11 or 13inch air for college?

I am going to college for engineering, most likely mechanical, at Duke. My question is should I get the 11inch macbook air (2.0Ghz i7, 8gb ram, and 256 SSD) or the 13inch macbook air with the same specs (I am leaning towards the 11 inch). The price difference is $50. I will have a desktop monitor (20-25 inches) and an external hard drive that I can connect the laptop to while in my dorm. I will be using it for Logic pro and maybe some light gamming. But I think its primary use will be note taking in class and writing papers (I don’t really know because I haven’t started yet). There are computer labs with top of the line iMacs that I can use for any hardware intensive programs like CAD. I will have to be able to use some windows programs, I can get windows xp free or windows 7 ultimate for $15 through Duke, is bootcamp the best solution or is a virtual machine better? (Secondary question not as important)
Recap:
Desktop monitor in dorm
External hard drive in dorm
Light gamming
Some logic Pro
Portability is important
Durability is important too (not sure if they differ in durability)
Some windows programs needed
Is screen size going to be a major issue?
Please excuse my grammar, I have no aspirations of becoming an English major.
I also apologize if this question has been asked elsewhere or if I am rambling.
By any chance can someone compare the strength and speed of this laptop to a 2008 iMac with a 3.06Ghz Intel core 2 duo and 4gb of 800Mhz DDR2 SDRAM? (If not it doesn't really matter)

Have you played on both? Which do you like better?
As others have said, the question really comes down to screen size (while away from that external monitor) and battery life. If you don't mind the smaller screen, and you can do with 5 hours (relatively speaking) compared to 7 hours battery (relatively spreaking) then don't be afraid to go with the 11". Not only is it incredibly light--which means less weighing you down as you haul that bookbag from class to class, not only is it incredibly small--which means it can fit on very small desktops in class rooms, and give you more room on a tabletop for your books and papers--but it that lightness/slimness also translates to being able to slip it in and out of bags faster; you save time packing and unpacking, and have more room in the bag for other things.
In the end, play on both and go with the one you fall in love with, as both can be configured similarly (do go for 8g RAM), and, thus, can be pretty much the same in performance. Which means what matters is which computer you are going to enjoy working on.
And do let us know which you pick. Either one is a great computer for college.

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What specs would make the perfect MacBook Air for college?

I've decided I'm going to get a MacBook Air for college, but I want to make sure it's the best possible for my four years as an undergraduate so I don't have to get a new one over this time period.
For the processor: how much of a speed difference will there be between the i5 and i7? I'm thinking the i7 will be a better choice, but I really don't know what the difference will be.
For RAM: 4gb should be plenty for four years, right? Right now I have a late 2008 aluminum MacBook with only 2gb of RAM and only recently did I notice it to start getting slow.
Storage: My biggest concern. Will 256gb last me four years? I will be bringing an external hard drive, but I plan on only really using that for Time Machine backups and storage for photos. Should I make the jump to 512gb?
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
-Nick

JasonFear wrote:
The $100 upgrade from 4GB to 8GB (personally) I think is a total no brainer. RAM is one of those things that you can never have enough of and whatever decision you make at time of purchase is the one you're stuck with for the life of the machine. I can't tell you how many times I've had a user with the 2GB model from the previous generation complain of sluggish performance over a lack of available RAM. If it was hundreds of dollars I could see but it's not, especially when you factor in the cost of the machine. Over the course of three years the RAM upgrade translates into $2.78/month and you'd be "future proofing" yourself.
As with previous generations, Apple only lets you upgrade from 256GB to 512GB if you buy the higher end model. Which means you're looking at $1999 for the 13" model with 512GB (4GB of RAM) and $1899 for the 11" model (4GB of RAM). Absolutely not worth it, unless you absolutely have to have 300-400GB of data available locally.
I came into the conversation to clear up wrong information. If there's one thing I've learned in my time posting, more points doesn't mean good information. The OP, who's new, had a question about buying decisions and was given bad information. You've never corrected someone when they wrong? Doubt it...
Regrettably, because this an open discussion forum, we're all free to respond to whoever and whenever. It's very possible that the OP may not know the technical differences between the various CPUs and thus would base his purchasing decision on your false information. Imagine his surprise when he's told that his i7 CPU is a dual core and not a quad core.
Seeing you've asked (so eloquently I might add), I'm happy to provide information on the CPUs.
The i5 in the 13" MacBook Air is an i5-3337U, the i7 is an i7-3667U. Both machines when benchmarked against one another in a PassMark CPU test scored as followed:
i5 - 2,652
i7 - 2,841
A difference of 189 points. You're a numbers guy, Kappy. So if real estate property #1 is worth $2,652,000 and real estate property #2 is worth 2,841,000 how much more is that property worth? It's sure not 25%.
My apologies to the OP for the divergent of your topic, but I think it's important when a frequent poster who's opinion is highly regarded but (other) members on here to be corrected when bad information is provided. I know I would expect the same correction if I recommended something incorrectly.

