Can't Decide Between 2020 Pro & Air

[ThatiMacGuy]

Hi everybody!

I have a high-spec iMac for most work at home. Most of what I do is record vocals on Logic Pro X with a few plugins (namely Melodyne, compression, reverb), and sometimes use some software instruments. I do the occasional video edit here and there (1080p). I watch the occasional Netflix or YouTube video (1080p). I also do video calls now and then.

I'm looking to get a MacBook for when I go out of town, maybe once every month or two. The two options I'm interested in are:

-The 2020 baseline MacBook Pro (i5, 8gb memory, and 256gb storage)
-The 2020 MacBook Air (i5, 16gb memory, and 256gb storage)

With the specs listed above, both of these MacBooks would come out to roughly the same price. Out of these two, which one do you think would be the best option? I'm attracted to the Air because it's more portable. But while the specs of this Air are higher than that of the Pro, I know there are thermal limitations and what not.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Jack Neill]

I had the same choice and went with the Air, I wanted the faster ram and 10th Gen. I put a thermal pad over the heatsink and get normal temps.

 

[ThatiMacGuy]

I had the same choice and went with the Air, I wanted the faster ram and 10th Gen. I put a thermal pad over the heatsink and get normal temps.

Do you imagine that it'd be significantly hotter if you didn't have the thermal pad? I'm more of a newbie and don't know much about that kind of stuff.

 

[ThatiMacGuy]

One of my main concerns is that if I get the Air, the fans could ramp up while I'm recording vocals, and the fan noise would pick up in my recordings. I've heard that the i3 is a better option since it apparently doesn't get as hot, but all these options are overwhelming.

 

[0128672]

I used to do audiobook recordings so I can relate to unwanted incidental noises like a fan coming on. Hopefully you can filter those out too if needed. For Logic work, I'd go with the MacBook Pro but upgrade the RAM to 16GB.

I don't want to overwhelm you with info, but here are links to recent threads about MacBook Pro or Macbook Air. Hope you find these useful:

Macbook Pro or Macbook Air 2020

Hi all, I am currently using a macbook pro mid 2014 with 2.6 dual core. Currently contemplating to get either the Macbook air or pro. The air is nice slim, very mobile and I travel often. But the Macbook pro has more power. If I get the air, will it be a big improvement in performance over my...

forums.macrumors.com

2-port MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air?

I'm comparing the $1299 MB Air vs the $1499 2-port MB Pro (for the same storage). I have seen many reviews saying the lower end (2-port) MB Pro is not worth it compared to the MB Air. Any reason to buy the MB Pro?

forums.macrumors.com

Pro or Air? Same price!

Hey "guys", Im looking for a little advice. I have an option to buy a 2020 Macbook Air i5 ($1099) or a 2020 Macbook Pro 13 base ($1099). It will mostly be used for normal browsing, word, movies, and some light music production (logic pro / garageband) If the macbook pro wasn't on sale, it...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Jack Neill]

Do you imagine that it'd be significantly hotter if you didn't have the thermal pad? I'm more of a newbie and don't know much about that kind of stuff.

It really wasn’t, but I wanted to try it to see if it made a difference and I see around 35-40 idle temps.

 

[LFC2020]

Wait 2 more month for the MacBooks with apple silicon.

 

[ilikewhey]

pro unless you are handy with modifying the heatsink on air.

 

[glenthompson]

The new MBP is only 0.3 lbs more than the Air. Not a lot of difference in carrying it around.

 

[Jack Neill]

Wait 2 more month for the MacBooks with apple silicon.

I think it’s going to be a few more than 2.

 

[smallcoffee]

Why not an iPad Pro?

 

[LFC2020]

I think it’s going to be a few more than 2.

Nope, rumor has it apple will have a event in October for the arm macs. A tad over 2 month to go.

 

[Supra Mac]

pro unless you are handy with modifying the heatsink on air.

Agreed. A modded air can hold its own with the pro in short burst 3-4 mins intensive task but if your task take longer then the pro will be better.

 

[ThatiMacGuy]

Why not an iPad Pro?

Can you use Logic Pro X and recording equipment with an iPad Pro?

