Macbook Air? The good, the bad, the should I buy one tomorrow??

[byker]

I am leaning towards buying a 11inch Macbook air tomorrow to use at uni. My old laptop finally bit the dust, and the past few weeks have been hell without a laptop. The air looks nice and sleek and thin, and has excellent battery life. This will be my first time on a Mac however, so I am kinda nervous. I can get one for $950 CAD though, as they have a student rate. Any opinions on macs, macbook airs, or any other laptops/ultrabooks I should look at? I am on the go ~ 12 hours a day, and have a nice desktop at home for main usage/gaming. This would be carried around and used all day.

[nubbinator]

Depends on what you'll be doing with it.  How will you use it during the day?  And is there any software you would have to buy twice for it?

[byker]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

[nubbinator]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

It may **** the bed on those.  My MacBook is retarded with gifs in Chrome, video, and some other things.  Obnoxiously so and nice and loud.

I bought the Macbook for the durability, but I'd probably be looking at some of the Lenovo business class laptops.  I think it's the X series that's the ultrabook.  It may be a better way to go for you than the MBA.  Don't get me wrong, the MBA is nice, but on a college kid budget, I'd go with a Windows machine.  I got a Lenovo T500 for grad school and that thing went for 5 years before the plug on the back died.  If I replaced the plug, it could probably go for another 5.

[byker]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

It may **** the bed on those.  My MacBook is retarded with gifs in Chrome, video, and some other things.  Obnoxiously so and nice and loud.

I bought the Macbook for the durability, but I'd probably be looking at some of the Lenovo business class laptops.  I think it's the X series that's the ultrabook.  It may be a better way to go for you than the MBA.  Don't get me wrong, the MBA is nice, but on a college kid budget, I'd go with a Windows machine.  I got a Lenovo T500 for grad school and that thing went for 5 years before the plug on the back died.  If I replaced the plug, it could probably go for another 5.

Good point, but I have a friend who uses a mac, and the molecular structure programs work fine on it! 


I did check out the Lenovos, but they are the same price as a macbook, but with an i3 and a hdd, and not as nice of a size or battery life! [size=78%]http://shop.lenovo.com/ca/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x240/[/size]

[nubbinator]

Did you check the refurbs?  I got my T500 for $500 when the same model brand new was selling for $1200.

[byker]

Thanks nubbinator, I will look and see if they have any refurbished models available in Canada.

[HoffmanMyster]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

It may **** the bed on those.  My MacBook is retarded with gifs in Chrome, video, and some other things.  Obnoxiously so and nice and loud.

I bought the Macbook for the durability, but I'd probably be looking at some of the Lenovo business class laptops.  I think it's the X series that's the ultrabook.  It may be a better way to go for you than the MBA.  Don't get me wrong, the MBA is nice, but on a college kid budget, I'd go with a Windows machine.  I got a Lenovo T500 for grad school and that thing went for 5 years before the plug on the back died.  If I replaced the plug, it could probably go for another 5.

I do not have a MacBook Air, but I did have a TA that did and he loved it.  Never heard him complain about molecular modeling.  He loved the Air for chemistry applications, in fact.  I don't recall which program he used specifically for modeling, but I remember that the computer did have great NMR support (Mnova stands out).  (not that NMR is particularly intensive!    But the programs exist, is what I'm saying )

Sorry, this doesn't help much, but I'm just saying that I know a ton of people that used MacBook Airs for chemistry things with no issue.  YMMV though.   

[byker]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

It may **** the bed on those.  My MacBook is retarded with gifs in Chrome, video, and some other things.  Obnoxiously so and nice and loud.

I bought the Macbook for the durability, but I'd probably be looking at some of the Lenovo business class laptops.  I think it's the X series that's the ultrabook.  It may be a better way to go for you than the MBA.  Don't get me wrong, the MBA is nice, but on a college kid budget, I'd go with a Windows machine.  I got a Lenovo T500 for grad school and that thing went for 5 years before the plug on the back died.  If I replaced the plug, it could probably go for another 5.

