Should i buy a Refurb Macbook Air or a new Macbook white?

[bigslope]

I have always been a Windows user and am really happy. However after a demo last year in Vegas in an Apple store i would really like to buy a Mac laptop. I have looked around and am not sure wether the Air would be a good result with no dvd drive and limited ports. However it looks really coollllll. I will also run windows xp on it for my fav thinks. The macbook looks really good too but not sure about the white plactic.

What do you all think??

I am off to Vegas in 3 weeks from the cold climate here in Northern Ireland and might buy one out there although the exchange rate sucks!!!

[macgirl]

I have a white MacBook (the last generation) for work and I don't like how the plastic wears at all - it shows scuffs and scratches so easily. My personal laptop is the latest version of the MacBook Air and I LOVE it. The latest white MacBook is definitely better spec-wise than the first-generation of the MacBook Air, but the MacBook Air is far more svelte and attractive, IMHO.

Will the Mac laptop be your primary computer? If so, I would recommend a MacBook for you (an aluminum version if you can swing it). The lack of ports on the Air can be a big deal if you're used to plugging in lots of peripherals and the largest hard drive on the first generation was 80GB, which is not a lot of room at all.

If this will be a secondary computer for you for traveling/commuting, I vote for the MacBook Air all the way!

[bigslope]

WOW quick response. The laptop will not be my main computer, i will use it when i am at home in the living room and use it a little in work.
I am not really fussed about the lack of ports as it is not my main machine.

[macgirl]

WOW quick response. The laptop will not be my main computer, i will use it when i am at home in the living room and use it a little in work.
I am not really fussed about the lack of ports as it is not my main machine.

Then do it! MacBook Air FTW!

My Air is my primary computer - I realized that on the black MacBook I had that I rarely used the CD drive and hardly ever used more than one USB port at a time. Plus, I could live with the 128GB hard drive on the latest version of the Air since it was larger than the hard drive on my MacBook anyway. No regrets whatsoever for me...

EDIT: You should be aware that the first generation of the Air had some major problems with video playback and processor core/heat management. This review (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/macbook-air-rev-b-mini-review/) highlights the differences between the first version and the latest one.

[bigslope]

Now just need to decide a refurb one or the new version. Quite a price difference.

[chris]

Now just need to decide a refurb one or the new version. Quite a price difference.

I jumped at 1.8GHz/64GB refurb. This computer retailed for $3098 just 7 months ago. There are some significant improvements under the hood on the new models (Rev.B). If you plan on light usage..surfing, etc. then perhaps you might want to save yourself a few bucks. If storage isn't an issue, then I'd say go for the 1.8Ghz/64GB. That puts you at $1300 vs $1800 for a new non-SSD Rev.B. Still a $500 savings.

If it were your primary computer, then I would have said go for the Rev. B. I'll let you know what I think on Tuesday (tomorrow if I'm lucky). I had the original Rev. A and returned it for a MBP. I can be pretty demanding of my computers. I'm hoping the model I picked up will suffice for blogging, surfing, light Photoshop work and the occasional movie. I did rent a movie when I had my first MBA and it worked perfectly. I just balked at the slow load times of programs. Too many beachballs for my taste. ArsTechnica says the SSD will drastically cut down those issues.

My main reasoning for going back to the MBA is the form factor. I only had it for a few weeks, but it was so easy to use. The MBP is far from a big, cumbersome laptop, but there is something about the Air that makes you want to use it more often (at least that's my feeling). It's super light, ample screen size and great keyboard (I prefer the black keyboard of the newer models to my aluminum keyboard).

I'm not sure if the MBA will replace my MBP. I'm playing it by ear. I do expect to enjoy the hell out of the the MBA.

From my research, the first order of business will be a "leaner" install and then purchase of xSlimmer. Depending on leftover space, I might even set up a 10GB bootcamp install of Windows 7.

Good luck with your decision. Let us know how you make out.

[Ramesh]

My Black MacBook is for sale in the Marketplace here, because I'm thinking about buying a MBA refurb.

[chris]

I've been happy so far with the MBA. The SSD makes it very peppy. Apps open quickly and overall it's a nice machine. I've haven't used it as much as I'd like, as I'm waiting for my Invisible Shield that's due Friday.

I absolutely love the size of it and the keyboard. I could of gotten by without the SuperDrive if I didn't run Windows. I installed Windows 7 on a 10 GB Boot Camp partition. Probably should have gone with 12-13GB, as it's a little tight if I decide to add more apps.

Not sure what your budget is or when the 128GB rev.B MBA's will find their way to the refurb section.

[hankb]

Chris, thanks for posting all the MBA info! I have been hesistant to pull the trigger b/c of issues w/ the Rev.A models.....I was about to buy the $999 80HDD until I read your posts and experience w/ that model. I only will be using the MBA for surfing and light program usage, but the speed factor is huge for me. You sold me on the SSD model b/c it seems like more for your money. I've read where the RevB HDD model is comparable to the RevA SSD in terms of speed.....my question is for my usage would you pick the RevA SSD over the RevB HDD SATA?

[chris]

Chris, thanks for posting all the MBA info! I have been hesistant to pull the trigger b/c of issues w/ the Rev.A models.....I was about to buy the $999 80HDD until I read your posts and experience w/ that model. I only will be using the MBA for surfing and light program usage, but the speed factor is huge for me. You sold me on the SSD model b/c it seems like more for your money. I've read where the RevB HDD model is comparable to the RevA SSD in terms of speed.....my question is for my usage would you pick the RevA SSD over the RevB HDD SATA?

That's a tough decision. I have a MacBook Pro to fall back on, so for me it made sense to go for the "deal" which was the 64GB SSD. I also don't need much in terms of hard disk space. I'm hesitant to load up my laptops with data, as my central hub is my desktop Mac. For me, I looked a laptop that was $3095 just six months ago. Now, they have made huge improvements in Rev.B.

