Alternative for MacBook Air 11”?

[Carrier]

I bought a MacBook Air 11” with 256GB storage, 8GB RAM and UK keyboard for my wife, who is a journalist. Included in the price were Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband and OSX. She started trying to set it up last week. There have been problems with setting it up for secure use, even with the help of her employer’s computer tech. Like many publishers her employer uses Macs, mainly of older vintage. There is no MUG within several hours drive and online help is limited. She has given up and the MacBook Air is being returned to Apple next week. What would readers suggest as an alternative for this computer?

We have no use for iTunes, the Cloud or any other online app other than secure email, some general browsing and searches using anything but Google, such as DuckDuckGo.

Readers who wonder why security is important need only check on the experiences of The Guardian newspaper, its journalists such as Glenn Greenwald and anyone associated with them such as David Miranda. We also noted Obama’s recent statement that he is not allowed to change to an iPhone from his Blackberry for security. Yes, there are security issues with Apple, especially with Snowden disclosing that it is an agency of the NSA and then Apple late last year buying snoop company Topsy.

Here’s the killer reason why it is going back: Apple’s belligerent and anti-security software update system. This MacBook Air was built to order at the end of last month and yet it was delivered with outdated software. According to Fedex tracking it was picked up in Shanghai, China and sent via Memphis. It had not sat on a shelf in a box for several months. Software Update advises updates are available for most of the apps that were included with it. The current versions should have been on it but we thought it would be easy to upgrade. Today my wife hit “Install All” and could not get any further. We had expected the software to be updated just as it has been in the past on our 2008 iMac and old iBook G4. Apple has changed its whole update system. Although these updates are FREE, to correct deficiencies in its software, Apple demanded some sort of ID for App Store and a CREDIT CARD NUMBER. Naturally as a journalist who covers SCAMS my wife refused to give a credit card number when no payment was involved, either now or in future, pointing out that we have no use for App Store, which we have never used with our existing Macs. After several hours of arguing with obstructive and unhelpful support and representatives she gave up and demanded a refund. Apple agreed and we have received the refund email and label.

We are staggered at the stupidity exhibited by Apple, from Tim Cook downwards. Is there no concept of customer service at Apple? Do they have no concern about credit card and other security scams or are they getting too big a bung from their spy bosses or perhaps from the gangs who run credit card scams? No ethical company would demand credit card info when no payment is involved! All Apple had to do was update those apps that came with the computer and which have nothing to do with the unwanted App Store. That would have been the end of the matter and you would not now be reading this. Instead they have poisoned the whole relationship and alienated customers who have bought six previous Macs. Naturally we are now warning others of the problems of dealing with Apple in any capacity. How can Tim Cook preside over such blithering incompetence? Is he a managerial moron?

The MacBook Air 11” looks fine but unless Apple will sensibly and responsibly update its defective software then it is of no use to my wife. Our experience indicates that Apple is a case of “style over substance,” along with a definite shortage of integrity and customer service! It is very sad that our relationship with Apple and its products should end in this way.

Back to the question. What do you suggest as the nearest alternative from another supplier to the MacBook Air 11” specified above? We will appreciate your help.

[mixture]

I'm sorry Carrier, but you're spouting a load of utter nonsense. You've got one big anti-Apple agenda going on there with that utterly pointless rant you just posted. The Apple bashing bandwagon left PPRuNe a long time ago, go to another forum if you want to try to hop on it.

There have been problems with setting it up for secure use, even with the help of her employer’s computer tech.

Really ? Seriously ? I'm personally very demanding on security, I own various Apple products. I've had no issues setting them up for secure use, and unlike you and your journalist wife, I've worked in the industry for a few years, so I know what secure use really means rather than you and your tin-foil hat Snowden-led agenda !

Although these updates are FREE, to correct deficiencies in its software, Apple demanded some sort of ID for App Store and a CREDIT CARD NUMBER.

This is utter bull. I don't have any credit card details saved with Apple. You don't need any credit card details with Apple. Go put your glasses on and look again at the settings !

