Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

twobelowpar

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 7, 2013
107
19
I'm in the market for a Macbook of some kind. We've always had (cheap but crappy) PC's that basically die after a few years. I want something that is quality that will last. Our other devices are Apple (TV, iPad, iPhones) so I know it will integrate well, but we've never actually had a Mac. It will be used for very basic functions: web browsing, some word processing, streaming, etc. We take a lot of pictures with our iPhones but any actual editing is light to none. I have 500gb of iCloud storage. The only real advantage I can see with the MB is the retina display, which I really want! But I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost over the Air. Both look pretty portable, but we don't travel a ton anyway. So are there other pros the MB can bring besides retina display? Is it significantly better to warrant the extra cost? Any tips are appreciated!
 
If the extra cost isn't an issue then yes, it's worth the cost and you should go for it. Tips? With what you'd use it for, the base model (m3/256gb) fits the bill.

If you expect to continue using your iPad primarily then the MBA makes sense. I settled on the 12 inch MB as a replacement for my iPad and old MBA.
 
My advice it to buy both, use them for a week or so and return the unit you don't don't prefer.
 
I advice you to go to a store and test the screen with different screen resolutions so you are comfortable with it's size. The MacBook is 12" and the MacBook Air/PRO is 13". The air has always been a good computer but today it's not a good buy for what you get. Also check out the lowest MacBook PRO.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Would the Pro be overkill for what we need though?
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Would the Pro be overkill for what we need though?

No such thing as overkill in the laptop world. What there is, is over your budget. If you don't have an issue using dongles, you like the newer style keyboard, check out the Macbook. If you need the ports the Air offers, don't like dongles and don't mind the screen, a Apple refurbished Air can save you some money. $979 for 256gb on Apples site now. They look brand new and have the same warranty as new.
 
Yes try them first if you can. But the Air is now a 7year old design. And when it sits next to a Mb you really see the last generation design.

For your use case I would buy a discounted MB 2016 at Bestbuy or refurbished from Apple
 
If you do a lot of web browsing, emailing, and writing, be aware that the MacBook Air's screen shimmers when you scroll -- the text doesn't refresh adequately, so there's a noticeable dimming, off and on, off an on.

In contrast, the MacBook (and the Pro) with their retina displays work like iPads-- smooth, smooth displays!

Also, the extremely large bezels become a real distraction once you notice them!

Still, there are the ports, money to be saved, and the older keyboard type (although we likened it to typing on a brick when we first got the Air).

Note: We've been facing a similar purchasing decision and are strongly leaning towards the MBP and pretty strongly against the Air!
 
Are there any Retina MBP models that are less money than a 2017 MB? Money definitely is a factor but I've likely ruled out getting an Air.
 
I'm in the market for a Macbook of some kind. We've always had (cheap but crappy) PC's that basically die after a few years. I want something that is quality that will last. Our other devices are Apple (TV, iPad, iPhones) so I know it will integrate well, but we've never actually had a Mac. It will be used for very basic functions: web browsing, some word processing, streaming, etc. We take a lot of pictures with our iPhones but any actual editing is light to none. I have 500gb of iCloud storage. The only real advantage I can see with the MB is the retina display, which I really want! But I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost over the Air. Both look pretty portable, but we don't travel a ton anyway. So are there other pros the MB can bring besides retina display? Is it significantly better to warrant the extra cost? Any tips are appreciated!
You can do all these on an iPad Pro. With the usage you mentioned, I'd recommend a 12.9" iPP which will be cheaper and easier to use.
 
The 2017 M3 MacBook Retina sounds absolutely perfect for your needs. This years entry level model is super speedy. For me, it's my favourite Mac design of all time. I seriously can't fault the MacBook in anyway. I do a lot of 1080p 60FPS video editing in Final Cut Pro X and it's a beauty.
For me, best computer ever!!! Beautifully built, so compact - cute even and very chic. Certainly the days of geeky computers are over with this little Prince!
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.