Comments on: Eee PC Vs. MacBook Air, Not A Fair Comparison

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:49:43 +0000

Interesting comment Brian. You know the eee PC can run OS X, Windows and pretty much any linux distro you want don’t you? Guess that makes the MBA “only as good as a smartphone” too

I don’t own one (yet) but we have been evaluating their capabilities for my company (a large retail bank) and they are mighty impressive.
(And yes, i have a Macbook pro and love it!)

By: BrianB

BrianB — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:00:01 +0000

“I can’t fully say that it’s ultra portable because while it’s thin it still has a large foot print”

I’ve read this argument from another blogger that though MBA is thin it has a big footprint. I think what this means is that it takes up a lot of space, unlike a true ultraportable, which it does. Manila folder leave a bit footprint, too, when it is holding something. My former office had lots of Manila folders and I barely have room to breath.

As for the Eee PC. You can compare that little thing with real computers. It’s almost only as good as a smartphone.

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:50:21 +0000

Vic, good point, thanks!

By: Vic

Vic — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:27:34 +0000

@kirsten:

Syncing is important to me too, but thanks to Google Apps and IMAP on my dotMac and Gmail accounts, I’m pleased to discover that my second machine no longer needs to be a Mac.(And my 3rd machine doesn’t even need to be a real computer – i.e. my iPhone!)

By: Juan

Juan — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:41:12 +0000

@jmk – I have nothing against the Eee PC, if you feel that’s the thing that will suit your needs, go for it dude. I have several friends who have Eee Pc’s and they love it.

@kristen – Good luck with the purchase. Let me know how it goes.

@Mike – You’re right, people would compare anything. I can’t stop that. I was just expressing my opinion that the comparison is not a fair one in my eyes. But as they say freedom of speech, so compare away.

Guys, thanks for the comments I think this is the post with the most comments so far. Hahahaha.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:02:26 +0000

This comparison reminds me of those made between the PS3 and the Wii.

So which is better? It really depends on your needs. A MacBook Air is certainly more powerful (like a PS3) while the Eee PC is cheaper (like the Wii).

I chose the PS3 because I want my HD gaming, and I want it violent with all those purdy graphics. Many people seem to like the Wii better because it’s cheaper.

Me not agreeing with them (or vice versa) doesn’t mean that one of us is wrong. But is it a fair comparison? People will compare anything so get used to it.

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:32 +0000

Syncing is really important to me, so I’m definitely going Mac no matter what on the laptop. Since I usually carry an enormous bag anyway, I don’t think the footprint is going to be a big deal. And the extra 2 lbs is a LOT to not have to carry. I feel a purchase coming on…

By: jmk 1955

jmk 1955 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:02:56 +0000

not a mac guy but that Eee thing seems like what I need based on your review

By: Vic

Vic — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:57:47 +0000

Well, here’s my take on it: I’m a diehard Mac user, and I love my MBP to bits. But face it, if I’m going to commit to a two-laptop lifestyle, the second laptop is going to have to be not just a lot lighter, but also a lot smaller. And the Eee PC fits the bill perfectly (albeit without OS X) … even if it’s a featherweight, the MBA is still too big. It’s still closer to primary laptop size than something I can throw into a small shoulder bag or satchel and forget about.

When I see the MBA, I’ll be tempted for sure. But the Eee is AMAZING value for money.

By: Juan

Juan — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:40:32 +0000

See if you’re going to use it for blogging or when you’re on vacation the MBA will be a good option. One of the things it will certainly do better than the Eee PC is sync with your iMac at home. It’s easier to manage.

As for MBA vs. MacBook, the 2 pounds less that the MBA will give you will certainly go a long way. That’s 2 pounds less that you’ll have to carry around with you.