Found a nice price on the Macbook Air 2017 version in the tech sale. It is $47.80 cheaper than the shopmonk deal at the moment. I believe the international warranty for Apple computers is one year but somebody may want to confirm this.
Original 20% off Selected Tech Sellers on eBay Deal Post
Original 20% off Selected Sellers on eBay Deal Post
Honestly I'm surprised they're still selling this design, unchanged from 2011. The bezel looks so outlandishly thick compared to the Dell XPS models.
You're not wrong, but at the same time there's something so eleganly designed about the Air. I'm completely impartial between Windows, Mac, whatever, and I've owned 15in rMBP, but I honestly really love my Air (and I'm a graphic designer / developer).
Yeah, they could probably give the screen a bit of an update, but the Pros are so clunky as a result.
Apple definitely pioneered the slim notebook market, I owned the mid-2011 13" Macbook Air for a number of years as I thought it bested the competition at the time. Around the time Asus came out with its Zenbook models I think Apple got complacent.
Nowadays? You have the XPS 13/15 series with its bezel-less screen and longer battery life. You have the 2in1 flipable and detachable screen models. You have Xiaomi coming in with sturdy design and super competitive price.
In my view the Macbook is overpriced and the trade-off of lost ports, lower battery life and shallow keyboard for a thinner design is not worth it. Meanwhile the MBP Touchbar seems more of a hassle to deal with losing the haptic feedback and forcing you to look down rather than using muscle memory.
I’d love an XPS if it ran macOS. Even a steady Hackintosh setup would suffice, but there are a few issues with most/all configurations running macOS.
Yep, certainly can't argue with complacency, they sit on some of their products for way too long.
However, I can't deny I've grown to really like the fuss-free approach of MacOS over the years. A lifetime of maintaining Windows systems and software and I'm kinda over it (I admit you always need to have one around somewhere for certain tasks).
The Air is undoubtedly long in the tooth and it's surprising they haven't done ANYTHING (minuscule spec bumps aside) with it since, well 2013 I guess. I don't have a problem with the screen but being 2018 some kind of update seems fair, perhaps a 14" non-TN with a resolution bump in the same chasis?
However, despite all of this, it's such an agreeable, reliable machine that runs all of the software I use (Adobe CS, web servers, dev tools) perfectly fast, can be left on for weeks at a time, sleeps and wakes like nothing else, and I can put in a full 8hr day and still have 30% battery left over (the key is using Safari and not Chrome). It drives my monitors great at home, and slides into my bag easy.
Also, they don't cost the earth - I always buy things Ozbargain best case scenario, so cost difference is negligible and the resale more than makes up for it (I've never sold any Macbook for less than 1K).
Really not trying to sell people on it, there are lots of great options as you've mentioned, but for my use case I've just been surprisingly pleased with my experience.
Never cared for MacBooks, but the air has always been an amazing little thing. Girlfriend is using one right now, and yeah the bezels are a little unsightly, but otherwise the thing is damn near perfect for what it is.
It’s timeless. 👈👈
I've come down with a bit of nausea all of a sudden… not sure why ;).
haha, vomit!
You can't have your Apple and eat it too!
Alright where is it for $600 then, I’ll wait
Where can you find an old i5 (probably 6th gen) laptop with 128gb ssd with thick bezel, and not even Full HD resolution?
Lots in eBay, Amazon, even JB HiFi, often at full price.
You pay $300-400 for Mac OS.
And no bootcamp doesnt really run Windows. The touchpad is weird in Windows. The display as well.
Why would anyone want Windows? Because it runs everything and anything.
@boohooimissout: So to summarise, you can’t find one. Alright, thanks for pointing that out. I write most of my comments on here from a 2011 MacBook Pro which works wonderfully - my similar vintage HP is 4 years in landfill.
But no no you’re still right, there are so few reasons to choose MacOS over windows, including:
- A software experience matched to the hardware
- Significantly lower risk of malware
- A touchpad that isn’t horse shit
- A cohesive experience which plays nicely with our phones and tablets
- Free major software updates
Oh, and the 5350U is fifth generation.
