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2010 MBA 13" 4GB 256GB SSD vs 2011 MBA 13" 4GB 256GB SSD ($1133 vs $1197)

C

chikit

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 24, 2009
31
1
Hey All,

I'm considering the following two models from the Apple Refurbished store:

Late 2010 Macbook Air 13"
2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 Ram
256GB SSD
NVidia GeForce 320M 256MB Shared
Mini DisplayPort

- $1133USD

Mid 2011 Macbook Air 13"
1.7GHz Intel Core i5
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Ram
256GB SSD
Intel HD3000 384MB Shared
Thunderbolt Port
Backlit Keyboard

- $1197USD

I have purchased Lion so they would both run it. I'm already leaning towards the Mid 2011 model because it's only a little extra. What do you think? Which one is a 'tock' model? I'm under the assumption that 'tock' models are best because they are developed and refined technology. Am I right on this?

Thanks!
 
chikit said:
Hey All,

I'm considering the following two models from the Apple Refurbished store:

Late 2010 Macbook Air 13"
2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 Ram
256GB SSD
NVidia GeForce 320M 256MB Shared
Mini DisplayPort

- $1133USD

Mid 2011 Macbook Air 13"
1.7GHz Intel Core i5
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Ram
256GB SSD
Intel HD3000 384MB Shared
Thunderbolt Port
Backlit Keyboard

- $1197USD

I have purchased Lion so they would both run it. I'm already leaning towards the Mid 2011 model because it's only a little extra. What do you think? Which one is a 'tock' model? I'm under the assumption that 'tock' models are best because they are developed and refined technology. Am I right on this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Tick/tock doesn't matter as much here as the you're more comparing chipsets than anything (tick/tock applies to die shrinks and architectures).

The late '10 runs on a C2D (Northbridge), while the '11 one runs on an iX (Platform Controller Hub). The PCH upgrade offered far better parallelism and core sharing. I'd recommend the '11 for sure.
 
chikit said:
I have purchased Lion so they would both run it. I'm already leaning towards the Mid 2011 model because it's only a little extra. What do you think? Which one is a 'tock' model? I'm under the assumption that 'tock' models are best because they are developed and refined technology. Am I right on this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Definitely the 2011 model. The CPU in the 2011 model is 2 generations newer than the Core2 in the 2010.
Core/Penryn (2010 Model), Nehalem/Westmere (Apple Skipped), Sandy Bridge (2011 Model)/Ivy Bridge (2012 Model).

Tock is the introduction of a new architecture followed by Tick which is die shrinking.
 
2011, no question. The Sandy Bridge is significantly faster than the Core 2 Duo. It is 2 full processor generations newer.
 
2010 if you want longer battery life, cooler running, lighter weight, and better graphics.

2011 if you want a Thunderbolt port, backlit keyboard.

No essential difference in everyday use, unless you're encoding video or something cpu-intensive.
 
calvol said:
2010 if you want longer battery life, cooler running, lighter weight, and better graphics.

2011 if you want a Thunderbolt port, backlit keyboard.

No essential difference in everyday use, unless you're encoding video or something cpu-intensive.
Click to expand...

Im sorry, but this is foolish. You get a tremendously better cpu, backlit keyboard. Graphics are equal, better in some situations, less in others. I have had no noticeable difference with battery or heat between the two. I owned both. 2011 hands down.

Also features like airplay mirroring too apple tv are sandy bridge and newer only. Trust me. You want to spend the extra $60
 
You can get a NEW 2012 model MBA from Amazon for $1139.99 with free shipping and no tax. Why would the OP even consider either of those models unless a 256GB SSD is an ABSOLUTE must.

The new MBA from Amazon with a 256GB SSD is $1494.

My advice is spend the few extra $$$ and get the new model with warranty.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. All your comments are really helpful!

stchman said:
You can get a NEW 2012 model MBA from Amazon for $1139.99 with free shipping and no tax. Why would the OP even consider either of those models unless a 256GB SSD is an ABSOLUTE must.

The new MBA from Amazon with a 256GB SSD is $1494.

My advice is spend the few extra $$$ and get the new model with warranty.
Click to expand...

Wow, I had no idea Amazon was actually cheaper than the Apple Store. Free shipping and no tax probably makes it the best buy. However, I'm in Hong Kong and I can't get it shipped there. The best option for me is the Apple Refurbished Store and I have no problems getting refurbished stuff.

4GB and 256GB is needed. I'm selling my 2010 Macbook Pro 15" Core i5 to pay for the new MBA. It's just too heavy and I do travel a lot. I also really need 8GB ram because I use VMWare but this MBA will be used only for a year before I get the new Haswell MBA which is the ideal portable computer.
 
clyde2801 said:
Which one has the samsung screen?


<runs, jumps behind a wall of sandbags>:p
Click to expand...

Hahaha classic post!

I would definately go with the 2011 model. Newer generation processor (don't worry about the clock speed so much) and faster RAM also. Plus I think having the integrated graphics would give you longer battery life than discrete graphics as in the '10 model if your are looking for portability after your MacBook Pro. Also, pretty sure the Apple Refurb store comes with a 1 year warrenty so if you plan on refreshing next year it shouldn't be a problem.
 
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