MacBook Air i7 (2011) Unboxing and First Look

[Chilla Frilla]

Please tell me the screen comments aren't suggesting that the 13" MBPs are better.

In terms of panel quality, the MacBook Pro displays are better. If you look at a MBP display, no matter which model, and then directly back at the Air, you'll be able to distinguish a difference in color accuracy and viewing angle.

However, I personally wouldn't sacrifice the lower resolution / slightly better display of the 13" MBP over the higher DPI in the 13" Air. It should only really matter to those who, for whatever reason, are deciding on a hi-res 15" / 17" MacBook Pro instead which have a similar DPI value as the Air.

In other words, IF the 13" MacBook Pro had a 1440 by 900 resolution, I'd recommend that over the MacBook Air to those looking specifically for the best quality display.

 

[CubeHacker]

Please tell me the screen comments aren't suggesting that the 13" MBPs are better.

It depends which aspect of "better" you are referring to. The Air's have a higher PPI. The Pro's have better color accuracy and viewing angles. I can't comment on pixel refresh rates between the two, but I would guess they are similar.

So it all depends on which aspect you value more. I would personally never recommend the Air for anyone who needs any kind of color critical work. However as an LCD screen in general, its not half bad, especially considering its thickness.

 

[Chilla Frilla]

Did I miss it, or have you conveniently left the MBA size (11 or 13) out of every title/post?

I had to watch the video to figure out you were reviewing a 13".

The whole title wouldn't fit

 

[Yggbert]

Wait so is the 11" also subject to this screen 'lottery' or just the 13"

This'll make me really paranoid now. I was leaning towards the 13" but I don't want a bad panel. The screen on my MacBook 2010 is pretty beautiful so I don't want it to feel like a downgrade. (despite the resolution bump)

Edit: I posted this in the wrong thread somehow. Doh.

 

[Chilla Frilla]

Wait so is the 11" also subject to this screen 'lottery' or just the 13"

This'll make me really paranoid now. I was leaning towards the 13" but I don't want a bad panel. The screen on my MacBook 2010 is pretty beautiful so I don't want it to feel like a downgrade. (despite the resolution bump)

Edit: I posted this in the wrong thread somehow. Doh.

I'm encountering some screen issues at the moment. I'd hold off right now until we figure out some more information.

 

[Chilla Frilla]

It depends which aspect of "better" you are referring to. The Air's have a higher PPI. The Pro's have better color accuracy and viewing angles. I can't comment on pixel refresh rates between the two, but I would guess they are similar.

So it all depends on which aspect you value more. I would personally never recommend the Air for anyone who needs any kind of color critical work. However as an LCD screen in general, its not half bad, especially considering its thickness.

Here's my current issue: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1195183/