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KYLE BAXTER
My thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth
Articles Posted: 134; Links Seeded: 1104
Member Since: 11/2006Last Seen: 10/18/2009
Member Since: 11/2006Last Seen: 10/18/2009
95 Comments
PrintMy Extensive Macbook Air Review
News Type: Opinion — Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:23 AM EDT
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My first experience with Apple came in summer 2004 when I got my first MP3 player and iPod, the iPod Mini. It held all of my music in one sleek (at least for the time), strong and pocketable device, and it made listening to music fun rather than a chore, like it used to be with carrying CDs around.
Background
Before then, my music was contained in a host of poorly labeled and structured files, a confusing mess of almost arbitrary audio files. Listening to music was a pain. The iPod Mini and iTunes changed that. Rather than fumble through a folder structure, the iPod Mini and iTunes allowed me to find it in a simple to use graphic interface. I began organizing my music into playlists, and really took advantage of it.
Even better, though, because the iPod and iTunes combination was nothing I had seen before, utterly revolutionary in its ease of use and functionality, I was inspired. I was inspired to find new music and appreciate it on a greater scale than I could or would before. That powerful integration of the two, excellent software and hardware, became an indispensable part of my music experience.
Before the iPod Mini, I considered myself a "Windows guy." My conception of Macs were the candy-colored iMacs running OS9, weak relics of the past. The Mini did not necessarily change that, but it turned me toward considering Apple a bit more. As time went on, and I paid a bit more attention to what Apple was doing, and as I became more aware of OS X and current Macs, I began to realize just how powerful they were.
One and a half years later, in December 2005, I got my first Mac -- a last revision 15" Powerbook, with 1GB of RAM and a 7,200 RPM 100GB hard drive. Driving home from the newly-opened Apple store, I was overflowing with excitement. I wasn't excited, though, because the Powerbook's hardware was, well, powerful. By then I knew that by June 2006 Apple would release Intel Macs. Indeed, the Powerbook's G4 processor was even outdated within the PowerPC line, with G5s out then.
I was giddy because I realized that Macs' true strength was their design, both hardware and software. By then, after re-installing Windows XP and dealing with the kitchen sink that is a Windows computer, I realized that Macs were powerful because everything was thought out and was there for a reason.
I was excited because of "little" things, like that OS X's address book integrated with iCal, Mail and iChat, and could integrate with other apps as well. I was excited because the Powerbook's hardware design was wonderfully minimalist, nothing superfluous, just an excellent design that follows its function. (And to someone influenced by Objectivism, this is exciting indeed). Basically, I was excited to be getting a computer where the hardware designers and software designers all cared and put their lives into what they were making.
Getting some Air
Usually the high associated with new things wears off after a while, the youthful exuberance fades into the knowing stillness of adult wisdom, but I never lost that excitement. The reason is because as I delved deeper into the Mac community, I found even more great people, passionately doing work that they love, and I saw many more new Apple products with that same kind of integrity I saw in the Powerbook.
As dumb as it may sound to some of you, my beliefs in regard to work and, indeed, life, have been changed. By seeing people so dedicated to their work that they put everything they have into designing something they think is perfect, I have been motivated that much more to do the same for everything I do. I know that makes me sound like an Apple cultist, but I really could care less. It's true.
Now almost two and a half years later after getting my first Mac, it was time to get another Mac. When the Macbook Air was announced, although I was thoroughly impressed by the engineering and design work that Apple did, I wanted a Macbook Pro. I thought its compromises -- no firewire, optical drive, only one USB port, and a comparatively slow processor -- were too much to give up. But after thinking about it for a while, and actually holding one in my hands, I realized I don't need any of those things. I rarely, if ever, use more than one USB port at a time, and a simple USB hub solves that nicely for the rare occasions I do. And most importantly, the 1.6 GHz dual-core processor may be slow compared to what current Macbooks and Macbook Pros have, but it is much faster than what I was used to and is more than ample for the work I do -- documents and web design.
And so I made the decision to buy the Air rather than a Pro. Here is my review.
Case Design
The Powerbook is a finely-designed notebook, but the Macbook Air quite simply puts it to shame. Despite its petite frame, the Air feels like one solid piece of aluminum holding it, an expertly-carved teardrop.
The magnetic latch is perfect. It holds firmly, but it is not difficult to lift up the lid. To keep the screen off of the keyboard, the Powerbook had two rubber pieces at the top center on the latching system. Unfortunately, over time these can fall off. The Macbook Air simply and effectively solves this. The top half's edges are lipped with the same rubber material, which distributes the force of putting the screen down over the entire lid rather than at two points, meaning the lid is evenly held off of the keyboard, and the rubber piece is less likely to fall off.
There is another effect, though, and that is how pushing the lid down feels. I can't quite describe it, but it feels soft and complete, like two identical pieces are interlocking together into one piece.
And as you all know, it's incredibly thin. But what no one has mentioned, I think, is how it feels in your hands when it is closed. Let's remember its name: Macbook Air. Apple's goal is to make it feel almost like a notebook would in your hands, not too heavy, and not too thick -- easily portable and versatile. The Macbook Air simply nails this, better than any notebook has, period. Its thin and lightweight design engenders a feeling that you can take it anywhere with you, and more importantly, that you should take it everywhere with you. You lug it around as much as you do a 250-page notebook. It's effortless.
There are no unsightly ports on the sides to ruin its flow and integrity. Ayn Rand said that form should follow function, that a design's integrity comes from how well it fulfills its function. When you look at the Macbook Air, its function is evident. Apple has received criticism for not including more ports and for making them inaccessible, but this criticism overlooks that the Air is made to be held in one hand, walking from place to place, and not to be a desktop-replacement. From that perspective, loading it with ports (which Apple possibly could have done; its hardware supports more USB ports), which increases thickness and makes holding it more difficult, violates its very reason for existing, so congratulations to Apple for not being willing to compromise its function.
