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If YOU had to pick a MacBook Air, which of these 2 would you go with?
- Thread starter dmk1974
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Do you want an 11" or a 13" MacBook Air? That is what you need to decide. I have owned both and they are actually very different. Currently have an 11" and would not be interested in a 13". But I wouldn't be interested in a MBA that only had 128gb either.
But that is me. Only you can decide what suits you best. There are many, many threads about the 11" vs 13", not much point in re-hashing that again IMO.
But that is me. Only you can decide what suits you best. There are many, many threads about the 11" vs 13", not much point in re-hashing that again IMO.
I chose the 13". Wanted more memory which is not upgradeable. Also wanted the SD slot. YMMV
I too want an air but 128 not big enough for me.
I'm looking at 13" 8GB 256GB for somewhere between £800-900
I'm looking at 13" 8GB 256GB for somewhere between £800-900
I am an 11 inches lover, but for 100 bucks the extra 4 gb ram the sd card and the screen are definetly worthed.
My issue would be the 128 gb ssd... 256 for me is the bare minimum....
Other than the screen size also keep in mind the aspect ratio wich is different!
My issue would be the 128 gb ssd... 256 for me is the bare minimum....
Other than the screen size also keep in mind the aspect ratio wich is different!
Agreed. I too am a big fan of the MBA 11. It really does depend upon some factors that the OP has not yet expressed.
If portability is the highest priority... then the MBA 11. The difference is significant. Otherwise the 13.
11" lot more portable 4gb memory
13" 8gb memory, lot longer battery life, sd card, bigger screen
With a sd card or usb drive (near flush thumbdrive) you can expand storage
128gb storage not enough for me
13" 8gb memory, lot longer battery life, sd card, bigger screen
With a sd card or usb drive (near flush thumbdrive) you can expand storage
128gb storage not enough for me
For me, pretty much everything is in the cloud and all my media is on a large drive connected to my Mac Mini (accessible when in my house or via Google Desktop). 128gb is more than 2X what I need for programs and some files.
But regarding the RAM, you are right, 4gb is getting a bit dated.
But regarding the RAM, you are right, 4gb is getting a bit dated.
Penny wise, pound foolish. You can't upgrade the RAM when/if you need it.
Edit: Even the bigger screen makes it worth the $100.
Edit: Even the bigger screen makes it worth the $100.
I've had both the 13" and the 11". I prefer the 11" by far. First of all, the screen isn't that bad for the size, but the 13" screen is really poor, especially next to a MBP (2015). Its far more portable, battery life is great (on newer models, mine is 2012 so it had the smaller battery). SD slot is nice, but I bought a USB SD slot for $5 on Amazon. I hardly use SD cards so I have it when I need it.
I have a 2014 11" 128 MBA and very satisfied with it. I use a 2T bus powered drive with it about size of a pack of cigarettes but thin as 2 iPhones maybe a little less. I use it for my iTunes Music and Movies and Photo library.
The screen is good for me no intense photo work or anything.
The screen is good for me no intense photo work or anything.
I've got an 11, 4gb, 128; chose it over the 13 8gb. Form was a huge factor for me, 4gb of memory is plenty for my light usage. Also picked up a Lexar flush fit 128gb USB to supplement the SSD for larger file storage. You may be able to still get an 11 8gb refurbed from Apple.
So... I say 11. It's so easy spending other people's money.
Cheers
So... I say 11. It's so easy spending other people's money.
Cheers
11inch only makes sense if you really want the portability. It's portability is amazing, and there aren't many computers like it with the power and size... but all things considered the 13inch is a better buy. It's a more normal computer size, a 16:10 screen is more usable for normal computer things... Better battery life and an sd card.
Just need a computer to have a computer a 13inch is great, but if portability is high on your priority list than only the 11inch will do.
If you have to ask this question, the 13inch is probably the one you want.
Just need a computer to have a computer a 13inch is great, but if portability is high on your priority list than only the 11inch will do.
