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Experiences owning both the 11.6" and 13.3" -- Impressions and Review
- Thread starter WardC
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Netbooks are:
1.) Very slow processors and overall response.
2.) Smaller than normal keyboards.
3.) Small, slow quality screens.
4.) Not required, but in normal execution, really poor build quality.
Those of you calling the 11" a netbook but a good one are delusional. It's none of these things. Is it tiny, yes. Call me weird but I thought one of the aspects of a laptop was portability. The logic that the 13" is just so much better is limited. Geez, get an iMac, it will eat the 13" alive. I have both, I know.
1.) Very slow processors and overall response.
2.) Smaller than normal keyboards.
3.) Small, slow quality screens.
4.) Not required, but in normal execution, really poor build quality.
Those of you calling the 11" a netbook but a good one are delusional. It's none of these things. Is it tiny, yes. Call me weird but I thought one of the aspects of a laptop was portability. The logic that the 13" is just so much better is limited. Geez, get an iMac, it will eat the 13" alive. I have both, I know.
This debate that has raged in many thread over whether the 11 inch MBA is or is not a "netbook" would never have occurred if Steve Jobs had not publicly savaged traditional netbooks by saying that Apple would never make a netbook. Now that the 11 inch MBA has hit the scene, though, some posters, still drinking Steve Jobs anti-netbook Kool-Aid, say it couldn't possibly be a netbook because Saint Steve has told us that Apple would never market a netbook. Others, being less sensitive to Saint Steve's pronouncements, say that the 11 inch MBA certainly is a netbook but it is a new and more powerful netbook than existed in the market place when Jobs first spoke about the matter.
What difference does it make, though? I am perfectly happy to agree with those of you who call the 11 inch MBA a netbook, as long as you acknowledge that it is a new kind of netbook. I am equally happy to go along with those of you who say it isn't a netbook, as long as you are using the definition bcaslis set out in the post I have quoted. It all boils down to definition, so both sides are right, it seems to me. Do you want to talk about sound and fury signifying nothing?
We have probably debated issues more trivial than this one at MacRumors but I am hard pressed to remember one.
The problem with calling the 11" a netbook is assumptions. Those who use one sentence to call the 11" a netbook don't qualify that with the differences. Then others come along and see the word netbook and assume it's the same old definition of netbook.
It would be like calling an iPad a Tablet PC. Both are tablets but similarity ends there.
It would be like calling an iPad a Tablet PC. Both are tablets but similarity ends there.
I am actually thinking of taking the 13.3" back to the store because I just like my 11" so much. The processor boost, 2x the flash storage, and the larger screen are nice but the portability and compactness of the 11" model has won me over. I am just trying to figure out if they will give me more at Apple for returning it of if I should just sell it on eBay instead?
It has 2 charge cycles right now...and I bought it on Thursday.
Does Apple refund the tax amount too when you return an item? Because with tax this thing came out to like $1949. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
It has 2 charge cycles right now...and I bought it on Thursday.
Does Apple refund the tax amount too when you return an item? Because with tax this thing came out to like $1949. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
They don't charge tax in my state but I would guess that they have to refund tax. The employees in my store were certain they would charge the 10% restocking. I haven't returned yet but I might today.
Returning it would cost less than selling on ebay. There you will get charged ebay fees and paypal fees and have to get less the new price. Guaranteed it would be a better deal to return even with a restocking fee.
hey i have an idea. How about everyone just not call it a netbook and then people won't get enraged and then start a side conversation that really isn't related to this thread.
It's simple. The word netbook starts wars.
It's like you're asking for it but you really weren't asking for it but in the end....you know you were just asking for it. So i wouldn't recommend not to ask for it unless you really want to ask for it then in that case, what are you asking?
It's simple. The word netbook starts wars.
It's like you're asking for it but you really weren't asking for it but in the end....you know you were just asking for it. So i wouldn't recommend not to ask for it unless you really want to ask for it then in that case, what are you asking?
