M1 13 Air is too big to replace a 11 Air / 12 Macbook

[Blueberry123]

Some background. I have been using a 2013, 11 inch Air 8gb ram for the last 7 years. Nice size for using on sofa, or in bed and great for travel. Basic user, emails, youtube, multiple chrome tabs 10-15. Still working fine, but would appreciate an update to a retina screen.

I skipped the intel 12 Macbook due to reports of being underpowered and the failing butterfly keyboard. The new Apple silicon would be a perfect match for the light fanless design. Preferably with the new magic keyboard

Today, I returned the new 2020 13 Air M1 to Apple. I just found it too big. Being used to the smaller 16:9 resolution of my 11 inch Air, I found the 13 inch screen to have too much information, which made my eyes dizzy. I did adjust and loved the amazing screen quality and sound watching 4k videos, but I just missed the small size and ultraportability of my 11 Air.

Wishful thinking, but I hope Apple brings out a new 12 Macbook M1 next year or brings back the 11 inch Air!

 

[IowaLynn]

iPad Air ?

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I am personally waiting for the rumored design update for the MBA. I have a 12" Macbook, which IMHO, is the best design ever, and this weekend I had the chance to play around with a MBA, and the latter is just too bulky in comparison. It also looks quite dated IMHO.

 

[Blueberry123]

I did consider an ipad pro with keyboard, but I own an ipad and really never use it. I just prefer using osx.

It's possible a 2021 redesign of the 13 Air will reduce its size and weight. If there are no other options, I will probably try again to adjust to the larger screen. Hopefully my 11 air keeps working well. I may regret not buying a new 2017 12 Macbook when they were discontinued and being sold for only £799. There are no refurbished macbooks in the Apple UK store.

The 2020 13 Air screen quality and M1 performance and battery was really impressive. Ideally be great to have that in a smaller form factor.

 

[harleymhs]

Agree! I sold my 11" Air , hated the screen, used it for travel and sofa time like your usage! Friend gave me a 12 Inch Retina... What a nice upgrade from the 11 Air.. Screen amazing form factor amazing .. and for the M Chip not so bad for sofa time and travel.. Picked up the M1 13 and didnt love and would never use the M1 power for my travel and sofa needs! I hear they may bring back the 12 inch with M1 then Ill pull the trigger or on the New Designed 13 M2 coming next year.. On board with you !

 

[Blueberry123]

I sold my 11" Air , hated the screen

Yes, although still usable, the old 720p screen is very dated. I have a feeling Apple may not redesign the 13 Air next year. It may just reduce by $100 to hit a lower price point at $899 ($799 education). The M1 chip performance is already great and there is very little differentiation between the Air and the $1299 Macbook Pro.

It could be a long wait until 2022 for a redesign and a M2 13 Air. Let's hope Apple show some more love to their laptops and give us more buying options in 2021, including a new ultraportable.

 

[canuckRus]

If you thought your old MacAir11" was good you should have bought 2017 rMac12" despite the criticisms. Smaller form, bigger, better Retina screen and noticeably lighter. I'm unwilling to give in to moving to a new MacAir M1 for now. However should Apple ever decide to come out with a new rMacBook12" I would be on it in a heartbeat. Doubt this will ever happen though seeing as to the past negativity.

 

[deeddawg]

Wishful thinking, but I hope Apple brings out a new 12 Macbook M1 next year or brings back the 11 inch Air!

Improbable. That "space" is pretty much filled by the ipad air or pro with keyboard.

 

[Blueberry123]

you should have bought 2017 rMac12" despite the criticisms

Yes, I should have! I had the chance to buy the 2017 Macbook new in 2019 when discontinued and it would have been covered with Apple's 4 year keyboard warranty. I'm regretting not buying it now.

As great as the M1 13 Air is, it is not an ultraportable. A redesigned M2 13 Air would probably still be too big even with smaller bezels.

 

[ChrisA]

...size for using on sofa, or in bed and great for travel. Basic user, emails, youtube, multiple chrome tabs 10-15.

It sounds like what you want is an iPad.

 

[QCassidy352]

It sounds like what you want is an iPad.

Yeah I think Apple sees the iPad as filling the space the OP is describing. Which is not to say they would never resurrect an 11 or 12" laptop, but I doubt it.

OP, how much time did you give the new Air? At least a few days I hope? After 7 years with the 11" Air, I'd expect a period of adjustment.

 

[Blueberry123]

It sounds like what you want is an iPad.

I prefer to use mac os and just love the laptop design. Changing to an ipad and using ios would be a big adjustment. I looked at the ipad pro and keyboard today, but I did not like the feel and the weight balance. It can certainly function and do what I would use it for though.

If my 11 air stops working, then I would make the necessary adjustment and go back with the M1 13 Air. It is a great machine. I just want it more portable.

