Need help choosing a MacBook Air!

[mac26]

Hi everyone! This is my first post on the forums
So I have a Late 2010 11' macbook air (base) right now and I would like to upgrade it (to another used or refurb. macbook air and sell my current one) in July just so I can multitask and use more demanding programs.

Here's what I usually have on on my Mac:
(I have OS X Lion so it is a bit more ram hungry than SL)
Aperture 3, 3-5 tabs open on Safari, Mail, Pages, and occasionally Photoshop and iMovie
Here are my current options: (P.S. i have a 24" monitor that I hook up to my current air)
- Low end 2011 11' MacBook Air - will cost me $150-$200 additional once i sell my current air in July when 2012 models release
- high end 2011 11' Macbook air - $375-$400
- low end 2011 13' MacBook air - $475-$500
- low end 2012 11' MacBook Air- $425-$450
- low end 2010 13' MacBook Air - $150- 200
- Keep my current air and buy a used 2010 Mac Mini and upgrade it - $400

I am leaning towards the low end 13' late 2010 or the high end 11' 2011 model

I am 13 and so I don't have a job and so I am going to use birthday money and saved up money to upgrade so I am also on a budget! I will have about $350 by then, if i choose one of the cheaper airs i listed i can buy more accessories e.g.
airport extreme to connect to my external hard drive

Sorry for such a long post!
Thanks in Advance!
- Jalal

 

[Trav29]

I would get the base 2011 11" Air. It's what I got for Christmas and its great, I am surprised its only about the size of my Galaxy Tab 10.1. And since your on a budget getting the base would help immensely.

 

[mac26]

I would get the base 2011 11" Air. It's what I got for Christmas and its great, I am surprised its only about the size of my Galaxy Tab 10.1. And since your on a budget getting the base would help immensely.

I want to get a computer that will last me a good 2 years so I am thinking on getting a more powerful air with a bit more storage so I don't have to upgrade every year, but thanks for the reply though

 

[Trav29]

I want to get a computer that will last me a good 2 years so I am thinking on getting a more powerful air with a bit more storage so I don't have to upgrade every year, but thanks for the reply though

In that case get a 15" MBP. Cause none of the airs are "powerful." The processor upgrade isn't that major.

 

[mac26]

In that case get a 15" MBP. Cause none of the airs are "powerful." The processor upgrade isn't that major.

The thing is I LOVE the design of the macbook air, 15" is too big to carry around, I also have a monitor so real estate isn't a problem, as for power I do not need quad core or i7 or anything like that, just some thing with a slightly more powerful processor or more RAM and storage.
So what should I do based on my options that I listed?
Thanks for replying!

 

[iDutchman]

I'd definitely go for the 2011 11'' version with 4GB & 128GB SSD. The 4GB is a must have for the longer term. I'd upgrade to that! Then, save up for that 27" Thunderbolt display!

 

[macdudesir]

^^This! Defiantly the high end 2011 11"..i got that for Christmas and i love it! You mentioned iMovie and photoshop...the i5 will be great for that...defiantly do not get a Core2Duo...even the 2010 ultimate 13 inch (2.13ghz c2d) isn't as good as the 1.6ghz i5. I love the 11" high end...havnt had a slowdown or a "Gosh this is taking FOREVER" moment yet...except for waiting for my internet (300kb/s ) lol, but that has nothing to do with the air.

 

[mac26]

I'd definitely go for the 2011 11'' version with 4GB & 128GB SSD. The 4GB is a must have for the longer term. I'd upgrade to that! Then, save up for that 27" Thunderbolt display!

Thanks for the reply! I think that's what I might do, I am definitely going to consider your advice since you also have this as your main computer,
I will have to try pretty hard for thunderbolt and so I might just get a used 27" cinema display, for now my 24" dynex monitor is ok.
Thanks again for your help!
I am still will consider all other advice from people reading right now!

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Defiantly the high end 2011 11"..i got that for Christmas and i love it! You mentioned iMovie and photoshop...the i5 will be great for that...defiantly do not get a Core2Duo...even the 2010 ultimate 13 inch (2.13ghz c2d) isn't as good as the 1.6ghz i5. I love the 11" high end...havnt had a slowdown or a "Gosh this is taking FOREVER" moment yet...except for waiting for my internet (300kb/s ) lol, but that has nothing to do with the air.