Macbook Air for College?

I'm thinking about getting a MBA for college in the fall.
I do light/medium video/photo editing, a lot of multitasking, web surfing, etc. I like the idea of the AIr because it boots up so quickly and is much more convenient for work on the go. Has anyone experience noticable lag when video editing or photo editing with the MBA? Is there any reason for me to consider one of the Macbook Pros?

Even though I have a new iMac at work and a very good iMac at home, the 2011 MBA I got in December has become my workhorse and that includes using Photoshop CS 5 and iMovie. I briefly experimented with Final Cut and abandoned it, not because the computer couldn't handle it but because my project couldn't fit on the SSD and when I tried working from a USB drive I got some stuttering. This may not be an issue any longer with the new MBA having USB 3 ports (or if I were willing to remove a goodly bunch of media from my computer).

Macbook Pro or Macbook Air for college? (Science/Psych Major)

Hi, I'm a last year high school student that has had a Macbook Pro 13" (mid 2012 model) (2.5GHz Intel i5, 4GB) since the end of 2012. It's been getting kinda slow on me and I've been thinking of getting a newer Macbook at the end of the year for college next year.
I will definitely be majoring in a Science/Psychology sort of degree. It won't be a strongly mathematical, calculative degree that requires fancy software.
I'll most likely use it for:
- Taking notes in lectures
- Using Microsoft office programs
- Online research and doing homework
- Web browsing
- Social media (facebook, tumblr, pinterest etc.)
- Listening to music (Spotify)
- Skype occasionally
- Watching videos (Youtube, TV programs)
- Game i.e. League of Legends (maybe, I might just keep it on my MBP or abandon the game)
- iMovie / Final Cut Pro (maybe, if I keep editing simple videos that are around 3-8 minutes long)
I'm willing to have an external hard drive to hold any extra stuff.
Which laptop should I get? Macbook Pro did work efficiently with all of the uses above but it's gotten quite slow in terms of response time, loading, booting up etc. Should I get a Macbook Pro 13", Macbook Air 13" or maybe even the Macbook 12" (but that's a little less cost efficient). I'd like something light to carry and efficient.

If you're in any way serious about the video then the Pro.

MacBook Pro or MacBook Air for college

Hi guys!
So this is the typical college question from a mac lover, do I get the air or the pro? Currently my major is undeclared, but I'm looking into engineering. At the moment I don't do a lot of work with video and photography, but I am hoping to get more into that stuff although it wouldn't be like getting a major or a minor in it. More like just fiddling around. I usually watch a lot of DVDs and I have a fairly large music library. I'm hoping to just use netflix and get rid of some old music next year but chances are that won't happen.
Currently I have just the regular old MacBook circa 2010. I like it, although it is soooooo slow now like it literally takes 10 minutes to open up safari for the first time after shutting it down, not the mention the screen has started to go awry (which is all my fault, don't step on your macs because it does not end well). I justt need an upgrade for next year.
I like that the air is light and has a super good battery, however I don't know if I like how slow it is. I like the pro because its faster, comes in a 15" and is just all around more powerful, however I don't like the battery life quite so much and I don't know if the size would be the much of a big deal. If anyone wants to suggest the 11" air, I'm just bonn stop you right here because that is not happening.
I'm kinda leaning toward the air, but every time I go to purchase it something inside me asks if that what I really want.
Alright so what are everybody's thought! Thank you!