Our experience indicates that Apple is a case of “style over substance,”

Yeah, well, your rant has just demonstrated you've got a substantial lack of experience. Apple are not "style over substance", they have very solid products, and the only people who accuse them of what you have are people who've no idea what they are talking about.

Need I go on showing you how you are wrong ? You and your wife have absolutely no idea what you are talking about in relation to Apple. :rolleyes:

As LookingForAJob said, if you and your wife are busy wearing tin-foil hats because of Snowden and the Guardian, then the only alternative to ANY laptop is a pen and paper (oh and you'll probably want a high-security shredder too, because you wouldn't dream of leaving paper on a surface for longer than the time it takes the recipient to read your message).

Go take that stupid tin-foil hat off. If the intelligence services want to monitor you and your wife, they will do so and there is bugger all you can do about it. End of story.

[crewmeal]

I think this is 'Apple bashing' at its worst. I'm at a total loss to understand what the real problem is here.

You state you couldn't set up for secure use. It really depends on what you mean by secure. I have a Macbook pro, iPhone and iPad. They are all set up so no one else can access them. Any changes or updates require a secure password to proceed. Remember security also starts at home. Is your ISP secure? Who else has access to it?

You state that your Macbook air was made to order. It seems that the spec you have is a pretty much standard. I don't prefess to know about Apple's stock rotation or supplies, but does it really matter where it goes as long as it does its job? I started out with a basic MBP and upgraded the memory and hard drive myself at greatly reduced costs. Believe me changing those parts is as easy as changing lightbulbs.

Your 4th paragraph states you have problems updating apps. I have no idea where you live but to me the sensible thing would be to book an appointment at an Apple store and talk to the guys there about any faults you may have. I know of cases where they change the product instantly for a new one if there is a genuine fault. Apple staff are highly trained to help and is the only Company I know to hold free workshops.

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't all app stores require some sort of id and credit card details before purchase or update. Apple require you to set a secure password before proceeding. All updates are done via the app store. This is for iOS, Windows and Android. This is the future of computing in general. Like it or hate it the days of buying software via CD's and DVDs is receding fast.

We also noted Obama’s recent statement that he is not allowed to change to an iPhone from his Blackberry for security. Yes, there are security issues with Apple, especially with Snowden disclosing that it is an agency of the NSA and then Apple late last year buying snoop company Topsy.

Blackberry's are also known for their security issues. All you have to do is google Blackberry security issues.

Infosecurity - BlackBerry Issues Four Security Advisories for BB 10 Devices (http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/34487/blackberry-issues-four-security-advisories-for-bb-10-devices/)

Finally I would suggest you research individual products before purchase and read reviews on them. Amazon is a good place to start.

[Booglebox]

What-ho Carrier,


Regardless of the machine configuration you ordered, for Macbook Airs Apple only have a few different possible configurations, so instead of building each one they just ship you the one you want, unlike, for example, early-2000s Dell. This is why you have old software on there. This is normal and to be expected.
You don't need a credit card number, or to log into the Mac Store, to download OS X security and system updates. I can't remember if iTunes / iPhoto falls into this category, but to update that you can just grab the latest version (http://support.apple.com/downloads/#itunes) from Apple.
You do, however, need one to download updates to Mac Store programs, and this includes (AFAIK) the iWork suite. Therefore if you click "update all" you will get asked for a credit card number.
OS X is a secure OS. Ironically, I'm pretty sure that Greenwald & Miranda use mostly Macs, and there are plenty of them floating about at the Guardian. There are publicly available guides on how to secure OS X for government / enterprise use, including using full-disk encryption.

I agree that the 10.9 asking for iCloud is a bit annoying, and that the Mac App Store is a bit confusing to the uninitiated, but these are small irritations compared to, say, Android or Windows 8...
I think you should do a bit of research and think again before you ship this Mac back to Apple. The thing is, the hardware is incredible and there is absolutely no other 11" or 12" machine that will give you the performance and battery life in a package that small, thin, light, and good-looking, and these considerations are often important to WAGs...

