Post: #51

Anyone know is it worth holding out till June for newer models? will there be any major differences?

Post: #52

Given the closeness of the event I would wait until June to see if there are either new models or price decreases or both.

Post: #53

Definitively wait. Might be 75% faster graphics, better batterylife. Alone that's worth it to me.

Some also speculate if they will change the design also.

Post: #54

(05-12-2013 12:41 PM)Dulceácido Wrote:  I think the biggest difference is that there is no built-in dvd drive on the Air. I was on a trip with a friend and he had an Air. He had to borrow my Macbook a couple times to run some software, copy a cd, etc...

if you enable CD or DVD sharing and are on the same network, he can just connect into your Mac and install software remotely onto his Mac. You dont need to copy files onto a USB disk and then transfer to his. However, you cannot watch DVD, install software etc... with this. This is how Apple limits copying onto other machines.

(05-12-2013 04:16 PM)salmonfella Wrote:  Anyone know is it worth holding out till June for newer models? will there be any major differences?

Nothing is guaranteed or confirmed with Apple. However, my belief is that it will take sometime to release newer models with upgraded processors as they will be really new and need time to iron out bugs etc... Wait and watch else buy from ebay if you really need one.

Post: #55

I switched to a Macbook Air a few years ago and never looked back.
I would stick with the Air over the Pro for general purposes, unless you need to do processor-heavy video and music editing. Even then, I would still try the Air and return it within two weeks if it can't handle your workload.

The Air product line is being refreshed right now and will likely be announced next month. I would definitely wait before buying one. Some rumors say retina display is coming to the Air. It's worth it to wait and see. Plus, a major update to the processor that will help with the processor-intensive tasks (see comment above regarding video/music editing).

I wouldn't spend money on classes to learn a Mac. It's pretty intuitive. Once you figure out the gestures and how simple it is, you'll appreciate the beauty of it all. I like the control a Windows machine gives me, but there is no hardware out there that compares to the Mac. And hardware is important when you're looking for something that will last for years.

I always buy Applecare with my Apple products. It's saved my ass a few times.

Edited to add: 8GB RAM is the only way to go now.

Post: #56

(05-12-2013 01:36 PM)travolta Wrote:  

(05-12-2013 10:57 AM)void Wrote:  Apple stuff is overpriced and you are often stuck with a reduced portfolio of software. No thanks.

just as an FYI, you can run windows on a mac. Instal Parallels desktop, then instal Windows 7 on Parallels. Now you have a virtual machine, and can simultaneously run windows and OS software on your Mac.

Yes, that is true. But you are still paying a hefty overhead for that nice apple design. The "PC" equivalent sells 500 bucks cheaper than the apple machine.

Post: #57

"equivalent" in terms of build quality, keyboard and trackpad?

Can't just focus on internal specs..

Post: #58

(05-13-2013 07:30 PM)void Wrote:  

(05-12-2013 01:36 PM)travolta Wrote:  

(05-12-2013 10:57 AM)void Wrote:  Apple stuff is overpriced and you are often stuck with a reduced portfolio of software. No thanks.

just as an FYI, you can run windows on a mac. Instal Parallels desktop, then instal Windows 7 on Parallels. Now you have a virtual machine, and can simultaneously run windows and OS software on your Mac.

Yes, that is true. But you are still paying a hefty overhead for that nice apple design. The "PC" equivalent sells 500 bucks cheaper than the apple machine.

Yeah maybe it's $500 cheaper, but my work flow on a mac is WAY faster than a PC. Thanks to the my faster work flow, I've gotten WAY more value than $500 can ever buy. It's never a good idea to be cheap with something like this, at least if you using it every day to make money.