Keyboard and Trackpad
I have been spoiled for two and a half years. The Powerbook's (and now the Macbook Pro's) keyboard is the best notebook keyboard on the market, and it is absolutely wonderful to type on. The keys are firm and have good depth, and, I think, is nicer than even the best desktop keyboards.
The Macbook Air's keyboard, then, has big shoes to fill.
It measures up quite nicely to the Powerbook's keyboard. The sound and depth of keys is not quite as satisfying as the Powerbook's, and because its keys are not concave keys it "grips" your fingers slightly less, but compared to any other notebook's keyboard, it outclasses them all. Writing papers and Newsvine articles on this keyboard is going to be great.
The keyboard backlighting is one of the reasons I loved the Powerbook so much, and so I was quite happy to see the Macbook Air with it. Pictures give its backlight a somewhat bluish tinge, but as far as I can tell, it is as white as the Powerbook's. I have had a problem, though, with the ambient light sensor. For some reason, when it goes dark, it isn't turning on the backlight. I am sure I'll figure that out soon, though.
The function keys are nice, but their new positioning is taking some time to get used to. I will move my hand out of muscle memory to the left-enter of the keys to turn the volume up or down, and then I remember that they are all the way to the right-hand side now. No big deal. What I like a lot are the play/pause, forward-backward controls now built in to the function keys. Very useful for iTunes.
The trackpad is nice. Some have said its button is too small, but I have had no problem with it. I love how large it is -- it makes scrolling great.
Multi-touch is excellent, even if in its infancy. I like multi-touch in Safari the most. Swiping to move backward and forward between websites is excellent, and it will become second-nature just as two-finger scrolling has. It just makes sense!
I can't wait to see multi-touch spread to other apps. It's a powerful new advancement, and it makes using the Air that much easier and enjoyable.
Screen
The screen is brilliant. Literally brilliant. I can't believe how bright it is on full brightness. Even in a well-lit room, at full brightness it almost hurts. I usually have it at between two to four notches above off, and it is more than bright enough.
The glossy-finish is great. The Powerbook's matte screen disperses glare quite well, and I was a bit worried about the glossy screen on the Air, because of past experiences with PCs whose glossy screens are more like mirrors and finger-print traps. The Air's finish, though, is more muted than I expected, which is good. It does not reflect lights behind it much, and its viewing angle, the single-biggest victim of glossy screens, is at least as wide as my Powerbook's. Leopard already looked great, but this is how Leopard was meant to be used.
I also love how the screen is literally instantly on the second you wake it from sleep. I woke up this morning and opened my computer in the drowsiness of early mornings, and expected it to take a few seconds like my Powerbook to show the desktop and get up to peak brightness. I was shocked when the screen just turned on when I opened it, at full brightness and ready to use. Although this seems minor, it makes the computer feel that much more usable, because it just works.
Fancy that.
Battery Life
I could not be happier with its battery life so far. You are not going to find any scientific testing here (there has been enough of that already), just my anecdotal experience so far. Take it as you will.
Tuesday's are a grueling class schedule for me. I have an hour and twenty minute class at 8 AM, another at 9:30 AM, another at 1:30 PM, and a two hour and fifty minute class at 7PM.
I fully charged the Macbook Air over night and went to class at 8AM. With WiFi on for both morning classes (2 hours and forty minutes combined), and the screen varying between the lowest setting and four bars, I not only got through both classes, but when I got back to my dorm it said it had another two hours and twenty minutes left. Some of you may be smirking and saying, so what? The so what is this: even though I bought a new battery for my Powerbook this last summer, to get through those two classes, I had to keep its screen at the lowest brightness (which was too low), keep WiFi off for one class period, and periodically shut the backlight off altogether. By the end of the classes it registered somewhere between forty minutes and an hour left. That is a huge step up for me.
My final class of the day, from 7PM to 9:50 PM, was another test. With WiFi on, brightness set to the lowest level, and periodic use, it lasted the entire class. Not bad. Even better, I began writing this article at 10:20 PM, with WiFi on and three bars of brightness, and currently, at 11:50 PM, it is registering 1:12 remaining. Incredible.
Considering I used it off and on throughout the class period, I'd estimate while browsing the web and typing an article like I am now that I could consistently get three and a half to four hours of battery life. I think that's a fair estimate, and while that isn't Apple's 5 hour estimate, it's more than acceptable for me.
Speed
I am not a "power user." I only edit video when making fun little family things, and use Garageband mostly to make ringtones or play with cool audio effects. (I particularly like reading selections from Jonathan Edward sermons and putting it through the deep voice sound effect. I figure that's how Edwards must have sounded.) I am primarily a student, and do web design as well, so my needs are: to run the iWork suite and Coda quickly. If a computer can do those two things, my needs are met.
That isn't exactly taxing, but my Powerbook struggled a bit with them, especially opening them. So far, these apps are much more responsive than on my Powerbook. One good indicator for me is in Coda. When you open Coda, it presents you with a nice graphical representation of your website projects. When you click on one, it simultaneously spins around and grows larger, until it fills the window, revealing your website documents.
My Powerbook choked on the animation, and would either hack it, or not show it at all. On the Air, though, it's smooth as a baby's ass. That's an anecdotal test, but it's what matters to me -- speed and ease of use.
Here's another example. Spotlight searches routinely took a second or a second and a half to populate on my Powerbook. On the Air, it's instant.
