MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?

[james809]

I need some advice on choosing between the MacBook Air (2.13GHz) and the MacBook Pro (13.3", 2.53GHz).

I love the MacBook Air's weight and size, but will it:
1) Watch 720p avi files without lagging?
2) Overheat and eventually crash? (The reason why I'm switching to Apple)
3) Able to run Flash applications smoothly?

The laptop will be both my home and travel computer.

Thanks guys!

[PDFierro]

Absolutely on 720p and flash. The Air is meant to be used as a primary computer. Or not.

Just make sure you get the right version. So it'll do those things, such as flash and video. Since you say 2.13 GHz, I assume that means you are looking at the $1,799 model.

[james809]

Absolutely on 720p and flash. The Air is meant to be used as a primary computer. Or not.

Just make sure you get the right version. So it'll do those things, such as flash and video. Since you say 2.13 GHz, I assume that means you are looking at the $1,799 model.

hmmmm okay but will the 2GB RAM be able to support firefox, safari, messenger on mac running and watching the video? as I usually watch stuff with my applications still running. And yes, the $1,799 model.

[Enigma2120]

Yes, the 2.13GHz MacBook Air will smoothly run flash apps and 720p avi files. And I agree that the size and weight is attractive. But I would recommend the 13", 2.53GHz MBP. Though I guess it really depends on your needs and what you expect from a notebook. My main reasons for recommending the MacBook Pro are usability and performance.

The 13" MBP comes standard with 4GB of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; upgradable to 8GB. The Air maxes out at 2GB. The MBP also has the new 7hour battery, the Air will on get 5hours. The MBP also has a faster, more powerful processor. You also have the ability to use larger and faster HDDs or larger SSD in the MBP whereas you're limited to a 128GB SSD with the 2.13GHz Air. Moreover, the MBP has two USB ports, a FireWire 800 port, SD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet port, Mini DisplayPort, and a SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD±RW); the Air only has one USB and a Mini DisplayPort, no internal optical drive. Also, the MBP is a few hundred dollars less than the 2.13GHz Air.

I'm sure the Air will support smooth video playback while you have a (modest) number of applications open. But the MBP is a much more powerful machine. I have a 15" MBP with 4GB of RAM and also run countless applications simultaneously. I've yet to notice any lagging. The safe bet, in my opinion is to go with the MacBook Pro. It's cheaper, it's more powerful, it has an internal optical drive, and it's nearly as sleek and portable as the Air--if you're near an apple store, you should take a look at one in person, it's lighter and more portable than one imagines it would be.

Also, you can purchase the base model of the MBP now and in a year or two, invest a little more money to upgrade the RAM, perhaps install a larger HDD/SSD as newer models are released. What I mean to say is, I feel the MBP will have a longer life; you won't feel as if you have an archaic obsolete machine in a few years.

I do love the sleekness and portability of the Air, but for me, the performance just isn't there. With the addition of the 13" MBP to the Pro line, I feel Apple has really bridged the performance-portability gap.

My best advice would be to take a trip to an apple store, or any computer retailer with both a MacBook Pro and an Air on Display. Take them for a test drive. And see which works best for you. Good luck and enjoy the new computer, whichever you finally decide upon.

[musicpenguy]

I think the MBA would serve you well.

The MBPs are great but there is nothing quite like the form factor of the MBA the lightness and thinness of the machine really turn it into a laptop you can carry everywhere with you and not even really know its with you.

It may not be as powerful as the MBP but the state of laptops these days at least with Core 2 Duo driven ones is that even the MBA is a powerful laptop and a more powerful laptop in most aspects than a MBP a few years ago.

I actually prefer this laptop to my 17" Core Duo Macbook Pro simply because of form factor.

I would say try em both out at the Apple Store and see where your heart leads you.

[RichardF]

[...]
I actually prefer this laptop to my 17" Core Duo Macbook Pro simply because of form factor.

I would say try em both out at the Apple Store and see where your heart leads you.

+1

I used to own a 17" MBP (the latest top of the line before Apple made the switch to Intel). While it was amazing to work on/ use, it was a pain to carry around.


To the OP's question:

I think we cannot really tell what you value most. To some the size/ weight will overcome other considerations when comparing the MBA to its closest tempting alternative: the 13" MBP.

The 2.13GHz/ 128GB SSD MBA is apparently "good enough" when it comes to power, in particular if you don't need to have an optical drive and to have a bunch of external devices plugged-in often/ at all times.

I know some would like the MBA to be even lighter (using Carbon Fiber) but I find it really light and that makes it a joy to use around the house and have it with you all the time when on and about.

