I'm debating whether I should invest in a Macbook (2.4Ghz) or Macbook Air(1.6GHz). I would use it just for general applications, no graphic or 'high-end' apps. I would also need to carry it around occasionally, especially in the years ahead. This laptop would be a secondary computer.

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks.

Whilst the MBA is a very cool computer, I'd personally find better use and value for money in a MB... even if it is a secondary computer, having firewire, multiple USB ports (and sometimes an optical drive) can be very useful out on the field for most users.

The MacBook Air to me still seems like a prototype. It's a little ahead of it's time right now. If you have a desktop as your main computer and want to exchange files between that and a laptop (think sales reps) then I suppose the MBA would be handy. But if you do have a desktop as your main computer than the MBA becomes moot and costly for what it is. It's a cool device, but it's just not feasible for me atm.

The AirBook is the best laptop I've ever used.

It's fast enough for what you've described, it's stupidly light, and I raaaarely use the USB port, let alone want for an optical drive.

Yes you will pay a premium for the Air, but it does have a backlit keyboard, and a screen that is far, far better than the standard macbook, both in terms of viewing angle and brightness.

(get the Air)

+1 Phase, i am amazed by how damn good the MBA is, i would qualify that i wouldnt choose one as a primary computer.

i am finding i just use the MBA so much, its much nicer to use than either a MB or MBP, the keyboard is a joy, the screen is lush and the lightness and portability is awesome. battery life is way up on my MBP and so far the only minus i have found is that i will need a little powered USB hub to run my elgarto hybrid if i want to use that on the MBA.

having a good wireless network at home helps too - i can use the MBA anywhere and then just use the screen sharing to access all the other macs on the network.

so far its perfectly fast enough to do any tasks i have asked of it, its easy to forget how fast things have progressed, my wifes PB, which is still a damn functional little laptop, has half the RAM of the MBA and a slower processor.

i can honestly say, of all the macs i have owned this is my favourite!

I'd go for the Macbook, it has better specs and isn't that hard to carry around. Its still very compact and light, plus, its a lot cheaper.

However, if you don't need 2 usb ports and you can afford the MBA (seems like it has the specs for the stuff you wanna do) I'd maybe go for it just because its a bit more badass in terms of appeal.

MBA... I agree with Galumay... we have two MBA's in this house, working awesomely and taking anything we throw at it..

Plus you can look VERY slick wherever you take it. I don't miss not having a CD drive...

Get a MBA... you'll love it!

id wait a while before getting a macbook air, maybs for the next version of it.

Sounds like you need a macbook AIR from the description of your situation. and while you're there can you pick one up for me as well? I'll give you the money.. later, I'm good for it honest!

gawd, i just picked up the 17" MBP and bought it outside to do a couple of things - it feels like a monstor after the MBA!! the keyboard seems to be a metre back from the front edge of the MBP and it weighs about 967Kg - not really relevant to MB v MBA but it just reinforces how the MBA 'feels'

for your needs i would buy the macbook air.

I wound up buying a MBP. At the time the MBP was just slightly more expensive than an MBA with an external optical drive and I believe that's still the case. Plus I needed more memory. My MBP is a desktop replacement with the added benefit of portabilty.

Having said that I'm very tempted to buy an MBA later this year if they either bring out a new and improved model or maybe have it on some good sale price. It'd just be the ticket if I didn't want to lug my MBP to some place too often and I just needed a laptop for basic use when going out somewhere.

With regards to any "new and improved model" of the MBA I'd want to look at:

1 Bigger hard drive.
2 User replaceable battery.
3 Option of more memory.

Those are the 3 most important things that I'd look at if a new model of the MBA comes out. More ports would be nice as well.

I must say the current MBA looks more sturdy than the current MB. If indeed it will be your secondary computer and you value having something that's not too heavy and your needs for it will be modest you might find the MBA will be suitable.

EDIT: I have read about the likelihood of future MBs using an aluminium case and that would be a big improvement for their sturdiness. I just don't think anybody outside of Apple can say for sure when that will happen.

Thanks for all the great responses. I'm thinking I'll go with the MBA.

Does anyone have any predications to when we might see a MBA revision released?

EDIT: I'm just after a rough estimate.

I really don't believe anybody outside of Apple can give you an accurate prediction. I believe there is some Apple event coming up in just over one month so it might be worth seeing if there are any announcements then.

Having said that it might be worth searching the MacTalk forums as I'm still pretty much a Mac Newbie.

Yep, good choice.

This to me says the mba is for you:
To my mind it's exactly what you want in a secondary computer.