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11" vs 13" - 11" makes iPad feel redundant?

entatlrg said:
Great post, deep subject :)

I've been there.

[...]

I have the 13" MBA too, bought both 2011 models with the idea the 11" would be for travel, plane, car and the 13" MBA would be my home office computer where I spend most of my time.

[...]

That's the thing with Apple, they make a great desktop, need it buy it, and they make a great MBP, need it buy it, then the MacBook Air's get powerful, of course I need it and buy it too.

The 13" was 'wow' and the go to machine for portable use up until October 2010 ... and then the an 11" came out too! Have to buy that, it's better on a plane tray, in the car, fun to use on the lap, gotta get the 13" too so when I'm at home I have 2 inches more screen real estate, plus the iPad's come out and we buy those too .... suddenly so many gadgets and many people spend a lot of time trying to figure which one is 'best' ... I'm guilty of that, many Apple fans are!!
Click to expand...

LOL!!! You're lucky, if I'd buy all the devices I wanted to (and I want almost everything Apple makes :) ) I'd be sleeping outside in a tent for a few months :p

But to be on topic: I don't have an 11" yet but I will be buying one (once I convince herself that I really need one :) ). Planning to carry it alongside my iPad, together they're still lighter than a 13" MBP and they each serve their own purpose. I also plan to use the iPad with Air Display as a secondary screen for the 11", that should remedy the screen size somewhat (although I've heard that full screen mode in Lion works awfully with multiple screens). But anyway I'm not planning to sell my iPad either, it's way too useful on its own.
 
ArmCortexA8 said:
I wish Apple upped the RAM on the new MBA to include 8GB as an option, as I see this as a limiting factor when the MBP's support up to 8GB. Additionally, I think this would of helped because the video RAM is taken from the overall system RAM, reducing the total amount available. The other drawback is no more Nvidia GPU, instead now its an Intel integrated GPU. Apple should have made the GPU discrete.
Click to expand...

the 320 is not a discrete gnu either, it's a chipset.
 
entatlrg said:
Great post, deep subject :)

I've been there.

Problem is now if you go from the 11" back to the iPad it's limitations may bother you now than before you started taking the 11" everywhere :) That's my experience.

If you're using a device to watch video, surf, write short amounts of text you'll be okay, but if you type a lot, or surf websites that require flash to work, for example mls.com you'll see it's limitations fast.

Yet, I love my ipad, use it many times everyday, great gps, excellent for flipping through pages of pdf's, looking up data as I'm typing on my Air, battery is great....

But, for the iPad to replace my little 11" Air as a take everywhere device, no way. I tend to take both when I can, if not the 11" goes for sure.

I use a usb high speed internet stick so I can get instantly connected similar to the iPad.

I have the 13" MBA too, bought both 2011 models with the idea the 11" would be for travel, plane, car and the 13" MBA would be my home office computer where I spend most of my time.

To my surprise lately I've ended up using the 11" a LOT at home and office too. It's size works anywhere, anytime I love it. In my office I have two ACD's on my desk connected to my Mac Pro ... still I'm using my 11", works on desk, can recline back in chair, move around...

Actually most of today I've sat on my couch at home on holidays grumpy because we're busy with work ... I've replied to an insane amount of emails ALL on the 11" ... I have the 13" right beside me, I find the 11" better on my lap, can type in any position literally, lol ... 13" is bit more awkward, like a normal notebook, not as 'fun'.

Makes me wonder if I even need the 13" MBA ... I 'think' I do because in theory more screen real estate equals more productivity, less scrolling, longer battery, SD slot etc, I should need and use it more than the 11" but i don't.

In a way I'd like to try making the 11" my "main" computer, office, home, travel. I have an ACD at office and home, the idea would be the 'brains' of my system are in a small 11" package, and just plug it into externals where ever I'm working. I have my Mac Pro in office for heavy lifting, video edits, server, back up etc. Having the 11" for 99% of my hands on time sounds perfect in theory.

It's the 11" screen that holds me back ... I don't like to work from a desk often, therefore I'd be looking at an 11" screen 80% of the time. A 13" could be better, or would it?

That's the thing with Apple, they make a great desktop, need it buy it, and they make a great MBP, need it buy it, then the MacBook Air's get powerful, of course I need it and buy it too.

