Macbook Air 11'': late 2010 vs mid 2011

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Apparently the new MB air with Sandy Bridge processor is a lot faster than its predecessor.
However, I have a question for you.

Which one do you think would perform better between:
- late 2010 top version, with 4GB ram, 1.6 Ghz processor and SSD 128GB
vs
- mid 2011 entry level, with 2GB ram, new sandy bridge processor and 64GB.

The thing is that I could get the former second hand for 200 dollars cheaper than the latter (new).

But I would like to avoid getting an outdated machine.

Thanks for your advice!
 
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Check out these videos
‪Macbook Air 2011‬‏ - YouTube

They are comparisons between a 13in with similar specs to the top one and the new equivalent. That said what are you planning on using it for? It will help us answer your question
 
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I am going to use it for very basic stuff.
Checking the email, web research, to watch movies "on the go", and some minor photo editing.
I am aware that this does not require such a powerful machine.
The iPad would be enough.
However, having had the ipad, I feel like when I need to edit an excel spreadsheet, a word doc and so on, I cannot get anything done on the ipad.
A basic Macbook air is going to be enough, I thought.

However, reading reviews of the basic macbook air late 2010, I see it struggles a bit when playing HD content (HD youtube videos)...

Well, I'd rather spend a few more bucks and end avoid any of the above...

Maybe the late 2010 top version, with 4GB ram, 1.6 Ghz processor and SSD 128GB could be sufficient... and not too slow compared to the new models
 
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Most of the new MBA's should not have this issue, but I would imagine that the 2010 top version is fine for you especially if its less than the cheapest new MBA.
 
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Thanks for the reply StMFA.

Price wise it's pretty much like this:

- second hand 2010 top version: 800 euros (warranty ends in nov11)
- refurbished 2010 entry level: 700 euros (1 year warranty)
- new 2011 model entry level: 950 euros (770 euros if bought in the US)
- new 2011 model top version: 1149 euros (920 euros if bought in the US)
 
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My vote is for the first or last ones, that said if you watched the videos the old one is not actually that much slower for everyday tasks, when doing movie editing and such is really where you notice the performance boosts of the new MBA's.
 
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Yes thanks - I did watch the videos.

I guess I would not be performing much video editing on it.
But maybe I might need to do some picture editing or watch HD videos.
And i would like to make sure a 800 euro laptop does it smoothly.

To make my final decision I'd have to wait a video comparison of option 1 and 4 from my post above :)
I need to decide quickly - the guy might sell it any time now.
 
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I believe that's what those videos were comparing. So if you stay tuned you will likely find more video comparisons, I would honestly go with the first option and maybe get an apple care plan to go with it as you still are under the year warranty.
 
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I was at the Apple store today.
They were emphasizing how much faster the new processor is.
Also, this MBA was built on Lion, as opposed to the older version.
Finally, if I were to spend 800 euros for option 1 + apple care (250 euros), I'd spend as much as the new MBA costs!
 

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