So, Anyone regret getting the 13?

[h00ligan]

seriously? weight? complaining over weight? seriously its a laptop get over it and stop getting picky. lift some weight if your gonna complain about that stuff. Why don't we focus on something that does matter ***cough***the actual hardware ***cough***

There are people who carry a whole lot of gear with them, multiple machines, external devices, photography gear, etc..

Just keep that in mind. 2 lbs is not always 2 lbs.. it's 2 lbs saved on 10 -15 items.

I read the same arguments in photography forums about full frame cameras.. it's only another lb.. and another 1.5 per lens.. etc etc..

Weight adds up, if you are going from a bedroom to a living room - it may not matter much.

 

[MJedi]

I have the 2010 11-inch and I loved the size and portability of it. Also, it was a secondary/travel Mac to compliment my 2007 MacBook Pro. I didn't mind the screen size. However, when the 2011 came out, I decided to go with the 13-inch because it will replace both the MBP and 11-inch MBA. I love the screen size of the 13-inch, and it has the same resolution of my old MBP, so I don't lose anything. It still feels light, and still fits in my bag (with an Incase sleeve, too!) I don't regret it at all.

The hardware specs on both 11 and 13 are almost identical (1.6 Ghz vs 1.7 Ghz) so the screen size, weight and battery are the only differentiating factors in people's opinions. They are both great Macs. It just depends on what each person needs.

 

[KPOM]

Nope, not true.

You even doubt yourself when you said "it sounds crazy."

In no way whatsoever are the ounces between a 11 and 13 MBA noticeable in real life.

Sorry, try again.

Sitting in an economy class airplane seat when the person in front of you is reclining, you might thing differently.

I "regretted" getting the 13" Rev D and wound up getting the 11" later. With the Rev E I went straight for the 11".

That said, I agree it's hard to go wrong with either model. Get whatever works for you. Apple makes two sizes for a reason.

 

[mortenandersen]

More size/footprint than weight

majority of the comments are basically ppl complaining about the weight difference between the two models. To me that is nonsense, if this is an informative forum then I'm pretty sure ppl would like to hear more input on how the computer actually runs rather than if its a couple hundred grams heavier than the other. Just an opinion but by any means if thats the factor that convinces you to buy one then keep knit picking...

Even though the not completely neglible weight difference is of some importance for some people, I think the main reason regarding true portability is the formidable small size of the 11, which makes it a gem with regard to portability: One barely needs to think twice before taking it out of house on a trip. Even more important: It is still a full-fledged Mac.

 

[mac jones]

The real test in Airport travel. I use to lug around a 6 to 7 lbs notebook and hated it. I mean, really hated it.

So these little things are a God send for us.

 

[N!ghtfly]

That said, I agree it's hard to go wrong with either model. Get whatever works for you. Apple makes two sizes for a reason.

That's the point. Everyone should choose what's the best for himself. I am happy with my rev.a and lots of people cannot understand it

 

[montclaire]

I got 11 ultimate and returned for base 13. Can't tell the difference in speed and the 11 was toshi hd, sammy display but 13 is sammy hd lg display. The only thing is- I am more happy with 13 because it's easy on eyes and i get the real work done. 11 was very appealing for portability but i also planning on iPad 3 when it comes out so why do I need 2 similar sized screens. workes very well for me.

 

[Formula1freak]

scratch this post. I returned my 11 for a 13 inch MBA xD haha

 

[sparkhill]

Well, a few days ago I posted that, having owned an 11", I was almost completely sold on the 13". I thought the extra screen real estate more than made up for the increased bulk/size. Having used the 11" since it came out last year, I really under-estimated how much I would miss the smaller form-factor. The 13" went back and I have a shiny new 11" sitting on my desk. The 11 vs 13 debate is all about trade-offs and which one works best for you.

 

[MacLappy]

Had the 13' base macbook air 2010 and was tempted to try the 11" this time around just because it looks so small and handy, but i am so glad my wife persuaded me to get the 13" as i was having some trouble with the smallish words on the 11". (Yes i know that you can increase the size of the font which in fact, i did. Also i have safari set to display all webpages at 135% which fits perfectly on the 13" while displaying most web pages without having to scroll sideways.) It is so good to be able to work away on this 13" baby without having to wear my glasses even for extended periods!

 

[mrklaw]

I went with the 13" as I wanted the screen space of my 15" MBP and more battery life. I accidentally bought the i7 and slightly regret that just in case it uses my battery up a little quicker and plus it was more expensive. But the sales guy brought it out instead of the 13" 256GB i5 and I couldn't be bothered to get him to change it, he'd taken ages already. Also I'm being paranoid about space already, so I probably could have managed with the 128GB..