The 13" was 'wow' and the go to machine for portable use up until October 2010 ... and then the an 11" came out too! Have to buy that, it's better on a plane tray, in the car, fun to use on the lap, gotta get the 13" too so when I'm at home I have 2 inches more screen real estate, plus the iPad's come out and we buy those too .... suddenly so many gadgets and many people spend a lot of time trying to figure which one is 'best' ... I'm guilty of that, many Apple fans are!!

Just rambling here, it's not a brief topic, lol, hope it helped in some way? My conclusion is the 11" MacBook is the most 'alluring' to me, that's why its my choice every time I go to do work whether it's editing a vector design or replying to a hundred emails.... it's the 11" I'm drawn to every time.

Award for longest reply? :eek:
Click to expand...

You got way too much money dude!

All you need to do is sell everything except the 13" MBA and use that at home and in the office.
 
entatlrg said:
... many people spend a lot of time trying to figure which one is 'best' ... I'm guilty of that, many Apple fans are!!
Click to expand...

i know, people are so silly. instead of stubbornly insisting to choose ONE, why doesn't everyone just buy EVERY computer Apple makes? duh.

i mean, they're hungry for a computer solution? let them eat Apples! ALL THE APPLES!


adnoh said:
You got way too much money dude!
Click to expand...

heavens, no! as has been determined by the scientific community, a person needs 7 (or more) Apple computing devices to live a healthy, normal life.

in fact, i encourage you to donate whatever you can to WeNeedApples.org; it's a new foundation that helps people with 5 or fewer Apple products achieve the livable minimum of 7.

i know a guy with an iPhone, an iPad, an iMac, a MBP, and a MBA. this guy has no idea what white polycarbonate feels like. and, i mean, he takes care of his kids, his wife; he's a great guy. it's just sad.


i tell you, SO MANY PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD!
yet the solutions are so simple, and all available on Apple.com!

when will people wake up?
when will people learn?

i don't know.
i just don't know.
 
I believe the forum you meant to post this in was over at holierthanthouandbornwithoutflaws-yaheard.org
 
h00ligan said:
I believe the forum you meant to post this in was over at holierthanthouandbornwithoutflaws-yaheard.org
Click to expand...

perhaps.

i did see a guy eating out of the garbage today.

and i didn't give him any food or money.
 
anyways, as i injected quite a tangent above, in reference to the original question:

i think if you like the grab-and-go-ness of the 11", and you have no complaints about the size or anything, keep it.

i would use the ipad on the couch and use the 11 as the computer; if i went out, i'd take the 11 and leave the ipad.
 
I agree that there is a certain overlap between the 11" MBA and the iPad, but I believe it's really only size.

For me, when I require a laptop, I still don't want to carry something big and heavy. I've been through 15" and 13" laptops in the past, and even the 13" machines are still a pain to carry - especially on business trips, running through airports and hotels where every pound counts. The new 11" is as fast as last year's 17" MacBook Pro and a thousand times more transportable. On top of all that, the 11" is fast enough to sit on a desk with a mouse, keyboard and big monitor and act as a desktop (especially with the soon-coming Thunderbolt display with its gigabit ethernet and FireWire 800 ports).

And when I don't need all the power of a full-on laptop, I still don't want to carry something big and heavy for browsing, email, reading, watching movies... Thus the iPad fits perfectly.

So, for me, they both work, despite their similar sizes.
 
Just Sold My iPad To Buy MBA

I don't personally believe the MBA and iPad are redundant, however there is a certain area where they overlap. Therefore, as a student, I can't justify both.

I bought my first-gen iPad and wanted to love it from the moment I bought it. It was phenomenal for reading. Absolutely phenomenal for reading. Browsing was great. The apps on it made it completely satisfying over a laptop.

However, after summer began, I found I was reaching for my MBP consistently rather than my iPad. I don't understand why, per se. I found I was often sitting on the couch and not wanting to hold the iPad up. I found that I when I was on the road, I needed the full computing experience. The iPad just was not used.

Therefore, I sold my iPad and MBP to buy the base line iMac with updated RAM and a baseline 2011 MBA with updated RAM. I feel now that I have a computer on the go that, with the help of full screen mode of Lion, makes reading and browsing a lot more enjoyable, along with a powerhouse (in relative circumstances; I am a history student after all) at home for the bigger work. This setup just seems to make more sense than a laptop with an iPad.

Long story short, I sold my iPad to make room for the new 11" MacBook Air. I think all of my mobile app use will take place on my iPhone, my mobile computing will be done with the MacBook Air, and my actual work and writing will take place on the iMac at home.
 
joshuaginter said:
I don't personally believe the MBA and iPad are redundant, however there is a certain area where they overlap. Therefore, as a student, I can't justify both.