Post: #59

(05-14-2013 09:56 PM)travolta Wrote:  

(05-13-2013 07:30 PM)void Wrote:  

(05-12-2013 01:36 PM)travolta Wrote:  

(05-12-2013 10:57 AM)void Wrote:  Apple stuff is overpriced and you are often stuck with a reduced portfolio of software. No thanks.

just as an FYI, you can run windows on a mac. Instal Parallels desktop, then instal Windows 7 on Parallels. Now you have a virtual machine, and can simultaneously run windows and OS software on your Mac.

Yes, that is true. But you are still paying a hefty overhead for that nice apple design. The "PC" equivalent sells 500 bucks cheaper than the apple machine.

Yeah maybe it's $500 cheaper, but my work flow on a mac is WAY faster than a PC. Thanks to the my faster work flow, I've gotten WAY more value than $500 can ever buy. It's never a good idea to be cheap with something like this, at least if you using it every day to make money.

When you can get a Macbook Pro 13 Inch with Retina, better ram distribution, an SSD Hard Drive, and a machine that holds it's value longer with high performance in the long hall for $1400-$1500 ($1400 after employee/student discount), then why bother for a Sony Vaio, Toshiba Portege, or Asus that is going to be priced from $1000-$1300 anyways? Lot of the PC based laptops are very expensive now too as the days of a solid PC costing $600-$900 are long gone. Why not spend a little extra for a MAC?

Post: #60

I use $400 Toshiba's and they do everything I need.

And when it breaks, get's broken, soda spilled on it, etc I don't care.

Just get another.

Post: #61

(05-15-2013 07:48 AM)Hotwheels Wrote:  I use $400 Toshiba's and they do everything I need.

And when it breaks, get's broken, soda spilled on it, etc I don't care.

Just get another.

I'm a PC man myself but I see the appeal of macs. They do seem to last longer, the hardware is more durable. Replace two $400 toshibas and you've gone well beyond the price of a macbook air on your total investment.

Post: #62

VP,

You've gotten some great feedback in this thread and I've learned a thing or two reading through it myself.

I don't participate in the Mac/PC wars because I use both platforms daily. I generally prefer OSX/Mac for my portable platform and build my own Windows desktop systems for image and video editing & production.

A couple of posters have suggested various virtualization solutions such as Parallels/Fusion/VirtualBox that allow Windows to run as a guest OS on an OSX host. This can be a valid option in some cases. However, it is worth noting that one of VP's stated needs is the manipulation of video content via Camtasia, and this sort of application does not play nicely in a virtualized environment.

Another point to consider is the mapping of keystrokes and their functions between the Mac and Windows keyboards. As much of a Mac fan as I am, I'm constantly annoyed when I need the Home/End/Backspace/Delete and Pg Up/Pg Dn keys which don't exist on a Mac keyboard. I'm sure there are workarounds, but its something to keep in mind if you are a heavy keyboard-shortcut user as opposed to someone who is more mouse-oriented.

Post: #63

I had a PC for a long time. Bought a Macbook Pro last year. I bought it avoid viruses. Worth it.

Post: #64

(05-17-2013 03:46 AM)Andy_B Wrote:  

(05-15-2013 07:48 AM)Hotwheels Wrote:  I use $400 Toshiba's and they do everything I need.

And when it breaks, get's broken, soda spilled on it, etc I don't care.

Just get another.

I'm a PC man myself but I see the appeal of macs. They do seem to last longer, the hardware is more durable. Replace two $400 toshibas and you've gone well beyond the price of a macbook air on your total investment.

WHAT? It's $1,000 for a Macbook air.

Neither.

Just get a laptop with Windows 7 and you're fine.

I have Eset and I NEVER get viruses. Can't stand the Mac interface anyways. The file management and lack of support for Windows programs, topped with overpriced hardware is a no brainer.

They don't use "better hardware". It's the same stuff.

Post: #65

(05-17-2013 12:37 PM)NY Digital Wrote:  They don't use "better hardware". It's the same stuff.

Nah apple commissions a lot of custom stuff from its suppliers that's a little different from what most PC companies are using. Compare the circuit board on a mac to a PC sometime. IT's way different. And before you start raging about how mac users are all brainwashed hipster fanboys with double digit IQs, I don't own a fucking mac and I agree they're overpriced.