If you've really had enough of it, I suggest you get a Lenovo (formerly IBM) Thinkpad X230 with Windows 7. This is a 12.5" machine with about the same performance and battery life as the MBA 11". Windows 7 64-bit is currently one of the most secure OSes out there (proven to be more than OS X 10.8, in a recent study), and you can also do full-disk encryption.
Con:
- touchpad isn't as good as the MBA (few are)
- heavier, thicker, slightly bigger screen size so not so portable
- no Thunderbolt
- style hasn't changed that much since the early 90s (...maybe this is a "pro"?)
Pro:
- "nipple mouse" which I vastly prefer to touchpads
- You can get one with integrated 3G wireless (no dongles, integrated SIM card slot)
- Incredibly upgradable / maintainable; you can swap out the battery, keyboard, RAM, and hard disk in seconds, and the m-SATA SSD, wifi chip, 3G chip, etc. pretty easily. The MBA, on the other hand, is essentially disposable.
- Carbon-reinforced plastic is way more durable than easily-dented aluminium
- More connectivity ports, including a docking station port
- you can run Linux if you like, driver support is pretty good

Hope this helps :}

[mixture]

Windows 7 64-bit is currently one of the most secure OSes out there (proven to be more than OS X 10.8, in a recent study)

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. :cool:

The MBA, on the other hand, is essentially disposable.

That oft quoted nonsense about Apple making it hard to get inside is a one-sided argument. People fail to quote the many advantages of the more modern Apple designs which include more compact dimensions, increased reliability, increased structural robustness.

Also, quite honestly, although you say the MBA is "disposable", like most Apple hardware products, it will easily last people 5+ years.... by which time it'll be time to move on to the current range of products rather than clinging onto the past.

Carbon-reinforced plastic is way more durable than easily-dented aluminium

An object fell on my Macbook Pro .... little dent at the top of the LCD, but everything still working fine. Its a tool, not a priceless antique. Just get on with using it and forget about minor dings and scratches.

[Ancient Observer]

Some folk on here regard me as an Apple basher. However, I have never "bashed" their hardware or software. (Just their morals)

I have to say that the OP could find lots of work-arounds for his/her issues.

Apple forced me to upgrade my Appstore password. For that I am grateful, and marginally impressed. I wish others did the same. I now have a password that is better than my normal attempts. Big tick for Apple.
The OP should set up a password. Not too difficult.
They also allow me to operate all the Apple devices in the Ancient household with zero, none, nothing in the way of Credit cards. If I buy anything, I have to enter one, but that is My decision, not Apple's.
The OP needs to ensure that the auto-updates that they want are the free ones, not the paid-for ones.
Simples.

[terrain safe]

Try the Sony VAIO Pro 13. Lighter than a Mac Air and very nice. I should know I got conned into buying one for my son. Very impressed with the size and weight and speed. Even he's impressed and he's an Uber geek!

VAIO® Pro | Choose your VAIO® Pro | Sony (http://www.sony.co.uk/customise/vn-pro?cid=14200000&medium=ppc&s_kwcid=sony%20pro%2013)

[Carrier]

Quote from my original post: “All Apple had to do was update those apps that came with the computer and which have nothing to do with the unwanted App Store. That would have been the end of the matter and you would not now be reading this.”

I posted on several forums and thank all those who have responded. I have noted the advice regarding various alternatives, both hardware and operating systems such as Linux. This will be handy in future. Some have been upset with my post. I appreciate your loyalty to Apple and assume that you have had good experiences from the company and its products. We did in the past, particularly with the early Power Mac 6100/66 that we used for many years and only parted with when we went overseas to live and work. Yes, there is more to my post than I put in so here is some background and an update.

We are ordinary users. We have used Macs since 1985 and owned several, starting with an LC475 in 1994. The 1985 Mac was a delight compared with the nameless DOS horror at my work. The early Macs proved that one does not have to be a supergeek to use a computer. They were fairly user friendly, relatively intuitive and indeed “for the rest of us!” Our current desktop is a 2008 iMac and I have a 2005 iBook G4. We have been very pleased with both. Software on both has always been updated just by clicking on Software Update and then Install. Very simple! No change was needed to something that worked so well. There have not been any updates for some time and they have not been needed. Both computers work for us but spares for the iBook are becoming scarce.

