MacBook Air 13" MC504LL/A Laptop Computer - Silver $899 - In Store Only - YMMV

1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
2 GB DDR3 SDRAM
256 GB Solid State Drive
13.3 inch LED Display, NVIDIA GeForce 320M Integrated Graphics
Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Operating System, 7 Hour Battery Life

Older version, but Amazon still sells it for $1243.95

Link

Thanks for the heads up, but as usual with Microcenter, it's B&M only.

For those with Microcenter nearby, it's quite good for 13" Air and 256 GB SSD

$200 cheaper than an Apple Store refurb of the same configuration. Of course, I'm not sure what sort of warranty comes from MicroCenter, compared to the one-year warranty on an Apple refurb, nor the quality compared to an Apple refurb (which is truly like-new). Still, at that price, if I had a MicroCenter nearby, I'd be tempted.

only 2GB ram

sachin16, are you saying this from experience? I have a family member with this exact model (2GB) and never had issues web browsing and using iPhoto.

scottxmso said:   This seems like a weird configuration. Why would someone pay the premium for a 256GB SSD, but not pay a relatively small price to get 4GB of (non-upgradeable) memory rather than 2GB?

I posted this same deal a few weeks ago. The previous generation MBAs only came with 2GB, they only ramped up to 4GB on the current generation. I am a huge windoze fan, but you have to throw out your RAM expectations from using Microsoft machines, they don't apply here. Additionally, I think the super fast SSD makes up quite a bit for the perceived lack of ram.

I have this MBA and believe me the 2GB is more than enough for what this machine is designed for. I bought this MBA since I am getting my MBA and wanted a dedicated computer. Regularly, I will have Outlook, Word, Excel, Skype, Dropbox, Mail, Powerpoint, and Safari open at the same time and the machine is still super fast and usable.

Finally, let's dispel the "little bit more for the new one" myth. This machine is $899 and the current machine that has 4gb of ram is $1599, that is 78% MORE expensive. Granted the i5 processor is MUCH MUCH faster than the C2D, but this ultraportable notebook is not meant to be a desktop replacement IMO.

Chris

anontemp123 said:   CapeCodChris said:   The previous generation MBAs only came with 2GB, they only ramped up to 4GB on the current generation.

Not to be a huge nerd (just a medium-sized one), but the previous generation MBAs could actually be custom ordered with 4GB of RAM and an upgraded 2.13GHz Core2Duo.

Having used the newer 2011 model Airs with integrated Intel video, I actually prefer the performance of the integrated NVIDIA video on the older Airs. The benchmarks show only marginally better performance numbers for the NVIDIA chipset, but I can definitely feel the difference when I have lots of Safari tabs open along with iPhoto. Also, both panels for the 2010 Airs were decent, but for 2011 there is discussion of a panel lottery in favor of Samsung (vs LG).

For CPU intensive tasks, like photo manipulation, the 2011 model wins hands down in my experience.

The 2011 panel lottery is of no concern (I have one with Samsung, and one with LG). More worrisome is the Samsung/Toshiba SSD lottery, with real differences between those two.

novasian said:   How hard is it to upgrade the 2gb to 4gb? I'm sure there is a way? How does Apple themselves do it?

AFAIK they are chips or modules soldered to the board.

Try one before you convince yourself it doesn't have enough memory.

Chris

2 GB of RAM on a macbook is okay, you would only need 4GB if you expected to run windows in parallels or VMware fusion. My macbook came with 2GB and when I started using VMs with it I needed more ram.

I plan on using it for virtual env's and programming stuff. I'm sure 2gb is indequate..

gohdes said:   I saw this same price $899 at Office Max in Twin Cities, MN - Coon Rapids store (in-store only tech blowout) yesterday, but it had an i-5 with 320gb hard drive, 4gb memory.
Came as a 13-n-1 kit with briefcase and a bunch of other stuff.

macbook pro linky

Is $1499 in shopping cart, cuz it's an in-store 40% off deal. Item #: 23163087. Don't know how many they had. Not a mac person, but it seemed like a good deal.

320GB hard disk = not an Air, Airs only have SSDs. Good price though.

is this still valid?

Does anyone know where else this $899 deal will be available closer to Texas. I live in Waco and I called the store but they didn't have it all. Said could order it but it would cost original price of $1,499. I'd really like to get my hands on this deal.
Thanks

frenzieddeals said:   TeamAllen said:   Broulin said:   $200 cheaper than an Apple Store refurb of the same configuration. Of course, I'm not sure what sort of warranty comes from MicroCenter, compared to the one-year warranty on an Apple refurb, nor the quality compared to an Apple refurb (which is truly like-new). Still, at that price, if I had a MicroCenter nearby, I'd be tempted.

Isn't it the full one year factory warranty from Apple? These do not say they are refurished.Yes, I picked one up yesterday. It is brand spanking new with full Apple warranty.
Shew! In that case, heck of a good deal. Wish I had a store nearby!