What is it about the 11" MBA? The 13" ticks more boxes but still want the 11!

[TrollToddington]

Actually, quite a lot of 15" the low-range laptops are sold with resolutions of 1366x768. Our office is full of fliers advertising such laptops. My dieing acer is 15.4" 1280x800. Editing files with Eclipse is tricky. Of course, one can hide the application bar at the bottom to free up some vertical space. Besides, regarding the 11" air, the photos in iPhoto looked twice smaller than a post card.

But, having used a laptop with a similar screen resoluting as the 11" for 2+ years, i do think such limited screen space is doable. Personally, I won't lose much resolution-wise.

 

[macaddict3]

Yea I had the same problem as well, I really loved the 11 macbook air but than after awhile I switched back to the 13 inch macbook air b/c my neck cant handle it anymore and I feel really clastrophobic. It hurts real bad so I dont think I will be going back to the 11 inch any sooner.

 

[rrl]

Such good input to this thread, thanks for taking the time to make the effort!

For someone that created a fluff thread, you're taking yourself too seriously. What did you expect, people to not defend their purchase?

My opinion stands: For the equal-but-opposite reason that I would never buy the 13", there's that group of people that would never buy the 11". The latter group is too practical. The former, too cool. It's personal, as is productivity. Apple did the MBA offerings right this time. But this guy said it best:

Sorry, don't get it.

 

[maclaptop]

Its simple really. Do like I did, get both.

Just be sure you get them with 4GB ram.

 

[nebulos]

Its simple really. Do like I did, get both.

Just be sure you get them with 4GB ram.

wow. you just resolved the entire field of economics:

how to solve the problem of allocating scarce resources?

... just make them un-scarce! duh.

kudos.

 

[bcaslis]

For someone that created a fluff thread, you're taking yourself too seriously. What did you expect, people to not defend their purchase?

My opinion stands: For the equal-but-opposite reason that I would never buy the 13", there's that group of people that would never buy the 11". The latter group is too practical. The former, too cool. It's personal, as is productivity. Apple did the MBA offerings right this time. But this guy said it best:

You original said that some people would never buy the 11" even if it had more resolution. I pointed out that some apps are limited by the current resolution. You seem to think it proves your point, but it does the opposite. I'm saying for some apps you need more resolution and some apps you need more storage. Nothing about that says that if the 11" offered either it would not be a choice instead of the 13". I see no logic in your statements, simply an attitude.

 

[ejb190]

Let me add another perspective. I have owned several laptops - two of them "sub-notebooks".

A Compaq Contura Aero 25/80 & 8" monochrome screen and a bit smaller then the 12" PB - way ahead of it's time.
A G3 PowerBook Wallstreet
A 12" G4 Powerbook 866
Not to mention various Dell's for work...

Frankly, I always found the "full-size" laptops to be burdensome, especially when you add the power supplies, cables, the LCD projector, and everything else you happen to be toting along. Every pound I could get out of my backpack or briefcase was appreciated so I would often trade out my work Dell for my personal PB 12". The 12" was never a good gaming system, but it did plenty of presentations, FileMaker Pro databases, Quicken, web surfing, and letters over the years.

It always seems to come down to trading weight for power and screen resolution. As someone who did a lot of PowerPoint and Keynote, I'll make that trade.

At the end of the day, you're either going to love the 11" MBA or you're going to hate it. It all depends on what you need out of your computer.

 

[rrl]

You original said that some people would never buy the 11" even if it had more resolution. I pointed out that some apps are limited by the current resolution. You seem to think it proves your point, but it does the opposite. I'm saying for some apps you need more resolution and some apps you need more storage. Nothing about that says that if the 11" offered either it would not be a choice instead of the 13". I see no logic in your statements, simply an attitude.

Let's back up for a moment. Why are screens in landscape mode to begin with? Because the CRTs, which were meant for video were. [see: RF modulator] Mainstream computer screens should have mimicked books, newspapers, and documents rather than televisions, but that's not how it played out. So, unconsciously we adjusted to text in landscape. Kind of stupid, really.

Then came the laptop. Well, a landscape display continued to seem logical 'cause the keyboard was wide. Awesome!

