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I’m just replying to tell you I LOVE your avatar! Great shot, great cats!
Oh, thank you! I was lucky to catch all three of them looking out the door like that. Can't wait until a month and a half from now... We're going to cover and screen-in that deck, and the cats will finally be able to go out there!

Your cat is really cute as well - is he a Ragdoll?
 
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Just some thoughts on my experience of owning both a 14" MacBook Pro 8/14 core, 16/512 (which I decided to keep) and the new M2 MacBook Air (8/8, 16/512).

Little things...
- MagSafe on the MBP is more secure than on the MBA. This is because the connector on the MBA doesn't sit flush with the enclosure since it is so thin, meaning that it actually disconnects a lot easier (though the opposite argument is that this is benefit).
- Perhaps subjective, but I prefer the key action of the MBP. The key travel is slightly longer and they bottom-out a little more softly.
- The trackpad is noticeably quieter on the MBP. The MBA's is louder and has a hollowness about it.

Display
Blooming isn't a big issue on the MBP provided you keep the screen brightness at a sensible setting, relative to the environment. But the quality... It's simply outstanding and perfectly suited for photography (one of my hustles) and video work. Those without a keen eye for colours and contrast may not notice or appreciate/require the difference, so for everything else I don't believe an owner would make use of it.

The same goes for ProMotion - this is not so much a quality of life improvement as it is a feature for video work. The adaptive refresh works really well and provides a true feel for the content's actual frame rate. Outside of creative work the UI is clearly smoother in motion, but I wouldn't consider this a 'need' over the MBA.

The increase is display size and resolution is noticeable on the MBP. It just allows you eek out more of your content, which I believe for a device of this size is important in getting as much screen estate as possible. The bezels on the MBP are also slightly slimmer.

None of this is to say that the MBA scree is a lesser component in anyway. In fact, it's actually a significant improvement over the previous generation with more colours, better contrast and higher maximum brightness.

Speakers and microphone
I find this to be an interesting area today given how our listening habits have changed. There are users who no doubt won't care what the quality of the speakers are provided they do the bare minimum for productivity; some will need high quality audio as a backup for creative content; others may use them a lot for listening to music.

One thing that is certain however; how difficult it is to put into words just how much better the MBP speakers are than than the MBA.

They sound big, full and wide, with excellent clarity and yet bass that shouldn't be so solid on a device this thin. If you're wanting to enjoy music in a small room then there's honestly no need to use a Bluetooth speaker (within a sensible distance), and the quality is good enough that I would feel confident doing some basic initial mastering for production.

Dolby Atmos is mesmerising. Combined with the XDR display, watching compatible movies is just fantastic. I have some HDR + DA movies that I've purchased and it literally does bring new life to them - specifically older titles that I have had good remasters (Top Gun, Total Recall for example)

FaceTime camera
Very good on both devices, relative to the sensor size. Performance appears very similar on both, with the MBA edging out just slightly with more natural colours and slightly better low light performance. I'm guessing this has something to do with the M2 chip. Not a deal-breaker by any means - they're both perfectly serviceable. And keep in mind that once you view the video on a larger display, for instance an iMac - the stream is almost potato quality anyway and comparable to the Studio Display.

Performance
Outside of video editing - which is not my domain, but I have played around with it - speed is virtually identical for both devices during everyday productivity (Office, iWork, Safari, email, and many apps in between). Little to no lag or waiting for anything to happen. OS updates were quicker on the MBP which is to be expected, but I honestly can't recommend M2 chip highly enough for most users.

Where the MBP was quicker in creative content (Lightroom, Photoshop, Logic Pro), it was only marginally. If you're thinking of holding out for the M2 Pro/Max I seriously wouldn't bother.

The fans on the MBP have only ever come once, during its first OS update. Other than this is has remained cool to the touch. The MBA also remains cool to the touch and again has only ever heated up during the initial setup and OS update process. As far as I'm concerned the debacle over this device 'overheating' (Thanks Max Tech! /S ) is unfounded.

