your vote and why (2010 upgraded 11 vs loaded 13 vs base 2011 11")

B if you want 13", otherwise D.

 

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There is another thread about this.
What will your uses?
We can not pick the best machine without knowing.
How much storage do you need?

 

D.

I would never buy a computer with a C2D in 2012, especially if you want it to last ~3-5 years, or even longer. (And by last, I mean, stay well equipped for all the changes in OS, applications, etc in the future)

But if you need the 13in screen, ~hour or 2 better battery life, and an SD card slot, then go 13in.

 

I know! It's tough for me too. I started a thread with similiarish "problems"

I don't have the spending cap so it's a little easier. I was all set to wait till summer for the refresh but then I saw the deal for the 2010 for 1k at macmall.

My wife has the exact 2010 model and she paid closer to 1800! So even though it's not the newest model the price may be too good to pass up.

 

Go with (B). C2D is fine with 320M graphics, battery lasts longer and runs cooler. Unless your encoding video's or doing numerical processing, this option would serve you well.

 

you forgot (E) none of the above.

either await new Airs in mid-2012 or borrow a couple of hundred bucks and get a new 13" i5.

as someone else mentioned, no point buying a 2010 model.

 

If you're going for the 2010, maybe go for a really cheap one... I did that, went for the base 2010 11" refurb for 649 euro (I think it's $699 in the US).

It's still enough for what I need to do on the road and it left enough money for me to get a nice mini at home Instead of having a souped-up Air that's still not good enough as primary computer. I mainly needed the 8GB of RAM.

Maybe it's not an option for you but I thought I'd mention it. Of course you'll have to live with 2GB ram then, making it almost impossible to keep for a long time.

 

Definitely get D, the 2011 with 4GB of Ram.

2011 Sandy Bridge doubles the Geekbench scores from 2010.
Having Thunderbolt will also increase the longevity and some of the short comings with an Air.

 

I wouldn't recommend buying a CPU as old as C2D, we have had Nehalem, and Westmere since then and we are now on Sandy Bridge, which itself will shortly be replaced.

 

Yeah before you make that decision you really have to know for sure what screen size you want. That can really make all the difference depending on how you will use it.

 

D, what a machine

 

B. 13" has better battery life in addition to screen real-estate. If you don't mind having "old tech" you won't even notice the processor speed difference in ripping videos.

 

For me, I have a MBP that has a backlit keyboard. I also have to use a Lenovo T400 that does not have a backlit keyboard. I used to think it was a gimmick but after using it for some time, the backlit keyboard IS really helpful in low light conditions. But at the same time, for me, it's not a feature that is a MUST HAVE.

I'm not sure if the 11" vs 13" will be a major issue... both are very portable. In terms of hard drive space, you can also always buy a portable external HD if you need.

That being said, I'd probably personally go with the older 13" just because i like the bigger screen

 

I can't go back to a computer without a backlit keyboard.

 

I really like the backlight,
but if you dont want to get the 2011 for whatever reasons (financial, prefer 13", etc) you COULD get something like this.
Hope I helped.

 

The 13 inch air does work on an airplane and I have used it for a couple of hours at a time on a plane. If your spend a whole bunch of time flying while working on your machine then 11 inch might be a better choice.

Aside from working while on an airplane the 13 inch is a superb traveling machine.

If one was fairly large then using a 13 inch while flying could be difficult probably.

 

I am sitting in a completely dark room right now watching tv and I can see my keyboard perfectly fine.

The screen, even set on low, provides ample light for typing in the dark. I have the 2010 13" and would recommend it to anyone!

It has plenty of power for me. I had a windows laptop with a back-lit keyboard before this and, while I used it, it is easy to live without.

 

You notice it when you've had it, then it's gone..

I remember the first time I saw someone in a dim-lit cafe a few years ago using an PowerBook G4 with a backlit keyboard. My reactions were firstly "wow, what's that laptop? it look cool"; secondly "that looks damn useful" and thirdly having found out what it was "that's way too expensive to be worth it..."..

For the last 2 half years I have owned a 13" MacBook Pro Unibody, with backlit keyboard. I guess I thought I didn't use the backlight a lot, or rather I thought I didn't, until I started carrying around an iPad 2, and Bluetooth keyboard.

I got my MacBook when I returned to full-time education. Switching to an IPad and wireless keyboard to weight sake I have found it amazing when working in cafe corners or a library or a lecture theatre or whatever, how I suddenly realise I can't see my keyboard and how much I miss the backlight.....

I think because the way the backlight works, switching itself on and off intelligently and progressively. The subtle engagement of this function is only realised when it's not there anymore. So I think the backlit keyboard is a big deal, especially on a mobile device that you are going to use in less that perfect environments, or places where you can't control the absent light level.

 

If this system was going to be my only computer I'd get a 13 inch. Edited to add that this MBA is my 1st notebook with the backlight, I'll never own another computer without it.

 

Backlit keyboard is absolutely a big deal. I never thought it would be, but after a few weeks of use I can say that it is AWESOME.

 

I like the backlit keyboard it looks good light up at night