11-inch or 13-inch MacBook Air?

Being a Macbook Pro 15" late 2008 user, I ordered MBA 13" 256GB 4GB. Screen resolutions are same on both machines, only 13" screen is physically smaller.

If you have the budget, I would suggest that you go for 13" MBA 🙂

I have the base 13" with 128GB and 2G. Got it because tests seem to show the 1.86GHz processor much faster than the 11" 1.4GHz. I was also worried that the 11.6 would be too small a screen.So far am VERY pleased witht eh 13.3" model--seems to be what a notebook computer should have been all along. Picking up a 5 or 6 pound unit now is like picking up an old Compaq or Kaypro thing--the regular notebooks feel like ancient history.

For the type of use you are going to give it, I would say that your current 2008 computer is just fine. The only thing you'll gain with a new air is a lighter machine to carry around.

Are you keeping your 2008 MacBook? If so, then get the 11" and view it as your 2nd machine. No need to copy all of your mp3's and movies.

You can set up file sharing in the 2008 MacBook and easily files wirelessly. You can also use the superdrive in the Macbook with the MBA's remote disc.

It really depends on what is important to you. I wanted the screen resolution and the storage space so I got a maxed out 13". Now of course I'm second guessing myself and wanting the smaller physical issue of the 11". To me the real deciding factor is the screen size (and resolution). Decide what you want or need there and that will drive the rest of the decision.

Also debating on 1.86 versus 2.13 each with 4GB. Is new MBA really like older ones where 1.86 was faster than 2.13 ? True for older one but ?? For new one. Decided to go for 2.13 and 4GB. Hav tried the 1,86 4GB and it IS fast. Only hope same for the 2.13 Any advice anyone ??

im in the same boat as you right now so i wont be of any help . i been thinking about the 11 in vs the 13 since the day they came out . today or this weekend for sure im going to my local apple store to check them both out . i currently have the 13 in white macbook 2.26 ghz 2g memory / 250 hard drive . im not a gamer just web search , facebook some and sometimes i mess around a bit w/ iphoto or watch a clip on you tube . i thought about getting the 11 in 1.4 ghz /2 g memory / 64gb thinking that would be good enough but im thinking id notice a difference between 2.26 ghz vs 1.4 ghz wouldnt i ? plus a tech told me 64 gb was really low couldnt upgrade and resell is something i should think about . i m selling my macbook to a family member and i dont want to feel like im downgraded esp. as far as my speed is of concern . i can tell you though i hardly use any of my hard drive space and i had this almost a year . is there really going to be alot of difference the way i use it surf web , facebook , you tube one in a while and here there w / iphoto between the 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.86 ghz ? performance / speed has nothen to do w / flash storage space right ? now going from a 2g memory to a 4g would increase performance ? but as little as i do and only have 4 to 5 open windows at a time is it really worth the extra for me ? im wanting this mac air because of weight . i have wrist problems and get pain in wrist alot esp. when hold the macbook so im hoping the lighter weight will help .

I originally had the 11.6 (128GB), but ultimately took it back for the 13. For $100.00 more dollars I got:

1. Larger Screen
2. Faster bus speed
3. SD Card slot
4. Faster CPU

Just to be as future proof as possible, I decided on the 13. Should have went that route the 1st time.

Totally loving this thing....amazing piece of Apple tech.

I bought the 11, and kept the 2008 Macbook Pro. This was a good choice -- the 11 is just awesome for portability, but speed, screen size, storage, just about everything else is a compromise.

I'd say the 11 makes an excellent second laptop, but it would be a bit of a trial using it as my only computer, unless my needs were pretty modest. Then again, I'm kind of a digital packrat.

That was my choice as well. I have a late 2009 13" MBP and an iPad. The 11" Air is a great second computer. As much as I love my iPad, taking along a bluetooth keyboard defeats the simplicity (at least for me).

The high-end 11" (max ram/max cpu) is the same price as the base 13" with 4GB ram- $1399. And you get larger screen and 1.86 CPU vs 1.6 on the 11. Unless you want the 11" for the smaller screen, I'd go with at least the low-end 13, with max ram.

I have the 11.6 CTO being delivered Monday.

Originally I was going to get the 13 inch MBA. I have the mid-2009 model and love it very much. I did not think the 11.6 would interest me until I played with one and tried it out. I had a pre-conceived notion based on my netbook days, however in person the 11.6 changed all that. I'm not a power user so this one will suit me fine. For me, it came down to the smaller size and portability factor.

I was in a local Apple store playing with one again. This is going to be a great Mac for me and I cannot wait until Monday!!