Heya Marv, sorry I didn't respond sooner. Well, if you carry your laptop a lot the lighter MBA would make a difference...2.9lbs vs. 4.5lbs. Also, the screen is higher resolution on the MBA. However, if you're going to lose a bunch of money upgrading I'm not thinking it'd be worth it. The 13" you have is a nice laptop, but I understand the concerns with arthritis. 🙁 ...I doubt the MBA would help much with that though.