Okay, I just called my Apple Store. They DO refund tax which is great. So I have to pay the $179.90 restocking fee (10%) but I will get the sales tax back. You are right, I didn't take into account eBay fees plus PayPal fees which would come out to about $90 or more on the sale. Take at least $100 off since it's used and I would be looking at nearly a $200 loss for selling on eBay versus returning it to the store, maybe more.
I purchased it November 4th, so I have until November 18th to return it. I think I might keep it this week and then restore it with the USB key before I return it, I am thinking I might get a MacBook Pro instead as my heavy-duty laptop. I just don't see myself using this 13" model that much since I like the 11" because of it's great portability. The 11" can do everything I need it so and it is simply an easier (to carry) and more fun machine to work with. If I do get a MacBook Pro I will get 8GB of RAM and an SSD so it's as fast (or faster) than the MBA. The MacBook Pro could also serve as a desktop relacement for my work computer, I am using a Mac Mini now at work.
So, I'm excited they refund tax. I would have been out over $300 if they didn't refund the sales tax on this MBA, and it would really suck. Again, I love my 11" dearly, and I just don't see myself using the 13" that much since I am so attached to my 11" already. The 13" was a bit of an impulse purchase. I decided to buy it on a whim one night and went out to the store the next morning. $179.90 isn't too bad for getting to play with this machine for 2 weeks, I've already watched a couple movies on it. Who needs two MacBook Airs anyways? I think the MacBook Pro would be a better full-sized laptop replacement anyways, I think I'll go for the 17".
I have to agree with you on the two MBAs. I got the 13" because I "knew" from having the first MBA that I wanted more screen resolution and storage. Glancing at the 11" in the store I also "knew" the screen was too small.
After using the 13" for a week and taking it back and forth to work (after doing the same for months with the iPad instead of a MBP) I started thinking that 13" isn't really that much smaller than a MBP. Sure it was nice, but what was the advantage other than some weight. I just couldn't decide about the 11" from using it in the store. After reading lots of posts here I decided to take the leap and try it. After a few hours I was surprised. I still want a larger screen and more storage, but I don't NEED them for a portable device. Unless you've actually used one and carried it around I don't think you can appreciate just how much smaller it is than a 13". And for most tasks and programs it feels the same speed as the 13".
After using the 13" for a week and taking it back and forth to work (after doing the same for months with the iPad instead of a MBP) I started thinking that 13" isn't really that much smaller than a MBP. Sure it was nice, but what was the advantage other than some weight. I just couldn't decide about the 11" from using it in the store. After reading lots of posts here I decided to take the leap and try it. After a few hours I was surprised. I still want a larger screen and more storage, but I don't NEED them for a portable device. Unless you've actually used one and carried it around I don't think you can appreciate just how much smaller it is than a 13". And for most tasks and programs it feels the same speed as the 13".
Are you doing any Photoshop work on the 11 by chance? I'm trying to decide if I want to pickup an ultimate 11" for my portable needs, but I would be doing some Photoshop/Aperture work on it on a regular basis. Nothing huge, but definitely converting RAW files and doing basic layered adjustments like contrast, saturation, etc. plus sharpening. If the 11" Max can handle that, it might tip the scales. Otherwise it's the 13 for me.
It can handle it but if you are going to be doing this a lot (especially Aperture) the 13" is probably a better match. The screen is going to be pretty crowded for those tools if you are spending a lot of time in them. I tend to use Lightroom more now that Aperture, however, and I found that OK to use on the 11".
Thanks...When I'm on the road (business or personal) I take a ton of photos and do some processing each day. Right now it's mostly Photo Mechanic and Photoshop, but I do also use Aperture some. I travel a ton (over 100K this year) so the 11 is so appealing, but I hate sacrificing too much for ultra portability. I tried a netbook for a while and quickly grew to hate it (mostly because of perf though which I know the 11" won't be nearly as bad). Sounds like the 13 may be the right balance for me.
