2010 MBA 13 vs 2011 MBA 11?

[Ranilus]

Hi guys!

I was just at my local BestBuy the other day and saw the October 2010 MBA 13 base for $999 brand new, (config. 1.86 GHz, 2GB RAM, 128GB SSD), so basically the same as the refurbs at Apple, except they are brand new and come in brand new retail box (more resale value?)

Anyway, this puts the 13' 2010 MBA at a very decent value, having a higher clocked processor (which is the main upgrade to the 2011 11' MBA), bigger screen, and a very decent screen resolution for a 13 incher. Also, SD card slot and GT 320M. You also don't have to worry about the Toshiba vs Samsung SSD issue. And the SSD is twice the size on the base 2011 11' MBA.

However, the 2011 11' MBA has got Thunderbolt, backlit keyboard, and newer generation of CPU. And it's $950. I have been using a laptop without backlit keyboard for the past year and really didn't miss the feature. Also I don't really think having Thunderbolt on the MBA is gonna do much...

So I guess all it comes down to is the performance of the new i5 clocked at 1.6GHz vs. the C2D clocked at 1.86GHz. Although the C2D is technically higher clocked, I'm wondering if issues such as FSB and power consumption is going to tip the scale in the i5's favor, ultimately making it a win for the 2011 11' base MBA?

I am leaning a little toward the 13' 2010 MBA but the ancient C2D is really off-putting. Any thoughts, guys?

$999 for the 13' 2010 MBA or
$949 for the 11' 2011 MBA.

PLEASE HELP I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS SO MUCH MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE WITH PURE MBA AWESOMENESS.

 

[KPOM]

I'd go with the 11". Do they have any with the 4GB RAM option? If so, then I'd go for that, too, even if it's an extra $100.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'd go with the 11". Do they have any with the 4GB RAM option? If so, then I'd go for that, too, even if it's an extra $100.

I pretty much agree.

To the OP, don't let your head explode with MBA awesomeness, but do wait a few weeks until the early glitches have been ironed out before buying.

Cheers

 

[urkel]

My opinion? Core2Duo was an old chip last year and with the i5 as an option its silly to buy one now.

Also, if youre buying at best buy dont forget to ask them about pricematching the Apple promo. Theyll give you $100 best buy store credit on any mac for "back to school".

 

[adnoh]

Go with the 2011 model

 

[aleni]

well it really depends on your use though. if you're a light user, using the air only to browse websites, writing notes etc. the 2010 might be a better deal.