Depending on your use case would also consider a Chromebook. Purchased son an Acer 14 and love this laptop and want one for myself.
- crappy screen (missing pixel, and low viewing angle)
- plastic case vs aluminium
- much less powerful
- can't run mac OS
My 2011 Macbook Pro cost about $1500, compared to about $200-300 for the Chromebook.
It doesn't appear to be the best experience but it does appear to be possible.