Mac Air 11 vs.13

I apologize if this has been answered, but I didn't see it in a search.

Does anyone have any experience using/comparing the 11 inch vs. 13 inch Mac Air? Specifically, if you have an 11 inch Air, do you feel that your screen space is adequate for using Logos? Also, any feelings about the keyboard difference between the 11 and 13?

I'm looking at getting a new notebook (always been a PC person, so very little exposure to Apple computers). I'd probably be getting 4gb RAM, 256GB SSD, and an i7 processor.

Thanks.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Andy

Does anyone have any experience using/comparing the 11 inch vs. 13 inch Mac Air?

Dear Al,

I have just moved from a PC to a MBA 13" with 256 SSD and the i5 processor. There is some discussion of mine and other users L4 experience on the MBA here,

http://community.logos.com/forums/p/43120/321198.aspx#321198

In summary, most users report a very positive experience. I personally will not be going back to a PC having used Logos on an MBA. Ludicrously, it runs faster than on my power PC for most things.

I have not used an 11" MBA enough to give a definitive opinion. I ended up going with the 13" because I value the additional real estate and the 13" is still very light and very portable for my purposes.

In short, I love my MBA and I love using it to work on L4.

Let us know what you decide to go with. I am sure other uses will value your report.

God bless,

Andy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325550#Comment_325550

Andy, thanks.

I didn't use "MBA" in the search box, I'm sure I would have pulled up useful info like yours.

Thanks again.

Andy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325552#Comment_325552

I didn't use "MBA" in the search box, I'm sure I would have pulled up useful info like yours.

No problem at all. If you go with the MBA 11", it would be good to have a distinct thread which records your experience for future users.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325554#Comment_325554

I probably will go with the 13, but honestly, I was salivating over both of them yesterday when I was visiting the Apple store.

Paul-C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325552#Comment_325552

I use a 13" MacBook Pro and in all honesty, I wouldn't want to go much smaller given the amount of reading from the screen you do with Logos. I was in the Apple Store the other day looking at the 11" MacBook Air and I did think the screen looked incredibly small - it was bordering on being netbook-sized. That said, if you did go for the smaller MacBook Air, you could always connect it to an external monitor for greater screen size when you're at home or in the office.

[EDIT: Get the largest amount of RAM and HD space you can afford since I don't think you can upgrade the hardware yourself with a MacBook Air.]

Andy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325557#Comment_325557

I probably will go with the 13, but honestly, I was salivating over both of them yesterday when I was visiting the Apple store.

To be honest, they are so light you could probably comfortably carry both... Which is a thought.

Imagine it, Pages open on the 11" and L4 on the 13"...[;)]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325558#Comment_325558

Thanks, Paul, for the helpful info.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325558#Comment_325558

[EDIT: Get the largest amount of RAM and HD space you can afford since I don't think you can upgrade the hardware yourself with a MacBook Air.]

MacBook Air RAM is surface mounted to motherboard so to upgrade means motherboard replacement. In contrast, SSD can be upgraded. The "I Fix It" web site has repair guides with photos => http://www.ifixit.com/Browse/MacBook_Air

Apple refurbished MacBook Air models include some July 2011 => http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_air (have seen a 13" MacBook Air with i7 for $ 1,439)

MacRumors has a buyer's guide => http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ that includes a rumor article about 15" MacBook Air. Looking forward to MacBook Air model refreshes later this year; personally not know if Apple will ship 15" MacBook Air (with screen resolution similar to 17" MacBook Pro)

Keep Smiling [:)]

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

I'm looking at getting a new notebook (always been a PC person, so very little exposure to Apple computers). I'd probably be getting 4gb RAM, 256GB SSD, and an i7 processor.

Currently 4 GB is the maximum RAM for MacBook Air models. Logos 4 is resource intensive on Mac & PC – benefits from fast processor, graphics, and disk along with adequate memory (i.e. newer hardware since Logos 4 being designed for use over 5 to 8 years).

Option: visit an Apple Store for hands-on experience => http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/ Apple rates store employees on quality time with customers, especially answering questions.

Wiki has Logos 4 Mac => Mini FAQ that includes:

New to Mac OS X?

Apple has Mac OS X Applications and Utilities plus hundreds of How-To Tutorials. Apple Support includes Mac 101, Switch 101 and Keyboard shortcuts. For OS X Lion, Apple Support includes Recovery (with how to install on a new drive)

Keep Smiling [:)]

Dan Francis

In the next month i should be getting my hands on a macbook air for a couple weeks. I will be playing around with it , it will be an 11" and I will tell you how things look on it when I have it. And let you know ow it compares to my 2010 i7 15" 2.66ghz/8 GB ram.

-dan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325691#Comment_325691

Dan,

That would be great. I'm not planning on purchasing for another few months.