So I am really not too concerned with the processor being slow compared to current Macbook Pros. Because of the work I do, I really don't need a 2.4 GHz processor. A 1.6 GHz is more power than I need. Combined with 2GB of RAM, this thing is speedy.
Portability
Walking to class or the library with three books, papers, a five and a half pound computer and its power cord isn't precisely my idea of fun. The books and papers are heavy enough; the computer just makes it worse.
The Air is 2.5 pounds lighter, and while that might not sound like much, it is. Walking to class yesterday, I realized my backpack felt like there wasn't a computer in there at all, which is how it should feel.
I am tempted to forget my backpack altogether and just grab the Air and textbook to head to class. That's a big change -- taking my computer places is no longer a decision of "do I really want to carry it on my back for so long?" because it feels like there isn't much there anyway.
And that's how notebook computers should be. There should be no long consideration of whether you really want to bring it because of its weight -- taking it should be effortless.
Apple has managed to make a full-sized laptop as portable as a notebook.
Conclusion
The Macbook Air is not an all-purposes computer. It was not designed to be. Its designers decided that they wanted to create a great notebook, and that's what they did. It serves its function better than I could even believe before owning it.
Because it is dedicated to one function, and it makes breaks traditional assumptions to do so, you must decide whether you fit the Air's ideal user. If you find yourself importing and editing video a lot, using more than one USB port at a time, or you edit and compose music all while at a desk, the Air is not for you, and you should not even try buying one.
If, however, like most computer users, you only really use one USB port at any given time and your work centers on email, the web, and doing documents work, the Air is absolutely perfect for you. It will excel at the work you do, and will open up new opportunities with its mobility.
Its sleek design is a turning point, I think, in notebook design. It is the first time a notebook truly deserves to be called a "notebook," because it really is easy just to carry around in your hand or bag, just like a real notebook.
I certainly know one thing: even after owning the Macbook Air for only two days, it will be difficult to ever go back to a normal notebook form factor. I hope I never have to.
25 Votes- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
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 | First Look at my new Macbook Air | Kyle Baxter | Mon Mar 24 | 33 |
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{"commentId":1620675,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
Hope that wasn't too painful of a read for you.
{"commentId":1620675,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"kyleb"}
- 5 votes
#1 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:26 AM EDT{"commentId":1622718,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}
Very helpful information.
{"commentId":1622718,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1620791,"authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
Good review, but I believe some of your dates are off... as I got this MacBook Pro in February of 2006.
{"commentId":1620791,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
- 3 votes
#2 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:19 AM EDT{"commentId":1621613,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1622723,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}
Good catch, Henry.
That originally had me puzzled.
{"commentId":1622723,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1621121,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
Whenever I end up in the market for a new portable, I'm either going with an Air or a MacBook Pro.
I won't consider another MacBook until they move beyond plastic casings, because they just don't hold up. My Macbook still runs just fine, but it drives me nuts that I'm holding a piece of the casing down with a piece of scotch tape.
{"commentId":1621121,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
- 4 votes
#3 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:17 AM EDT{"commentId":1621166,"authorDomain":"emix"}
I'm holding a piece of the casing down with a piece of scotch tape.
Same thing is going on with my girlfriend's Macbook, and we used the same solution. Supposedly it's covered by AppleCare, but we haven't gotten around to bringing it in (no Apple Store nearby).
{"commentId":1621166,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"emix"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1621197,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
Hrm...I don't have AppleCare, but I do have an extended warranty from NFM, where I bought it.
(Yeah, yeah -- it was a mistake.)
Where is your crack? Mine is a thin strip that pops up along the rim that rus underneath and to the right of the trackpad button. Essentially, the lid (display) has two "feet" on the top, and when you close the lid, the case is cracked right where those two feet come in contact with the MacBook body. Plus, I have a small vertical crack right underneath the trackpad button. Also, the hinge chipped right where it meets the lid.
Back when I was still covered by the 1 year warranty, I took it in because the casing on the display began to come loose at the seam.
{"commentId":1621197,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1621233,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
FWIW -- Just did a search and came up with a ton of hits, but the one with the best pictures is here:
MacBook case cracked by magnets
I think they're on to something. I may put together a list of links and try and have it replaced via my NFM warranty. Seems easy enough to prove that it's a design defect and not something that I caused by carelessness.
{"commentId":1621233,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":1621396,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
That would be hard to believe the magnet is doing that, my guess is that the problem is the magnet got mounted on its side and a sharp edge is hitting the plastic lid. If there is a Boat Store (hmm good luck maybe in Kansas...) anywhere close, or web site like West Marine, they have some Fiberglass repair kits that work very well and you can get a small tube of it and basically use it like Superglue and it will fill in the crack and bond with the plastic with no problem. I have used that many times on laptop repair and works far better and safer then superglue.
{"commentId":1621396,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1621425,"authorDomain":"emix"}
Where is your crack? Mine is a thin strip that pops up along the rim that rus underneath and to the right of the trackpad button.
Yep, that's the spot. Same as in the picture you linked too.
{"commentId":1621425,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"emix"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1621780,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1621908,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
I think I'm going to start a Flickr group.
:)
I took some pictures, will upload them later tonight.
{"commentId":1621908,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1621963,"authorDomain":"sphinx"}
Dude. Exact. Same. Place. (though Digg is down at the moment)
I've superglued mine down twice. Second time is working pretty well.
Whenever I pick up my Macbook now, I'm taking care to put my palm under the top ends of the keyboard, and not the ends of the palmrest. The slight case flex really doesn't help.