I do not have a MacBook Air, but I did have a TA that did and he loved it.  Never heard him complain about molecular modeling.  He loved the Air for chemistry applications, in fact.  I don't recall which program he used specifically for modeling, but I remember that the computer did have great NMR support (Mnova stands out).  (not that NMR is particularly intensive!    But the programs exist, is what I'm saying )

Sorry, this doesn't help much, but I'm just saying that I know a ton of people that used MacBook Airs for chemistry things with no issue.  YMMV though.   

Thanks hoff. Definitely nice to get an extra recommendation for the types of programs I will be using!

[tbc]

has apple abandoned bootcamp?

if not, you can install windows.

used my mbp as a windows only machine (albeit with a osx partition) for 4 years

[nubbinator]

My MBP turns into a jet engine sometimes.  I love it, but it's something I didn't know if the MBA did too.

[PointyFox]

Why buy a Mac?  You'll just end up using it to run a Windows emulator. Also repair shops usually don't have a clue how to even open an Apple product, much less repair one.

[byker]

Why buy a Mac?  You'll just end up using it to run a Windows emulator. Also repair shops usually don't have a clue how to even open an Apple product, much less repair one.

In my searches I haven't found a similar windows computer for around $950 CAD that is similarly sized, specced and with similar battery life. If you have any in mind, please let me know! I am definitely not set on Mac, it just seems like one of the better options at this point in time!

[Belfong]

I have been using a ThinkPad for the past 17 years and I made a changed to MacBook Air two years ago, starting with the 11" for a year, sold that to go for the 13" with that processor that enable it to have longer battery life. I, for one, will not go back to a Windows laptop. The Mac experience is totally mind blowing. Yes, the initial few months see some adjustment having used Windows for 20 years but now that I am on Mac OS, I just looked at Windows in disgust.

And I still have the company issued ThinkPad X230 and it's a total junk. Waking up the Lenovo from sleep (note, not Hibernate) takes almost 5 minutes! This is on Windows 7. I suspect it's not solely Windows problem - my company loading lots of junk into that machine has to be the culprit but even so, 5 freaking minutes. In the Mac, it's just like sub second. It's like switching on an iPad and starting pecking away.

I also made the mistake of upgrading my home PC OS to a Windows 8. That is far worst than the piece of junk on that Lenovo. I thought I knew Windows. But no, Windows 8 totally blew it for me.

Stay a.w.a.y from Windows.

[HoffmanMyster]

Main usage is internet, word processing, a few 3d molecular viewing programs that are available on mac. I have an office code that should work fine. Basically just a computer to use for most of the day on the go.  The draws to the macbook are the size (so thin and small!), the battery life, and the weight. I haven't really used the Mac OS before, but hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. I was thinking about getting a chromebook or a cheaper laptop, but the macbook, although more expensive, seems nicely specced and all around a better deal for on the go usage. (That battery life !!!)

It may **** the bed on those.  My MacBook is retarded with gifs in Chrome, video, and some other things.  Obnoxiously so and nice and loud.

I bought the Macbook for the durability, but I'd probably be looking at some of the Lenovo business class laptops.  I think it's the X series that's the ultrabook.  It may be a better way to go for you than the MBA.  Don't get me wrong, the MBA is nice, but on a college kid budget, I'd go with a Windows machine.  I got a Lenovo T500 for grad school and that thing went for 5 years before the plug on the back died.  If I replaced the plug, it could probably go for another 5.

I do not have a MacBook Air, but I did have a TA that did and he loved it.  Never heard him complain about molecular modeling.  He loved the Air for chemistry applications, in fact.  I don't recall which program he used specifically for modeling, but I remember that the computer did have great NMR support (Mnova stands out).  (not that NMR is particularly intensive!    But the programs exist, is what I'm saying )

Sorry, this doesn't help much, but I'm just saying that I know a ton of people that used MacBook Airs for chemistry things with no issue.  YMMV though.   