Enclosure
Both devices feel as though they have thinner enclosures than the previous generations, not necessarily a bad thing but just something to keep in mind. The MBA is so thin that the back plate and keyboard plate can actually flex with enough force.

Both are absolutely beautiful both aesthetically and in engineering terms. I couldn't stop holding and looking at them, just appreciating their beauty. The MBP in particular has a slightly retro feel to it that I'm fond of.

The weight is substantially different. The MBP weighs just a touch more than the outgoing 13" model, but not to the point where it would discourage you from travelling with it. For the specs it's still an impressively compact and light device. The MBA on the other hand is so thin and light that it's an absolute joy to carry around. It's almost like an iPad! In fact it's so light it can wobble around a bit when you're typing on your lap.

Though the MBP keyboard is (in my opinion) nicer, typing does need a little settling in period because the enclosure is raised off the surface more than the MBA. If you're used to this from previous MBPs then it's a non-issue.

So, why did I choose the MBP?
I use a Mac for a number of things, including my main job (working with clients for coaching, delivering presentations) and side hustles (photography, product design). The two features that sold the MBP for me were the screen and the speakers. These are the most impressive that I've ever come across on a portable computer and they significantly gave me a leg-up when it came to editing photos, sharing video with clients and simply enjoying my music collection.

The addition of HDMI is convenient for plugging into projectors and TV whenever I travel anywhere, and means I can forget about bringing adapters. And the SD card slot makes my camera workflow a lot quicker, as well as being able to take project files from my 3D printer and audio from my audio recorder!

I will miss just how 'airy' the MBA was, though equally I'm now more aware of how overblown the concept of weight is. For its class, there really is nothing that you can compare the 14" MBP to in the Windows world when you combine the performance with the thickness and weight. It's a beautiful product and easily the best Mac notebook I think Apple has ever made. The Pro chip at 8/14 cores has completely exceeded my expectations.

Finally, the difference in pricing between the models was £180. For that additional cost I felt the additional screen improvements, speaker quality and keyboard was worth it.

Hope this was useful!
Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.
 
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Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.

you mean an iPad?
 
Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.
well, for speakers, zoom calls? radio..
 
Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.
when i am travelling, i sometimes watch movies on my air (i never listen to music on it, altho it's still better than the iphone speakers for music).

also the 14" pro isn't 'chunky & bulky' (aren't those 2 words the same thing?), it's simply the thickness it needs to be to accomodate what it needs to accomodate.

apple gives us choices (well, some choices). don't see why there's any argument. if you prefer the M1 air, go for it. or the M2 air. or a 14" macbook pro. or a dell. or a refurbished blackberry....

🤔
 
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This is really useful and mirrored my use cases to a great extent! The MBP also helps when I’m travelling and need music at the hotel without having to find and connect my Bluetooth speaker, opening a lid and hitting the play button is so easier.

Likewise when watching movies while travelling and staying outside, the display is a killer.

The dongle free life is so convenient too.

And while travelling, it handles games really well too on Apple Arcade and steam, there’s no lag and HDR works nicely.

My wife has the MBA, and it’s great for most people if you don’t have the needs above, or have the needs but don’t want to pack a bundle of accessories.
 
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Oh, thank you! I was lucky to catch all three of them looking out the door like that. Can't wait until a month and a half from now... We're going to cover and screen-in that deck, and the cats will finally be able to go out there!

Your cat is really cute as well - is he a Ragdoll?
Queen, the cat of my avatar passed away in early 2021. She was/is my favorite animal friend...I have had many...she was a loving and faithful friend.
 
Ha
Speakers: definitely better on MBP.
Doesn’t really matter: how often are you really playing something out of the speakers?! AirPods or HomePods all the way.

Display: exactly the same on day to day content, browsing. In fact the deeper blacks create issues when online shopping for clothes, for example. Black isn’t as well defined. Standard OLED type issue.
However, the display is better for movies, yes.
Doesn’t really matter: because I rarely watch movies on my laptop 😂 got a massive LG OLED tv for that. Same for most people. It’s a small usage %.

