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Experiences owning both the 11.6" and 13.3" -- Impressions and Review
- Thread starter WardC
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I have this combo and it seems to work well.
The 17" (referred to as the Big Mac, the Big Apple, or the Big Easy, depending on my mood) handles the heavy lifting, VMs, sales demos, development, etc.
The 11.6" (referred to as Mini Mac, Jimmy Mac, or Slip Mac) fits into the side pocket of my work notebook, and I take it with me when I am meeting with clients and just need something to review notes or do quick lookups. Of course, easier to use on planes.
+1
even though i loved how small the vaio p was.
even used it as a primary for awhile
I'm not the person who posted it, but i did own a 13" air and a 13" pro. To me, the 13" air isn't that much more portable than the pro and you lose lots. When you're using the machine, you don't notice the weight difference nor the thinness. When your carrying, you need a bag and case that are just as big.
iam not sure why someone would pick a 13 pro over the 13 air. similar c2d. air has a higher res screen. i am interested in seeing if apple removes the optical drive from the 2011 mbp line and if they use ssd.
i dont think owning both 11 and 13 air is ridiculous.
8 GB RAM option and a slightly faster CPU. Add an SSD and it's a great machine for heavy duty tasks. Simple as that. Oh, I forgot the backlit keyboard... It's a beauty.
Many great reasons. Also, cost, and really, the 13" mbp is not THAT much heavier or thicker than an air.
After 3 weeks of constant research I finally did the smart thing, bought one to try it out. 
I've spent the last 3 days playing with the 11" Macbook Air. Speed isn't an issue at all, it's comparable to my 17" Macbook Pro in everyday tasks. I wanted to see if I could get used to the screen. Unfortunately, I couldn't. The vertical height started annoying me after a while. It's just too short to browse the web, research and write long documents. The widescreen was too distracting for me. I LOVE the form factor and really wanted to like this laptop but ultimately had to be a little practical. It IS droolworthy that's for sure and since I am always on the road it would have been a good size to keep with me. If I had another machine as a main computer things could have worked but as it stands, I'm not sure I can be productive on it.
I did the next obvious thing. Bought a 13" Macbook Air as well and it just arrived. I'm typing this post on the bigger brother and it's a fantastic computer. The extra screen size and resolution really makes a difference. I also think the keyboard is a little different. There is more travel on the keys on the larger version.
The 13" does seem HUGE compared to the little one. I know, it shouldn't, but it does. It's also not as 'sexy' or lust inducing as the 11" version but, for me, practicality has to rule and I just don't think I could write and edit long documents on the smaller laptop.
I've got both machines right here so if anyone wants pictures or has questions feel free to ask, I'm putting them both through the paces just in case I change my mind. I have the 1.4/2/128 (11") and the 1.86/2/128 (13"). I would have liked to go up to 4GB on the 13" but the difference to me was going to be USD 200. Amazon doesn't have the 4GB model, MacMall and Apple charge tax in CA and at that range, I'd rather keep the 2GB version and sell it a year down the road to upgrade again. I opened up every application, edited photos, had mail running you name it - with no slowdown - and I'm not too worried about future proofing.
The way I see it, I'll just hide the 11" (or return it) and anytime I think the 13" is too big or not as portable, I'll keep it next to the 17" Macbook Pro and feel reassured ... It's still tiny, very portable and once open .. the screen is gorgeous. The extra inch, 16x10 and higher resolution makes a huge difference.
Apple porn on my table right now. 2009 unibody Macbook Pro 17", 11" Macbook Air, 13" Macbook Air and 2 iPhone 4's. Gotta love it!
eV
I've spent the last 3 days playing with the 11" Macbook Air. Speed isn't an issue at all, it's comparable to my 17" Macbook Pro in everyday tasks. I wanted to see if I could get used to the screen. Unfortunately, I couldn't. The vertical height started annoying me after a while. It's just too short to browse the web, research and write long documents. The widescreen was too distracting for me. I LOVE the form factor and really wanted to like this laptop but ultimately had to be a little practical. It IS droolworthy that's for sure and since I am always on the road it would have been a good size to keep with me. If I had another machine as a main computer things could have worked but as it stands, I'm not sure I can be productive on it.
I did the next obvious thing. Bought a 13" Macbook Air as well and it just arrived. I'm typing this post on the bigger brother and it's a fantastic computer. The extra screen size and resolution really makes a difference. I also think the keyboard is a little different. There is more travel on the keys on the larger version.
The 13" does seem HUGE compared to the little one. I know, it shouldn't, but it does. It's also not as 'sexy' or lust inducing as the 11" version but, for me, practicality has to rule and I just don't think I could write and edit long documents on the smaller laptop.
