2010 13" MBA Ultimate or 2011 13" Base

[PBG4 Dude]

If Intel chips only last 3 -4 years, no one better tell the CoreDuo (not C2D, but CD) chip in my early '06 MacBook. 😱

 

[Wossox]

Yeah, well you also heard that processors only last 3 years. Considering the source, I'm not too concerned.

I'm sorry man.. you're right of course.. I have a big assignment due tomorrow, and i'm kind of stressed out.. that's probably why I've interpreted everything you say to be quite offensive.. sorry.. take care.

 

[anirudh]

alright guys, one last question, actually a reassurance if anything 🙂

the intel gpu isnt all that crappy right? it would get me through my basic needs of hd video watching, and maybe, just maybe some light gaming? also, as far as i have heard the gpu is that bad coz of bad drivers written for it in windows. is this issue being addressed in the future, maybe bringing the hd3000 upto its full potential? or is there actually that much of a difference between the 2010 and 2011 gpus?

thank you all for your help

 

[2IS]

Its absolutely fine for video including HD as it does have hardware acceleration. It's alright for light gaming too.

 

[The Samurai]

Heres a full video playlist of speed tests, gaming and video exporting (13" base 2011 MBA).

 

[Angry-Birds]

since the average lifespan of an intel processor isn't much above 3-4 years:

Seriously... that's all I hear.. amazing..

You make something up, backtrack, and then get snippy at anybody who corrects you? 🙄

From my fairly extensive experience, PSU and mobo failures are the #1 causes of "totalling" a laptop. The engineering and precision that goes into a CPU is pretty astounding. Either you misunderstood your repair guy, or he doesn't know what he's talking about.

 

[EuStoN]

i have 2011 ultimate, never really have any problem with the fan running extremely loud. and i have parallel desk top running my boot camp all the time. RAM's work load is staying at 95% or above all the time...

Fan normally only runs around 2000rpm....

Battery does drain out fast on my normal use... but if i want to conserve the battery, it does last me up to 7 hrs or so...

it really depends on how you use it and how much you willing to spend....

2010 ultimate model is not bad, especially for the price of $1100 shipped... it would feel faster than your 2010mbp, since the ssd would give that extra boost!! And i don't think you gonna feel much different from a slower CPU, 2.13GHz VS 2.4GHz

 

[Maven1975]

There is nothing wrong with the 2010. If you are not crunching video or a heavy photoshop user, you will be hard pressed to find much difference.

Things that would stand out when compared to the 2011 would be no backlight keyboard or thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt is said to be slower in the 2011 MBA's. Perhaps 2012 will bring a full speed controller that will work in the MBA.

 

[macdudesir]

There is nothing wrong with the 2010. If you are not crunching video or a heavy photoshop user, you will be hard pressed to find much difference.

Things that would stand out when compared to the 2011 would be no backlight keyboard or thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt is said to be slower in the 2011 MBA's. Perhaps 2012 will bring a full speed controller that will work in the MBA.

Im pretty sure that TB isn't "slower" in the MBA, but that it only has 1 channel for Display and 1 for data as apposed to MBP's having 2 for each. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[austinguy23]

Not to get off on a tangent here, but I'm surprised no one has come out with a Thunderbolt flash drive yet. Perhaps that'll come in time once more TB-enabled PCs hit the market...

 

[anirudh]

You guys made me spend the extra 200 🙄😱😀 Got the base 2011 13"

After using the MBP for all these years, having the air in my hand scares me that I am gonna break it in two! This thing is razor sharp.

Thanks everyone for your VERY helpful suggestions. I am sure the 2010 would have been great too, but just future proofing myself, I guess.

Now I am off to spend more money on accessories! Damn you apple!!! 😎

 

[anirudh]

Ok, even though this might not be the right place to ask, I thought I should give it a go. Not everyone of you is using a hard sleeve for the air right? Does it flex, bend or get damaged when you put it in a leather, neoprene or any such soft sleeves and put it in your bag?

Also, any recommendations for a 'hard material sleeve'? As I said, this thing might break any minute, and I am pretty sure Apple warranty does not cover THAT 🙂

 

[anirudh]

I read in on of the posts, that the LG Phillips display looks much better after using the color profile on this site. But a search didn't give me much (or I might just be plain stupid). It would be great if any of you guys using the particular profile could link me to it 🙂

And yeah, I got a Samsung SSD 😀

 

[2IS]

I've been using a neoprene case since the day I owned my 2010 mba without issue. It's a very sturdy machine. You'll be fine. Congrats on your purchase btw.