We realised Macs had moved forward so looked for some help. We are several hours drive from the nearest MUG or Apple store. The Mac administrator at my wife’s work set up the MBA. However because he deals with ancient Macs several of the set up options on the MBA were missed, including getting upgrades. This has caused some problems! However it should not have been so difficult to set up. For security background refer to articles such as those by (paranoid?) Rich Mogull in MacUser and Macworld and the (paranoid?) NSA’s own “Hardening Tips for Mac OSX Snow Leopard.”

A week ago, soon after receiving the MBA, our unfamiliarity with it caused the deletion of all emails on our Yahoo email account. Fortunately Yahoo recovered them all, very quickly to give them credit. We realised we would have to put some time into getting the MBA set up as best we could. Mogull’s first instruction in Macworld December 2013 is “Don’t Surf or Read Mail as Admin” and his second is “Use Software Update.” Now it gets interesting.

Yesterday my wife set out to work through the set up. Software Update indicated several updates were available so she clicked Install All. She was asked to create an Apple ID and went though the whole process, which apparently gave the option of no credit card. As we were not expecting to pay anything for updates that were to fix problems in existing features as against adding new features this had no significance to her, particularly as we had never needed a card for these updates on our other Macs. Unfortunately she made a small mistake in our email address, putting .com instead of .ca. She was advised that an email would be sent to our email address. None was there, which was when she realised her mistake. She tried to correct this without success so called Apple Support. Over nearly four hours she spoke to FIVE different persons in Support and made numerous attempts to get a working Apple ID set up, both on her own between calls and with Support. They tried to talk her through the process but each time the screens brought up on the instructions of Apple’s own Support personnel did not offer the option of no credit card. All FIVE Apple Support people insisted that a credit card was needed.

A side issue was that I already had an Apple ID for our iMac using our email address. Apple Support does not understand that some married couples share the same email address, same mailing address, surname, etc. and that some households own more than one Mac. Apparently my password was changed a couple of times during this process.

Over the years I have several times had to change VISA and M/C because crooks had used them, by intercepting replacement cards in the mail, at restaurants, etc. Each time the banks did not charge me but it was a hassle to sort out the resulting mess. We pay cash for just about everything, just like the Germans. Companies and individuals who do not possess our information are unable to lose it or have it stolen or sold by crooked employees. As several posters have pointed out, nothing is 100% secure but that should not stop us all from making the best effort to keep things secure!

I came in at one stage and my wife asked me to speak to a Support woman who was telling her that Pages, Numbers, etc. were not included with the MBA. Fortunately I had saved screen shots at each stage of the order and delivery process. I pulled up the order on the iMac and quoted to her the full list, with Pages, etc., of what was included but this bimbo refused to accept it. I eventually hung up the phone. I resent being called a liar by an incompetent and untruthful so-called Support employee. My wife called again after we had cooled down but suffered the same experience. She then asked Apple to give a refund and take the MBA back. This was agreed to without query, with no concern about losing us as customers. After never previously being asked for a credit card for updates and then being told by FIVE Apple Support staff, including a supervisor/manager, that a card number had to be given we did not bother to search online. I just started writing my original post.

If it is so well known that an Apple ID can be created without a credit card perhaps someone can explain our experience. Why did FIVE Apple Support personnel not know of this option? Why did they not know what software comes with the MBA? Are they really that stupid at Apple or is there some hidden agenda? FIVE Apple personnel had the opportunity to sort this out and save Apple from being publicly exposed. Those considering buying a product from Apple deserve to know of our experience.

Before retiring I checked the forums for info on alternatives. There were several helpful posts on ehMac.ca, one of which provided a link to the Apple.com Support page showing the no credit card option for a new Apple ID. As the MBA could not be handed to Fedex for return until Monday we decided to try one last time on Sunday with another email address, this time Gmail.com. It worked. The no credit card option that FIVE Apple Support personnel lied about came up and after a little time the new ID was created. Why did FIVE Apple Support personnel, including a supervisor/manager, fail to solve this yesterday?

