Cannot decide, i7 or 256gb

[TUD]

for an 11" MBA. Updating the RAM to 8 regardless.

 

[GGJstudios]

Most users would not see a noticeable difference between the processors in daily use.

 

[stisdal]

Go for the 256GB. As said above, you will probably not see any difference with the processor unless you are going to use it for very heavy tasks.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

If you can only pick one, my vote is the 256 SSD over i7 every time.

 

[rockyroad55]

SSD

This is a suggestion that many make to others for their old computers. An SSD will always improve the performance of any computer, new or old.

 

[dkersten]

Ssd

 

[fatlardo]

I vote processor because SSD can be upgraded and the CPU can't?

 

[Dustman]

256gb!

 

[LostSoul80]

SSD makes more sense.
However I'd strongly suggest to save a little more and max it out. Future proofing is not a bad idea, plus this way you will not have any regrets whatsoever.

 

[fanchee]

I was in the exact same situation as you, trying to decide. In the end, I went for the i5 with 256gb SSD and this machine SMOKES my mid-2009 13" MBP, even though the MBP had a 120g SSD in it!

I don't use it for many processor-intensive tasks... so my decision was pretty easy. I use it mostly for surfing, email, iTunes, Office, and Calibre.

I love the 11" MBA!

 

[TUD]

SSD makes more sense.
However I'd strongly suggest to save a little more and max it out. Future proofing is not a bad idea, plus this way you will not have any regrets whatsoever.

Tax free weekend = $1500 or less.

I don't use it for many processor-intensive tasks... so my decision was pretty easy. I use it mostly for surfing, email, iTunes, Office, and Calibre.

I love the 11" MBA!

That is mainly what I will use it for during travel. It will not be my daily. I have a 11" 2011 w/ the Sandy Bridge i7 that I am passing down.

 

[stchman]

The upgrade from 128GB SSD to 256GB SSD is ~$300, not worth it.

I predict in about a year, the aftermarket SSDs will be ~$200 for 512GB. The SSD on a MBA is easily replaceable contrary to what Apple tells you.

 

[david3000]

If you have to ask you probably don't need either one

 

[jnl1211]

I have an i5 and with a SSD this thing hauls. However, I wish I had 256 over 128 any day!

 

[TUD]

If you have to ask you probably don't need either one

More than likely you are correct. Truthfully we do not need the computer at all as there are currently a total of 4 Macs in the home. It is a good time to update during tax free weekend and pass on one of the previous four to a family member.