If you have to ask this question, the 13inch is probably the one you want.
I had both. Took back the 11" for the 13". It's all about the screen and resolution. The 11" screen really is subpar. 1366 by 768. Seriously?
The 11" is a nice size. Very portable, easy to carry and use. If it's just for portability then maybe. Otherwise, no way. The resolution quality is really that bad and noticeable.
The 11" is a nice size. Very portable, easy to carry and use. If it's just for portability then maybe. Otherwise, no way. The resolution quality is really that bad and noticeable.
since this question is about my preference, not a suggestion which to pick,
for me screen size is the main issue
11" 16:9 is never gonna be my choice for screen size reason alone. however i like how everything is quite crisp on 11", just too small for my comfort and eye.
12" macbook retina is my minimum usable screen size, and lightweight is great.
13" macbook air 1440x900 quite useful size.
I'd pick 13" air, 8GB for me because 4GB in my use is quite limiting running single windows VM from time to time. I just gonna swallow the extra 1 pound weight.
currently typing this on 2014 macbook air 13" 4GB ram 256GB ssd
for me screen size is the main issue
11" 16:9 is never gonna be my choice for screen size reason alone. however i like how everything is quite crisp on 11", just too small for my comfort and eye.
12" macbook retina is my minimum usable screen size, and lightweight is great.
13" macbook air 1440x900 quite useful size.
I'd pick 13" air, 8GB for me because 4GB in my use is quite limiting running single windows VM from time to time. I just gonna swallow the extra 1 pound weight.
currently typing this on 2014 macbook air 13" 4GB ram 256GB ssd
If it's a secondary computer for simple tasks on the go, the 11". It's basically having an iPad-like laptop. It's so small and light. What this is not is a serious productivity machine. I have used the 11" for work stuff, and although I can run excel on it, it's not really productive with the small screen and lower resolution.
If you need a computer for more serious work, or making it a primary productivity machine with great portability, then the 13". The 8GB is more ideal in real work environment. The bigger screen also helps.
If you need a computer for more serious work, or making it a primary productivity machine with great portability, then the 13". The 8GB is more ideal in real work environment. The bigger screen also helps.
Interesting that you believe that. The 11" MBA screen has a slightly BETTER PPI than the 13".
The resolution of the 11" MBA is lower but the resolution quality is higher.
I did not look at the specs beforehand, but the 11" I purchased had a screen that did not look very good. Not as clear as the 13". Enough for me to take it back.
I have both prefer the 11", but would upgrade to 8gb ram/256gb.
Both screens suck, for work you better use an external monitor.
For email, light webbrowing or movies the difference is not that big.
The 2015 13" macbook pro or maybe 2016 is much more interessting than the 13" air.
Both screens suck, for work you better use an external monitor.
For email, light webbrowing or movies the difference is not that big.
The 2015 13" macbook pro or maybe 2016 is much more interessting than the 13" air.
I have an intense soft spot for the 11" Air. It has a perfect blend of power and extreme portability. I would go for it if you are using the laptop as a secondary machine.
4gb of ram is a deal breaker for me.
16:9 aspect ratio on such a small screen is also a deal breaker.
13" Macbook Air will have significantly (~3hrs better) battery life.
If 128gb of storage ever gets tight you can expand the storage on the 13" using the SD card slot.
That is why I picked the 13" MBA. $100 doesn't seem like that much extra to get these advantages.
But of course if this is a secondary machine, or portability is your primary concern then your mileage may vary.
16:9 aspect ratio on such a small screen is also a deal breaker.
13" Macbook Air will have significantly (~3hrs better) battery life.
If 128gb of storage ever gets tight you can expand the storage on the 13" using the SD card slot.
That is why I picked the 13" MBA. $100 doesn't seem like that much extra to get these advantages.
But of course if this is a secondary machine, or portability is your primary concern then your mileage may vary.