What is going on at Apple? The buck stops with the accountable executive, Tim Cook. How can he permit such blithering incompetence and lying to be inflicted upon customers? Does this reflect his personal ethics and moral standards? How can such behaviour by Apple generate repeat business and referrals? Apple’s unscrupulous behaviour has given it some bad publicity. Will Apple learn anything from it and mend its ways?

With the new Apple ID in place the updates proceeded, taking a couple of hours to do. The MBA will stay for now but the whole experience has been soured by Apple’s shifty and dishonest behaviour. None of this should have happened!

It will be interesting to read your comments now that you have a fuller understanding of Apple’s corporate ethics and moral standards and of what Apple has put us through, particularly my wife, since the MBA arrived. How do you explain FIVE Apple Support stooges lying about the credit card requirement and then about what software is included? Do you think our recent Apple experience is acceptable?

Again, thanks to all who have gone to the trouble to compose and submit a post.

[mixture]

What is going on at Apple? The buck stops with the accountable executive, Tim Cook. How can he permit such blithering incompetence and lying to be inflicted upon customers? Does this reflect his personal ethics and moral standards? How can such behaviour by Apple generate repeat business and referrals? Apple’s unscrupulous behaviour has given it some bad publicity. Will Apple learn anything from it and mend its ways?

What a load of drivel.

The only person/people that needs to learn anything from this experience and mend their ways is YOU and YOUR WIFE. Absolutely nothing in either of your posts justify your behaviour towards Apple representatives or your stance against Apple as a whole or its senior management.

I've had it up to here with your anti-Apple agenda Carrier, consider yourself added to my ignore list on a permanent basis.

[CL300]

@carrier

you love to write don't you ? Keep paper and pencil, or alternatively open your mind to the new products, your lecture is annoying, please update your ignore list, i will do the same..

[Piltdown Man]

Carrier - I don't think you have quite grasped how the relationship between computers, operating systems, applications and security. Like everything else, they have to be balanced and you must accept that there is no such thing as absolute security. Apple's security is reasonable and I don't get on well with iTunes - and I agree, there has to be a better way. But what I really can't stand is Windows, your only real alternative. Because of the way it is built it is prone to infiltration by "ne're-do-wells", as your wife should know. Also, being a competent and well informed journalist, she would be fully aware of some of the methods used but criminals and defences used to protect against the scammers. But you appear not to have been listening - maybe she writes for the Guardian?

Another thing I would do is change your source of information. There are villains out there and you have to take appropriate steps to ensure that you are not vulnerable. But that does not include paying cash. The mouth-breathers with shell-suits, funny eyebrows and dirty trainers love people like you who pay in cash. If they see you shopping more than once you'll be turned into their personal cash dispenser before long.

Regarding Apple support, I've never had a problem. They appear to employ real people and I'm quite sure that they'd prefer you to buy another manufacturer's product than have to spend time listening to you. When I had Windows computers, I always found myself ending up speaking to a half-wit called "Peter" or "Janet" with a broad, almost unintelligible Bangalore accent who not only knew nothing but wouldn't listen.

Realistically, your only solution is to be net free. Use pen and paper and other people's computers. I'm sure some oik will come along and suggest you go for Linux but as sure as eggs is eggs, you'll be back asking about "how to you do this" and "where you get support from". Unfortunately, you have no other practical alternative if you wish to be part of the connected world.

But really, I think you will never be satisfied.

PM

[Sunnyjohn]

we decided to try one last time on Sunday with another email address, this time Gmail.com. It worked. I did have a similar problem with Apple passwords sometime in the past; however, it took me all of ten minutes to realise that all I needed to do was to use another email address. How come it took you so long? Number one priority for Apple is online security. It is famous for it, OSX is the most stable platform and, even now, the risk of infection from malware, provided you use the appropriate tools and firewalls, is small. The fact that you had difficulty with your password suggests to me that Apple is rightly concerned with security. I have no problem with that. Still, well done for, eventually, solving the problem. Now you've learned a lesson perhaps you'll stop knocking Apple and revise your own working methods.

