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Friend has an older MacBook Pro (I think) and is thinking it may be time to move on up to a new laptop. I don't think it's imperative that it happen immediately, but sooner rather than later. As mentioned, it's several years old and there may be inklings of optical drive failure.
If you were going to buy new, would you buy now or wait (I don't recall when the most recent updates were and haven't seen mention of new models coming in the near future)? If you'd buy now, would you go for another Macbook Pro or maybe an Air. My wife has an Air and she likes it better than her old Pro, but he's got some concerns about no optical drive (he includes dvd's with his products he sells and yes, I've mentioned he should consider a switch to a thumb drive).
I'm voting Air. What say you?
Thanks
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I'm in the minority, likely, of folks considering such a purchase, in that I just bought one of the previous gen 13" MBP w/optical. I got a base model on ebay w/2 years remaining Applecare for about $850. I have seen similar or better deals, but I'm not complaining, as it represents $150 savings over a refurb w/no extended warranty from Apple, and even more than that if you consider the cost of Apple Care.
I know that optical discs will go away completely in a number of years, but I still use them a good bit, and I knew it would be more than adequate for the tasks that I plan to throw at it.
That said, the weight of the Air is hard to beat if portability is of the utmost concern. For me, that's not a big deal...I'd rather have a machine that's fixable/upgradeable and a pound heavier than one that's not upgradeable/fixable (for the most part) in order to save a bit of weight.
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Bought a second-generation MacBook Air 11 for my wife when it first came out. IIRC, this was the first version that sported the newer, current form factor. Paid extra for the increased memory. Also bought a Superdrive. The size and weight combined with a full-sized keyboard is fantastic. Have the option of an optical drive if needed.
Bought a newer version for myself, and love it. My wife was jealous because my MBA has backlit keys. So, I sold hers and bought her a newer one.
That makes three MBAs 11 inch. I carry mine back and forth to the school where I teach on a weekly basis. Bring it in on Monday and leave it at the school until Thursday. Love the light weight.
Don't think I would enjoy it as much if I and to schlep the extra weight of an optical drive every time. (a la built-in).
Todd's leger tastatur
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11.6" MBAir for ultimate portability.
13" MacBook Pro Retina for best compromise of everything - weight, speed, screen.
Buy a USB optical drive for those times you really need one. We have a BD player from OWC and it services our 3 optical-less Macs and frankly, the space that would have been taken up in each machine by the optical drive is better used now.
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optical drive failure probably isnt the best rationalization to buy a new MPB or MBA -- considering the fact that neither of them come *with* an optical drive... you are sorta right back to you started from
If its still in really good shape then I would say drop in a SSD.
$150 and it could give it a new lease on life...
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Thanks so far.
And.... I feel really stupid (more ignorant, I guess). I didn't realize the new MacBook Pros didn't have optical drives. Oops! I'll turn in my cult badge at the front desk.
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The base MBP still has a SuperDrive.
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jdc wrote:
optical drive failure probably isnt the best rationalization to buy a new MPB or MBA -- considering the fact that neither of them come *with* an optical drive... you are sorta right back to you started from
If its still in really good shape then I would say drop in a SSD.
My thoughts EXACTLY.
If your friend is absolutely sold on having the optical drive (and I can understand why he would be), a refurb or eBay are his best bets.