I bought my first-gen iPad and wanted to love it from the moment I bought it. It was phenomenal for reading. Absolutely phenomenal for reading. Browsing was great. The apps on it made it completely satisfying over a laptop.

However, after summer began, I found I was reaching for my MBP consistently rather than my iPad. I don't understand why, per se. I found I was often sitting on the couch and not wanting to hold the iPad up. I found that I when I was on the road, I needed the full computing experience. The iPad just was not used.

Therefore, I sold my iPad and MBP to buy the base line iMac with updated RAM and a baseline 2011 MBA with updated RAM. I feel now that I have a computer on the go that, with the help of full screen mode of Lion, makes reading and browsing a lot more enjoyable, along with a powerhouse (in relative circumstances; I am a history student after all) at home for the bigger work. This setup just seems to make more sense than a laptop with an iPad.

Long story short, I sold my iPad to make room for the new 11" MacBook Air. I think all of my mobile app use will take place on my iPhone, my mobile computing will be done with the MacBook Air, and my actual work and writing will take place on the iMac at home.
Click to expand...
We are the same person O_O
 
It is kinda difficult to decide which of both to carry... So i take 'em both!
But yes.. MBA is so comfortable that i use my iPad ten times less than when i had a common laptop (HP)
 
Right now, I'm using the Air more than my iPad simply because it is new and shiny. :D But I'm convinced that both devices will play an important role for me. Here's where I think each device shines:

- iPad

The iPad is the device I want to use when I want to run iOS apps (obviously). Being a touch device, it is the perfect machine for gaming. There are now tons of very good games for iPad that are specifically designed for the touch screen interface. Holding the iPad and playing games on it is a very intimate, satisfying experience. The Air - while having the capability to play games - is not going to be as satisfying because 1) it doesn't run iOS games (though there are some that are released for Mac as well, and 2) it doesn't run Mac games well with its underpowered GPU. It also gets very hot when gaming and runs down the battery in no time at all. So for gaming (especially the type of casual gaming that has exploded in the last couple of years), the iPad is perfect!

Aside from gaming, I use the iPad a great deal for Airplay to my AppleTV2. I fire up Youtube and send the video to my 50" HDTV and it's a lovely experience. Similarly, I'll use Airplay for sending my streaming music (Mog, Spotify) or when watching live TWIT shows. I'm also running iOS 5 beta on them and the Airplay Mirroring is great! Being able to wirelessly mirror my iPad's screen to the big TV is very useful.

The iPad/iPhone are the devices I'll grab to quickly browse the news, check movie times, phone numbers, or to take with me on the toilet (LOL). If I want to read an e-book, I'll grab the iPad. For letting my kids watch a movie in the car, the iPad is the best choice. Ultimately, the iPad is the best device to use for media consumption and running apps.

- Macbook Air

I know some people like to add a Bluetooth keyboard to the iPad, but I don't like that solution. So when I want to do a significant amount of typing (like hanging out on message boards), the Macbook Air is the perfect device to use. It's still light and portable, but it adds a very nice (and finally backlit) keyboard to the mix. I can have multiple full-screen programs open at once and smoothly jump between them with the trackpad.

And of course, the Air has a complete web browser with Flash, so there aren't any limitations when browsing. As much as I hate Flash, it's still sometimes necessary to use it for viewing certain web pages or watching certain videos. Yes, it makes the battery drain faster. Yes, it makes the laptop as hot as a stovetop. And yes, I'd love it if everything were written in HTML5. But the fact remains that it's still there in large enough quantity that having a full web browser with plugins is sometimes unavoidable

So the Air is the device I'll pick up for browsing message boards, typing an e-mail, viewing certain web pages, working with finances, iLife suite, and running other Mac programs that can't be run on iOS.

Yes, there are things that overlap. If I'm already on my Air, I'll use Reader on the laptop instead of my iPad (or visa-versa). If I'm already on one device, I'll use it to browse the web. But until the "Grand Unification" of iOS and OSX, they are both uniquely justified. And even then, there will still be the difference between having a tactile keyboard and a touch screen.

Over time, I do think the tablet computer will become a person's main computer. But this Macbook Air goes a long way to prove that laptops are still not only useful, but stylish and innovative as well!
 
