[JohnR]

Hi folks, I would like to get a new laptop for traveling and personal use. I want something that is light, sturdy, and fairly reliable. I could care less about graphics performance, gaming, etc. Lighter/smaller is better. I will be getting a broadband wireless modem for this machine.

And I want to buy it tomorrow.

This is what I can get right now in AUD -

Old Air: $2200
New Air: $2900
New AIR with SSD: $3900
New MacBook 13": $2100
New MacBook Pro 15": $3200

I am thinking right now that despite the weight penalty, the new 13" with no frills is the best option. Anyone with personal experience with any of these? Thx

JohnR

[Russell Dawkins]

I can't claim personal experience with these models, but I know many users in the recording business are lamenting the apparent abandonment of firewire connectivity with all of the models mentioned, should that be of any importance to you.

The 15" Macbook Pro has firewire 800, weighs 5.5lb vs 4.5lb for the 13" MacBook and is the same thickness (.95"). It's the smallest, cheapest  Mac laptop with firewire 800.

I'm still running my 17" PowerBook G4, but my wife recently got a MacBook 13 and it is noticeably faster than mine even though it is at the bottom of the current line up and mine was at the top 4 years ago.

[JohnR]

Hi Russell, I'm really confused, as I went over this with the guy in the store and I thought that the new 15" didn't have FireWire either. Overall, it seem that Apple are abandoning FireWire at least for the low end models...  maybe they figure that GB Ethernet will just replace it.

[JohnR]

I added the 15" model to the first post.

[Russell Dawkins]

Yes, Apple seems kind of coy about the details, unless it's just my imagination.
Looking carefully, though, there is only one size MacBook and it's a 13.
There are three MacBook Pros - two 15s and a 17. Both the 15s have FireWire 800 and the 17 has both FireWire 400 and 800.
Here's a page with proof of this re: the 15s:
http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro?mco=MTI4MDI
scroll down to Technical Specifications.

[Crimson]

I've been using a 13" black Macbook as my mobile workhorse for two years now with absolutely no complaints. It's small enough to fit in my portfolio. Like others have said, the newer Macbooks don't have firewire which is a deal breaker for me since I use CCC and target disc mode quite a bit.

[Mariusz]

John, I think the Air is a better if you are often "on to go" and value portability.
Here are some deals:
15" MacBook Pro 2.4GHz (free printer & Parallels Desktop)  - $1349 after mail in rebate.
MacBook Air 1.6GHz 80GB SOLID STATE DRIVE - $1149 (same freebies)

For the money - pro is king but if portability and lightweight is top on you list - Air wins.

Deals from MacMall (macmall.com)

Cheers
Mariusz

[JohnR]

Thanks guys. I can live without the FireWire in a mobile. I read that the Air has a better screen than the 13" Macbook, which will probably be the clincher for me. I'll take some photos in today to see. I think the 15" will be too big.

If I get an Air, still not sure about whether to get the new model or the old model.

[Watson]

I read that the Air has a better screen than the 13" Macbook, which will probably be the clincher for me. I'll take some photos in today to see. I think the 15" will be too big.

The Air does have a better screen. You don't even really need to use photos to compare, just look at a regular Macbook and an Air at an angle. The viewing angle differences are pretty dramatic.

[Mariusz]

Thanks guys. I can live without the FireWire in a mobile. I read that the Air has a better screen than the 13" Macbook, which will probably be the clincher for me. I'll take some photos in today to see. I think the 15" will be too big.

If I get an Air, still not sure about whether to get the new model or the old model.

New model is nice but considering the price difference...........it is no brainer. This is the best laptop I have ever own.
I mean, if mobility, size and weight is of any importance to you John ........besides, the SS drive is more durable and worry free. Heck ........even if you accidently drop it there is little potential for data lost.....I know, it happened to me at least ones. 
 One thing I invested in was the acrylic/clear protective case by SPECK. It saved my baby ones already.
Here is the link (it is on sale as well)
Spack SeeTru for MacBook Air

Cheers
Mariusz

[Mariusz]

P.S
the prices I quoted for older Air and older Pro 15" were from the back cover of MacLife magazine January issue No.24
- another example is for new MacBook Pro 2.4GHz 9600M for $1894. It is a good Mac store - happy customer.

Mariusz

[Watson]

One thing I invested in was the acrylic/clear protective case by SPECK. It saved my baby ones already.
Here is the link (it is on sale as well)
Spack SeeTru for MacBook Air

I'm not sure you need any protective case for the new "unibody" Macbooks including the air. They're insanely durable. Check this out:
http://web.me.com/studiodc/Studio::DC/Apple_Macbook_Pro.html

[Mariusz]

One thing I invested in was the acrylic/clear protective case by SPECK. It saved my baby ones already.
Here is the link (it is on sale as well)
Spack SeeTru for MacBook Air

I'm not sure you need any protective case for the new "unibody" Macbooks including the air. They're insanely durable. Check this out:
http://web.me.com/studiodc/Studio::DC/Apple_Macbook_Pro.html

Yes, but even those dents can be avoided   
+ it will keep your Mac looking new for years to come.
$25 is really small investment. ..............and it looks cool too.

Mariusz

[JohnR]

Hey, I got one

Local store is closing out the old model for AUD1999. Going to get a broadband wireless modem later today, then I'm going mobile

I'm going home
And when I want to go home, I'm going mobile
Well I'm gonna find a home on wheels, see how it feels,
Goin' mobile
Keep me moving

Rock on Keith 

[Mariusz]

Hey, I got one

What did you get?????

Congrats
$1360 is not bad

Mariusz

[Mariusz]

I hope it is Air

[JohnR]

Yep - I'm an airhead now 

[JohnR]

Loving it so far! The illuminated keyboard is actually really useful - so I can "work" while watching movies.

[Crimson]

Yep - I'm an airhead now 

Did you get the SSD? Do you plan on using it for music playback in any way? There's a raging debate as to whether machines running SSDs vs standard HDs sound better or not.

[Mariusz]

Loving it so far! The illuminated keyboard is actually really useful - so I can "work" while watching movies.

I love that feature as well.
How about adoptive screen brightness feature? (if you dim the lights.....so does the screen and keyboard)

Yep - I'm an airhead now 

Did you get the SSD? Do you plan on using it for music playback in any way? There's a raging debate as to whether machines running SSDs vs standard HDs sound better or not.

I am not sure about the sound quality being better or worst but I can see other advantages of SSD like:
-durability, lightweight , reduced heat emission , SPEED

Cheers
Mariusz