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

[emess]

Air11

For me, the answer is a simple one, and the same reason the iPad has been so successful: it's a perfect 'Grab & Go' form factor.

Unlike a full-sized notebook the Air11 is pefectly-sized to carry under under one arm while walking around the house with a cuppa! - I actually ended up selling my iPad2 due to the much-improved email & web-surfing.

(but it's ok, I used the money to buy a 'New iPad'...)



I did look long & hard at buying a 13", but the Air11 has the sheer sex appeal that nothing else really comes close to, and to be honest we don't buy Apple gear purely for it's functionality do we...?

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Oh, and if it's a Wishlist post - I would really like to see a black bezel on the next model - better to see the screen against!

 

[joshuaginter]

Use the 11" with the TBD. Great screen real estate at home and I can deal with the smaller screen on the go in exchange for the weight and portability.

I originally had the 11" with TBD. But battery life just didn't seem to cut it. Went to the 13" Pro and now I'm looking back at my decision. I wonder if the Ivy Bridge update will bring the 11" battery up to about 7 hours? That will really make me consider switching back.

 

[mjcharlton71]

A year ago I started "the switch"....

I had a brief flirt with a Mini when they first came out, but could not really live with it at the time, mainly due to work requirements. On the whole though, I was WinAMD (sometimes WIntel) to the bone.

Last summer I get an iPad 2' after I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket and a need for a new toy.... A few weeks later I got the top end 2011 Mini and slowly the PC love ebbed away. I still had the gaming beast PC hooked up to the same monitor as the Mac, but it didn't get much use. My WIntel laptop didn't get used at all at that point, so I binned it, figuring the iPad would do me.

Another couple of months down the line I bin the PC completely, get rid of the Mini and buy a 27" iMac.... I get the nagging feeling in the back of my mind that the iPad restricts my way of doing things though, so in March this year I plumped for the 11" Air 4/128, which since then has never left my side!

I don't know what it is, size/looks/speed/usability, but I just can't keep my hands off the little cutie.... I carry a MiFi router around with me, so I'm connected pretty much wherever I am, and with remote access to home and work, I'm set for anything.

A couple of the guys I work with have the 13" Air, but after having a heft of it and trying it round the office for a bit, I just keep going back to the baby Air.... The big one just feels "big" to me, whereas I kind of forget the baby is there until I use it.

Of course, everyone's mileage may vary, but for me personally, the killer combo of iMac, baby Air and iPhone outweighs any perceived advantage my Windows loving family, friends and colleagues might think they have.... The way I see it, the Mac and OS X just gets out of the way and let's me get on with what I want to do, with the baby Air amplifying that sentiment measurably.

 

[NutsNGum]

I originally had the 11" with TBD. But battery life just didn't seem to cut it. Went to the 13" Pro and now I'm looking back at my decision. I wonder if the Ivy Bridge update will bring the 11" battery up to about 7 hours? That will really make me consider switching back.

I'm wondering about this also. If the battery life decides to shoot back up and the screens in the Airs get an upgrade, even just to current MBP standards, then I'll be getting an 11" again. The screen really was the main factor that killed the Air for me.

I had several and they were of hugely variable quality. Two made my eyes ache/stream after minutes using them, and one was a joy, but I sold it for the 17" Pro. And now, I'm considering sticking that on eBay in anticipation of the new Pros due at WWDC.

 

[joshuaginter]

I'm wondering about this also. If the battery life decides to shoot back up and the screens in the Airs get an upgrade, even just to current MBP standards, then I'll be getting an 11" again. The screen really was the main factor that killed the Air for me.

I had several and they were of hugely variable quality. Two made my eyes ache/stream after minutes using them, and one was a joy, but I sold it for the 17" Pro. And now, I'm considering sticking that on eBay in anticipation of the new Pros due at WWDC.

Do you think the Acer announcement today may be an indication of what to expect for battery life on the 2012 MacBook Air? They are quoting 9 hrs battery life for their 11.6" S7 (see here)

If 9 hrs is what Apple will offer, I may have another computer for sale

 

[entatlrg]

For me, the answer is a simple one, and the same reason the iPad has been so successful: it's a perfect 'Grab & Go' form factor.

Well said, and that's the reason my Mac Pro with dual ACD's in my office doesn't get used much, nor does my 17" MBP. I don't like to work in an office or one set place for too long so I move around a lot and even though it's an 11" screen I get design and engineering work done on the go. Sure the larger displays aid in productivity but since my 11" is with me always and wherever and whenever I'm in the mood or frame of mind to do design work I just flip it open and start working.