With the Rev. A refurb, you get a better processor (although the Rev.B has frontside bus improvements), SSD hard drive and you still save $500 over the Rev.B. Here are some speed tests courtesy of MacWorld (http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=2901). Seems they forgot the 64GB SSD.

http://www.everythingicafe.com/images/forum/mba-speed.gif
If there was an extra USB or more RAM, then I'd opt for the Rev. B. Right now, I still see a ton of value in the 64GB SSD if you do not need the added hard drive space.

[chris]

You can find more complete data of the first two models in this Arstechnica review (http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2008/02/macbook-air-ssd-review.ars).

[hankb]

Very helpful info! Storage isn't a big deal, so it seems like the best deal is the 64SSD model! I think it is interesting that they don't show the % savings on this model in the Apple Store....:smile: Do you think that Snow Leopard will have any issues on the RevA models? The information I've seen sounds like it will make the MBA more efficient.

How is the battery on your new toy? Thanks again!!!

[hankb]

Chris......how's it going w/ the new MBA? I haven't pulled the trigger yet.....but, I'm close. Since you've had both, wanted to see if you are having any issues. Thanks for your help!

[chris]

It's been great. Hard to judge battery life, as I have spent enough time on the go to judge.

I'm real happy with it. If there is anything you need me to test, I'd be happy to. Specific videos online, etc.

[hankb]

That's all I needed to hear......do you see a big difference in terms load times and overall "snappiness" compared to the 80HDD? I'm glad your enjoying it!

[chris]

I think the choice is between the entry level MacBook vs the MacBook Air Rev. A SSD?

More value per-say in the MacBook, but the intangibles of the MBA are the size/form factor.

My Invisible Shield is coming today, so will start using it more often after the install. For me, the question is whether or not I eBay my early-2008 MacBook Pro. I'll challenge the Air over the next few weeks, months and then make a decision. I don't do a ton of design (more Photoshop work) and I'm not sure if the 13" will be sufficient. Then again, I do most of my work on the desktop.

If Apple ever does a 15" MBA with 2 USB ports, added RAM, I will have found my perfect laptop. (if the price isn't astronomical).


-Chris

[chris]

Opening programs is very snappy on the 64GB SSD. I notice a big difference from my original MBA. I think any processing issues will happen doing iMovie processing, etc. I don't expect to do much of that on the MBA, so I'm not concerned.

I did read of some people having issues watching HD video online. I checked some HD Apple trailers and not a single stuttering issue.

[hankb]

Just ordered mine.....I have read to many good things about the SSD and for my usage the additional $$ for a RevB HDD doesn't make sense. I've never owned a mac & I wanted a smaller notebook. Thanks again for your feedback and I'll let you know when I receive mine!!

[chris]

Just ordered mine.....I have read to many good things about the SSD and for my usage the additional $$ for a RevB HDD doesn't make sense. I've never owned a mac & I wanted a smaller notebook. Thanks again for your feedback and I'll let you know when I receive mine!!

Congratulations! I hope I didn't build it up too much!

The interesting thing about the Air is that it's truly unlike any notebook. That's the first thing you'll notice. So, not only are you in for a treat with Mac OS X, but you've also got yourself an incredible looking laptop that is amazingly thin.

BTW, my understanding is that you'll have iLife 09' included in the package.

I'd love to hear how your feedback. I think you're going to love it.

-Chris

[Youngbinks]

Congratulations on the purchase! I also have a MBA and I love it more and more every day.

[chris]

Just ordered mine.....I have read to many good things about the SSD and for my usage the additional $$ for a RevB HDD doesn't make sense. I've never owned a mac & I wanted a smaller notebook. Thanks again for your feedback and I'll let you know when I receive mine!!

Hank....any update?

[acosmichippo]

do you guys happen to know what kind of SSD Apple uses? Brand or type of memory?

[hankb]

I finally got my hands on my MBA last Thursday! It is more than enough for what I need....it's fast, quiet, & easy on the eyes!! It's my first MAC so that's the only thing that is stopping me from using it 24/7........I haven't had a chance to get everything configured b/c of work. Thanks for the advice and I can't wait to be able to use it full-time. It truely is a beautiful piece of work.....& I don't say sht like that!!!

I know this is the wrong place for this question, but which program would you recommend for office docs? I know the options, just wondering what your experience has been. You lead me down the right path w/ the 1.8 SSD so I trust your opinion!!!

[acosmichippo]

if you want the best compatibility with windows office users, you really need Office for mac.

I have tried iWork, and while i really like the applications, it isn't as seamless to edit Office docs... for instance, you can't just open a .doc, work on it and save it as usual... instead, you have to "import it" to convert it to an iWork-friendly format, and then "export" it to convert it back to a .doc. not a big deal to do once or twice, but it would definitely get annoying having to do it ALL the time.

[Youngbinks]

I would recommend Office for Mac as well. I can seamlessly move files from my Mac to the PC they have at school with no problems. Unless of course I use stupid Office 2008 with that .dox junk.

[acosmichippo]

Office '07 for windows uses .dox as well.

[Youngbinks]

I hate when I get e-mails from people using .dox. I tried installing the plug-in that lets you view them in prior Office suites but no dice. I have to use some dumb website and convert the file. It's quite annoying.

[Ramesh]

Yea, it's frustrating at first with the .docx and .xlsx stuff. As an accountant we use Excel a LOT. Because of clients upgrading, we were forced to. I like the newest office though. You can do a lot with XML.

[acosmichippo]

There's also OpenOffice for mac, but when I used it a few months ago, it was VERY rough... Pretty much only usable for basic word processing or spreadsheets.