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fallenfoxy25

Cancelled
Original poster
Jun 5, 2020
2
1
Hey i have a question if anyone can help me out, in my country the 2019 macbook air (base model) costs $905 brand-new and the 2020 one costs $1145 (dual core base model) so which one would you recommend?
 
I would go with the 2020 dual-core model for $240 more - much better keyboard, much better iGPU performance, over 20% better CPU single-core performance over 2019, improved speakers.
 
I mean I would not go for it just for the keyboard. You know it’s potentially an issue. It’s is speaker maybe. But keyboard is the primary input into the computer. I won’t risk it.
 
I mean I would not go for it just for the keyboard. You know it’s potentially an issue. It’s is speaker maybe. But keyboard is the primary input into the computer. I won’t risk it.
I heard that the 2019 butterfly keyboard is alot more reliable than the original one (even if not perfect) and there is always the keyboard replacement program, so i think the biggest factor is if the keyboard is really THAT bad to type on or if its just exaggeration.
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I would go with the 2020 dual-core model for $240 more - much better keyboard, much better iGPU performance, over 20% better CPU single-core performance over 2019, improved speakers.
I am personally a student and don't need it for demanding tasks like video editing, i would only need it for typing essays, watching Netflix ect. So i was wondering if the performance would actually make a difference for me as a student.
 
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Can you live with 128GB storage? That would be the deal breaker for me.

If you can, the keyboard isn't a big deal, particularly if you have an Apple Store that will support the 4 year replacement program.
 
Ah yes forgot about the storage on the 2019, so add to my list also double the storage space. I say its a no brainer when you're already going to be spending near $1,000
 
I own both and in real world usage, there's very little between them. I do very slightly prefer typing on the 2020 keyboard compared to the 2019, but the 'Butterfly keyboard is evil' stuff is really overblown and hysterical.

As others have said, the third/fourth gen keyboards are quieter, more reliable, and are replaced for free for four years after purchase.

As far as performance goes, on paper the 2020 i3 is even slightly better, but in the real world they perform so similarly I wouldn't know the difference if not for the keyboard. The theoretically faster CPU and theoretically better GPU don't really matter, as Apple/Intel's caps on performance to maintain thermal integrity mean they're able to do everything about as well and at about the same speed as the 2019.

If the 2019 is in your budget, it's a great notebook.

I wrote a (subjective, to me) review comparing the 2019, the 2020 i3 and the 2020 i5 focusing on the stuff that matters to me, and concluded that I was happy to keep the 2019 over the 2020 models.

It's all down to individual needs and priorities, but an important thing to note is that Apple's return policy is great. If you buy either version and aren't happy with it, they'll take it back and issue a refund 14 days after purchase, no questions asked. I've had very smooth experiences doing this both in store and online through their handy shipping return program.
 
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