I recommend you a Macbook Pro (preferably maxed out in the specs). I'm studying Mechanical Engineering and so far it has worked marvels for me. The Macbook pro is a little heavier than the MBA, however i feel that what you should really look for is performance and not merely things like weight (specially if its so little difference). As for the battery, I don't know in your college, but in my we have ALL around the campus TONS of power outlets, so that shouldn't matter. So yeah.. between MacBook Pro and MacBook aire definitively Macbook Pro

Decent printer mac air for college

Have child going off to college wants printer for dorm room. Most review of wireless printers are bad, anyone with good experience re small wireless printer danka

Frankly you would be better off advising them to simply use the printer(s) available on campus or going to Fedex/Kinko's or similar places. The cost of ink replacements is ridiculous and it's highly unlikely they actually need a printer.

For college/grad school should i get ipad 3 or mac book air?

for college/grad school should i get ipad 3 or mac book air?

Nobody can tell you which one is best for you, it's a personal preference. However, here are a few factors you might want to take into consideration:
1-They're two different devices that serve different purposes. The way you take notes in an iPad is different than the way you would on a MBA. On the iPad, with apps like Evernote and Notability you can take more complete notes than with a MBA. You have the option to have audio notes, write with a Stylus, make diagrams by hand to explain/relate concepts easily. With the external keyboard (for that I'd recommend using the Apple Wireless Keyboard with the InCase Origami Workstation) you could type just as fast as you would on a MBA and format the text just like you would on the MBA. However, for bigger (possibly partner) papers, the MBA would help you. You could start the paper on the iPad without any issues (using Pages or even Evernote) but you'd need a laptop/computer to finalize the project.
2-Portability wise, they're both incredibly light. The iPad is somewhat smaller = lighter but with the keyboard they're about the same. The fact that with the ipad + keyboard combo you can take out the keyboard only when you need it, for me, is an advantage be ause when I don't want to use it, it's not in the way. For others, it's a disadvantage because you have to carry two items instead of one.
3-MBA let's you access all websites and most file types. If one of your classes requires you to go to the Browser and see a Flash enabled page, the iPad would not be of much help. Same goes for any programs you might need to install. On the MBA you'll most likely be able to do so. On the iPad, chances are there won't be an app for that.
4-Aonce you already have a MBP, I'd go for the iPad. If/when the iPad falls short(because of the limitations mentioned above) you can use the laptop. And in the mean time, use the iPad for everything else. That way you get the best of both worlds. You'd only need to take the MBP when you know you'll need it and wont have to carry that weight all the time.
6-Studying (reading, highlighting, annotating) is easier and more intuitive on the iPad. The iPad is great for reading, combine that with the fact that you can leave comments/notes just like you would on a physical piece of paper, and you've got the best way to learn IMO.

Macbook Air 13 vs Macbook Pro Retina 13 for college?

In your opinion, what would be better for college?
A Macbook Air 2012 vs. Macbook Pro Retina 13"?
I'm a Junior in high school right now and I have a 13in MBP, early 2011 base model. I just upgraded the RAM to 8GB. (I'm not a spoiled kid, I have a pretty well paying job, for a teen with no bills haha, and I purchased this myself.)
This question is more for next year. With the refurbished models of these, both 8GB of RAM.
Which would be a better everyday computer for notes in class, portability (although I know the Air is best for that), Netflix, Youtube, etc.?
I'm thinking of selling my MBP, because it's so **** heavy and honestly not quick enough for me. My mom is considering taking my MBP and buying one of those upon graduation and I pay the difference.
-combine one of these with also owning an iMac (saving up for one, most likely a refurb model)
-I don't care about USB slots (both have the same anyway), I have USB Hubs
-Storage space isn't an issue for me, I would use the SSD storage for the important things such as documents, etc. and use my External HDD for media files, such as; movies, music, photos and backup
-I don't play computer games
I'm pretty knowledgable on them too, I'm really just wanting some honest opinions and maybe tell me if you use either for college/notes.
Thanks for any answers

You sound like you only want us to justify what you've already made up your mind to do and have some tangible evidence to back you up with the folks.
If you can afford it, yeah, the Retina will be a vast improvement over a measly Air. Just remember it is a totally closed system and if you want it to last and have a good resale value, you will need to buy as much computer as you can. Especially in the RAM department. The storage area is becoming less of an issue since OWC has already come out with replacement for that part and if the market improves others will surely follow.
Lastly, exactly when do you NEED the computer? New models will surely come out this year. Some years see two model releases, spring and fall. Last year we only saw a single one. And once in college, many schools have on-campus stores with attractive student prices.

