Thanks for all the feedback, it's greatly appreciated.

In terms of the poll, it seems like the MB is 'winning', but many posts preach the MBA is 'better' for my needs. Very interesting.

You'll have to understand a lot of people would open the thread read only the poll question, vote and close the thread.

They might have read your first post if you're lucky

Well I'm not sure why it would suit your needs more. You said yourself you would only carry it around 'occasionally'. I think the MBA cost is justified for someone who needs to carry it around every day.

its not just the weight that makes it a better choice, the screen is better, the case is miles better, not to mention the design!

i only carry mine from the desk to the couch and outside on a day to day basis, i guess that is 'carrying it around every day' but its not like i am commuting with it or anything.

That's exactly right Galumay, I totally agree with you.

If you won't be using many peripherals or accessories, have no need for firewire devices (hard drives, miniDV cameras), will not be interacting with wired networks except maybe occasionally, then go for the MBA.

I use a MacBook but I have an MBA from work (perks of working for a Mac magazine ). It's a fantastic machine for what you described as your purposes. What's your primary machine by the way?

It does say it in my signature, just look closely and you'll see it.
Just in case you can't see it, it's a Aluminium iMac 2.4GHz I purchased in January.

Go for the MBA if you already have a nice Mac desktop.

I wish I could afford an MBA though, but for me, I came across a bargain MacBook that could not be passed up so I went with that one. I had previously owned a MacBook already so I knew what I was getting and wasn't too bothered by it. It does the job.

I'd prefer to have an Air though, but not the price point.

I suppose they would both 'match' each other since they both have Aluminium casings.

Ooh, missed it. Sorry. Yeah, MBA definitely. Just a matter of when because June is looking likely for a refresh of Macbooks (and by this I mean the entire notebook lineup cuz Intel's got brand new core 2 duo chips in May).

Forget MacRumors' buyers guide advice. I mean iPods to be updated soon? Since 05 they've been on a yearly cycle! MacBooks have a 6 month cycle (May > November > May > November > February (odd one out)

Updates for the MBA?

I'm going by this list on wikipedia.

Those are the corresponding future chips to the ones used in the current MacBook models. Easy enough to read.

idealy id get the MBA as a secondary computer to a Full Spec iMac or middle spec MP

I don't think the MBA is going to get an upgrade anytime soon.

They just came out.

That's what I was thinking.