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11-17-2012, 11:08 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Trabuco Canyon
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 866
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Macbook Air -ideal boondocking computer
I bought this laptop based on reports of very low power consumption. I bought the 13" model with standard processor, hard drive, and memory-the base model. It has solid state hard drive and LED screen backlight. In operation the computer runs very cool.
Once the computer had completed initial OS updating and charged the internal battery, power consumption settled on 7 watts with screen up displaying desktop. When computer was pushed by heavy scrolling, loading new web pages, switching between windows, the consumption rose to 10-17 watts. Displaying a full screen high resolution flash video took about 18 watts. I have the screen brightness at a higher setting in manual configuration (I need bright screen).
Using the computer with a 12 volt DC to DC converter (Amazon purchase), my solar display settled into a half amp power consumption increase when laptop was on and displaying desktop.
The computer has no optical drive. The solid state hard drive boots very quickly and the computer works well. If anyone is looking for a nice laptop with very low power consumption characteristics, check this one out.
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11-17-2012, 12:34 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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Thanks for the in-depth evaluation. We are currently using 10" notebooks for the small footprint, but are always considering the latest and greatest out there. As we run an on-line business from the road, we really appreciate hearing about the new computer hardware.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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11-17-2012, 12:39 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
2005 22' International CCD
Aliso Viejo
, California
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 61
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I recently switched to the same Macbook Air 13inch and couldn't agree with you more. We use a Verizon Mifi 4g router and it works great for both of us to catch up on some email or download a movie to watch. I'm on my Airbook now at the carwash. Love it.
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11-17-2012, 01:42 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2006 22' International CCD
2007 Base Camp
Elk Valley
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 657
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iPad is a frugal power-eater. My wife ditched her Air for an iPad... mostly for the games...
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11-17-2012, 02:41 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Agree. I switched to this new 13" McBook Air and never use the iMac anymore. Goes on all our trips, along with the wife's iPad.
doug k
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11-17-2012, 10:36 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Friday
iPad is a frugal power-eater. My wife ditched her Air for an iPad... mostly for the games...
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Yep, we have been amazed at how long the battery on the iPad lasts.
We have a MacBook 13" I think at home---love it, too.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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11-18-2012, 05:29 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Wildwood
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,236
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Jeeze.... With such a great review, I am forced to go get one!
I love the Ipda and take it everywhere, but also need a laptop for work. The PC is nice but a rather large foot print in a relatively small trailer.
__________________
Dave and Felicia
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11-18-2012, 05:51 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2021 25' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,720
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Apple computers are wonderful! I use a 13" MacBook Pro and find it is perfect for my use. If you must have a pc then just purchase a copy of Windows and run it in Bootcamp mode for those times when you must live on the dark side....
Bruce
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11-18-2012, 07:23 AM
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#9
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wxbuoy
The PC is nice but a rather large foot print in a relatively small trailer.
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You can get a Mac Mini, and use the television in the trailer as a monitor. It's 8"x8", and 1.5" tall. I have bluetooth mouse and keyboard, the keyboard is 11"x5". So, no wires going anywhere. If you don't want the mouse, they have a bluetooth trackpad for it, so you don't even need a surface for the mouse.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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12-12-2012, 08:22 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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A company called Mac-Case (mac-case.com) makes a leather case called the flight jacket that will hold both the 13" MBA and the iPad. There is also an accessory "PlugBug" by twelvesouth (twelvesouth.com/products/plugbug/) that intercepts the plug on the MBA power adapter so that there is both the MBA power cord and a USB 2.1 Amp at 5 Volts socket to charge the iPad. Thus only half a wall outlet is in use for charging.
I use both of these items for all my Mac laptops (17" size flight jacket for the 15" MBPro Retina in which I have carried the 11" MBA, 15 MacBook Pro, and iPad and power bricks when on a road trip with my wife).
YTMMV
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12-12-2012, 08:27 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2013 28' International
Bozeman
, Montana
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 466
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On the Apple front, is anyone using an Apple TV in their Airstream? Just purchased one for at home and love the integration with the computer, iPad, etc. along with watching Netflix.
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12-14-2012, 06:31 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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Have had all three versions of the MacBook Air...but went to the 15" MacBook Pro with the retina display. NOW I hear that next year they'll be putting retina display's in the MacBook Air! Which means, I'll go back to the Air. The Pro is awesome, all solid state like the Air....but the display makes the Air look like a 60's tv. And, yes, I also have the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5. Not sure I'd put the TV in the trailer as there just isn't enough bandwidth in most parks to download movies in a reasonable period of time.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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12-14-2012, 07:22 PM
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#13
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAB
Not sure I'd put the TV in the trailer as there just isn't enough bandwidth in most parks to download movies in a reasonable period of time.
