MacBook Air 11-inch or 13-inch?

shldr2thewheel wrote:

big guy = get bigger model. seriously. you don't want to be cramped on an 11" model.

😝 Um, no. A big guy will not be cramped because the keyboard on the 11" is full sized. Exactly the same as the 13". Now if, as this gent says, he likes having more laptop on his lap, that's a different equation. But the "cramped" equation is nonsense. I know this for a fact, having several big-guy friends who have the 11' and are perfectly happy--and not at all cramped--by it.

Santellan wrote:

Well I intend to use it mainly for travel. I do own a 15-inch MacBook Pro so that is my primary laptop, but the Air is mainly for travel. Just want to know if it's size will feel awkward or if it can handle simple iMovie films with the base configuration.

Ah. In that case, the 11" wins hands down. It fits on almost all tray tables even if the idiot in front of you has their seat back. The same can't be said of the 13". And it will fit on your lap without knocking into the leg of the person sitting next to you. I've been on some flights where my 11" comes close to knocking into legs to either side of me, the seats are that tight and small. I know the corners of a 13" would have been hitting my neighbor's knees.

And yes, the Air should be able to handle iMovie--but you really need to get 4gb RAM. If all you were going to do was blog, I'd say otherwise, but 4gb RAM will make a big difference, especially with programs like iMovie.

But I'm wondering why you're not considering an iPad. There are holders/cases that can give you an iPad-blue-tooth- keyboard configuration to use for blogging. And when not blogging, you can use the iPad on it's own for iMovie, etc. It'd be cheaper, and has a beautiful screen. Why not go iPad? It's really one of the best travel "computers" there is because it doesn't have a keyboard. Which means you can have the keyboard when you need it, and fold it up and away when you want to have something else on the tray table--like a drink or a snack--while you watch or create a movie.

First, even if you get the base model, make sure you upgrade to 4gb RAM. You'll need that, believe me. Second, if you decide to go 11" also keep in mind that if you order it online, you can get a 256gb HD. They don't offer this option in the stores, just online. Yes, it costs extra, but in case you should want a larger SSD on the 11", I'm letting you know you can get it.

As to 11" vs. 13"...I'm guessing for what you're doing, as as you want more on your lap, you'd probably be happier with the 13". It's not that the 11" would cause you any trouble typing, by the way. The keyboard on the 11" is full-sized, the same as the 13" The 13" just has more around that keyboard and trackpad--more to balance on your lap. It also has a larger screen, and that would probably be better suited to videos. Those are my thoughts.

However, my biggest and most essential recommendation is that you go to a store and play on both. It really, really, REALLY is the only way to know which is right for you. You may look at that 11", fall in love and that will be that; or you may, as you say, look at the 11' and go, "Okay, that is going to be uncomfortable on my lap." In the end, neither our thoughts or the specs can top hands-on research. Try 'em...then let us know what you've decided 🙂

I agree with JE13,

Physical size will always be in favor of the 11" as far as hand nd carry ergonomics are concerned. The more appropriate comparison is the display and the resolution for ease of viewing. I have an 11" and a 13". The limitation on the 11" is my eyes. I pretty much let my wife use my 11" because of it. Even she, at 38 YO thinks that it is a little straining on the eyes.

The reason to get the 11" is the need for physical small comouter for portability and carry more than anything else. Otherwise, the 13" wins hands down for view-ability.Not to mention the SD slot that only exists on the 13".

I agree with JE13, you will need the 4gb RAM, and either the 128gb or 256gb SSD.

If you are coming from the 15" MBP then I suggest you get the 13". The 13" MBA has the same screen resolution as the 15" MBP. So moving backforth will be effortless in terms of screen real estate. The 13" is much ligher and easy to travel with.

I have the 11" and can say the keyboard is full-size, the screen takes a little getting used to. I'm coming from the 13" MBP.

Certainly, go to your Apple store and have a play with both, and see which you prefer.

big guy = get bigger model. seriously. you don't want to be cramped on an 11" model.