No offense, but 11 inch has too many compromises.

[ReallyBigFeet]

Well for me, the 1" difference means that I can fit it in my purse. That may not seem like a big deal, but having one bag to carry is awesome. Also, I am a petite woman (5'2" with small hands, and a small lap to sit my laptop in if there isn't a table handy) so the proportions of the 11.6" are not a compromise for me. I can see why a man would find them a compromise though.

For petite women (and men too I guess), no argument from me. The 11" version is likely great. I understand the purse comment as well although most men don't carry purses.

 

[bcaslis]

...

You carry an "iPad bag?" Is that a murse of some kind? I carried my iPad inside a Yoobao leather folder thing...looks like a Padfolio. I carry my 13" MBA in a color matching leather Padfolio so that it matches when I sit down in front of a client. I carry both inside a padded compartment of a Briggs and Riley backpack when I'm traveling but thats because I enjoy having both hands free when dashing between flights or on the job site when I don't want to set something down. I also carry a change of clothes in there, a shaving kit, and other personal effects. But the 11" netbook model fits inside the SAME Padfolio as the 13" model, just with 1" more to spare. So again, I "get" the difference because it's ONLY 1 inch.

Why are you so insistent that 1" is a HUGE difference? Is it because you really have a deep seated need to recycle your iPad murse or is there something more personal involved in the comparison here?

It's a Tom Bihn Ristretto for iPad, smarta$$. Either you are being deliberately antagonizing or incredibly dense. Comparing the difference only when carrying luggage for a flight is dumb comparison. You could throw a 17" MBP in there without much difference too. It's more than 1" for the 11.6" and you know it. Put the 11" on top of the 13" and look at the difference. All these "compromises" for the 11" are in your view, not in the view of others.

 

[southnc]

After viewing all of these comments and spending time at the Apple and Best Buy stores comparing the 11 and 13, I think we can all agree the reason people choose the 11" is the size. The weight, apparently, is irrelevant.

Yes, the 13" is faster (processor, bus, and memory), larger screen, and more capable. And is certainly has more battery life. On paper, it seems strange that anyone would pick the 11 over the 13. However, this is one of those "comfort" issues that strikes a chord with lots of buyers. In fact, from what the stores are telling me, the 11" is outselling the more capable 13.

In the real world, the home experience is irrelevant - you can hook both up to the same external 27" monitor and get virtually the same experience. (Both have the same GPU - no advantage here). And most people are now storing data on shared high-capacity drives off of their routers, so drive space really doesn't matter either.

Beyond all that, I guess we should be thankful to even be able to have such a debate - 2 very capable and light-weight computers instead of just one.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

It's a Tom Bihn Ristretto for iPad, smarta$$. Either you are being deliberately antagonizing or incredibly dense. Comparing the difference only when carrying luggage for a flight is dumb comparison. You could throw a 17" MBP in there without much difference too. It's more than 1" for the 11.6" and you know it. Put the 11" on top of the 13" and look at the difference. All these "compromises" for the 11" are in your view, not in the view of others.

Oh the Ristretto. Kinda a cross between a murse and a messenger bag? Well now I'm even more confused.

From the Tom Bihn website:

Ristretto iPad/Netbook model...

Built-in padded compartment sized specifically for iPad, Netbooks
Padded iPad/Netbook compartment measures: 10.86" x 7.59" x .98"

Apple's website lists the 11" MBA dimensions as 11.8 in x 7.56 in

The Ristretto normal model bag, on the other hand, is specifically DESIGNED for the 13" MBA....

The Ristretto is a vertical messenger bag (similar to our Cafe Bags though different in proportion) with a interior padded laptop compartment that protects from all sides and is sized specifically for the MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro. It also fits thin 13" PC laptops such as the Thinkpad X300.

So which Ristretto bag do you have? The iPad/Netbook version or the larger one? Because the smaller Ristretto will be a tight fit....its 1" too small.

 

[zartemis]

I think we can all agree the reason people choose the 11" is the size. The weight, apparently, is irrelevant.

Well, part of the reason I bought the 11 inch is the weight. If the 11 inch weighed as much as the 13 inch, I would not have bought it. I bought it to replace my current netbook which weighs the same as the 11 inch MBA. Already I think my purse is too heavy. I would not have bought a replacement for my dell mini that weighed more than my dell mini. I've been ready to upgrade that computer for a year (have owned it for 2 years) and assumed I'd wait to get something even lighter. The MBA was a compromise for me -- no lighter, bigger footprint, but other aspects compensated (faster cpu, almost full size keyboard).

I do miss the smaller footprint of the mini, though. I'd love an even smaller MBA! If, say, Dell comes out with some mini-adamo models even smaller and lighter than the 11 inch MBA, I'd consider selling the MBA and going back to PC for my netbook needs.

 

[ntrigue]

Fair enough. One of the thing that threw me off was 16:9 ratio. I thought that made screen look a lot smaller than I anticipated. I am just not used to see that ratio on macs.

Definitely throw the dock to the left or hide it.

