Fine, but the Air is was never intended for college. It's a high priced, lightweight, travel machine. You'd be better off with a MacBook, and certainly save some money in the bargain, over an Air.
If the OP is aware of and can accept the MBA's limitations I think he might be an *ideal* user for the MBA. He already has an iMac for heavy lifting and being a college student will likely require lots of walking every day. The MBA would be ideal in this scenario.
See this link for a discussion of the MBA at Ars for users of the MBA. For the most part these owners of MBAs are very happy with their decision. But all seem to have made their decision with their eyes open, understanding the MBAs strengths and limitations.
If the OP is aware of and can accept the MBA's limitations I think he might be an *ideal* user for the MBA. He already has an iMac for heavy lifting and being a college student will likely require lots of walking every day. The MBA would be ideal in this scenario.
See this link for a discussion of the MBA at Ars for users of the MBA. For the most part these owners of MBAs are very happy with their decision. But all seem to have made their decision with their eyes open, understanding the MBAs strengths and limitations.
Well, if some want to pay more for less, then that's their choice. As for the extra size and weight of a MacBook, please, is he handicapped? Com'on, a college kid that can't schlep a MacBook is an embarrassment. I carry Powerbook w/external drive, and about 24 lbs of camera equipment through airports, and I'm damn near 70! Now an Air would make more sense for me, but I would not pay the extra $400-$500 hundred for less capabilities than a MacBook. YMMV.
Well, if some want to pay more for less, then that's their choice. As for the extra size and weight of a MacBook, please, is he handicapped? Com'on, a college kid that can't schlep a MacBook is an embarrassment. I carry Powerbook w/external drive, and about 24 lbs of camera equipment through airports, and I'm damn near 70! Now an Air would make more sense for me, but I would not pay the extra $400-$500 hundred for less capabilities than a MacBook. YMMV.
I highlighted the areas that I think are important.
The OP may be happier with a MB. He should research the options himself. But from what he's said thus far I see no reason why he shouldn't consider a MBA.
I highlighted the areas that I think are important.
The OP may be happier with a MB. He should research the options himself. But from what he's said thus far I see no reason why he shouldn't consider a MBA.
The Air serves a niche market. If you aren't in that market, then the Air has no particular value. I'd bet that a used MacBook will be worth more than the hobbled Air, in 2-3 years.
The Air serves a niche market. If you aren't in that market, then the Air has no particular value. I'd bet that a used MacBook will be worth more than the hobbled Air, in 2-3 years.
All macs are 'niche' products. They are designed and marketed to sell to particular segments of the market. The MB arguably has the broadest appeal though.
Its obvious that you dislike the MBA. Fine. Its not for you. But I think you're really underestimating the appeal of the MBA. Its a top seller for Apple for a reason.
Comments
Fine, but the Air is was never intended for college. It's a high priced, lightweight, travel machine. You'd be better off with a MacBook, and certainly save some money in the bargain, over an Air.
If the OP is aware of and can accept the MBA's limitations I think he might be an *ideal* user for the MBA. He already has an iMac for heavy lifting and being a college student will likely require lots of walking every day. The MBA would be ideal in this scenario.
See this link for a discussion of the MBA at Ars for users of the MBA. For the most part these owners of MBAs are very happy with their decision. But all seem to have made their decision with their eyes open, understanding the MBAs strengths and limitations.
If the OP is aware of and can accept the MBA's limitations I think he might be an *ideal* user for the MBA. He already has an iMac for heavy lifting and being a college student will likely require lots of walking every day. The MBA would be ideal in this scenario.
See this link for a discussion of the MBA at Ars for users of the MBA. For the most part these owners of MBAs are very happy with their decision. But all seem to have made their decision with their eyes open, understanding the MBAs strengths and limitations.
Well, if some want to pay more for less, then that's their choice. As for the extra size and weight of a MacBook, please, is he handicapped? Com'on, a college kid that can't schlep a MacBook is an embarrassment. I carry Powerbook w/external drive, and about 24 lbs of camera equipment through airports, and I'm damn near 70! Now an Air would make more sense for me, but I would not pay the extra $400-$500 hundred for less capabilities than a MacBook. YMMV.
Well, if some want to pay more for less, then that's their choice. As for the extra size and weight of a MacBook, please, is he handicapped? Com'on, a college kid that can't schlep a MacBook is an embarrassment. I carry Powerbook w/external drive, and about 24 lbs of camera equipment through airports, and I'm damn near 70! Now an Air would make more sense for me, but I would not pay the extra $400-$500 hundred for less capabilities than a MacBook. YMMV.
I highlighted the areas that I think are important.
The OP may be happier with a MB. He should research the options himself. But from what he's said thus far I see no reason why he shouldn't consider a MBA.
I highlighted the areas that I think are important.
The OP may be happier with a MB. He should research the options himself. But from what he's said thus far I see no reason why he shouldn't consider a MBA.
The Air serves a niche market. If you aren't in that market, then the Air has no particular value. I'd bet that a used MacBook will be worth more than the hobbled Air, in 2-3 years.
The Air serves a niche market. If you aren't in that market, then the Air has no particular value. I'd bet that a used MacBook will be worth more than the hobbled Air, in 2-3 years.
All macs are 'niche' products. They are designed and marketed to sell to particular segments of the market. The MB arguably has the broadest appeal though.
Its obvious that you dislike the MBA. Fine. Its not for you. But I think you're really underestimating the appeal of the MBA. Its a top seller for Apple for a reason.