Travisimo said:
Right now, I'm using the Air more than my iPad simply because it is new and shiny. :D But I'm convinced that both devices will play an important role for me. Here's where I think each device shines:

- iPad

The iPad is the device I want to use when I want to run iOS apps (obviously). Being a touch device, it is the perfect machine for gaming. There are now tons of very good games for iPad that are specifically designed for the touch screen interface. Holding the iPad and playing games on it is a very intimate, satisfying experience. The Air - while having the capability to play games - is not going to be as satisfying because 1) it doesn't run iOS games (though there are some that are released for Mac as well, and 2) it doesn't run Mac games well with its underpowered GPU. It also gets very hot when gaming and runs down the battery in no time at all. So for gaming (especially the type of casual gaming that has exploded in the last couple of years), the iPad is perfect!

Aside from gaming, I use the iPad a great deal for Airplay to my AppleTV2. I fire up Youtube and send the video to my 50" HDTV and it's a lovely experience. Similarly, I'll use Airplay for sending my streaming music (Mog, Spotify) or when watching live TWIT shows. I'm also running iOS 5 beta on them and the Airplay Mirroring is great! Being able to wirelessly mirror my iPad's screen to the big TV is very useful.

The iPad/iPhone are the devices I'll grab to quickly browse the news, check movie times, phone numbers, or to take with me on the toilet (LOL). If I want to read an e-book, I'll grab the iPad. For letting my kids watch a movie in the car, the iPad is the best choice. Ultimately, the iPad is the best device to use for media consumption and running apps.

- Macbook Air

I know some people like to add a Bluetooth keyboard to the iPad, but I don't like that solution. So when I want to do a significant amount of typing (like hanging out on message boards), the Macbook Air is the perfect device to use. It's still light and portable, but it adds a very nice (and finally backlit) keyboard to the mix. I can have multiple full-screen programs open at once and smoothly jump between them with the trackpad.

And of course, the Air has a complete web browser with Flash, so there aren't any limitations when browsing. As much as I hate Flash, it's still sometimes necessary to use it for viewing certain web pages or watching certain videos. Yes, it makes the battery drain faster. Yes, it makes the laptop as hot as a stovetop. And yes, I'd love it if everything were written in HTML5. But the fact remains that it's still there in large enough quantity that having a full web browser with plugins is sometimes unavoidable

So the Air is the device I'll pick up for browsing message boards, typing an e-mail, viewing certain web pages, working with finances, iLife suite, and running other Mac programs that can't be run on iOS.

Yes, there are things that overlap. If I'm already on my Air, I'll use Reader on the laptop instead of my iPad (or visa-versa). If I'm already on one device, I'll use it to browse the web. But until the "Grand Unification" of iOS and OSX, they are both uniquely justified. And even then, there will still be the difference between having a tactile keyboard and a touch screen.

Over time, I do think the tablet computer will become a person's main computer. But this Macbook Air goes a long way to prove that laptops are still not only useful, but stylish and innovative as well!
Click to expand...

Yes, of course there is good use for each device, I use my Air and my iPad together all day long for work and pleasure.

Anyone who thinks different is extremely narrow minded or not that bright.

I've read those "don't get me started on people who own an Air and a Ipad" posts .... it's hard to believe that since a person can't see themselves using two at once or together they assume everyone on the planet can't, shouldn't or is stupid if they do....
 
It really depends on what you use it for.

Photographers love the iPad to do presentations of their photos. It's easier to reach an iPad around than an MBA.

But for myself, an MBA would be so much nicer. Full OS, keyboard, and a hell of a lot more powerful. And the screens of the MBA are good (even the 13" LG screen).

It really depends on what you use it for.

With the MBA the iPad will not be a laptop killer - I'd even say that some of those who sold their clunky MacBooks to get an iPad, will sell their iPads to get an MBA.

PS: you can plug your iPad into your MBA and use it as a second screen.
 
The iPad screen is WAY better than the air screen in all areas but resolution.

I'm using a 13" and iPad. Some overlap. Big differences.
 
