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Going from 11" to 13"

Drew017

Drew017

macrumors 65816
Original poster
May 29, 2011
1,254
11
East coast, USA
I have a mid 2011 baseline 11 inch MacBook Air (although it was manufactured in early 2012, before last year's model came out). I love it, but for me, the screen is beginning to feel a bit cramped... so I think I'm going to get a thirteen. My cousin works at an Apple store close to me and told me he'd get me a 15% discount on a new MacBook Air, so I'm going to get it very soon. Here are the specs that I'd like to have-

13 inch
1.3Ghz i5
8GB ram
128GB SSD

So I am wondering... for those of you out there with this or a similar configuration, how is it working for you? Also, how is switching from 11" to 13"? Thanks ;)
 
13" is so much more comfortable. 11" is IMO not enough real estate for a laptop unless it's your #2 machine, something you only use for web browsing, email, etc. In that case I think it makes more sense to just get a tablet.
 
Unless you use a secondary monitor most of the time. I think the 11" is perfect then as it becomes ultra portable for those mobile moments.
 
I had an 11 and went for the 13 this time exactly because the 11 started to feel too small. Love the 13. Weight difference is negligible to me and I carry a messenger bag all the time so the larger footprint doesn't bother me either. Increased screen real estate is a joy to use.
 
Its a really difficult choice - both sizes have their own advantages and tradeoffs.

I went from a 2010 11" to a 2011 13". At first, I really loved the extra screen space.

But after awhile, I found the 13" really big and bulky, especially since I travel a lot. Also, the 11" is really great for note taking in meetings. Somehow the smaller size looks less intrusive when you whip it out in a meeting.

So now I'm going back to the 11" again - my i5/8/256 arrives tomorrow.
 
oldtime said:
13" is so much more comfortable. 11" is IMO not enough real estate for a laptop unless it's your #2 machine, something you only use for web browsing, email, etc. In that case I think it makes more sense to just get a tablet.
Click to expand...

Yeah I figured it would be a bit more comfortable ;) And the reason my 11 feels cramped is because I am trying to use it as my #1 computer. Also, I think a 13 would be a better choice, because my school is issuing us iPads this upcoming semester, so I don't need my 11 inch to take with me.

Thanks for the replies folks :p
 
I've never owned the 11" version, but I tried out both before buying. For me the keyboard felt too cramped, but mostly the screen was way too small for real work. That's why I went with the 13". I think it'll work fine for you with those specs. It's the same configuration that I'll be getting soon.
 
Ive never owned a MBA, but I will be ordering the 11" pretty soon.
Im also looking to buy the max spec rMBP15" as soon the next update comes along - so that will be my main workhorse machine. The 11" MBA will be more for casual use - an iPad replacement - and used as a secondary machine.
 
I previously had an 11 and now a 13 and, to be honest, I don't find there to be a significant difference in weight. I still carry around my 13 as I did my 11 and it's fine. The footprint is a little bit bigger, but I carry a bag anyway, so it just disappears into my bag just like my 11 did. What I DO love is the extra screen space. I used to quietly groan to myself when I knew I'd have to spend hours on the 11. Now I rarely plug into my external monitor with the 13. There's just no need.
 
Agent-P said:
I've never owned the 11" version, but I tried out both before buying. For me the keyboard felt too cramped, but mostly the screen was way too small for real work. That's why I went with the 13". I think it'll work fine for you with those specs. It's the same configuration that I'll be getting soon.
Click to expand...

The keyboards on the 11" and 13" are exactly the same :)
 
Booji said:
The keyboards on the 11" and 13" are exactly the same :)
Click to expand...

I did notice that when I put them side by side. I'm thinking it was maybe a psychological effect that made the keyboard on the 11" feel smaller to me. And that probably combined with the slightly smaller palm rests to make it seem more so.
 
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