My next laptop will most probably be a 15" MBP, unless Apple suddenly decides to come out with a 13.3" MBP.
Essentially, I want the speed, power, and shininess of an MBP, but not the footprint. :-p
{"commentId":1621963,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"sphinx"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":1622062,"authorDomain":"emix"}
I took some pictures, will upload them later tonight.
I'll do the same. Let me know when you get the group started.
{"commentId":1622062,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"emix"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1623539,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
Sorry for the hijacking, Kyle -- this should be my last post:
There are countless images of the same defect on Flickr. I've invited several people to join the group and share their images, and will write an article about the group and the issue for Newsvine.
{"commentId":1623539,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1623787,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1621136,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
"Too Painful" ? Hah.. Maybe you should think about sending your review to MacWorld or MacLife as it is far better in the real world sense then any of the ones that I have read so far. Yours contain the things that are important to the end user and that really matter. Really nice job ! I would send a copy to Apple if I were you.
{"commentId":1621136,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 6 votes
#4 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:19 AM EDT{"commentId":1621782,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1622070,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Very useful and very timely as I have my 2.8 GHz 24" iMac for Aperture 2.0/Lightroom 1.4/PhotoShop Elements 6.0, Office 2008, Bento, Microsoft Expressions, Starry Night Pro, OmniGraffle Pro, Final Cut Studio 2 and a few others somewhere in there...So I kinda shot my budget on software as I need to replace my aging Compaq laptop.
Until now I was about 70% leaning towards a MBP, 30% for a Air. However I thought I would load the Air only with iLife, iWorks, Office 2008 and either Lightroom 1.4 or PhotoShop Elements 6.0 and Bento. That plus my Time Capsule serving both Mac's.
However, you have basically reinforced or far surpassed my feelings on the Air, plus reading what everyone else is saying about it. so now I am way more in favor of the Air as I really like the idea of not lugging around a big notebook again. That does get old fast. I can use the iMac for heavy duty stuff and the Air for light weight work and also for class as I am heading back to Grad school soon.
Thanks again !
{"commentId":1622070,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622127,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1622187,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Other then studying what happens to walk around the campus...
Oh when I was younger and had way too much energy, I double majored in Electrical Engineering and Oceanography. The EE to get the nice pay, the Oceanography as my hobby. Well that was somewhat of a heavy load...I did finish up the double major, but only ended up with a MSEE. So I am going for my Masters in Oceanography. It most likely will not lead to any type of job, but something I want to do for me and to get my brain working again as I have been away from that field for a long time and have alot to catch up on. So it will be a challenge for me. I understand Computers and Electronics far better then Chemistry and the other sciences..
{"commentId":1622187,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625937,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
{"commentId":1625937,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"brianford"}
{"commentId":1621156,"authorDomain":"emix"}
The Powerbook's (and now the Macbook Pro's) keyboard is the best notebook keyboard on the market, and it is absolutely wonderful to type on. The keys are firm and have good depth, and, I think, is nicer than even the best desktop keyboards.
This is my favorite thing about my MacBook Pro. I type on it all day, every day, and it still feels effortless.
I played with an Air at the Apple Store awhile back, and wow is it a great piece of engineering. Unfortunately it doesn't really make sense for my needs until I can afford to have multiple computers. When that day comes, though, I suspect I'll be getting one too.
{"commentId":1621156,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"emix"}
- 2 votes
#5 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:25 AM EDT{"commentId":1621369,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
So first I was torn between a Pro or the black MacBook, and now I'm seriously considering the Air. I'm just curious, Evan, what about the Air doesn't meet your needs, or what is it that you need to do that the Air wouldn't be able to handle?
{"commentId":1621369,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1621457,"authorDomain":"emix"}
I do a lot of audio processing, and some graphical stuff. The audio is the real killer though. Even my 2.0 GHz Pro with 2 Gigs of RAM struggles sometimes, so I can't see the Air doing it for me on its own. I'd love to switch to a MacBook Air/Mac Pro dual setup, but that's just not in the cards financially at this point. Maybe someday...
{"commentId":1621457,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"emix"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624066,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
Yeah in that case you'd be a masochist to try and use the Air as a primary machine. I only ask because I hear a lot of people saying "The Air isn't fast enough for me" and then I learn that they're using Word, Mail, iTunes, iChat, and maybe iPhoto. Which is exactly what I do. I wonder what media playback on it is like, as I have some WMV files that choke my PowerBook (then again, they are WMV).
{"commentId":1624066,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624298,"authorDomain":"sphinx"}
To be fair, the Air can very plausibly be too slow for iPhoto. it depends on how many photos you have.
As for video playback, my 2.0 GHz Macbook (now with 3 GB RAM) occasionally hiccups on an HD video, so I imagine the Air would do the same.
{"commentId":1624298,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"sphinx"}
{"commentId":1624323,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1624391,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1625842,"authorDomain":"sphinx"}
Yeah, I haven't had any hiccups from Apple HD trailers, but some high-quality HD Xvid/DivX files, played in VLC, cause me problems on occasion.
As for iPhoto, I'll take your word for it, so you actually use an Air. :-p
{"commentId":1625842,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"sphinx"}
{"commentId":1621718,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
Nice review.
I bought a MacBook Pro last summer. At the time I debated between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. This was going to be my secondary computer, as I already have a 20" iMac with a 2nd 20" monitor hooked up. I ended up getting the 15" Pro because I liked the higher specs. After a year of use, though, I realize I could have got by just fine with the non-Pro. When I'm using my notebook (3-4 times a week,) I'm generally doing word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing. ALL of my video editing, photo editing, and web design is done on the iMac.
