Is a MacBook Air worth it?

I'm heading into college and ma in need of my first laptop. I want either a MacBook Air 11' or 13', or an an HP, Asus or Lenovo laptop.(preferably not made by the Chinese, so maybe not Lenovo). I want a MacBook Air because of it's long lasting battery, and also because it's light and it's longevity. I just got $520 in graduation money, and my parents said they will pay for half of a laptop. So this may be my only chance to get a Mac before I go broke in college haha. A Mac Air 11' is now $850. Also I want to try out a new OS, because Windows 8 doesn't look like it's for me. Another reason I want one is so it will last, and I won't have to buy a new laptop every 3 years. What do you think? Should I get a MacBook Air? Or save my money by getting another brand?

P.S. I don't want one just to try to look cool or anything. The Apple logo doesn't mean anything to me.

Guest

I recommend the MBA(Macbook Air) If you're looking for no hassles. On the other side there's windows which can give you problems such as viruses, even though pc has much higher specs that doesn't mean the software was made to work with it. The MBA's hardware is made to work 100% with the software. I would recommend you go with the MBA 11' to go into college because you won't have the headaches you would have if you were on windows. The mac also has the iWork and iLife suite for 100% free. This will provide you with plenty of apps from presentations to word processing. It even includes audio, photo and video editing software.

P.S. I own a macbook pro 13', I'm glad I switched to the mac!

Anupam

It really depend on your tasks. I have nothing against Mac even though I'm a PC user, and they are great for certain things.
ASUS and Lenovo are a great company. Even though Lenovo is a Chinese company, they make an amazing products with good qualities because they are also part of IBM if you remember those guys in the past.

If you want to try out the new OS, it is going to take you a while to get used to it. Make sure you have enough time between now and your college start to get used to the OS if you are still interest in OS X.

As for my recommendation, I would recommend you go to any electronic store and mess both Windows laptop and Macbook Air/Pro to get the feel of it.

If you still want Macbook Air, then upgrade the RAM to 8GB because it is going to be useful if you are doing multiple of things.

Ryou-kun