I still don't understand why one would get a MBA over...

[2IS]

One reason to get the MBA11/13 is portability. But why wouldn't you just get an ipad AND a MBP15. You wouldn't bring the the MBA13 with you every time anyway unlike the ipad and you can't just flash it in public as easily as an ipad so its function is limited to doing pure computer related stuff. Plus for the occasions that you do bring it with you, how much of a hassle for that rare occasion is it to bring the MBP15 with you. For home situation its really a no brainer too. Moving the MBP15 from your desk to the toilet to the bed is just as easy as moving the MBA11/13.

Or, OR I can just get an MBA 13... For anything I would actually use an iPad for out in the wild, my iphone would handle far more efficiently. A short email is easier to write on my iphone, i can just pull it out of my pocket and generate a quick reply. A long email is easier to do on my MBA. So the iPad for me is good for neither short or long emails. Any type of content creation is easier for me to do on the MBA over the ipad as well.

As to your other points. Laws of physics > your opinion. And MBP 15 is not just as easy to move around as an MBA. It's bigger, heavier, fatter and has a larger footprint. Especially true for people like me who find the ipad rather useless and actually take their MBA to places other than the toilet.

 

[Young Spade]

As to your other points. Laws of physics > your opinion. And MBP 15 is not just as easy to move around as an MBA. It's bigger, heavier, fatter and has a larger footprint. Especially true for people like me who find the ipad rather useless and actually take their MBA to places other than the toilet.

You state that like the 15 inch is that big of a problem to carry around. I mean yea, the 13 MBA is pretty portable, but the 13 MBP is damn portable as well. I have had no qualms taking that anywhere.

It's one thing to support your device but making it seem like a MBP is a humongous piece of equipment is far from the truth.

 

[ZBoater]

I also find this whole point of "portability" quite silly. Unless you plan to carry your laptop in your cargo pants pocket, the differences between the 11" MBA, 13" MBP/MBA, and even the 15" MBP are not that much. Apple makes pretty slick laptops.

So yeah, maybe with one I can lay on the couch more easily, but as for portability, give me a break! Besides you USE the laptop more than you CARRY it around (I hope), so USABILITY should trump PORTABILITY. What good is carrying around a device that is uncomfortable to use?

My iPad is uber-portable, but my Android phone beats it in terms of "portability". But guess which one I'd rather use?

 

[2IS]

You state that like the 15 inch is that big of a problem to carry around. I mean yea, the 13 MBA is pretty portable, but the 13 MBP is damn portable as well. I have had no qualms taking that anywhere.

It's one thing to support your device but making it seem like a MBP is a humongous piece of equipment is far from the truth.

I said it's bigger... It is
I said it's fatter... It is
I said it weighs more... It does
I said it's got a larger foot print... It does
He said it's just as easy to carry around... It isn't

There are facts, you not having a problem moving it around doesn't change that. I have 15" laptops too. I can move them around the house easily enough also. Are they as easy as the MBA? No, the aren't. No where did I say 15" is difficult to carry around from room to room, but the OP is trying to prove his point by providing examples that are simply, wrong. If you've got two laptops, the one that weighs half as much is going to be easier to move around. Period.

 

[KPOM]

I also find this whole point of "portability" quite silly. Unless you plan to carry your laptop in your cargo pants pocket, the differences between the 11" MBA, 13" MBP/MBA, and even the 15" MBP are not that much. Apple makes pretty slick laptops.

I disagree. Actually, apart from the MacBook Air, Mac notebooks are actually bigger and/or heavier than many of their Windows competitors. There's a big difference to me between a 2.5 lb or 3 lb notebook and one that's 5.5-7 lbs. Remember, it isn't just the notebook itself. It's the bulky case that a thicker notebook requires, plus everything else you are carrying. It adds up. Saving that 2-3 lbs can make a difference.

So yeah, maybe with one I can lay on the couch more easily, but as for portability, give me a break! Besides you USE the laptop more than you CARRY it around (I hope), so USABILITY should trump PORTABILITY. What good is carrying around a device that is uncomfortable to use?

My iPad is uber-portable, but my Android phone beats it in terms of "portability". But guess which one I'd rather use?

Perhaps that's why Apple doesn't make a 10" MacBook Air. 11.6" is big enough to allow for a full size keyboard, a 1366x768 display, and a bigger trackpad than most Windows PCs.

 

[Young Spade]

I said it's bigger... It is
I said it's fatter... It is
I said it weights more... It does
I said it's got a larger foot print... It does
He said it's just as easy to carry around... It isn't

There are facts, you not having a problem moving it around doesn't change that. I have 15" laptops too. I can move them around the house easily enough also. Are they as easy as the MBA? No, the aren't. No where did I say 15" is difficult to carry around from room to room, but the OP is trying to prove his point by providing examples that are simply, wrong. If you've got two laptops, the one that weighs half as much is going to be easier to move around. Period.