If I didn't already have the MacBook Pro, I would get the MacBook Air in a heartbeat. I currently use Home Zone to sync my documents between the iMac and MBP, and would do the same with the Air, limiting it by excluding Final Cut Express, Photoshop, and Aperture documents. I wouldn't need them on the Air (and never actually use them on the MBP.)
{"commentId":1621718,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 5 votes
#6 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:38 AM EDT{"commentId":1622087,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
gecko85,
Are you running the full PhotoShop (CS3) and Aperture ? I tried out CS3 and it looks nice, but looks like a long learning curve compared to Aperture.
{"commentId":1622087,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622399,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
@Tedd,
I use both Aperture and Photoshop CS3. Aperture (and it's Adobe counterpart, Lightroom) is designed for a digital photo workflow. Most of your editing can be done directly in Aperture, but for *some* things (particularly effects) you'll want to do further processing in Photoshop (CS3.) Both Aperture and Lightroom allow you to designate an external editor. The part of CS3 that you're replacing with Aperture or Lightroom is Bridge. You'll still want Photoshop for certain edits. The bottom line is that CS3 compliments Aperture or Lightroom.
{"commentId":1622399,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622424,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
Home Zone?
{"commentId":1622424,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
{"commentId":1622512,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
@Jeremy,
Home Zone is an awesome app that monitors wireless networks and/or bluetooth devices and lets you set up automatic triggers. The way mine is set up, whenever my MBP detects my home network it: disables my screensaver password, sets my default printer to my networked printer, launches my ChronoSync profile that synchronizes certain files in the documents folders on both the iMac and MBP, etc. When my home wireless network is not detected, it enables the screensaver password, sets my default printer to PDF writer, etc.
Here's a great Lifehacker article that talks more about Home Zone. You can all sorts of things, like have it lock down your computer when your bluetooth device (cellphone, headset, etc) is out of range, then open it up when it's detected...crazy stuff.
{"commentId":1622512,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1622541,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
Nifty, I will check that out. Thanks!
{"commentId":1622541,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
{"commentId":1622567,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
@gecko85, OK, now I got it, I did not understand the part that CS3 compliments Aperture. I was looking at it as CS3 or Aperture and have been shying away from the $625 price (I don't have a old version) for the full system, but have been thinking about going with it.
{"commentId":1622567,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622671,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
@Tedd,
You could go with Aperture alone for now, and be fine with most of your edits. It has all the stuff you need the most (levels, etc.) When you're ready to get CS3, take a class at your local Jr. College then buy the academic version. Much cheaper. ;-)
{"commentId":1622671,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1622815,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
@Tedd
Aperture: RAW conversions, library management, making one or two changes to an entire group of photos at once, basic editing
CS3: Very detailed in-depth editing.
You might have gotten that already, but just thought I would state it another way in case.
{"commentId":1622815,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622923,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
@Jeremy,
While it's true that CS3 offers some advanced editing not available in Aperture, I wouldn't say Aperture is just "basic" editing. You can dig pretty deep with levels, highlights/shadows, repair/clone, noise reduction, vignette and de-vignette, sharpen, etc. I often find that I don't need to edit further in CS3 for most photos.
{"commentId":1622923,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622952,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
@Gecko,
I was speaking relatively and not trying to downplay Aperture's abilities. I love Aperture so far. And we got one hell of an educational price on it.
{"commentId":1622952,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1622980,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
And we got one hell of an educational price on it.
Me, too. ;-)
My upgrade to Aperture 2 just arrived today. I can't wait to install it!
{"commentId":1622980,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1623934,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
I was very impressed with Aperture 2.0 and also with the new version of PhotoShop Elements 6.0 which has borrowed some of the goodies of CS3. I was hoping to get a educational price break from the Apple Store as I got that on Aperture and the iMac, but haven't seen anything yet on CS3. Might have to go thru the campus bookstore and see if I get a break that way. That sure would help !
{"commentId":1623934,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1623986,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
Make sure you do that Tedd. Some campuses get special pricing even better then the norm.
{"commentId":1623986,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624004,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Will do Jeremy and thanks for your tips and advice. I do most of my work in RAW format, so I like to be able to really get into some of the finer details, especially astro and night shoots.
{"commentId":1624004,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624104,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
OK, now I got it, I did not understand the part that CS3 compliments Aperture. I was looking at it as CS3 or Aperture and have been shying away from the $625 price (I don't have a old version) for the full system, but have been thinking about going with it.
Depending on what you need you may want to try Pixelmator or Acorn. Both seem to give you some functionality that Photoshop has but Aperture or iPhoto do not, and they're $59 and $49.95 respectively. They are by no means Photoshop replacements though, but you can try them and see if they do what you need them to do.
I think that certain Apple software (such as Aperture or or the Express titles) that are the "academic" versions do not qualify for the upgrade pricing. In other words, if you got the academic Aperture 1.5, you'd have to buy the full Aperture 2 as opposed to the upgrade (although I guess you could still get the academic pricing on that).
Finally, Adobe's educational pricing system seems like a hassle unless you're going through an institution. You have to fill out a form and send in a copy valid school ID and wait another week for processing (on top of the estimated 2-3 week ship time from apple.com). If you're school has it it's quickest to go that route. I go to a community college and they've got it in the book store, so most schools should Not sure about the upgradeability, though. Or, there's the other way....
{"commentId":1624104,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624160,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
On buying via the Apple Store, there was no difference between a regular full blown edition and a academic version other the about a 15% price cut on the items that I looked at. I also use a Wacom 9*12 Digital drawing pad with mouse and pen, and the major programs all support that. So I a, trying to stick with main type software but will take a look at the two you suggested. For 80% of what I do, Aperture 2.0. Lightroom 1.4 and PhotoShop Elements 6 seems to handle most everything. Last time I checked in the school book store, they had CS3 for Windows, but not Mac.
