I think it's not only about build quality. If you use Linux, sadly it's also about compatibility. I bought a MBA 11' (2012) because it's an all-Intel machine,

I think it's not only about build quality. If you use Linux, sadly it's also about compatibility. I bought a MBA 11' (2012) because it's an all-Intel machine, which was used by Linus for some time and hardware support is almost perfect. It's only lacking ACPI events for battery discharge, something very few machines have. While Macs are good, I think they are optimised for the looks and not for robustness. Glossy screens are a bit uncomfortable, and aluminium tends to be too rigid, transmitting shocks to the screen as a consequence.