MacBook Air good choice?

I am currently a junior in high school. Next school year, I will actually be starting college through a post secondary option at my high school. I want to get a good laptop for college this Christmas. It will be used for everyday things like email, Microsoft office, etc. I'm not really into gaming. Anyways, is the MacBook Air a good choice that will last me a long while in college? Based on some research, I don't really think I need tbe power that the MacBook Pro has to offer and having a Retina display doesn't really matter to me. I planned on going with the 13 inch MacBook Air with 128 gb flash storage and 8gb of ram. Thanks for the input.

The MBA is an incredible workhorse, don't let its small size fool you. My use borders on the power user - I'm a programmer and I do photography and videography for the company I work for. While I have a powerful iMac at home and work, my 2011 MBA is the computer that I use for most of my work. Only when I need a big display or when I'm outputting the finished video do I use the iMac. For what you plan to use it for, the MBA will be fine.
We know nothing about Apple's plans for the future and speculating about future products is prohibited by the terms of service here. My answer to whether you should wait or not is the same answer I've been giving people since the late 80s. If you need a computer now, buy it - it is silly to wait for rumored products which may not appear for months - or ever. But if you don't need it now, wait. While we don't know what Apple has in mind, we do know that sometime in the future a new model will come out and it will either meet your needs better or prove that the current model is your best choice.

Similar Messages

Is the i7 13" MacBook Air good for me if I use...

Trying to see if a MacBook Air would be good for me if I use:
-Photoshop, iPhoto, and other photography apps from the Mac App Store? (I just recently picked up a DSLR to get into for photography so I imagine I'll be using these programs frequently)
-Vuze
-Handbrake (how long does it usually take for an Air to rip a DVD?)
-Casual Gaming (The most intensive game I'm looking at is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Can the air run it?)
-Mail
-Internet (some online videos, etc)
With all these uses, would a i7 13" MacBook Air be able to handle all these tasks for me and perform them all reasonably well?

Smiller,
I think the hesitation to answer comes from the fact that a good portion of your questions are at least somewhat subjective. I have the 13" i7 4 GB x 256 GB MBA, and I find the unit perfectly satisfactory performing most of the task you mention. However, I don't do all of them, all the time either. It's been a couple of months since I ripped a DVD, and I didn't time it. I think it took me an hour and a half to rip a two hour movie. On my MacBook Pro, which I recently sold, it maybe would have taken a bit over an hour to perform the same task.
Then again, for most of my tasks that I do everyday, the MBA would edge out the MBP. The SSD makes a big difference for certain tasks. Albiet, you could equip an MBP with an SSD and the advantage in certain cases would disappear, and the MBP would reign in all cases, except of course portability.
For your photo, internet, bit-torrent work you will probably find the MBA perfectly suited, provided the screen size is adequate for your taste. You see, we then again run into a subjective area.
What can I say, go to an Apple Store and give it a whirl. Find out first hand.

Is the Macbook air good for someone who makes lots of movies?, is the Macbook air good for someone who makes lots of movies?

I make lots of movies, so I need lot of space. If I paired a Macbook Air with an external HD (1-2 TB) would this be a good option? I love the look of the Air, and the Macbook Pro is so much mor pricey. Thanks

It would be a good option if you plan on using iMovie and you have a desktop at home that you do most of your work on and the MacBook air is only for "mobile" editing. However, if you want to run apps like Final Cut Pro then a Macboo Pro may be a better option, but the MacBook air can still run Final Cut.
Here's a link to a MacBook Air Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iX0PNn-nrI
Specs of The Reviewed MacBook Air:
11.6" Core i5 i.6GHZ 4GB RAM 128GB SSD
Hope this Helps,
Rory

PDF Print Menu on Macbook Air missing choices

I purchased a MacBook Air a few months ago for an employee and recently found that the PDF menu is different. It doesn't have Compress PDF as an option. There are others missing when you compare it to my MacBook Pro that is several years old. But the IMac which is a couple years old has Compress PDF. Is this something that is only on the Air or is it something different on all new Macs.
I use this feature with both Word docs that I add pictures to and when I Print photos out of Iphoto so that the files are small enough to email. Otherwise I have to make several documents or upload them to a site so they can be downloaded from, which is a pain in the ....
So the questions are:
     Is this just common to the Air or to all newer Macs. I'm about to buy a new MacBook Pro and would hate for it to not have that print option.
     Is it an option that I can find somewhere to install or something?
     I'm trying to figure out an Automator that I could build. I import several photos to Iphoto and then add captions and print them using the compress PDF. I also add photos to docs and then print using the compress PDF option.
Any info or help would be appreciated.

It may be using a newer Operating System changed the location of this option.
You can use Apple's Preview app to compress PDFs as follows.
Open the PDF using Preview. Choose File > Export ... from Preview's menu. Then click the "Quartz Filter" button and choose "Reduce File Size."

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).