R. Mansfield

I have an 11" MBA (1.8 ghz i7, 256 SSD). Logos 4.x has never been overly zippy on the Mac in my experience, but the performance is better on my MBA than that on my previous 2.8 ghz Core 2 MacBook Pro.

I've really enjoyed the compact size of my 11" MBA. It's got a small footprint and is easy to carry, but the keyboard is full-sized. I have external monitors that I connect it to both at home and at my office, so I'm really not limited at all.

The only real drawback for me is the small amount of space in the SSD. When the larger one at OWC comes down in price, I have no doubt I'll upgrade it.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325748#Comment_325748

How does the 11 inch screen work for you when that's all you have? Much problem with seeing/using L4?

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/326343#Comment_326343

I deleted my initial reply and am going to attempt full size screenshots. Here is my full screen. I'm going to attempt to attach two screenshots that can be enlarged to the full 1366 x 768 of my MBA's screen.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/326354#Comment_326354

Looks good, thanks.

Ryan Wallace

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/326467#Comment_326467

I use the 11" Macbook Air. Unfortunately I purchased the upgraded 1.6GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB version and not the new i5. The screen size isn't a huge issue with me since I typically hook it up to a external monitor for intensive use. However, the processor is a little sluggish on this thing and I experience issues fairly frequently. I've done all the recommended tweeks to help make it as fast as can be, but Logos is a resource hog and this one borderline cuts it. Definitely get the new generation (i5, upgraded graphics, etc).

If I had to do it all over again, I would purchase the 13" air with a 1.7ghz i5 processor or higher...just my opinion.

R. Mansfield

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/327272#Comment_327272

Actually, go with the i7. Faster/more powerful is always better. I strongly recommend the 1.8 Ghz i7 that I got in my 11" MBA. It also uses 384 MB of RAM (out of 4 GB) for video, which is better than the base model, which only uses 256. Both the 11" and the 13" can be purchased with the i7 processor, and it's well worth the extra cost in my opinion.

The high end models of the MBA (4GB RAM, 1.8 Ghz i7, 256 SSD) can be purchased with educational discounts for $1549 (11") and $1639 (13"). I can't imagine any regret for spending a little more.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/327281#Comment_327281

I use the 11" Macbook Air. Unfortunately I purchased the upgraded 1.6GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB version and not the new i5. The screen size isn't a huge issue with me since I typically hook it up to a external monitor for intensive use. However, the processor is a little sluggish on this thing and I experience issues fairly frequently. I've done all the recommended tweeks to help make it as fast as can be, but Logos is a resource hog and this one borderline cuts it. Definitely get the new generation (i5, upgraded graphics, etc).

If I had to do it all over again, I would purchase the 13" air with a 1.7ghz i5 processor or higher...just my opinion.

Welcome [:D]

Concur Logos 4 is more responsive using 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7.

The high end models of the MBA (4GB RAM, 1.8 Ghz i7, 256 SSD) can be purchased with educational discounts for $1549 (11") and $1639 (13"). I can't imagine any regret for spending a little more.

Albeit, spending less may allow for more Logos resource purchases; Apple has refurbished high end 2011 MacBook Air models with same warranty as new:

$ 1,399 (11" i7 with 256 GB SSD) => Refurbished MacBook Air 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i7

$ 1,439 (13" i7 with 256 GB SSD) => Refurbished MacBook Air 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i7

Apple also has some refurbished 2011 MacBook Air models with 4 GB RAM and 2nd Generation Core i5 CPU's:

$ 999 (11" i5 with 128 GB SSD) => Refurbished MacBook Air 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5

$ 1,099 (13" i5 with 128 GB SSD) => Refurbished MacBook Air 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5

Keep Smiling [:)]

Wess Adams

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/327294#Comment_327294

I have moved from a 13" Macbook to an 11" Macbook Air & Love it! My wife uses the 13" MacBook Pro. I too was concerned prior to purchase with the difference in screen size, I wear glasses and prefer larger font sizes etc. I really can't tell the difference between the two while I am using either one. In fact we don't own a TV, however we watch different shows from Hulu & watch them from the 11"air with bluetooth sound through a BOSE Compact L-1 I have the new 1.6 GHz i-5 with 4 GB Memory

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328713#Comment_328713

Welcome to the forums, Wess! Thanks for sharing your experience.

