Lets try this a different way...

[KFridman]

I see members writing in and asking what MacBook Air configuration they should get based on what they do. I'd like to try another approach.

Who are the different configurations designed for? Apple must have had a specific user in mind when they put these things together.

I'm planning on buying my first MacBook soon. It will be the Air but that's as far as I've gotten. Thanks.

 

[kwahamoT_]

I feel like each type of Macbook is designed for different people in mind. So the air is designed for a specific set of people whereas the pro is designed for another. There are plenty of different YouTube videos which explain how each macbook compares with another. The general rule of thumb for apple I think is to make a scope of MacBooks in order to satisfy a wider audience.

“Lets do a MacBook for general writing/university student“
”Lets do a MacBook for creative (photography/video editors)“

With the possibility to edit and change up the MacBook and configure it how you want allows people to have far more flexibility with what they need it for!

 

[jparker402]

A question I was about ready to ask myself!!

With the 2020 MacBook Air one can get the 3, 5 or 7 cpu. Most people I have read believe that an upgrade to a 5 is a good move for potential future uses.

I currently have a 2015 MacBook Air with 8gb of RAM and a 256 SSD. I have about 200 storage unused. I am obviously not a power user. If I wanted to upgrade for future growth, would I be better off with more RAM or more storage? One potential answer is that I can add more storage by adding an external drive. But how do I manage the storage between two drives - the internal and the external?

 

[KFridman]

OK. Let's say we look at the category "general writing/university student". I'm not one and haven't been for a very long time. But, if I was, what would I be looking at? Which configuration would Apple have designed for that person? I would want a MacBook Air that suits me now. I'm not looking to future proof anything so it is the right fit in three years. In three years I may not be here or there may be a different MacBook that I would like instead.

 

[kwahamoT_]

OK. Let's say we look at the category "general writing/university student". I'm not one and haven't been for a very long time. But, if I was, what would I be looking at? Which configuration would Apple have designed for that person? I would want a MacBook Air that suits me now. I'm not looking to future proof anything so it is the right fit in three years. In three years I may not be here or there may be a different MacBook that I would like instead.

So if it was just for coursework, and they do not want to use it for any video/photo editing and never intend too you’d be looking at the MACBOOK air rather than the pro. When it comes to the two types of MACBOOK airs, you then have to decide about the amount of space, however, with the cloud and many other services, as well external drives paying an extra £300/$300 would not be beneficial.

If they however, have a photo/video hobby or want to future proof and know that they will be using it for a lot more than just coursework and internet surfing then the MACBOOK pro will come into play, and each ‘tier’ will depend on what they are using it for.

 

[Drosera]

Good question. I'd like this answered for the follow configs:

• Entry-level MacBook Pro 2020 (+16GB RAM): £1,399
• Entry-level MacBook Air 2020 (+i5, +16GB RAM): £1,299

Pondering about my next purchase here: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-mba-i5.2234965/?post=28450664#post-28450664

 

[kwahamoT_]

Good question. I'd like this answered for the follow configs:

• Entry-level MacBook Pro 2020 (+16GB RAM): £1,399
• Entry-level MacBook Air 2020 (+i5, +16GB RAM): £1,299

Pondering about my next purchase here: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-mba-i5.2234965/?post=28450664#post-28450664

In my personal opinion, you’d be getting a far better deal by going with the MACBOOK pro and spending an extra £100 to get those PRO features and benefit from the better CPU and get the 16GB of RAM. However, it then comes down to the differences in battery life etc.

According to apple themselves the AIR will have an extra hour of battery life (give or take), however, the PRO will have better graphics and somewhat a better monitor with the PRO having 500 nits compared to the 400 of the AIR and have wide colour rather than full standard colour which the AIR has.

You can view these here: https://www.apple.com/uk/mac/compare/

 

[Drosera]

In my personal opinion, you’d be getting a far better deal by going with the MACBOOK pro and spending an extra £100 to get those PRO features and benefit from the better CPU and get the 16GB of RAM. However, it then comes down to the differences in battery life etc.

According to apple themselves the AIR will have an extra hour of battery life (give or take), however, the PRO will have better graphics and somewhat a better monitor with the PRO having 500 nits compared to the 400 of the AIR and have wide colour rather than full standard colour which the AIR has.

You can view these here: https://www.apple.com/uk/mac/compare/

I think the sticking point for me is longevity rather than battery life, and the 8th gen processors in the entry-level MBP is annoying.

 

[kwahamoT_]

I think the sticking point for me is longevity rather than battery life, and the 8th gen processors in the entry-level MBP is annoying.

I do agree with you there, bit weird that they did not improve the processors on the base models. Do not get me wrong, they will still continue to work well for the years to come, have you thought about possibly going for the 10th gen macbook pros?

 

[Drosera]

I do agree with you there, bit weird that they did not improve the processors on the base models. Do not get me wrong, they will still continue to work well for the years to come, have you thought about possibly going for the 10th gen macbook pros?

Too expensive. I can't see myself spending more than £1500, and even then, there'd have to be a really good economic reason (e.g. longevity!). I'm probably going to go with the MacBook Air i5 for £1099. Though tempted by 16 GB RAM, which would bring it to £1299. That's where I start to question whether to get the MacBook Pro... it's almost like they've planned this 😉

 

[kwahamoT_]

Too expensive. I can't see myself spending more than £1500, and even then, there'd have to be a really good economic reason (e.g. longevity!). I'm probably going to go with the MacBook Air i5 for £1099. Though tempted by 16 GB RAM, which would bring it to £1299. That's where I start to question whether to get the MacBook Pro... it's almost like they've planned this 😉

Its definitely a big question especially when its only £100 more with 16GB RAM, I think it may be best to look at some YouTube videos although if it was me I’d definitely go for the PRO!

 

[KFridman]

My timetable just moved up. 10 minutes ago my 5 year old iPad died before my very eyes. I'm not in a hurry for a new one from what I see on MacRumors. I can probably wait for an update and, in the meantime, decide which
I'd like. I now have my iPhone 6s and a 2012 iMac that was recently upgraded. They'll have to hold me over. I keep coming back to the MackBook Air with the i5 at $1099.00. My only hesitation there is all I've seen on them heating up. Though, I've also read that issue has been blown out of proportion. I was interested to see the new MacBook Pro but the 8th gen processors were a disappointment. The Touch Bar is a non issue for me. I long for the old days when I could walk into an Apple store and feel the difference.

 

[Longkeg]

Who are the different configurations designed for?

Try not to overthink this too much. As far as Macs go Apple gives you four choices: Good, Better, More Better and Custom (Best).

Experience has taught me that, since I don’t have a crystal ball, what serves me well today may not be sufficient for the future. I always try to buy the most computer I can afford. It’s that simple.

 

[KFridman]

That's a good way to look at it. Since it will be pretty casual use I've decided to cap my total output at $1500.00 Since I want to include AppleCare, that limits the machine price to $1250.00. The only thing I'm seeing there is the MacBook Air with the i5. I've seen that configuration recommended by many so I feel relatively comfortable going that way.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll come back and let you know how things turn out.