Will it be good for my only computer as this will be my only computer?
Thanks for replying!

 

[Trav29]

The thing is I LOVE the design of the macbook air, 15" is too big to carry around, I also have a monitor so real estate isn't a problem, as for power I do not need quad core or i7 or anything like that, just some thing with a slightly more powerful processor or more RAM and storage.
So what should I do based on my options that I listed?
Thanks for replying!

I am sorry by base I meant the 4 GB with 128 SSD. I would never consider the 2gb ram one as an option.

 

[eagandale4114]

Do NOT get the base air with 2 gigs of ram. It won't last. Get the i5/128GB SSD/4GB ram option. You can upgrade the SSD later but you can't upgrade the processor or the ram. If you can get the i7.

 

[mac26]

Do NOT get the base air with 2 gigs of ram. It won't last. Get the i5/128GB SSD/4GB ram option. You can upgrade the SSD later but you can't upgrade the processor or the ram. If you can get the i7.

Seems like every one is telling me to get a high end 2011 11' air
I guess 3 votes for that, 1 for base 11' 2011, and one for a 15' mbp,
I still would like some more opinions from more people but I will consider your
advice, by the way do you own a high end 2011 11' air?
P.S. i7 creates too much heat and lowers the battery life so i5 would be the way to go
Thanks for your reply!

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I am sorry by base I meant the 4 GB with 128 SSD. I would never consider the 2gb ram one as an option.

ok now their are 4 votes for high end 2011 11'!
Thanks for your edit

 

[Robyr]

I'd also have to say the 11" i5 4GB/128GB 2011 Air. I am an owner of one, and it screams. Battery life is totally acceptable, decent size SSD, and enough RAM for this to be a good 2-4 year machine. The Core2Duo was outdated when it went in to the 2010 Air, so I cannot in good faith argue for getting that.

 

[macdudesir]

Will it be good for my only computer as this will be my only computer?
Thanks for replying!

I think it will be great for your only computer...as long as you have an external monitor...(i think you said you did?) If you do need more storage space, I would recommend a Seagate GoFlex external HD...http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/portable-hard-drive...I don't know if you have WalMart where you are, but they sell them for about 50 bucks for 320GB..This is what i use.

 

[mac26]

I'd also have to say the 11" i5 4GB/128GB 2011 Air. I am an owner of one, and it screams. Battery life is totally acceptable, decent size SSD, and enough RAM for this to be a good 2-4 year machine. The Core2Duo was outdated when it went in to the 2010 Air, so I cannot in good faith argue for getting that.

thanks for posting, I will definitely consider it:
and one more question to all the readers and the people who have posted to my thread:
Should I try and get an extra $100 for my birthday to go for the low end 13' 2011 model?

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I think it will be great for your only computer...as long as you have an external monitor...(i think you said you did?) If you do need more storage space, I would recommend a Seagate GoFlex external HD...http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/external-hard-drive/portable-hard-drive...I don't know if you have WalMart where you are, but they sell them for about 50 bucks for 320GB..This is what i use.

ok thanks, I have a 250GB external HDD that serves great for additional storage, time machine back-ups, media storage, etc.
That being said should I also try and get an airport express or extreme to hook my HDD for wireless storage?
Thanks!
BTW i'm in Canada so i am familiar with the apple retail store, best buy, walmart, futureshop, etc..

 

[Robyr]

thanks for posting, I will definitely consider it:
and one more question to all the readers and the people who have posted to my thread:
Should I try and get an extra $100 for my birthday to go for the low end 13' 2011 model?

That is a personal preference. I find the 11" screen to be a godsend as I commute by bus/bike normally and want the upmost in space saving. I also don't notice any difference between my old 13" MacBook Pro and my 11" Air. While there is a difference obviously, it has yet to bother me.

 

[macdudesir]

ok thanks, I have a 250GB external HDD that serves great for additional storage, time machine back-ups, media storage, etc.
That being said should I also try and get an airport express or extreme to hook my HDD for wireless storage?
Thanks!
BTW i'm in Canada so i am familiar with the apple retail store, best buy, walmart, futureshop, etc..

