Gift for Dad - Which MBA is better?

[dmk1974]

I am thinking of trying to convert my 65 year-old Dad from his old Windows laptop to a Mac. Looking at the Apple refurb site, I narrowed it to these two units that are just over $900 each.

1.) $919 2011 MBA 13"
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC965LL/A

2.) $929 2012 MBA 11"
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD224LL/A/

Both have an i5 1.7GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB flash storage. The tradeoffs are:

13" screen vs 11" screen
HD3000 vs HD4000
USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0
FaceTime camera vs FaceTime HD camera

The weight difference I don't think matters. What do you think? Thanks!

[blevins321]

How old is your Dad? If he's getting up there in years I'd highly suggest the 13" model. More than likely he isn't going to be gaming on it, so the 3000 might be fine for him. The bigger screen would make it much easier to read things with.

[dmk1974]

Originally Posted by blevins321

How old is your Dad? If he's getting up there in years I'd highly suggest the 13" model. More than likely he isn't going to be gaming on it, so the 3000 might be fine for him. The bigger screen would make it much easier to read things with.

Sorry, I updated the post. He's 65. I think his current laptop is a 14" or 15" Gateway.

[Johnny Alien]

Normally I would say 11" but since he is 65 the 11" might seem a bit small as far as resolution goes. The graphics likely won't make a huge difference to him.

[jojoba]

I agree with the others, I'd probably go for the 13".

[Scepticalscribe]

Yes, I, too, find myself in agreement with those who have posted.

Aging eyes will thank you for the larger screen; I love the form of the 11", but, unless he has a pressing need for portability, unless he travels a lot, I'd recommend the 13" for him. It is still exceedingly portable, but with an easier screen to view from the perspective of tired (and aging) eyes.

[Mrbobb]

No competition, the one with the bigger screen. The rest are noises.

[in2tech]

Definitely the 13" MacBook Air for your dad! If you could swing it, see if you can find an open box at Best Buy or a refurb 2012 base unit, that's what I have but brand new! But if you can't find one in your price range in the 2012 models than go with the 2011 13". I am getting up there and I could never have lived with the 11", plus I am using it at home 95% of the time!

Your a great son! I think your dad will love the MacBook Air 13"! I am sure he deserves it! Does he have other Apple devices?

[wolfpuppies3]

This 67 year old grandfather loves his 13". That would serve your dad better than the 11" although I have both to choose from on any given day.

[hlkc]

I am sure he will love his 13" or 11" MBA. I've the same viewing concerns before I picked up my 11" MBA. But for travel and even just carry around the house, I love my 11" so much! For web surfing, not all the sites, but most of the sites I went to, I preset the font size to be bigger, I don't see any different than my 15" MBP these days.

[dmk1974]

I also found a 2011 13" MBA on Craigslist that I can get for $800-$820. No warranty left on it though, but mint condition. Would it be worth pursuing at that price?

[Mrbobb]

Originally Posted by dmk1974

I also found a 2011 13" MBA on Craigslist that I can get for $800-$820. No warranty left on it though, but mint condition. Would it be worth pursuing at that price?

if ur comfortable with Craiglist, go4rit.

Question to ask of course whether u wanto purchase applecare for ur Dad, or it's OK for him to call u whenever.