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Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (mid 2011)
81
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Tim StevensJuly 25, 2011
Pros
- Huge performance improvementThunderbolt portBacklit keyboard
Cons
- Middling screen resolutionNo matte optionExpensive
Apple
MacBook
Engadget - Not yet scored
0
Critics
7 reviews79
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users
47 reviews90
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (mid 2011)
- Critic Reviews (7)
- User Reviews (47)
- 79AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE7 ReviewsAnandTech80The 2011 MacBook Air (11 & 13-inch): Thoroughly ReIf you like thin and light ultraportables, the MacBook Air continues to be one of the best options around.Engadget70MacBook Air review (mid 2011)The 2011 MacBook Air addresses nearly every concern anyone could lob at its predecessor. It's still light on ports, the missing SD slot on the 11-inch model is a drag, and no, it isn't cheap, but this machine is fast, efficient, and not to be underestimated.CNET80Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, Summer 2011)If you're looking for a small, fast MacBook and don't mind paying a higher price for superior design and performance, the 2011 11-inch MacBook Air is flat-out the fastest ultraportable we've ever used.Laptop Magazine70Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, 2011) ReviewThe 11-inch MacBook Air adds a backlit keyboard and faster Core i5 processor to one of the sleekest ultraportables on the market.Pocket-Lint90Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (2011) reviewWith the 2011 refresh, Apple has managed to keep the remarkable form, but also add some internals that make this more than just a rich person's plaything. Now, the Air is an excellent day-to-day laptop, and one that we think most people will find more than adequate for their needs.Fortune80MacBook Air review: Finally a buy!In the end, the 11-inch MacBook Air is a worthy update and an excellent ultraportable. It provides more than enough oomph to handle most people's everyday needs.TrustedReviews80Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (mid 2011) reviewIts styling and build are unrivalled, it has plenty enough performance for everyday computing, it'll at least half a working day on battery, and the improvements to MacOSX make it a lovely system to use. ... Many competitors are getting close but right now the Air is still flying high.
- 90AVERAGE USER SCORE47 ReviewsEngadget Reader90May 11, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!You sacrifice upgrades and ports, but you get an excellent thin, light, and well-performing laptop.Engadget Reader80January 20, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have loved using the macbook air, it is so light and slim that I sometimes forget that I have brought it with me.However now I would not have the 11 inch model as my only laptop since although it is great to use, its screen is quite low quality and too small for all the time use.The battery life is the biggest upgrade from this model to the 2013 model so I would definitely go for the 2013 model if I was to get a new one.I run a advice website which give personalized advice using a quiz to find out what macbook is best for you, check out the quiz at:http://www.thamply.com/quizzes/macbook-finder/Engadget Reader80October 24, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80June 4, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90March 10, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100October 13, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90August 3, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The macbook air is very fast, an amazing design and just overall a top class notebook. In my view tops any windows laptop purely because of all the little features such as a full touch glass touchpad and illuminated keyboard. The device is very thin, and when taking it out becomes very portable and is very light compared to other laptops with similar specs, it reminds me of carrying round my ipad 2. I was surprised how quite it ran with no noise at all being produced until the device become hot and the fans turn on (only happens when the vents have been covered) Only a couple of problems I've had such as the magsafe charger and usb are roughly the same size so when im not looking i tend to try forcing the usb into the charging socket by accident, also the RAM cannot be upgraded manually after purchase because they are soldered straight onto the motherboard.Engadget Reader90June 26, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Most people are saying they love this machine but it has it's limits...it does, however, in my case it is in every sense a "portable" machine and a great one at that. I have an iMac that does the heavy lifting and needed something portable that didn't feel like carrying a brick. This machine is light (little heavier than an iPad), extremely fast, does a great job with iLife - it's everything an iPad isn't and more.Engadget Reader90June 22, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90May 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is probably in my opinion one of the