I don't think you would really need wireless storage...especially since your 13, i know money is tight (I'm 14, lol ) If you have enough money, i guess it would be nice to have, but defiantly not a need. Ive never found myself wanting it...128GB is bigger than you think...ive had my iMac for a year and I've used only 108GB not caring what i leave or put on it (it has a 1tb HD) So I'm not too worried about filling up my MBA. That said, i do watch the size of files I'm putting on it.

 

[eagandale4114]

Screen size is a personal preference. However the 13 inch air has an additional usb slot and a SD card slot. Some say it has a higher battery capacity but I'm more of a macbook pro user so I can't confirm that.
Also where did you read about the i7 causing issues?

 

[macdudesir]

Screen size is a personal preference. However the 13 inch air has an additional usb slot and a SD card slot. Some say it has a higher battery capacity but I'm more of a macbook pro user so I can't confirm that.
Also where did you read about the i7 causing issues?

It doesn't have an additional USB slot I can promise you that.

 

[VMMan]

Do you have anger management issues?

That's a joke related to a thread in the MBP forums about another kid wanting a MBP...

Anyway, I rec the 2011 MBA 11" 1.6/4/128

 

[mac26]

Screen size is a personal preference. However the 13 inch air has an additional usb slot and a SD card slot. Some say it has a higher battery capacity but I'm more of a macbook pro user so I can't confirm that.
Also where did you read about the i7 causing issues?

Alot of reviews saying that the i7 uses more power and results in a warmer chasis

----------

I don't think you would really need wireless storage...especially since your 13, i know money is tight (I'm 14, lol ) If you have enough money, i guess it would be nice to have, but defiantly not a need. Ive never found myself wanting it...128GB is bigger than you think...ive had my iMac for a year and I've used only 108GB not caring what i leave or put on it (it has a 1tb HD) So I'm not too worried about filling up my MBA. That said, i do watch the size of files I'm putting on it.

ok so should I get low end 13' late 2010, high end 11' 2010, or low end 13' 2011,
I really like 13' and 11' screen, I have tried out both (I currently have 11) but i cannot decide on which one to pick

----------

Do you have anger management issues?

That's a joke related to a thread in the MBP forums about another kid wanting a MBP...

Anyway, I rec the 2011 MBA 11" 1.6/4/128

ok thanks for the reply, 5 votes for high end 11' 2011

 

[johnfinn68]

I would not consider another 2010 MBA, the 2011 chips and chipset blew the 2010 MBA (and MBP) out of the water.

The 11" and 13" 2011 MBA with 4GB RAM and the i5 processor are nearly the same in performance, so the choice is yours.

No one knows when the 2012 MBA will be out, but if Intel releases the Ivy Bridge (a die shrink of the current CPU) in the first quarter of 2012, I'm sure Apple will be tossing out new models in the second and third quarters of 2012.

All that said, when you finally do get cash in hand for your current MBA, that will be the deciding factor in what you will buy. Trust me; everything will change between now and then.

 

[mac26]

I would not consider another 2010 MBA, the 2011 chips and chipset blew the 2010 MBA (and MBP) out of the water.

The 11" and 13" 2011 MBA with 4GB RAM and the i5 processor are nearly the same in performance, so the choice is yours.

No one knows when the 2012 MBA will be out, but if Intel releases the Ivy Bridge (a die shrink of the current CPU) in the first quarter of 2012, I'm sure Apple will be tossing out new models in the second and third quarters of 2012.

All that said, when you finally do get cash in hand for your current MBA, that will be the deciding factor in what you will buy. Trust me; everything will change between now and then.

thanks for the help, now my main question is 11' high end or 13' low end!
can you guys give me your input I like 13 because of battery life and sd card slot. What do you guys think?
Thank you all in advance!

 

[Robyr]

That is your choice. Do you want to have portability in the extreme or a larger display? For me portability above all was paramount. For you this may be different. I also enjoy owning the smallest Mac.

 

[mac26]

That is your choice. Do you want to have portability in the extreme or a larger display? For me portability above all was paramount. For you this may be different. I also enjoy owning the smallest Mac.

I can't decide other than 2 more hours of battery life and an sd card slot
What should I do guys?
Thanks for the reply!

 

[Robyr]

To me, the SD card slot would be an afterthought. I'd use it about as much as I'd use an optical drive.

Battery life boost would be cool, but I find the 11" has plenty of life in it, and I augment that with my phone and tablet.