@jackary:no (Mod: Personal attack removed) I can't find one, but oh hey look what I did find! A core i5 latest gen, it's quad core and 256gb too.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/355657
Unfortunately it's out of stock.
If you do look there are plenty i7 latest gen laptops on ebay and amazon. Sure they don't have the same build quality, but they also don't have thick bezel.
If you do need Mac, then yes it runs well, like you said.
But if you do need the productivity of Windows, then no.
The bottom line is, it's worth less than that, you are paying for their marketing.
@boohooimissout: So how does a laptop, with no warranty, from a company with no Australian presence, running a different operating system, compare exactly?
The suggestion that MacOS isnt as “productive” as windows (however you propose that is measured) is ridiculous.
You aren’t paying for their marketing because Apple has never really advertised the air, they don’t want you to buy one. It’s a mass seller they keep in the range for IT managers to deploy to high school kids. They want you to buy a pro. You’re paying for the OS. And I, for one, am glad to :)
@jackary:
I maintain my position that I use Windows, I need to work with Microsoft Office that works better in Windows. I like to play games that runs better in Windows, and some of which doesn't run in Mac. I'm also in love with Chrome which runs better in Windows.
I review it based on what I need.
Now about what you said before:
- A software experience matched to the hardware - Now about this, I'm not 100% sure how accurate is this. The Mac software library isn't as many as Windows, and therefore it is less capable than Windows. I think it's not that Mac runs better, but Mac hasn't been tested with more demanding software.
- Significantly lower risk of malware - It is understood that the fact it has less malware is not because the OS itself is good, but it's because hackers are less interested in making one for less popular OS. If this is important for you, go get Chrome OS.
- A touchpad that isn’t horse shit. It doesn't inside Mac itself, but it does in bootcamp, it isn't smoothly scroll.
- A cohesive experience which plays nicely with our phones and tablets, yeah sure that's a big deal, go spend money on AppleTV, iPhone and iPad. In the meantime I'll get a much cheaper Android that is as capable, a Roku for much less, and if I need a tablet, Android or save money by getting this: 2in1 Inspiron
- Free major software updates - so is Windows 10, some Linux and Chrome OS
So how does a laptop, with no warranty, from a company with no Australian presence, running a different operating system, compare exactly?
You are correct on that, you pay more money for excellent support and warranty and Aus presence. But this is a grey stock mate. Unless this Mac breaks within 12 months, that excellent support/warranty/Aus presence is useless.
@boohooimissout: I’m arguing with a brick wall. If it works for you, cool :) however as has been pointed out this is a $1499 RRP laptop for under a grand. If you’ve already bought into the ecosystem or have a kid starting high school and they specify a MacBook, this nevertheless represents great value.
@jackary: FFS JACKARY WILL YOU JUST ACCEPT YOUR WRONG AND SHOULD BE USING WINDOWS!!!
You found a pretty angry person there, haven't seen such stubborn MacHate for quite a while.
And boohoo, before you attack me, I'm definitely not a osx fan. It's never 'just worked' for me, and even basic tasks are often slow and confusing compared to the Windows shortcut equivalent - but for a lot of people it's what they need. For many users, it's more than suitable.
If productivity is a thing, then yeah Windows is 1000% better, but only for somewhat skilled users. People with average computer skills typically do things the long way, which is basically what Apple made a little easier for them.
@boohooimissout: "And no bootcamp doesnt really run Windows. The touchpad is weird in Windows. The display as well."
What? Bootcamp runs Windows natively. Are you thinking of Parallels/VMWare?
You can also install windows without Bootcamp, if you really want (e.g. if you are triple booting with linux).
My main work machine is a Macbook Pro that is booted into Windows 90% of the time. The trackpad is silky smooth, and the display is as good as I've seen on any computer.
Have you owned a Mac in the last 10 years?
