MBA 11 or 13 as 2nd laptop??

I have a big heavy 17in desktop replacement as my main computer but im going to college in the fall. If Im using a MBA as a second computer do you think I need the 13in or will I be fine with the 11in. I want one because I do like the Mac OS and the ssd but is there a cheaper light windows laptop someone could suggest? Thanks

 

First, what's your budget? If possible, I would get at least the 128 GB so either the higher 11" or base 13". Personally, I would get the 13" 128 GB MBA because of the higher screen resolution, and SD card slot. Either way, it's going to be very light in weight so why not get more screen estate while you're at it.

A Windows alternative is Lenovo's X220 with IPS (branded as Premium HD). It's gotten solid reviews.

Finally, by second computer do you mean that you're going to be using the MBA (or an alternative) to do school work? If not, why not get a tablet (iPad 2, HP Touchpad, Blackberry Playbook, any of the top Android Honeycomb tablets)?

 

I dont really have a budget but I dont want to pay for features I dont need (ex. 64gb vs 128gb). I just want a lightweight computer I can bring around school but not really notice its there. Basically going to be taking notes and research and some casual games. I dont know if I need more than 64gb of storage for that.

 

i have just got a macbook pro 13 inch as a second laptop. i'm the same as u i have a desktop replacement as my main and i love my macbook pro its the best 2nd laptop i could ask for.

i would say go for the Macbook pro over the air unless the bigger resolution in air is what u want. but you will barely notice the wait difference from the pro to the air so i would go for that and save some money.

 

Unless you install or purchase with the MBP with an SSD, the new (even the old for that matter) MBA will destroy the MBP with a spinning hard drive at least while booting and open apps.

I played with the new 13" MBA, right next to an i7 13" MBP. I opened all apps on both from the applications folder, did a command-a and command-o to open it all at once. The MBA took about 15-20 seconds to all settle down, while the MBP took at least 90 seconds LOL. I mainly wanted to test responsiveness while switching between many opened apps. They felt about the same. The MBA felt as responsive as the MBP with the i7. Now I only tested apps opening and switching. I have no doubt the MBP will be faster if you're doing video editing and stuff.

I'm definitely considering the 13" MBA. I want the 1440x900 screen. Going from 1280x800 of the 13" MBP may not sound like much, but those extra 160 vertical/100 horizontal pixels make it a lot roomer. I know because I switch between my MBP and my Dell Latitude with the same 1440x900 resolution.