Would you buy the MacBook Air?

[gobikerider]

I’m a student going into college next year and need a computer to supplement my iPad Pro 12.9. That means loading websites that may be flash based, writing longer papers, using Linux and Windows in VMs and then any coding/programming I’d be doing for my Managment Information Systems degree. I love the keyboard, design/build quality, battery life, normal ports of the Air. The screen is the one thing hesitating about. Not even the resolution more then the dull colors. The thing is that in my position with store credit, sales, student discount I can have MBA for $600 after tax. I feel like this is a no brainer for me but I still am hesitant between the rumors of refresh. At the same time though I’m going to spend $1000+ on any new/refresh computer so I guess it’s a question of if I want to spend the money...would you?

 

[OldEditor]

A current model, new-in-box for $600?
Yeah, I would. As "outdated" as it may be and even given its screen limitations, the basic 13" MBA seems to me a lot of value for that amount.
Plus, that $400 or more you might put into a different laptop ... I'd consider banking it. Things come up during the school year, ya know? Nice to have a little something set back, IMO.
Naturally, though, nobody knows your tech needs, you checkbook balance and your preferences better than you.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

A current model, new-in-box for $600?
Yeah, I would. As "outdated" as it may be and even given its screen limitations, the basic 13" MBA seems to me a lot of value for that amount.
Plus, that $400 or more you might put into a different laptop ... I'd consider banking it. Things come up during the school year, ya know? Nice to have a little something set back, IMO.
Naturally, though, nobody knows your tech needs, you checkbook balance and your preferences better than you.

+1. I share your view.
I would buy an Air anytime as a student.

 

[gobikerider]

A current model, new-in-box for $600?
Yeah, I would. As "outdated" as it may be and even given its screen limitations, the basic 13" MBA seems to me a lot of value for that amount.
Plus, that $400 or more you might put into a different laptop ... I'd consider banking it. Things come up during the school year, ya know? Nice to have a little something set back, IMO.
Naturally, though, nobody knows your tech needs, you checkbook balance and your preferences better than you.

Looks like I have something to do for tommrow , I’ve looked at the MacBook because of the retina but I don’t want to worry about a iffy keyboard, ruling out it and every other MacBook except the 2015 15inch Pro but that is simply needlessly overkill for what it’ll be used for.

 

[sracer]

$600 is a great price for a 13" Air. I put my 2014 entry level 4/128GB 11" MBA under heavy loads for the past 4 years (video rendering, graphic work, audio processing, virtual machines, video game emulation) and it still handles those tasks.

The latest 13" MBA should be even better at things like that.

 

[Lawzen]

OldEditor put it very well. I’ve mentioned it a few times here on MacRumours that last year I still bought a new early 2015 MBA with 128GB and 8GB of RAM. It performs wonderfully, and having the ports along with the MagSafe, it was a go for me.

 

[gobikerider]

$600 is a great price for a 13" Air. I put my 2014 entry level 4/128GB 11" MBA under heavy loads for the past 4 years (video rendering, graphic work, audio processing, virtual machines, video game emulation) and it still handles those tasks.

The latest 13" MBA should be even better at things like that.

You mentioned virtual machines...just one or could a Air handle two in the 0.01% chance I need to do something with Linux and Windows at the same time. Also what type of game emulation have you done? Are you still using your Air daily?

 

[Mrbobb]

just one or could a Air handle two

Well, a VM is not unlike any other tasks, u run more simultaneously and the CPU split its time between how many VM ur running, as long as there is enough memory, they will load, the more you got going, the slower per VM/task.

Am running W32 in a VM, allocated 2G out of my 4G ram but all am doing is an old Photoshop, old Autocad, software that no longer run on 64 bit, and again an old 32 bit scanner that is no longer supported on 64 bit. I keep using these old stuff that still works for me and I have no inclination or need to throw away me money.

 

[HappyMBAowner]

No hesitation. Buy the $600 model. Whatever you're gonna buy, updates and refresh are always coming up. But do you REALLY need an MBA?... If you're really willing to spend $1000, get a MB Pro instead. You'll have much more power than the MBA.

 

[gobikerider]

No hesitation. Buy the $600 model. Whatever you're gonna buy, updates and refresh are always coming up. But do you REALLY need an MBA?... If you're really willing to spend $1000, get a MB Pro instead. You'll have much more power than the MBA.

Yah price isn’t an issue MacBook Air to iMac Pro (tempting) but I’m trying to be practical obviously. Right now the MacBook Air is awesome especially catching it on sale. However these murmurs of a refresh soon have me interested so I may hold off as I know MBA sales will come and go with increasing frequency as time goes on.

 

[Think creative]

Yes. Without a doubt. For $600, if it's current generation and you are worried about the colors, you can buy a cheap 4k display for desktop mode and it would work great. Even though I'm strongly in the pro retina display camp, I may end up buying a new air this spring because I honestly think for writing it's the best machine out there. The keyboard, battery life, and port selection for a reasonable cost is just so, so good.

 

[gobikerider]

Yes. Without a doubt. For $600, if it's current generation and you are worried about the colors, you can buy a cheap 4k display for desktop mode and it would work great. Even though I'm strongly in the pro retina display camp, I may end up buying a new air this spring because I honestly think for writing it's the best machine out there. The keyboard, battery life, and port selection for a reasonable cost is just so, so good.