What else? The MBP is a chunky monkey. Not as portable as the Air. Much bigger than the last Pro’s too.

I’d pay more for portability, weight and slim design than power. Most people don’t need the Pro power at all.

In fact, my designer friend is using the M2 Air with heavy usage; Indesign, WordPress, GarageBand (he’s a drummer) all open at the same time, doing heavy design work. His Air hasn’t got hit once. It’s lightening quick.

Mine is lightening quick.

I compared mine to a colleagues M1 Pro 14 and mine loaded every website QUICKER. That’s bonkers. Websites are the most common thing we all go to on laptops. The fact that the most popular common thing is QUICKER on the M2 Air says a lot.

(Oh the keyboards are the same haha).

Overall, M2 Air is better for most people. The Pro is best for people who need that power, such as my bro who renders 3d design. Speakers are better on the Pro and display better on HDR a content (rare usage).
haha. Bitter much?!
 
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Speakers: definitely better on MBP.
Doesn’t really matter: how often are you really playing something out of the speakers?! AirPods or HomePods all the way.

Display: exactly the same on day to day content, browsing. In fact the deeper blacks create issues when online shopping for clothes, for example. Black isn’t as well defined. Standard OLED type issue.
However, the display is better for movies, yes.
Doesn’t really matter: because I rarely watch movies on my laptop 😂 got a massive LG OLED tv for that. Same for most people. It’s a small usage %.

You are using extrinsic factors of a laptop to reevaluate a laptop. Most of the time, I watch videos on my MBP, without linking to TV / AirPods / HomePods, on my dining table. It is perfect. When I watch a movie with my family, then I link it to my TV and speakers, which is less often. So MBP's MiniLED screen and awesome speaker is high usage % for me.

The jealousy of Pro owners is incredible. As soon as they saw the unveil of the M2 Air they’ve been like this ever since.

I just got my wife the new MBA, and i am never once jealous of her new MBA. I am perfectly happy with my M1Pro 14 inch because of the better screen, better speakers, and more ports. It is less hassle to connect it to external monitor at my office. And the weight is not an issue for me as I drive to work everyday.
 
Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
People who either don’t have/want a Bluetooth speaker and don’t feel the need to connect to one when in a small room.

and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
People who can’t afford Air Force One when travelling.

Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.
It’s within a neglible difference thicker than the 13” MacBook Pro.
 
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People on this thread: Fighting over the M1 MBP vs M2 MBA

Me: Cries in 12” Apple Silicon Macbook.
You know, what if Apple released 12-13" small MacBook with that sub 1000$ price in mind?

Who seriously listens to music on laptop speakers??
and who watches a movie on a 13-14 inch laptop screen when they have 50” big screens?
Also the design on new MBP looks to chunky and bulky,granted it was necessary for thermal reasons but I can’t believe anyone actually enjoying this thick,fat body over something thin and contemporary.
Me. For the short amount of time I used MBP 14 I felt no need to connect it to bt speaker when watching media.
Also, we don't own TV, haven't had one for more than 10 years.
 
That post solidly makes the case for the M2 15" MacBook Air. Many people I know would prefer the larger display.

I switched from a M1 base Air to a base 16" for this reason mostly.
The other upgrades are also nice, but I could've managed to stay with the Air if it didn't have a tablet-size screen.
 
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Interesting view, though as mentioned it's a very personal matter. Not everyone has access to a HomePod, and in any case it may be more convenient to use the built-in speakers. For instance, of a morning I like to get my MBP open and listen to a podcast straight away from the device, whilst making breakfast. Very easy and great quality.


You're mistaken.

View attachment 2046687

The additional thickness is negligible.


As mentioned in the OP, my perspective was that of multimedia.
I have a HomePod right near where I often use my 14” MBP and still use the MBP speakers instead a lot of times. Sometimes I just want the sound right in front of me, especially if it’s a podcast as you mentioned.

Kind of funny—last night I was thinking about how I don’t take nearly enough advantage of that nice XDR display. I found some great 4K/8K/HDR content on YouTube and this display just blows me away every time I use it.

