2011 13" Macbook Air is Dead...Apple is Offering a Replacement..Please Help me Decide

[majkom]

Do your eyes fatigue looking at an 11" all day? How long do you use it?

When did you purchase your Retina Macbook Pro? Was it recently? Did you end up returning it and going with the 11" MBA?

I was first to answer you, so, much is written in my first post
I tried rMB in dec 2013 and jan 2014 - both had IR, second unit really serious one - i returned them and bought current mb air 11 incher. I do use it few minutes per day to few ours par day, no fatigue, but that is just me (never ever felt any fatigue caused by computer). I personally hope for retina air - 12 icnher in 11incher body that would be awesome.

 

[stfwayne]

I was first to answer you, so, much is written in my first post
I tried rMB in dec 2013 and jan 2014 - both had IR, second unit really serious one - i returned them and bought current mb air 11 incher. I do use it few minutes per day to few ours par day, no fatigue, but that is just me (never ever felt any fatigue caused by computer). I personally hope for retina air - 12 icnher in 11incher body that would be awesome.

Im hoping for some kind of update to the Macbook lineup come WWDC but also kind of scared even if they do release the Retina 12 to be a first adopter and deal with all the crap that the people who bought a Retina Macbook Pro first dealt with

Just wondering are you arabic you type like my Arabic friends?? lol

 

[na1577]

I think you're ignoring the best option for your needs. The MacBook Pro with Retina Display is surely much better for browsing, reading PDFs, and watching videos because of the sharper display. You already admitted you don't need the upgraded processor/RAM and you are totally right. I own a 2012 i5/4 GB Air and performance is never an issue, and this is a two year old computer.

The MBP might have issues but users on here are overly obsessive about their Macs and exaggerate the extent of their problems. It's the reason why some people have no issues yet others can't seem to escape from faulty products. And even if you do have problems with it, there's nothing stopping you from taking it into the store to have it inspected. You mentioned that you "would only be upgrading for the screen" but that's the factor that will make the most difference based on your usage.

 

[MarvinHC]

Get the 11 inch how you want it. The 13 really doesn't offer anything that the 11 doesn't.

Well the 13" has an SD card slot and longer battery life...

(which is why I can't make up my mind between the two... love the form factor of the 11" but annoyed about the missing card reader)

 

[alphaod]

I would push for the computer that's at the same price point as the computer you original purchased was.

Assuming you didn't already come off as very knowledgeable, I would feign ignorance. This base model is .3GHz slower than my computer, etc.

 

[stfwayne]

I think you're ignoring the best option for your needs. The MacBook Pro with Retina Display is surely much better for browsing, reading PDFs, and watching videos because of the sharper display. You already admitted you don't need the upgraded processor/RAM and you are totally right. I own a 2012 i5/4 GB Air and performance is never an issue, and this is a two year old computer.

The MBP might have issues but users on here are overly obsessive about their Macs and exaggerate the extent of their problems. It's the reason why some people have no issues yet others can't seem to escape from faulty products. And even if you do have problems with it, there's nothing stopping you from taking it into the store to have it inspected. You mentioned that you "would only be upgrading for the screen" but that's the factor that will make the most difference based on your usage.

I know the screen will be much sharper but I really do not want to mess with the quality control issues that people have been dealing with (screen peeling due to cleaning which is so common the Apple Senior Advisor even warned me about it, yellowing of screen, image retention, and UI lag)

I am super OCD and have been to hell and back with the problems I have had with my MBA. I wont be able to run back and forth from the Apple Store and ship the computer after shipping my Air 4 times to Apple. I want a computer that works without any issues and that is why at this point i am shying away from the Retina despite it's better screen which would undoubtedly help me since I am on my computer so often

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I would push for the computer that's at the same price point as the computer you original purchased was.

Assuming you didn't already come off as very knowledgeable, I would feign ignorance. This base model is .3GHz slower than my computer, etc.

The Advisor is pushing me to buy the Pro (and justifying it with his supervisor by saying i am upgrading to a model that would handle my needs as much)

He said that I would be given credit for the baseline Macbook Air 13 aka $999

But when i talk to him, after my loan comes thru (and after WWDC) I will definitely link the articles that show that for the most part an i5/8GB Air is VERY close in performance to a i5/8GB Pro Retina in almost all tasks.

