Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

What to buy...MBA or MBP --- Help!

lwilliams

lwilliams

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2012
426
209
Athens, GA
I am passing my MBA (mid-2011) to my wife......4gb, 128 flash.

She only does web browsing and facebook....with the occasional MS Word or very minor Excell stuff.

So, what is the best way to go:

1. MBA, 8gb, 512ssd, 2.0 i7........ $2199

or

2. MBP 13, 8gb, 750hdd........ $1499 replace hdd with ssd for $180 (256gb)



So, I want to order today, but I can't decide which way to go.

Would the MBP with the replaced drive to ssd have as long a batt life as the MBA?

I know I could save some money on the MBA with a 256ssd, but since you are stuck with what you get, I would not want to get less than the most.

Are there advantages to the MBP over the MBA. Looks like you get more for less money with the MBP.....processor, RAM........is that correct?

HELP!!!
 
dixido

dixido

macrumors regular
Aug 29, 2010
100
278
lwilliams said:
I am passing my MBA (mid-2011) to my wife......4gb, 128 flash.

She only does web browsing and facebook....with the occasional MS Word or very minor Excell stuff.

So, what is the best way to go:

1. MBA, 8gb, 512ssd, 2.0 i7........ $2199
Click to expand...

Why would you max out the specs for web browsing and facebook? Does she run multiple instances of facebook simultaneously?

I would go for a base MBA 13" + external harddrive for storage. I don't think 2012 is the right year for buying a computer with a spinning harddrive...
 
Last edited:
mohsy90

mohsy90

macrumors 65816
Feb 4, 2011
1,332
2
New York
Personally, I would never spend $2199 on a MBA. If weight is not a major issue then settle for the MBP and buy an aftermarket SSD or just live with the 500GB HDD.

The 256GB MBA is a more reasonable option. The 512SSD upgrade is not worth the price. If you can manage with 256GB, take this option and just buy a external drive. More than likely, you don't need to have over 500Gb of data with you at all times.

If you're going with the MBP, settle for the base model and do the ram and HD upgrade yourself.
 
lwilliams

lwilliams

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2012
426
209
Athens, GA
NO.... the current MBA - 4gb, 128ssd....will be passed over for that use.....the new build will be for my use...much more extensive...video and audio editing.....and general use.

----------

the 13 MBP has 8gb and 750hdd as standard.....NON Retina.
 
mohsy90

mohsy90

macrumors 65816
Feb 4, 2011
1,332
2
New York
lwilliams said:
NO.... the current MBA - 4gb, 128ssd....will be passed over for that use.....the new build will be for my use...much more extensive...video and audio editing.....and general use.

----------

the 13 MBP has 8gb and 750hdd as standard.....NON Retina.
Click to expand...


Yea, thats the higher end model though. Go for the base model, 4Gb and 500Gb HDD for $1199. That extra 4GB ram and 250GB is not worth the $300. The processor bump more than likely wont be noticeable. SSD will increase the performance dramatically. Save the $300 dollars and put that towards a 256GB SSD and 8GB ram, both of which can be bought from that budget.
 
skaertus

skaertus

macrumors 601
Feb 23, 2009
4,232
1,380
Brazil
lwilliams said:
I am passing my MBA (mid-2011) to my wife......4gb, 128 flash.

She only does web browsing and facebook....with the occasional MS Word or very minor Excell stuff.

So, what is the best way to go:

1. MBA, 8gb, 512ssd, 2.0 i7........ $2199

or

2. MBP 13, 8gb, 750hdd........ $1499 replace hdd with ssd for $180 (256gb)



So, I want to order today, but I can't decide which way to go.

Would the MBP with the replaced drive to ssd have as long a batt life as the MBA?

I know I could save some money on the MBA with a 256ssd, but since you are stuck with what you get, I would not want to get less than the most.

Are there advantages to the MBP over the MBA. Looks like you get more for less money with the MBP.....processor, RAM........is that correct?

HELP!!!
Click to expand...

If you are willing to spend so much, isn't the rMBP an option?
 
Scepticalscribe

Scepticalscribe

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Jul 29, 2008
63,957
46,414
In a coffee shop.
It really depends on what you want to do with the computer. A few years down the line, I rather imagine that many of us will find that we cannot (or choose not to) live without the clarity and precision afforded by the retina screen. Until then, it is a matter of deciding what we really need - and cannot do without - in a computer, rather than what we would really like to have.

However, if cost is an issue, and you have your heart set on the MBA, I'd recommend that you take a look at the refurb section of the Mac store; there is a MBA (2012), 13", 8GB 512 SSD for $1,869; the refurb deals can be very good.
 
mohsy90

mohsy90

macrumors 65816
Feb 4, 2011
1,332
2
New York
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD : $255

8GB Ram : $44.99

or

16GB Ram : $79.99

There are cheaper options, but hopefully this helps.

