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12-inch vs 11-inch side by side comparison

M

mikeray

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 17, 2006
216
72
Brooklyn, NY
Hey all, providing some reference photos for those of you considering switching to the new MacBook coming from an 11-inch.

I was looking for comparison photos like these online, they don't really exist so I made some:

#1 Lids closed - The 11-inch looks huge in comparison
IMG_6928.jpg


#2 Comparable heights when opened
IMG_6929.jpg


#3 Hoverin (opened side by side again)
IMG_6930.jpg


#4 Keyboard comparison - basically the same size.
IMG_6931.jpg
 
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Excellent photos

This are really useful photos. Most of the comparison photos have been with the MBA 13, but I see the rMB as more directly competing against the MBA 11. The rMB clearly manages to fit in more screen estate and a bigger trackpad into a smaller footprint, in a thinner and lighter package. It's a great evolutionary step.
 
Thanks for the pictures. This is why I have never considered buying an 11" Macbook Air. Look at the huge bezel surrounding the screen. I've always felt like they could have fit a larger screen in there...and now they've finally have with the 12" rMB.
 
The numbers say the same thing, but the mind doesn't realize the magnitude of the difference until you see photos like these. Thank you.

Now I want one. :(
 
I oddly still like the "look" of the MBA, even with its larger bezels. But i am the type of guy who prefers the look of a vintage motorcycle, like a early indian WITH its imperfections compared to it restored or any new bulky Harley. Or a old rusty building compared to a new skyscraper. I know, i watch A LOT of American Pickers.

That said the MBA in its Aluminum frame, still thin still looks industrial as well. Doesn't look cheap by any means compared to some Windows notebooks. And the most important part to me, still "feels" premium.

But everyone has their different tastes. I still think the new MBR is sexy :cool:. Perhaps like comparing a 1991 Ferrari Testerossa to a more modern Ferrari F430. I would take either for free :p

But i don't sit at coffee shops, or need it in business meetings so i could see where the MBR would fit better if you are in the professional scene.
 
vanimal said:
I oddly still like the "look" of the MBA, even with its larger bezels. But i am the type of guy who prefers the look of a vintage motorcycle, like a early indian WITH its imperfections compared to it restored or any new bulky Harley. Or a old rusty building compared to a new skyscraper. I know, i watch A LOT of American Pickers.

That said the MBA in its Aluminum frame, still thin still looks industrial as well. Doesn't look cheap by any means compared to some Windows notebooks. And the most important part to me, still "feels" premium.

But everyone has their different tastes. I still think the new MBR is sexy :cool:. Perhaps like comparing a 1991 Ferrari Testerossa to a more modern Ferrari F430. I would take either for free :p

But i don't sit at coffee shops, or need it in business meetings so i could see where the MBR would fit better if you are in the professional scene.
Click to expand...

I think the MBA still looks great, even after 5 years... Especially compared to some of the windows ultraportables...

The rMB does looks so good, very modern design... actually makes the rMBP look a bit 'old' and clunky lol
 
Fuzzball84 said:
I think the MBA still looks great, even after 5 years... Especially compared to some of the windows ultraportables...

The rMB does looks so good, very modern design... actually makes the rMBP look a bit 'old' and clunky lol
Click to expand...

Exactly. Yeah i know the bezels are a tad clunky. But if you don't have both of them and jump back and forth. IT won't be as much as a problem as it seems to present in the comparison side by side pics :)

I had a MBPR and i agree, even without the bezels on the screen. The MBA in its slimmer form with its matching wrap around bezels. To me at least gives it the "industrial" look i like :)
 
Yeah, I ordered a MBA 11" last year and immediately returned it. It's amazing what the relatively small increase in screen size does for the new Macbook, which I've been happily using for a week.
 
Seeing the rMB has made me sell my air lol seriously, I can't believe what a difference a retina screen makes. Its light years ahead... I can't believe they are still selling the airs considering the difference in display quality.
 
Fuzzball84 said:
Seeing the rMB has made me sell my air lol seriously, I can't believe what a difference a retina screen makes. Its light years ahead... I can't believe they are still selling the airs considering the difference in display quality.
Click to expand...


Well i would assume they sell A LOT of MBA to university students or a school who invests in them. $899 for the 11" & $999 for the 13" can big a big difference for a College student or a University buying them in bulk. Hell you can get the 2014 left overs for $799 & $899. :D
 
I got an open box 2014 for 667. That pos is going back on Friday. The screen next to the retina is just pitiful. I don't care that I paid double and I'm a college student it's worth it.

Side note. I had a 2013 15.4 to sell so I'm not really out that much. But no way I could live with that air screen I'm just too spoiled by retina.
 
The Air, to me, is classier looking and only a bit larger. Still very compact. Too bad they can't just put a 12.3" retina screen in that chassis.
 
the most shocking thing is the weight difference. doesn't look like much difference in weight on paper, but when you pick the 12" up, then the 11" air, the air feels like it's made of lead.
 
dmitrivich said:
The Air, to me, is classier looking and only a bit larger. Still very compact. Too bad they can't just put a 12.3" retina screen in that chassis.
Click to expand...

