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2017 Macbook 12 or Air 2018
- Thread starter Dodgeman
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So far with the 2018 MBA I've only had the fan start up when I first bought it and the system was importing all of my iCloud information
I compared the two side by side and it is noticeably brighter. After you see them side by side, it is unlikely you will want the Air. You will just go to rMBP if you want more power/size.
Apple somehow makes every purchase decision complicated. The sad part is that because of the complications their sales folks are usually very uninformed and pass on misinformation to customers asking questions.
This is true. I did see them side by side. They add just enough to leave u on the fence. Except for the people that want the latest.
Possibly of i get a 2018 Air I won't care because they won't be side by side.
I already run my rMBP at 70-80%. For me the rMBA would not be good experience. But your case may be different.
I don't have an MB, only a 2017 rMBPnTB. I'm happy with it. I use it for work (ppt, xls, doc) and for browsing, email, watching youtube videos, etc. I have to charge it in the middle of the day to make it through the day.
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I go through 1.5-2 battery cycles daily. I think it's pretty much the same machine you'd get if you bought an nTB now because the nTB's weren't updated with the last refresh. I am glad I bought this. I like the portability of the MB, but the screen size and processor power felt like too much of a compromise. I will evaluate the next time around, probably a year or two. I do sometimes think it would be good to have something even lighter than the 3 lb that this weighs.
Yeah, for my use the MB seems logical. Screen size doesn't bother me neither does the processor for what I am doing. I just want the machine to at least go 5 years.
My qualm is the screen difference (brightness) between MB and Air 2018 and more so memory. I am looking at the entry level models and I'd to have the newer technology but I wonder why the screen is a bit dimmer, how often I'd hear the fan (the MB 12inch doesn't have one), and if 128gb will serve my purpose.
All i am using either machine for would be web browsing, editing creating pages documents, and possible future school work/lessons.
Nothing more or less so either would suit my needs. I am just more so looking for the future of the machine.
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Loud and annoying like the old days of computer fans?
Not at all...just like a small hissing of air (horrible description, but can't think of one better).
I still haven't heard the fans on this thing since that first night
The i7 Macbook has higher geekbench score for multicore, right? Am I missing something?
MacBook:
https://browser.geekbench.com/macs/422
MBA:
https://browser.geekbench.com/macs/437
MacBook:
https://browser.geekbench.com/macs/422
MBA:
https://browser.geekbench.com/macs/437
Interesting. Even the single core number is < 5% better. And this is with a processor that's newer.
It sounds like for your usage, MBA's larger screen is the only possible benefit, and that's a trade-off for the smaller/lighter sized MB.
The screen brightness "issue" is internet forum silliness... unless maybe you literally use your laptop outside in bright daylight most of the time where you'd have the screen brightness cranked up to 100% (and then battery usage likely becomes more of an "issue" than screen brightness).
It doesn't sound like the MBA's TB3 ports are useful to you.
Performance differences are a non-issue for your usage.
I disagree. It depends on one's vision. I like a lot of light/brightness, but I know some people that cannot tolerate it.
If you have a vision issue where the MBA screen at 100% eye-frying brightness is not enough for you, maybe you shouldn't be providing "advice" on what people with normal vision should be purchasing? Just something to think about.
You can get a brand new 12" 2017 MB for $999.
http://prices.appleinsider.com/12-macbooks-mid-2017
http://prices.appleinsider.com/12-macbooks-mid-2017
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@Dogeman I've been following your posts for the last month and have participated in a few of them.
Have you decided yet? What's the ultimate decision? What have you chosen? Following your threads I actually ended up picking up with a 12" 1.3 512 MB used from eBay for about $700. Obviously you wouldn't want something this used - there are scratches and it came with 171 cycles. But it was manufactured 4/28/18 so it should last a while.
Also a fan of the MB. It's been great.
Have you decided yet? What's the ultimate decision? What have you chosen? Following your threads I actually ended up picking up with a 12" 1.3 512 MB used from eBay for about $700. Obviously you wouldn't want something this used - there are scratches and it came with 171 cycles. But it was manufactured 4/28/18 so it should last a while.
Also a fan of the MB. It's been great.
Well I ordered a MB refurb, seemed like it was in great shape had 16 cycles when it go to me. Returned and picked up a MB Air 2018 128gb for $1049 w/president day sales. Figured I'd get the newest model.
The memory is probably the biggest issue for me but I have no files I am transferring over so if this computer last my 3-5 years it will be worth it. I haven't had a useful laptop in over 10 years I think I last purchased one in 2006 and I purchased and iPad back in 2012/13. I've been getting by but this last year of two I've been wanting one.
It was a tough call due to me being able to secure a Mb 12 inch refurb for 989 vs. 1049 for this but and there are some differences but hopefully I made the right choice.
I'd like the MB having no fan, having more memory, size between the two isn't a huge deal but I also wanted to buy new since I plan to keep it a couple years. My use is simple too. I explore the web and will use it paperwork items that is about it.