You're stating all of that like i actually said you were wrong or called you on it. Try responding to what I SAID, not what you're inferring. Thank you.

I meant what I said. There's no reason to infer.

 

[misterbig]

I am going to get flamed for this. But I still don't understand why one would get a MBA of any kind (especially the 11 inch).

What a terrible post.

Just because you have no use for a particular device doesn't mean that others won't have a use for them. I have no use for a space shuttle and will never step into one, does that mean no one should build them?

 

[Young Spade]

What a terrible post.

Just because you have no use for a particular device doesn't mean that others won't have a use for them. I have no use for a space shuttle and will never step into one, does that mean no one should build them?

You're inferring here. He simply stated why he didn't understand, nowhere did he say it was bad or unnecessary. He simply stated, "I do not understand."

He cannot rationalize it. Did he say it was stupid? No; wrong? No.

 

[misterneums]

In my opinion, MBP = FAT CHICK; MBA = SKINNY CHICK. I prefer skinny chick, but I think I know what you like.

+1 for the luls


I went from a 13" White Macbook (2008) to my 13" MBA. I'll tell you what, I can tell the difference in weight when I've got my messenger bag. The fact that I got a HUGE performance upgrade on it only sweetened the deal.

 

[2IS]

You're stating all of that like i actually said you were wrong or called you on it. Try responding to what I SAID, not what you're inferring. Thank you.

I meant what I said. There's no reason to infer.

You're guilty of the same so i'll throw your argument back at you. Respond to what I SAID, not what you're inferring. Thank you.

 

[dubels]

Having owned a MBP15 for a year now and currently waiting for a MBA 13 I can tell you if you don't understand it then you have no need for one.

While traveling the MBP15 is just too much to lug around. Imagine backpacking through Europe and having to deal with protecting that and lugging it around with your regular gear. Now imagine it in a school atmosphere where you have to already carry about 30lbs of books (my con law book is around 9 pounds w/o the supplement). There just isn't any room in my bag for a 15 let alone the extra weight.

The extra screen size on the 15 is great but there are just times where I need a word processor and not a full powered laptop. Ever tried typing papers on an iPad? Not fun at least for me. I tried the whole MBP15 with an iPad and I just found myself not using my iPad all that much. All I used it for was to save paper for my notes during finals. It is nice to just flip through pages of my notes with my finger but I much rather have a computer I can use rather than just an electronic notebook.

iPad = a toy. MBA something useable when there is no need for a full MBP15. I am even considering selling my MBP15 for an iMac. I need the power for somethings but there really is no need to lug it around with me when I only use that power 40% of the time and when I do use it I am sitting at home. I am currently using a small Win 7 notebook and I find it useful but Win 7 has these quirks that just piss me off. So I am selling my Asus either when my MBP comes back from the Genius Bar or my MBA arrives.

Plus you can ask the same question regarding any Ultraportable v Full Sized Laptop. Sony Z v. full sized Sony. Also not everyone just uses their laptops at home. Moving it from room to room may not be hard but when combined with other things on the move it sucks over time.

 

[Abyssgh0st]

I'm a college student who spends a lot of time on the computer. I walk 1-4 miles a day with a full backpack- having a laptop that weighs 2.4lbs v.s. 6lbs makes a difference. I've owned MBs, MBPs, MBAs, iMacs, Hackintoshes, ACDs, iPads, iPhones, etc. Only things I haven't had is a Mac Mini (simply no use for one) or a Mac Pro (see my Hackintosh attempt).

Currently my tech setup is this:

1. 27" iMac 2.93 i7, 8GB, 1TB internal, 6TB external sitting neatly on a 3rd party shelf on the back of the iMac
2. 11" MBA 1.8 i7, 4GB, 128GB

Let me just stop right there for now. These two items cost me about $2,800 (they were paid for by selling other items, but that's beside the point). I have friends going into college who were spending $2,300-3,000 on their 15" MBPs. Would you rather have the best all-in-one there is with a massive 27" screen, and an incredible ultraportable that is faster than the 15" Pros for everyday use, and relatively close in GeekBench scores (which don't even factor in the SSD) to them as well, or one 15" MBP that pales in comparison to this magnificent combo?

I can't imagine why anyone would actually need a 15" MBP with the power that the 13" Airs (and 11"s, too) have now. The 13" MBP is laughable with its pitiful resolution and mediocre specs.

27" iMac + 11" MBA > 15" MBP
" + " > " + iPad

 

[ABernardoJr]

You're inferring here. He simply stated why he didn't understand, nowhere did he say it was bad or unnecessary. He simply stated, "I do not understand."

He cannot rationalize it. Did he say it was stupid? No; wrong? No.

You're joking right? Tell me you can't recognize the OPs bias against the MBA just because he didn't explicitly state "oh it's stupid and wrong."

