Can't decide M4 13" Air or M5 14" Pro

[jerryk]

I need to get a new MacBook. I had a M2 14" MBP. I liked the machine, but always felt it was a little heavy and bulky to carry around. And, I recently gave this machine to a family member who needed a Mac.

Since I will primarily use the replacement machine as something I travel with, I am thinking about a loaded 13" Air. The 13" Air seems much lighter even though it is only 1/2 pound or so lighter. Also, I like the smaller form factor and the big discounts Amazon has. I would use this machine for photos and videos, and would get the 24 GB/512 GB version. I might do some review of the photos and videos with the machine, but any serious editing would be on my back in the office where I have a Mac Studio and Windows system with Nvidia 4090 card, 64 gb SSD and 4 TB of disk.

So my question is, since I had a MBP before, will I hate the screen and other limitations on the Air? I appreciate any input on what others have done in similar situations

 

[mercedx]

I went from a 16" MacBook Pro to a 15" Air and the first day or two I wondered if I made a mistake but quickly adjusted to the screen. If you're a complete screen nerd maybe go Pro but Air screen is still solid. Just don't compare to an iPad Pro with tandem OLED - haha. Thinner form factor of the Air really is noticeable day to day especially when throwing in a bag, etc.

 

[okkibs]

The 13 inch Air isn’t that much lighter. But since you know the 14 inch is too heavy it’s the only choice. I think the screen is fine and I have both the Air and the 14 inch right here on my desk. I bought the Air for travel but now I mainly use the iPad Pro 11 inch due to its even smaller footprint and the Tandem OLED screen. It’s much better than the 14 inch miniLED display. Unfortunately once you add the Magic Keyboard it becomes just as heavy as the MacBook Air. I usually only travel with the naked iPad and the Pencil.

I wouldn’t buy a miniLED MacBook again and would now wait for the M6 OLED refresh. In the meantime I’d recommend either the Air or the iPad Pro.