It now has the latest fourth-generation Intel Core chipset (Haswell), which is a real step change over previous hardware in terms of efficiency. The 2013 MacBook Air line has had a refresh internally, which is where most of the differences lie over previous years. It's ultra portable, very high quality and it's all been achieved without sacrificing performance. It's the sort of notebook that doesn't fret when you put it on the tray table on aircraft or trains. Overall, however, there's no denying how compact the 11-inch MacBook Air is. The advantage you get from that small footprint is that this notebook weighs just 1.08kg and you really can slip it into a bag with ease.Įlsewhere, the smaller frame means you lose the SD card slot, so you'll have to connect things like cameras using cables, which is a minor consideration. This comes down to hand size and typing style, but if you're eyeing-up a machine that you're going to use daily, it's certainly worth considering, and a visit to the Apple Store to try for yourself.

It's that 19.2cm that we feel is just too small for us, whereas as the additional 3.5cm on the depth of the 13-inch make it perfectly comfortable. Although the backlit keyboard is fantastic, with excellent key action and adequate spacing, it's questionable whether there's enough palm rest space apart from the central trackpad if you've got larger hands. That's where the real problem with the 11-inch MacBook Air lies.

Macbook 11 inch review