[Booglebox]

Carrier, you don't need an Apple ID to download updates.
As for the rest, you're actually sort of right IMHO. Apple are mildly unscrupulous bastards and their first-level customer support is pretty terrible (not the people, but the scripts / things they are told to say).
However, Apple fans seem to be often blind to criticism of the company or products, to the extent of rejecting any point of view that threatens their own, vis. mixture.
Notwithstanding that, don't make the mistake of thinking that Apple give a toss about you, your wife, your custom, or what you think of them, because they don't.

Because of the way it is built it is prone to infiltration by "ne're-do-wells",
Windows 7 64-bit has been proven to be more secure than Mac OS X 10.7. It was announced at a security conference by an independent third party. I can't find the exact article but there is some more background here: Are Macs safer than PCs? | Naked Security (http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/04/10/macs-safer-than-pcs/)
When you compare a locked-down corporate Windows machine to the average Mac, the Mac looks even worse.
OS X's kernel is arguably a more secure way of doing things, but Apple have got sloppy recently.

you'll be back asking about "how to you do this" and "where you get support from".
If OP does decide to go the Linux route, Ubuntu and RedHat are distros with paid support, manuals, etc. available.

[mixture]

When you compare a locked-down corporate Windows machine to the average Mac, the Mac looks even worse. OS X's kernel is arguably a more secure way of doing things, but Apple have got sloppy recently.


Yawn... :ugh:

You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, don't you ?

Look at the CESG report.... Mac is as secure as Linux, both of which are more secure than Windows. Look at any other number of reports on BSD/Linux kernel systems compared to your beloved Windows.

However, Apple fans seem to be often blind to criticism of the company or products, to the extent of rejecting any point of view that threatens their own, vis. mixture.

Get lost. :mad:

You don't know me. I am not an Apple fan, I am just tired of Apple bashers who want to hop on the bandwagon and have absolutely no idea how much nonsense they are spouting.

I've spent enough years in the industry to be able to sort the wheat from the chaff, and Apple aint' no chaff.

[llondel]

I could well believe that a properly locked-down corporate Win7 installation is more secure than an average Mac. However, comparing apples with Apples, the average Win7 machine almost certainly isn't.

[cobol]

Such vitriol. All carrier did was express his opinion, then got rubbished by the pro apple users. Or fanatics; few replies to his original post can be described as balanced.

I moved to Apple some years ago and was enlightened by the software experience; simple, robust, few updates, quick start and shut-down times. It helped justify that the purchase cost was offset by hardware that was/is top quality.

What a welcome change to be rid of the Windows 'egg timer', the constant updates, freezes and crashes. Computing as it should be.

Until Lion: Spinning wheel, crashes and white screens. Constant updates. Start times up from 20 seconds to over sixty. Mountain Lion, slightly better, Mavericks no improvement on previous.

Interestingly, I bought two SSD's (solid state hard drives). One was fitted to the original core two due windoz computer that I used to use with 4GB RAM running Win 7 pro, the other fitted to a Macbook Pro i3 with 4gb RAM running ML. Guess which machine started first die-hards? The crappy home built windoz.

What is the first thing a new Windoz computer needs? Updates – lots.

The first thing a new Apple computer needs. Updates too – lots. To the point where I went over my BT download allowance. I refer to the Macbook Air I bought in December 2013.

Is Apple hardware more reliable?:

My original iMac failed sadly, but that was replaced by Apple with another. That failed too.

I bought a Macbook whilst the iMac was away. That also failed.

The iPad was a delight when it arrived. I have had three, two have failed.

The Macbook air offered true portability; I have had two. The original failed.

Only the three iPhones I have had have been reliable.

Hardware failures are not unique to Apple computers, Microsoft are just as bad or worse. But the difference is that a Windows compatible motherboard cost £50 where an Apple equivalent cost £hundreds. Buy the warranty!

The fact is, since Steve J quit (life and Apple), his inspirational products are slowly but surely becoming dogged by the same problems that caused computer users to move away from Microsoft. I would imagine that Apple will enjoy a few years yet of massive profits, then slowly but surely sink into irrelevance. Computers for nerds. Just like before SJ came back. History repeats itself!

I remain an Apple user, but my experiences lead me to believe that perhaps carrier has a point. Pity all the Apple loonies didn't listen.