Thanks hoff. Definitely nice to get an extra recommendation for the types of programs I will be using!

Hehe, sorry that's all I can offer!      If you'd like another opinion, I'd be happy to ask the TA I referenced before.  I'm sure he'd be more than willing to help. 

[rowdy]

I'd buy one - although I don't need the portability and thus cannot justify the extra expense.

[Zeal]

I have been using a ThinkPad for the past 17 years and I made a changed to MacBook Air two years ago, starting with the 11" for a year, sold that to go for the 13" with that processor that enable it to have longer battery life. I, for one, will not go back to a Windows laptop. The Mac experience is totally mind blowing. Yes, the initial few months see some adjustment having used Windows for 20 years but now that I am on Mac OS, I just looked at Windows in disgust.

And I still have the company issued ThinkPad X230 and it's a total junk. Waking up the Lenovo from sleep (note, not Hibernate) takes almost 5 minutes! This is on Windows 7. I suspect it's not solely Windows problem - my company loading lots of junk into that machine has to be the culprit but even so, 5 freaking minutes. In the Mac, it's just like sub second. It's like switching on an iPad and starting pecking away.

I also made the mistake of upgrading my home PC OS to a Windows 8. That is far worst than the piece of junk on that Lenovo. I thought I knew Windows. But no, Windows 8 totally blew it for me.

Stay a.w.a.y from Windows.

I'm willing to bet that Lenovo laptop is running on a sluggish 5400rpm hdd + bloatware (as you mentioned). You can't compare SSD performance to HDDs

Anything with an SSD will make the user experience much more enjoyable. I personally can't stand Macs, and I had the (honor?) of using a 13" MBA for 1.5 months while traveling abroad. It was probably the worst experience ever! Had 0 clue how to use it properly, silly cmd and control shortcuts being swapped around, no MS Paint...whatsoever, TN panel etc. Bothered me that inserting an SD card didn't automatically pop-up asking to open it, and trying to find the Mac's "computer" option was quite annoying at first.

Win 8.1 gets some time to get used to. Love the performance boost, even with SSDs. iirc, I can do a hard boot-up within 10-15 seconds (pure SSD rig). Haven't turned off the computer in ages though. I always just let it idle out.

----

@byker, not sure how much you value display quality and resolution, or how much you can stretch your budget. Memory Express has a 13" Zenbook w/ an IPS panel @ 3200x1800 that's about as light as a 13" MBA. http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX52645 (can price beat to $1334.86+tax)
Quick glimpse at review is that some displays have a weird yellow-greenish tint. :/ I guess if it's noticeable, you could always return it within 7 days.

[jalaj]

the resolution of the 11" MBA at 1366x768 is terrible for word processing and even browsing
I'd shoot for the 13" which has a slightly better resolution at 1440x900.
Just make sure you get the adequate specs, with a minimum of  8GB RAM and 256GB storage (128GB might be okay if it's your non-primary device).
4GB RAM is unbearable on Yosemite, my MBA 2011 with 4GB chokes on just using multiple browsers, no way it can run VMs smoothly and still do Mac stuff simultaneously. I wanna throw it out the window sometimes but hesitate as it's my primary machine. The ppl who purchased the MBAs with 2GB RAM totally got duped by Apple, I imagine they'd wanna smash their laptop w/ a sledge hammer. But if you can wait until the MBA 2015 edition comes out, the 2013 and 2014 MBAs should be discounted greatly, both are still worthy of consideration.

Alternatively:
Dell
HP
Lenovo
Samsung
Toshiba
Asus

BTW, Windows 10 gonna be free within first year of release for current Win7/Win8/Win8.1 users.

[Belfong]

Win 8.1 gets some time to get used to. Love the performance boost, even with SSDs. iirc, I can do a hard boot-up within 10-15 seconds (pure SSD rig). Haven't turned off the computer in ages though. I always just let it idle out.

