New Macbook Air purchase - Deduct or Depreciate? (Caution Taxes Discussed!)

[nwoods]

I am seriously contemplating buying a new MacBook Air for my work. I am employed by a company that requires me to travel, but they want to give me a an 8lb brick of a laptop with a 20 minute battery. I disdain such cumbersome devices, as I am often walking back and forth well over a mile from site to site and don't have ready access to power outlets. Consequently I feel that the MBA is the way to go. If I go this direction, I will have to buy it on my own. The company will not reimburse me.

So, assuming 80% to 90% business use, what makes the most sense, using the Section 179 deduction in the first year, or depreciating the machine via Schedule A?

Thoughts, suggestions, recommendations?

Research in progress:

• A Brief Overview of Depreciation: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=137026,00.html
• Depreciation: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p946/ch01.html#en_US_2010_publink1000107317
• Pub 529 - Deductions Subject to the 2% Limit: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/ar02.html#en_US_publink100027065
• Depreciation & Recapture: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/ar02.html#en_US_publink100027065
• Pub 535 - Business Expenses: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p535/index.html

 

[Schattenjager]

You have already invested more time than the deduction / depreciation is worth. You are really majoring on a minor with this particular purchase. That aside, I would deduct it now as the future of deductions / depreciation is unknown and the speculative future inflationary impact on current currency values coupled with standardized inflation forecasting clearly trends on a loss value basis of current known value vs. future prospective factoring.

 

[Christian P.]

I don't have any advice about tax, but I can tell you that you are going to love the MacBook Air. I sold my Ipad to get one and I have not had an ounce of regret.

 

[nwoods]

Thanks Schatt. That's something I sometimes suffer from, Analysis Paralysis I think it's called. Let me demonstrate:


Thanks Christian. Regarding yours, I've seen via various thread titles that you either have or are about to travel a lot again. On travels, does the lack of a DVD drive cause any issues? Also, I am tweaked by the cheap lowfi camera in the Air. Our older MBP has an HD camera that makes Skype sessions a joy. I would use that feature a lot, but that crappy camera really bothers me, I think. How does yours do on heavy photo and some video work? (like GoPro HD content). How long is your battery really lasting? What size screen?

 

[Christian P.]

Thanks Schatt. That's something I sometimes suffer from, Analysis Paralysis I think it's called. Let me demonstrate:


Thanks Christian. Regarding yours, I've seen via various thread titles that you either have or are about to travel a lot again. On travels, does the lack of a DVD drive cause any issues? Also, I am tweaked by the cheap lowfi camera in the Air. Our older MBP has an HD camera that makes Skype sessions a joy. I would use that feature a lot, but that crappy camera really bothers me, I think. How does yours do on heavy photo and some video work? (like GoPro HD content). How long is your battery really lasting? What size screen?

I have stopped using DVDs many years ago...I really did not have any issue with that.

I could have had an issue with the lack of network port however as there is none on mine. I have the 11.3, the smallest one. My gf has the largest 13", perhaps this one has it. It has not been an issue as I have always used wi-fi.

I can't comment for the camera, I don't use it. But I am surprised Apple would have installed a very bad camera.

I really like how light and portable it is, as I am always traveling these days.

I get about 3.5 hours out it. My gf gets a lot more of her 13", which I suspect has a larger battery since it has more space...

I really doubt you will regret it. I still have to carry around the my ThinkPad brick but I would ditch it in a second if I could...

 

[reece146]

You could buy the add on DVD player and keep it in you bag in case you ever needed it.

 

[isaac]

You have already invested more time than the deduction / depreciation is worth. You are really majoring on a minor with this particular purchase. That aside, I would deduct it now as the future of deductions / depreciation is unknown and the speculative future inflationary impact on current currency values coupled with standardized inflation forecasting clearly trends on a loss value basis of current known value vs. future prospective factoring.

Was this comment written to be intentionally ridiculous? Or is it just ridiculous, in the first order?

- Isaac

 

[Schattenjager]

Was this comment written to be intentionally ridiculous? Or is it just ridiculous, in the first order?

- Isaac

Define ridiculous.

Most things related to government regs are nearly as ridiculous as the regs themselves. While admittedly verbose, :costumed-smiley-007 the post is accurate.