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Responding to your title of this thread, "then why did you post this?!"
:D:D:D

I'd go for the 1.4GHz base model + 4GB of RAM.
 
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If you're using this primarily on the bus or some other form of local commute, the ipad is a no brainer particularly if you're only emailing and editing word docs. Much more suitable form factor and you can get 3G access. I can't even imagine sitting on a bus with an open laptop.
 
I personally would go for the MBA route. True, the form factor of the iPad is probably more ideal for a bus commute, but the MBA 11 isn't exactly cumbersome, even compared to the convenience of the iPad. I like the MBA because it would be nice to have the option to simply do more should you ever want to.
 
Similar situation I'm in: commuting each day one way 40 min by bus.
I can sit down so I put my MBA on the knees and use the keyboard. If you can't sit because the bus is crowded the iPad might be easier (or even iPhone)

So I have all three: iPhone for music, iPad for reading and surfing, MBA for my development in Xcode for iPad. Anyway: development on iPad would be difficult so I "need" both. Ok, not really need but for sure "want".

I tried lots typing on iPad in bus but it was a bit too shaky and the screen too small. A BT-keyboard might've help but the again the MBA woul be better.

If you get MBA: take 4GB; you can't upgrade later.
 
Similar situation I'm in: commuting each day one way 40 min by bus.
I can sit down so I put my MBA on the knees and use the keyboard. If you can't sit because the bus is crowded the iPad might be easier (or even iPhone)

So I have all three: iPhone for music, iPad for reading and surfing, MBA for my development in Xcode for iPad. Anyway: development on iPad would be difficult so I "need" both. Ok, not really need but for sure "want".

I tried lots typing on iPad in bus but it was a bit too shaky and the screen too small. A BT-keyboard might've help but the again the MBA woul be better.

If you get MBA: take 4GB; you can't upgrade later.
You cant focus on a bus anyway. So go for the ipad its awesome
 
You cant focus on a bus anyway. So go for the ipad its awesome

Works for me ... Music on to exclude the rest of the crowd and there only few bumps on the road. But yes: i need a single seat for myself. Not on a bench. We have both here in Tokyo.
Good to have SSD; with a disk I was alwas scared:rolleyes:
So I have another 90 min fun with coding ...
 
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