Is a MBA 11 too small to work in iBooks Author?

Discussion in 'MacBook Air' started by Ibamac, Aug 5, 2012.

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  1. Ibamac, Aug 5, 2012

    Ibamac macrumors member

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    #1
    Hi,

    I need to buy a Mac for access to iBooks Author. I've been looking at the 11" MBA because I already have a pc 12.5" laptop and a desktop and I figured the smallest form factor could come in handy as a second laptop for general computing - word processing, email and websites. I don't have the room for a second desktop, nor do I want to buy a monitor (ruling out the mini). I figure I can do the video and photo work (and most of the drafting) on the PC's I already have, but will have to use a Mac to format books in iBooks Author. (I have an iPad to review them.)

    What do you think? Is the 11" too small to work in iBooks Author? I don't currently need a computer, but I want to publish textbooks for iBooks so I need a Mac. An expensive dilemma. Any thoughts?

    Thank you.
     
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  2. Lunchb0x8, Aug 5, 2012

    Lunchb0x8 macrumors 6502a

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    #2
    If the 12.5" PC you have isn't uncomfortable for you to type on for longer than say 1 hour at a time, then the 11" Air should be OK.

    Given you can get a 13" for about the same price (depending on spec) I recommend if you can, go to an Apple store/reseller and spend a few minutes typing on each and see which one you prefer.
     
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  3. MacLappy, Aug 6, 2012

    MacLappy macrumors regular

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    #3
    I have the mid 2012 macbook air 11", I have played around with ibook Author and have not encountered any problems so far. Fits the screen really well, especially in full screen mode. Hope that helps. :D
     
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  4. Ibamac, Aug 6, 2012

    Ibamac thread starter macrumors member

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    #4
    Thank you. Any thoughts on i5 vs. i7 and 128gb vs. 256gb? I'll definitely go for the 8gb ram. I read that saving versions slows the computer down significantly, but that might be the program and not the set-up.

    Thanks again!
     
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  5. theSeb, Aug 6, 2012

    theSeb macrumors 604

    theSeb

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    #5
    I don't know where you've read that? It's simply not true
     
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  6. Ibamac, Aug 6, 2012

    Ibamac thread starter macrumors member

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  7. theSeb, Aug 6, 2012

    theSeb macrumors 604

    theSeb

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  8. Ibamac, Aug 6, 2012

    Ibamac thread starter macrumors member

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    #8
    Would you mind letting me know what specs you have on your 2011 MBA? It's more than adequate, right?

    Thank you.
     
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  9. theSeb, Aug 6, 2012

    theSeb macrumors 604

    theSeb

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    #9
    i7 1.8 GHz / 4 GB RAM/ 256 GB storage

    The i5 is more than adequate for working with iBooks Author. It's really not an intensive app at all. I bought the "ultimate" 2011 spec, but that wasn't for iBooks Author.

    The only thing to think about is whether the 11" screen would suit you. I personally prefer seeing a couple of pages at a time and I like to have the styles drawer and the inspector visible, so I end up connecting the MBA to an external monitor, but for typing on the road the 13" is great.

    I would go into an Apple store and check out whether the 11" screen will be ok for you
     
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  10. Ibamac, Aug 6, 2012

    Ibamac thread starter macrumors member

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    #10
    Thank you. You're right. I need to go to a store and spend some time with the keyboard and in front of the screen. Almost bought a refurbished 13" June 2012 i7 Macbook Pro today, but realized I really need to go see them in person. If I do end up using the laptop for more than IBA and carrying it around, I would strongly prefer the lighter models.

    Btw, to familiarize myself with iBooks Author, I'm trying www.macincloud.com. Figured it was worth the $20. That way I can see what it looks like on a 24" desktop all-in-one, the 12.5" laptop and the <11" iPad, and learn the software so that I can hit the ground running.

    Thanks again for your help.
     
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