Macbook Air differences

[Beev]

I found an October 2010 Macbook Air on Craigslist for $1000. The specs are listed on this wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbook_air under Late 2010 (it's the 13" model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD).

I've been out of the computer hardware loop for quite a while; how much better are the Mid-2011 models? The video looks worse, and I'm unsure on the CPU.

What's the difference between a Core 2 Duo and a dual-core? They both sound dual core...

What's the difference between L2 cache and L3?

Is the RAM speed of the 2011 model faster enough to matter?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sangyup81]

2011 models use Sandy Bridge which is 2 generations better than the Core2 Duo used in the 2010 model. Sandy Bridge gives more performance per clock and uses less power. Go with the 2011 model

 

[Beev]

Hmm, well maybe I should haggle the guy down to $850 or something. I know the 2011 model is better, just because its newer really, but if I can get the 2010 one for a good price I feel like I should.

 

[TheStu]

Hmm, well maybe I should haggle the guy down to $850 or something. I know the 2011 model is better, just because its newer really, but if I can get the 2010 one for a good price I feel like I should.

If the guy on craigslist has the 2GB, 64GB SSD model, you can get that refurbed straight from Apple for $849 + tax. Comes with the 1 year warranty just like a new system. Only difference is it comes in a plain brown box.

You can get the 2GB, 64GB SSD Core i5 version for $999 straight from Aplpe as well. The graphics are a little worse (but you aren't using this thing for gaming anyway) but the CPU is much, much better.

Saw that it was the 4GB 13" model. If you can get him down to $850, jump on it. That is a great price for a great system. Depending on what you will be using it for, the CPU in it will be more than sufficient (my 1.4GHz Air will play back 1080p Flash, and Flash is always an issue with OS X, so it is no real slouch).