So confused! Yet another 11.6'' vs 13'' dilemma

[qosie]

So I ordered a maxed out 11.6'' but now I keep reading reviews on how amazing the 13'' is. I JUST bought a 15'' i7 (as shown in my sig.) that I got to use in conjunction with my 64GB 3G iPad. I stopped using my iPad and felt it was a waste. The 11.6'' Air came out, and I was sold! Ordered it and I'm still waiting for it to deliver at my doorstep. I sold my iPad to finance it. I figured it would be perfect for Med School too.

Problem? I kept tossing and turning in my bed, wondering why I need a 15'' i7. I used to do a lot of video editing on my old aluminum unibody macbook, rip movies to put into my iPad and a lot of graphic design work for which reason I got the LED cinema display (for screen real estate). Now I don't really do much of that...I just use Aperture sometimes and some MS Office work. I got the 15'' i7 because I wanted a computer that would last me a very long time (maybe 4-5 years). I didn't get an iMac because I hate being confined to my desk. I can use my 15'' in my bedroom or in my study or downstairs in the family room.

The more I think about it...the more I keep wondering if I should've gotten the 13'' Air instead of the 11.6'' and sell my 2 week old 15'' MBP. My boyfriend thinks I should keep both the 15'' and the 11.6'' but I keep feeling like spending $3000+ on this setup is pricey when I can just get a maxed out 13'' and pocket the change.

Any ideas? Anyone else have a 15'' MBP and gotten a 11.6'' MBA?

The only thing holding me back is the fact that I spent so much money on this 15'' that I opened and can't return it (I used an EPP discount thats nonreturnable). I would have to resort to eBay and pay so many fees.

[Mj2sL]

While the MBA is very, very nice, I'd say keep both. The MBA isn't going to be your only computer, at least for most people. It's a perfect addition to a not very mobile setup (you don't just throw your MBP 15" in your backpack). Since I've got mine (a week ago) I did use it almost exclusively, but there's just some things that are missing (CD drive, processing power for demanding tasks, max 256GB storage etc). I'd say you have a very sweet combination with the MBP15 and the MBA11.6. They complement each other perfectly. Just the MBA13 isn't going to cut it for most people.

[kurzz]

I'm sorry to say this but I think you may have a bigger problem. It sounds like you have a compulsive disorder. Just try to be happy with what you have. That's my internet advice.

[entatlrg]

Go for the 13" MBA ... and use it with your ACD when you need screen real estate. It will do all the tasks you mentioned.

[KandyKane]

Sell the 15" MBP and buy an iMac with the 11" MBA...
Wait that's fueling the Mac addition isn't it?

Do you get an EPP discount annually? Not sure if yours was the same as mine, but discount I had was quite substantial each year that the 12 month old 13" MBP I sold (with Applecare) would fund the newer 13" MBP give or take $50. Too bad I used my discount in May when the last MBP was revised, wont be too hard for me to use someone elses discount though. Oh yeah and I quit that job. NOOOO full priced Macs

I thought I was the only wierd one that stayed up all night thinking about Apples new products and how and when I will acquire them...

[Jobsian]

Stick to one notebook. Life's complicated enough

Get either the 11" or 13" MBA (I'd recommend the former) and eBay the MBP.

The comfort of using the MBA and the peace of mind in a less sprawled-out setup will eclipse any (likely false) perceived need and deficit in horsepower.

Speaking as a long time MBA 1st gen owner, now gen 2

[andyd409]

I do not believe anyone can tell you exactly what to do, only what they might do based on their own experience; with that in mind here are my thoughts...

I like to have a desktop and laptop available.

For you, it seems that the MBP could satisfy the desktop as I believe a 15 inch laptop would be more than I would want to cart around. For a laptop or portable I want the smallest available (Mac, no netbooks for me please), so the 11.6 MBA satisfies that very well. I do not do a lot on my portable, it is more for convience than "heavy living".

If this sounds like something you might like, the the combo of the MBP and MBA could serve you well.

