Undecided on 2010 vs 2011 MBA

[AppleFan922]

Hey guys, I preordered a MBA 13" 256GB 2 1/2 weeks ago, and it still isnt in stock, and it looks like it wont be in stock for a while. I planned on it being my main computer. While waiting, I was thinking about possibly changing it to a 2010 13" 256GB to save alittle money, but the thing that is keeping me from doing it is the fact that it only has 2GB of RAM opposed to the 4 in the 2011. I will be using it for email, office, itunes, and iphoto, nothing to intrusive. What do you guys think? What call would you make in my situation? Thanks for the help!!

 

[LeakedDave]

Hey guys, I preordered a MBA 13" 256GB 2 1/2 weeks ago, and it still isnt in stock, and it looks like it wont be in stock for a while. I planned on it being my main computer. While waiting, I was thinking about possibly changing it to a 2010 13" 256GB to save alittle money, but the thing that is keeping me from doing it is the fact that it only has 2GB of RAM opposed to the 4 in the 2011. I will be using it for email, office, itunes, and iphoto, nothing to intrusive. What do you guys think? What call would you make in my situation? Thanks for the help!!

Personally I'd never get less than 4GB RAM. You *might* be fine with 2GB RAM.

Other than possibly the RAM, the 2010 model is just fine for all those needs.

 

[YEEZY]

You can get by doing all of that with 2gb of RAM. I used a computer that only had 256mb of RAM for years before buying my 2011 13" MBA. If you'd rather save the money, get the 2010 MBA.

 

[aeboi]

go for 4GB, twice the processor performance, backlit KB

 

[h00ligan]

it would be a huge mistake to change it. Be patient, it's a far better machine for not much more money.

 

[calvol]

The 2010 MBA is a great machine and does everything as fast as the 2011 does, except for video rendering or numerical processes that are CPU intensive. Save a bunch of money with the 2010, and get better battery life in light use, cooler operating profile, and better graphics.

 

[Dominus Mortem]

I'm sure they carry the 256gb/4gb/2011 in Mac Stores, have you tried canceling and going to a store instead? Or are you just too far away from the nearest?

I'd highly advise against the 2gb ram version. Lion and even SL take up somewhere around 1.2gb to 1.4gb of ram by themselves. By the time you start using it for anything at all you'll be at that 2gb in a heartbeat. If you want ram for actually using programs you'll need that 4gb. 4gb helps also to future proof your machine from future ram-hungry programs and OS updates.

 

[blairh]

OP, for your needs, 2 GBs is plenty of RAM. But you also will miss out on the backlit keyboard, faster processor, and Lion pre-installed.

Unless you are saving big money, I would stay with the 2011 MBA.