Which 13" 2011 MBA to get..

[joyrolo]

I'm debating on i5 /i7 13" MBA


It will be my main laptop and I want to also get windows on it.

So also debating between parallels/fusion

any suggestions?

 

[Hellhammer]

If it will be your main, then the high-end with 256GB SSD will probably be worth it, especially if you run Windows as well.

 

[joyrolo]

If it will be your main, then the high-end with 256GB SSD will probably be worth it, especially if you run Windows as well.

should i get the i7 processor? or the i5 will do? i might run some games on it..but not anything like WoW or COD

 

[stevenpa]

should i get the i7 processor? or the i5 will do? i might run some games on it..but not anything like WoW or COD

Honestly anything you do the i5 handles just fine. You get a small bump in performance but I think the main reason people buy it is ego / image/ i7!!! thought process based.

 

[KPOM]

Honestly anything you do the i5 handles just fine. You get a small bump in performance but I think the main reason people buy it is ego / image/ i7!!! thought process based.

Yes, that went into my thought process.

A Core 2 Duo has been "good enough" for me since February 2008, and before then I used a Pentium M Dell notebook for more than 5 years (though I did bump it up from 1.3GHz to 1.7GHz). So there's really nothing I need from a Core i7 that a Core i5 can't handle. That said, it's nice to have the top of the line. I want this one to last for 3 years.

 

[joyrolo]

yeah i was thinking i7 because it is better..i honestly have no idea what the difference is..not a very computer person haha..

any suggestions between parallel and fusion? leaning towards parallel based on other threads

 

[thomashw]

I'm getting the base model. I'd like the extra storage with the 256GB, but for $300 it isn't worth it. If I'm running out of room in the future, I'll buy an OWC replacement when the prices have come down. As for the i7, I really don't think it's worth it. You'd be hard pressed to notice a difference.

 

[KPOM]

yeah i was thinking i7 because it is better..i honestly have no idea what the difference is..not a very computer person haha..

any suggestions between parallel and fusion? leaning towards parallel based on other threads

I have used both and prefer Parallels because I get better performance from it. I think there's a Bundle right now that includes Parallels and a bunch of other software for $49.

Update: It's actually a "Mac Super Bundle" from Nova Development, which is a distributor of Parallels. It includes Parallels, Money, and some other software, and runs for another 5 days.

 

[Apple Expert]

I bought i7 based upon the geekbench. However I'm thinking I should of got the i5 instead. I'd prefer less fan noise and thinking I probably won't see a much difference in web usage and editing photos in iphoto or aperture. I'll be doing some photoshop, but just touching up photos. No 3D work. I might exchange this for the i5 if noise becomes an issue.

 

[joyrolo]

I have used both and prefer Parallels because I get better performance from it. I think there's a Bundle right now that includes Parallels and a bunch of other software for $49.

Update: It's actually a "Mac Super Bundle" from Nova Development, which is a distributor of Parallels. It includes Parallels, Money, and some other software, and runs for another 5 days.

thanks so much for the info

yeah..i think im pretty much leaning towards the i5 processor now haha.