I think you're getting carried away with the "you're inferring such and such" talk, I'd elaborate but you'd probably accuse me of inferring too much. But I'll do it anyway - at the risk of "inferring" too much, do you overanalyze the way people speak and react elsewhere in life too or is it just a forum thing? Inferring actually happens to be a vital ability for the human being, I'll just leave it at that.

 

[misterbig]

You're inferring here. He simply stated why he didn't understand, nowhere did he say it was bad or unnecessary. He simply stated, "I do not understand."

He cannot rationalize it. Did he say it was stupid? No; wrong? No.

This is hilariously ironic. You say that I'm inferring, yet you are the one who is inferring my post. I never said nor inferred that the OP said the MBA is stupid or wrong, you are the one who's trying to put words in my mouth.

 

[Artmuzz]

If the iPad had come with Mac OSX, USB (without using the Camera Connection Kit) I think I would of bought an iPad rather than a MacBook Air. However, that isn't the case so to get the best of both worlds I have an iPad for the excellent music apps for IOS and a MacBook Air for the same portability as the iPad but with the added advantage of Mac OSX.

 

[TC25]

It's not complicated nor difficult to understand if you think about the major design criteria for the MBAs? Size and weight. What kind of people would want them? People who value smaller size and less weight. What kind of people value less size and weight? People who travel, actually anyone, who has to carry laptops with them. As KPOM mentioned, it's not just the laptop, it's all the accessories needed.

 

[AdrianK]

GUYS ITS NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING YOUR 15INCHER TO SCHOOL OR WORK! The footprint of the 15inch is barely larger than that of the MBA13. So you only have consider the weight

If there was a MBA15 that is lighter than the MBP13 inch than it would ofcourse be another discussion.

At school, I'd just want to use the smallest, lightest machine I can and still be comfortable; enter 13" MBA.

So basically, this is down to the fact that you don't understand why some people prefer the 13 over the 15 even though the footprint isn't that much different. Was it really worth starting a thread over?

 

[maflynn]

GUYS ITS NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING YOUR 15INCHER TO SCHOOL OR WORK!

I think you failed to consider the MBP/MBA argument in the big picture of things. That is students not only need a laptop, but books and other things to carry around. A large laptop will be heavier and more awkward to to keep all things together. The less you need to lug around everyday the better its going to be.

I'm no going to school at this point in my life but if I were to return, I'd opt for the smallest laptop possible.

I used to commute everyday on the subway and that included lugging a 15" laptop with me. That got old quick - sure when it was the only thing I had to bring it was not terrible, but add in books, or my gym stuff and its not as easy.

 

[entatlrg]

You state that like the 15 inch is that big of a problem to carry around. I mean yea, the 13 MBA is pretty portable, but the 13 MBP is damn portable as well. I have had no qualms taking that anywhere.

It's one thing to support your device but making it seem like a MBP is a humongous piece of equipment is far from the truth.

You need to actually USE both for a week, then you'll change your tune I'm sure.

 

[jcg878]

I also find this whole point of "portability" quite silly. Unless you plan to carry your laptop in your cargo pants pocket, the differences between the 11" MBA, 13" MBP/MBA, and even the 15" MBP are not that much. Apple makes pretty slick laptops.

So yeah, maybe with one I can lay on the couch more easily, but as for portability, give me a break! Besides you USE the laptop more than you CARRY it around (I hope), so USABILITY should trump PORTABILITY. What good is carrying around a device that is uncomfortable to use?

My iPad is uber-portable, but my Android phone beats it in terms of "portability". But guess which one I'd rather use?

You don't travel often, do you? I think you wouldn't believe that it's silly then.

 

[futbalguy]

I think anyone who is complaining about the MBA simply hasnt used one. Its the best laptop experience Ive ever had.

 

[vitzr]

There are too many reasons to list.

 

[ZBoater]

You don't travel often, do you? I think you wouldn't believe that it's silly then.

I actually travel for a living, internationally. I'm all about portability. So I speak from experience when I say the 13" is the most portable I've ever had. The couple extra inches over the 11" mean nothing in term of portability as both are very thin and fit in my briefcase just fine, but the difference in usability is huge.

 

[onthecouchagain]

if you don't understand it then you have no need for one.

This.

And there's nothing wrong with that. If the Air doesn't suit or meet someone's particular laptop needs, then it's reasonable to see that they don't "get" the Air. However, it's unreasonable to apply that same need to every other laptop buyer.

Edit: Just catching up on the thread a bit. How heavy something is is also relative to someone's taste and personal preference, needs, and requirements. These arguments about what's considered heavy are pretty irrelevant.

 

[rayyu882]

It's not hard to see why MBA is a solution for some people with specific purpose in mind. For me, portability for the 11" is a big different compare to any MBP, I also have the 13" MBP and the 11" MBA is a big improvement in weight and size. Much easier to carry around in/outside the house.

I have an iPad as well, but MBA can do a lot more, I also run Xcode and all my Photo editing tools on it, which the iPad can't do.