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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Shiny & New and Under 3 Lbs.

YUP, that’s what my new Mac is, not exactly brand new, but looks just like new at less cost with a standard 1-year warranty when bought directly from Apple under Refurbished.

Sure, it’s still a “big ticket” item which I did not purchase quickly. Just ask Grenville, he’ll tell you how I went on (and on) trying to justify its purchase – to myself.

Here’s the new refurbished MacBook Air (13.3 in.) that arrived via FedEx last night – definitely night – since delivery was 8:15 p.m.
macbook air (2)
BEFORE getting this, I made a deal with myself – ever do that too? – couldn’t get a new PC, since we are downsizing for a move north to NH, without first selling my Windows notebook PC, 2005 Toshiba Satellite and related accessories: carrying case, notebook mouse, portable hard drive, external DVD drive (leftover from a netbook sold earlier).
EBay was the only viable selling venue, so last month, the sell-off started, very S-L-O-W-L-Y. After 1 week, items has a few “watchers” but NO bidders at auctions ended. There are no listing/relisting fees, but EBay’s “cut” is 8-10% when sold; then PayPal exacts a (smaller) fee. Costly, yes, but easier getting payment this way and transferring $ to my bank.

FINALLY, everything was sold and off to near AND far states of California, Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey.

WHY was my choice a MB Air when similar Windows PCs are  FAR less costly and some even more feature-laden?

Personal preference for something different which meant a CHANGE from Microsoft /Windows based notebook PCs. My first 2 notebook PCs were by Toshiba and served me well – but hefty as well; the last one was over 6 lbs. Here’s how the MB Air compares:

Height: 0.11-0.68 in. (0.3-1.7 cm)
Width: 12.8 in. (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.94 in. (22.7 cm)
Weight: 2.96 lbs. (1.35 kg)

Sure, there are trade-offs going from a  standard notebook PC to the MB Air – its 4GB RAM can’t be expanded, it has no hard drive or CD/DVD drive. It DOES have a 128 GB solid state drive (SSD) less susceptible to fail from physical shock and quieter.

WHY? SSDs don’t use moving mechanical components, which distinguishes them from traditional magnetic disks, hard disk drives (HDDs) or floppy disks. Those electromechanical devices have spinning  disks and movable read/write heads. .
And then there’s that oh-so-slim and attractive aluminum housing. macbook air (4)
And I won’t even mention the ever-so-quiet plus backlit keyboard. (WHOOPS, I just did.)

YES, this was definitely a good battle to have won with myself !
Besides, when if I miss using a  Windows/Microsoft PCs, I can turn on my HP desktop.
“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” *
*(Rick Blaine to Captain Louis Renault – Casablanca (1942)

15 comments:

Elaine said...

Looks like a good purchase for you, especially with its light weight. Have fun with your new toy!

Anvilcloud said...

I hope you enjoy it. These machines are impressive.

Doris said...

Enjoy =)

MadSnapper said...

you will love it, i just know you will and you can take it every where you go. i do the same thing you do, justify justify and drive hubby nuts while i do it. he is the type that when he wants something he knows what it is and just does it. i always have buyers remorse for a month, but when i bought the lap top i am on now, i never did. i love it. enjoy

Out on the prairie said...

A new toy is always fun,I have went through 13 PC's

Lois Evensen said...

Hope you enjoy!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Elaine, how astute you are! Got this lightweight model for our upcoming road trips as the Toshiba was becoming too hefty with its case. Nice to give yourself a new toy sometimes.

Thanks, AC & Doris, we agree!

Sandra, it drives Grenville crazy too when I justify a new purchase (which isn't that often - the new purchase, that is). Anyway, this time I set a goal of ridding myself of the older "stuff" before a big expenditure, which this was for me. Besides, you and I are definitely worth our occasional splurgers. I know you are still enjoying your Canon digital Rebel!

Thanks Steve & Lois. And, Steve I figured out that I have had 3 desktops and 3 notebooks so you have me beat!

grammie g said...

Hi B...Don't know much about those spinning disk or whatever else to heck your talking about, but hey glad for you and your great decision ; }
Grace

HermitJim said...

Almost new and shiny...what's not to like?

Looks good to me!

Anonymous said...

Nice!
I want one topo and look around on the net to see if I can find one.

Have a great day!
Christer.

Montanagirl said...

You'll love a Mac. I defected from PC's a long time ago, thanks to my daughter. I will never own anything but a Mac now. So user friendly - you don't need virus protection.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Looks like a great deal. Hope it brings you good service!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Hey Grace, sometimes even I don't know what the heck I'm talking about (just ask Grenville).

Thanks HermitJim and Christer.Hope you find one too, Christer.

Mona, everyone says the same thing after oging from a PC to Mac; Grenville made the switch a couple of months ago too with a MacBook Pro.

Thanks Kathleen, so do I.

Ginnie said...

Best wishes for a long and trouble free friendship ! It's a beauty.

Connie said...

It looks nice! Good luck to you with it. I hope it lives up to your expectations.