I couldn't agree with you more about this...FINALLY someone who agrees with me about the 11"!!! it is a sigh of relief.
I run Photoshop CS3 (yes, CS3, intel native, not CS5) on my Ultimate 11" and it runs perfectly. Very nice and fast, it does everything I need it to. I am impressed. I would assume CS5 would be a bit more bulky, take more time to boot, and not be quite as fast as CS3. I have not tried CS4.
try another store?!
Here in seattle if you are within the 14 day period they WILL NOT charge a restock fee so that sounds strange to me! just say it wasnt fast enough or whatever or go to another apple store if thats a choice. I just think if your not happy they should give a refund within the 14 day period like every other store.
Here in seattle if you are within the 14 day period they WILL NOT charge a restock fee so that sounds strange to me! just say it wasnt fast enough or whatever or go to another apple store if thats a choice. I just think if your not happy they should give a refund within the 14 day period like every other store.
Thanks Ward. Like you, I may have to pickup an 11" and put it through its paces to see if it'll work for me. The stores are great for seeing high level stuff, but if you have specific workflows, sometimes you just have to try it out for a bit.
Where in Seattle is that? My experience at Bell Square hasn't as forgiving as that. Are you talking about Univ. Village?
I ended up with the 13...
I went to Oregon on an errand today and stopped by the Bridgeport Apple Store. I'd been looking at the 11 and 13 for weeks, reading everything I could and still couldn't make up my mind. I talked to two sale persons. The first said that the 11's were more popular, but raised his eyebrows when I said that I wanted to be able to run ACAD LT and CS4 on it in a pinch. I made it plain that this was to be a secondary machine to my 27" iMac.
The second sales person was a business specialist who said that some professionals had brought their 11's back when they tried to push the limited screen real estate too far. i asked which of the builds they had in store and found basically three in each size:
1. the base model
2. the base model with upgraded SSD
3. the "ultimate" (maxed-out) model.
So basically, if you wanted the based processor but 4 GB of RAM, you'd have to order it via a CTO online, which meant that it could NOT be returned to a store. Not good for me, as I wanted to save on our wonderful 9.5% sales tax in WA and ordering online meant I'd have to pay the Man. They had ONE of the 13" maxed-out units in stock. After a couple minutes soul-searching, I ended up with that.
Based on what I'd read in this thread and elsewhere, I think it was a good decision. I'm writing this on the 13 right now, and am pleased with the screen res and weight. I really can't tell that it's sitting on my lap; it's that light. As for the size, it's a little smaller than a legal pad. Not bad.
I saved $171 in tax and even though I paid a lot, I can expense it out on my taxes, so that'll help the bottom line a little. Yeah, I paid $400 more than the 1.86/128/4GB model I wanted, but I would have to pay about $650 for a good 2 1/2" SSD from Newegg so in the end (and to put it in perspective), you get what you pay for and Apple gave what amounts to a little discount in the overall price for the maxed-out system.
Since everyone else has weighed in, I will to: This is a nicely designed, premium ultralight notebook. Use of the word "netbook" to me connotes "cheap". There's nothing cheap about the new MBA's, from the packaging right on down to the power adapter, they're premium and I'm pleased.
Tony
I went to Oregon on an errand today and stopped by the Bridgeport Apple Store. I'd been looking at the 11 and 13 for weeks, reading everything I could and still couldn't make up my mind. I talked to two sale persons. The first said that the 11's were more popular, but raised his eyebrows when I said that I wanted to be able to run ACAD LT and CS4 on it in a pinch. I made it plain that this was to be a secondary machine to my 27" iMac.
The second sales person was a business specialist who said that some professionals had brought their 11's back when they tried to push the limited screen real estate too far. i asked which of the builds they had in store and found basically three in each size:
1. the base model
2. the base model with upgraded SSD
3. the "ultimate" (maxed-out) model.
