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Need help choosing a MacBook Air!

Robyr said:
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.
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Thanks for the post
I use sd cards a lot because I do a lot of photography (hence why I use aperture, Photoshop, and iMovie) So that would be really helpful not having to take an adapter, and for battery it would be good for trips I take every 6-9 months.
and another question should I try for a 2012 MBA 11' low end
because that MBA will come around July, and it will be the same cost as a high end 11' 2011 or a 13' low end 2011.
hear the MBA will have 1.8GHz intel i5 ivy bridge and come with 4gigs of ram standard as well as 128gb of flash instead of today's low end that is 1.6sandybridge/2gb ram/ 64gbb flash
Anybody's thoughts?
 
also to add on to my last comment I think a late 2010 13' would be good as well because:
1. my current air is o.k. with photoshop, aperture, etc.

2.a 0.43GHz more powerful processor, double the storage, 2+ hours of battery, an SD card slot, and more real estate would still be a big leap from a base 11' 2010.

3. since it would be more affordable I would be able to get a used Canon XS DSLR as well (which would help my photography as I am currently using a Canon SX20is point and shoot!)

What do you guys think?
 
mac26 said:
also to add on to my last comment I think a late 2010 13' would be good as well because:
1. my current air is o.k. with photoshop, aperture, etc.

2.a 0.43GHz more powerful processor, double the storage, 2+ hours of battery, an SD card slot, and more real estate would still be a big leap from a base 11' 2010.

3. since it would be more affordable I would be able to get a used Canon XS DSLR as well (which would help my photography as I am currently using a Canon SX20is point and shoot!)

What do you guys think?
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While the clock on the 2010 processor is higher, don't translate that to a more powerful processor, 2011 wins hands down.

That being said, I can vouche for using a 2011 11" as my main computer. I do mostly iOS/Mac/Physics software development, with some minimal graphic design.

In my mind the biggest trade offs between the 11" and the 13" is portability vs battery (and of course it sounds like the SD slot is important to you) with an external display the higher resolution on the 13" becomes less important. When I go from my extinal to 15" MBP or 11" MBA it doesn't matter I feel cramped either way.
 
seepel said:
While the clock on the 2010 processor is higher, don't translate that to a more powerful processor, 2011 wins hands down.

That being said, I can vouche for using a 2011 11" as my main computer. I do mostly iOS/Mac/Physics software development, with some minimal graphic design.

In my mind the biggest trade offs between the 11" and the 13" is portability vs battery (and of course it sounds like the SD slot is important to you) with an external display the higher resolution on the 13" becomes less important. When I go from my extinal to 15" MBP or 11" MBA it doesn't matter I feel cramped either way.
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I know C2D isn't as fast as i5 but it is faster on the 13' Air which means it still is an upgrade than the 11' 2010 model. So now my question is is 2010 13" a good upgrade from a 2010 11"
Thanks for your input, more input would also be appreciated
 
C2ds and iX series cores have a different architecture. Clock speeds can only be used to compare processors with identical architecture. Otherwise it's worthless. If you are sure that you don't want the i7 processor get the i5 but don't get the c2d.
From what you stated the high end 11 inch with 128 gigs of ssd and an i5 processor should be great. However I still say that you go ahead and get an i7. The hyperthreading and turbo boost are really great and WILL help you get the longest life out of your MacBook air. It should not heat up that much. For every person that complains there are two that dont and say nothing about it. You don't really have a good graphics card on your system so a fast processor would be great.
To break it down for you hyperthreading allows two threads on a processor to run at the same time. Normally only one can run. Thus the os will see four cores (you only have two physical cores but the os can run four threads at the same time so it will show four cores). Why is this advantageous? Normall day to day programs won't need too much clock time. However if you have many at the same time they will pile up on the processor. The processor will not take much time to execute the program so if you have many cores or threads it will be faster.
Let's go away from programming and computers for a bit. You have a carrot and you are chopping it. You are an expert at it so you don't break a sweat. Instead of cutting one carrot at a time and wasting time you could cut two of them at once and save time. This is what hyperthreading is.
Now for the second advantage. Turbo boost. It allows the processor to go run at a higher clock rate temporarily. How would this help? Back to the carrots.
You are going along and cutting two carrots at a time like a boss. However out of nowhere you are ordered to cut 150 carrots. You could do this two carrots at a time at normal pace but you have just eaten and are full of energy. You go cut those carrots faster then you would normally. However you can't do this all the time.
This temporary boost in speed is automatically controlled by the processor itself and will shut down after the load is taken care of or of it heats up too much.
So do you want to cut carrots one at a time or go all out?

Longest post I've ever typed on a mobile device.
 
For what it is worth, the i5 also uses Turbo Boost and is HyperThreaded. Just a bit of info for those that didn't know.
 
mac26 said:
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
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...You didn't list the one that most people recommend...the 2011 high end 11 inch...i wouldn't suggest the 2010 one. very old(processor)
 
macdudesir said:
...You didn't list the one that most people recommend...the 2011 high end 11 inch...i wouldn't suggest the 2010 one. very old(processor)
Click to expand...