As far as thickness, I think it’s worse on the 16”, but my 14” feels slim and sleek, even with the Incase cover on it.
 
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>Sigh< Observing how even such an innocuous topic as this can lead to arguments makes me doubtful that world peace could ever be achieved. An if it did, it would probably only last for 15 minutes.
It’s the MacRumors forums. You’re not really allowed to “like” anything here. 😂 And if you write a love letter post to a product you can expect to be told your opinion is wrong.

I’m seeing this a lot more lately though and I love it. Apple is on a roll (even for Apple) with their new hardware the last couple years and it’s been so great. People are just really happy about their new gear.
 
Count me as one of those people who does not get the hostility and conflict. MBA (M1 and M2) and MBP 14 are all great options for a whole lot of users.

I suspect there are a lot of people in my situation... I was pretty sure the MBA would be more than adequate for over 90% of what I do, but chose the MBP 14 because I thought I'd enjoy it more. I do some CAD 3d modeling for which the additional GPU *might* make the rotation and manipulation of solids and surfaces smoother and faster. My habits (use and storage) probably benefit from the higher base RAM and SSD in the pro (but I could have upped those from the base MBA, of course). I anticipated occasionally benefiting from the HDMI port.

I decided that the MBP 14 would make a more satisfying computer replacement for me because I do enjoy better sounding speakers (when not at my desk) and might be more pleased with the better display. If I carried it around all the time, it might have swayed me to the MBA, but I don't... truth be told, when I am carrying it around I miss the smaller, lighter i7 MBA that was my portable before the MBP... a little bit. It's still small and light enough to be no big deal... and the speed, sound, display and camera are SO much better.

So... my personal experience: base MBP 14 M1pro was a great option to replace my 2018 i5 mini AND my 2012 i7 MBA. I probably would have been quite happy with a M2 air - only occasionally wishing I had the better speakers or screen... but M2 did not exist when I made my choice... and the M2 air is so good that I have considered buying it, but my MBP 14 should serve me well for several years, so I don't expect to spend that money.

If you choose/chose the M2 air: Great choice! (for almost everybody who does not do seriously heavy-duty, massively parallel tasks or frequently work with multiple extremely large files).

If you choose/chose to save money on the M1 air: Great choice! very capable machine with great performance and value! (if you don't use it to do those things mentioned above to make a living)

If you choose/chose to go MBP 14 or 16: hope you enjoy your premium speakers and display and that the extra expense did not keep you from spending on more important things. Outstanding choice for a working computer.

If you choose/chose the MBP 13... um... I confess I don't get that one... but I am sure for some of you it suits your personal preferences and workload better than the other options. If so... um... yeah... good choice, too.
 
Both are excellent laptops and I tried them both, the M2 Air (16/512) and base MBP14. Here is why I kept the MBP14:

Not being able to attach 2 external monitors with the M2 Air (by default) was a dealbreaker for me. I use 2 external monitors at the office (in multiple locations), so decision went to the MBP14, even thought the M2 Air would have been sufficiently powerful for my daily use. Also traveled with the MBP14 over the past few weeks, found it portable enough and a joy to work on - the gorgeous display compensates for the added weight...
 
Both are excellent laptops and I tried them both, the M2 Air (16/512) and base MBP14. Here is why I kept the MBP14:

Not being able to attach 2 external monitors with the M2 Air (by default) was a dealbreaker for me. I use 2 external monitors at the office (in multiple locations), so decision went to the MBP14, even thought the M2 Air would have been sufficiently powerful for my daily use. Also traveled with the MBP14 over the past few weeks, found it portable enough and a joy to work on - the gorgeous display compensates for the added weight...
I will continue to bang this drum: The 14" MBP is a perfect mix in portability between the M2 Air and the 16" MBP. It's thinner than the 16" M1 but a little thicker than the M2 Air.

Of all the new Apple Silicon Macs, the 14 Pro is probably my favorite because of how pleasant it is to carry around while still having all the power of my identically specced 16" work machine. It kind of reminds me of a thin hardback book or my old Speak N Spell from the 80s.
 
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