IHTH

Andy

[tigres]

Originally Posted by kurzz

I'm sorry to say this but I think you may have a bigger problem. It sounds like you have a compulsive disorder. Just try to be happy with what you have. That's my internet advice.

Thinking along the same lines

[TxMacAddict]

Call me OCD if you want but I currently have a 15" i7 with high res screen and I too have been planning on buying a Macbook Air 11". I did sell my iPad to help finance the purchase since the iPad refresh will be here in a matter of months. Overall it ended up costing me $100 to own it over the last 7months.. not bad depreciation at all for a tech gadget.

My first trip to the Apple Store just to look at the new Airs left me thinking the 11" Air was going to be perfect. However the 2nd trip with my cold hard cash in hand ready to hand over I couldnt bring myself to give it up for the 11". My experience may be different than yours but go with your gut feeling on whats right for your purposes.

[qosie]

Originally Posted by KandyKane

Sell the 15" MBP and buy an iMac with the 11" MBA...
Wait that's fueling the Mac addition isn't it?

Do you get an EPP discount annually? Not sure if yours was the same as mine, but discount I had was quite substantial each year that the 12 month old 13" MBP I sold (with Applecare) would fund the newer 13" MBP give or take $50. Too bad I used my discount in May when the last MBP was revised, wont be too hard for me to use someone elses discount though. Oh yeah and I quit that job. NOOOO full priced Macs

I thought I was the only wierd one that stayed up all night thinking about Apples new products and how and when I will acquire them...

YEAH I QUIT TOO!!! I hate knowing I have to buy full price now....I got the 15'' because it was great saving SOOO much on such a sweet machine...but now I realize that I got lured into the trap of paying more for a bigger discount.

Originally Posted by Jobsian

Stick to one notebook. Life's complicated enough

Amen to that. I used to have a 13'' MBP that I handed over to my mom that used to be my everything computer. I'm still used to the setup of just having one computer.

Originally Posted by entatlrg

Go for the 13" MBA ... and use it with your ACD when you need screen real estate. It will do all the tasks you mentioned.

Good point. That's what I used to do with my 13'' MBP.

VERDICT: I'm going to figure out a way to return/sell my 15'' MBP and get a maxed out 13'' MBA.

New question: Should I pass my mom the 11.6'' Air and sell my old 13'' MBP?

And to those who think having a iMac + Air is a most ideal setup, I agree. But that's why I got my cinema display. It can make my laptop function like a desktop. I find it kinda annoying syncing computers and like having everything on just one.

[qosie]

Originally Posted by andyd409

I like to have a desktop and laptop available.

For you, it seems that the MBP could satisfy the desktop as I believe a 15 inch laptop would be more than I would want to cart around. For a laptop or portable I want the smallest available (Mac, no netbooks for me please), so the 11.6 MBA satisfies that very well. I do not do a lot on my portable, it is more for convience than "heavy living".

If this sounds like something you might like, the the combo of the MBP and MBA could serve you well.

IHTH

Andy

Why does everyone want a desktop + laptop as their ideal computer setup? I never quite understood the logic...

Originally Posted by kurzz

I'm sorry to say this but I think you may have a bigger problem. It sounds like you have a compulsive disorder. Just try to be happy with what you have. That's my internet advice.

Hmm...maybe they were impulsive but that's because I didn't have a lot of time to decide. I wanted to use the discount but it didn't have the luxury of a few days/weeks to think about it as I usually do.

[FAsnakes]

Originally Posted by qosie

Why does everyone want a desktop + laptop as their ideal computer setup? I never quite understood the logic...

It's a component based setup - essentially having the best of both with minimal compromise.
BTW - just shot you a pm on your 15"

[sinophilia]

I have an iMac, a Macbook and an iPad. My wife is getting an 11" MBA, which I think I will use too, once in a while. It's just great if you have the chance to have multiple devices, each one of them is best at something.