I just got a Henge Dock to use my Air with a TBD for when I want to work at a desk and not have to switch computuers unless I'm doing heavy lifting tasks. With my Mac Pro as a work horse/server and my 11" for everything else it's time to sell my 17" I think.

11" is the best laptop I've owned so far, the 13" Air was my favorite before that. My wife uses the 13" Air and every so often I'll try it thinking I should switch back to gain some screen real estate but i quickly realize something about the 11" has me hooked

 

[KohPhiPhi]

The 11" is very sexy, but it is too limited because of the screen and the battery. All in all, the 13" is a MUCH better balanced machine all around, and thus a better choice in the long run once the lust for the 11" has worn out.

 

[sarah11918]

The "Grab and Go" factor is key. The 11" fits in my regular purse. Game over.

 

[MassTownie]

Killing me!

You guys are absolutely killing me...as I am torn on what to purchase next week! Love the 11, probably need the real estate on the 13...however, now considering adding a monitor to compensate either way!

 

[entatlrg]

The 11" is very sexy, but it is too limited because of the screen and the battery. All in all, the 13" is a MUCH better balanced machine all around, and thus a better choice in the long run once the lust for the 11" has worn out.

In theory you are correct, in reality you won't pry the 11" from my hands.

I've used the 11 inch since it was launched and have bought many 13 inch Airs for my staff so I have the opportunity to use a 13 inch when I want but no, the lust hasn't worn off yet and it's a long time running.

 

[spangenberg]

Do you think the Acer announcement today may be an indication of what to expect for battery life on the 2012 MacBook Air? They are quoting 9 hrs battery life for their 11.6" S7 (see here)

If 9 hrs is what Apple will offer, I may have another computer for sale

I agree with you. Battery life is the only reason I got the 13. But with these rumblings of a refresh across all mac lines to retina displays (PLEASE OH PLEASE!!!) I will have mine up for sale. Considering doing it this week actually......

 

[KohPhiPhi]

I've used the 11 inch since it was launched and have bought many 13 inch Airs for my staff so I have the opportunity to use a 13 inch when I want but no, the lust hasn't worn off yet and it's a long time running.

You tell me again about it when, after only 3 hours of real-world usage, your battery runs out of juice mid-way through a flight.

Here's my question: what is the point of an ultra-mobile device that can't truly go mobile because it runs out of battery in 3 hours?

Conclusion: until Apple improves the 11" MBA's battery life, it's not truly a "grab and go" device... because you cannot actually "go" far with it.

 

[entatlrg]

You tell me again about it when, after only 3 hours of real-world usage, your battery runs out of juice mid-way through a flight.

Here's my question: what is the point of an ultra-mobile device that can't truly go mobile because it runs out of battery in 3 hours?

Conclusion: until Apple improves the 11" MBA's battery life, it's not truly a "grab and go" device... because you cannot actually "go" far with it.

Conclusion: People's needs vary. That's why it's nice Apple offer's both the 11 and 13".

I certainly wish the 11" offered longer battery life.

But, you're kind of missing the point of my OP. Even though the 13" offers a larger screen, more battery life, SD port ETC and may be a more sensible choice .... there's things about the 11" that while they may not be practical, that keep drawing me back . No, it's not the battery life that's drawing me back, it's that super "grab and go" size, I love it. And since it's so handy, for 'me', I've been using it over the 13".

Not trying to argue with you ... just a point of interest.

That being said, my iPad accompanies me on flights as well as my 11" ... 3 hours of work on a plane is more than enough for me, otherwise I'm relaxing watching movies etc. Oh, and I only travel first or business class often I'm able to charge my devices whether I'm flying or on a train.