most useful machines for a true road warrior looking for the ultimate in mobility. I've been using PC and Mac portables for a while now and have 30+ years experience with computers and this is, as of yet, the most useful device for mobile work that I've come across. That being said there are a few constraints a buyer should be aware of beforehand.First of all: the screen. It's small (only 11.6") and resolution is a relatively standard 1366x768. This means that if you are often reading documents and articles, gathering information over the web or editing photos you will definitely feel limited by the smaller size of the screen. (This is NOT a computer for people with poor eyesight.) Another small thing to consider is that this screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Some older mac apps are designed for Macs using 16:10 screens meaning that some dialogue boxes were designed for a minimum vertical resolution of 800 pixels. Occasionally you may encounter an app with dialogue boxes that partially run off the screen when they are displayed on the MacBook Air 11. Minor niggle but worth mentioning since it's annoying when/if it happens. Otherwise the screen quality, brightness etc is great for web surfing, writing e-mails, watching movies etc.Second: the keyboard. It's also small. Not that I mind it much since I have relatively small hands but if you have larger hands you might want to consider the 13" version, sacrificing some portability for a little bit more space for your hands and wrists. If you have particularly large hands you might even find that you rest the bottom of your palms on the razor thin front edge of the unit making extensive typing an uncomfortable experience. As I said, it's not a problem for me but make sure that you try out the keyboard before you buy this machine. Otherwise the keyboard quality is great, with backlighting and no flex or creakiness at all.Third: the track pad. In order to accommodate the keyboard it's quite small, vertically, compared to the track pad on a MacBook Pro 13 or a 13 inch MacBook Air. If you are used to the huge glassy track pads on larger macs you might find that you occasionally encounter the upper or lower edges of the track pad when scrolling, pinching or moving the cursor from edge to edge on the screen. This, again, is no big issue for me and just took a bit of time getting used to. Not a major hindrance in my book but if the track pad is important to you then you might want to consider the 13 inch version.Just keep these three potential comfort issues, or minor niggles if you will, in mind and make sure you take a look (and feel) at a physical device before you make your purchase decision. Remember that this is probably not a machine for everyone, and definitely not the ideal primary machine for everyone, but if you don't mind the size constraints (after all, this machine was designed to be the ultimate ultraportable) it will probably be one of your best computer purchases all year.Also, do make sure you get the version with 4 GB RAM (as opposed to the baseline of 2 GB) as RAM is non-expandable on the MacBook Airs. You're basically stuck with whatever RAM your unit originally came with. When you install future O/S upgrades (or open a bunch of tabs in your web browser) you will probably appreciate splashing out the extra money for a larger amount of RAM.Engadget Reader90April 20, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I was going to get the new iPad and decided to go with the MacBook Air 11 because I find myself needing to update with work files often. Dragging and dropping to a USB drive and going is very easy. Dropbox is not available on my work computer.As long as I'm not using the wifi during the day too much, I'm able to get through the day on a full charge. I type and review documents all day and the 11 inch size is fine. The 13 inch was just a little too big. If you can get by with the 13 inch size, the battery is a few hours longer.Engadget Reader100April 20, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader80April 14, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Love the laptop. Full size keyboard, bright screen. Screen is big enough to whatch a movie or play a game. Gets great battery life. Compared to the older macair's, this is screaming fast.My model has the 256G SSD drive, and 1.7Ghz CPU.Engadget Reader100April 1, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It's the best computer where amazing hardware was made for incredible software and it has become a shock to me. i enjoyed it. if 11 inch isn't enough go to 13 inch model, but for 11 inch is best. And that is where the magic happens!Engadget Reader100March 29, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Such an improvement over the 1st generation MBA form factor (and underlying tech) that they can't even be compared. 