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Apple Announces New MacBook Air With 13-Inch Retina Display and Touch ID

How does the MacBook Air stack up against the MacBook Pro in terms of performance?

If I take a MBA with 16GB and 256GB it costs only €140 less than a MBP with 2-core 7th generation and €400 less than a quad-core touch bar MBP with 8th generation (with the same RAM/SSD).

The MBP 2-core seems to have about 1.5x the graphics performance based on OpenCL benchmarks for the GPUs
The MBP 4-core seems to have about 1.7x the graphics performance based on OpenCL benchmarks for the GPUs

What should I expect for the CPU differences?

So, what to do?
 
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gctwnl said:
How does the MacBook Air stack up against the MacBook Pro in terms of performance?

If I take a MBA with 16GB and 256GB it costs only €140 less than a MBP with 2-core 7th generation and €400 less than a quad-core touch bar MBP with 8th generation (with the same RAM/SSD).

The MBP 2-core seems to have about 1.5x the graphics performance based on OpenCL benchmarks for the GPUs
The MBP 4-core seems to have about 1.7x the graphics performance based on OpenCL benchmarks for the GPUs

What should I expect for the CPU differences?

So, what to do?
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The processor within the MBP nT is far superior in performance.
 
flopro said:
Starting to wonder; if the standard MacBook even has a place in the lineup now?
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I'd love to see a reviewer to a "shoot-out" between the new iPads, the new Air, and the 12" MacBook. The power and screen size of the new iPads brings up the old comparison of apples and oranges" argument. But it is starting to look less true (though not completely negated).

But Apple did throw me a curve. When I march into the Apple Store next week I'll be looking at the new iPads and the new Air. God help me ;). But I'm still leaning to the 12.9 iPad.
 
Geordiekeith said:
I also live in Office for work, and I have done so for almost 30 years to do scientific writing, mainly using Macs. That includes when employed by major pharma companies with Windows laptops when I had a personal Mac on my desk, not only for graphics work, but also to promote them.
Now working independently Office is the de facto medium for all my clients, but I still work on a Mac (early 2015 MacBook Pro) and I just got a 10.5 iPad pro as the iOS Office is good enough for working on the road (with a Logitech Slim Combo keyboard) to replace my iPad mini. However, the new style keyboard that started on the MacBook, then the new MacBook Pros and now the MacBook Air means that should my current MacBook need replacing I will be looking for the same model secondhand, or switching to an entirely Windows line-up.
I happily use a Lenovo laptop for one client so know Windows, and I havea 15" Dell Windows laptop (half the price of a MacBook) for myself. Even bought a cheap Asus Chromebook to experiment with, and both Dell and Asus have better keyboards than the current Macs. Apple is now a phone company with a side interest in computers, but trying to merge the two into one. Hence the obsession with thinness and cloud storage (which most companies are not comfortable with) which means usability of current MacBooks is impaired for me, and that ignores the loss of MagSafe, lack of USB ports, SD card slot, and other outputs (amazing how few professional offices still do not use USB-C to connect to projectors, how many people want data on USB sticks, how remote slide changers and laser-pointers connect via USB-A dongles).
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I posted a similar comment on The Verge and the responses were mainly along the lines of people living in Office being “a dying breed.” Whatever.

I’m an attorney in practice for 15 years. I’ve worked in offices in two states and with many courts. With some minor exceptions, Office is an absolute necessity. I personally use a Mac and bring my own tech to work (and just run Office for Mac and connect to my firm’s system through some cloud voodoo) and, like you have worked with a 10.5 iPad Pro and that Logitech keyboard while out of the office on occasion. I could never do it full time—only in spurts.

I hear you about the keyboard. Usually I dock a 15 inch 2017 MBP to an external set up, but the past few days I decided to just work with the laptop and the laptop keyboard to run the battery a little. It’s terrible. Like, really uncomfortable.

Have you tried the 2018 models? For home use I have a 13 inch 2018 and the difference is truly night and day. I’d try it out before jumping ship to Windows.
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alexandero said:
Interestingly the non-TB Pro (which has not been updated in a while) gives you more bang-for-buck than the new MBA – a better screen, a faster CPU, Bluetooth 5.0,… all for minimal additional costs, when compared to the MBA.
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But I really hate that second generation (or is it third?) keyboard. I don’t think that 2017 MBP is long for this world. I think that 12 inch MB is going to end up sliding down into the $1000K spot next year with 128 GB. No TB 3, no Touch ID...surely it can be sold for $200.00 less than the new Air. If Apple does that, we will reach come sense of normalcy (or stability) with the lineup.
 
CTHarrryH said:
Like it but not running to replace my 6 month old Air. Remember along with the price you are going to have to get a dongle to connect all your USB-A and other items such as reader for your camera card. Sometimes I think Apple is just too much into thin and light - not that I don't like thin and light but I'd go for function first.
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I was wondering the same. I bought mine 2 months ago. I need those ports and no dongies. I love the screen tho!
 
jun180 said:
Nearly a perfect laptop! I just wish it had a USB-A port (I know it probably won't fit the thin chassis). I'm all for USB-C, but the uptake is extremely slow and I still use USB-A often
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USB-C endcaps can be had for less than $2 each now. It's pretty easy to convert every USB-A device you have to a USB-C one.
 
gctwnl said:
And the MBP tb even more (4-core). I decided to buy a MBP instead. The price difference is much less than the performance difference. 25% higher price. 100% more machine.
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This is - more or less - the same conclusion I've had.

