MBA as a main system - Thoughts.

disfunktion

disfunktion

disfunktion

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I'm considering getting a 13" MBA to use as my main system.

Currently using a 2010 White Macbook.

All I use it for is uni work, dvds and itunes.

Would the MBA be a step back in terms of speed?

I'm not fussed about lack of optical drive on the MBA. THe only thing that worries me is lack of upgrade options at a later date for storage.

Thoughts please :)
 
Shouldn't be a problem in terms of speed. What you might lose out on in raw grunt you get back through SSD performance.

If you're already going to be buying an external DVD drive, you might want to buy an external HDD at the same time. I wouldn't be comfortable with such a small amount of space on my main machine but how you use your machine might not match up with how I use mine.
 
I've got plenty of external HDD's lying around so that isn't an issue, neither is getting an external optical drive.

I was thinking more in terms of if I come to sell the MBA in future then the lack of upgrade options is going to hinder the resale value.

Also - I presume it would be worth forking out for the 4gb RAM upgrade?
 
I'm planning on one of these to be my semi-main machine :)

Obviously you'r enot going ot be using it for large data storage, that's what the NAS is for.

But as a day to day machine it's plenty good enough I'd have thought.

I saw semi main as I also have an ageing windows desktop which will be staying, but due to some furniture shuffing at home I won't be using it as much.
 
For the price, I'd go for a spec'd 13" MBP.

You're coming from a 13" MacBook, so it's not like you'll notice the size difference ;)
 
I think you'd be alright to be honest, the primary concern being storage space. If you've got external/network storage you can use though, I don't see why it'd be a problem.

Raw processing power they lack but normal usage they're very snappy indeed. They run great with 2gb but if you're planning on using it for everything and want to keep it a good while I'd upgrade it. It's not expensive really.
 
Only issue is it being tied down, when I had a MBA as a sole machine it quickly went from a laptop to a desktop tied down by power cord, usb hub and external harddrives thus defeating the purpose of it.

It held its own though, thats for sure and with the new spec being a good upgrade above the previous you'll not have any issues with performance on day-to-day stuff.

It's certainly powerful enough.
 
I'd buy an ssd for the white MacBook and save my money, as this would be faster and more flexible than a MBA. But if you really have your heart set on it then I pretty much agree with what the others have said.
 
theheyes said:
I'd buy an ssd for the white MacBook and save my money, as this would be faster and more flexible than a MBA. But if you really have your heart set on it then I pretty much agree with what the others have said.
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The white Macbook was free so I'd only be spending £3/400 to get the MBA.

I suppose I need to decide if I want something shiny and new or if the Macbook does the job. If I stick with the MB then I'll upgrade to an SSD and 4GB ram.
 
The MacBook will be more well-rounded than the Air with an SSD and 4GB of RAM. The only reservation about the MacBook is the plastic ones get very tatty over time in my experience, whereas my aluminium MBP (even taking into account it gets used far less) looks nearly as good as the day I bought it.
 
doesnt really seem like an upgrade unless you really need the portability of the air. for example if you take your macbook everywhere you go

seems way overboard if its just going to be staying at home. even then id argue that it isnt exactly hassle carring a normal macbook around. you could even put an SSD drive in and put a bigger 'data' drive where the dvd drive is
 
Trying to put me off buying a new Mac! :p

I'm used to the White ones being tatty - Prior to this one I had a CoreDuo 1st Gen Macbook that discoloured, topcase snapped numerous times etc.

As I said, its more a case of I want the MBA because its shiny :p

However, the more I think about it, the more it does indeed seem pointless. An SSD and ram upgrade for my current MB seem to be the way forward.
 
I have a 13" 2009 Macbook Pro and a new 13" MBA.

The MBA is faster, lighter, cooler, quieter and has a better screen.

I personally wouldnt touch a 13" MB or Pro now.

(If you are a power user go for a 15"+ IMO.)
 
Guess the ball is in your court then, either do as suggested and buy an SSD & upgrade RAM which will certainly make it seem like a new machine, performance wise.

Or

Go whole hog and buy a MBA BUT the SSD performance will not be as good as a SSD bought from OcUK, they are limited it seems. I could be wrong also, but isnt the MBA still 2GB?

The decision, as they say, IS YOURS.

:p
 
n111ck said:
I have a 13" 2009 Macbook Pro and a new 13" MBA.

The MBA is faster, lighter, cooler, quieter and has a better screen.

I personally wouldnt touch a 13" MB or Pro now.

(If you are a power user go for a 15"+ IMO.)
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Is the MBA faster due to the SSD? I can't see how the slower CPU and GPU in the MBA can beat the 13" MBP? Edit: I saw the reviews which favoured the SSD MBA

Personally i'd have the 13" MBP and shove a SSD in there along with a HDD in the ODD bay (If thats possible with the 13", I know it is for the >15"!)
 
The 13" MBP has a low res screen - I would either get a 13" MBA or a 15" MBP+.

I think the 13" non Air models are 'end of life' and will be replaced with some sort of Air variant next year.

Adding an SSD to existing machione would be a good cheap stop gap though.
 
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