Sorry to contradict popular opinion..
But I think you should go the midrange white macbook.

Its brilliant value for what you're paying, and I'm sure you wont regret it.

Obviously, it isn't as hardcore skinny and lightweight as the macbook Air...

But its still very portable.

I would go the air. I have a macbook as well as a air and find the macbook is getting used less and less. I have been very surprised how good it is and so far it has done everything I have asked.

Popular opinion is still saying MacBook though (see poll results).

Huy.

Shh. its late, and I was far too stupid to read the poll...

EDIT:
on the topic of macbook air..

thought i might have to bring this to everyones attention
L06 Magic Folder Sleeve Laptop Case Bag for MacBook Air - eBay Cases, Parts, Accessories, Apple, Computers. (end time 26-Apr-08 13:03:54 AEST)

hopefully it hasnt been noted yet.

lulz.

As having owned a MacBook, MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air - the Air is the least favourite of mine. It just had no balls. I'm probably not your average computer user, but the Air was just a shiny toy.

At the last Cocoaheads meeting, everyone has a MacBook Pro, not a MacBook or MacBook Air in sight

Will be interested to see the outcome of this poll. I'm in the same boat, but this time I'm split between a MBA and MBP jsut not sure which way to swing, I'm thinking the air, simply becuase I'm heading back to uni next year and want something light... Already had a 'normal' MB it's on its way out and is gonna cost too much to fix

Yeah, but you're in that group of people where your computer is like a status symbol.

If you want something that is simple, light and functional, for presentations for instance, then a Macbook Air is more suitable.

Did you get that from the podcast? (status symbol).

I think the MBP is probably more suited to decryption.

If you were a developer/professional, you could get away with having a Black MacBook. Most will probably have MBPs though.

Uni students get away with using White MacBooks (and MBP). I only know (personally) of two uni students with Airs.

huy, i did buy Anthony's MBA - it just goes to show what a personal matter it is. For him the MBA just didnt cut it and wasnt what he wanted.

in my case i think the MBA is the best computer I have ever owned (within the context of what i bought it for) even the MB seems like a lumpy brick after the MBA and the screen is so much better on the MBA compared to the MB :

i suspect the reason you dont see many uni students with MBA's is threefold - their laptop is often their only computer, the newness of the product and the price.

i dont think it is sensible to suggest the MBA as a primary computer, but boy it takes some beating as a secondary computer.

Yeah.. but people who attend Cocoaheads meetings are in the minority

The majority want to look good while they type in the majorities eyes... I don't care if a Cocoahead attendee turns their nose up at me typing on my MBA.. I love it, my other half loves hers... it's really just a MBA love in here..

Get one... become one of the cool kids!

I'd go with the MacBook. Its not that much bigger than the MBA, but it *is* much cheaper, and, in my opinion, far better value. While it is a tad thicker, with the MacBook you get:

- A fatter wallet after the purchase
- a SuperDrive
- 2 USB ports (believe it or not, if you're using the machine all the time, even with 2 it is very easy to run out of USB ports)
- built in Ethernet (I don't use my Ethernet port very often, but boy it comes in handy at times!)
- Not to mention, I can upgrade my RAM to 4GB at any time, and I can upgrade my HDD with any 2.5" SATA device, which is impossible on an MBA.

So yeah, while the MBA may have a better "cool" factor and all, for long term use, MacBook for the win

Here's the thing.

People keep bringing up RAM and HDD sizes.

If you are in the least bit concerned about upgrading for performance, the Air is simply not the computer for you.

It's not made to run folding or discover life in a distant galaxy.

It's for doing light tasks like word processing, browsing, presentations and reports.

I personally use it to show clients images from their shoot. I used to own a Macbook Pro, but unless you're using a MBP as your main computer, you're wasting its abilities and power.

Plus, my clients actually keep the Air on their lap, and ooh and ahh over it. Where the Macbook Pro got put onto a desk, every time.

It's not until you've owned an Air that you can 'get' it, and how much it makes the MBP look like an ogre in comparison.

I saw an MBA at the last CocoaHeads meeting and you barely missed out on having one there too decryption.

The MBA is about the same footprint as the original MB, I do believe some comparison shots showed it even a tiny bit bigger. This is what does not make it that attractive as an 'ultraportable' IMO.

i beg to differ,

- fatter wallet doesnt matter, i am happy to pay a bet extra for something that suits my needs better, the MBA is miles ahead of a MB for my needs.

- a SuperDrive, completely pointless for me. I have 3 other macs on the LAN all with SD's.

- 2 USB ports, again pointless for me, i have yet to use the one the MBA has.

- Built in ethernet, might very occasionally be useful but for all the other advantages of the MBA over the MB i will make do with an adaptor if i need it.

- RAM, 2GB is more than enough to do all i need, sure i have 4GB on my MBP but thats my primary computer. The old PB still works perfectly well with 1GB. 80GB hard drive is also plenty, i have 1TB on the TC at home the MBA can use and when i am travelling 80Gb is heaps more than needed.

once again you have fallen into the mistake of assessing the MBA as a primary computer which it is not designed to be, the OP has asked which would be better as a 2ndry computer and for that the MBA is the win!


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