But anyone who compares a macbook to a $400 PC is insane. Specs aren't everything. You need to spend over $1000 on a PC to get anything MacBook Pro level, over $700 to get anything MacBook air level. Better building materails, screen resolution, engineering, etc. Again, I don't use a mac, this is just obvious. Dudes who quote a line of $400 PC specs against a line of $1000 mac specs and say "LOL SEE BROS OVERPRICED AS [email protected]!!1!" are the ultimate example of dudes who think they're being smart but are actually being retarded.

Post: #66

Good call! Today, I went to the local Apple store in here and saw the new Mac Book Air and it looks simply stunning and performance wise, is better than the previous model. However, no news on the newer version of the Macbook Pro.

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-air/
"Much of that power is thanks to flash storage, which is up to 9x faster than a traditional 5400-rpm notebook hard drive3 — and up to 45 percent faster than the flash storage in the previous-generation MacBook Air."

Add to the above, 12 hours for the battery on the new MBA that alone is making me almost want to get it. I was leaning towards the 13 inch Macbook Pro but after seeing the new MBA, I'm very very tempted to get that one instead! And just upgrade it in terms of rams and hard drive as the need arises. Or even get an external hard drive like say something like this at a fraction of the apple product:
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/w...3395b3en02
Has anyone bought something similar? Is it reliable?
I mean if I can simply get the entry level MBA in terms of hard drive and only upgrade the rams then get an external hd, that would be a smart move and it would save quite some $$$. Thoughts on that guys?

So in light of all the above, which would be the wiser move? Get the 13 inch MBP or the new MBA? I was about to get the MBP this week but this new MBA is throwing a wrench in my mind...thoughts guys?

(05-12-2013 04:16 PM)salmonfella Wrote:  Anyone know is it worth holding out till June for newer models? will there be any major differences?

Post: #67

I can only repeat what others in here have said: Two years ago I switched from a MBP to a MBA and I never looked back. Given yesterday's update I strongly advise getting a new MBA for all the reasons that have been stated already (lightweight form factor, battery stamina, enough power, ...) and when OS X Mavericks will be released this fall, the battery life will improve even further.

One caveat: I'm a tad surprised that the rMBP weren't updated yesterday. Especially so, because the Haswell chips are quite a big leap forward. Combine this with the rumours of a thinner 13" rMBP (the edge with the ports won't be thinner, but the curvature and thickness of the battery bay on the bottom - so many guys aren't getting this right) and you would already be inclined to wait a few more months. But still, you can always say that and wait forever.

If you need a new machine now, buy the MBA.

Post: #68

Apple do make excellent quality computing machines. The price tag definitely reflects this, though.

@Whoever said making $1500 investment over a $1000 investment on a machine that you're going to need to replace: If you're making a living from your computer, you're probably going to want to keep it up to date anyway. Apple machines are notoriously difficult and expensive to upgrade, so that is something to keep in mind.

Post: #69

I'm looking to get a Mac laptop after having my toshiba for 2 years. It still works fine, although it's a bit worn. Main reason I want to jump on a Mac is because there is someone who is looking for a cheaper, workable laptop that I can sell my current one to, and invest some of that money in a Mac.

Is a Macbook pro/air a computer that can last me at least 5 years? I don't want to invest a bunch in this machine to only have it last me for 3.

Post: #70

No retina on the new air??? I know a lot of people were expecting that to be an upgrade. I believe it's still 1440x900. Vs. the 2560 x 1440 that the retina and now others have (chomebook pixel, kirabook). Maybe that's a battery life thing.

The possible 12 hours of battery life is pretty amazing though.

Post: #71

(06-10-2013 11:15 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  So in light of all the above, which would be the wiser move? Get the 13 inch MBP or the new MBA? I was about to get the MBP this week but this new MBA is throwing a wrench in my mind...thoughts guys?