 

[Blueberry123]

OP, how much time did you give the new Air?

To be honest, only a week! Given the xmas holidays, I could have kept it much longer before returning to Apple. I loved the screen quality and sound, the magic keyboard, the quiet performance, long battery life. It would be easy for me to buy it again.

However, when you do compare it to a 11 inch Air or 12 Macbook, then clearly it is bigger and heavier and just not as nice to carry or move around. You also have to adjust for the larger footprint and screen size, so not use as close to my eyes to focus with the more information on the display. I found the 13 Air nicer to use on a desk than sitting on a sofa/bed.

 

[deeddawg]

However, when you do compare it to a 11 inch Air or 12 Macbook, then clearly it is bigger and heavier and just not as nice to carry or move around. You also have to adjust for the larger footprint and screen size, so not use as close to my eyes to focus with the more information on the display. I found the 13 Air nicer to use on a desk than sitting on a sofa/bed.

That's very easily configured.

The MBA11 was 1366x768 display resolution on 11.6" diagonal.

You can adjust the display of the 13.3" retina MBA / MBP models to 1280x800 scaled from the default 1440x900 if that's what you prefer. Note that 1280x800 is the default for the rMBA12.

Just go to SystemPreferences->Display then click on Scaled and choose what you wish to use.

 

[Blueberry123]

You can adjust the display of the 13.3" retina MBA / MBP models to 1280x800

Great tip! Thanks for this. I did not even think about changing the screen resolution. I was focusing on the larger footprint and the taller screen. My experience at home has only been using 13 inch windows laptops and then the 11 inch Air, all at 16:9 resolution, 1280 x 720 and then 1366 x 768.

1280 x 800 would indeed be better for my aging eyes with 16:10.

 

[Rory76]

I skipped the intel 12 Macbook due to reports of being underpowered and the failing butterfly keyboard. The new Apple silicon would be a perfect match for the light fanless design. Preferably with the new magic keyboard

Today, I returned the new 2020 13 Air M1 to Apple. I just found it too big. Being used to the smaller 16:9 resolution of my 11 inch Air, I found the 13 inch screen to have too much information, which made my eyes dizzy. I did adjust and loved the amazing screen quality and sound watching 4k videos, but I just missed the small size and ultraportability of my 11 Air.

Wishful thinking, but I hope Apple brings out a new 12 Macbook M1 next year or brings back the 11 inch

Some background. I have been using a 2013, 11 inch Air 8gb ram for the last 7 years. Nice size for using on sofa, or in bed and great for travel. Basic user, emails, youtube, multiple chrome tabs 10-15. Still working fine, but would appreciate an update to a retina screen.

I skipped the intel 12 Macbook due to reports of being underpowered and the failing butterfly keyboard. The new Apple silicon would be a perfect match for the light fanless design. Preferably with the new magic keyboard

Today, I returned the new 2020 13 Air M1 to Apple. I just found it too big. Being used to the smaller 16:9 resolution of my 11 inch Air, I found the 13 inch screen to have too much information, which made my eyes dizzy. I did adjust and loved the amazing screen quality and sound watching 4k videos, but I just missed the small size and ultraportability of my 11 Air.

Wishful thinking, but I hope Apple brings out a new 12 Macbook M1 next year or brings back the 11 inch Air!

I have a new M1 Air being delivered today to replace my current MacBook, a fully loaded (i7/16/512) 2017 12” rMB, which I love. I got it late last year and it’s still covered under AppleCare+ for 2 more years and the keyboard replacement program until 2023. Upgrading to the new Air since my eyesight is getting worse and I’m hoping the larger screen on the Air will help with eye strain. Or maybe the bigger and more honest reason is that I’m just a sucker for new tech. Since my 12” MacBook is pretty desirable, I’m hoping to recoup a good chunk of the cost of the new Air (I upgraded to the 16GB RAM version) when I list it for sale soon. After reading through this thread and seeing all the love for the 12” rMB it has reminded me just how great a machine it truly is. Now, I’m second guessing my decision to replace it with the Air. Would love to keep both MacBooks but that’s not a financially feasible option. Has anyone here made the jump from the 12” MacBook to the new Air and been happy with the change?

 

[ignatius345]

I'm using the 2020 Intel MacBook Air now, and I agree it doesn't quite fit that ultraportable niche the Air or the Retina MacBook do. (Un)fortunately, carrying a laptop around in a bag all day has stopped being a thing for me since the pandemic though. I have no doubt that before too long we'll see something like that Retina MacBook with an Apple processor.

I bought the little Retina MacBook when it first came out, thinking this was going to be a replacement for my 11" Air -- but I hated the keyboard so much I went straight back to the Air. It wasn't a question of reliability because they hadn't started failing en masse yet, but the typing experience was truly wretched regardless.