Personally, I wouldn't get an MBA as my only or primary computer, but it all boils down to what you use it for. My wife will be just fine with her 11" MBA, and when the screen estate is not enough for something, she will hook it up to an external display. I'm pretty sure she won't need more power than that. If you have a Cinema Display, the small screen issue is no longer a problem. As for power, only you can judge. If you bought an i7, maybe you had some heavy duty usage in mind for it. So even the 13" MBA may be underpowered.

If I were you, I'd keep them both for a couple of weeks, just to figure it all out, and then I'm sure you will be able to sell your MBP for good money if you decide to.

[qosie]

Originally Posted by sinophilia

I have an iMac, a Macbook and an iPad. My wife is getting an 11" MBA, which I think I will use too, once in a while. It's just great if you have the chance to have multiple devices, each one of them is best at something.

Personally, I wouldn't get an MBA as my only or primary computer, but it all boils down to what you use it for. My wife will be just fine with her 11" MBA, and when the screen estate is not enough for something, she will hook it up to an external display. I'm pretty sure she won't need more power than that. If you have a Cinema Display, the small screen issue is no longer a problem. As for power, only you can judge. If you bought an i7, maybe you had some heavy duty usage in mind for it. So even the 13" MBA may be underpowered.

If I were you, I'd keep them both for a couple of weeks, just to figure it all out, and then I'm sure you will be able to sell your MBP for good money if you decide to.

Okay, that makes sense I guess. Sometimes I remember wishing I had more power when I edited a movie for school. I had to convert the 1080p movies down to 720p in order to actually edit it on my old machine and even then it lagged insanely! Ever since that day two years ago, I vowed to get myself a powerful computer when I get the chance. But I just don't see myself using something powerful for that reason anymore. It was still doable I guess.


I'm going to use both for a few weeks and make a more solid decision then. Test drive the 11.6 and see if using both will be nice deal. The only reason why I'm having trouble letting this 15'' go is because I saved SOOO much money on it and it's Antiglare Plus...It's a good investment while the 13'' Air may not be the best thing to keep for a long time since it's not upgradeable.

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by kurzz

I'm sorry to say this but I think you may have a bigger problem. It sounds like you have a compulsive disorder. Just try to be happy with what you have. That's my internet advice.

OCD is a trait of many in the medical field, including me... It's a good thing...

As for going to medical school - consider that you are gonna say by by to your home for a bit and spend a lot of hours at the library...

[qosie]

Originally Posted by Romulus

OCD is a trait of many in the medical field, including me... It's a good thing...

As for going to medical school - consider that you are gonna say by by to your home for a bit and spend a lot of hours at the library...

Oh dear...don't remind me!

[99 Cent Tacos]

I have the 15" I7 with anti-glare and have sort of the same dilemna as you except I would not get rid of it as it is essentially my main computer and perfect at being so. It is the perfect balance of power and portability when I need it. While too big for frequent travelers, it's good to know that when I need more power, I can take it with me.

My dilemna is debating between the ultra portability of the 11 or the better specs of the 13. I travel once a week and either would be perfect but love the form factor and the "new macness" of the 11. I played with it at the Apple Store and the only concern is the smaller screen. It is harder to read and do minor photo edits whereas the 13 is just about right. I am continuing to read feedback on this forum and should make my decision soon.

[g808]

My thoughts:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost...8&postcount=25

[WardC]

I had a 15" 2007-model MacBook Pro that I just sold on eBay and I am getting the maxed-out 11.6" like you, I am getting it delivered here on Monday. I am really excited, I am looking forward to the smallness and ultra-portability of the whole thing. The only thing different than the 15" that I am a bit concerned about is the 1366x768 resolution, mainly the small vertical resolution, which means more scrolling and less room for large documents and hi-res photos (my 15" had 1440x900 matte display). But, I think I will be fine. I just went to Best Buy and checked out the 11.6" again and I am still in love with the thing. I CANNOT WAIT TILL MONDAY!!!

[alphaod]

I sold my iPad and got the 11" Air. I love it. It's pretty fast and it's very quiet. It also doesn't heat up like the MacBook Pro even under intense usage. I find myself not using my MacBook Pro at all—it feels so big and heavy. That said my MacBook Pro is ages faster in just about faster every single way.