My home PC, the one running Win 8.1, is on a SSD. While the boot up is fast, the experience of that OS is terrible. If you had to learn Win 8, I suggest switching over to Mac OS. There is a learning curve for Mac OS but once you master it, Windows experience is just so archaic. And if you are a iPhone user, there is no reason not to go for the MacBook Air. The convergence of both of them will make your experience in the next 2-3 years much more enjoyable.

Besides, a HHKB works best with a Mac

[Zeal]

Win 8.1 gets some time to get used to. Love the performance boost, even with SSDs. iirc, I can do a hard boot-up within 10-15 seconds (pure SSD rig). Haven't turned off the computer in ages though. I always just let it idle out.

My home PC, the one running Win 8.1, is on a SSD. While the boot up is fast, the experience of that OS is terrible. If you had to learn Win 8, I suggest switching over to Mac OS. There is a learning curve for Mac OS but once you master it, Windows experience is just so archaic. And if you are a iPhone user, there is no reason not to go for the MacBook Air. The convergence of both of them will make your experience in the next 2-3 years much more enjoyable.

Besides, a HHKB works best with a Mac

I don't understand why people are hating 8.1
I use it like win7. It's always in desktop mode unless I need to pull up paint (which is still fast). All necessary programs are always pinned on the taskbar.

I also ditched iPhone for Android. Couldn't stand having every iOS update slow down my phone anymore.

[Belfong]

File searching sucks vs Mac's Spotlight. That is one of my biggest grief with Windows, not necessarily with 8.1.

With 8.1, it's having to look for programs that made that Metro system failed somehow. Just the other day, I was trying to look for an old program which I have forgotten it's name. I can't really type it and browsing the list is seriously pain in the ass. And then the default Skype and PDF reader is horrendous in a 21" monitor. Ahh, we are digressing. I'm sure I'm not alone in hating Win 8.1 and this thread is not about it.

[rowdy]

the resolution of the 11" MBA at 1366x768 is terrible for word processing and even browsing
I'd shoot for the 13" which has a slightly better resolution at 1440x900.
Just make sure you get the adequate specs, with a minimum of  8GB RAM and 256GB storage (128GB might be okay if it's your non-primary device).
4GB RAM is unbearable on Yosemite, my MBA 2011 with 4GB chokes on just using multiple browsers, no way it can run VMs smoothly and still do Mac stuff simultaneously. I wanna throw it out the window sometimes but hesitate as it's my primary machine. The ppl who purchased the MBAs with 2GB RAM totally got duped by Apple, I imagine they'd wanna smash their laptop w/ a sledge hammer. But if you can wait until the MBA 2015 edition comes out, the 2013 and 2014 MBAs should be discounted greatly, both are still worthy of consideration.

Alternatively:
Dell
HP
Lenovo
Samsung
Toshiba
Asus

BTW, Windows 10 gonna be free within first year of release for current Win7/Win8/Win8.1 users.

LOL kids today.

Back in the day we had 640x480.

And that was considered good!

If you wanted more colours, you had to drop resolution to 320x200.

[Zeal]

File searching sucks vs Mac's Spotlight. That is one of my biggest grief with Windows, not necessarily with 8.1.

With 8.1, it's having to look for programs that made that Metro system failed somehow. Just the other day, I was trying to look for an old program which I have forgotten it's name. I can't really type it and browsing the list is seriously pain in the ass. And then the default Skype and PDF reader is horrendous in a 21" monitor. Ahh, we are digressing. I'm sure I'm not alone in hating Win 8.1 and this thread is not about it.

Just pin every program to your taskbar/desktop!

Agreed default skype/pdf is horribad. Easy solution is to just download it from the website though.

Macs have very long battery lives. I'll give it that.

[tp4tissue]

Let me drop some reality on you .

If you're an especially good looking dude, tall and handsome. You can buy whatever hell laptop you want. Makes no difference.