And now we have tablets. Finally, a device in the proper book/newspaper/document orientation. But look! You can rotate it to view multi-media! Perfect! My twenty year wait is over! Wait, what? It's gonna run iOS instead of Mac OS X? Genius!

Laptops have always been a compromise, and thus the choice has always come down to personal preference. Please stop arguing that one is better than the other, because as some of us have been trying to tell you, you'd be wrong.

 

[bcaslis]

...
Laptops have always been a compromise, and thus the choice has always come down to personal preference. Please stop arguing that one is better than the other, because as some of us have been trying to tell you, you'd be wrong.

I have no idea what kind of point you think you are making to this thread. Nobody has ever argued that laptops aren't a compromise. You seemed to argue earlier that some will always hate the 11" (for example no matter how much resolution it will be bad). I made the point that depending on what exactly the tradeoff is (storage versus resolution, etc...) that this will change who wants the 11" and doesn't.

If you are going to argue a point, you should actually have a point to make in mind. I have no idea what you think you are trying to say here. You're trying to say it's personal preference? Of course! Nobody here has ever said there is only one "right" answer.

 

[rrl]

I have no idea what kind of point you think you are making to this thread. Nobody has ever argued that laptops aren't a compromise. You seemed to argue earlier that some will always hate the 11" (for example no matter how much resolution it will be bad). I made the point that depending on what exactly the tradeoff is (storage versus resolution, etc...) that this will change who wants the 11" and doesn't.

If you are going to argue a point, you should actually have a point to make in mind. I have no idea what you think you are trying to say here. You're trying to say it's personal preference? Of course! Nobody here has ever said there is only one "right" answer.

Hate is a strong word and I didn't use it, but I am arguing that the 11" brought the MBA to the forefront of a conversation. Remember when the first Air was released? Wasn't there a big consensus that: "Yeah, so what?" I'm saying that would still be the general consensus if Apple only refreshed the 13". Size, weight, and to the OP's point, "invitingness" matter. For me and many others, the MBA is finally where it always should have been.

Now, go back and read the first post.

 

[patrixl]

What company wimax router do you use and what's the monthly fee?

I'm on UQ Wimax with an NEC A t e r m　W M 3 5 0 0 R router. It's a POS really, I keep losing my wifi connection when I have my laptop AND my Android phone(s) connected. But it's so inconsistent, sometimes hours go by before I get an issue, sometimes it happens within minutes.

I only keep it cuz it's fairly stable with just my MBA connected, and because of the amazing 8 hours of battery.

This was plan with no contract, and flat fee for unlimited (actually really unlimited, this is Japan!) data. ¥4490/month. With contract is ¥500 cheaper or something, maybe ¥1000. Can't remember. Device itself was ¥5100, and activation was another ¥2-3000.

Patrix.

 

[kazmac]

nice points

This is interesting to listen to! The reason this conversation is so beat to death is because both machines are SO VERY NICE!

I bought the 11 initially and loved it. But, after a few long sessions using it (4 or 5 hours straight), I began to have serious 2nd thoughts. My eyes just grew tired too fast. I ordered a 13 just to see what I thought. Well, I returned the 11 for the 13 and I am as happy as a clam! If I had kept the 11 it would have been a bit better traveling, but the 13 is pretty compact and light as well.

But, the 11 is maybe the sexiest looking personal computer I have ever seen! But alas, I am 55 years old and I need a little bigger screen. One more thing that I really enjoy more about the 13 is the longer battery life.

Each person has to weigh which factors are the most important to them. It is great that both if the Airs are so great that people labor over the decision as to which is the best for them individually.

Another thing that swayed me. I had a Dell xps m1210 (12" screen) for a couple years (in my PC days) and it was my favorite Windows PC of all times. However, when I got another laptop I went to a Dell 17. I only enjoyed it for about 1 month - it was too darn big, hot and heavy. It was at that time I went to a white MacBook and fell in love with Macs. As of rt now in my business I have access to iMac 27, MBP 17, MBP 15, MBP 13' MBA 13 and iPad 2. Right now I am traveling so am writing this on iPad 2. The MBA 13 is with me on the trip and will be pulled out when I get serious about working!

Honestly, the MBA 13 is the machine that I use 90% of the time when I am working. The iPad 2 is what I use when I am just relaxing or responding to email.