If i buy a 13" with 8GB of Ram i would only be paying $100 for the upgraded Ram and $183 for Apple Care so just around $300 total out the door with taxes and such. If i go with the 11" i would basically just be paying $200 ($183 for Apple Care and the warranty)

I dont need to feign ignorance because it still comes down to his manager if they are able to give me an upgrade. As I said they really want me to upgrade to the Pro so I can spend the extra $300 aka $600 total. But if i am spending $300-350 with the upgraded Ram, a mStand which i plan on getting and the Apple Care maybe they will push the upgrade thru.

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Well the 13" has an SD card slot and longer battery life...

(which is why I can't make up my mind between the two... love the form factor of the 11" but annoyed about the missing card reader)

The battery life doesnt really matter that much to me as my MBA is plugged in about 100% of the time since I have two chargers in each room where I use the MBA.

The SD card reader could be a big thing for you to consider but for me i have never used it once in 3 years. I have a 1TB HD i purchased for $40-45 from Staples and it's USB3 and I use that and keep my MBA's HD about half full so I really dont care about the lack of SD / lack of a bit of battery life

What is really concerning me is the supposed inferior keyboard (less key travel) on the 11 and the sacrificing of 1.4" of screen size

 

[thewordiz]

screen quality?

Thanks for the responses.

It seems like everyone really loves the 11" form factor. I am going to get some files off Dropbox and try them on a MBA in store

Only problem is it is very hard to try the MBA 11 and 13 next to the MBP Retina as they are in different sections both in Best Buy and Apple Store

Also it will probably be kind of hard to lie down and prop the MBA against my chest to simulate how i use it in bed at home lol

I will definitely wait until June 2 and WWDC before making any decision just in case they decide to lower prices or introduce new Retina Pro / Airs

you don't need the MBA and MBPr on the same table to realize that there is significant differences in screen quality from the 11 in Air to the 13, and then to a MBPr. The 11 Air, screen quality absolutely sucks in terms of contrast and overall image quality even compared to the 13 Air. Doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the new MBPr.

Plus, i think you will find after 3-4 weeks, that the 11in is entirely too small.

 

[na1577]

I know the screen will be much sharper but I really do not want to mess with the quality control issues that people have been dealing with (screen peeling due to cleaning which is so common the Apple Senior Advisor even warned me about it, yellowing of screen, image retention, and UI lag)

I am super OCD and have been to hell and back with the problems I have had with my MBA. I wont be able to run back and forth from the Apple Store and ship the computer after shipping my Air 4 times to Apple. I want a computer that works without any issues and that is why at this point i am shying away from the Retina despite it's better screen which would undoubtedly help me since I am on my computer so often

Can't fault you for not wanting to deal with subpar products. But if you are obsessive enough that you sent back your previous Air four times, who's to say you won't do the same with another Air? The MacBook Pro might have a slightly higher chance of having a fault, but if you're so concerned with potential issues you will find a "problem" with just about any computer you choose, especially if you're predisposed to them like you would be with the Pro.

 

[majkom]

you don't need the MBA and MBPr on the same table to realize that there is significant differences in screen quality from the 11 in Air to the 13, and then to a MBPr. The 11 Air, screen quality absolutely sucks in terms of contrast and overall image quality even compared to the 13 Air. Doesn't hold a candle to the quality of the new MBPr.

Plus, i think you will find after 3-4 weeks, that the 11in is entirely too small.

Misinformation:13 and 11 airs use same lcds - there is no image quality difference dependant on airs size, so please, do not mislead OP. With airs, you just play lotery - lg vs samsung screen - but again, the size of air does not play any role.

 

[stfwayne]

Can't fault you for not wanting to deal with subpar products. But if you are obsessive enough that you sent back your previous Air four times, who's to say you won't do the same with another Air? The MacBook Pro might have a slightly higher chance of having a fault, but if you're so concerned with potential issues you will find a "problem" with just about any computer you choose, especially if you're predisposed to them like you would be with the Pro.

