Should i buy a 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 4GB MBA or a Basic MBA / MBP (13") Ipad 2?

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Level 1

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Should i buy a 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 4GB MBA or a Basic MBA / MBP (13") Ipad 2?

As i am just a secondary school student, i basically just use my laptop to surf the web and watch videos play facebook apps etc.i like to use iwork ( to replace Microsoft Office ). i also do a bit of photoshop when i am free. i have only a few songs in my iTunes. Do i need so much memory (500GB on MBP, 32 GB on Ipad 2 V.S. MBA with 256 GB )? i would like to use the ipad 2 for projects as it is easy to carry around and is as good as a laptop ( just with no flash ) If i buy the iPad 2, i would buy only the wifi one as i already have a iPhone with personal hotspot

If i buy the basic MBP and iPad 2, is it better than the maxed out MBA? I need it to last for another 3-4 years

Advice is welcomed

Basically: Combo 1. 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 4GB MBA

2. MBP 4GB 2.3GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 ( 8 GB if i buy on Promotion ) plus iPad 2

MacBook Air, MacBook Pro

Posted on Aug 6, 2011 8:35 AM

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Answer 1

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Aug 6, 2011 1:01 PM in response to william22

Hi William,

A computer plus iPad versus another computer with no iPad is going to be a better solution, it's an unfair comparison. Why go with the 1.7, i5 13" MBA and iPad 2? Nothing you described really necessitates the $400 upgrade.

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Answer 2

william22 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 6, 2011 2:03 PM in response to JasonFear

erm, i don't get it? its because the prices of the two are almost the same nearing 2.2k

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Answer 3

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Aug 6, 2011 6:47 PM in response to william22

Let's do some comparison...

Package #1 - The loaded MacBook Air is $1699 (USD)

Package #2 - The base MBP w/8GB RAM is $1399 + $499 for the base iPad 2

That's only a $200 difference and you're getting a whole lot more for your buck. Getting the MBP with iPad if your budget can afford it seems like the no brainer in this situation.

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Answer 4

Abez-

Level 1

20 points

Aug 6, 2011 8:15 PM in response to william22

I agree, unless you want one machine to take everywhere and do everything vs. one for Heavy Duty and the other for Light Work, then get the MBP iPad combo. Personally I'm getting the 11" Air and I have a 22" monitor at home, but then again I already have an iPad 2.

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Answer 5

william22 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 6, 2011 9:20 PM in response to william22

erm, its because i want one computer to be able to handle heaavy duty work and one for light work for cases where i need to bring a computer for projects, just like Abesz said. the ipad 2 is also lighter and easier to carry around. JasonFear, i am afraid i still do not get u -.-'

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