11" size might seem to be pushing usability, but I was surprised to discover just how perfect the size is for me.Engadget Reader100March 22, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This laptop is a fantastic machine. I would highly recommend it to someone who already has a desktop machine and wants a portable powerhouse. This is a great laptop. No regrets.Engadget Reader100March 14, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Small and Security.Ali90March 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Fantastic product! Apple just nailed everything right for this machine. Only quibble is battery life is not as advertised, though certainly not bad for a laptop of this size and weight.Engadget Reader80March 3, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 5, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 1, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80January 22, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I initially bought this for my wife, as she needed something small and light, and did email and internet. It's a "fight for it" device now, as I find it can handle some moderately taxing photo editing business, and I don't have to drag the "beast" ( a 4 year old Acer) around the house. It will do HD video, but sometimes it chugs a bit. We did have a small problem with the magsafe adapter, but Apple promptly fixed the issue with a replacement. I would recommend this as a house computer, I fear every time I go outside with it. Get It anyway!Engadget Reader100January 21, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I never thought I would be weaned off of dvd's, but I have not missed portable media and again am amazed at the elegance of Apple's product design. My intimacy with the web has advanced due to the ease with which I can carry the Air.Engadget Reader80January 15, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!If you want an ultraportable, this is absolutely the machine to get. My only qualms are that you cannot upgrade your RAM at all, and upgrading your SSD is a pain, so assume you can't do that either. That in mind, I'd recommend 4GB of RAM. I just got the 2, and I can feel it. Also this thing can get pretty noisy if you're doing something at all processor intensive, like ripping a DVD from an external DVD-ROM.Engadget Reader90January 5, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have prob had 8 different Mac Air units, though I do try others frequently. I need Windows for an application, so always install that via BootCamp on the Mac. The Air is the sexiest, slickest, most portable laptop. Always has been my fav. Thanks Apple. Well done.Engadget Reader100December 30, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The second best thing I've bought this year. This laptop has kickstarted so many creative projects, I've lost count. And i've only had it for a month. It's perfect in every way. I don't miss the SD card slot that reviewers seem to be whining about. I definitely do not miss the optical drive. I don't even miss the massive storage: this little laptop has forced me to clean my digital ways. And to be fair, the expandability rating is unfair. You can't expand any of the hardware, but that's the whole point of the MBA. The ultra-portabilty. Everything is soldered onto the board and the custom-made battery pack means Apple's made the MBA as thin as they want it to be. I can't think of a single gripe that I can't live with (I've lived with Windows gripes for years without fretting about it, so yes, this counts). Lion is an absolute delight. The intuitiveness really shines through as you're able to start setting up a la your-way right out of the box. The gestures on that beautiful glass trackpad never get old. It's nice that Apple's managed a full sized keyboard on a laptop that's been designated a netbook by other manufacturers. If anything the mid-2011 model that I've got is as good as a full-spec laptop. Show it any task and it''ll take a stab at it. 2GB RAM or not, rainbow wheel regardless. Battery life is almost as advertised, just a little under (sometimes over) 5 hours. The absence of Flash is not missed, if anything I'm grateful it's off the entire system to begin with. (the battery drain with Flash on Chrome really is a b*ch). The 11 incher, for those who like the petiteness, is the perfect companion for a desktop or a primary laptop. As a standalone primary device, it's too small to be sitting in front of for long stretches everyday.Engadget Reader90December 23, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I bought the Mac Air as a replacement for a PC Netbook. I needed something I could take to meetings and still have the full functions of a computer. I also wanted a light weight and smooth user interface. The Netbook was a clunky design and was long in connecting to wifi and became hot quickly. Mac Air solved all of those issues and fit into my home network better since I was using a MacBook as my desktop computer. I now use the Air more then the MacBook because of mobility and no or very little heat. Excellent from working in bed.Engadget Reader80December 20, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The finest computer I've ever used to date. It just hits the point of a laptop, a computer is all about the specs, a laptop is the balance between specs and being a laptop and this goes both ways. It's a power house and it's PRETTY!... PRETTY GORGEOUS!Engadget Reader100December 19, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader80November 15, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90November 14, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90November 14, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100October 5, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best laptop I have every own and I have had at least 13 in my life!Engadget Reader90September 30, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 28, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 11, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 4, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80August 30, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The MacBook Air 11" delivers what you expect in the size & form factor it comes in. It isn't a spectacular performer and lacks a LOT of ports that power users come to expect, but this isn't what it was designed for. The MBA 11" is designed PRIMARILY for portability and it does that job very well. It's weight & size makes it extremely portable... imagine, it's only 1.5x the weight of an iPad 3G 1st Gen. The MBA 11" makes the case for owning a Macbook Pro 15 or 17" instead of a 13", and having the former as your travel machine. Many (average users) complain that there is no CD/DVD drive. Personally, I use my optical drive maybe once every 1 to 2 months. USBs & the Cloud seem to be the norm these days. One thing I am worried about with this machine is it's possible "delicateness". I'm not sure how flimsy it really is, but I'm not taking any chances, and neither should you either. There is one report where he accidentally dropped his power adapter on the keyboard near the power button from a height of 7" and it caused lines and a whole area of dead pixels just opposite to the site of trauma. No damage to the case or the glass or denting, yet it screwed up the LCD bad.For many power users, the 256Gb SSD is hardly enough. Since it is hard wired into the logic board, there's really no way to upgrade it. Thus, an external hard drive is the obvious way to go. I just wish they come out with the Thunderbolt-ready hard drives. This will make your MBA a powerful machine, without taking up a USB port. One unexpected problem with the MBA 11" is it is in a bit awkward size for the usual computer bags that are available. It's too large for the standard netbook bags, and it's too small for the 13" devices. All in all, this machine is a typical Apple product, able to accomplish what it was designed to do, and a little bit more with a killer design and form factor, but sometimes sacrificing some durability for aesthetics.Engadget Reader90August 27, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I love my new MacBook Air, it's very light laptop that I can take wherever I want.Engadget Reader90August 10, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90August 9, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90August 6, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have the Mid 2011 11" unit with the i7, 256gb SD, 4GB. FAST unit. I really like the portability of this unit without sacrificing performance. I am running Fusion with Windows 7 vm's and performance is spectacular. If you need high performance and high portability, this is the unit! Sandy Bridge and Lion, just round out an awesome machine!Engadget Reader90August 4, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80August 3, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Over all I really do love this device. I tried the 13inch model thinking the additional real estate would be a nice upgrade from my previous 11inch air. The overall speed noticeably better than the previous model, the back light keyboard is a nice addition. The addition of the thunderbolt is nice but still not very useful as there are not many peripherals that use it.Overall the design is as good as the last model especially since all the real improvements are under the hood other than the backlight keyboard you really don’t notice much difference. This to me is my second machine I take with me when I am out and about its my primary machine when out to at customer sites or in meeting I prefer the laptop experience over the iPad in some cases like note taking and I just can’t get some the work apps to run on an iOS device plus I like the keyboard that you can’t get on the iPad.Would I recommend this to a family member? I really love the weight and the instant and the speed but for some one like my nephew whose 18 and really into creating music I would lean more toward the 13inch pro. Because of the optical drive larger screen and the larger hard drive. For my parents who are more about Facebook and watching streaming media of the grand kids id say yes I would recommend it. Its light easy to cary and has good battery life for them it would work great.Engadget Reader100July 23, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There is little to say apart from the Sandy Bridge upgrade being an absolute monster compared to the core 2 line of cpus. The Lion OS is definitely different in regard to the multi touch bit but overall a real upgrade.
Key Specs
TYPE
Ultraportable
SCREEN SIZE
1122
SCREEN RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
BUNDLED OS
Mac OS
CPU FAMILY
Core i5
PROCESSOR SPEED
1.619
SYSTEM RAM
21
POINTING DEVICE
Trackpad
VIDEO OUTPUTS
DisplayPort
MAXIMUM BATTERY LIFE
Up to 520
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