I sent my Air back because it was shutting down from how hot it was getting

They replaced my logic board, heat sink, fan, battery the first time and the logic board and other parts again a second time and third time before i finally sent it in the 4th time and they agreed to replace the unit.

I am not sending it in and wasting my precious time dealing with Senior Advisors for 1-2 hours + each time i send my laptop bc im concerned with a minor or slightly nagging issues

My fan is so loud my coworkers are getting irritated and the laptop is getting too hot to use.

As for the problems with the Retina they are found in all different forums, apple support site, and articles all over the internet including youtube videos as recent as February and March of 2014. This is not just one or two people its 100s of people and when you are spending nearly $700 in my case to buy a macbook and $1700 in the case of other people who buy the Retina at full price you EXPECT flawless performance out of the box.

 

[Chatran]

One thing you need to consider is the return policy for this replacement.

Apple retention test is only 3 minute as I know. You are stuck with it if it barely met that standard.

 

[Meister]

I think you are a bit to concerned based on your previous experiences.

We have a mba and rmbp at home and they are both fine.

I am one who mentions UI lag on the retina, but its not that of a big deal.

Its only there with certain webpages and scrolling activities. If you disable retina, it goes away.

I will again advise you against upgrading anything.
Its a waste of money and upgraded systems seem more prone to flaws imo.

 

[geta]

Personally i would get fully loaded 13" MBA (i7, 8GB, 512 SSD) or 13" rMBP (i5, 16GB, 512 SSD), but based on your needs (and your Retina\heating concerns) you should take the base MBA i5 with 8GB, since you can't upgrade the ram down the road... about the 11" vs. 13" only you can decide, same goes for SSD size.

 

[stfwayne]

One thing you need to consider is the return policy for this replacement.

Apple retention test is only 3 minute as I know. You are stuck with it if it barely met that standard.

If you are referring to the image retention test for the Retina Pro, then yes I completely agree with you about being stuck with it

The majority of people suffering from image retention issues are so upset because Apple keeps telling them that their machine is "performing within standard limits" and refusing to even send the machine to get the display replaced.

I am not dealing with that garbage and that is why barring a release of a new Retina Macbook Air 12'' i will going for the i5/8GB Air either 11/13

 

[kyriostrife]

I prefer the processing power of the rmbp but that image retention and lag scroll will drive me crazy. I'm beginning to think I'd be better off with an 8gb 13" air and just deal with the rendering times with video editing.

 

[stfwayne]

I prefer the processing power of the rmbp but that image retention and lag scroll will drive me crazy. I'm beginning to think I'd be better off with an 8gb 13" air and just deal with the rendering times with video editing.

It's not just image retention it's terrible screen quality with differences in white/grey throughout the screen

For example ive seen people on Apple Support forums post pics with a desktop background of plain grey and on the top it's darker than on the bottom meaning the screen is not uniform in quality of colors

I have read threads where people are saying they are on their 4th, 5th, 6th Retina Pro and I for one do not want to deal with that.

Unless they can offer me a killer deal on the Retina 15 by giving me what i paid $1300 instead of what they offered $1000 and letting me buy a refurbished model I am going to stick with the Macbook Air 13

 

[C. Robert]

Well the 13" has an SD card slot and longer battery life...

(which is why I can't make up my mind between the two... love the form factor of the 11" but annoyed about the missing card reader)

I use a usb adapter and it works fine. The battery life is as different as you might think.

 

[MarvinHC]

I use a usb adapter and it works fine. The battery life is as different as you might think.

Sure can of course always use an adapter. But it is just one more thing to carry around and lose. (I like to be able to upload pictures from my SLR when traveling). I really hope they will put a card reader into the next generation, maybe together with built in 4G.... *dreaming*

 

[oldhifi]

My 2011, 13" Macbook Air 4GB/128GB, i5 is dead and Apple is offering me a replacement.

They are giving me $1000 in credit (same as what the 2014 13" MBA costs right now with my identical specs)

They are pushing me to upgrade to the Retina Macbook Pro but I still have the option to get a MBA with upgraded specs 8GB/i7

The basis of the upgrade is my useage (watching flash lectures online and on VLC and doing heavy web browsing and Microsoft Office)

That's literally all i do, browse the web, watch videos for class on the web or VLC (I only use Opera/Chrome not Safari), and use Microsoft Word/Powerpoint

What should i do?