[james809]

I've tried both, I love the weight and size of the MacBook Air but I tried running applications like Front Row and there was a really slight lag in the display set of the Air to the Pro (however they are using the lower end model for both). I'll think about what you all have adviced me thanks!

[DiamondGCoupe]

Videos lag on my Air after it gets hot which is usually ~30 minutes or so, and it does get very hot! If this is going to be your primary laptop, go with the Pro.

[colourfastt]

I have both a MBA and a MBP and I find myself using the Air MUCH more than the MacBook Pro. The form factor and weight being the deciding factors when I'm trying to decide which laptop to carry with me.

[EglMtn]

I have a first generation MBA and have really enjoyed it. I travel a lot and so the portability has been a big issue for me. However I have at times been very frustrated by the single USB port. When I have my broadband card plugged in, which is most of the time, I can not plug anything else in. It can be very frustrating. I know there are USB hubs out there but they require you to plug them in to power, and it's just more that I have to carry around. For that reason alone, I am considering switching to a MBP with the next update.

[james809]

When will be the most probable date for the next update of the Air+Pro (they should be together)? Cause if they update the Air with a 4GB RAM it should be good enough for me.

And yes, I've heard about it overheating but I visited an Apple shop and the latest 1.86GHz model wasn't really hot when I felt it.

[thejadedmonkey]

I would go with the "pro", if you can call it that.

It has a much better battery life, and won't overhead like the air does.

Also, it has double the USB ports, not like that's saying much though :p

[RichardF]

And a better iSight resolution.

I used to *hate* the iSight on my Rev A. MBA.

How about the 13" MacBook Pro 2.26GHz with 128GB SSD and 4GB RAM for $1,699?

Interestingly, the 2.53GHz version with 128GB SSD and 4GB RAM is at $1,843.
Quite a difference for just the CPU power difference.

[Scottsdale]

The ONLY reasons to buy the MBP over the MBA are...

1. You absolutely NEED more CPU power than 2.13 GHz, DOUBTFUL.
2. You absolutely NEED a FireWire Port.
3. You absolutely NEED more than 13.3" of display space. Assume 15"/17" MBP.
4. You absolutely NEED a dedicated graphics card.
5. You absolutely NEED 4 GB RAM, probably most common issue. Those who NEED to run Windows virtually probably encounter this issue.

Forget the "want more power" issue, as the MBA is quite a capable Mac for most Mac users. I would bet over 80% of the people who buy a 13.3" MBP don't need an MBP and would love an MBA if they gave it a try. They fall into the trap of wanting more power. It's an easy trap to fall into, but even the MBA is really capable and powerful. Compare it to the power of a PPC Mac Pro from three years ago, or to a 2.16 GHz MBP from two years ago. With the SSD it's faster than the average MBP with 4 GB RAM and 7200rpm HDD.

I vote MBA unless you NEED something listed above.

[RichardF]

Scottsdale:

The current MBAs still use a 0.3MP (640x480) sensor for their iSight, right?

[Scottsdale]

Scottsdale:

The current MBAs still use a 0.3MP (640x480) sensor for their iSight, right?

OMG, seriously? LMAO. So the MBP's iSight is different... cheers. more power to you for knowing that.

[zedsdead]

The ONLY reasons to buy the MBP over the MBA are...

1. You absolutely NEED more CPU power than 2.13 GHz, DOUBTFUL.
2. You absolutely NEED a FireWire Port.
3. You absolutely NEED more than 13.3" of display space. Assume 15"/17" MBP.
4. You absolutely NEED a dedicated graphics card.
5. You absolutely NEED 4 GB RAM, probably most common issue. Those who NEED to run Windows virtually probably encounter this issue.

Forget the "want more power" issue, as the MBA is quite a capable Mac for most Mac users. I would bet over 80% of the people who buy a 13.3" MBP don't need an MBP and would love an MBA if they gave it a try. They fall into the trap of wanting more power. It's an easy trap to fall into, but even the MBA is really capable and powerful. Compare it to the power of a PPC Mac Pro from three years ago, or to a 2.16 GHz MBP from two years ago. With the SSD it's faster than the average MBP with 4 GB RAM and 7200rpm HDD.

I vote MBA unless you NEED something listed above.

Let's not forget the battery in the Macbook pro. It is significantly better.

Also, the Glass Trackpad is better than the Air's pad. I have owned both. The Pro is also built much better as there are no hardware defects like the Air (screen lines, hinge, trackpad scratch issue etc...), and the optical drive, more usb ports, and ethernet (this depends on if the user needs these things on the go). The 15/17 models can also have a Matte Screen if needed.