 

[Sounds Good]

Every time I go into an Apple store or BestBuy to compare these two models, I know that the 13" is better for me due to the larger screen, more usable resolution, etc, etc. Yet I'm always more attracted to the 11" because of the small footprint size and lighter weight. Every time. Not sure which one I'd go with, to be honest.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

We have 3 C2D 2010 11" MBA's

We are so happy with our MBA's, real graphics, fast chipsets, to that we add OWC SSD's 480 GB Flavor, each have 4 GB of Ram, these puppy's fly

 

[Cheffy Dave]

I am so happy with my iPad

The screen on the 11" is bigger,so why wouldn't I be happy with the 11", for two inches, those who aren't , simply need a bigger screen, we all can co-exist, it just depends on what suits your style, that said, the new iPad, the new 11" MBA, just meet our needs across the board. The main point here, if you are happy with the iPads screen you will love the screen on the MBA 11"

 

[Eggtastic]

i have the 11" mba paired with a dell 23" screen.

i specifically bought this combo to act as a desktop / laptop / tablet sized device saving me money and allowing for extra screen real estate.

yes, the one gripe i have is the battery life, and if apple were to nearly double it in the next upgrade i would sell to get the new ivy bridge 11" mba.

aesthetics, of course, is another reason i bought it. i still find myself admiring its awesome design close to a year later.

i also do not mind carrying the downsized power brick around for longer trips anywhere.

 

[Sounds Good]

i have the 11" mba paired with a dell 23" screen.

i specifically bought this combo to act as a desktop / laptop / tablet sized device saving me money and allowing for extra screen real estate.

This is what I'm thinking for myself. I've got a 24" Dell monitor and I work from home and rarely leave the house. The only moving around I do with my laptop is from room to room, couch to kitchen table, to coffee table, etc. BUT... I'm still not sure if I'm better off with the 11" or the 13" Air. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions on the matter, I'm all ears!

 

[evorc]

If your eyes can handle it, 11" is much more portable. I returned my 11" for the 13" cause it kept giving me an eye strain. I couldn't be any happier with my choice. Plus I get more productivity out of the 13".

 

[Sounds Good]

I returned my 11" for the 13" cause it kept giving me an eye strain. I couldn't be any happier with my choice. Plus I get more productivity out of the 13".

That's what I'm afraid of. I might want the 11" in my heart, but in my head I know the 13" is a smarter choice for me overall.

 

[glen e]

This is what I'm thinking for myself. I've got a 24" Dell monitor and I work from home and rarely leave the house. The only moving around I do with my laptop is from room to room, couch to kitchen table, to coffee table, etc. BUT... I'm still not sure if I'm better off with the 11" or the 13" Air. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions on the matter, I'm all ears!

11 MBA here with 27in LG monitor at home. When I un-mount it for the road, I have no problems with the 11 in the hotel room.

 

[Sounds Good]

11 MBA here with 27in LG monitor at home. When I un-mount it for the road, I have no problems with the 11 in the hotel room.

Thing is, I'm the exact opposite of a road warrior so the 13" really does make a lot more sense for me (and it's probably the size I'll end up with). I'm just infatuated with the small footprint of the 11" Air. Kinda crazy, but what can I say?

 

[MassTownie]

Same boat as above--want 11...need 13

 

[RobbyIdol]

Honestly, I think a lot of 13" users would jump ship to the 11" immediately if the battery life issue was taken off the table. I really hope that at WWDC, if nothing else at all, Apple gives a battery life spec bump to the 11" MBA already.

I recently purchased and returned an MBA 13" because while it was a solid machine and I LOVED the battery life it gave me, I just couldn't justify the move away from my 15" MBP for it. (I couldn't believe Apple is so good about offering a refund within the first 14 days!) I feel silly buying and returning so quickly, but I'm waiting for an 11" MBA now with better battery life. Hopefully that comes sooner than later!

P.S. - Are there any comparable 11" ultrabooks/zenbooks/whatever from the Windows camp that offer 7-8 hour battery life while matching (as much as possible) the specs of the current MBA 11"? I have no interest in a cheap Netbook that offers long battery life. I'm buying Apple for a reason, after all

 

[jksu]

just got a 2012 11" mba i7 to replace a 2010 mba c2d. went with a 11" i7/8/256 but after playing with it the past couple days, it's not life shattering... things are slightly "snappier" but the fan seems to kick on more frequently. and battery life is maybe marginally better.

also, maybe i'm getting old, but as much as i love the compact/take anywhere size of the 11", i'm thinking a 13" is really more useful and easier on my eyes -- scrunching over to type for any period of time is rather tiring. and i'm squinting more and more when i'm using it in bed or on the couch -- i'm having to hit control+ frequently to enlarge text...

so i just ordered a 2012 13" i5/8/256, plan to return the 2012 11" mba. not a huge price difference and i'll see if i can give up the cool/sleekness factor but have the practical joy of a bigger screen and longer battery life.