Pay $150 for MBA 11 with i7 and 8GB of Ram

Pay $250 for MBA 13 with i7 and 8GB of Ram

Pay $400 for rMBP 13 with i5 and 8GB of Ram

Right now Im leaning toward the 11" bc of how cheap it is but I am scared that the 11" would be too small for my constant web browsing, PDF viewing, and Word/Powerpoint use im a student.

I have a 13" MBA and I love it but the 11" has always intrigued me

Also the 13" retina screen has peaked my interest but basically i would be upgrading for the screen only since the i7 in the 11" or 13" should give me very similar performance to the i5 in the Retina Pro.

Is the Retina screen that much better than the MBA to necessitate the extra $150? Or should I go for the 11"??

Regardless, I plan on waiting until June 30 when my loan goes thru and hopefully the new hardware could be released at WWDC

Anyone and everyone please help!

I just bought a 11 in Refurb MBA, and sent it back, too small. I now have the 13 inch and very happy!

 

[kyriostrife]

It's not just image retention it's terrible screen quality with differences in white/grey throughout the screen

For example ive seen people on Apple Support forums post pics with a desktop background of plain grey and on the top it's darker than on the bottom meaning the screen is not uniform in quality of colors

I have read threads where people are saying they are on their 4th, 5th, 6th Retina Pro and I for one do not want to deal with that.

Unless they can offer me a killer deal on the Retina 15 by giving me what i paid $1300 instead of what they offered $1000 and letting me buy a refurbished model I am going to stick with the Macbook Air 13

Yeah I would definitely go for the 15 in that case. I am really leaning towards the air now. I have to make my decision immediately following WWDC.

 

[stfwayne]

Yeah I would definitely go for the 15 in that case. I am really leaning towards the air now. I have to make my decision immediately following WWDC.

Im pretty much completely turned off from getting a Retina. I clean my screen alot and so does my friend and his Retina is all scuffed up from the screen peeling. He is pretty careful with it too uses a brush, two microfiber cloths one soft and one not as soft, and iKlear.

His screen (on his 4th Replacement screen) is still yellow and has terrible image retention.

Im not happy but im gonna be forced to get the MBA (unless they come out with the Retina Air but even then i would be bit scared to get 1st gen of any product they need to work out any kinks on)

Now I have to decide if it is worth upgrading to the i7 or just sticking with the 8GB and thats it

 

[kyriostrife]

Im pretty much completely turned off from getting a Retina. I clean my screen alot and so does my friend and his Retina is all scuffed up from the screen peeling. He is pretty careful with it too uses a brush, two microfiber cloths one soft and one not as soft, and iKlear.

His screen (on his 4th Replacement screen) is still yellow and has terrible image retention.

Im not happy but im gonna be forced to get the MBA (unless they come out with the Retina Air but even then i would be bit scared to get 1st gen of any product they need to work out any kinks on)

Now I have to decide if it is worth upgrading to the i7 or just sticking with the 8GB and thats it

In my case I would do my best to get 8gb.

 

[majkom]

Im pretty much completely turned off from getting a Retina. I clean my screen alot and so does my friend and his Retina is all scuffed up from the screen peeling. He is pretty careful with it too uses a brush, two microfiber cloths one soft and one not as soft, and iKlear.

His screen (on his 4th Replacement screen) is still yellow and has terrible image retention.

Im not happy but im gonna be forced to get the MBA (unless they come out with the Retina Air but even then i would be bit scared to get 1st gen of any product they need to work out any kinks on)

Now I have to decide if it is worth upgrading to the i7 or just sticking with the 8GB and thats it

For god sake, why do you want to pay for i7? even upgrading ram to 8 gigs does not make sense with your usage...

 

[Meister]

For god sake, why do you want to pay for i7? even upgrading ram to 8 gigs does not make sense with your usage...

It gives people psychological comfort I guess.

 

[Dweez]

1) Go to your local Apple retailer and compare the 11 and 13 inch models.
2) Make your decision.
3) Enjoy!