Torn between choices...

I think that the 13" MacBook Air would be good for you

 

I have both the 11 and 13" 2011 models maxed out spec's.. I use them both everyday. I ordered both on release day with the intention of returning the one didn't like .... but I couldn't return either one!

I justified the purchase on the basis the 11" was for travel and situations where I wanted maximum mobility, and the 13", with the better battery life for around the house, home office and my work office. We have Mac Pro's, iMac's and MBP's in our offices as well.

The 11" is more 'fun' to use on the couch, grab and go, it's just so small you can't help but want to pick it up to send a quick email or do a little work.

That being said, the 13" is quite a bit better for getting work done, even surfing, viewing photo's etc. The extra screen size is a huge difference, especially if you're using it for a few or more hours at a time. It's less scrolling, easier to read fonts, (imo) and seems like it could easily be a full time machine / desktop replacement - keep in mind we have Mac Pro's for heavy lifting duties. But I never use the Mac Pro unless I have to do something that requires the power.

The 11" to seems more like a really cool, fun little computer that's a real pleasure to use ... but after a few hours and noticeably more scrolling I feel the 13" is far better.

If I'm working on the 11" and switch over the the 13" the larger screen seems almost liberating, relieving, I notice how much I missed seeing on the screen compared to the 11".

Going from the 13" to the 11" screen seems like a compromise, the 13 never feels that way. However, the 11" is still a machine I use often when sitting around on the couch, but the moment I start doing work or wanting to get things done it's the 13" all the way.

You can't go wrong with either one,

Hope that helps, post back what you end up buying and tell us how you like it!

 

That is a terrific informative, detailed post. To the OP: I have a MBA (13") and it is superb; wonderful for travelling as it is so portable; other plusses are the superb screen resolution and the terrific speed (thanks to the SSD).

Granted, I have been eyeing the 'ultimate' 11" with undisguised interest, but think that the above post gives the pros and cons of each very well. In essence, the 13" MBA gives you most of the advantages of the 11", with a better screen (important if you are working for a long time) and better battery power.

I wish to clear up one misconception which I have seen on a few threads: The MBA is not a 'toy' computer, nor is it simply for those 'executives travel and who [only do] email and do light surfing'. Admittedly, it is not for gamers, or for those who do 'heavy' video editing, but it is a fully functioning computer with a spec that would have been a dream only a few short years ago. I have Office on mine, and, as it is my only computer at the moment, it is worked hard writing reports and papers most days.

Cheers and good luck with it

 

I have been using my 13" 2011 MBA as my only computer for a few months now, and it is working out great. I am going to buy an iMac as soon as the refresh drops, but thats just because I want it. The Air works brilliantly on its own. It is so nice to just grab and bring into university with me, and then have it sat on my desktop all evening. It works out great.
I normally have word, powerpoint, safari, mail, iTunes and maybe a game running and it doesn't lag. Really happy with it.