Regardless, I highly recommend upgrading a Macbook Pro or Air to the SSD drives. The speed increase is completely worth it, unless of course you need the hard drive space (which is up to 500 gigs in the Pro).

Now that the Macbook Pro's have taken the design queues from the Air and have a better trackpad, there is NO reason Apple should be charging what they do for the Air. It is highly overpriced. When it first came out it was revolutionary but things have changed since then. Yes the price has come down, but it should be cheaper than the cheapest Macbook Pro.

Back when it was released, it had a MUCH better screen than the Macbooks and latter Aluminum Macbooks, the illuminated keyboard and multitouch trackpad. It was also the first to have the unibody construction and the chips probably cost some decent money since it was a project specifically restarted for Apple by Intel.

It made sense that it sat in-between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro; however, now it should be the lowest priced model in the lineup as it had no advantages anymore and requires fewer/cheaper parts to make.

[Durious]

OMG, seriously? LMAO. So the MBP's iSight is different... cheers. more power to you for knowing that.

It's relevant if you are an avid youtuber I'd think (Most common use these days for the cam's). But the cam quality in MBA at least Rev A was lacking. I don't know if the resolution is still the same on subsequent version's.

[RichardF]

OMG, seriously? LMAO. So the MBP's iSight is different... cheers. more power to you for knowing that.


I ask you a question and you respond with sarcasm?

I don't understand where you are coming from. What's with the (juvenile) attitude?

[...]the cam quality in MBA at least Rev A was lacking. I don't know if the resolution is still the same on subsequent version's.

Agreed and that's also what I would like to know.

Couldn't they just use the same sensor as in the MBPs?

[Barbie]

Couldn't they just use the same sensor as in the MBPs?

apple haven't cracked how to fit the better MacBook Pro camera into the MacBook Air's really thin display bezel (the display is about 0.15 inches thin)

:)

[gnr319]

OP, I own the MBA you're thinking about getting and I use my girlfriend's high-end 13" MBP frequently. For the tasks you listed, I do not notice a difference between the two machines save for the fact that the MBA gets warmer than the Pro, but we're not talking about the heat on a Rev. A here. As a matter of physics, the smaller chassis will simply retain more heat.

To me, when a person is stuck between an MBA and a 13" Pro, it's not helpful to compare the specs of both machines. Of course the MBAs specs are notches below the MBPs and performance-wise no one would argue the superiority of the latter.

Instead, I suspect that when a person is debating between the two, it's largely a matter of aesthetics and form. They want reassurance that by opting for the more beautiful model, the extra money that contributes to a better-looking, more portable machine outweighs any performance decrease.

I was in this position when I had to decide on a laptop this summer and I went with the Air because to me, a computer is more than a tool that I use to get things done. I use my computer on and off 12+ hours a day. It is in a way, the most useful and necessary of accessories. I reasoned that if I'm going to spend that much time with my computer, why not get something that is nicer to look at, better to hold and one that separates me from everyone else in Starbucks or Panera who has the 13" MBP?

I will be the first to admit that form to me follows closely on the heels of function. I use my computer mostly for heavy-duty word-processing, internet, email, and organization. Functionally, both machines will execute those tasks flawlessly. So the deciding factor for me was the form and as you can suspect, the MBA is a no-brainer in that regard. After using an Air, the MBP 13" seems fat and clumsy; the MBPs unibody seems unrefined and block-like while the MBA's is elegant and more ornate. (And why is the MBP so damn heavy?) That was a little tongue-on-cheeck--the MBP is obviously a beautiful machine as well, but you get spoiled/snobby after using the Air if you know what I mean.

The point is: as with other things in life--cars, shoes, clothes, etc.--we buy computers not only for what they can do but how they look. Some people can forsake appearance for better performance but I can't and I don't see anything wrong with that (the majority in this forum will lead you to believe otherwise).

Hope this helps.

[caonimadebi]

I really doubt the 13" MBP will outperform the SSD 2.13 MBA just in terms of the specs. What is a huge handicap for the MBA is its tendency to overheat. The 2.13Ghz MBA has no problem playing MOST HD videos, flash or not, for a few minutes. The stuttering video comes on immediately when the MBA overheats and the fan revs to 6200rpm. This tendency to overheat and stutter makes it impossible to watch high resolution video for an extended period of time. You can also forget about playing it on a large external display, it's no going to play smoothly. Even playing a .mkv standard definition video via VLC on an external 1920x1200 monitor, the fan revs up to 6200rpm immediately.
I think the MBA will make a great primary computer if you put an ice pack under it.

