eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
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Post by eddy on Jan 16, 2012 15:37:34 GMT
I am thinking of buying a MacBook Air and would appreciate your advice. The options under consideration are; 11" or 13" with education discount or refurbished (July 2011 model). In each case with 4GB memory and 128GB storage. The respective costs are £940 or £1033 (New) and £849 or £949 (Refurbished). Apart from the bigger screen the 13" models have an SD slot, I wonder just how useful this might be in practice? I shall look forward to seeing your advice and personal experiences. Thanks
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Post by beerbum on Jan 16, 2012 19:01:26 GMT
I have the 11" version, also 2011 so no Thunderbolt.
I absolutely love it. I don't miss the SD slot (I have a cheap little USB/SD card adapter if I have to get some pictures off the camera on to it).
I went for the 11" for the sheer lightness and portability. If you travel on business then I'd go for the 11" as you can work on a plane without much bother. The 13" is just that bit bigger so it's more awkward.
However, this is my travel machine to supplement my iMac. If it was my only machine I'd probably struggle with the screen size and need another monitor.
Hope this helps - BB
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eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
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Post by eddy on Jan 16, 2012 19:56:27 GMT
Thanks beerbum, I especially note your comment about the SD card, it hadn't occurred to me that one can easily use a usb/sd reader and I already have one.
Portability is not much of a problem for me I am mainly looking for the convenience of moving it around the house when I do not want to be tied to my iMac. I do wonder if I would find the 11" screen a bit cramped. It is not that much bigger than my iPad.
The fact is that I do rather miss by old white MacBook that I sold a couple of years ago to buy an iPad. I rather thought the iPad would replace the MacBook, but it doesn't!
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Post by beerbum on Jan 16, 2012 22:52:57 GMT
Well you're probably better off with the 13" then if portability isn't the issue. only £70 difference new after all
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Post by Forum Cat on Jan 17, 2012 1:04:46 GMT
I too have an 11"
(Ooh Missus)
;D
Seriously, I love the 11" I use it now more than my 24" iMac.
My advice, go into PC world (or your outlet of choice) and play on the different sized machines and see which feels right.
For me the 13" felt "wrong". I can't even tell you why. This little beauty that I am typing on now has a higher resolution than my old 13" Macbook and really does not feel small at all. You on the other hand may feel entirely differently.
M. le Chat
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eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
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Post by eddy on Jan 17, 2012 8:07:51 GMT
Many thanks, - more food for thought. A good idea to try them out, I did this about 18 months ago but a personal memory update is needed.
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Post by beerbum on Jan 17, 2012 8:20:59 GMT
I agree with the cat in that I had a similar experience of the 13" feeling "wrong" but I thought that was just me being weird
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jb052
Full Member
Posts: 70
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Post by jb052 on Jan 17, 2012 22:48:51 GMT
Having purchased a !3' Air recently, I would suggest you take a look at the System Font size which is rather small and I don't think it can be adjusted.
Yes you can use the zoom facility on the trackpad or cmd+ but its a pain
JB
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Post by beerbum on Jan 18, 2012 8:50:57 GMT
I'm hoping that's going to be sorted soon. They have to if they're going to go retina or near-retina display.
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jb052
Full Member
Posts: 70
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Post by jb052 on Jan 18, 2012 13:07:01 GMT
I'm hoping that's going to be sorted soon. They have to if they're going to go retina or near-retina display. But I doubt it will be retro compatable
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Post by beerbum on Jan 18, 2012 15:58:44 GMT
Interesting. I assumed it would be an OS thing but it could well be a lower level thing with the video chip etc… shame if it is.
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eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
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Post by eddy on Jan 18, 2012 16:14:17 GMT
Well, I've decided! had a look at both in the local Stormfront showroom today and think I will be happy with the 11" model. Although they had a "special offer" on the pre 2011 model with lower spec for £799, I wasn't tempted.
I have now ordered the 11" 4GB/128GB model (new) from Amazon Market Place (FozTronik) for £905.60 delivered, and can't wait to receive it.
Thanks for all your hints and tips.
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Post by beerbum on Jan 18, 2012 17:55:18 GMT
If you're anywhere near as sad as me you will absolutely love it. And the really cool thing is if you go into corporate environments where they have to use shitty Windows machines they go absolutely green with envy!
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Post by Forum Cat on Jan 19, 2012 1:15:13 GMT
I have now ordered the 11" 4GB/128GB model (new) Prepare to become the envy of your friends.
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eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
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Post by eddy on Jan 19, 2012 16:03:26 GMT
You may think you are sad beerbum - but I even dreamt about the b****** thing last night!! (and it hasn't even arrived yet)
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