I meant the high end 11' 2011 not 2010, just a small mistake :D
which one would you recommend? your input is appreciated
Thanks!
 
mac26 said:
I meant the high end 11' 2011 not 2010, just a small mistake :D
which one would you recommend? your input is appreciated
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I believe i said it already, but ill say it again, :) i highly recommend the high end 11'' 2011...I have this computer and i can say it is all i could ever ask for. Very snappy and it never stutters (except 4k youtube, lol) Not once have i said "argh! this computer is sooo slowww" or "I wish the screen was bigger!!" or "I need more batteryyyyy -_-" and everything else i said about my PC :D Ive never experienced a beach ball either.
 
eagandale4114 said:
C2ds and iX series cores have a different architecture. Clock speeds can only be used to compare processors with identical architecture. Otherwise it's worthless. If you are sure that you don't want the i7 processor get the i5 but don't get the c2d.
From what you stated the high end 11 inch with 128 gigs of ssd and an i5 processor should be great. However I still say that you go ahead and get an i7. The hyperthreading and turbo boost are really great and WILL help you get the longest life out of your MacBook air. It should not heat up that much. For every person that complains there are two that dont and say nothing about it. You don't really have a good graphics card on your system so a fast processor would be great.
To break it down for you hyperthreading allows two threads on a processor to run at the same time. Normally only one can run. Thus the os will see four cores (you only have two physical cores but the os can run four threads at the same time so it will show four cores). Why is this advantageous? Normall day to day programs won't need too much clock time. However if you have many at the same time they will pile up on the processor. The processor will not take much time to execute the program so if you have many cores or threads it will be faster.
Let's go away from programming and computers for a bit. You have a carrot and you are chopping it. You are an expert at it so you don't break a sweat. Instead of cutting one carrot at a time and wasting time you could cut two of them at once and save time. This is what hyperthreading is.
Now for the second advantage. Turbo boost. It allows the processor to go run at a higher clock rate temporarily. How would this help? Back to the carrots.
You are going along and cutting two carrots at a time like a boss. However out of nowhere you are ordered to cut 150 carrots. You could do this two carrots at a time at normal pace but you have just eaten and are full of energy. You go cut those carrots faster then you would normally. However you can't do this all the time.
This temporary boost in speed is automatically controlled by the processor itself and will shut down after the load is taken care of or of it heats up too much.
So do you want to cut carrots one at a time or go all out?

Longest post I've ever typed on a mobile device.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much on that info, so the i5 on a MBA is like a quad core then right? That would be really nice to have with such little weight
O.K. I have decided on High end 11' or low end 13", (both i5), which one should I buy and why? Thanks!

----------
macdudesir said:
I believe i said it already, but ill say it again, :) i highly recommend the high end 11'' 2011...I have this computer and i can say it is all i could ever ask for. Very snappy and it never stutters (except 4k youtube, lol) Not once have i said "argh! this computer is sooo slowww" or "I wish the screen was bigger!!" or "I need more batteryyyyy -_-" and everything else i said about my PC :D Ive never experienced a beach ball either.
Click to expand...

I think I might as well go with the 11" then, but I really wish they had SD slots!
SD is like USB to me! Should I go with 2 more hours of battery, more real estate, and an SD card; or should I go with the same ultra portability I have right now, just a way more powerful MBA
What do you think?
 
macdudesir said:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex&#...skuId=3143905&st=sd card reader&cp=1&lp=4...i know its not the same as just having it, but it could help soften the blow ;)
Click to expand...

I already have 2 sd card adapters, its just annoying carrying it around,
BTW i might be able to get a used high end 11' for 1050 tomorrow and so I have to convince my dad to let me borrow some money (about $250) and pay him back in the long term! Hope it works out! wish me luck convincing my dad, it may be a bit hard!
Thanks!

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iDutchman said:
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!:cool:
Click to expand...

May I ask where you got your ship wallpaper, it's really cool!
 
mac26 said:
I already have 2 sd card adapters, its just annoying carrying it around,
BTW i might be able to get a used high end 11' for 1050 tomorrow and so I have to convince my dad to let me borrow some money (about $250) and pay him back in the long term! Hope it works out! wish me luck convincing my dad, it may be a bit hard!
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I can understand that...and good luck convincing your dad, I know how it is, I've had to do it lol.
 
macdudesir said:
I can understand that...and good luck convincing your dad, I know how it is, I've had to do it lol.
Click to expand...

thanks, Here is my plan:
I have an iPhone 3g that a shop said they'd buy for about $90-100,
I have an Incase sleeve that I will return to Apple to get another $50
I will have my MBA sold for about $750-$800, and then for the rest of the money I will convince my dad to let me borrow until feb. because in Feb. I get my report card, if I get good marks my dad usually gives me about $50-100
 
mac26 said:
thanks, Here is my plan:
I have an iPhone 3g that a shop said they'd buy for about $90-100,
I have an Incase sleeve that I will return to Apple to get another $50
I will have my MBA sold for about $750-$800, and then for the rest of the money I will convince my dad to let me borrow until feb. because in Feb. I get my report card, if I get good marks my dad usually gives me about $50-100
Click to expand...