If you can wait, then do so. If urgent, get the 13 inch MBP if you want to watch HD movies and do video editing. It will be a couple of months before the rMBP get updated with Haswell processors. On a personal note, have a 15" MBP 2010 model. I do like the MacBook Pro machines. Amazingly well built and when you take the back off it after removing the magnificently machined high nickel stainless steel screws, everything is impeccably laid out and accessible. Still going strong with the latest released OS.

If you want form factor and latest battery saving processor, get the 13 inch MBA with 128GB SSD.... not the 11 inch or 64GB SSD. the screen is just too small for any lengthy period of time doing things eg typing documents, emails etc... But you will have to pay for the new OS, Mavericks, when they release it in Fall. Overall if you're mobile and travel around a lot it is a fantastic option.

Post: #72

(06-11-2013 08:14 AM)Nascimento Wrote:  Is a Macbook pro/air a computer that can last me at least 5 years? I don't want to invest a bunch in this machine to only have it last me for 3.

I have used my macbook pro for 4.5 years and haven't noticed any performance issues. I replaced my battery about a half year ago for 129 at the Apple store but no other problems besides that.

Post: #73

I bought an air, then returned it for a MBP two days later. I need all the shit on the sides of it.

I've had two macs over the past 6 years. Neither one had one single problem. I sold the last one (for $900 to a friend. Over 6 years old and still runs great) to buy my MBP.

Never had the blue screen of death, never had a hard drive crash, never had any part on the computer break, never had a virus, and have never loaded anti-virus software.

Macs rock in general. My iPhone 4 is almost 3 years old, still running like a champ.

Post: #74

(06-10-2013 11:15 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  So in light of all the above, which would be the wiser move? Get the 13 inch MBP or the new MBA? I was about to get the MBP this week but this new MBA is throwing a wrench in my mind...thoughts guys?

An idea just came to me. Have you thought of buying a refurbished Macbook Pro?

According to this post on Flyertalk, this is one way to consider a refurbished device.

The Apple online refurb store lists the original release date and the specs, which you can compare with the current model. It also comes with an Apple guaranteed warranty.

Main advantages - They're cheaper and come with the exact same warranty. They're as good as new but just can't be sold as new. Sometimes (and rarely) they're the previous model on clearance, never used by anyone.

Disadvantage - you don't have a choice of configuration, other than waiting until the configuration you want becomes available as a refurb. on occasion, what you get is better than what's listed, maybe more memory or a bigger drive, but no guarantees.

Here's an idea - buy a refurbished MBP, upgrade RAM to the max and your cost is comparable to a new MBP but will work out in the long run.

Post: #75

(05-19-2013 03:58 AM)Andy_B Wrote:  

(05-17-2013 12:37 PM)NY Digital Wrote:  They don't use "better hardware". It's the same stuff.

Nah apple commissions a lot of custom stuff from its suppliers that's a little different from what most PC companies are using. Compare the circuit board on a mac to a PC sometime. IT's way different. And before you start raging about how mac users are all brainwashed hipster fanboys with double digit IQs, I don't own a fucking mac and I agree they're overpriced.

But anyone who compares a macbook to a $400 PC is insane. Specs aren't everything. You need to spend over $1000 on a PC to get anything MacBook Pro level, over $700 to get anything MacBook air level. Better building materails, screen resolution, engineering, etc. Again, I don't use a mac, this is just obvious. Dudes who quote a line of $400 PC specs against a line of $1000 mac specs and say "LOL SEE BROS OVERPRICED AS [email protected]!!1!" are the ultimate example of dudes who think they're being smart but are actually being retarded.

That's hilarious. You're terribly wrong.

Take a "cheap" PC and put an SSD in it and tell me if you can still compare the two on price/performance.

I smell an Apple fanboy.

For anyone technologically inclined(like me), you can run Mac on VMWare or even dualboot Hackintosh.