If you're not, ur gonna need a macbook.

Women respond to wealth like you wouldn't believe.

Better yet, get a used BMW, dumb girls don't know the difference between a poor man BMW and a real BMW.

Such is the current state of the college dating scene. With all the library hookups and such. Macbook is more useful, but you need to wear it well. As if you can afford to lose it.

If wealth is the reality of your world already, then you should take advantage of it now. You will never be surrounded by this many young women in your life again. Ones who are not prostitutes.

[tp4tissue]

I had to post this because I find it alarming that people talk about computer specs as if they matter. Every computer made this year that isn't a netbook, is plenty fast for anything you can throw at it outside of niche gaming.

Don't waste your college years gaming. You'll regret it.

[Findecanor]

It has only one USB port.
Edit: I'm sorry, it was an older model of the 11" MacBook Air that had only a one USB port. The 11" MacBook Air 2014 has two USB 3.0 ports, a Thunderbolt port and a headphone jack and charging port.

Rumour has it though that the 2015 version is going to have only an USB type C port for everything - power, peripherals and screen... just like 8" Windows tablets.

[atlas3686]

My two cents would be go with the 13inch model, better battery and more screen, well worth it at those sizes.

[Hypersphere]

When I want to do serious work, I use one of my desktop computers. But when I need to travel and I want to have a small, lightweight, reasonably capable computer with me, I use my 11-inch Macbook Air. Previously, I had a 13-inch Macbook, and the somewhat larger size and weight were enough to discourage me from taking it along on trips. The 11-inch MBA has worked very well for me.

[slip84]

Why buy a Mac?  You'll just end up using it to run a Windows emulator. Also repair shops usually don't have a clue how to even open an Apple product, much less repair one.

In my searches I haven't found a similar windows computer for around $950 CAD that is similarly sized, specced and with similar battery life. If you have any in mind, please let me know! I am definitely not set on Mac, it just seems like one of the better options at this point in time!

Have you had a look at the new XPS machines? They are very, very sexy and super slim. Much better screens than the MBA. And cheap: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msca/en_CA/pdp/Dell-XPS-13-9343-2727SLV-Core-i5-128GB-Signature-Edition-Laptop/productID.312527400

If you are sold on the MBA, I would wait until they announce the new ones, honestly. Supposedly going to be fanless, have better screens, blah, blah. You'd probably have to wait a few months, though.

Also, here is a quick comparison the the 13" MBA:

[Belfong]

I don't know. I hate Windows notebook track pad. The Mac trackpad gotta be one of its best features, hardware wise.

[slip84]

I don't know. I hate Windows notebook track pad. The Mac trackpad gotta be one of its best features, hardware wise.

I feel as you do. I never had a notebook keyboard/trackpad feel as good as any of my Macbook Pros had*. That said, the new XPS 13 felt good - probably as good, if not better, than any Macbook. I played with one at the Eaton Centre a few days ago and would probably have gone for it if I didn't enjoy the Surface Pro line so much (HHKB + trackball = way better).

*Macbook Pros you might ask? This is one thing that I think people often get wrong, or not totally right, about Macs. THEY ARE NOT PERFECT. I finally gave up after nearly a dozen repairs between two Macbook Pro units. The second Macbook Pro served as a replacement for the first one that Apple couldn't even repair correctly after probably six or seven repairs. The replacement unit had several logic board repairs and other issues that required a trek to the Apple store, days or weeks without a computer, blah, blah... That said, I have had my Surface Pro replaced once so far and it will probably go again as soon as I can afford to be without it. That's the price you pay for small, super compact, virtually unrepairable devices.

Anyway, that's my rant. I'm neither pro Windows or Mac. I use both. I'm writing this from a Mac mini. I wrote my earlier set from a Surface Pro. Both OS/hardware combos have pros and cons. If I HAD to pick one, I would go Windows for the sake of compatibility, affordability, and flexibility. But thankfully that's not something that will happen any time soon for me.