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Macbook Air 2010 2.13C2D 256gb or 2010 1.7 i5 128gb

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EuStoN

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2011
29
0
NJ
I'm debating on getting either a Macbook Air 2010 ultimate 2.13Ghz C2D 256gb or the 2011 1.7 Core i5 128GB.

Price I'm getting it at is about the same:
2010 ultimate 2.13Ghz C2D 256GB 4GB: US$1250
2011 1.7 Core i5 128GB 4GB: US$1200

Could you guys give me some suggestion? Should I go with a older CPU but with a lot more ssd, or faster CPU with smaller ssd?

I use the computer for work mostly (many different messengers, word, excel, some PS and AI). Also might do some light gaming on it.
I would need to run windows as well, would it be enough on 128GB?
 
BareFeats has a good breakdown of just how much better the processor is. Spoiler: It's a lot better.

I would suggest the newer model, but if you really need the space, than of course the 256GB SSD would better suit your needs.
 
go with the i5, the processor will help you in gaming, but the intel 3000(igp in the cpu) does not help that much compared to having a dedicated card..
gaming wise im doing good on my macbook with bad company 2 and soon to be skyrim (because i can)

I like the c2d with 4gigs and a 256ssd...
its not bad considering im doing batch edits with aperture and using final cut express for timelapses (and other software for photoediting and video editing)
they are powerfull machines..but i would like to have the i5, just better tech inside of it handles rendering better,
 
Go with the 2010 Core 2.

128GB is not enough if you constantly switch back and forth between OSX and Windows. Trust me.

The speed boost of the Core i5 is nice, but the 2011 MBA seems to have some problems under Windows Bootcamp related to drivers, and also just to note, the Intel HD 3000 GPU is a lot worse than the GeForce 320M GPU in the 2010 model. It matches up in general, but not in Windows.

Also in general, you can get much better battery life on the 2010 if you run Snow Leopard and use Coolbook as opposed to Lion. If you dislike something in Lion, there is no way to revert to Snow Leopard on the 2011 model.
 
Do you NEED 256 GB SSD? Then get the 2010.
If not, the 2011 is better.
 
Get the i5. Backlit Keyboard, Thunderbolt, faster processor, etc...

If you find you need more storages, then upgrade the SSD later. If you get the 2010 model and find you need more power, you can't upgrade the Processor later on.
 
Only reason to get the 2011 i5 is for the backlit keyboard.

The 2010 has better battery life, runs cooler (esp w/ Coolbook), and has better graphics.
 
calvol said:
Only reason to get the 2011 i5 is for the backlit keyboard.
Click to expand...

Uhhhh. What about the processor and thunderbolt?


Anyways, I've got the i5, and it is superb. I'd recommend it! 128 GB isn't too much of a worry if you've got an external hard drive.
 
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