 

[Jiten]

My 11 inch Air is heaven in every way compared to my old Vaio P that I used as a travel laptop. For folks like me, the Air is not a compromise, its an upgrade.

 

[southnc]

Well, part of the reason I bought the 11 inch is the weight. If the 11 inch weighed as much as the 13 inch, I would not have bought it. I bought it to replace my current netbook which weighs the same as the 11 inch MBA. Already I think my purse is too heavy. I would not have bought a replacement for my dell mini that weighed more than my dell mini. I've been ready to upgrade that computer for a year (have owned it for 2 years) and assumed I'd wait to get something even lighter. The MBA was a compromise for me -- no lighter, bigger footprint, but other aspects compensated (faster cpu, almost full size keyboard).

I do miss the smaller footprint of the mini, though. I'd love an even smaller MBA! If, say, Dell comes out with some mini-adamo models even smaller and lighter than the 11 inch MBA, I'd consider selling the MBA and going back to PC for my netbook needs.

If you are actually bothered by the miniscule weight difference between the 11 and 13 MBAs, then you must be very out of shape. I cannot fathom weight being an issue; especially considering that the 13 actually should feel lighter in your hands, since it's weight is distributed more efficiently than the 11 - lbs per square inch.

So, I'm not buying that argument. Other than yourself, none of the 11 MBA purchasers I've dealt with has mentioned anything other than size.

 

[mrmister]

"If you are actually bothered by the miniscule weight difference between the 11 and 13 MBAs, then you must be very out of shape."

This is exactly the kind of boorish, close-minded posting that makes these forums tiresome to read. You keep asking for feedback on why people do things, and when they tell you, you insult them.

"So, I'm not buying that argument. Other than yourself, none of the 11 MBA purchasers I've dealt with has mentioned anything other than size."

You're "not buying" the argument? What, you think the poster is *lying* to you?

For what it's worth, I'm very happy with the size AND weight of the 11" MBA as well. So now you have two data points--though given your obnoxious tone, you can clearly just decide this is irrelevant as well, presumably while saying something insulting.

 

[mac jones]

Let's face it, both sizes are really nice.

I have the 11" and am keeping it. It's a little underpowered but I don't do Video stuff so who cares.

The 13" is wonderful. Problem is, I'd look kind of stupid caring around two laptops. (even though I'd sort of like to. This would solve the choice thing pretty good)

 

[Dias]

If you are actually bothered by the miniscule weight difference between the 11 and 13 MBAs, then you must be very out of shape.

With all due respect, but this kind of personal attack is very childish.

 

[southnc]

With all due respect, but this kind of personal attack is very childish.

I was just being facetious; Not a personal attack. I apologize if your were offended.

 

[zartemis]

With all due respect, but this kind of personal attack is very childish.

Not only that, but the idea that the weight difference shouldn't matter at all to all non-out of shape people is irrational.

The macbook air is just one of the items in my purse (and is about half of the total weight, in fact). It all adds up. There are lots of other things I'd love carry around just to have on hand. If one made the argument that +0.6 lbs was negligible, then you could keep adding items 0.6 lbs at a time and after 100 additions be carry 60 lbs worth of stuff. Surely at some point one of those 0.6 lbs was too much? The commenter is arguing that going from 2.3 lbs to 2.9 doesn't matter. How about from 2.9 to 3.5? How about from 3.5 to 4.1? Each of those is 'just 0.6 lbs difference'. In fact, the higher the total weight the less the percentage of additional poundage, so the less it should really matter. But, clearly it does matter (or everyone could carry 5 tons with ease -- since you can reach it by adding 0.6 lbs at a time and, as the commenter claims, only out of shape people can feel a 0.6 lbs difference).

In my case, I am already past the weight I prefer to carry everywhere hanging off one shoulder (~5 lbs), and +0.6 more lbs is too much more. If I have the option to switch to a netbook 0.6 lbs lighter than the MBA that meets my needs, I'd love to go down to 4.4 lbs (or less!).

 

[miata]

This might be an interesting option for those that want to combine portable computing with strength training:

 

[gwsat]

I was just being facetious; Not a personal attack. I apologize if your were offended.

As a disinterested observer let me explain that saying other posters need to "get in shape" or "go to the gym" is regarded as offensive by many posters. Also, I suggest that most MBA owners, even those who like me own the 13 inch model, would regard the 11 inch MBA's lighter weight as being just as significant as its smaller size. Indeed, several posters to this thread have already expressed that opinion and I confess that I agree with them. All of that said, I thought your apology was gracious and grace is far too seldom seen around here.

 

[dmelgar]

With all due respect, but this kind of personal attack is very childish.

People are being overly sensitive. This comment didn't seem like a personal attack at all. I'm sure everyone would like to be in better shape. This comment just sounded like an innocent common expression saying the weight difference shouldn't be significant. I agree. I fact, the first time I picked up both the 11 and 13 the 11 seemed heavier to me. Probably because it's so much smaller you don't expect it to have much weight vs. The 13.