[james809]

I do have a cooler pad (the one made by belkin) and I use it on my current computer as it crashes really often. So if I'm using my MBA at home i'll just use the pad, so I'm fine with it.

[Scottsdale]

I ask you a question and you respond with sarcasm?

I don't understand where you are coming from. What's with the (juvenile) attitude?



Agreed and that's also what I would like to know.

Couldn't they just use the same sensor as in the MBPs?

First, I thought you were implying I had left out that the MBA has an inferior iSight to the MBA. I wasn't sarcastic but thought you were being.

Secondly, I didn't call you juvenile or other names. Why don't you grow up and realize that not everything gets across in an Internet post when the writing isn't clear.

I didn't name call but you did.. Grow up and realize your name calling is simply a reflection of yourself.

[Macadamian]

I have high regard for everyone participating in this thread, and for the very important information and opinions they share as I try to make some buying decisions.

AND this all would be even more useful if we could check our egos at the door.

[Manatee]

I have a first gen MBA, and a unibody 15" MBP. I always carried the MBA because of the lighter weight, and the ability to slip it inside my portfolio that I carry to meetings (leather folder with 8.5x11 paper).

That was... until I got a 13" MBP. That has proven to be the happy medium for me. Yes, the MBA is notably lighter, but it's not really that much thinner. To me, the entire case might as well be as thick as the thickest part. I like having the extra memory in the MBP, the extra ports, the SD card slot, the optical drive (although I don't use it much), and I love the new track pads.

Both the old MBA and thew newer 15" MBP get much less use now that I have the 13" MBP. I'll admit I do like the less glossy screen on the MBA, though.

Even if I had the newer MBA with the 2.13GHz processor, and 128GB SSD, I think I'd still prefer the 13" MBP. I have the 2.53, with 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD in it. The extra weight doesn't seem to make a difference to me, and I like having all the extra capabilities.

Still, I'm sure I'll be tempted by the next version of the MBA if the specs are decent. Then the competition between models will begin again.

[bavarian3]

There was a recent discussion on the idea of netbooks and why are they so popular. The common argument was that people want something minimalistic and simple. They don't need a high end graphics card, large memory and the latest technology. Dell commented that Netbooks are running on 02-03 technology; they also commented that they make barely any money on them. They thought it would be a commodity; rather than a trend.

While I am not stating that the MBA is a Netbook; I'm stating that it's minimalistic. Yes the MBP has extra ports and is *on paper* faster; but people don't always want that. How many times are you using three USB, your SD card and FireWire?

This is why Dell is profitable because people think they *need* a faster processor, more memory, etc. I would argue people go with the MBA because it has something the MB line doesn't... design and if we can argue *soul*. It's the same reason I would rather have a Ferrari 250 GTO instead of an Enzo.

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/ferrari_250_GTO_side.jpg

[powerbook911]

When the MBA first came out, I was fairly certain I'd get one soon after.

However, I feel as though it's getting a bit tired. For one, I wonder if it should have had a smaller screen from the start.

Nevertheless, the biggest thing for me, when I go to an Apple store and compare a MBA to a MBP, to me, the MBP 13 feels like a better, high quality, machine. It just seems so much more sturdy and even more beautiful in a way to me.

Now if I got a shiny brand new MBA out of a box, I'd probably think differently. Considering the foot print is about the same though, I think one has to consider that you get so much more on a 13 MBP.

I'd still take either, but over time the MBP 13 won my heart.

[Scottsdale]

When the MBA first came out, I was fairly certain I'd get one soon after.

However, I feel as though it's getting a bit tired. For one, I wonder if it should have had a smaller screen from the start.

Nevertheless, the biggest thing for me, when I go to an Apple store and compare a MBA to a MBP, to me, the MBP 13 feels like a better, high quality, machine. It just seems so much more sturdy and even more beautiful in a way to me.

Now if I got a shiny brand new MBA out of a box, I'd probably think differently. Considering the foot print is about the same though, I think one has to consider that you get so much more on a 13 MBP.

I'd still take either, but over time the MBP 13 won my heart.

The MBA is shear joy to all who have used it in v 2,1 form. The whole point of the MBA is it has same full sized keyboard and display as MB and same performance too yet is super thin and lightweight. Most who use it fall in love.

[cababah]

I played around with a lot of MBAs and MBP. I think the Air is a beautiful machine for all of its aesthetics, but unfortunately it sort of ends there. I look at my computer 20% of the time and use it approx 80% of the time so the Air would not cut it.

