2011 Macbook Air VS. 2011-2012 Macbook Pro

[zakiay]

I've finally decided after seeing all the new ultrabooks that my next laptop will be (my first!) Macbook but ive had some trouble deciding which one to get. My 3 choices are all refurbished models from the CAD Apple website.

1. Macbook Air 2011 13" base configuration Core i5, 128GB, 4GB RAM. Retails for $939
2. Macbook Pro 2011 13" base configuration Core i5, 500GB, 4GB RAM. Retails for $959
3. Macbook Pro 2012 13" base configuration Core i5, 500GB, 4GB RAM. Retails for $1039

The laptop will primarily be used at school (lectures notes ect.) I will have it docked to an external display at home. I wont be playing any games on it and no Photoshop or video editing. Just web browsing, email, MS Word and spreadsheet apps. My main concerns come from the the overall speed of the macbook air with its ULV processor and whether its display is up to the standard of the MBP despite having more screen real estate.
The 128SSD is enough storage for me, I have a 1TB USB 3.0 HDD for backing up. I will be using boot camp to run windows 7 on whatever mac i chose, only for a few windows only programs, OS X will still be my primary OS. The USB 3 ports really are definitely great to have but i don't really see myself getting much use out of the CD Drive.

In regards to the Macbook pro's are the screens really that cramped? 1280x800 seems awfully small for any real side by side multitasking, that said if the quality of the panel really is much better than the MBA than its probably something i can overlook. Im also interested in the processor and GPU upgrade from SB to IB on the MBP, big difference? I also may look into investing in a SSD for the MBP, not sure yet. Keep in mind this laptop needs to last me until 2015, the duration of my degree.

Any input would be appreciated, its crunch time and i need to decide on one to get ASAP.

 

[Orlandoech]

If it needs to last till 2015 id get te mbp. The 2012.

Why? 4gb in an Air till 2015 isn't much at all. The mbp can be upgraded with an SSD or dual drive config and 16gb 1600mhz ram which will make it scream over the Air.

I think the 2011 13" MBP can only accept 8GB ram as the 2012 can take 16gb. Also for not much more you get a much better igpu in the HD4000 over the HD3000 and USB3 which is huge IMO.

 

[Naimfan]

I agree with Orlandoech - get the most recent MBP. It's considerably faster, has a screen that is easier to look at for extended periods due to superior color gamut and viewing angle, and is expandable.

As Orlandoech notes, 4 GB in an Air isn't a lot, especially as you're looking to use it through 2015.

 

[Orlandoech]

I agree with Orlandoech - get the most recent MBP. It's considerably faster, has a screen that is easier to look at for extended periods due to superior color gamut and viewing angle, and is expandable.

As Orlandoech notes, 4 GB in an Air isn't a lot, especially as you're looking to use it through 2015.

Hey thanks for concurring lol!

 

[zakiay]

Thanks I will definitely take future upgrade ability into consideration. Regarding the display on the mbp, being a lower resolution screen is it noticeably more pixelated that the air?

 

[Orlandoech]

It has a lower resolution but better color gamut and viewing angles than te Air.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

If it needs to last till 2015 id get te mbp. The 2012.

Why? 4gb in an Air till 2015 isn't much at all. The mbp can be upgraded with an SSD or dual drive config and 16gb 1600mhz ram which will make it scream over the Air.

I think the 2011 13" MBP can only accept 8GB ram as the 2012 can take 16gb. Also for not much more you get a much better igpu in the HD4000 over the HD3000 and USB3 which is huge IMO.

I agree with this assessment.

 

[M5RahuL]

If it needs to last till 2015 id get te mbp. The 2012.

Why? 4gb in an Air till 2015 isn't much at all. The mbp can be upgraded with an SSD or dual drive config and 16gb 1600mhz ram which will make it scream over the Air.

I think the 2011 13" MBP can only accept 8GB ram as the 2012 can take 16gb. Also for not much more you get a much better igpu in the HD4000 over the HD3000 and USB3 which is huge IMO.

Except the 2011s can accept 16GB DDR3 1333 MHz RAM too

Agree with getting a MBP over a MBA Get the 2012 MBP for USB 3, better cooling, and HD 4000 iGPU

 

[Orlandoech]

Except the 2011s can accept 16GB DDR3 1333 MHz RAM too

Agree with getting a MBP over a MBA Get the 2012 MBP for USB 3, better cooling, and HD 4000 iGPU

I believe only the 15" and 17" 2011 can take 1600mhz ram. I had 8gb 1600mhz in my 2011. The 13" can only take 1333mhz.

 

[M5RahuL]

I believe only the 15" and 17" 2011 can take 1600mhz ram. I had 8gb 1600mhz in my 2011. The 13" can only take 1333mhz.

The 2011s (13,15,17) will accept up to 16GBs running at 1333 MHz clock, although some have successfully used 1600 MHz too.

The 2012s will also take up to 16 GB, but with a slightly faster clock at 1600 MHz

In theory, Sandy Bridge (2011) and Ivy Bridge (2012) should work with up to 32GB RAM, but as of today, 16 x 2 chips are not available.