My suggestion: MBA!

You have really got to own one (or have access to one) to really appreciate it.

Get the MBA as a secondary machine.

I think I'm in the minority here, but I would go the MacBook Air, but it really depends on how often do you think you'll be carrying it around?

I bought a MacBook Pro a month ago. For me, it was a choice of power or portability. I know the Air isn't THAT much lighter, but the difference is enough to have some minor impact (on my shoulders!).

I chose the MacBook Pro in the end because I decided I wanted to do some gaming when I'm out of town for work/pleasure, but in reality I haven't really used it for anything more than web surfing and some productivity apps. I'm now carting it to work every day, so that extra bit of weight has an impact on me.

So ultimately, it depends on what you think you're going to use it for, and where you're going to use it. If you use it as mentioned, either laptop will do, it just depends on whether you want a light laptop to carry around, or a RIDICULOUSLY light laptop to carry around =).

Does anyone know of any places where you can get a good deal (price) for the MBA?

$2349 Apple EDU? Assuming you're a student.

Otherwise StaticIce.com.au results in one for around $2400.

Yeah I'm a student but to get the EDU discount do you need to be in University?

Yes. Or TAFE. No high school students, sorry.

The 2.4Ghz White MacBook is (as strange as it may seem) is great value, as you get 160GB and 2GB ram standard, for $700 less than the Air.

Just go with the MacBook, there's less chance you will regret it than the Air.

Yeah...won't be able to then. I'm a high school student.

Any other places?

there was a new one in a box that a friend of a fellow mactalker was looking to sell, i bought mine near new from another MTAUer, so that might be an option for you.

here is the thread - http://forums.mactalk.com.au/26/4816...-book-air.html

Just curious, did you buy decryption's? (I think you did).

I really don't think you can compare the two. They're for two totally different purposes.

If you're on the move a lot then MBA is the better bet. Setting up either a .mac account or shared folder and web folder access from a main computer would be a fairly important aspect.

The MBA isn't a replacement for a desktop but rather a complimentary computer for travel.

The MBP, however, is functionally a complete desktop replacement.

So it really depends on where you're most comfortable doing the majority of your work. If you like to go anywhere and everywhere with your computer and you're happy with the awkwardness of a laptop burning your crotch whilst you're working, then MBP is probably for you.

If, however, you set aside a work zone and have a desktop computer where you do all your major work but you're constantly out and about and need access to a computer, then MBA is the better bet.

At least, that's my opinion.

^ He is considering the MBA with the MacBook, not the MBP.

But your argument is the same though somewhat reduced (since it's the mid range MB and not the full fledged 15" MBP beast).

Streetwise at $2379

Or wait until JB Hi-Fi have 10% off laptops (which makes it $2249)

My wife has a MBA and it's a good machine, however probably not ideal for myself. I have been looking to replace my Mac Mini 1.66 CD eventually with a MacBook (white superdrive) model. Since selling the Mac Mini and my ACD 20". Think the plan to get the MacBook is going to be brought forward by atleast 10 Months earlier.

I want a portable to use between home and work (so I can use a Mac day to day and not use my work laptop).

With ram as cheap as it is, will go buy 2 x 2gb ram chips and beef the MacBook up. Will be a sweet computer I think for VMware Fusion on the go. Will virtualize the work laptop haha

I voted MacBook (but both the MBA and MacBook is good). Just comes down to own personal choice I think.

I have access at home to a macbook pro (mine), a macbook air (my better halfs) and 2 macbooks (the 2 teenagers).

If I was buying a laptop as an only computer then I'd buy a MacBook Pro (if the budget stretched that far) if it didn't then I'd buy a MacBook.

But the OP isn't buying this as an only computer they are buying it as a 2nd computer.

And a 2nd computer doesn't have to be able to do everything in most cases since the main computer is available for the few tasks that the 2nd computer can't perform.

Obviously that doesn't apply for road warrior users who use their 2nd computer away from their main one but for many people it does.

A MacBook air isn't for everyone, but for those people who's usage pattern suits it is a brilliant piece of engineering that makes the MacBook and MacBook Pro look *very* dated.