Question to Macbook (Air) users

[Mieow]

Im considering getting one for Christmas and would like to hear some opinions from people who use it on AN (particularly Uni students)

Do you find it useful for your learning? And have you had any problems with it? all input is welcome 

[mahler004]

I have an 11' MacBook Air which I brought earlier this year. On the whole, it's a great laptop, I've had a minor problem with a dead pixel, which the Apple Store had replaced at no charge (make sure you pay for the extended warranty.)

It's a very lightweight laptop - it literally feels like it weighs nothing in your bag so its great for uni.

If you're getting one, make sure you get at least a 256gb hard drive (even a 512gb if you can afford it) and upgrade to 8gb of RAM.

As for screen size - the 13' is obviously bigger and has slightly better battery life (12 hrs vs 9 hrs.) Which one you choose is largely up to you - both have the same components.

[walkec]

I have a 13 inch and I have had no problems with mine at all. It's very fast, has great battery life (sometimes I go without charging mine at all for 2 1/2 days) and it is very lightweight even though it is the larger screen size out of the ones available.

There's great apps available from the App Store that I find helpful with learning. Evernote, Grafio and the standard Pages, Keynote etc. I do have Office installed too, and it's nice to be able to choose between the two.

I do recommend getting extended warranty and a larger hard drive, as I've had mine for not even a year and I've already used up a fair bit of space. Keep an eye out for ex-demo models too, as they can be quite a bit cheaper but essentially the same as a new laptop. I got mine as a ex-demo from JB because someone bought it thinking it was a Pro and the guy took off $400 from the RRP and gave me a free case and 3 year warranty. Shop around and get the best price  Now that the Pros don't have CD drives in them, I couldn't really justify spending more because I wasn't doing any heavy footage editing. If you're mainly using it for word processing, photo storage, internet etc, I think the Air should suffice quite well

[M_BONG]

I have an Imac and want to get a Macbook Air purely because of the cost (like it's a bit cheaper than Pro)

Is the Macbook air any good? Also, Apple has refurbished models - should I have any qualms in buying them?

Btw, are there big differences between 4gb and 8gb RAM in terms of performance?

[mahler004]

Don't forget that you're entitled to a discount as a student at the Apple Store.

I have an Imac and want to get a Macbook Air purely because of the cost (like it's a bit cheaper than Pro)

Is the Macbook air any good? Also, Apple has refurbished models - should I have any qualms in buying them?

Btw, are there big differences between 4gb and 8gb RAM in terms of performance?

Apple takes returned models, gives them a new case and replaces anything defective. They should be as new, and are sold with a warranty. Just keep in mind that it will probably be an older model.

The main difference between the Air and the lower end Pro models is the screen.

The RAM difference will mostly be felt if you're doing image or video editing. Because of the SSD, the RAM isn't as much of a bottleneck as it was. If you're planning on keeping it for a while I'd recommend the upgrade.

[Random_Acts_of_Kindness]

I have an Imac and want to get a Macbook Air purely because of the cost (like it's a bit cheaper than Pro)

Is the Macbook air any good? Also, Apple has refurbished models - should I have any qualms in buying them?

Btw, are there big differences between 4gb and 8gb RAM in terms of performance?

Depends really.

In terms of School/Uni work it should be adequate for the next 3-4 yrs until programs upgrade to a point where they take up heaps and heaps of RAM. However, if you are planning to use the laptop for a very long time. i.e. 4+ years then I think the 8GB is a better investment.

[M_BONG]

Hehe maybe I should start a different thread, but ah wells.

Where should I get it at the cheapest price? Do they generally accept haggling at Apple Store? ( true asianship)... should I trust online stores?

[mahler004]

Hehe maybe I should start a different thread, but ah wells.

Where should I get it at the cheapest price? Do they generally accept haggling at Apple Store? ( true asianship)... should I trust online stores?

You won't be able to haggle at the Apple Store. Wait for Christmas sales, Apple won't do deals but other stores (Dick Smith, JB) will.

Remember that returns may be harder if buying overseas.

[Mieow]

If you're getting one, make sure you get at least a 256gb hard drive (even a 512gb if you can afford it) and upgrade to 8gb of RAM. 

I do recommend getting extended warranty and a larger hard drive, as I've had mine for not even a year and I've already used up a fair bit of space.

I literally know nothing about computers, but how do I upgrade my RAM? Can I tell the cashiers working there to do it for me or do I buy it and do it myself?

[mahler004]

I literally know nothing about computers, but how do I upgrade my RAM? Can I tell the cashiers working there to do it for me or do I buy it and do it myself?

When you buy online there's an option to upgrade the drive, ram etc.

[allusionx]

If you know a bit about computers, I'd advise you to buy the lowest storage option as you can easily save up to $500 if you upgrade the storage yourself.

[mahler004]

If you know a bit about computers, I'd advise you to buy the lowest storage option as you can easily save up to $500 if you upgrade the storage yourself.

The newer Macs have their drives soldered on, so you can't upgrade the storage.

(There will probably be a way in the future, but it would almost certainly violate the warranty.)

[Reus]

Macbook Pro is the go. 

[M_BONG]

Macbook Pro is the go. 

Isn't the only difference the screen display (idk, the retina display?). Soz havent done my research.. but wouldn't pay extra $400 for that

[IndefatigableLover]

You won't be able to haggle at the Apple Store. Wait for Christmas sales, Apple won't do deals but other stores (Dick Smith, JB) will.

Remember that returns may be harder if buying overseas.

Just going to say but if you're buying it in-store then most of the time the price never drops however if you wait till Black Friday (basically the American Boxing Day Sales I guess which is on November 28 this year) then Apple will normally throw in something else (two years ago they had a discount, last year was accessories, not sure about this year) or alternatively wait till Cyber Monday (Online version of Boxing Day Sales LOL on November 30) for discounts if you're looking to buy online