EmileB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328729#Comment_328729

Hi Wess!
13 Air here. Concur with previous posts in reference to good performance. Can use external monitors on either, so screen real estate need not be an issue, although for running disconnected, 13 has advantages over the 11 on the eyes. Primary issue with these machines are the SSD and the RAM... max them both, for sure... do NOT compromise here, it just is not worth it and you will have regrets... but you should have no problem with Logos with a maxed Air. I would opt for whichever you can afford that has the most RAM/biggest SSD (I also did a refurb purchase... saved hundreds and it is as new... could buy resources instead with the savings. Apple is profitable enough). One consideration of 13 no one else has mentioned is sd card slot on 13 absent on 11. Nice to have, especially when traveling, or depending on your applications. Best wishes!!! (As a recent convert to Mac and long time stubborn hold out, I confess... You'll never want to go back to PC!).

Fabrice

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328750#Comment_328750

Hey, I just bought the Mac Air 13" 128 GB :-)

I have a question though : How do you transfer the Logos Software from my iMac ? Time Machine will make it possible maybe, or via a cable? I can't afford downloading it again cause I've reached the 4GB download here. Any advice? that would be welcome :-)

Mike Binks

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/329109#Comment_329109

Hi Fabrice

There is a section in the Wiki about transferring libraries between Macs.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/329110#Comment_329110

Here is the link that Mike mentioned:

http://wiki.logos.com/Quick_Installation_onto_Multiple_Macs

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/325694#Comment_325694

Dan,

That would be great. I'm not planning on purchasing for another few months.

Al

Here is a comparison between my 2010 2.66GHz i7 15 inch Macbook Pro with 8GB and a current 11 inch i5 1.6 Ghz macbook air with 4GB. NOTE: this is a bit of an apple orange thing since I have the latest beta on my MBP (4.5a Beta 2 ) and latest release (4.5 SR-2) on the MBA. I made sure no applications were running in the back ground on either machine. Initial start up (from the click of the icon to the musical tone finishes playing the MBP took 23 Seconds vs. 26 seconds on the MBA. In the starting box typing Psalm 1 and hitting the Go button till everything was populated in the study windows was 23 seconds on the MBA and 31 seconds on the MBP, which surprised me a bit but then it is a beta version or possibly the SSD on the MBA gave it the advantage. All in all I can say the MBA has been running Logos very nicely and in a few years when I get a new computer the AIR will likely be my computer. The screen is nice and crisp and I didn't mind the smaller screen at all. I do think the screen is less than ideal for the default 5 window layout but felt equally the same on my 15". I do not think you will have any regrets no matter which MacBook you end up getting… the 11 is so nice and light.

-Dan

Fabrice

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/329129#Comment_329129

Thanks Mike and Alabama. That help is useful. God bless you

Josh

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/332229#Comment_332229

I'm running Proclaim on a 17" MBP with 16GB of ram and the screen barely big enough for my tastes. Then again I'm a size junky, having worked with audio and video editing software. I certainly couldn't stand editing services on an 11" and would only use a 13" if I had to. I would recommend the 15" MBP and up because of the video card in the 15" is the same high performance one as in the 17" Better video card - smoother transitions and backgrounds.

Donald E. Stidwell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/332365#Comment_332365

Just to add my 2 cents here. I used to own a 13" MacBook Pro wound up selling it because I considered it to be too big and heavy. I wanted very light and very portable. It was an older model - 2008 or 2009 IIRC. The latest generation of MBAs (2011) was the first generation of MBA that I considered worth owning, and the 11" is exactly the size and weight that I want. I bought the i5, 4 GB, 128 GB SSD model and I find it perfect for my needs. It has a high resolution screen and even though I wear glasses and will turn 60 this year, I still find don't have any problem reading the screen on this version.

I'm not a power user of Logos by any means, but I am finding that the SSD makes a huge difference in performance, so much so that I'm seriously considering replacing the hard drive in my 2011 Mac Mini with an SSD. Logos starts up quicker on my MBA than my Mini and all disk based operations are noticeably quicker on the MBA due to the SSD.

I can't really make any recommendations on whether to go with the 13" or 11" but the main point I wanted to make is that if you have good vision (or good glasses!) the 11" is perfectly useable and not in any way inferior. I'm ecstatic with mine.

Ron Newberry

Just went from a 15" toshiba to a 13" MBA. I find the screen very readable and clear. I have 128SSD and use the 1.7Ghz and i5 processor. Best purchase I have ever made in a computer.

Andy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337973#Comment_337973

Best purchase I have ever made in a computer.

Hi Ron,

Thanks for sharing this feedback. I recently made the jump from a PC to the 13" MBA and found the experience and advice of fellow Logos users really helpful indeed.

By the way, I absolutely agree with you. The MBA is the best computer I have ever owned. I am delighted with it.

God bless,

Andy

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/337976#Comment_337976

The MBA is the best computer I have ever owned. I am delighted with it.

[Y] I am thinking about getting one for my wife (after I get a job [:S]). She just started work on her Master's degree and has never owned a "new" computer.

Quick Links

Recent Posts
Activity
Unanswered