I had two of the 11" Airs, in service for a total of at least 8 years or so, and they were just perfect little laptops. I still have one (which can even run Big Sur), and am this week wiping it to donate it to an org that gives devices to students learning at home. I'm actually a little sad to see it go!

 

[happy orchard]

I have a new M1 Air being delivered today to replace my current MacBook, a fully loaded (i7/16/512) 2017 12” rMB, which I love. I got it late last year and it’s still covered under AppleCare+ for 2 more years and the keyboard replacement program until 2023. Upgrading to the new Air since my eyesight is getting worse and I’m hoping the larger screen on the Air will help with eye strain. Or maybe the bigger and more honest reason is that I’m just a sucker for new tech. Since my 12” MacBook is pretty desirable, I’m hoping to recoup a good chunk of the cost of the new Air (I upgraded to the 16GB RAM version) when I list it for sale soon. After reading through this thread and seeing all the love for the 12” rMB it has reminded me just how great a machine it truly is. Now, I’m second guessing my decision to replace it with the Air. Would love to keep both MacBooks but that’s not a financially feasible option. Has anyone here made the jump from the 12” MacBook to the new Air and been happy with the change?

My story is a lot like yours. However, I just returned the MBA and went back to my MB. I liked a lot about the MBA, but I was making myself love the size when really I already love the MB. I went back because I trust I should be able to get an MBA later. Once my MB is gone, I may never know laptop perfection like that again.

 

[Blueberry123]

Once my MB is gone, I may never know laptop perfection like that again.

I had two of the 11" Airs, in service for a total of at least 8 years or so, and they were just perfect little laptops

Although only a size difference of about 2cm, when you compare the two together, Macbook 12 v Macbook Air 13, you can really see how much bigger the 13 Air is. Together with the additional weight, the 13 Air is not an ultraportable.

So, if you love the 12 inch Macbook or 11 inch Air, you truly have to give up the light, take anywhere, easy to use sitting on a sofa or in bed, cute small feeling they have, to move to the larger 13 Air.

While I hope and wait for Apple to release a new 12 Macbook, maybe in 2021 or 2022, having now tried the 1280 v 800 screen resolution on a M1 Air, I believe I could accept adjusting to the 13 Air, when I need to replace my 11 Air.

A possible redesigned M2 Air in 2022, will likely reduce its larger size slightly. With smaller bezels, it could reduce by 1cm, and lose a little weight too. This could be a great option, if the 12 Macbook does not make a come back with Apple silicon.

 

[Rory76]

My story is a lot like yours. However, I just returned the MBA and went back to my MB. I liked a lot about the MBA, but I was making myself love the size when really I already love the MB. I went back because I trust I should be able to get an MBA later. Once my MB is gone, I may never know laptop perfection like that again.

What do you think the odds are that Apple will revive the 12” MacBook with their new chip?

 

[MBAir2010]

I dont see apple making anything smaller than the 13 model. More consumers are investing in hand held products or 13” notebooks nowadays compared to last decade. I still/ have using my 11” MBA to watch TV shows comfortably with a good picture while my tv is in a box until next year.

 

[Ifti]

Also sold my 2013 11”
Perfect size for portability and general use. Miss it!

 

[ignatius345]

What do you think the odds are that Apple will revive the 12” MacBook with their new chip?

I think the next logical step for the M-series is an ultracompact. The M1 Air isn't using a fan at all, so it seems quite reasonable to expect they could build something akin to that fanless 12" -- but hopefully with a good keyboard.

 

[Pugly]

I went from using a 11" Air to a retina 13" Air earlier this year for a little... the portability was still pretty night and day. The weight difference was pretty noticeable too. As odd to use as the 16:9 screen was, it was the short depth that provided that really made the difference. I haven't used the 12", but I assume that was about the same to use.

If Apple makes another one of these ultra small laptops again with the current performance of the M1 Air, I'd get it day one. I just like having a powerful and versatile computer in the smallest form possible. An iPad is good too, but I hope Apple doesn't see the iPad as the replacement for the ultra small laptop. Or the next iteration of the Air gets close to the the 12" size.

 

[Blueberry123]

As odd to use as the 16:9 screen was, it was the short depth that provided that really made the difference. I haven't used the 12", but I assume that was about the same to use.

I agree. The short depth not only makes for great portability, but you can also multitask, such as looking over the height of the screen, when also watching tv/movies at the same time!

The 12" is more productive than 11" Air with the 16:10 screen and 1280:800 resolution and is only slightly taller, 19.65 cm v 19.2 cm. Comparing the two, I actually prefer the extra width of the 11" Air, 30cm v 28cm, as it is easier to rest on your legs, when sitting on the sofa or bed. The 12" can feel a little narrow.

Although, I too would buy a new 12" on day one, if Apple brings it back with the M1 chip. It would be the perfect new ultraportable.