 

[0128672]

Can you use Logic Pro X and recording equipment with an iPad Pro?

No, although you can use the Logic Remote app. You can use some external devices like microphones with the iPad Pro though to use with GarageBand for one.

 

[jerryk]

I was going to put an Air in my sound booth, but after seeing the reports and youtube video on the fan noise when with a 13" MBP. Started with the base 13" MBP model, but sent it back and the 10th gen on one of the many sales for $200 off.

 

[dinobear]

Nope, rumor has it apple will have a event in October for the arm macs. A tad over 2 month to go.

I tried searching for this rumor but I couldn't find any articles about it. Can you link to it?

In either case Apple did say this year for the first ARM Mac. So October makes sense, before the holiday season.

 

[0128672]

I tried searching for this rumor but I couldn't find any articles about it. Can you link to it?

In either case Apple did say this year for the first ARM Mac. So October makes sense, before the holiday season.

Apple did say at WWDC late 2020 for an Arm Mac, but I haven't seen anything about an October Apple Silicon announcement event, and apparently neither has MacRumors.

Apple Event Plans: New Products Coming in 2025

Every year, Apple typically holds three or four events to unveil new products. There's often a spring event around March or April, the Worldwide...

www.macrumors.com

 

[LeeW]

Wait 2 more month for the MacBooks with apple silicon.

It's like some people just don't understand how wrong it is to think ARM is somehow going to be better for everyone.

 

[triangletechie]

I have the 2020 MBP 10th gen model with 1 TB SSD. If you want something now, I'd get that over the Air. Bestbuy.com sometimes puts them on sale for $200 off.

 

[sixtydashone]

The difference in size/weight between the MBA and MBP is negligible these days. I'd go with the Pro but really think you should spend the extra money to bump the ram up to 16GB.

 

[LFC2020]

It's like some people just don't understand how wrong it is to think ARM is somehow going to be better for everyone.

For light users it will be, Faster boot up, better battery life, better thermals, better performance, iOS apps running on Macs from day one, also be cheaper than intel Macs. We'll be getting Face ID and other goodies in future Macs, thanks to arm chipsets. 😊 good riddance intel.

Shut up and take my money. 😍💰

 

[LeeW]

For light users it will be, Faster boot up, better battery life, better thermals, better performance, also be cheaper than intel Macs.

No actual evidence that any of that is true right now. Most of us that have used Apple for long enough appreciate that Apple's marketing promises can only be verified by a device in the hand that actually delivers.

That aside, it sounds like you and your needs are what you are promoting with ARM machines whilst misleading the OP into thinking ARM is the best option for him/her, which you cannot know.

 

[LFC2020]

No actual evidence that any of that is true right now. Most of us that have used Apple for long enough appreciate that Apple's marketing promises can only be verified by a device in the hand that actually delivers.

That aside, it sounds like you and your needs are what you are promoting with ARM machines whilst misleading the OP into thinking ARM is the best option for him/her, which you cannot know.

For what the op is going to be using it for, it's the perfect machine for him.

apple wouldn't be taking this risk, if they aren't confident they'll smash it out of the park.

World leading chips in iOS devices, coming to the Mac. 😍

 

[PurpleIsAFruit]

For light users it will be, Faster boot up, better battery life, better thermals, better performance, iOS apps running on Macs from day one, also be cheaper than intel Macs. We'll be getting Face ID and other goodies in future Macs, thanks to arm chipsets. 😊 good riddance intel.

Shut up and take my money. 😍💰

That's pure conjecture. While ARM chips will save money for Apple, when have we ever known them to pass savings onto the customer? I'd love it if this happened, but I think it's most likely they will be priced in line with their Intel equivalents.

OP, I would go for a Pro. Deals are popping up everywhere for MacBooks at the moment, so you can get some really good prices. I just got the 10th Gen 16GB model for £450 off, brand new. You can wait for Apple Silicon, but if you want/need something now, I wouldn't wait. These first gen AS Macs are a bit of an unknown - they might be great, they might not. If you rely on anything like Bootcamp, definitely stick with an Intel MacBook for now.