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I try to plan ahead, and download several movies I am planning to watch during my camping time before I leave home. I have the adapter for my MBP to go to the HDMI input on the tv in out trailer.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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12-16-2012, 11:14 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town
, *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
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We have both - and note that the newer PC consumes as little power as does our Macbook Air ... but the PC doesn't have the nifty silver housing ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
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12-17-2012, 09:46 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2012 23' International
Sevierville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HeadWest
On the Apple front, is anyone using an Apple TV in their Airstream? Just purchased one for at home and love the integration with the computer, iPad, etc. along with watching Netflix.
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I use a 720p Apple TV in my 2012 23' International CCD. I love it. A Blu-ray Disc player came with it but I've never even used it. In fact, I'd rather reclaim the storage area in the front locker for other stuff. Like others have mentioned, I try to plan ahead and have all of the content on my iPad or MacBook Air to deliver to the Apple TV.
At home I use a Mac mini with an EyeTV doohickey attached to it and a HD cable box from my cable provider. With this setup I can record HD TV shows to my computer, quickly convert them to iPad format, and sync them via iTunes to the iPad. My job requires regular overnight travel during the week and this is a great way for me to take TV content with me. It's like a DVR with the added portability that the iPad offers. There's even an iPad/iPhone app for the EyeTV that lets you set up recordings remotely if you forget and you're away from home.
Apple was ahead of the game on this stuff versus Microsoft. Now that Microsoft has their Surface tablet, it's likely a similar setup could be accomplished with the Surface, Windows 7 or 8 PC, Hauppauge (sp?) HD recording device, cable or satellite box, and finally, some kind of PC compatible box like the Apple TV that would stream Windows native file formats without the lengthy file conversion to support Apple TV from a PC.
__________________
Ho'onanea (Ho Oh Na Nay Uh) -- to pass the time with peace, ease, and pleasure.
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12-18-2012, 08:23 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2013 28' International
Bozeman
, Montana
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAB
Have had all three versions of the MacBook Air...but went to the 15" MacBook Pro with the retina display. NOW I hear that next year they'll be putting retina display's in the MacBook Air! Which means, I'll go back to the Air. The Pro is awesome, all solid state like the Air....but the display makes the Air look like a 60's tv. And, yes, I also have the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5. Not sure I'd put the TV in the trailer as there just isn't enough bandwidth in most parks to download movies in a reasonable period of time.
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Good point with the bandwidth available at most campgrounds. Probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense other then using it as an Airplay monitor for an iPad or computer (looking at photos, etc).
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06-07-2014, 11:36 AM
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#17
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAB
Have had all three versions of the MacBook Air...but went to the 15" MacBook Pro with the retina display. NOW I hear that next year they'll be putting retina display's in the MacBook Air! Which means, I'll go back to the Air. The Pro is awesome, all solid state like the Air....but the display makes the Air look like a 60's tv. And, yes, I also have the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5. Not sure I'd put the TV in the trailer as there just isn't enough bandwidth in most parks to download movies in a reasonable period of time.
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If they do go w/ a retina in the MBA, the battery life will probably go down. I made the switch from being a lifelong PC only guy 3 yrs ago, haven't looked back. Because I'm a programer I required a little more power from my unit, so my wife and I went with 13' MBP retina's, the great thing is we can charge them pretty well off portable solar.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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06-08-2014, 04:26 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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Have a 2012 11" MBA for travel (modified with an OWC 480GB SSD) along with the 13" and 15" MBPro retina models. The MBA is more airline friendly in the cramped tourist seats, but the 13" will work in economy plus. Battery life is much shorter on the Pro models, but on United International flights there is a power outlet to keep the unit energized.
The Pro models do spoil one's eyes with the better displays.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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06-08-2014, 05:43 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1976 Argosy 24
now being enjoyed by Heath and Mary in
, Vermont
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,432
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Apple all the way...
See door; see rear:
MacBook Air. iPad too. Indispensable.
__________________
Sergei
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10-08-2014, 08:56 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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I have a 2011 MacBook Air running 10.9.5. I use Handbrake to rip DVDs I rent and put the files on my MacBook air or our iPad. I use HDMI/Thunderbolt connector on the MacBook Air and VLC to run the movie on the TV's HDMI port. The iPad has the 30pin to HDMI adapter. Works great on both. After we watch the movie I delete the files. We typically only watch the movies once. My 2007 iMac 20" 2.4ghz runs great on 10.9. I just upgraded it's internal hard drive to a Seagate 2 gig 7200rpm Hybrid hard drive. I'm good for another 7 years.
Kelvin
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