Simple, portable, reliable model
Two USB 3 ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack
It's the Apple TV 2 of MacBook Airs 👍👍
But at least it's got a headphone jack :)
Its still great for students 12 hour battery life and 1.3kg… still recommended by schools
Great for students - $951.20
I can think of so many better options. These have 12 hour battery life, are 1.3kg or less and also have things like a touchscreen or are convertible and have thinner bezels. Oh and did I mention these ones actually have ports??
Yes you are correct Pennypincher but in this post we are talking about the MBA if you are not aware ?? Im sure there are better alternatives as Mac isnt my first choice when it comes to Laptops but at this price when they're normally $1298 this isn't a bad choice.
So two USB's and HDMI out are not included as ports to you ? My Dell XPS has 2 USB's and a USB-C Video out and only 6 Hours battery, Each to their own
Time to settle down if you hate apple so much mate.
I don't hate apple so much actually. My iPad is on its 6th year now and still chugging along fine. The Samsung one conked out at 3.
Buying a MBA for your child in Year 7 is a bit excessive. It could be normally $5000 and then be sold for $1000. Just because it's 80% off doesn't mean it is suddenly a great deal.
Also, look at the recent 2 in 1's - they have loads of battery life, much better display, more ports (no, 2 USB 3's and a HDMI is not all that great) and general usability is higher.
If Apple came out with a 2 in 1 or even a new design (not the same 2011 one) that would be interesting.
Porsche Cayman of notebooks?
Yeah, but a Porsche Boxster is still a Porsche… and is still better than my POS I'm driving ;).
I get the feeling MacBook Airs are the legacy model now, replaced by new (simply) MacBook design, so that's probably why no updates. I'm personally not a fan of the shallow keyboard on the MB or touchbar on the MBP but mostly use a MBP as a transportable desktop that can be used as laptop now and then, so I wouldn't need to use the keyboard or touchbar much (still would prefer not to have to pay for the touchbar). I'm currently still rocking an i7 2013 MBP with full suite of ports and great keyboard.
Can we claim GST off the purchase from this vendor when travelling overseas?
no
But you could buy it overseas for cheaper and not pay GST.
Yeah I don't think you get a local Australia Apple Store support either. If that's the case, >$950 mark is way too much to be paying for it.
It's the display that makes this hardware a poor purchase.
It's not like Apple is the only one doing it but that resolution is a joke. You can barely use Word.
Minecraft is so pixelated on these
The large bezel comes in handy when you drop it. Lots of area to go before the concrete goes into the screen.
Very good computer for students, great battery life.
Why do you need to much storage these days when everything is cloud based and streamed.
Why do you need to much storage these days when everything is cloud based and streamed.
Applications like Microsoft Office, Photoshop etc can't be stored in the cloud. In addition, I don't store every single thing that I own in the cloud, that is so cumbersome. Unless of course, you have to because you have no storage onboard.
People like to have control over their data.
The large bezel comes in handy when you drop it.
Okay butterfingers maybe you need thick bezels for your clumsiness but I am not regularly dropping my computer or anything as such on concrete.
Okay nasty you can drop the attitude ASAP lol
I guess Office 365 And Photoshop CC aren’t things that exist…
And do you think anyone who’s ever dropped their laptop was intending to do so? Christ, of course not!
You are a straight up fool, have a great day 🖕🏻
Still trying to work out - are you my mother or teacher? Lol
Yeah I stored my Office up in the cloud, so I just need to re-download it everytime I have to use it. Saves on storage though!
Well, some people intentionally drop things (ie kids) to get the newest MacBook….
No one intentionally drops it yes, but some people are clumsier. You can't deny that.
Obviously I've hit a sore point and you are also one of these dim people who haven't thought about any protection for your $1000 purchase.
@pennypincher98: HILARIOUS.
Ah you know what 365 is, great, just making sure you knew you were wrong. And I’m sorry what? “Some people are just clumsier” ?????