Sounds good. Make sure you check the Apple Refub site. they tend to have some pretty good prices.
 
macdudesir said:
Sounds good. Make sure you check the Apple Refub site. they tend to have some pretty good prices.
Click to expand...

I did, they don't have the newest gen. of MBAs on it yet here in Canada, but I have found someone on Kijiji (a classifieds site)
Thanks!
 
If you are looking for longevity, don't buy another 2010 model with a C2D processor in it. It was outdated when they released it, and is even more so now.

Therefore the 2011 (or 2012) models are the only real consideration. And as the others say, either 11"/i5/4gb/128gb or the 13"/i5/4gb/128gb if you will be taking it to school etc. as you may find the extra screen real estate crucial away from home - I know I do.
 
hey guys, I have though about it and I might get a base 11 2011 as soon as saturday, the reason being I will just upgrade yearly so I have the latest toys ;)
what are your thoughts on this?
I think it will work well with my setup at home, i'll post pics of it on friday, can you guys also post yours so I can see how it works in your workplace/ household

Thanks in advance!

P.S. this is a stupid question but how do you make signatures on Mac rumors?
 
mac26 said:
hey guys, I have though about it and I might get a base 11 2011 as soon as saturday, the reason being I will just upgrade yearly so I have the latest toys ;)
what are your thoughts on this?
I think it will work well with my setup at home, i'll post pics of it on friday, can you guys also post yours so I can see how it works in your workplace/ household

Thanks in advance!

P.S. this is a stupid question but how do you make signatures on Mac rumors?
Click to expand...

A base 2011 11" would be really stupid, whether you upgrade or not. Why even bother asking a question if you are just going to disregard everyones advice to the contrary?
 
Robyr said:
A base 2011 11" would be really stupid, whether you upgrade or not. Why even bother asking a question if you are just going to disregard everyones advice to the contrary?
Click to expand...

I think if i keep it (2011 base) for 6 months then re-sell it i will get a good deal since the base model that I might buy will only be for $800! (used) then after 6 months I will again resell it for $750 so I only lose $50 in 6 months and then I will have enough money to buy a brand new low end 2012 ivy bridge 11" model.
the 2012 base will probably come with the 1.8GHz ULV ivy bridge processors, 4gb ram standard and 128 flash standard which is ok because before I was going to keep my 2010 model for 6 months, the C2D would be too slow for six more months so why not keep the latest model for now and get the even newer upgraded model in 2012 and keep it for a good 2-3 years since I was going to change in July anyways I might as well keep this for now and re-upgrade when i was planning to initially upgrade
What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks
 
Smart money would say keep your 2010 and suck it up. Seriously, you're what, 14? Its not going to kill you, and will save you a huge amount of grief, money, and time to just save it out and wait it out for the 2012 model you seek.

I wish I had such choices to make when I was a teenager.

*Cue "Why in MY day..." story: When I was your age I had to modulate TCP/IP with smoke signals, and when a modem burnt up, boy was it a problem, but WE LIKED IT.*
 
Robyr said:
Smart money would say keep your 2010 and suck it up. Seriously, you're what, 14? Its not going to kill you, and will save you a huge amount of grief, money, and time to just save it out and wait it out for the 2012 model you seek.

I wish I had such choices to make when I was a teenager.

*Cue "Why in MY day..." story: When I was your age I had to modulate TCP/IP with smoke signals, and when a modem burnt up, boy was it a problem, but WE LIKED IT.*
Click to expand...

The thing is my family friend is selling it to me for only $800 and I can have my MBA sold for $750 by Saturday and I have a shop buying my iPhone 3g for $100 (I never use my iPhone anymore) so when the 2012 model comes out my MBA's value would be $750 opposed to my 2010 one which would be $600, so by spending $50 I keep my Air's value higher than it would be with a 2010 model.
 
mac26 said:
The thing is my family friend is selling it to me for only $800 and I can have my MBA sold for $750 by Saturday and I have a shop buying my iPhone 3g for $100 (I never use my iPhone anymore) so when the 2012 model comes out my MBA's value would be $750 opposed to my 2010 one which would be $600, so by spending $50 I keep my Air's value higher than it would be with a 2010 model.
Click to expand...

Be careful of your logic. I'm not saying its wrong, I'm just saying back when i was 13 (hehe 4 months ago :cool:) I would always find my own logic to think up more money than i actually could ever get. Just let this be a warning ;)
 
macdudesir said:
Be careful of your logic. I'm not saying its wrong, I'm just saying back when i was 13 (hehe 4 months ago :cool:) I would always find my own logic to think up more money than i actually could ever get. Just let this be a warning ;)
Click to expand...

Lol, even if I am not going to get $750 next year i'll at least get $700 which still is $100 more then I would get with the 2010 model
 
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