the library, etc. so portability is an issue. I've just been offered a couple of secondhand laptops and am not sure which one is better/the better deal? I guess I'm concerned that the Pro is quite old and perhaps getting towards the end of its life?

* MacBook Pro 15", 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 120GB Hard Disk,
SuperDrive, Bluetooth, Airport, Mac OS X 10.4 inc iLife 06. Model # A1211 (Late 2006) - $660

* MacBook Air w SuperDrive (original release with the 64GB solid state hard disk) - $1100

Thanks in advance x

 

[combat]

If you are looking for portability and good price, then maybe you should buy on of the newer polycarbonate ones. A new Macbook (not pro) would have much better specs, battery/computer life, and would not be that more expensive. And (drum roll) Snow Leopard! Tiger is awesome, however I personally think buying a newer computer would be better.

However, if you are limited to those two, I'm thinking the Air is best for your needs.

 

[ian.maffett]

I must agree. If you're budgeting 660-1100 you'd be best off with a new MacBook than either of these that are used and out of warranty, etc. You could even monitor the Refurb section - still comes with a full 1yr warranty, same as brand new.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTM3NDY2NTI

 

[1rottenapple]

that mba is too much... totally NOT worth the 1100 since its painfully slow. i mean painfully. I went from rev A mba, to rev b mba, and now a 13 mbp. if you are willing to spend close to 1100 for a computer, then I would definitely recomment getting a refurbished 13in mbp or a student discounted macbook from apple $950, i think.

being in school myself you will LOVE i mean LOVE the battery life in the current macbook and current macbook pros. its insane. i do have an anti-glare screen on my mbp though... that's the only bad thing is the glare. I can literally go to the library for 7 hours, lower the screen brightness to 3/4, intermittent wifi use and I get 7 hours. its seriously a marathoner. I've seen the 2.26 ghz mbp 13in in the apple refurbished store for about 950. I think its worth it if you prefer the alluminum... The white cases tend to attract dirt on the palm rest.

 

[Frankae]

I was able to get a 3 week old Macbook Air Rev C 1.86 GHz locally for $1100 CDN ~ $1040 USD

In my opinion, it's a great deal for a 99% new computer with more than 330 days of warranty left. It's pretty snappy, and easily comparable to my Late 2006 MBP 15". Half the weight really helps and I never used the DVD drive on my MBP anyways. Love it so far!

 

[pukifloyd]

Check out the refurb store...they have awesome deals sometimes. If you are willing to spend $1100 then buy a new MB/MBP in the same price instead of a used one (refurb is like new...you get full warranty and everything)