Only a $50 difference between the 11" & 13" Ultimate

[Geetarpicker]

As I ponder the choice for my first ever MAC, yes the 11" Air is notably more compact and portable, but the 13" is just easier to see for my eyes and not as cramped feeling vertically.

That said I'd like to get one in the "Ultimate" version which ever way I jump...

In that light the fact that there is only a $50 difference between the two when fully maxed (both i7 1.8, both 4g ram, and both w/256gig SSD) the 13" sure seems like the better deal. It's $1649 vs $1699...

Comments?

 

[Mitchelino]

Agreed. Even 13" is portable enough for me. I'd only consider the 11" if I were constantly flying and carrying it around. Even then, I wouldn't mind carrying a 17" around

 

[Bottomsup]

I fly a lot and the 11" is awesome. I'm getting the new one.

 

[clyde2801]

That's because Apple is a downright evil genius at up selling..but wait, for only $....more you get....

But hey, it's all good. Unlike last year's model, 11's are getting some love (options). Those who like the 11" form factor and don't want to skimp on specs don't have to feel like second class citizens compared to their 13" brethren.

 

[KPOM]

The $50 difference is actually an improvement. In the 2010 model, the 11" Ultimate, at $1399, was the same price as the 13" with 4GB of RAM, and it had a slower processor.

I went with the 11" Ultimate last time, and am going with it this time. I want this one to last me for a while. The Rev B served me well for 2 years. I upgraded to the Rev D last year, and while it was a big improvement, I'm looking to move on to Sandy Bridge and the extra SSD storage. The 11" is perfectly adequate for me for a primary (only) home computer. It's great on airplanes, too.

 

[AppleDApp]

might as well get the 13 inch model.

both the 11" and 13" can be customized in the same way the only difference between the two is the 13" is 0.28 pounds heavier,battery life and the SD card slot.

 

[KPOM]

might as well get the 13 inch model.

both the 11" and 13" can be customized in the same way the only difference between the two is the 13" is 0.28 pounds heavier,battery life and the SD card slot.

The 13" is about half a pound heavier (2.96 vs. 2.4). Plus the 11" is smaller and can fit more easily in a briefcase. Since the Core i7 option is the same in both, I'd go with the 11". That said, the standard Core i5 is better on the 13" than on the 11" (faster, better turbo boost, better virtualization support).

 

[AppleDApp]

The 13" is about half a pound heavier (2.96 vs. 2.4). Plus the 11" is smaller and can fit more easily in a briefcase. Since the Core i7 option is the same in both, I'd go with the 11". That said, the standard Core i5 is better on the 13" than on the 11" (faster, better turbo boost, better virtualization support).

it's not like a 13" was a huge laptop the extra screen real estate will be great if you need windows.

 

[Bottomsup]

That said, the standard Core i5 is better on the 13" than on the 11" (faster, better turbo boost, better virtualization support).

I don't understand this statement. Why would the same chip be better in the 13" vs the 11"?

 

[AppleDApp]

I don't understand this statement. Why would the same chip be better in the 13" vs the 11"?

faster clock speed and hyper threading

 

[CP1091]

I'm struggling with this as well.. I'm thinking that the battery life will be worth it though. Half a pound and an 1 in longer and 1 inch wider isn't that much bigger..

 

[KPOM]

I don't understand this statement. Why would the same chip be better in the 13" vs the 11"?

The Core i5 used in the 13" runs at 1.7GHz, boosts up to 2.7GHz, and the IGP boosts to 1.2GHz. The Core i5 used in the 11" runs at 1.6GHz, boosts to 2.3GHz, and the IGP boosts to 1.15GHz.

 

[Bottomsup]

The Core i5 used in the 13" runs at 1.7GHz, boosts up to 2.7GHz, and the IGP boosts to 1.2GHz. The Core i5 used in the 11" runs at 1.6GHz, boosts to 2.3GHz, and the IGP boosts to 1.15GHz.

Oh shoot.. Didn't realize this. Glad I haven't pushed the purchase button yet.

I want an 11" for sure as I have one now and love it. If I get the i7 option in the 11" is that the same as the 13" version or is the 13" version of the i7 better too?

 

[AppleDApp]

Oh shoot.. Didn't realize this. Glad I haven't pushed the purchase button yet.

I want an 11" for sure as I have one now and love it. If I get the i7 option in the 11" is that the same as the 13" version or is the 13" version of the i7 better too?

seems to be the same the Apple website does not mention any differences.

 

[clyde2801]

No kidding. I was under the impression that only i7's had hyper threading and i5's didn't. Whoops.

 

[AppleDApp]

No kidding. I was under the impression that only i7's had hyper threading and i5's didn't. Whoops.

I think all sandy bridge CPU have hyper threading.

 

[ann713]

$50 for a screen size difference? Easily the 13".

 

[laff2]

The reason, which is not stated, is the i7 is the same chip set in the 11" & 13" but slightly different chipset for the i5's...not major, but a little better i5 in the 13".

 

[vnr111]

$50 for a screen size difference? Easily the 13".

Why? The whole reason for 11 is to pay more for the same specs in more portable form factor

I can't imagine why anyone wouldnt be willing to pay at least $400 more for an 11 inch with the same specs as a 13

 

[onthecouchagain]

I can't bring myself to throw down an additional $300 dollars for an extra 128 GB of storage (total 256 GB) in the new 13" Air, even though I really want it. I know SSD prices are still expensive, but dang... that $300 dollars is solely to double the storage space; there's nothing else you get. Just can't help but feel like it's a rip.

 

[shurcooL]

Why? The whole reason for 11 is to pay more for the same specs in more portable form factor

I can't imagine why anyone wouldnt be willing to pay at least $400 more for an 11 inch with the same specs as a 13

Unless you want a bigger screen with a bigger taller resolution.

Anyway, OP, are you sure you need an Ultimate? Can't you do with a lesser CPU or SSD and spend less?

What if Apple offered a 5 TB SSD config for 50 grand, would you still feel compelled to get the ultimate config?

 

[bniu]

No kidding. I was under the impression that only i7's had hyper threading and i5's didn't. Whoops.

the lack of hyper threading in i5s is only applicable to desktop quad core i5s. All mobile quad cores are i7s.

 

[Davidkoh]

An 11" is way too small for me. Both in screen size and actual size. Couldnt bear using it for longer periods of time.

 

[clyde2801]

Right. I realize my error about the chips now.

Off topic, but is the only difference between the i5 and i7 on the '11 air the extra 1mb cache? If so, who would be able to tell the difference performance wise between the two?