Should I buy a MacBook Air now?

I am in the market for a new machine. I want to get a MacBook Air, but considering the fact they are due for a refresh, is now a good time to buy one? If the refresh is simple internal upgrades, then I don´t mind. If it is major overhauls like significantly improved battery, or better physical design, I might not be so pleased, as this is a very long term investment. What would you guys do? Is the current Macbook Air, good enough to stand its own on whatever might replace it?

If you need a MacBook Air now, buy it now. If you want to wait because you are afraid of a new generation, do it at your own risk, because it may or may not be launched soon. Nobody knows that.
The actual MacBook Air is a very good computer for home tasks, fast, thin and light. Of course, if you want a computer for professional use with applications like Final Cut Pro, Photoshop..., don't buy the MacBook Air because it's not good enough. Instead, I recommend the 15-inch MacBook Pro

LR 5.2 and macBook, air or pro?

Hi,
I am considering buying a macBook to use for images using LR, some video too (don't know which software I will use yet).
Is macBook Air good enough or should I go for the macBook Pro? I am looking at the 13" models, but I also have an eye for the 15" models too if the 13" models is not good enough.
Is the retina display necessary, is that only for the little extra? I am considering getting an extra monitor too, which means retina is not really important I guess.
- Terje

The 13" Pro has a more powerful processor than the Air, which will be beneficial for the Develop module, exports, preview rendering, etc. and certainly for your video editing.
Having used the Retina display for nearly a year, my 'normal' screens appear really fuzzy now. I'd miss it if I had to go back to a standard screen.

MacBook Air: the right choice for a College student?

Hello there!
I'm buying my first Apple laptop in the near future (probably tomorrow as I like to buy things in store and not online and I live roughly 75 miles from the nearest Apple store and am heading to the mall it's located in on a shopping trip tomorrow, anyway). I currently have a 3 year old Dell that has no battery life at all (it has to be connected 24/7 to an outlet, the mouse clicky button doesn't work, it overheats, and the hardrive has already been replaced not once but twice) and I don't use it for anything other than school, facebook, watching movies via netflix, skype, and listening to music. I've been doing months of research and all has lead me to Apple.
I want this laptop to last me until I am done with my masters and into the first couple years of my teaching career, so roughly 6 years. Is that too much to ask from this machiene?
I'm inlove with the thiness, lightness and portability of the Macbook Air. I use my laptop a lot, this semester I'm finishing out my core requirements and a lot of them are "bullsh*t" classes where I can do nothing and get an A. I would therefore have my laptop with me, I also bring it to friends rooms to study and relax. My goal is to have a laptop that I can write papers, continue to watch movies and use it as a basic machiene. I barely use a cd drive (my aunt is willing to by the drive that goes with the Air) but when I do it's just for burning music to my itunes. I want a machiene that will have a long lasting battery life - that's my biggest concern.
My roomate has a Macbook Pro and keeps telling me that I'd hate the Air.
I've read that people do not like it as it does not have a backlit keyboard. That doesn't bother me as my keyboard currently isn't backlit.
I've also read that people continue to prefer the pro over the air but I am not a fan of the pro just as it is so much bigger.
I barely ever use my USB drive, when I do its to transfer over files that need to be printed. So having only two of them means nothing to me really.
I'm just looking for assistance to help me make my decision. I feel like I already made it but I just want to be sure that I'm making the right choice.
My personal pros/cons:
Pros: lightweight, small, highly portable, amazing webcam, excellent battery life
Cons: it's so thin I feel like I would snap it in two pieces
Thank you so much!

Listen to us, Lovekate!
We know you're eager, but hold out just a little longer--maybe a week or two--for the update! Please! It's the smart thing to do because it may give you options you can use. Kate! Look away from the machines. This way! This way! You can do this. If you don't, you'll feel buyers remorse and that's not good. Hold off. You'll be happy you did...also, don't forget, when you do buy, you get a student discount.
From what you say, you've found the computer you love and don't need any encouragement from us. But here's advise for what you can say to your friends:
(1) To those telling you to get the Pro--you are not going to buy more than you need. With Clouds, and online mail and external hard drives, there is no need for you to haul around anything made heavy with a huge hard drive you'll never fill up. And the Air can do anything a Pro can do excepting update to a bigger hard drive (which you've just explained you don't need--like you don't need the CD drive). And the 13" actually has a longer lasting battery than the 13" Pro.
(2) Why should you get a computer you don't love, and therefore is no fun or joy for you to work on, rather than a computer you love, which you will love working on? Apple rule, "Always get what you love."
(3) To your Dad, you are buying something very like a car. And like a car, if you buy one cheap, it will cost you if it breaks down, needs repairs, or needs replacing. Needing to buy a new cheap car every other year can add up to the same cost as buying a new car that will last you ten years. You are buying a computer that will last you, be reliable, and not need repairs thus interfering with your productivity (by the way, get Apple Care--adds two more years warranty for a total of 3 years--trust us on this. If you can't afford it now, you can hold off buying it till the end of the first year, but do get it!). Apple computers also have good resale value.
In short, as much as it costs, it will be worth it.
Hope that helps, and remember...hold out! or if you've already bought it--you have 14 days to return it.