{"commentId":1624160,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624177,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
As far as I know the academic versions are identical functionality-wise, however in the fine print you aren't supposed to use them commercially, and whether or not you can simply buy the upgrade edition of the next version is up the developer. I don't know how Adobe handles that last part, as the last product I used was CS2 about two years ago, and I found that on the street.
How is Elements 6, by the way? Does it do layers?
{"commentId":1624177,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
{"commentId":1624236,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
Ok, I just learned the hard way: do NOT buy Apple software educational versions. Yes, they're the same version of the software, but with one important difference: not eligible for upgrades. I now have to return my Aperture 2.0 upgrade version. I bought the Aperture 1.5 educational version for $149 (retail was $299.) Aperture 2.0 retail is $199, educational is now $179...not much difference. However, there's a $99 upgrade version that's good for *retail* versions of 1.0 or 1.5. There is no upgrade for educational versions. So, I'm now stuck paying $149 (version 1.5) + $179 (version 2.0), which is more than if I would have bought the full version of 1.5 at $299 and got the upgrade now. (I'm actually just going to buy the full version of 2.0 at $199 so that I don't get stuck again when 3.0 comes out.) Basically, getting the "educational" pricing on 1.5 is costing me $50 more than if I'd have bought full retail from the get-go. Thanks Apple! (Adobe gets their educational pricing right...Too bad I prefer Aperture over Lightroom...)
{"commentId":1624236,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624296,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
Does Adobe allow upgrades to academic versions?
{"commentId":1624296,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
{"commentId":1624306,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
Ok, I'm tired. My math is wrong. It's still slightly cheaper for me to buy the full version of 2.0 + my educational version of 1.5, than if I'd have bought the full version of 1.5 + the upgrade to 2.0. Still... ;-)
{"commentId":1624306,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624308,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
gecko85,
How or who knows the difference ? I picked up Aperture 2.0 Full version at the Apple Store and they give me the educational discount when I logged into the store with my Apple ID which is connected to school. Yet nothing on Aperture 2.0 says "Educational Version". The only area is says that is on the receipt. When Aperture 3.0 comes out, my 2.0 is not going to work as a upgrade ?
{"commentId":1624308,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1624316,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
Does Adobe allow upgrades to academic versions?
No, but their educational pricing is a MUCH bigger discount.
For example:
CS3 Design Standard is $1,199 retail, $399 upgrade
Educational price is $399.
Adobe has been pretty consistent with making the edu price the same as the upgrade price. When a new version comes out, just buy the edu version for the same price as the upgrade.
If Apple followed this formula, Aperture 1.5 edu would have been $99, and Aperture 2.0 edu would be $99...
{"commentId":1624316,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
{"commentId":1624320,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
How or who knows the difference ? I picked up Aperture 2.0 Full version at the Apple Store and they give me the educational discount when I logged into the store with my Apple ID which is connected to school. Yet nothing on Aperture 2.0 says "Educational Version". The only area is says that is on the receipt. When Aperture 3.0 comes out, my 2.0 is not going to work as a upgrade ?
They goofed, then. The sticker on the bottom of my Aperture 1.5 box, the one with the UPC, says "Aperture 1.5 Academic." And, the serial number is an academic version serial number (which is why I can't install the upgrade...it kicks back my original serial number as invalid.)
{"commentId":1624320,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625249,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
If you order online from the education store you'll get the academic version (standalone or installed). As far as purchasing it with the edu discount in the store I don't know if it gets flagged or not, I should ask some people there.
{"commentId":1625249,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625605,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
Like I said before though, check your campus book store or your computer department. You will get an EDU version, but mine was cheap enough that if I buy the next two full EDUs at the same price as this one, it will still be cheaper then the full version.
{"commentId":1625605,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625716,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
As far as purchasing it with the edu discount in the store I don't know if it gets flagged or not, I should ask some people there.
I initially tried to purchase the edu version of Aperture at the local Apple store, and was told that "edu software must be purchased online...we can only give edu discounts at the store on hardware." So, I bought it online.
{"commentId":1625716,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
{"commentId":1625741,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
I lucked out then as I just checked my Aperture 2.0 and it says Retail Version next the UPC code, so I am in luck. Good :-).
Also if you have not seen it, Adobe just came out with PhotoShop Express, Somewhat of a online Flickr + Photoshop Elements for no charge, I am just trying it out, its pretty nice.
{"commentId":1625741,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625797,"authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
Scott Kelby wrote a quick synopsis of what to expect of PhotoShop Express if you are interested.
Sorry for all of the OT/hijack comments Kyle.
{"commentId":1625797,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"jeremyemalheim"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625861,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
This is how I found it and I think is a far better review in MacWorld.
Adobe unveils Photoshop Express online service
No question its consumer based, but i would not agree with the other article about it being aimed at the "18-22 year old crowd" Looks like a well thought out service to me.
{"commentId":1625861,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1625906,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
@Tedd,
I can get to the front page of the Photoshop Exress site using Firefox 2.0.12/Mac, but the sign-up page is blank. I switched to Parallels and used the Win version of Firefox, and was able to sign up. When I confirmed my email, the confirmation page loaded fine in FF/Mac, but the Login page is also blank.
Are you having any issues in FF/Mac, or is there something wonky with my FF installation? (I've disabled AdBlock Plus for the entire site, so I'm pretty sure that's not the problem...but not 100% sure since I don't have AdBlock Plus on my Win FF install...)
