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Thinking about buying a MacBook Air
- Thread starter timize
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I would actually say this is a better time than most.
Not only did they just do a really good update that makes the machines really cool and vastly improves graphical performance, any current purchase comes with a free upgrade to Mountain Lion when it drops (prolly tomorrow).
I snatched a 11" a couple weeks ago and it's one of the coolest toys I've ever owned. It's a deceptively powerful little thing. It could actually serve as a main computer for anyone who doesn't video game or do heavy video editing. It can run multiple external displays!
Not only did they just do a really good update that makes the machines really cool and vastly improves graphical performance, any current purchase comes with a free upgrade to Mountain Lion when it drops (prolly tomorrow).
I snatched a 11" a couple weeks ago and it's one of the coolest toys I've ever owned. It's a deceptively powerful little thing. It could actually serve as a main computer for anyone who doesn't video game or do heavy video editing. It can run multiple external displays!
i got the 2011 model from last july..
I'm still very happy with mine and i can only look with jealous eyes on the people with the newer ivy bridge cpu (HD 4000). its a nice upgrade, graphically.
although this does exactly what its supposed to do. media-wise, it can easily run 720p videos on youtube, which is exactly the max i require from it, apart from a few indie-games like plants vs zombies and world of goo...
i don't know the performance difference, but i imagine its better on the newer one
overall its very fast, nice designed, comfortable keyboard, very nice screen and weighs... nothing.
I'm still very happy with mine and i can only look with jealous eyes on the people with the newer ivy bridge cpu (HD 4000). its a nice upgrade, graphically.
although this does exactly what its supposed to do. media-wise, it can easily run 720p videos on youtube, which is exactly the max i require from it, apart from a few indie-games like plants vs zombies and world of goo...
i don't know the performance difference, but i imagine its better on the newer one
overall its very fast, nice designed, comfortable keyboard, very nice screen and weighs... nothing.
Ordered mine last week. Getting it tomorrow This is the best time - you've just had an update, and the feedback on the update has been good. There are no critical flaws with the 2012 refresh - so you're all set.
Plus I don't think there's anything in the 13" rMBP rumours. Just a load of BS in my opinion. I don't see that happening for at least 1½ years, defs after Haswell.
You're fine with buying now
This is the best time - you've just had an update, and the feedback on the update has been good. There are no critical flaws with the 2012 refresh - so you're all set.Plus I don't think there's anything in the 13" rMBP rumours. Just a load of BS in my opinion. I don't see that happening for at least 1½ years, defs after Haswell.
You're fine with buying now
Yeah go for it. This year's update may not seem like much, but imo it's quite a big upgrade.
- Graphics card: HD 4000 is up to 60% faster than HD 3000.
- USB 3.0
- 720p FaceTime camera
- Better fans (I think?)
- Upgradeable to 8GB of RAM
- Ivy Bridge (a little faster and a little less power hungry as well, so the battery seems to also last a teeny bit longer)
MBA mid-2012 is a solid machine.
- Graphics card: HD 4000 is up to 60% faster than HD 3000.
- USB 3.0
- 720p FaceTime camera
- Better fans (I think?)
- Upgradeable to 8GB of RAM
- Ivy Bridge (a little faster and a little less power hungry as well, so the battery seems to also last a teeny bit longer)
MBA mid-2012 is a solid machine.
The SSD on my 2012 MBA easily benchmarks 2x+ faster than my 2011 MBA. Not that I had any problems with the speed of my 2011, but .. holy crap with the new one!
The SSD on my 2012 MBA easily benchmarks 2x+ faster than my 2011 MBA. Not that I had any problems with the speed of my 2011, but .. holy crap with the new one!
Right. How could I forget.. the SSD speeds are now 6 Gbps, as opposed to 3 Gbps (2011).
Buy Now
Now is a great time to buy an Air. I am upgrading from a Core2Due MacBook Air 13.3" (Late 2010) model. I will see drastic improvements in performance if the reviews and tests are to be believed. Real world experience with in-store units confirm the "snappyness" of the new units. They will be perfect for Mountain Lion.
Custom build times seem improved with my order arriving within 4-business days.
Now is a great time to buy an Air. I am upgrading from a Core2Due MacBook Air 13.3" (Late 2010) model. I will see drastic improvements in performance if the reviews and tests are to be believed. Real world experience with in-store units confirm the "snappyness" of the new units. They will be perfect for Mountain Lion.
Custom build times seem improved with my order arriving within 4-business days.
I started on a mid-2010 and the 2012 blows it away on every performance fronts.