I hardly use the iMac 27 because I hate sitting at a desk. Once in a while when I am working late in the home office I will sit in the recliner with the MBA 13 as primary and connected to the MBP 17 as a 2nd display via Air Display.

Each person has to work thru their own requirements . I think it is great apple has so many great machines to choose from and work with.

Wonderful post.

If and when I decide to go back to a Mac laptop it will be a Macbook Air 13".

(I'll use external perpherials since ab fab MBA 13" was murder on my bad wrists - returned it).

I tried the 11" MBA and had the same issues you did with the brightness/eye fatigue (and I did everything one could do to adjust the brightness). It's a fanastic little laptop, I know why people love it, but like you, I'm much more comfortable with the 13".

The Macbook Airs are amazing machines, I look forward to owning one some day. In addition to the wrist issues, I couldn't justify a owning perfect 21.5 2010 iMac and a 13" MBA (2 computers to upgrade/maintain etc.), so for now it's an iPad2 and the iMac.

But the Air as a primary machine? One day.

I think it's great that folks love and use the 11.6" and the 13". Apple hit a home run with the Air.

I look forward to seeing what comes next.

 

[J&JPolangin]

I'm on UQ Wimax with an NEC A t e r m　W M 3 5 0 0 R router. It's a POS really, I keep losing my wifi connection when I have my laptop AND my Android phone(s) connected. But it's so inconsistent, sometimes hours go by before I get an issue, sometimes it happens within minutes.

I only keep it cuz it's fairly stable with just my MBA connected, and because of the amazing 8 hours of battery.

This was plan with no contract, and flat fee for unlimited (actually really unlimited, this is Japan!) data. ¥4490/month. With contract is ¥500 cheaper or something, maybe ¥1000. Can't remember. Device itself was ¥5100, and activation was another ¥2-3000.

Patrix.

Thanks for the info, I need to find a good reasonable price on an iPad sim card (the AT&T international rates are a joke)!

We have a bunch of free wifi hot spots on the bases so my laptops are fine with those but the iOS devices don't play well with them and the ISP doens't really seem to care to want to fix that connectivity...

 

[Henry Spencer]

Let's back up for a moment. Why are screens in landscape mode to begin with? Because the CRTs, which were meant for video were. [see: RF modulator] Mainstream computer screens should have mimicked books, newspapers, and documents rather than televisions, but that's not how it played out. So, unconsciously we adjusted to text in landscape. Kind of stupid, really.

Then came the laptop. Well, a landscape display continued to seem logical 'cause the keyboard was wide. Awesome!

And now we have tablets. Finally, a device in the proper book/newspaper/document orientation. But look! You can rotate it to view multi-media! Perfect! My twenty year wait is over! Wait, what? It's gonna run iOS instead of Mac OS X? Genius!

Laptops have always been a compromise, and thus the choice has always come down to personal preference. Please stop arguing that one is better than the other, because as some of us have been trying to tell you, you'd be wrong.

Wow, I think this is really interesting but i don't agree with you. I think the wider screen is the best option, I don't know why... You say you read from your iPad while it's in the same orientation of a page... I NEVER do that, I much prefer the wide orientation... So I guess it's comes down to some kind of unconscious preference... And maybe it's the same thing that make me comfortable on a 11" macbook air...

 

[patrixl]

Thanks for the info, I need to find a good reasonable price on an iPad sim card (the AT&T international rates are a joke)!

Welcome to Japan, where only a few weeks ago did DoCoMo started offering sim-only plans without having to buy a phone along with the SIM, and their rules are a joke and no employee/store agrees on how to implement them and how much it will cost (it will all end up costing a lot).


Best to get yourself a 3G, Wimax or 4G wifi modem of some kind to tether your ipad, laptop, etc. One plan, one device, and many are foreigner-friendly without all the headaches that come with the phone/iPad data plans.

 

[jhatz]

I'm on day 4 with my new ultimate 11" and I'm loving this thing. The 26:9 is weird at first but the size, like everyone is saying is great. I haven't found anything thy bothers me in the wide screen aspect ratio or just the sheer smaller screen size. I used to have the black book 13.3" and loved it but the ability to do thing like pick up my laptop and hold it opened hanging in my hand as I glance out the window or walk onto the other room is funny and a great effortless feeling. It feels like a toy bc of the weight but still a very quality product and not chincey.