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb
I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like the MBAs battery life.. I'm confused ..suggest me a good pick please...
Regards....
PS:I also heard the MBA overheats coz it lacks proper ventilation when choosing an i7 processor and also depletes the battery

Hey I'm planning to buy a Mac for college.. I game quite often and do my classworks, movies, music and browse the web.I have two options
Macbook air i7 1.7ghz,4gb
Macbook pro 2.4ghz i5,8gb
I like the slight edge on iris graphics ..on the other hand I like the MBAs battery life.. I'm confused ..suggest me a good pick please...
Regards....
PS:I also heard the MBA overheats coz it lacks proper ventilation when choosing an i7 processor and also depletes the battery

Whats better for college/grad school- ipad 3 with keyboard or mac book air? 11 inch

whats better for college/grad school- ipad 3 with keyboard or mac book air? 11 inch

Nobody can tell you which one is best for you, it's a personal preference. However, here are a few factors you might want to take into consideration:
1-They're two different devices that serve different purposes. The way you take notes in an iPad is different than the way you would on a MBA. On the iPad, with apps like Evernote and Notability you can take more complete notes than with a MBA. You have the option to have audio notes, write with a Stylus, make diagrams by hand to explain/relate concepts easily. With the external keyboard (for that I'd recommend using the Apple Wireless Keyboard with the InCase Origami Workstation) you could type just as fast as you would on a MBA and format the text just like you would on the MBA. However, for bigger (possibly partner) papers, the MBA would help you. You could start the paper on the iPad without any issues (using Pages or even Evernote) but you'd need a laptop/computer to finalize the project.
2-Portability wise, they're both incredibly light. The iPad is somewhat smaller = lighter but with the keyboard they're about the same. The fact that with the ipad + keyboard combo you can take out the keyboard only when you need it, for me, is an advantage be ause when I don't want to use it, it's not in the way. For others, it's a disadvantage because you have to carry two items instead of one.
3-The iPad needs a computer to be updated, synced, etc. So if you don't have one, definitely get the MBA. The MBA can work as a standalone computer. The iPad needs to be synced to an iTunes library in a computer.
4-MBA let's you access all websites and most file types. If one of your classes requires you to go to the Browser and see a Flash enabled page, the iPad would not be of much help. Same goes for any programs you might need to install. On the MBA you'll most likely be able to do so. On the iPad, chances are there won't be an app for that.
5-If you already have a MBP or any other laptop, I'd go for the iPad. If/when the iPad falls short(because of the limitations mentioned above) you can use the laptop. And in the mean time, use the iPad for everything else. That way you get the best of both worlds.
6-Studying (reading, highlighting, annotating) is easier and more intuitive on the iPad. The iPad is great for reading, combine that with the fact that you can leave comments/notes just like you would on a physical piece of paper, and you've got the best way to learn IMO.

Macbook Pro or air for a college engineering major

Hi. Im looking for a new laptop for college and was wondering which would be better for a mechanical engineering major: macbook pro or air? I will be running programs like solidworks and auto CAD and was wondering if i needed the extra processing power of the MBP.

You should also ask this in the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air forums. This is the forum for the 13” white and black plastic MacBooks that were discontinued in 2010. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_air

Late 2010 macbook air good enough for college?

So im kind of on a budget because i was unlucky in getting hours for work, and i need a new laptop for university.
best buy is selling the previous model of airs for around like $850 and it comes with office 2011
now, i dont know much about computers so i probably would never even notice the difference between the processors of the mbpro, or the new airs compared to this one
what i will mostly use this laptop is for typing up assignments, researching, web browsing, and youtube. maybe download a movie or two here and there.
i do plan on getting an external hard drive or whatever for this in the future, if ever the memory is beginning to be a hassle.
so yeah, my main question is, will it be good enough to last me 4 years of study lol
and if it matters, im studying commerce with some english courses here and there
btw the OS would probably be snow leopard.

Yes, the previous generation MBA's would be just fine for the things you are saying you would be using it for. I would say you should have no problem having it last 4 years. I also have a pc laptop that is 4 years old and I just graduated college and it got me through an entire business management bachelors program. I just got a new mac for grad school. Ps-you would know the difference between the prior and new generation MBA's..the new ones are about twice as fast, but aren't necessary for your needs. In fact, maybe you could find a MacBook at a reduced price somewhere (now discontinued).