I agree its a nice computer, and yeah, if they had just sold it with a better screen...I think if its your only machine its fine, but switching back and forth between a retina and that screen is too much :(
 
5errated said:
the most shocking thing is the weight difference. doesn't look like much difference in weight on paper, but when you pick the 12" up, then the 11" air, the air feels like it's made of lead.
Click to expand...

Thats not always a "bad" thing. Different strokes different folks. Some people would prefer to have a 69 Camaro SS, in its beautiful heavy metal material state. Lines not as sharp but still a beauty. And those who would want the 2015 Camaro SS.

OF course i think the MBR is one sexy machine, i still like the look and feel of the MBA. For sure better than most Windows ultra portables.

Funny thing is when i took my wife to the Apple store to see if she wanted a MBR, she said it felt "cheap" compared to my MBPR i brought in to show her to compare. But she doesn't care about tech & engineering so no harm no foul. I did give her a dirty look, like REALLY. But us Men learn after a while its better to just not say ANYTHING! Happy wife, happy life :)
 
5errated said:
the most shocking thing is the weight difference. doesn't look like much difference in weight on paper, but when you pick the 12" up, then the 11" air, the air feels like it's made of lead.
Click to expand...

I was really struck byth at, too. The difference is much greater that the paper number would lead you to expect.
 
vanimal said:
Thats not always a "bad" thing. Different strokes different folks. Some people would prefer to have a 69 Camaro SS, in its beautiful heavy metal material state. Lines not as sharp but still a beauty. And those who would want the 2015 Camaro SS.

OF course i think the MBR is one sexy machine, i still like the look and feel of the MBA. For sure better than most Windows ultra portables.

Funny thing is when i took my wife to the Apple store to see if she wanted a MBR, she said it felt "cheap" compared to my MBPR i brought in to show her to compare. But she doesn't care about tech & engineering so no harm no foul. I did give her a dirty look, like REALLY. But us Men learn after a while its better to just not say ANYTHING! Happy wife, happy life :)
Click to expand...

Is it heavy? *yes* Then put it down, it's expensive. ~Jurrasic Park
 
Replacing a 2012 MacBook Air 11" (2GHz Core i7) with 2015 MacBook 12" (1.2GHz Core M).

1. Screen - advantage MacBook
2. CPU intensive tasks - advantage MacBook Air
3. GPU intensive tasks - advantage MacBook
4. Flash storage speed - advantage MacBook
5. Keyboard - still getting used to the MacBook but likely wins in the long run
6. TouchPad - advantage MacBook
7. Ports - advantage MacBook Air

Conclusion: Happy with the 12" MacBook. Would be happier if it had at least one Thunderbolt port.
 
How does it feel on the hands and wrists? I just bought an 11 MBA, and I forgot how kind of cramped the my palms and wrist feel. I imagine the rMB would be better for this because of the different aspect ratio, and thus more square shape.
 
intervenient said:
How does it feel on the hands and wrists? I just bought an 11 MBA, and I forgot how kind of cramped the my palms and wrist feel. I imagine the rMB would be better for this because of the different aspect ratio, and thus more square shape.
Click to expand...

More than likely you will have the same problem.

I LOVED the size of the 11" for around the house or using while laying in bed. But ultimately with my LARGE hands it was too small for me to type on. My hands and wrists would cramp even with light typing.

With my MBPR, MUCH better obviously but actually my favorite to type on for "me" is the 13" MBA. It actually has a "larger footprint" than the 13" MBPR, and more wrist space. More like bottom of my hand space for my big paws lol. The 13" MBA is unbelievably comfortable to type on for long periods of time from the extra wrist rest area.

I have played with the MBR in store numerous times now, and i could just see me having the same problem i had with the 11" MBA. Too cramped for me as much as i love how sexy the MBR is. Not sure how big your hands are, or if you just prefer a larger surface area for your wrists to rest.

Best bet go into the store like i did. I'm crossing my fingers for a 14" MBR with a tad larger footprint :)
 
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vanimal said:
More than likely you will have the same problem.

I LOVED the size of the 11" for around the house or using while laying in bed. But ultimately with my LARGE hands it was too small for me to type on. My hands and wrists would cramp even with light typing.

With my MBPR, MUCH better obviously but actually my favorite to type on for "me" is the 13" MBA. It actually has a "larger footprint" than the 13" MBPR, and more wrist space. More like bottom of my hand space for my big paws lol.

I have played with the MBR in store numerous times now, and i could just see me having the same problem i had with the 11" MBA. Too cramped for me as much as i love how sexy the MBR is. Not sure how big your hands are, but i can palm pick up the new MBR while it laying flat with my fingers wrapped around it, very tiny to me. But it is sexy :D

Best bet go into the store like i did. I'm crossing my fingers for a 14" MBR with a tad larger footprint :)
Click to expand...

The 13" air footprint is simply the best. Sold my air for MBPR today and the only things that I miss are the weight and footprint for my wrists. It was perfection.
 
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