Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
After using only MacBook Air models for 16 years my 14 MBP is arriving today. I’m a bit nervous about the bulk but I now really need it for sustained multithreaded loads
I think when you actually need the power, it's somehow easier to get used to the weight. I didn't need the power so it means for me, the air is the machine to have. I had it for a week it's honestly not too bad - i bought a refurb from the apple website but decided that i didn't need to get used to something. enjoy your MBP!
 
I think when you actually need the power, it's somehow easier to get used to the weight. I didn't need the power so it means for me, the air is the machine to have. I had it for a week it's honestly not too bad - i bought a refurb from the apple website but decided that i didn't need to get used to something. enjoy your MBP!
so you returning your pro and going back to the air then?
 
My 14in feels like a feather after using my work provided 16in MBP. Then my 14 MBP feels like a brick after using my old 2017 paper thin MBP (that burns my knees and shuts down after 1 hour due to battery being cooked)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Makisupa Policeman
I think when you actually need the power, it's somehow easier to get used to the weight. I didn't need the power so it means for me, the air is the machine to have. I had it for a week it's honestly not too bad - i bought a refurb from the apple website but decided that i didn't need to get used to something. enjoy your MBP!
Yes, exactly. I used it for the first time today running all the apps and processes I usually do.

I initially thought I had wasted my money on the Pro, cos the fans were only running at 4%. But that’s equivalent to 2500RPM. Or 4% above “idle fan speed”. Completely inaudible from 20cm away. So it’s always doing a little active cooling.

It was a very good choice for me. The MBA is an incredibly good computer, but now I understand that I need active cooling for what I do.
IMG_0235.jpeg
 
Yes, exactly. I used it for the first time today running all the apps and processes I usually do.

I initially thought I had wasted my money on the Pro, cos the fans were only running at 4%. But that’s equivalent to 2500RPM. Or 4% above “idle fan speed”. Completely inaudible from 20cm away. So it’s always doing a little active cooling.

It was a very good choice for me. The MBA is an incredibly good computer, but now I understand that I need active cooling for what I do.
View attachment 2621097
What program is this?
 
so you returning your pro and going back to the air then?
Yes I am. Honestly, I was being too greedy. I don't need the power. I bought it on the refurb store and assumed i could sell my 15 inch air for a good price (I don't think i could). I was willing to splurge a bit but not if a) i don't actually need the power and b) have to get myself used to the machine!

that being said, i do miss that nanotexture! like i said, couldn't justify the upgrade if i had to get used to it.
 
Literally last night I held my 14” MBP and my spouses 13” MBA in opposite hands—I can hardly feel any weight difference despite the Air being 0.7lbs lighter.
 
I had a 16 inch M3 Pro and it was just too unwieldy. I find the 14 inch is a comfortable size in all aspects. My secondary machine is a Neo, and the screen size difference between those two machines seems massive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Makisupa Policeman
I am so glad I got a 14" I too had a 15" MacBook Pro, an old Intel one and changed to the M3 Max 14". But I don't carry it around outside the house. But my brother in law has the 16" and he said he wish he had gone for the 14" model after seeing mine.
 
No I never got used to it. I've used this 14" MBP for work for 4 years now and I'm often on the go. I never shook the feeling that this isn't as portable as I would like. It feels thick, blocky, and the vents on either side are sharp and feel uncomfortable when picking up the laptop.

Having tried out a couple of 13" Airs the difference in the feeling of handling and the portability are night and day.

The 14" is still totally viable as a portable laptop, but I'm switching to the 13" Air in a few weeks when this is due for replacement.
 
I have had both MBA and 14 MBP. The weight difference is noticeable but I believe it's really because of the weight distribution and dimensions. There's no question, the MBA is the more comfortable laptop to carry. However the nanotexture display does matter (to me) and the speakers and battery are significant upgrades. To answer the OP's original question, yes I have gotten used to the weight but anytime I pick up an MBA I waffle....
I stopped fighting this particular battle. I traded in my iPad Pro 13" for a MacBook Air M5 and now can enjoy both computers for in their respective roles (Air = personal only stuff, MPB = work only stuff). I find the MBA fine to use as a "consumption" device and enjoy having Mac OS always at hand.
 
There's a lot of threads like this on here and Reddit. The great thing with Apple Silicon now is that the MacBook Air is no longer an underpowered computer. It's more than powerful enough for loads of things. So unless there's something you need performance wise from the Pro, or you just want those speakers and screens, you can choose an Air.

The weight figures for Air v Pro are a bit deceptive too as the form factor of the Air seems make them feel a lot lighter than the Pros.
 
No I never got used to it. I've used this 14" MBP for work for 4 years now and I'm often on the go. I never shook the feeling that this isn't as portable as I would like. It feels thick, blocky, and the vents on either side are sharp and feel uncomfortable when picking up the laptop.

Having tried out a couple of 13" Airs the difference in the feeling of handling and the portability are night and day.

The 14" is still totally viable as a portable laptop, but I'm switching to the 13" Air in a few weeks when this is due for replacement.
It’s interesting to me that there’s a lot of dissatisfaction with the angular design. I think it’s just about at the max thickness that feels perfectly comfortable to hold in my lap and type on, whereas the 16” is too thick and unwieldy.

I’ve honestly never thought much about the vents either until hearing this, but maybe I will start to notice it more. I always carry the computer length-wise for more stability and only ever briefly hold it by the vent side when I first pick it up.
 
My (personal) Pro M3 14" 18GB / 1TB definitely feels heavier and more solid than my (work) M3 Air. Still notice the difference but it doesn't bother me.

Bike commuting with only the MBA is a nice way to "roll" 😀
 
14" MBP feels like a tank compared to 15" MBA, but I'm already used to the display size and I can't believe how much power is packed into this thing.
 
It’s interesting to me that there’s a lot of dissatisfaction with the angular design. I think it’s just about at the max thickness that feels perfectly comfortable to hold in my lap and type on, whereas the 16” is too thick and unwieldy.

I’ve honestly never thought much about the vents either until hearing this, but maybe I will start to notice it more. I always carry the computer length-wise for more stability and only ever briefly hold it by the vent side when I first pick it up.

It's one of those things where you just put up with it, but then you go to an Apple store and pick up an Air and suddenly realise how bad it actually was.

I've got a 16" as well, and I don't mind the size and thickness there. I just find the 14" doesn't feel great for an on the go device, especially compared to the Air.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ascender
It's not bad at all. I do think the form factor of the Air is superior, but I can't give up the ports the MacBook has. The vents are a little sharp, but they are located in a really smart position so they don't get choked if you set the laptop down on a blanket. Bottom vents like windows laptops stink.
 
  • Like
Reactions: brilliantthings
It's a complete non-issue for me. I switched to the MBA previously because of weight issues. But for some reason after going back to the MBP, I don't find the extra weight to be a problem at all. When it's in my bag, that little bit of weight difference doesn't even matter.

Of course, if the MBA gets an OLED screen and 120hz, I'll probably go back.
 
I recently bought a 14 inch MBP - have been using a 15 inch for the last year and while the weight difference is pretty minuscule on paper, I definitely feel it. I however, also definitely feel the difference with the nanotexture screen on the 14 inch but I am wondering if you get used to the weight. The weight is the one thing making me hesitant with keeping it!
I used a shoulder “briefcase” bag for years and years, and switched to a backpack bag for my laptop. That eliminates any weight concern unless I pack it full of other stuff.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.