I wonder how they will up the specs in a Rev D. if the current ones are already throttling/shutting down cpu cores to prevent overheating. Coming from the MBA, the 13 MBP may be "bulky" but in the real world of laptops, it is amazingly portable. Play with a feather for a week and the MBA will feel like a brick. In the grand realm of portable machines, they are both very portable and slim.

I would very much like a MBA but I just see myself crippling it's design elegance with a corded SuperDrive and USB hub and just the thought of it having wires dangling from it or lugging around accessories to make it functional really irks me. I appreciate it for what it is but the machine would just make me feel confined in terms of what I can do and what I can upgrade down the road..sort of like a ceiling where as with the 13 MBP I know I can upgrade and take it with me knowing I have everything I need to make things work.

Also, the 13 MBP is my only machine so that has an influence on things a bit. It is hands down a better single machine than the MBA. I don't want to knock the MBA, I think it is a great piece of technology and I would like to own one if they made it a tad more expandable and better battery life and resolved the heat issue.

Granted, a lot of people don't need more than 1 USB port, or more than 5 hours of battery life, or an optical drive. Everyone is differnet, and I like having those things in mine to use. In the end, everyone's opinion is just personal preference as we all have different needs and tastes in what our ideal machine is.

I liken the MBA more to a netbook in what it can do while the 13 MBP is a real laptop. I think anyone who calls the 13 MBP fat for a laptop should let me know if they can get me a good price on the crack they are smoking...

[waynechriss]

For me, its got to be the macbook pro. I need that power because i'm huge into the graphic art, video editing, photo editing and storage. And only one USB? I can barely manage even having two (camera usb cable, ipod usb cable, wacom bamboo tablet cable, external hard drive usb cable, etc). I am always on the go and the macbook air does feel very nice but the macbook pro 13 really isn't that heavy and its very durable.

[Durious]

The MBA is shear joy to all who have used it in v 2,1 form. The whole point of the MBA is it has same full sized keyboard and display as MB and same performance too yet is super thin and lightweight. Most who use it fall in love.

Yes, absolutely amazing machine!! :)

[powerbook911]

The MBA is shear joy to all who have used it in v 2,1 form. The whole point of the MBA is it has same full sized keyboard and display as MB and same performance too yet is super thin and lightweight. Most who use it fall in love.

I believe this, and I was really in the Air camp for a long time, but I think something changed in me, with the way I look at it. It's just hard to accept 2GB of memory and small hard/SD drives. The same footprint but more weight gets you a lot more.

I'm not even so sure about the design of the air anymore EXCEPT for one thing. The aluminum edge around the Air Screen is MUCH more attractive, in my opinion, than the black around the MBP screens.

[RichardF]

Scottsdale: I had a positive impression of you. Your contribution to these forums is appreciated, in particular seeing how much you like the MBA.

First, I thought you were implying I had left out that the MBA has an inferior iSight to the MBA. I wasn't sarcastic but thought you were being.

Secondly, I didn't call you juvenile or other names. Why don't you grow up and realize that not everything gets across in an Internet post when the writing isn't clear.

I didn't name call but you did.. Grow up and realize your name calling is simply a reflection of yourself.


You misread me: I was merely objectively qualifying your attitude. I find that rather ironic that you'd advise me to "grow-up".


Reminder:
OMG, seriously? LMAO. So the MBP's iSight is different... cheers. more power to you for knowing that.

Not everything gets across on an internet post? Then take a neutral stance and ask for clarification if in doubt.

Or is your attitude simply a reflection of yourself? :D

[Scottsdale]

Scottsdale: I had a positive impression of you. Your contribution to these forums is appreciated, in particular seeing how much you like the MBA.




You misread me: I was merely objectively qualifying your attitude. I find that rather ironic that you'd advise me to "grow-up".


Reminder:


Not everything gets across on an internet post? Then take a neutral stance and ask for clarification if in doubt.

Or is your attitude simply a reflection of yourself? :D


I really let it slide... think about what you said... please back off.

[RichardF]

And you see nothing wrong with what you said?

I thought about it and I wish I never addressed you in the first place (asking the question about the iSight).

I only did because you are quite knowledgeable when it comes to the MBA and Mac computers in general.

[Scottsdale]

And you see nothing wrong with what you said?

I thought about it and I wish I never addressed you in the first place (asking the question about the iSight).

I only did because you are quite knowledgeable when it comes to the MBA and Mac computers in general.

And I thought you were joking... and replied appropriately. Then, YOU called me juvenile. Now, why are YOU so bent out of shape over this as to not just DROP IT? How about a PM or better yet an apology for calling me names? I am willing to just leave it where it is, so let's just stop here. I don't owe you any apology!