Macbook Air or Macbook?

carenburg · May 19, 2011

Hello i am a student in High school, i guess you could call me "Tech Savvy" because i run a forum (and know how it works). I use a laptop every day in the class room (have a learning disability) so i need a light computer (thus the mac line) i also need a computer that i well be able to right code on and develop websites on. I well also be running VMware (because of the student discount). The two laptops that it has come down to are the Macbook Air (base model) or Macbook (base model) they cost the same price at out local stores. What would you suggest?

Deckyon · May 19, 2011

Both will accomplish what you need.

However, you will be disappointed with the response of both the OSX and whatever OS you end up running in VMWare. Since using virtual machines requires the host machine to share its hardware with the virtual machine, both slow way down.

If you have to run a separate OS other than OSX for school, then I would strongly suggest getting the MacBook with a larger hard drive (and upgradeable down the line where the Air is not.) You can double the memory for $100 on either - do it. It will make a big difference especially if you are ****-bent on using VMWare.

carenburg · May 19, 2011

Deckyon said:
Both will accomplish what you need.

However, you will be disappointed with the response of both the OSX and whatever OS you end up running in VMWare. Since using virtual machines requires the host machine to share its hardware with the virtual machine, both slow way down.

If you have to run a separate OS other than OSX for school, then I would strongly suggest getting the MacBook with a larger hard drive (and upgradeable down the line where the Air is not.) You can double the memory for $100 on either - do it. It will make a big difference especially if you are ****-bent on using VMWare.

Ok thank you i was leaning towards the Macbook. I well be buying from a local store and all they have are the base models. I need to run a VB for some of my programs and compatibility reasons for school

Ramimac1 · May 19, 2011

Just an FYI look on apple.com refurb they have some of the new 2011 atleast they did erlier of the 13"mac pros lot more powerfull about the same price.

Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core Intel i5 - Apple Store (U.S.)

carenburg · May 19, 2011

Ramimac1 said:
Just an FYI look on apple.com refurb they have some of the new 2011 atleast they did erlier of the 13"mac pros lot more powerfull about the same price.

Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.3GHz dual-core Intel i5 - Apple Store (U.S.)

Thanks!! Mom does not want me to get a refurb but i think they are just as good as the new ones (for what i want). She also thinks they are to much for a refurb

but it is my money not hers

Ramimac1 · May 19, 2011

It is bran new off the line and had an issue at the time of testing it the only issue..

also same warranty and free shipping.

That is how I bought my iMac same product especially since it is this model year and Twice the machine of the macbook

Don't forget also that if you order a new one (not refurb) from apple you get a discount for being a student

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/education_pricing?mco=MTAyNTQzODI

Deckyon · May 19, 2011

I would look into Bootcamp before VMware. It is included with osx.

carenburg · May 19, 2011

Ramimac1 said:
It is bran new off the line and had an issue at the time of testing it the only issue..

also same warranty and free shipping.

That is how I bought my iMac same product especially since it is this model year and Twice the machine of the macbook

Don't forget also that if you order a new one (not refurb) from apple you get a discount for being a student

Apple Education Pricing - Apple Store (U.S.)

Ok. And discount only applies to post secondary

Ramimac1 · May 19, 2011

works from K to college as far as I understand.

Click on the http://store.apple.com/us-hed/findyourschool

and see if you school is listed.