2013 Macbook Air 13" battery life not as good as advertised

At full charge, the estimated battery life read a little over 17 hours. At 97%, it now reads 15:39. Like I get this is vastly better than the older Macbook Air, but it still falls quite short of the 24 hours advertised on the website. Currently, it is still at 97% but now the estimated battery running time reads 14:59. Is this normal? I accidentally drained my battery twice since I bought it at the beginning of August, and I understand that's not good for the newer batteries - could this be the reason? My screen brightness is at 50% and I have no movies or music playing. Safari is the only ap I have open.
I'd appreciate any ideas or help with this problem (that is, if it is one).
I just looked at the estimated time again, and while it is still at 97%, the estimated remaining time is at 13:48. It's taken me a little over a minute to type this.
I'm not very tech-savy - is there something wrong with the way I understood the advertised battery life?

The Air is nowhere advertised for 24 hrs. batt. life......... in any configuration.

I've been reading the comments re FCPX on MacBook Pro and now I'm scared. I'm taking a class now and thinking about buying to do videos for nonprofits. Won't be fancy stuff, but now wonder if it's a good choice. Also, heard Apple will drop support. Help?

I've been reading the comments re FCPX on MacBook Pro and now I'm scared. I'm taking a class in FCPX and thinking about buying to do videos for nonprofits. Won't be fancy stuff, but now wonder if it's a good choice. Also, a classmate who was in CA last weekend said he heard that Apple will drop support of FCPX. Any truth? Advice?. I'm on 10.7.4 with 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB 1067 MHz. Thanks.

dkstj wrote:
Also, a classmate who was in CA last weekend said he heard that Apple will drop support of FCPX.
While it is against the TOU of these boards to speculate on future products/updates what Thomas said is right: FCPX is quite a new product and it doesn't make any sense to drop it now.
The only thing that MIGHT get dropped at a certain point is support for older hardware/OS as FCP X progresses.

I HAVE JUST BOUGHT a MacBook air. The earphone output doesn't work. I read somewhere that you have to make a choice with internal speakers. How?

I have just bought my first Mac a MacBook Air 11 ". Thwe external output doesn't work . Do I have to make a choice between internal and external speakers? If so, How?

Go to System Preferences -> Sound -> Output.

Is it possible to connect a dot matrix printer to MacBook Air? If yes, please suggest a good application for printing bills in a shop.

Is it possible to connect a dot matrix printer to MacBook Air? I need to print receipts in my textile showroom. Please suggest good applications for printing receipts and saving daily sales records.

Prath33k wrote:
Is it possible to connect a dot matrix printer to MacBook Air?
yes. As long as it is a newer one (means not 15-20 years old). Do you have one? If so, provide the make/model. If you do not have one, which ones are you looking to purchase?

Good Stand For Macbook Air

Hey,
I'm looking for a good stand for the MBA. One not to large.
Anyone currently using any of the following (or suggest others)
Logitech Alto Connect
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/notebook_products/stands/devices/3074&cl=roeu, en
Concern, the back end it might stick out too much behind the MBA.
Plus, built in USB Hub.
Raindesigninc.com MStand
http://www.raindesigninc.com/mstand.html
Like the simplistic design, goes well with MAC setup, curious how it looks with cables.
Looking forward to your opinions helping me make a purchase decision.
Cheers!

I don't like either of these because neither of the stands can really be adjusted. My favourite stand of all time is this (which is better than any stand I have seen sold in the U.S.)
http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/ergo-mbpro.php?category=mb
This stand is made by a Japanese company. However, it may not work with the MacBook Air because of the location of the power plug. I could be wrong though. I own the stand but I don't own a MacBook Air so I can't say if it does or doesn't fit.

What would be a better choice between a MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air?

I will be starting college next fall as a neuroscience major and I am torn between purchasing a MacBook Pro vs. a MacBook Air. Which would be a better choice considering I would be using it to take notes, creating documents, presentations etc.? I am not a person involved in heavy gaming, or major creative things. Just simple stuff but I do however spend countless hours doing research. Help!

Personally the Airs have no appeal for me. Limited hard drive space (actuall no hard drive, it is all flash storage space) which can not be upgraded.
Airs are to small unless you get the 13" model and for that money you can get a nice 13" MBP or even a 15" model.
For me an Air would be a second or third computer but not my only computer.

My macbook air cracked, where is a good and cheap place to fix it in Melbourne?

Can someone please tell me where is a good place to fix my cracked Macbook Air 13.3 inch. What is a reasonable price?

Locations in Melbourne.

MacBook Air good choice?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for