Is Macbook Air suited for me?

[fairuz]

I'd go with an older (pre-2016) rMBP* or the new rMB*. There are tradeoffs between rMBP and MBA*, but I really see no reason to buy MBA instead of rMB. The rMB is meant to replace the MBA, and I'll bet Apple is just selling old stock like they did with the 2012 MBP.

I have no regard for performance either, but the MBA has the strong disadvantage of having a very low quality display. If you're writing a lot, I'd imagine eye strain is an issue. Otherwise, I'd have no major complaints about it (a minor one being that the hardware is generally old).

* rMBP = retina MacBook Pro, rMB = retina MacBook, MBA = MacBook Air

 

[Osty]

If you're writing a lot, I'd imagine eye strain is an issue

It's the only downside, I'll agree. However, using a writing app with a customisable full-screen, distraction-free mode (Scrivener, Ulysses) you can negate this for long writing sessions. Also the Air can be connected to a 4k display and scaled to retina for those who are content with a desk-based setup.

I'm starting to fall into the pattern of either working in desktop mode at a desk with external I/O, or using my iPad when I'm on the move. Writing on the MBA in laptop mode is more or less confined to bed or sofa. I will confess too, I'll often switch to the iPad while in bed to take advantage of retina in dark mode (my goodness, that's a sweet setup).

I'm trying not to get hung up on device, rather use the best configuration for where I happen to be when I have the opportunity to write.

 

[Beachguy]

I can think of three good reasons: twice the battery run time, much faster USB 3.0 ports and much faster 802.11ac wifi. That's why I replaced my 2011 MBA with a 2013 MBA.

I almost never use it on battery, don't often need USB, and my router is old and doesn't do 802.11ac. I wish I had those things on mine, but honestly, it would be like adding an inch of water to your swimming pool. It simply isn't an ~$1000 value for me.

 

[Boyd01]

Got it @Beachguy ... I thought maybe you were using your laptop while sitting on the beach. Obviously our needs are very different, the reasons I listed are all big factors for me to replace my 2011 MBA (plus the fact that 4gb RAM and 256gb SSD were all that was available in 2011 and I wanted 8/512).

Curious as to why you need one at all since you list two MBP's in your sig and using a little computer plugged into the charger all the time seems odd. But we're all different and I'm glad it continues to serve you well!

 

[Beachguy]

My wife now uses my older MBP, and my MBA is what I use at work for note taking, research, etc. since I have rather unpleasant arthritis in my hands. My 2012 MBP is on my desk at home for use there. My Mini, by the way, is seeking a new purpose in life. The doggone spinning disk in it redefines the word "slow."

 

[Boyd01]

You could use the mini as an itunes server - just set it to automatically start itunes and enable home sharing. Put your media library on an external drive. I use a mini for this and it works great with my Apple TV's and macs. You don't need much of a computer for this. Another possibility is to just enable file sharing on the mini and use it as a network disk to backup and share data between your other computers. I also do that.

 

[Beachguy]

I'm not an iTunes user so it wouldn't be much use there. I'll find something for it to do. It was my first Mac (2011) so I'm partial to it.

 

[Boyd01]

You can install an internal SSD, the smaller ones are not very expensive and you will find guides online as well as tool kits. This is not simple though and you risk doing permanent damage since it was clearly not designed to opened by users. Many people still do it however.

Unfortunately I don't think the 2011 Mini had USB 3.0. I setup my 2012 mini with an external USB SSD and gave it to my kids. Was inexpensive, easy and turned it into a very snappy little machine. But USB 2.0 is too slow for that, you would need a thunderbolt SSD and those are more expensive.