----------
Scepticalscribe said:
It really depends on what you want to do with the computer. A few years down the line, I rather imagine that many of us will find that we cannot (or choose not to) live without the clarity and precision afforded by the retina screen. Until then, it is a matter of deciding what we really need - and cannot do without - in a computer, rather than what we would really like to have.

However, if cost is an issue, and you have your heart set on the MBA, I'd recommend that you take a look at the refurb section of the Mac store; there is a MBA (2012), 13", 8GB 512 SSD for $1,869; the refurb deals can be very good.
Click to expand...

Agreed. If you're willing to spend $2199, look into the 15" base rMBP. The retina screen will take your breath away and you wont want to go back.
 
lwilliams

lwilliams

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2012
426
209
Athens, GA
mohsy90 said:
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD : $255

8GB Ram : $44.99

or

16GB Ram : $79.99

There are cheaper options, but hopefully this helps.

----------

I already have that SSD. I did not know the MBP would address 16gb.

I can get the MBP, non retina, with 8gb and the I7 2.9gHz, 750gb HDD for $1409.00.

So is that going to be a better, for me, deal than the fully loaded MBA?

I don't have my heart set on either one specifically.....I just need one of them as this MBA will be going to my wife when I get the new one.
Click to expand...
 
lwilliams

lwilliams

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2012
426
209
Athens, GA
Here are my options:


1. MBA 13”, 2.0 i7, 8gb RAM, 256gb SSD - $1597.00
2. MBP 13”, 2.9 i7, 8gb RAM, 750gb HDD - $1409.00

This MBP is not available with less RAM. The HDD would removed on arrival and replaced with the 256gb SSD I have.

This MBA is available with a 512gb SSD for and additional $470.00 for a total of $2067.00.

If I get the MBA, I lean toward the 512gb since it cannot be upgraded later.

The video files I edit are from 2gb to 15 gb each and I may have 5 to 10 of them at a time that I am working on. So, rather than carrying a separate ext hdd to store those on, I would rather carry one device. So a lot of internal storage is important.

My biggest concern is this, if I go with the MBP, will I get the same quick performance and long battery life as I do on my current MBA? Remember that the MBP will be converted to an SSD as soon as I get it.

Does this explain better?
 
K

Kafka

macrumors 6502
Mar 10, 2011
342
46
The SSD of the MBA can be upgraded, even if there's barely any choice of brands and is more expensive.
 
mohsy90

mohsy90

macrumors 65816
Feb 4, 2011
1,332
2
New York
lwilliams said:
Here are my options:


1. MBA 13”, 2.0 i7, 8gb RAM, 256gb SSD - $1597.00
2. MBP 13”, 2.9 i7, 8gb RAM, 750gb HDD - $1409.00

This MBP is not available with less RAM. The HDD would removed on arrival and replaced with the 256gb SSD I have.

This MBA is available with a 512gb SSD for and additional $470.00 for a total of $2067.00.

If I get the MBA, I lean toward the 512gb since it cannot be upgraded later.

The video files I edit are from 2gb to 15 gb each and I may have 5 to 10 of them at a time that I am working on. So, rather than carrying a separate ext hdd to store those on, I would rather carry one device. So a lot of internal storage is important.

My biggest concern is this, if I go with the MBP, will I get the same quick performance and long battery life as I do on my current MBA? Remember that the MBP will be converted to an SSD as soon as I get it.

Does this explain better?
Click to expand...

Yes, battery life shouldn't be a problem. It really comes down to how much you want to spend. I'm not sure why you haven't considered the base 13" MBP for $1199. You save more. Have you also considered optibay?
You could always place the SSD in the hard drive slot and the HDD in the optibay. You need to decide first how much you want to spend, you're price range gap includes a lot of options.
 
P

Penn Jennings

macrumors 6502
Apr 22, 2010
350
48
Michigan
lwilliams said:
Here are my options:


1. MBA 13”, 2.0 i7, 8gb RAM, 256gb SSD - $1597.00
2. MBP 13”, 2.9 i7, 8gb RAM, 750gb HDD - $1409.00

This MBP is not available with less RAM. The HDD would removed on arrival and replaced with the 256gb SSD I have.

This MBA is available with a 512gb SSD for and additional $470.00 for a total of $2067.00.

If I get the MBA, I lean toward the 512gb since it cannot be upgraded later.

The video files I edit are from 2gb to 15 gb each and I may have 5 to 10 of them at a time that I am working on. So, rather than carrying a separate ext hdd to store those on, I would rather carry one device. So a lot of internal storage is important.