 

[zartemis]

All of that said, I thought your apology was gracious and grace is far too seldom seen around here.

Well, to put on my "miss manners" hat, in apology etiquette, saying "if you were offended" is not as preferred as apologizing "for offending". The former can be seen as a passive aggressive snipe reinforcing the apologizer's view that the offendee shouldn't have felt that way in the first place. The latter takes responsibility and is the more mature and forthright way to apologize if you are actually sincere about it.

That said, I personally was not offended. It's hard to be offended by irrational arguments from strangers.

 

[Night Spring]

People are being overly sensitive. This comment didn't seem like a personal attack at all. I'm sure everyone would like to be in better shape.

Everyone would like to be smart, beautiful, rich, successful... but not all are. Which is exactly why calling someone stupid, ugly, loser, and yes, not fit, is a personal attack.

 

[rrl]

ReallyBigFeet, I've probably been developing software longer than you've been alive. I use to have to pay a premium (usually double) for the smallest and lightest laptop offerings. And I did. But not any more.

It's never been about performance. The smaller the form factor, the more places I can conveniently code. I get plenty of real work done on a Nokia n900, and that's my phone.

Your jealousy has run its course; time for you to move on.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

ReallyBigFeet, I've probably been developing software longer than you've been alive. I use to have to pay a premium (usually double) for the smallest and lightest laptop offerings. And I did. But not any more.

It's never been about performance. The smaller the form factor, the more places I can conveniently code. I get plenty of real work done on a Nokia n900, and that's my phone.

Your jealousy has run its course; time for you to move on.

Hey, check my sig....how can I possibly be jealous of something I already own?

As for developing software longer than I've been alive, possibly. But I quit developing my own software over twenty years ago. I now pay a staff to do that for me.

And you are still paying a premium for the smallest and lightest computing devices made. Its called an Apple tax. And I pay it also, gladly and often, because they are both great machines. I've said that many, many times in a number of threads. I just like to cut through the hyperbole of "this is the BEST because I can use it with 1 blip of brightness while riding a unicycle balanced on top of a tabletop the size of frisbee without having to replace my murse with something bigger!" that people spout around here as 'facts.'

Back on topic, the 11" netbook model requires too many compromises for me. But if you don't mind them, have at it.

 

[drxcm]

back on topic, the 11" netbook model requires too many compromises for me.

This is what people need to understand - everyones needs are individual. I think that you get this RBF, but your posts are often unnecessarily inflammatory, which I find offensive.

Personally, the 11" Air is getting more daily use from me than my 17" macbook pro. In many respects, the 17" MBP requires too many compromises for me for daily use (too big for my limited workspace, too heavy, need a large bag, larger power adaptor, and slower for things like office, email)

I've owned dozens of macs over the years, and the 11" is easily the most impressive device I've ever had. Its perfect.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

I am trying to understand why people would choose 11 inch model versus 13 inch. Okay maybe it is 300 dollars cheaper, but what about those of you who have bought 11 inch ultimate?

It's like 1199 dollars for 11 inch ultimate.

11 inch is missing too many things...

1. no SD card slot
2. A lot slower processor
3. Less memory
4. It's not any thinner than 13 inch.

If you used both computers, you realized that options 2 and 3 are negated just on having a SSD.

Reason 4: agreed is ain't thinner but its more portable.

Reason 1: some people just dont care.

you forgot reason 5 which should be just reason 1:.....smaller battery.


yeah I have a 11.6 inch computer and yes it's under powered but if i'm going to spend my money on a "faster processor" i'm going for the homerun.

 

[MikePA]

Back on topic, the 11" netbook model requires too many compromises for me. But if you don't mind them, have at it.

You are either unwilling or unable to understand your compromises are not compromises to other people. Maybe your 'staff' should educate you on the truth that your opinions are not facts.

 

[yegon]

You are either unwilling or unable to understand your compromises are not compromises to other people. Maybe your 'staff' should educate you on the truth that your opinions are not facts.

Yup.

Aside from the better battery life, absolutely none of the 13's extra's appeal to me - I was after an ultra portable, not a portable, for which the 11" is better.....for me and my usage.

In contrast to the OP, I personally see the 13" as a compromise between the 11" and the 13" mbp - if I was after a 13", I'd rather buy a tricked out mbp for the faster cpu, ability to bung 8gb ram in, backlit keyboard, 10hr battery life etc.

However, I recognise that this is based purely on my needs, and I'm sure loads of people are really happy with their 13" based on their needs. The fact I have exactly the opposite opinion of the OP clearly indicates we ain't dealing in facts here.

 

[Stealthipad]

I am trying to understand why people would choose 11 inch model versus 13 inch. Okay maybe it is 300 dollars cheaper, but what about those of you who have bought 11 inch ultimate?

It's like 1199 dollars for 11 inch ultimate.

11 inch is missing too many things...

1. no SD card slot
2. A lot slower processor
3. Less memory
4. It's not any thinner than 13 inch.

No worry, the 13" is too much of a compromise, too!

Anemic!