MacBook / MacBook Air - buy now or wait?

McLovin · 08-10-2016, 01:39 PM

Like millions of others, have a youngin headed to college in early September.

We're looking to buy a laptop, likely a MacBook or Air.

A lot of sites say not to buy the Air b/c a significantly upgraded new one is coming out very soon.

I know there's a lot of experts here. Is it an ok time to buy? Particularly the Air, which he seems to like better.

This is for general college use - basic word processing, email, Internet, etc. No gaming or specialized use.

Also, when they release a new one, is there any advance notice given? Or does it just come out one day.

Finally, it's weird that they release in mid or late September, after most kids have already started school. I suppose that's to help get rid of the old ones?

Makes it inconvenient. Start on the old computer then buy the new one a month into school. Is it worth waiting?

stomachmonkey · 08-10-2016, 02:09 PM

Makes no difference if you buy now or wait.

For general computing there's likely to be no improvement that he'd notice.

The one you buy today is no less capable than it is today if something new comes out tomorrow.

motion · 08-10-2016, 02:10 PM

They haven't updated these forever, so the new ones are supposed to be much improved. Possibly announcing on Sept 7, along with iPhone 7. That being said, for just basic use, a refurb Air from the Apple Store is a great deal right now.

Gogar · 08-10-2016, 02:11 PM

+1 there's no reason to try and time it, just buy an adequate one and move along.

stomachmonkey · 08-10-2016, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motion

...a refurb Air from the Apple Store is a great deal right now.

I love the refurb section.

Saves me bundles of cash and I have yet to purchase a dud.

stomachmonkey · 08-10-2016, 02:32 PM

Look at it this way.

Motion is right.

The current crop are pretty stable.

All the specific issues common to that box are worked out.

Major new platform releases are always iffy, it's why they call it the bleeding edge.

RedBaron · 08-10-2016, 02:39 PM

Why pay the same money for old hardware when something new is going to come out in two months? If the hardware is iffy, buy the applecare protection plan. I got a brand new laptop after having a lemon for two years. I'd say either get a refurb or wait for a new one.

Otter74 · 08-10-2016, 02:58 PM

College students (and faculty and staff) are eligible for a discount on new Apple products at the beginning of every academic year. I don't remember how this works, but I think you get about 10-15% off. I don't remember the details, but they're out there. This does require purchasing through the university in some manner - I think there is a code that you get from the school or something like that.

stomachmonkey · 08-10-2016, 03:01 PM

50/50 that Apple will even continue the Air line.

The current crop of 12 in MacBooks have been outselling the Air for a while now and is a better machine while maintaining the original allure of the Air, small, compact, light, road warrior.

With the advent of the larger iPad Pro the Air really falls into a dead category.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

So for a different take, I have a MBP mid 2010 model. I maxed out the RAM and recently switched to a SSD. Still plenty of computer for even software development.

My son went to college last year and my daughter is starting her senior year in high school next week. Both have similar computer needs as the OP. I bought both of them a used MBP 13" from the late 2012 era for ~ $500/ea. They were spotless, recently wiped with latest OS, and were sporting SSD (128G and 500G) replacements. IMO a MBP is > the Air or regular MacBook. As already mentioned these laptops have not undergone much change over the years. These will easily take my kids through college if not abused or stolen. Another thing to consider IMO.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Just buy a refurb Macbook Air. The money you save buys Apple Care so you're good for 3 years.

pcardude · 08-10-2016, 03:16 PM

The current ones haven't been updated in 4 years I think. Pretty sure I'd wait.

stomachmonkey · 08-10-2016, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

....if not abused or stolen. Another thing to consider IMO.

The most important thing to consider. IMHO.

masraum · 08-10-2016, 03:48 PM

There's always something new around the corner in the computer world.

What is he likely to be doing academically? Anything computer or engineering related? If so, that may have a bearing on the type/specs of comp he'll need. Mostly just making sure that he's not going for Electrical Eng, or something like that.

One of the "old" Macbook Air boxes will still be plenty for him. What you save by buying a refurb or not getting the latest and greatest will enable you to get a bit more RAM or HD.

You could probably get a discount on Office for Mac once he starts school. Many/most big software packages offer "academic" discounts.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 08-10-2016, 04:03 PM

For most college kids using Word, Excel, the web, the current offering of refurbs is your best value for dollar.

I wouldn't recommend anything used only because the last thing a college kid needs is drama with their computer.

I have a 2010 MBPro that has been fantastically reliable in 6 years of heavy use. But in that time I've had a board replaced, converted to SSD when the hard drive started to go and just got a new battery because the current one is swollen up.

Still, a 2010 MBP with SSD is plenty fast for anything, even Photoshop and Illustrator.

id10t · 08-10-2016, 04:16 PM

Wait, the hardware is all 3+ years old. The Pro is gettign new specs soon, I would imagine the others will also.

https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/16/08/10/1711219/apple-said-to-plan-first-pro-laptop-overhaul-in-four-years

https://apple.slashdot.org/story/16/08/04/1331203/apple-should-stop-selling-four-year-old-computers

jyl · jyl's Garage

The MacBook Air is great for a college kid using it for Word, Excel, Netflix, Safari. They don't need anything else. The 11" is super portable and cheap. Buy him an extra monitor so he can have dual screens, that is the biggest productivity boost available. My kids have the basic model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, and its fine. A 8GB and 256GB Air will probably last him into grad school.

The MacBook's lack of ports is a problem, I think.

McLovin · 08-11-2016, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyl

The MacBook Air is great for a college kid using it for Word, Excel, Netflix, Safari. They don't need anything else. The 11" is super portable and cheap. Buy him an extra monitor so he can have dual screens, that is the biggest productivity boost available. My kids have the basic model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, and its fine. A 8GB and 256GB Air will probably last him into grad school.

The MacBook's lack of ports is a problem, I think.

Yea, I think that's what we'll do.

The Air is around $900, so not a huge deal. If it lasts 4 years with no problems, we'll be grateful.