Macbook Air query.

BenjiSayers · 3 Feb 2011 at 14:35

Hi Guys.

MD at work wants me to order him an 11" Air with 4GB of RAM. First question is can the additional RAM online be ordered online or would I be able to go in to an Apple Store and they would fit it there while I wait?

The second question is to do with the USB drives. he will be using this in the office when he is about and has the following things that would require power via USB: Network adapter, Printer, External disc drive and Mouse/Keyboard. If I was to buy a USB hub and just plug them all in to that one device so all he has to do is plug the hub in to the air would that be sufficient or would there be power issues?

Thanks in advance.

Tikkabhuna · 3 Feb 2011 at 14:59

You can't upgrade anything in the Air. I don't think even Apple will do it. I don't have one yet so I can't answer the second question.

BenjiSayers · 3 Feb 2011 at 15:05

On the Apple store online you can upgrade the memory from 2GB to 4GB for £82. Was curious if they would be able to do this instore if I was willing to wait.

MacRS4 · 3 Feb 2011 at 15:07

I've had both the 2Gb and the 4Gb units, both bought retail.

Tikkabhuna · 3 Feb 2011 at 15:10

BenjiSayers said:
On the Apple store online you can upgrade the memory from 2GB to 4GB for £82. Was curious if they would be able to do this instore if I was willing to wait.

Sorry I thought you meant after you bought it. The stores stock some versions but you'll have to phone up to find out which ones.

SIAT · 3 Feb 2011 at 16:04

BenjiSayers said:
On the Apple store online you can upgrade the memory from 2GB to 4GB for £82. Was curious if they would be able to do this instore if I was willing to wait.

The ram is soldered onto the logic board. It cannot be upgraded at any point. It either comes with the 2gb or the 4gb. Some stores carry the upgraded version, but you'd be best calling beforehand to check.

BenjiSayers · 3 Feb 2011 at 16:19

Cheers for the input RE: the ram.

Does anyone know in regards the USB hub? or should I try and get a hub that runs of an external power source?

FreeStream · 3 Feb 2011 at 16:24

A hub working off an external power source will be fine, as for powered off the Air itself, I *think* it's capable of powering the iPad, which means it's 2A capable IIRC (10W charging figure for the iPad apparently).

Former will be fine, latter I'm not sure on.

Best try on MacRumors in the Macbook section tbh.

BenjiSayers · 3 Feb 2011 at 16:48

I'll just get a hub that runs off an external source as it sounds the safest option. Plus I don't think he'll be taking half the stuff with him so will mean he can just leave it all hooked up and only have to plug the one socket in to it when he is in the office.

Cheers guys.

Westyfield2 · 3 Feb 2011 at 17:01

Concorde Rules said:
as for powered off the Air itself, I *think* it's capable of powering the iPad, which means it's 2A capable IIRC (10W charging figure for the iPad apparently).

You sure on that?

Can't say I've tried charging my iPad off my MacBook Air, but opening up System Profiler shows the two USB ports to only be 500mA.... so I wouldn't expect it to work!

Regarding the RAM, what the others have said is correct. The RAM cannot be upgraded later (by you, by an Apple Store, by the Pope). Like with the CPU on any other laptop, what you spec when you buy is what it's got for good.
Apple Retail stores have however been carrying stock of the higher spec models aswell as online - best to phone ahead though.
When I got my 13" 2.13GHz/256GB/4GB one instore the retail monkeys didn't even know they had them (they thought they only had the base models)... it was only because I'd phoned and spoken to someone out the back that I knew they had them!

BenjiSayers · 3 Feb 2011 at 17:06

Noted. I will give the 2 stores near me a call tomorrow and see if they have any instock and if so put to one side so I can collect it on Sat.

Thanks all again.