Picked it up this morning for $586 out the door. Its so pretty, growing up I always loved the design of the Air, battery life is excellent so far and the keyboard is simply wonderful. Display in person sitting at a desk looking from a proper angle looks fine. Speakers surprisingly decent. Overall I am very satisfied with what I got for what I paid.

 

[coolX]

I would pay a 1000 dollars for a MBA even if it only had a celeron so long as they keep the keyboard as is.

 

[gobikerider]

I would pay a 1000 dollars for a MBA even if it only had a celeron so long as they keep the keyboard as is.

Seems little extreme no? I like the keyboard too but I know plenty of external keyboards that have similar fill and could not fathom dropping $1000 on this simply due to much better value propositions from both Apple and other competitors lineup.

 

[OldEditor]

Picked it up this morning for $586 out the door. Its so pretty, growing up I always loved the design of the Air, battery life is excellent so far and the keyboard is simply wonderful. Display in person sitting at a desk looking from a proper angle looks fine. Speakers surprisingly decent. Overall I am very satisfied with what I got for what I paid.

Getting that sleek little performer at that price? Just satisfaction added. Nice job.

 

[gobikerider]

Getting that sleek little performer at that price? Just satisfaction added. Nice job.

You guys are so kind, I feel awkward because I after using it today, I feel like the MacBook is more appealing for me albeit $200 more... for retina and double hard drive hate to say it but the Air will probably be returned. I guess I am one of those people who really can’t go without the Retina display. Honestly feeling totally indecisive about it all. I’m probably going to wait until the 2018 lineup is unveiled to get a better picture of things. Right now for no exact reason getting the Air isn’t sitting right with me.

 

[OldEditor]

You guys are so kind, I feel awkward because I after using it today, I feel like the MacBook is more appealing for me albeit $200 more... for retina and double hard drive hate to say it but the Air will probably be returned. I guess I am one of those people who really can’t go without the Retina display. Honestly feeling totally indecisive about it all. I’m probably going to wait until the 2018 lineup is unveiled to get a better picture of things. Right now for no exact reason getting the Air isn’t sitting right with me.

Hey, we all got our own wants, needs & preferences.
I get a grin out of my 11" early 2014 MBA, And, yes, that is a sweet keyboard. But I've also got decent desktops at work and at home. So, considering the workplace will actually supply me with a very decent iPad, having a the small MBA is almost just a luxury. (I really do prefer a notebook to a tablet.)
It's your coin, dude; spend it to your max utility and enjoyment, and have a good semester.

 

[sracer]

You guys are so kind, I feel awkward because I after using it today, I feel like the MacBook is more appealing for me albeit $200 more... for retina and double hard drive hate to say it but the Air will probably be returned. I guess I am one of those people who really can’t go without the Retina display. Honestly feeling totally indecisive about it all. I’m probably going to wait until the 2018 lineup is unveiled to get a better picture of things. Right now for no exact reason getting the Air isn’t sitting right with me.

You need to do what is right for you. i suspect that those of us who have been offering advice are a bit older and see things from a different perspective (not necessarily a better one).

If you aren't satisfied with the Air then it needs to go back. Just know that you'll always be welcome in this sub-forum... especially when you lament the fact that you returned the Air. (just kidding)

 

[SusanK]

Buy the Mac you want. We love out Airs but it's a personal preference. Do what works for you!

 

[gobikerider]

Buy the Mac you want. We love out Airs but it's a personal preference. Do what works for you!

Yah Ive ended up with a MacBook Pro (see signature). I named it Sally.

 

[Askolan]

I'm a bit biased but my 2012 air is still doing just fine. The new MacBook and MacBook Pros have too many compromises for me, and the space bar issue WILL crawl up on you either sooner or after your warranty/apple care/super duper extended warranty ends.

 

[bopajuice]

I have a 2014 and a 2015 still going strong. Battery life is amazing. I use mine every day and don't even bother to bring my charger when Im on the road. All day reliability. Sure there are better laptops but the Air has a great keyboard and has proven to be very reliable.

 

[tomcam]

In an instant. I have spent $3500 and $4000 on the MacBook and the MBP in the last 3 years. I would go back to the Air in an instant if I could. I believe it’s perfect for your needs. It is so portable that I regard its size as a productivity booster-there is never a time when I decide its size will be inconvenient.

 

[gobikerider]

In an instant. I have spent $3500 and $4000 on the MacBook and the MBP in the last 3 years. I would go back to the Air in an instant if I could. I believe it’s perfect for your needs. It is so portable that I regard its size as a productivity booster-there is never a time when I decide its size will be inconvenient.

Yah that doesn't surprise me. I have now tried the Air, MacBook, and currently the MBP tb, I would be lying if I said that I knew which one I will settle with in 14 days. They all have their own pros and cons making it infuriating difficult to decide.

 

[crzdcolombian]

I have a 2013 one. Still runs perfectly and the battery life is still a good 8+ hours. When I first got it the battery lasted way more then the 12-13 hours advertised.

Basically just use it to surf the web and keep my family photos. Don’t do anything crazy on it. Tried to run photoshop on it and doesn’t work too well. Never tried to play video games on it but that is what the PS4 is for