My biggest concern is this, if I go with the MBP, will I get the same quick performance and long battery life as I do on my current MBA? Remember that the MBP will be converted to an SSD as soon as I get it.

Does this explain better?
Click to expand...

If those are your 2 options I'd pick 2.

If you aren't afraid of DIY, you can start with the the MBP i5 for $300 less. Then get a 16 GB memory kit and a 256 GB SSD for under $300. Your overall cost will be the same but your general performance should be better. I doubt that you'd notice the CPU difference since they are both only dual core. You will notice the difference between the SSD and HDD. You might not need 16 GB but considering the price difference between 8 and 16, why bother with 8.

3. MBP 13”, 2.5 i5, 16gb RAM, 256gb SSD $1450ish

At least thats what I'd do.

EDIT:

Actually, I'd buy the MBP 15 LOL....
 
Last edited:
Alameda

Alameda

macrumors 6502a
Jun 22, 2012
912
537
I bought my wife a MacBook Pro several years ago -- it's the Core 2 Duo, so I think it's three years old.

The advantage is that I've been able to easily replace its hard drive (twice) and upgrade the RAM. My son somehow cracked the glass trackpad, and I was able to repair that myself as well. With the Air, you're pretty much stuck with what you've got. As you noted, I just added a screaming 240 GB SanDisk SSD for $150 from Black Friday.

So it seems to me that the Pro is a longer-lasting product than the Air. You can also replace the optical drive in the Pro with a second drive, so you can have both SSD and hard drive.

The advantage to the Air is portability, which is why I own one. But it comes at a price.
 
lwilliams

lwilliams

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 27, 2012
426
209
Athens, GA
OK.........figured it out.

Ordered today.......

13" rMBP, with the 2.9gHz i7.

$2097.00



How does this sound?
 
U

uniforms

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2008
129
0
South Orange NJ
I am happy to read you bought the 13 rMBP. It's a great machine. I have one too. I also have the 15" rMBP which I have to sell. I went from an 11" MBA to the 15", but once I got use to the size it was really good. But I do need the 13" for weight and size. I really love the 13" rMBP. There is nothing like retina. I do find myself missing the 15 but for me to travel so much, weight and size is everything. Best of luck with your new machine. You will love it.
 
P

Penn Jennings

macrumors 6502
Apr 22, 2010
350
48
Michigan
lwilliams said:
But then I would not have the power of the CPU.....all other things I could have lived with.
Click to expand...

If I'm understand that you want CPU capacity, I think that you chose the slower of the two.

http://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

The rMBP 13 has a dual core 2.9 GHz i7 w/ 3 MB cache (Geek Bench 8,519)
The MBP 15 has a quad core 2.3 GHz i7 w/ 6 MB cache (Geek Bench 11,701)

I THINK that the base MBP 15 is much faster than the rMBP, if I'm reading this right. If you can use all cores, a slower quad will smoke a faster dual core. Plus the rMBP 13 has less cache.

If your apps are single threaded then the rMBP 13 might be faster, those apps are few and far between though.

Maybe I'm not reading it right.... I'm sleepy. LOL

EDIT:
Something dawned on me, if you add in the performance of the discrete GPU in the base MBP 15 vs the HD 4000 in the rMBP 13, the total system performance is not even close.
 
Last edited:
forza69

forza69

macrumors 6502a
Jan 30, 2010
777
126
lwilliams said:
But then I would not have the power of the CPU.....all other things I could have lived with.
Click to expand...

13 inch is a dual-core with HD 4000 graphics. The 15 inch is a quad-core with HD 4000 graphics and a discrete GPU. You need to return that 13 inch and get yourself the 15 inch retina.
 
M

macmastersam

macrumors 6502a
Sep 14, 2011
515
0
Essex, england
It really comes down to whether you prefer potability over power.

if you need the portability, then get the MBA

If you need the power, go for the MBP. However i must ask why you prefer the 13" macbook pro over the 15", which is also cheaper than the 13" macbook air you want, with more screen real estate.
 
P

Penn Jennings

macrumors 6502
Apr 22, 2010
350
48
Michigan
macmastersam said:
It really comes down to whether you prefer potability over power.

if you need the portability, then get the MBA

If you need the power, go for the MBP. However i must ask why you prefer the 13" macbook pro over the 15", which is also cheaper than the 13" macbook air you want, with more screen real estate.
Click to expand...

The OP mentioned power.. I'm guessing that he didn't notice that the rMBP 13 is dual core. The rMBP is a horrible value in my opinion. The HD 4000 can't fully drive the display I don't think and a $1,700 system with a dual core i5 and integrated GPU just sounds comical, in a not funny kind of way. Thats all just my opinion though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom