M2 MacBook Air or M1 Pro MacBook Pro 14” dilemma

[Technerd108]

Just proves at this point the air 2 is overpriced v the 14" same specs

Ha,ha. Same specs….

M1 pro and M1 max same single core speed as 5th gen iPad Air. 😂 Lol. Same single core speed as M1 Air with no cooling.

It weighs more than a Samsung Galaxybook 2 360 15.6”.

Who knew that a bigger heavier computer with more cores, heat pipes and a fan performs better only in multi core than a M2 MacBook Air?

Who knew as it is about to be replaced with a new model in a few months that it would go on sale?

It is like comparing a year old fat gaming laptop with the same “specs” to a new 13” Dell XPS.

But the MBP 14” cost the same as the M2 MacBook Air when configured the same so the air is overpriced.

Okay😉

 

[Dealmans]

Been on sale on and off all year nothing to do if or when a new one is coming. Air 2 base is 10% off now on Amazon, and can be price matched here for another 5%, so 15% off.
Make that 3 gone lol.

 

[elmarjazz]

Choices are good. Balancing need/want can run you into trouble sometimes. But hats off to APPLE for making two great computers for slightly different uses. I was waiting for the MBA M2 thinking it could be just the 'perfect' computer for me, at a lower cost. Unfortunately, the price was increased from the MBA M1, and then adding the unified 16GB memory and increase in storage it was no longer a ‘cheap’ introduction to APPLE silicon. Still trying [looking here;-] to justify spending more than I thought I would (MBA M2 vs the MBP M1Pro, and all the variables). For me, the MBP just seemed the better all-in-one ‘fit’ with the ports (more and TB4), amazing display, sound, cool and silent, power and battery are 'good enough.' It doesn’t feel oversized or overweight, and was actually less money than the upgraded MBA M2 - and still, more than I’d originally planned to spend! Reading here, I appreciate the MBA M2 more and understand why it does fit enthusiastically into the workflow of its new owners. Maybe a bit envious of all the MBA M2 positives, but also feel satisfied that I made this MPB 14" choice. I didn't feel I would have been happy with MBA M2 base model down the road, and upgraded... well, the MBP M1Pro scratches my 'wants' even if it's more than I 'need.' Thanks for your insights.

 

[joanbcn91]

It seems that many MBP 14" users are jealous. They have a much fatter and heavier laptop. With an older chip (2020) vs M2 from 2022. 2 years!!! And also, in 1 month, the MBP M2 Pro comes out, making the previous model much worse. Calm down... 😂

 

[dizmonk]

I stopped understanding the point of this thread weeks ago. Any chance mods might close it?

 

[ilikewhey]

It seems that many MBP 14" users are jealous. They have a much fatter and heavier laptop. With an older chip (2020) vs M2 from 2022. 2 years!!! And also, in 1 month, the MBP M2 Pro comes out, making the previous model much worse. Calm down... 😂

lol m2 barely holds a edge over m1 pro in single core, the 14inch literally smokes the air in every other area. if you think .4kg is too much mate you should hit the gym.

 

[ilikewhey]

M1 pro and M1 max same single core speed as 5th gen iPad Air. 😂 Lol. Same single core speed as M1 Air with no cooling.

the apple silicon transition has been so revolutionary literally no offering outside of apple can compete with m1 single core, even then, m2 single core is barely ahead, there is only so much apple can improve with m2 being on 5nm finfet.

It weighs more than a Samsung Galaxybook 2 360 15.6”.

its .4kg heavier, if you think thats a issue you might have a more overall health concern mate.

Who knew that a bigger heavier computer with more cores, heat pipes and a fan performs better only in multi core than a M2 MacBook Air?

it's not just multi core, but sustained SINGLE and multi core. try exporting a 15min 4k raw on your m2 air and you can cook a egg on the backside of the laptop, the m2 will thermal throttle quicker than the m1 mba due to faster and hotter cores.

Who knew as it is about to be replaced with a new model in a few months that it would go on sale?

It is like comparing a year old fat gaming laptop with the same “specs” to a new 13” Dell XPS.

thats a horrible comparison and you know it, m2 pro/max will literally share the same chassis, and given the logistics and rumour mill, m2 pro/max will probably be 5nm as well and not the 3nm some are hoping for, in any case the currently discounted 14inch is a far better value if m2 pro is to be 5nm and not 3nm.

But the MBP 14” cost the same as the M2 MacBook Air when configured the same so the air is overpriced.

yeah pretty much, you're basically trading .4kg in weight for mini-led, wayyy better speakers than the air's tin cans, i don't even bother plugging in my audioengine when i have my mbp in clamshell mode cause the speakers on the 14 is just that amazing. having ports on both side has been a blessing that i forgot it existed. and these are just the features i noticed, i'm sure someone can chim in for more.