It's just like it always has been: the MBA is for producing content, the iPad just for consuming content. You can edit something, you can write a small amount of text, but the 11" MBA with it's almost full size keyboard is much more suited for creating.
The only minor gripe I have, is that the 2011 MBA still doesn't have a 3G/4G connection. If Apple wouldn't have made any improvement on the 2010 MBA (which I own) other than adding a 3G, I would have gotten it anyhow.
Tethering on my iPhone or using a MiFi isn't the same, it takes extra time, inconvenience and work and that is not "it just works".
So I have an iPad 1, a Macbook air 13" 2010, a Macbook air 11" 2011 (finally 256Gb on the small machine) and an older MBP 13"
I hardly use my iPad anymore, it's just for reading some books in bed that it is perfect. The MBA 13" is going to be sold and for that money I will buy a ACD 27" with thunderbolt, the MBA 11" is the daily user and the MBP 13" is spare and for some work that requires extra grunt.
If I would I could also read on the MBA 11" and stop using the iPad completely altogether.
 
i0Nic said:
I bought an 11" Macbook Air as my primary computer (connected to a display). I was debating whether to get the 11 or 13 and I finally decided on getting the 11" when I saw it in store based on how portable it was.

I also have an iPad 2. I bought the iPad as my 'grab-and-go' computer, the computer I'll take anywhere.

Now I feel like I have two grab and go computers, and although they serve two seperate purposes, I can't help but feeling one of the devices is redundant.

I can't imagine selling my iPad as I love it for reading and browsing, yet I obviously also need a computer to be my main machine.

Maybe a 13" MBA would complement an iPad better, even though it is slightly less portable and less 'grab and go'. So now I'm thinking of exchanging the 11" for a 13". Even though the 11" is appealing, the 13" is more practical and I have the iPad to be that machine that goes everywhere, and it has built in 3G.

Which MBA have you guys that have iPads bought? Any similar dilemmas to mine?
Click to expand...

I use a 13" Air as my workstation both as a laptop and desktop (27" cinema display) and iPad 2 for casual stuff.
 
alecgold said:
It's just like it always has been: the MBA is for producing content, the iPad just for consuming content. You can edit something, you can write a small amount of text, but the 11" MBA with it's almost full size keyboard is much more suited for creating.
The only minor gripe I have, is that the 2011 MBA still doesn't have a 3G/4G connection. If Apple wouldn't have made any improvement on the 2010 MBA (which I own) other than adding a 3G, I would have gotten it anyhow.
Tethering on my iPhone or using a MiFi isn't the same, it takes extra time, inconvenience and work and that is not "it just works".
So I have an iPad 1, a Macbook air 13" 2010, a Macbook air 11" 2011 (finally 256Gb on the small machine) and an older MBP 13"
I hardly use my iPad anymore, it's just for reading some books in bed that it is perfect. The MBA 13" is going to be sold and for that money I will buy a ACD 27" with thunderbolt, the MBA 11" is the daily user and the MBP 13" is spare and for some work that requires extra grunt.
If I would I could also read on the MBA 11" and stop using the iPad completely altogether.
Click to expand...
So you've decided hat the 11" is enough for your daily laptop needs and are foregoing the 13"?

I'm trying to decide whether it's feasible to do the same, still unsure whether the screen is big enough. I too would be docking it into the display, but not all the time as I will definitely also be using the machine's native screen a lot.
 
h00ligan said:
The iPad screen is WAY better than the air screen in all areas but resolution.

I'm using a 13" and iPad. Some overlap. Big differences.
Click to expand...

Yes, I still don't understand why Apple does not put IPS screens on their laptops.

But the iPad actually has a higher resolution (132PPI) than the MBA 13" (128PPI)
 
haruhiko said:
Yes, I still don't understand why Apple does not put IPS screens on their laptops.

But the iPad actually has a higher resolution (132PPI) than the MBA 13" (128PPI)
Click to expand...

I thought the pros moved to ips. Guess I was mistaken. Lenovo has them.
 
h00ligan said:
I thought the pros moved to ips. Guess I was mistaken. Lenovo has them.
Click to expand...

If the MBP uses IPS panels, Apple will surely mention in their features and specs page with a large font ;-P when they mention LED backlight they mean, "sorry, no IPS.":)
 
i0Nic said:
So you've decided hat the 11" is enough for your daily laptop needs and are foregoing the 13"?

I'm trying to decide whether it's feasible to do the same, still unsure whether the screen is big enough. I too would be docking it into the display, but not all the time as I will definitely also be using the machine's native screen a lot.
Click to expand...

mainly for screen size I chose the 13". I started with a macbook, then a 15" MBP and I found the resolution significantly more usable on the 15" MBP. 13" Air has the same resolution in a smaller package.

Fullscreen apps might mitigate some of the lost vertical resolution on the 11", but I'd rather not be forced into a particular usage model to get around a limitation, plus not all apps support fullscreen mode. Although for smaller screens I tend to move my dock to the left edge, or you could auto hide it
 
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