I often use mine in bed, or on my lap on the sofa, so the lower weight and small size (11") are perfect. I'm currently ripping my DVDs, with a USB drive... Does that count as using the Air functionality? 
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Who has a MacBook Air but barely use its "Air" functions?
- Thread starter Kendo
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My MacBook Air is usually in one of three places:
1) Used on the throne
2) Used in bed (sterilized of course
3) Docked to my Thunderbolt display.
Does any of these count as using the "Air" functions?
Im sure there's plenty of Air functions going on in there.
My 2011 13 inch is my 2nd Air. I travel 10 days a month and wouldn't know what to do if i have had to carry a different laptop. I also have an iPad and there are times when I carry both - or on quick day trips - it alone suffices.
At home --- iMac.
At home --- iMac.
While mine goes nearly everywhere with me, I think people who don't travel should consider them too.
I bought the original MBA SSD, and there were definite compromises. It ran hot, played video poorly and was generally tempermental.
With my 2010 MBA, however, there really aren't any compromises for me. I do all the usual tasks and light photo-editing and this thing does just great with all of that. Unless you're a gamer, need a big screen, or are rendering a lot of video, the MBA is a great choice.
I bought the original MBA SSD, and there were definite compromises. It ran hot, played video poorly and was generally tempermental.
With my 2010 MBA, however, there really aren't any compromises for me. I do all the usual tasks and light photo-editing and this thing does just great with all of that. Unless you're a gamer, need a big screen, or are rendering a lot of video, the MBA is a great choice.
I have been considering trading for a 13" pro, because my 11" air sits hooked up to an external display most of the time...but I have grown quite attached to my air...it's a tough decision.
I have been considering trading for a 13" pro, because my 11" air sits hooked up to an external display most of the time...but I have grown quite attached to my air...it's a tough decision.
The 13" pro is basically the exact same thing as the 13" air, only it has a slower HDD instead of an SSD and it is about 6x thicker. If you want a bigger screen go with the 13" air....or you are wasting money. The pro line really starts at 15", because thats where you get discreet graphics...the only advantage to the 13" pro is slightly higher res screen and a firewire port (and an optical drive if you care about that).
If it's just used at home most of the time anyway, I think a pro would be better because of the full-voltage processor and upgradable RAM...and I'm a little short on cash to trade up to a 13" air.
I'm pretty sure the pro is more expensive isn't it? And the current line uses the exact same proc don't they? The airs only show the low end spectrum but they can go as high as the pros.
Nah, my air is the 11" 4GB/128GB model, which costs the same as the base 13" pro...they don't exactly use the same processor, and the 1.6GHz ULV i5 in the air only turbo boosts to 2.3GHz when on A/C power and running a CPU-intensive program. But the SSD probably compensates for most of the ULV i5's deficiencies, so it's a still a tough decision.
Mine sits in a BookArc connected to a Thunderbolt Display 95% of the time. I have found that over the past 2+ years, the iPad had become my portable device.
I'm having the same thoughts regarding a MacBook Pro. Portability if I need it, but a stronger machine on the desktop. Of course, I don't do anything that is too demanding anyway. Decisions, decisions.....
I'm having the same thoughts regarding a MacBook Pro. Portability if I need it, but a stronger machine on the desktop. Of course, I don't do anything that is too demanding anyway. Decisions, decisions.....
Mine sits in a BookArc connected to a Thunderbolt Display 95% of the time. I have found that over the past 2+ years, the iPad had become my portable device.
I'm having the same thoughts regarding a MacBook Pro. Portability if I need it, but a stronger machine on the desktop. Of course, I don't do anything that is too demanding anyway. Decisions, decisions.....
I've got an iPad now, but I couldn't make it my portable device. When I need to anything more than replying a couple of emails on the road I find myself unplugging my air from the display. The iPad is neat and all that, but since I couldn't find a legitimate use for it (wasting time doesn't count) I might end up returning it...
I hate to admit it but my 11" air lives on the breakfast bar in the kitchen. I have taken it on a few trips, but only if I know I will need a laptop. Otherwise just my iPad and iPhone.
I too envisioned myself using it all the time, sauntering off to Starbucks daily perhaps. Well, at least the coffee I have in the morning at the breakfast bar is Starbucks lol.
Have to admit that when having coffee in the morning I am almost always on my iPad and not the air. In fact I'd say it is used more via screen sharing than actually using it directly.
This thread kinda depressed me lol.
Michael
I too envisioned myself using it all the time, sauntering off to Starbucks daily perhaps. Well, at least the coffee I have in the morning at the breakfast bar is Starbucks lol.
Have to admit that when having coffee in the morning I am almost always on my iPad and not the air. In fact I'd say it is used more via screen sharing than actually using it directly.
This thread kinda depressed me lol.
Michael
I'm a trainer and I usually bring it to sessions to look at my clients spread sheets because it's so incredibly light. I also take it with me a lot more when I travel apposed to my old blackbook. I typically use a camel pack backpack to take to the gym and the 11" fits nicely in it and does not add hardly any weight.
I got a speck's clip on top/bottom, super sleek, for it so that I wouldn't be afraid to scratch it all up, I think this has greatly increased reasons to tote it everywhere.
I got a speck's clip on top/bottom, super sleek, for it so that I wouldn't be afraid to scratch it all up, I think this has greatly increased reasons to tote it everywhere.
I use its "Air" functions an awful lot at the moment because I'm still at university. However I'm graduating in a few weeks and I really don't think I'll be needing the portability once I'm working full-time again. My usage habits are going to change drastically and will probably be better suited by an iPad + desktop. Only time will tell whether I take the plunge and sell.
Nah, my air is the 11" 4GB/128GB model, which costs the same as the base 13" pro...they don't exactly use the same processor, and the 1.6GHz ULV i5 in the air only turbo boosts to 2.3GHz when on A/C power and running a CPU-intensive program. But the SSD probably compensates for most of the ULV i5's deficiencies, so it's a still a tough decision.
Well to be honest...for the most part my 11" seems to run as fast as my Mac Pro. And I have done pro work on it with 2K plates...and it runs really fast. Sure it takes longer to render...and some crappy console port games don't run...but for the most part it is amazingly powerful!
The gym? Do you browse while you run or what? I mean, I know it's portable and all...
Yea I read that and was like, isn't that more iPad territory? lol
Michael
MIne stays at home, but I never use it at a desk or table. I use it as a true laptop while sitting on the sofa or in a recliner. The lightness of the design makes it very comfortable to use, and the thinness allows it to be tucked away on a bookshelf when not in use.
My Air has like 15 battery cycles and i got it 8 months ago it already had 6... i use the iPad3 a little more mainly for reading and playing some games
I wouldn't have gotten either the iPad or the Air had i known how "much" i would use both of them, i should've stuck with a kindle of some kind, but oh well at least i have a great portable machine, that's sure to last me quite a while... the ipad i might still end up selling
I wouldn't have gotten either the iPad or the Air had i known how "much" i would use both of them, i should've stuck with a kindle of some kind, but oh well at least i have a great portable machine, that's sure to last me quite a while... the ipad i might still end up selling
My MBA is the family room 'puter. Mostly couch surfing which is "Air" enough for me.
The MBP sits on my desk at home.
Without WAN the MBA is a lot less "Airy" than my iPad 3, which tends to get a lot of on the go work.
B
The MBP sits on my desk at home.
Without WAN the MBA is a lot less "Airy" than my iPad 3, which tends to get a lot of on the go work.
B