New User... Macbook Air, buy now or wait

First let me say, WOW. I've registered on a Mac Forum. I've been a Windows user since... Win386. What used to be fun, has become a pain. It used to be fun to fiddle with and fix Windows, but I've grown sick of it. I just want my computer work work!

So here I am, soon to own a Mac.

Second, let me apologize for asking. I suspect the answer is unknown, but if anyone knows you will.

I am going to purchase a Macbook Air. The question is, should I buy it now, or wait for a new release? I don't have a good feel for how often Apple updates the hardware. When do you think a new Air bight be released.

Thanks
Monty

I'd guess it's going to be awhile as that model was released just a few months ago.

In general, if you're always waiting for the next big thing in technology, you'll be waiting forever. Buy the machine you need when you need it and it will continue to serve those needs long after an updated model arrives.

cwa107 said:

I'd guess it's going to be awhile as that model was released just a few months ago.

In general, if you're always waiting for the next big thing in technology, you'll be waiting forever. Buy the machine you need when you need it and it will continue to serve those needs long after an updated model arrives.

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Make sense. Same advice I have given in the PC world
I am so excited about getting a Mac

MontyMo said:

Make sense. Same advice I have given in the PC world
I am so excited about getting a Mac

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Cool. Make sure you check out the Switcher's Hangout forum. Lots of good stickies and advice to be had there:

Switcher Hangout - Mac-Forums.com

And welcome to Mac-Forums.

I too am considering grabbing a MBA 11". But with Sandy Bridge, I am really hoping Apple makes some real magic happen with the MBA and puts i3s in them.

the awakening said:

I too am considering grabbing a MBA 11". But with Sandy Bridge, I am really hoping Apple makes some real magic happen with the MBA and puts i3s in them.

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I would be really surprised if you'll see the i3 in that kind of form factor. The MBA is and has always been a stylish Netbook. I could see it going the other way, like maybe AMD Fusion. Apple has been in discussions with AMD and I could easily see it being about future MBAs.

MontyMo said:

Second, let me apologize for asking. I suspect the answer is unknown, but if anyone knows you will.

I am going to purchase a Macbook Air. The question is, should I buy it now, or wait for a new release? I don't have a good feel for how often Apple updates the hardware. When do you think a new Air bight be released.

Click to expand...

Check out this MacRumors Web page:
Mac Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone

On this page they list Apple products, and they show how long Apple usually waits between new releases and they tell you when the last release of any particular product was.

You will find the info that pertains to the MacBook Air here:
Mac Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone

As you can see, the last MacBook Air was released just this past October, and Apple is on roughly a yearly cycle for updating the MacBook Air. I would say that if you want a MacBook Air, now would be the time to buy. You more than likely won't be seeing an updated model before the end or the year, and, more likely, you won't see a new one until Spring of 2012.

___________________________________________

Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)

Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
OS X Maintenance And Troubleshooting
___________________________________________

MontyMo said:

Make sense. Same advice I have given in the PC world
I am so excited about getting a Mac

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Nit-picking somewhat but a Mac is a PC so therefore it is included in the PC world.

Go for it I bought a macbook air 13" still have my old windose pc but its more of an ornament now. Just get it you will love it.

make sure you are happy with the specs! you cant open it up after you buy it.

I say get the MBA now. I bought mine 2 months ago and I love. I got the 13 inch with the faster processor and upgraded ram. It is my favorite macbook that Ive owned so far and Ive had them all. YOu wont regret it.

Luckydiesel said:

I say get the MBA now. I bought mine 2 months ago and I love. I got the 13 inch with the faster processor and upgraded ram. It is my favorite macbook that Ive owned so far and Ive had them all. YOu wont regret it.

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yes he will because lets see
*you run out of space FAST
*to upgrade SSD you need to sell a kidney and you first born child
*no disk drive
*and the MBP is only 200$ more

tigerbomb8 said:

*to upgrade SSD you need to sell a kidney and you first born child

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Thankfully, I have two kidneys and I never really liked my first born that much anyway.

;P

Air 11

I am looking at air 11, do i need to upgrade to faster proc and 4gb ram for email, skype and photos?

gary804 said:

I am looking at air 11, do i need to upgrade to faster proc and 4gb ram for email, skype and photos?

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No, the standard processor should be fine.