Macbook Questions

[arch01]

Do you have a need for a CD/DVD drive? If not, the Air is probably fine.

Apple never really goes on sale. If you can hold out til about the first week of August they will offer the back to school package-that's probably what you're thinking about with the ipod/printer.

I highly recommend refurbished products-they're sold on their website. My 2 MacBook Pros and my first Mac laptop were all refurbished-loved them all.

[dexteroni]

A MacBook Air will be more than capable of handling the things you've listed. I've had one for over 4 years now and it still performs beautifully. And it's so thin and lightweight. I love it.

I don't know of any offers coming up. The only ones that I know occur reliably are a back to school offer, which lately has been a $100 App Store GC, and something on Black Friday. Neither of those help you right now, unfortunately!

I would recommend checking to see whether stores like Best Buy are having any promos. Refurbs are definitely another way to go. Our first MacBook was a refurb and it lasted us nearly as long as a new one would have.

[yentl]

I was in the same situation as you. I ended up going with the air, and the smaller size, and it has been perfect thus far. As a side note, my original Macbook, while slow, is still going strong at year 7 so I guess upgrading was nice but not 100% necessary.

I got an educational discount as well as $50 gift card. It was back to school time. If you work for an educational institution or go to school, or your DH does, you can qualify. The educational discount is available year round.

[hulley]

If you have a .edu email, you can sign up for student/educator offers through Best Buy.

[hulley]

Link:

www.bestbuy.com/site/global/college-student-deals/pcmcat276200050000.c?id=pcmcat276200050000

[Susie]

I would probably get the Air for your purposes. I got a Pro last year, but it's my work computer and I use it a little harder.

I wouldn't worry about the optical drive with the Air. My Pro doesn't have one either. If you need one, you can always use an external. I have an external optical drive that lives plugged into my Mini.