Configuring all these in the Norwegian EDU store, all with 8th gen chips, 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD, and prices including 25% tax:

NOK 18.884: MacBook Air 13" 1.6 i5
NOK 22.926: MacBook Pro 13" 2.3 i5
NOK 26.029: MacBook Pro 13" 2.7 i7
NOK 26.855: MacBook Pro 15" 2.2 i7
NOK 28.971: MacBook Pro 15" 2.6 i7

Of course, the difference between the Air and the best Pro 15" (not counting the i9), is considerable, but the first step is "only" about 20%. The "danger" is that it's "just" another 15-25% up to the two 15" models... ;)

And then there's a comment in another thread about waiting for the _next_ generation of MacBook Pros, messing with my head. :p
 
smirking said:
USB-C endcaps can be had for less than $2 each now. It's pretty easy to convert every USB-A device you have to a USB-C one.
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Yeah I have a massive collection of them already! Its just nice to be able to not worry about one more adapter or dongle but thats the state of mac's at the moment.
 
thadoggfather said:
Looks like non Touch Bar 13” is done now

Confused why people would opt for a 13” Touch Bar for that matter, price dependent of course
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Not done.... the 2017 update is still listed along side the 2018.

Screen Shot 2018-11-01 at 18.07.35.png


I bought the 2017 model a few months ago, mainly for work (teacher) and occasional travel, and have no regrets whatsoever. It is a good fit for my needs where I'm at, and suspect it will continue to sell well around the world.
 
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Glockworkorange said:
But I really hate that second generation (or is it third?) keyboard. I don’t think that 2017 MBP is long for this world. I think that 12 inch MB is going to end up sliding down into the $1000K spot next year with 128 GB. No TB 3, no Touch ID...surely it can be sold for $200.00 less than the new Air. If Apple does that, we will reach come sense of normalcy (or stability) with the lineup.
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I fear you are right – the nTB MBP will disappear from the lineup the next time MBPs are updated. Personally, I'd then (2019?) be clueless what to upgrade my late-2016 nTB-MBP to, as the TB-MBPs will remain expensive, and a MBA is a sidegrade with a worse screen.
 
alexandero said:
I fear you are right – the nTB MBP will disappear from the lineup the next time MBPs are updated. Personally, I'd then (2019?) be clueless what to upgrade my late-2016 nTB-MBP to, as the TB-MBPs will remain expensive, and a MBA is a sidegrade with a worse screen.
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Worse screen because no DCPI-3 (I’m talking as compared to the NTB 2016-2017 MBP’s).
 
jun180 said:
Yeah I have a massive collection of them already! Its just nice to be able to not worry about one more adapter or dongle but thats the state of mac's at the moment.
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It's just the cost of progress. I'll admit that it's annoying to me too, but I keep in perspective that on the flip side, I no longer need a special charging plug. I just use a USB-C cable and I no longer need monitor cables with unusual plugs on each end that most don't plug into anything you have to plug them into. Well, the monitor convenience is still an illusion as you actually need a TB3 cable that confusingly looks indistinguishable to a regular ol USB-C to most people... but you get my point as it's not entirely a concession without any gains even in the short term.
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Glockworkorange said:
But endcaps won't bring faster Lightning charging.

USB-C to Lightning cable is $35.00.
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Charges plenty fast for me. Fast charging's not good for your battery anyway.
 
I still don’t get where Apple (and everyone else) got the 4x screen resolution claim from. Were they comparing it to the 2008-2009 models? I was initially excited because I thought it was gonna be the same resolution as the 15” MBP, but it’s not. 4x the 1440x900 resolution should give 2880x1800, not 2560x1600 (which is 4x the 1280x800 resolution). Unless I’m missing something?
 
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Can't see how to search just these comments but if the keyboard is like the MBP then I'll be unhappy. Like my old air - the keys travel and they are also quiet. The new MBP is like listening to someone walk on rice crispies. Its too noisy and I also am not keen on typing on it. I know they said they have made some changes but I will absolutely be investigating this first over a blind purchase. If its still no good then I'll be at an interesting cross road. Keep 2012 Air, upgrade and suck up the annoying keyboard, get an ipad pro and keyboard (probably too limiting though) or get a windows/hackintosh machine (lot of effort).

lets see but I'm already a bit gutted.
 
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DB2k said:
Can't see how to search just these comments but if the keyboard is like the MBP then I'll be unhappy. Like my old air - the keys travel and they are also quiet. The new MBP is like listening to someone walk on rice crispies. Its too noisy and I also am not keen on typing on it. I know they said they have made some changes but I will absolutely be investigating this first over a blind purchase. If its still no good then I'll be at an interesting cross road. Keep 2012 Air, upgrade and suck up the annoying keyboard, get an ipad pro and keyboard (probably too limiting though) or get a windows/hackintosh machine (lot of effort).

lets see but I'm already a bit gutted.
Click to expand...

I believe it’s the same keyboard. I’ve tried the new keyboard in the new MacBook Pros, and while it’s definitely quieter, I think it’s still louder than the old ones, or at least the sound different. Try them side by side, the old MacBook Air should still be on sail.
 
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