Clearly from just handling them in the apple store the 11" is really small and light and hits that tipping point where it can almost be carried around without thinking about it, its so small and light. The 13" is only a few ounces heavier sure, but overall its the same size as a 13" MBP only thinner and lighter. So the portability aspect isn't as massively obvious as it is with an 11"

if portability is critical to your needs - get the 11"
if battery and screen space is critical - get the 13"

if you want a bit of both, then get a headache trying to decide but ultimately you'll enjoy either.

 

[ZipZap]

I bought one of the first 25 IBM PCs delivered to Computers Etc in Tysons Corner VA.... Those models did not have floppys as they did not yet exist. I used a tape player and casettes to load software. At the time it was the coolest thing next to the Altair I had.

My MBA 13 is the best laptop I have ever owned. I am 56 and have owned perhaps 25 computers beginning with a dual 360k floppy IBM PC going back to 1980. I owned the 1st Compaq luggable for those of you who might remember this, supposedly portable, sewing machine sized beasty!

Anyway, we have come an astonishing distance since those days!

I owned the MBA 11 for a week and then sent it back. I (personally) couldn't handle the cramped feeling of the 11's screen. It was super small and wonderfully built - an engineering masterpiece. For me it was also quite a novelty/conversation piece to take to coffee shops as people are shocked that it an entire, very competent, computer that is barely larger than a tablet.

However, for me, the 13 is the cat's meow, perfect in more ways than any computer has been for me thus far. I do think the new 13 with backlit keyboard, faster CPU and faster SSD is a nice set of enhancements, making an outstanding computer even more incredible!

Apple can't please everyone (obviously), but if I could ask them to build a notebook just for me I might ask them to build one in between the size of the 11 and the 13!

 

[ArmCortexA8]

I went the 13" / i7 / 4GB / 256GB because I got 10% off, and could not put up with a screen only 11" in size when I still have my iPad 2 as well. Love the MBA, so compact yet so powerful and Samsung SSD which screams along.

 

[lukekarts]

I think it would be hard to regret a 13. The portability is great; more importantly the screen is so more better for every day use.

 

[questioner76]

I completely agree. I owned an 11" that I brought everyday in my briefcase to work for about 8 months and then switched a couple of weeks ago to the 13". The difference in weight and size is dramatic. I love the 13" and I'm able to do much more practical work on it, but I think the portability difference is significant.

With the 11", I hardly noticed it in my briefcase. I could support it in my left hand while navigating or typing with my right for a very long period of time without any strain. I can't do that with the 13". The size/weight combination of the 11" just made it a lot easier to carry and manipulate. The 13" resembles a real laptop much more, whereas the 11" is almost a unique form factor to itself.

On alternatining days, place the 11" and 13" in a lightweight briefcase (one with a single handle, not a shoulder strap), carry them around all day, and then tell me you still don't notice the difference. I was surprised the difference was so noticeable and that is where the "sounds crazy" comment comes from.

 

[macintoshBR]

Differences from 11'' and 13'' ultimate versions:

13'' has better resolution
13'' has 0.58 more pounds (260 grams)
13'' has SD card slot
13'' has longer battery
13'' costs $50 more

Now it's up to you!

 

[YEEZY]

Differences from 11'' and 13'' ultimate versions:

13'' has better resolution
13'' has 0.58 more pounds (260 grams)
13'' has SD card slot
13'' has longer battery
13'' costs $50 more

Now it's up to you!

Good argument, the resolution really sets it off for me since it's hard to find it on any other competing computer at this size.

 

[fkhan3]

Differences from 11'' and 13'' ultimate versions:

13'' has better resolution
13'' has 0.58 more pounds (260 grams)
13'' has SD card slot
13'' has longer battery
13'' costs $50 more

Now it's up to you!

Well said! 13" battery life and resolution was a big factor. Weight difference between 11" and 13" is negeligble for me. I'm sticking to my 13"

 

[katysax]

I really wanted the 13", but I didn't want to wait and the 11" was cheaper too. I'm actually much happier with the 11" than I thought I would be. The screen and keyboard are in a different class from an 11" netbook.

In my work I often have to carry two or three laptops. One has to be a 17" power machine with dual hard drives and lots of connectivity, one has to be an XP machine with SATA connections, and one is for me to use for email, web research, spreadsheets and documents while the other two laptops are processing. The lighter everything is, the better. If Apple comes out with a lightweight 17", and if it can somehow handle SATA and USB 3 (even if through Thunderbolt), then I'm in on that one too. For now I'm kind of glad to have the 11", but the 128 GB hard drive is a bit cramped and I don't even had any music or movies on it.