I need to buy a new MB for college! I'm thinking of getting a 13" MBA w/ the external DVD/CDROM drive and portable/external/whatever it's called memory. Where should I buy, Best Buy or Apple Store?

So basically a BB employee told me that instead of giving me the apple giftcard (one that would given to me for the back-to-school deal at apple) they would discount that off. Also, she says that their insurance policy (instead of apple care) would replace my macbook "then and there" if anything were to happen to it. Sounds too good to be true since I've had MANY MANY troubles with BB when I bought my first and only white MB 4 years ago. They were horrible. But she said the policy has changed since then and that people come in to exchange MBs daily. Can anyone help me! :3 Thank you <3
ALSO, (sorry for being a pain) is the MBA a good choice if I'm getting an external/portable hardrive as well as a DVD/CD-ROM drive? I need a MB for college stuff: writing papers, projects, presentations, other general college stuff. MBA doesn't have moving parts, which is a huge plus since I am not careful with my things, and will probably drop my MB a million times.

MacBook Air is a perfect choice for a college student. I have used a MBA as my only machine for several years now and am a professional in the advertising industry. I write a lot, do some (little) graphics work, code, and create presentations and videos. It's more than capable.
I have an external CDRW/DVDRW but I got mine from Amazon it's not Apple-branded. It works great but was a fraction of the cost. Also if you buy the Air from Amazon you can get free shipping and pay no sales tax, which may come out to less than getting the educational discount. However, if you qualify for both the $100 gift card and the educational discount you'll probably come out better getting it at Apple.
Here's the top of the line Air at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00746YD24/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=beley-20&camp=0&creati ve=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00746YD24&adid=0PNV1Q2S073PY61NZQZX&
And a good DVD burner: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZMVQRA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=beley-20&camp=0&creati ve=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B004ZMVQRA&adid=1GWB9HRMSW1VW92SD9WF&

IPad or MacBook Air for Writers

So, come March, with the anticipated arrival of the long awaited and less-rumored iPad 3, I will probably be joining the throngs of people eager to get my hands on and fall in love with another Apple device. But wait! As I mull over the decision to purchase the iPad, I think to myself, hmmm, maybe I should go with the MacBook Air. I currently have a 21" iMac, which, despite recent Lion Wi-Fi problems, I love. What I'd like to do with the iPad is have the portability factor, mainly do a whole bunch of writing, and some photo editing, to the extent it allows. I will, most likely, get an external keyboard, and an accomodating case to create a laptop like environment. So, my question is which would be the better choice for writing, and also which will be the overall more enjoyable option. I know that typically the iPad is for consumption and the MBA for production, but I guess I'm looking to hear from people who use one or both, and what their experience with either of them is. Thanks.

Hi! I am new to Apple, but i love my White mac book that I had gotten used on ebay a couple months ago. I have actually recently, considered the same thing you were debating. Ipad or mac book air? I am not sure, I have a kindle fire which i feel is great for reading books, not really interested in reading a book on an ipad. I was thinking of a macbook air for on the go I am going to a new college in the fall and need access with me on the go...think its half the weight which is good. I want it to be thin...however i do like parts of the ipad, i like that its sleek and the cases they have are amazing. I am just not sure what to choose. What did you end up choosing? I am not going to want to buy a keyboard.... . Any extra thoughts and advice would be great.

Can I install windows 7 on a potable Hard Drive using boot camp? or any other way to do so?? need help for college please

I need to use windows in order to use Visual C++ for college but I don't have enough space in my internal Hard Drive so I want to install windows 7using boot camp or any other method on a portable hard drive and boot from it.
Please help I need it as soon as possible for school. Thanks

You can't boot Windows natively except on internal drives.
You can use a VM and put the VM image (VHD) anywhere any drive you want.
You are way too low on disk space, seriously so. And no room - even Windows and Mac OS should be warning and balking already.
"emulator" is an old-school term, even true, running a Guest OS under Mac's as a virtual machine, shared resources (RAM, processor) is easier but not the same performance level as running natively.
Comparison of VMware Fusion Parallels VirtualBox
This just posted, an FAQ for Lion and Boot Camp 4.0
Boot Camp 4.0, OS X Lion: Frequently asked questions

11 or 13inch air for college?

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