Ive been using a MBA 11 Ultimate for the last few days and i really like (love) it. My thoughts so far;
1, I dont have any specific needs. Im a regular home user. I dont really care for photos or videos beyond occasional general home stuff so its browsing, reading, writing, watching and listening. However, I do want my laptop with me all the time to do all of these things when the mood arises. I thought the iPad could do this for me, and it did until i tried the MBA... the MBA 11 is an iPad killer for me. I like it but there is no point keeping it, Its going to be sold this week. I can do everything much better & quicker on the MBA.
2, There is something about this size thats makes the MBA 11 a bit special. I went to the Apple store a few weeks ago and decided against buying one because i thought the screen would be too small in the long run, but having taken the decision to try it at home i think the opposite, its pretty good. Once id move the Dock to the left and auto hidden it, so having the full screen for all apps, it feels just right. And Lion will have true full screen options for all apps!
3, My MacBook Pro 15 Mid 2009 is the device being displaced and for speed there is no competition, the MBA wins. And now when i go back to 15" to check some setting preference or something i feel the 15" is too big! - the screen is too big for my general usage. The white space i liked having before has now become a distraction. I might change my mind but right now i have a feeling the MBA 11 is helping to me to narrow my focus to what im actually doing instead of a big glossy picture. Im hoping next week the reverse doesnt happen and start longing for blank space around the screen.
4, I'm still getting used the keyboard in terms of the lower keys - it just feels different, but getting used to the short feedback. Would love backit but i can live without it i suppose. I few times using it in bed with no lights the screen is just about adequate to get my bearings, and most of the time there will be some sort of dim light.
5, I went to Apple store today to see the 13 & 11 side by side again to make sure the 13" isnt a better option -- and even though the 13" has the advantage of a longer battery, sd slot and screen size it feels alittle like a 15" Pro ..... At the moment i prefer the unique size of the 11.... feels odd to say that because it could be said the 13" is the better all rounder.
6, Although in real terms the 13 & 11 arent a great deal different - just acouple of inches - meaning they are both very portable, the 11" has that X factor appeal. In my mind i feels tidy & compact, it satisfies my minimalist perferences.
7, It would be main computer. I can now start writing everyday in full screen with WriteRoom or something - it feels right.
Ive quickly come to the decision that i want a MBA 11, so now its just a matter of
a, keeping this one (still in 2 week return window) and having alittle bit extra under the hood for Lion, or
b, get a lower spec or same off ebay or refurb and save £100-300, and put this towards a future MBA release (whenever) that has backlit keyboard & 7+ hr battery - the two things i would like now (and maybe 3G), or
b, wait 2-6 months until the next refresh and see what comes .
My iPad will be on eBay before the end of the week....... and probably the MBP as i dont think ill be able to wait for a refresh - the money should more or less cover the cost of the MBA, with some to spare if i get good deal on ebay. So the most likely choice is (a) as i dont think i can be bothered to setup another MBA or wait for the refresh....
I will be taking the 11" everywhere everyday regardless. No more thinking about syncing or uni-tasking like with the iPad or feeling the size or weight of the 15" all day + alot more space in my messenger bag.
It feels right having just two small devices, MBA 11" & iPhone. I hope now can resist changing anything for 3 years...
Anybody else feel the screen helps focus & concentration?
Loads has been written on 13 or 11 but any more views based on what ive said are welcome!
1, I dont have any specific needs. Im a regular home user. I dont really care for photos or videos beyond occasional general home stuff so its browsing, reading, writing, watching and listening. However, I do want my laptop with me all the time to do all of these things when the mood arises. I thought the iPad could do this for me, and it did until i tried the MBA... the MBA 11 is an iPad killer for me. I like it but there is no point keeping it, Its going to be sold this week. I can do everything much better & quicker on the MBA.
2, There is something about this size thats makes the MBA 11 a bit special. I went to the Apple store a few weeks ago and decided against buying one because i thought the screen would be too small in the long run, but having taken the decision to try it at home i think the opposite, its pretty good. Once id move the Dock to the left and auto hidden it, so having the full screen for all apps, it feels just right. And Lion will have true full screen options for all apps!
3, My MacBook Pro 15 Mid 2009 is the device being displaced and for speed there is no competition, the MBA wins. And now when i go back to 15" to check some setting preference or something i feel the 15" is too big! - the screen is too big for my general usage. The white space i liked having before has now become a distraction. I might change my mind but right now i have a feeling the MBA 11 is helping to me to narrow my focus to what im actually doing instead of a big glossy picture. Im hoping next week the reverse doesnt happen and start longing for blank space around the screen.
4, I'm still getting used the keyboard in terms of the lower keys - it just feels different, but getting used to the short feedback. Would love backit but i can live without it i suppose. I few times using it in bed with no lights the screen is just about adequate to get my bearings, and most of the time there will be some sort of dim light.
5, I went to Apple store today to see the 13 & 11 side by side again to make sure the 13" isnt a better option -- and even though the 13" has the advantage of a longer battery, sd slot and screen size it feels alittle like a 15" Pro ..... At the moment i prefer the unique size of the 11.... feels odd to say that because it could be said the 13" is the better all rounder.
6, Although in real terms the 13 & 11 arent a great deal different - just acouple of inches - meaning they are both very portable, the 11" has that X factor appeal. In my mind i feels tidy & compact, it satisfies my minimalist perferences.
7, It would be main computer. I can now start writing everyday in full screen with WriteRoom or something - it feels right.
Ive quickly come to the decision that i want a MBA 11, so now its just a matter of
a, keeping this one (still in 2 week return window) and having alittle bit extra under the hood for Lion, or
b, get a lower spec or same off ebay or refurb and save £100-300, and put this towards a future MBA release (whenever) that has backlit keyboard & 7+ hr battery - the two things i would like now (and maybe 3G), or
b, wait 2-6 months until the next refresh and see what comes .
My iPad will be on eBay before the end of the week....... and probably the MBP as i dont think ill be able to wait for a refresh - the money should more or less cover the cost of the MBA, with some to spare if i get good deal on ebay. So the most likely choice is (a) as i dont think i can be bothered to setup another MBA or wait for the refresh....
I will be taking the 11" everywhere everyday regardless. No more thinking about syncing or uni-tasking like with the iPad or feeling the size or weight of the 15" all day + alot more space in my messenger bag.
It feels right having just two small devices, MBA 11" & iPhone. I hope now can resist changing anything for 3 years...
Anybody else feel the screen helps focus & concentration?
Loads has been written on 13 or 11 but any more views based on what ive said are welcome!
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