I've got both machines right here so if anyone wants pictures or has questions feel free to ask, I'm putting them both through the paces just in case I change my mind. I have the 1.4/2/128 (11") and the 1.86/2/128 (13"). I would have liked to go up to 4GB on the 13" but the difference to me was going to be USD 200. Amazon doesn't have the 4GB model, MacMall and Apple charge tax in CA and at that range, I'd rather keep the 2GB version and sell it a year down the road to upgrade again. I opened up every application, edited photos, had mail running you name it - with no slowdown - and I'm not too worried about future proofing.
The way I see it, I'll just hide the 11" (or return it) and anytime I think the 13" is too big or not as portable, I'll keep it next to the 17" Macbook Pro and feel reassured ... It's still tiny, very portable and once open .. the screen is gorgeous. The extra inch, 16x10 and higher resolution makes a huge difference.
Apple porn on my table right now. 2009 unibody Macbook Pro 17", 11" Macbook Air, 13" Macbook Air and 2 iPhone 4's. Gotta love it!
eV
Well, compared to the 11.6" MBA the 13.3" MBP feels like a ton of laptop. But the weight is worth it.
Compared to the 11" even the 13" MBA feels like a 'ton' and a real laptop. I wonder if its the screen resolution when opened, makes the actual computer look big. I had the same decision last year between the 15" MBP and the 17" MBP. In store it seemed HUGE but when you close it, the 17" is only about an inch wider in both dimensions.
eV
eV
Something about the widescreen on the 11.6" makes it very appealing to me. Probably because I'm used to the dimensions of my 27" ACD.
Whether the 13 inch MBP is or is not preferable to the 13 inch MBA requires examination of two issues, basic ease of use and expandability. The MBP will accept up to 8GB or RAM and as large a disc drive as your pocketbook can accommodate. In stark contrast, the MBA is not expandable at all. Both its RAM and flash memory are soldered to the logic board. Thus, for those who want a hugely powerful 13 inch Macbook and are willing to pay for it, the 13 inch MBP, upgraded with 8GB of RAM and a large SSD, is the clear choice.
The more interesting comparison, to me at least, is between the entry level 2.4GHz 13 inch MBP and the 13 inch MBA. Although the MBA is more expensive than the entry level MBP, its flash storage make it lightning fast. Further, the MBP is 50 percent heavier and, on average, twice as thick as the MBA. I admire the 13 inch MBP, my grandson has one and loves it, but for those of us who place a premium on ultra lightweight and slimness, the MBA is the only game in town.
As is always the case, the choice between the 13 inch MBP and the MBA depends on what your priorities are. It seems to me that anyone who claims that the choice is clear cut hasn't been paying attention.
The more interesting comparison, to me at least, is between the entry level 2.4GHz 13 inch MBP and the 13 inch MBA. Although the MBA is more expensive than the entry level MBP, its flash storage make it lightning fast. Further, the MBP is 50 percent heavier and, on average, twice as thick as the MBA. I admire the 13 inch MBP, my grandson has one and loves it, but for those of us who place a premium on ultra lightweight and slimness, the MBA is the only game in town.
As is always the case, the choice between the 13 inch MBP and the MBA depends on what your priorities are. It seems to me that anyone who claims that the choice is clear cut hasn't been paying attention.
While the RAM is soldered, the flash memory is just held by a torx screw. It can be upgraded, in theory, once drives small enough come out.
After reading a lot of these posts, i think its pretty clear a lot of you guys need to sign off MR and go hit the gym. The difference in size/weight between the 11" and 13" air is very minimal to me. Some of you are acting like its the difference between a brick and a feather. I was going to get the 11" but id rather have a better battery life, better screen resolution and faster processor. And for that i could give up .6oz of weight and 1.7" in size.
LOL--Think before you speak!! We have both one for me one for my wife... 11 and 13, both of both worlds
Actually you are wrong, I have both and am here to tell you the 13" feels atleast twice the size as the 11"...!!
spoken by someone who has never had to deal with business traveling.
and the faster processor comment is funny...like your going to do any work where you will see a real time difference.
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I have to disagree. It's not that I can't pick up my MBP, but when you lug a laptop to and from the office everyday, and take that laptop on trips 3-4 times per month, 2-2.5 pounds makes a HUGE difference.
Mr. Buckwheat, do i know you or something? It seems to me that you know a lot about me and my needs...and because I dont travel on "business" my opinion is not valid? I travel to and from school almost 3-4 days a week and take my laptop with me everywhere. Im guessing the novelty of your 11" has run dry and you are wishing you had gotten the 13"...right?
I wasn't talking about the difference between the macbook pros and either of the airs. I had a 13" pro before this 13" air and the difference if definitely there and noticeable. What im talking about are the people who make out the .6oz difference between the 11" air and the 13" air like a brick and feather. Its really not.