A sore spot? Yes I’m so worked up about how I justify my purchase of the cheapest MacBook available to some nobody over the internet :(
No longer engaging yep you’re totally right lol - thanks for the downvotes though guys! Anyone got any deals on a soul?
@jackary: Who would pay a subscription to Microsoft Office when you can just buy the damn thing outright cheaper anyway?? Or in education, you can get it for free - if you download the applications.
Some people are clumsier lol. Didn't you realise that? It's mainly the iSheep with all their smashed iPhones but the thing is - protect it! OMG life hacks!
I don't normally work on concrete (that's weird) but when I'm working I make sure it goes from my hand to the desk to my backpack.
Guess what? I've remained drop-free. Just takes a little sense.
@pennypincher98: I’m surprised you even knew I responded if your phone was in your bag like it always seems to be
@pennypincher98: Regarding Office 365, why not just use the free online versions?
Sure they are stripped back but serve the everyday user just fine.
I have shortcuts and icons created for my windows taskbar, Mac dock and linux dock on all my computers. Just need a Microsoft account
@jackary: Lol this kid thinks he is funny. I am replying on my laptop which is on my desk. I have other things to do in life, unlike you. Your self control is amazing.
Btw thanks for the negs :)
@techboy: Because I already have the MS Office 2013 product key, I got it for quite cheap (because it was a year or two old when I got it) - serves me fine.
$1499 at the store compared to this, simply comparing pricing it appears to be a good deal. Whether or not it is a value option is another question. Personally would try to obtain a Pro if going down the Apple path. Debating Windows or Apple really just comes down to a personal preference for most people. Just because a Windows device is cheaper doesn't mean a user will be happy using it day to day
It bought this one yesterday for $935.20 from Vaya ebay Store. I believe for apple products bought overseas apple only covers 12 months warranty, can someone confirm if this is correct ?
Is year 7 too young for MacBook Air? If it can last 4 to 5 yrs it's well worth it. Hubby and I are still using MacBook Pro 15" 2012 at home and none of our Windows lap top have ever lasted this long. Work issues a a new windows lap top every few years because it doesn't last.
The problem is that my son wants a Windows laptop. There are too many options.
I'd buy something plastic and a little thicker I reckon. The Airs are great build quality in that they 'look and feel nice', but not great build quality as in 'durable'.
It might not last for years on end, but it's probably not going to anyway, and a Windows laptop will cost way less.
cool any suggestions?
Sorry, not up to date with what's out there at the moment, but I'm sure someone can jump in with some suggestions..?
The Surface range comes to mind for a light Windows device. If he's unusually strong for his age, lenovos are decent value, albeit a bit heavier.
I would have recommended the Macbook Air or regular Macbook (12") if he wanted MacOS because they're undeniably a couple of the most reliable student/work laptops around, and will last a long time.
We bought an 11inch MacBook Air back in 2011 and it is still going. Sure, it doesn’t run as efficiently as newer models, but it is more than enough for everyday tasks done by our 13 year old for school work.
Thanks op.
Bought one for my 5 year old for watching Youtube videos.
Chromebooks might be better choice for this.
Just curious, has anybody who purchased one received tracking info yet?
I couldn't find a thread about PRESENT20 but just thought I'd outline purchasing this from vaya_shop and keen to know if anyone else has ordered one or received theirs yet..
Apple's RRP on this is A$1429.
Vaya_shop's price was reasonable to start with at A$1259
Once you apply the 20% off this brings it down to $1007.20
Purchased 10 x $100 ebay gift cards which cost $950 and generated $5 in Woolies rewards cash (1000 points).
So final price is $957.20 or $952.20..
I have an overseas trip planned within the next 48 days so with some luck (depending on what the invoice looks like?) there would be a TRS refund of $95?
![Apple MacBook Air 13" (2017 MQD32) [8GB Ram 128GB] $951.20 Delivered (HK) @ Vaya eBay](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/20/356220.jpg?h=53a99b49)
It isn't a lot, but it's funny how they've increased the price by $20 just a few hours ago.