New 11" MBA: i5 + 128gb + 4gb RAM = $1,199 = Best Value?

[KohPhiPhi]

Hey guys,

I've been looking at the new setup for the 2011 MBA family and the 11" i5 with 128gb and 4gb RAM model seems like the absolute best value of the whole range at $1,199.

I mean, it's UBER portable while on the road... plus, if you hook it up to a cheap 24" 1900x1080 external monitor (less than $200), you have a full desktop replacement while at home.

It's been ages I haven't seen such a FANTASTIC and well-balanced laptop for those needing a mobile powerhouse at a VERY reasonable price.

The 2010 11" model was a bit gimped out in terms of performance, but the 2011 model is simply outstanding.

Just sharing my views on what's, probably, the current King of the 2011 MBA product range

 

[kain125]

ive been thinking the same thing too, but the only thing im worried about is the battery life.

 

[lasuther]

The base 13" is a better value. For $100 more you get a faster processor, significant bump in battery life, larger screen resolution, and a SC card slot.

 

[KohPhiPhi]

The base 13" is a better value. For $100 more you get a faster processor, significant bump in battery life, larger screen resolution, and a SC card slot.

The processor gap and the SC card slot are minor points in my opinion.

The extra battery life and larger screen resolution are certainly worth noting, even though they come at a $100 premium (also a minor point since it's just a 8% price bump).

But then again the laptop size is also significantly larger, at least to my eyes. The 11" model is closer to an iPad size-wise than to the 13" model.

So I guess it's a matter of size vs. battery+resolution.

 

[Kendo]

Purely spec wise I would say the 13" MacBook Air at $1299 is the best value by just a hair (bigger screen, more battery life, and SD card slot). But both models are fantastic values. The base $999 is a ripoff and price vs. performance, the $1599 model is too much for what the MacBook Air is supposed to be, an ultra portable laptop.

The $1199 and $1299 are the best values depending on what you want, extra portability or more screen real estate.

 

[MistaMacky]

Extra battery life AND a larger screen... talk about having your cake and eating it too (in my opinion).

Since your mentioning size, I have to tell you this story....

I just switched from a 21.5'' imac to the 13'' macbook air... when I walked into the Apple Store to buy it yesterday (and to play with the new ones of course), I thought I was using the 11'' when I was actually using the 13''! Noobish, I know, but it was an honest and wonderful mistake. I think the 13'' is very light and "ultra" - portable also, backpack or side-bag style. In terms of battery life, ive been using the crap out of it for the past 2 days and I would say that approx 7 hours of battery life is correct.

$100 premium... best $100 spent in my opinion.

 

[OSMac]

I'd vote for the 13" base as well at $1299,
unless you really want the smaller one,
the extra battery life on the larger is key, add SD slot, and slightly faster processor.

Thats what I keep telling myself but those 11.6" ones just seem the perfect size

 

[noodles5666]

I went with the 11" 4GB/128GB $1200 model but after my education discount I got it for $1150 and sold my free $100 iTunes Giftcard for $75 so I really only payed $1075. I already had the MiniDisplay port to HDMI from my MBP so this is hooked up to a 46" TV when at home.