So basically, if you wanted the based processor but 4 GB of RAM, you'd have to order it via a CTO online, which meant that it could NOT be returned to a store. Not good for me, as I wanted to save on our wonderful 9.5% sales tax in WA and ordering online meant I'd have to pay the Man. They had ONE of the 13" maxed-out units in stock. After a couple minutes soul-searching, I ended up with that.
Based on what I'd read in this thread and elsewhere, I think it was a good decision. I'm writing this on the 13 right now, and am pleased with the screen res and weight. I really can't tell that it's sitting on my lap; it's that light. As for the size, it's a little smaller than a legal pad. Not bad.
I saved $171 in tax and even though I paid a lot, I can expense it out on my taxes, so that'll help the bottom line a little. Yeah, I paid $400 more than the 1.86/128/4GB model I wanted, but I would have to pay about $650 for a good 2 1/2" SSD from Newegg so in the end (and to put it in perspective), you get what you pay for and Apple gave what amounts to a little discount in the overall price for the maxed-out system.
Since everyone else has weighed in, I will to: This is a nicely designed, premium ultralight notebook. Use of the word "netbook" to me connotes "cheap". There's nothing cheap about the new MBA's, from the packaging right on down to the power adapter, they're premium and I'm pleased.
Tony
I myself just picked up a 13.3" as opposed to getting an 11.6" to use with my macbook pro. After trying it out in the store, the 11.6" really did seem like a netbook to me. While I know it can do much more, i couldn't see myself using it for more than checking email and surfing the web. The screen is too small for multitasking such as opening multiple windows side by side for note taking and assignment completion. Coming from an "ultimate" rev C, I had a hard time thinking about which way to go, but for my purposes I needed the extra screen real estate. For most other people it seems like the 11.6" would be just fine.
What I am finding interesting is that the MBA ultimates are replacing macbook pros for some people. What a thought! I guess that is a good thing because I can maybe sell off my Hi-res AG core i5 and gets some moneys back ahha.
What I am finding interesting is that the MBA ultimates are replacing macbook pros for some people. What a thought! I guess that is a good thing because I can maybe sell off my Hi-res AG core i5 and gets some moneys back ahha.
One question to MBA (13") owners:
One of my favorite feature on my mid 2009 MBP is the fast charging time. The 4 circuits system to charge battery allow it to be full really fast (this wasn't the case on my previous 2008 MB, white and unibody).
How that it work on the new 2010 MBA? Is the charging time as fast as the MBP (2009 and above)? Faster? Slower?
Thanks!
One of my favorite feature on my mid 2009 MBP is the fast charging time. The 4 circuits system to charge battery allow it to be full really fast (this wasn't the case on my previous 2008 MB, white and unibody).
How that it work on the new 2010 MBA? Is the charging time as fast as the MBP (2009 and above)? Faster? Slower?
Thanks!
I've had the same maxed out 13 inch MBA that you bought for almost two weeks and love it. I took a bit of a chance in buying it because I wanted it to replace my old MBP, although the MBP has 6GB of RAM and needs it to run all of my apps. For the MBA to really work for me it was going to have to be able to simultaneously run Windows 7 under VMware Fusion in Unity mode, plus a couple of Windows apps and a half dozen OS X apps. I hoped that the MBA's 4GB of RAM in combination with its extraordinarily fast flash storage would get the job done for me and it did. All of my apps are as stable on the MBA as they were on the MBP. Some of them now run even faster and none of them are significantly slower. What's not to like?
Ask for a manager and explain the 13 isn't quite there yet as a the "next generation of macbooks" as advertised (cant run more intensive "heavy duty" apps as well as you'd like) as a result your going to try one of the last generation models (macbook pro).
I'm sure they would have no problem doing an exchange for a macbook pro waiving the restock fee as an act of goodwill, as you are a good customer (buying 2 laptops). Shouldn't be a problem, they really wan't you to be happy with your purchases and usually have no problem accommodating when they can (any manager can easily waive the restocking fee). If you aren't ready to purchase the new one just yet, you could probably say the same thing and explain you intend to make another purchase in the near future.