I would have opted for the base configuration with 4GB of RAM, but the store didn't have it and I don't do online computer purchases. So I ended up with the 11" maxed configuration as well.

[gwsat]

My main concern about the 11 inch MBA was its 128GB of flash storage, only half that which my 13 inch came with. I had a special problem, though. I run Windows 7 in a VMware Fusion virtual machine that is 13GB. Thus, after getting the same programs I had been using on my MBP up and running on the new MBA, I am already using more than 126GB of my MBA's 256GB of flash storage. Thus, 128GB of storage wouldn't have done it for me.

[nfl46]

I returned my 11" today and got the 13". I had to pay an extra $300 for it though. I definitely needed the 128GB and bigger screen. The 11" screen started to get too small for it. The font is really small. So, I went from base 11" to base 13". I didn't really care about the 2GB to 4GB jump. I am fine with 2GB. The new Photoshop CS5 was working fine on the base 11" when I had it.

[qosie]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. In the end, I decided not to wait. I'm selling my 15'' and my 11.6'' on eBay to get the MBA 13''. I realized that for what I do with my computer now, a 15'' is overkill. I don't really care about long-term either because I generally upgrade every 1-2 years in which case the Air is perfect for both the specs, weight, and new factor.

How much should I ask for my 15? I was thinking 2200? 2250? (It's opened which diminishes the value I feel even though mine retails for $2400). If it doesn't sell for a good price, I'm just gonna keep my MBP and sit it out.

I put the 11.6 for $1300 and already got a bid. It's unopened =D

I can't wait to be able to buy the 13'' once the bidding ends (if the MBP sells!) and the money comes through! Very excited! Thanks again!

[kp98077]

YES I HAVE SAME CONFIG AND ITS EXCELLENT THE 13 AND 15 ARE JUST WAY TOOOOO SIMILAR.TRUST ME!!!!

Originally Posted by qosie

So I ordered a maxed out 11.6'' but now I keep reading reviews on how amazing the 13'' is. I JUST bought a 15'' i7 (as shown in my sig.) that I got to use in conjunction with my 64GB 3G iPad. I stopped using my iPad and felt it was a waste. The 11.6'' Air came out, and I was sold! Ordered it and I'm still waiting for it to deliver at my doorstep. I sold my iPad to finance it. I figured it would be perfect for Med School too.

Problem? I kept tossing and turning in my bed, wondering why I need a 15'' i7. I used to do a lot of video editing on my old aluminum unibody macbook, rip movies to put into my iPad and a lot of graphic design work for which reason I got the LED cinema display (for screen real estate). Now I don't really do much of that...I just use Aperture sometimes and some MS Office work. I got the 15'' i7 because I wanted a computer that would last me a very long time (maybe 4-5 years). I didn't get an iMac because I hate being confined to my desk. I can use my 15'' in my bedroom or in my study or downstairs in the family room.

The more I think about it...the more I keep wondering if I should've gotten the 13'' Air instead of the 11.6'' and sell my 2 week old 15'' MBP. My boyfriend thinks I should keep both the 15'' and the 11.6'' but I keep feeling like spending $3000+ on this setup is pricey when I can just get a maxed out 13'' and pocket the change.

Any ideas? Anyone else have a 15'' MBP and gotten a 11.6'' MBA?

The only thing holding me back is the fact that I spent so much money on this 15'' that I opened and can't return it (I used an EPP discount thats nonreturnable). I would have to resort to eBay and pay so many fees.

[KandyKane]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8A306 Safari/6531.22.7)

Originally Posted by qosie

How much should I ask for my 15? I was thinking 2200? 2250? (It's opened which diminishes the value I feel even though mine retails for $2400). If it doesn't sell for a good price, I'm just gonna keep my MBP and sit it out.

Did you get AppleCare? That usually bumps up the price... Or maybe I've just had crazy luck
There's a site somewhere that can guestimate the market value of your
Mac