Will MBA 2012 be up to the job?

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by sam2m, Aug 21, 2012.

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  1. sam2m, Aug 21, 2012

    sam2m macrumors newbie

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    Aug 21, 2012
    #1
    I'm moving from Windows to Mac so any advice on this one appreciated.

    I'd like to have a single laptop as a desktop replacement. I'm a consultant so mobility is important, and I want to get away from my current desktop+laptop set-up to avoid file-sync and multiple license issues.

    My idea is to buy a MBA + 27" monitor and re-use a 22" monitor I already have. I don't do processor-intensive work but do need a lot running in parallel. e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and 20+ browser tabs all open at once, and possibly Parallels running Windows 7 too.

    I'm concerned that the MBA won't have enough power, but am put off by the weight of the rMBP. My budget is pretty flexible, so I can go for a souped-up MBA if that's what is needed.

    Any help gratefully received!

    Sam
     
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  2. brohan711, Aug 21, 2012
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2013

    brohan711 macrumors newbie

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    #2
    Maybe

    /*Removed post due to employment*/
     
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  3. miles01110, Aug 21, 2012

    miles01110 macrumors Core

    miles01110

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    #3
    With a RAM upgrade you should be ok.
     
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  4. sam2m, Aug 22, 2012

    sam2m thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Aug 21, 2012
    #4
    Thanks

    Thanks both for your thoughts. It's sounding marginal.

    If I got a rMBP then I should go for 16GB memory to get good performance when Parallels is running too then?
     
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  5. Bauer24, Aug 22, 2012

    Bauer24 macrumors regular

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    #5

    Technically you'd be fine with 8 GB to do what you've stated with a Retina Pro. 16GB would address more future-proofing since you probably want to keep it for 4+ years.
     
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  6. LeandrodaFL, Aug 22, 2012

    LeandrodaFL macrumors 6502a

    LeandrodaFL

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    #6
    8GB is already enough, but its better to always maximize RAM.

    I think the Air will do, and you dont need the processor upgrade. But you defenetly need the RAM upgrade and a SSD (already in the Air)
     
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  7. sam2m, Aug 23, 2012

    sam2m thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Aug 21, 2012
    #7
    Thanks again for your thoughts, that's reassuring
     
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