Trying to decide if I should buy a MBA ...

[cmeisenzahl]

The two kids in college each have their own MBPs. I've been using a hand-me-down Chromebook in the evenings for browsing the Web, email, and Netflix.

It's on its last legs and I was going to buy another sub $200 refurb Chromebook. But now I'm wondering if I should get a MBA. I was thinking about maybe doing a little development on it. (We're already an Apple family, Apple music, 5 iPhones, Mac Mini, and wife has a recent iPad).

I'd def want a MBA with an i5 (i7 would be nice but overkill for me) and 8GB of RAM. Disk space not really an issue.

But I'm wondering, if I drop $900 on a recent MBA, how long can I expect it to be useful? And can the RAM be expanded on them beyond 8GB after purchase? I'd seriously consider one of I think I can get 4-5 years out of it.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.

 

[Weaselboy]

But I'm wondering, if I drop $900 on a recent MBA, how long can I expect it to be useful? And can the RAM be expanded on them beyond 8GB after purchase? I'd seriously consider one of I think I can get 4-5 years out of it.

You cannot add RAM after purchase on a MBA since it is soldered in, so buy it new with what you need. Unless you are doing some very heavy lifting there, 8GB will likely suit you just fine. You can easily get 4-5 years out of an MBA.

I had one for a couple years and really like it.

 

[vjobs]

Do you really need optical ports a lot? If not, I would go for the Retina MacBook. Comparable specs in terms of speed, much better display (higher DPI and better color reproduction), lighter and comparable awesome battery life.

 

[Tazoawake2016]

But I'm wondering, if I drop $900 on a recent MBA.....

If you don't mind buying from eBay, here's a listing for only $750.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-MacBo...-8GB-RAM-128GB-Storage-MMGF2LL-A/401311671086

 

[cmeisenzahl]

Thanks, guys! I found a 13.3" current model with 8GB and 128GB new at Best Buy for $799. Pulled the trigger at lunch.

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks, guys! I found a 13.3" current model with 8GB and 128GB new at Best Buy for $799. Pulled the trigger at lunch.

Congrats.... that's a great deal.

 

[sracer]

Thanks, guys! I found a 13.3" current model with 8GB and 128GB new at Best Buy for $799. Pulled the trigger at lunch.

Others take note. THIS is how you do it!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The 13" MBA is a terrific computer - sturdy, reliable, great battery, fast, powerful, portable - I have had a few and love them, and you should easily get four to five years out of it.

 

[cnev3]

Others take note. THIS is how you do it!

View attachment 697265

$799 at best buy means $860 after sales tax. The ebay deal is the same laptop, new and sealed in the box $750 no tax and the convenience of having it shipped to u. I went for that instead. THAT is how you do it!

 

[sracer]

$799 at best buy means $860 after sales tax. The ebay deal is the same laptop, new and sealed in the box $750 no tax and the convenience of having it shipped to u. I went for that instead. THAT is how you do it!

Ok, then there are 2 ways to do it.