{"commentId":1625906,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
{"commentId":1625998,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
It loads in what looks like Flash.
Have you tried but going here:
https://www.photoshop.com/express/
or
https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html
Its a little weird figuring it out as my URL is http://teddri.photoshop.com, but I cannot go to that address to see my site.
I am using Safari on my Mac with NetBarrier X5 and VirusBarrier X5 and no problems.
However this is a beta, and when I looked at the Gallery page, there are already 3800 galleries installed. So the site is loaded.
{"commentId":1625998,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1626070,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
https://www.photoshop.com/express/
That page loads fine, and looks great. It's just the Sign Up and Log In pages that are blank for me...
{"commentId":1626070,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1626120,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Its using Flash Player 9 for the sign in block and that takes about 10 seconds to load for me. I had problems with that on FF2 on the PC also. Remember it your do get to the sign in page, you don't use your ID for sign in, you use your email address.
{"commentId":1626120,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1626216,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
ts using Flash Player 9...
That did the trick. Some interesting observations:
* Evidently the opening page is using an earlier version of Flash, so it loads fine and all of the fancy image rollovers work fine.
* The login page, sign up page, and user pages all use Flash 9.
* I had Flash 8 installed, but never got an upgrade notice/warning. I simply got a blank page. (Not good design, IMO.)
* Once I updated my Flash plugin, everything now works fine.
{"commentId":1626216,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1626657,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
I never got that update either on FF, thats why I mentioned what player. Those rollovers are nice.
{"commentId":1626657,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1627119,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
OK one Last time I steal the thread. I can get CS3 at the school bookstore (educational version) for $349 and that sounds pretty decent to me. However, with the millions of books out there, any suggestions ? When I have looked around at bookstores, there are tons of them.
{"commentId":1627119,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1627490,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
However, with the millions of books out there, any suggestions ?
If you're looking at CS3 as primarily a photographer, then I highly recommend Scott Kelby's book. It's outstanding. Another one I've heard good things about, but haven't read myself, is Martin Evening's book. When I was looking for a CS2 book, I looked at the respective editions from both Kelby and Evening, and went with the Kelby book. Very good book.
{"commentId":1627490,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1627603,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
OK Thanks alot. I have Scott Kelby's book on LightRoom and its great, in looking at the reviews on Amazon, it sounds like he is the person on CS3 books. Like the price at Amazon much better then my local Borders also.
{"commentId":1627603,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1627792,"authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
Or anything by Bert Monroy, who is apparently in the Photoshop Hall of Fame (who knew there was such a thing?)
{"commentId":1627792,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"DrJuice"}
{"commentId":1627817,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
Or anything by Bert Monroy, who is apparently in the Photoshop Hall of Fame (who knew there was such a thing?)
I highly recommend Bert Monroy's podcast: Pixel Perfect with Bert Monroy
{"commentId":1627817,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
{"commentId":1624314,"authorDomain":"ejronin"}
The Macbook Air is not an all-purposes computer. It was not designed to be. Its designers decided that they wanted to create a great notebook, and that's what they did. It serves its function better than I could even believe before owning it.
I've not played with one, but I think what yu've said here is important. A lot of the people who've talked about it that I personally know were turned off by the Air because they expected to get a super thin desktop replacement. Looking at it, I assumed that it would be a general purpose notebook, not a DTR.
I don't think I'd get an Air (if I ever get a mac) because I use beefy apps that use high amounts of resources... but why get what you don't need. It serves a purpose to those who don't need a DTR (by what you write here)
good review.
{"commentId":1624314,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"ejronin"}
- 2 votes
#7 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:18 PM EDT{"commentId":1624337,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1624658,"authorDomain":"ejronin"}
Exactly, and why get what you don't need to compromise what you do need? Why get a 2.4 GHz processor and a GPU at the expense of mobility?
Actually... I primarily use a DT, but with what I use it for (music production / graphic design / 3d modeling / high end gaming) portable systems can at times, be a hindrance - and I've no need to travel with it right now - but I'm not the average user either.
{"commentId":1624658,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"ejronin"}
{"commentId":1624670,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1625343,"authorDomain":"ejronin"}
ah... my bad.
but yes, you're right. It doesn't make sense for someone to buy a computer that has twice what they need and half of what they'll use. And, for people who do not build their own systems having more (good) pre-built options is key.
I (personally), just need to save a few grand so I can get a macbook pro...
...so... if anyone wants to make a charitable donation to the "Shawn Gordon" fund... I'd be happy to make sure I get that :)
{"commentId":1625343,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"ejronin"}
{"commentId":1624333,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
@Dr. Juice,
PhotoShop 6 gives you some control over labels, here are the big three.
Fill layers: Contain a color gradient, solid color, or pattern.
Adjustment layers: Enable you to fine-tune color, brightness, and saturation without making permanent changes to your image (until you flatten, or collapse, the adjustment layer).
Type layers and shape layers: Let you create vector-based text and shapes.
You can't paint on an adjustment layer, although you can paint on its mask. To paint on fill or type layers, you first convert them into regular image layers
{"commentId":1624333,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 1 vote
#8 - Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:26 PM EDT{"commentId":1929296,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
I know I am slow to this thread but I am thinking about notebooks.
I have a Mac Pro desktop with a kick-ass monitor (that I bought for myself as I knew the ex-husband would be closing our our bank account soon)
Anyway, I am spoiled, obviously. It has all of the power I could want for anything I might want to do. (I play with Fractal apps) and I use it as my living room movie theater. (no tvs here)
But I will be traveling for perhaps months at a time for a new job and need to be able to go online and do word processing, and perhaps store photos.