I'm response to the poster about how the screen ratio has gone in the wrong direction, you also need to take into consideration video games. It's better, and I think most would agree that a wide angle screen vs a 4:3 is superior. Not everyone just readdddds on a computer. Video games, movies, picture editing, etc is all great in 16:9.

That's my $0.02

 

[rrl]

Wow, I think this is really interesting but i don't agree with you. I think the wider screen is the best option, I don't know why... You say you read from your iPad while it's in the same orientation of a page... I NEVER do that, I much prefer the wide orientation... So I guess it's comes down to some kind of unconscious preference... And maybe it's the same thing that make me comfortable on a 11" macbook air...

I'm a big fan of the Reader function in the Mac OS X Safari. Do you use that? When it's not available, I usually try to zoom-in to simulate it. But I also spend a significant amount of time reading web pages in landscape mode on a 800x480, 3.5 inch screen. Conversely, I read books in portrait. Go figure.

 

[letoast]

My interest in the 11" stems from fond memories of my two favorite computers that I've owned: 12" PowerBook, and a Sony Vaio P. Wonderful little machines that I wouldn't hesitate to take anywhere (especially the Vaio P, of course). They were each my only machine at the respective time. It's so liberating to be able to whip out a little notebook for a moment, with little drama.

The 13" MBA and the MB/MBP aren't nearly as compatible with my usage style.

 

[peapody]

My interest in the 11" stems from fond memories of my two favorite computers that I've owned: 12" PowerBook, and a Sony Vaio P. Wonderful little machines that I wouldn't hesitate to take anywhere (especially the Vaio P, of course). They were each my only machine at the respective time. It's so liberating to be able to whip out a little notebook for a moment, with little drama.

The 13" MBA and the MB/MBP aren't nearly as compatible with my usage style.

I had the 11" air and the 12" powerbook...Loved the powerbook so much more than the air. The air was simply too small for me.

I have been really wanting to pick up the 13". Great at everything.

 

[nebulos]

one awesome thing about the 12" PB, which i had for a while: it was square.

 

[Funkymonk]

Its simple really. Do like I did, get both.

Just be sure you get them with 4GB ram.

Lol. reminds me of the quote "a fool and his money are easily (or soon?) parted"

 

[letoast]

I had the 11" air and the 12" powerbook...Loved the powerbook so much more than the air. The air was simply too small for me.

I have been really wanting to pick up the 13". Great at everything.

Fair enough... but considering how much I liked the puny Vaio P, I shouldn't have an issue with that

 

[yuanmoons]

Yes, the 11" is definitely an awesome notebook.

I'm looking for a 'main machine'.

For the long hours I'm on a computer and the type of work I do the 13" is the sensible choice, you get a noticeable amount of added screen real estate which I appreciate.

Yep. I found this to be true. 11" = awesome, but the screen feels restrictive for extended usage in a home or fixed / settled environment - i found i preferred a bigger screen. I use my laptop on my lap most of the time so the combination of a small screen and a downward viewing angle of the 11" starts to become uncomfortable.

But we all have different requirements & preferences. For me, the 13" would have to be the main & only machine as i dont want to manage 2 machines, its just unnecessary complication.

 

[torbjoern]

For someone that created a fluff thread, you're taking yourself too seriously. What did you expect, people to not defend their purchase?

I think TS is in buyer's remorse, and would like some support on having purchased the 11".

My opinion stands: For the equal-but-opposite reason that I would never buy the 13", there's that group of people that would never buy the 11". The latter group is too practical. The former, too cool. It's personal, as is productivity.

Not to forget those who are going to use it as their only Mac and primary computer.

 

[2IS]

I'd have been sold on the 11" if it didn't have nearly 4" worth of bezel. I currently have a 13" MBA and I really hope the next true redesign addresses the bezel issue. I'd love to have a 13" screen on a MBA that has the footprint of the 11" That's really the only thing that will get me to upgrade my MBA. Sandy Bridge refresh is nice, but not reason enough for me to upgrade.

For those 13" owners who are bothered with the fan noise, you really should check out coolbook. I've been running it since I first learned about it and its been fantastic. Battery lasts longer, MBA runs a lot cooler and fan speed has NEVER hit full speed since I started running it.