Of course weight is important.
Do you think that the Air is a better bet for me than MBP? I would like to keep the price down since I am no longer *financed* :wink:.
{"commentId":1929296,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 2 votes
#9 - Mon Jun 9, 2008 10:56 PM EDT{"commentId":1929458,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1929469,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
When you use it on your lap, is it hot?
I had a PB G4 years ago and I couldn't stand it on my lap.
{"commentId":1929469,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1929688,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1929738,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Apple has a pretty unreal sale on at the moment with Adobe also on any Mac Computer, I am still not sure on a MBA or MBP, but which ever one, I am adding the Creative Suite 3 Design Premium (Adobe) package with only add's $399 to the price which is a bargain considering just any one of those programs alone cost $700 each and for me since the three big programs I tend to use are:
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended
Adobe Illustrator CS3
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Getting the others free is rather nice !
Those two short hours I have the Air, I had about 1 hour on my Lap, about 1/2 Wifi browsing and 1/2 exploring and I never noticed any heat and much less then a G4 also. That was wearing Levi Jeans, not bare flabby legs....
{"commentId":1929738,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1929813,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
and I never noticed any heat
You know how I would hate to have my legs burning up, Tedd! (other thread joke)
That Adobe deal sounds really nice but those apps would be better for my DT, not a notebook (for my purposes). sounds great for you though.
{"commentId":1929813,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1929833,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
I am buying the Applications when I get the Notebook and then put them on my 24" Imac as they are a overkill on the laptop as usually on the laptop the basics like iwork, ilife an Office 2008 is enough and basic photo stuff even as basic as PhotoShop Elements is fine. I just loved the Air the two hours I had it, so slick and well designed and the screen was so super. Just not sure If I am going to feel limited after using a MacBook pro at work and iMac at home, so one of these years...
Ah yeah....I am being real carefull about those hot legs of yours...
{"commentId":1929833,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1929875,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
So, I could buy the Air and get those Adobe apps at a discount and not put them on the Air, just put them on my DT?
That would be cool, I don't have PS or Illustrator yet....
How long is that deal going on?
{"commentId":1929875,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1929893,"authorDomain":"sphinx"}
But I will be traveling for perhaps months at a time for a new job and need to be able to go online and do word processing, and perhaps store photos.
Honestly, if you're traveling for so long, don't need too much power (or maybe need a bit of power), but might need a good bit of storage, the Macbook sounds like the happy medium for you.
It's lighter than the MBP, has the MBAir footprint, a comparatively cavernous hard drive, optical drive (in case you want to watch a DVD, burn a CD for a rental car CD player, etc.), and has better connectivity.
Admittedly, it's less sexy, but after owning a Macbook and playing with MBAirs in Apple stores (yeah, plural. :-p), the Macbook seems less slippery to hold.
My sister's getting a Macbook soon, taking advantage of the education special, though I'm currently still trying to convince her to sell me the iPod Touch for a discount, rather to keep it for herself. :-p
{"commentId":1929893,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"sphinx"}
{"commentId":1929921,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
How long is that deal going on?
I have checked everywhere, Adobe, Apple and the only comment I can get is until supplies run out. The Apple store lists the 4 different bundles that you can get ranging from Basic PhotoShop Extended for $199 up to Creative Suite 3 Design Premium for $399.
I still wonder what happened about the rumored aluminum cased Macbook.
{"commentId":1929921,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1929954,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
Jack Huang:
optical drive (in case you want to watch a DVD
That is a possibility although I would have to carry those with me, because other countries have a different type, right? Hmm, I probably wouldn't carry any with.
the Macbook seems less slippery to hold.
That would be important. I have been known to be clumsy. My 12" PB G4 had an aluminum case and I did fine with it but it was 'sided'.
My sister's getting a Macbook soon, taking advantage of the education special
Is there no educational special on the Air? I have plenty of students in my life that could get the discount for me. Actually I am going to be teaching, so I might be able to get it myself. (I won't be teaching in the US though)
Hope your sis let's you buy her Touch, Jack!
{"commentId":1929954,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1929985,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
Nearing,
The Educational discount is good for all Apple Products and on-line you only need the schools zip code for ID and depending on the Store, at most, a student ID card is plenty. I never get asked for mine any longer. The popular case for both the MacBook Air and the Regular MacBook around here is by far made by Speck and you can get them in a rainbow collection of colors.
{"commentId":1929985,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1930042,"authorDomain":"nearing"}
thanks Tedd.
I will be thinking about this for the next month or so.
{"commentId":1930042,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"nearing"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1930061,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
OK, Think I will be thinking about sleep for the next 6 hours or so...I am tired..Night !
{"commentId":1930061,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1930068,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
{"commentId":1932654,"authorDomain":"sphinx"}
I would have to carry those with me, because other countries have a different type, right? Hmm, I probably wouldn't carry any with.
Good question. I don't know if the Macbook's DVD drive is region-locked. Some computer DVD drives aren't.
Is there no educational special on the Air?
The educational special (for the free iPod Touch) also applies to the Air.
The Educational discount is good for all Apple Products
True, however the iPod Touch promotion applies only to all Macs besides the Mac mini.
{"commentId":1932654,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"sphinx"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1932821,"authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
I am assuming on the video you are talking about NTSC vs PAL standards as I was curious myself on that one and according to both Apple Care and looking at the online Support that is a software selection and not hardcoded into the drive. I want to confirm that. But so far, that sounds pretty good.
{"commentId":1932821,"threadId":"240150","contentId":"1390758","authorDomain":"TeddRi"}
- 3 votes
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