 

[joanbcn91]

lol m2 apenas tiene una ventaja sobre m1 pro en un solo núcleo, el 14 pulgadas literalmente fuma el aire en todas las demás áreas. Si crees que 0,4 kg es demasiado amigo, deberías ir al gimnasio.

Now say it without crying from your MBP14 with a 2020 chip. 😂

 

[ilikewhey]

Now say it without crying from your MBP14 with a 2020 chip. 😂

whos crying, not my fault you can't handle facts 😂

 

[joanbcn91]

whos crying, not my fault you can't handle facts 😂

The fact is that an MBP user enters the MBA thread without having one, out of envy and trying to crush the MBA. Dude, enjoy your fatter, heavier, OLDER MBP. If you are so happy, you would not enter the forum of a laptop you don't even own. In addition, I can choose whether MBA or old MBP. The user of an MBP can only sell it below its value. In 1 month with the M2Pro/Max MBP, the old one will be outdated. Chips 2022 vs 2020.
Good afternoon and be happy man 🤣

 

[ilikewhey]

The fact is that an MBP user enters the MBA thread without having one, out of envy and trying to crush the MBA. Dude, enjoy your fatter, heavier, OLDER MBP.

freedom of speech buddy, i can enter any thread, chat, section, and you can't do jack to stop me 🤣

you're welcome to go into the mbp section and say what you want, except i'm afraid you don't got much to say given all your statements so far is pretty petty.

If you are so happy, you would not enter the forum of a laptop you don't even own.

oh but i do own a mba, so that just made your argument completely irrelevant.

In addition, I can choose whether MBA or old MBP. The user of an MBP can only sell it below its value. In 1 month with the M2Pro/Max MBP, the old one will be outdated. Chips 2022 vs 2020.

you can only sell your mba below its value too, who the hell is gonna pay more than msrp for your used laptop. m2 is barely an improvement over m1, 10-15% on average single core performance, if m2 pro comes out this year, you bet it will still be 5nm and therefore hardly worth the upgrade for any existing m1 pro/max users.

 

[srexy]

I was really torn by the choice of MBP 14 and MBA M2. I have had MBP's consistently since I switched to Apple 15 years ago but definitely find myself in the "average user" camp these days. I'm about a month into my M2 Air 1tb/16/8 experience and it's a delight to use at my desk, on my lap, in bed - even outside in the sunshine. I let my 14 day return window close and I'm glad I didn't succumb to the hype (of the 14...)

I think a lot of us forget what the original brief of the MacBook Air was - a sturdy, stylish ultra portable with just enough HP for basic productivity. We also are quick to forget the premium that those first MBA users had to pay for the privilege.

The most notable surprises about this initial incarnation of the MacBook Air were its single USB-A port, lack of an optical drive, and the budget-busting $1,799 starting price (plus an extra $1,000 to upgrade to SSD storage).

Read our 10-year-old review of the first-ever Apple MacBook Air

When the Apple MacBook Air was introduced ten years ago, it was different than anything we'd seen before.

www.cnet.com

Dollar for dollar there is no denying that the MBP is a more powerful and higher spec'd laptop. But it's heavier and bulkier and the battery doesn't last as long. It's not an ultra-portable and wasn't designed to be. End of.

 

[0906742]

M1 pro and M1 max same single core speed as 5th gen iPad Air. 😂 Lol. Same single core speed as M1 Air with no cooling.

Who knew that a bigger heavier computer with more cores, heat pipes and a fan performs better only in multi core than a M2 MacBook Air?

Now say it without crying from your MBP14 with a 2020 chip. 😂

Seems like people are putting way too much weight on single core performance. If that was the only real value of processor power, then why manufacturers are just putting more and more cores in a CPU?
Single core performance just makes some simple things seem slightly more responsive in some cases but when even real horsepower is needed, it loose over one that has more multicore and/or sustained speed due to active cooling.

BTW, M1 Pro CPU is 2021 CPU, not 2020... You know there are even 2022 variants of M1 CPU.
Because if we look at the things in a way that all M1's are 2020 chips, then M2 is too 2020 chip, it is just "overclocked" 5nm chip, probably pushed to market just because 3nm chip delays due to situation in the world these days.

But the MBP 14” cost the same as the M2 MacBook Air when configured the same so the air is overpriced.

Thing what people here refuse to see, is that value of these things used is determined by the price of a base model.
Options do not raise value of used device nearly as much as you pay for them when new. The same thing with the cars, every option you purchase when new can raise price of your car easily even 50% over the base model price but when it is used, you get just few percent better price over base model.
So when you pay for MBA M2 including extra RAM and SSD the price is equal to MBP 14" base. When you sell them your get after couple of years maybe 50% of the original price, so MBP 14" 1k but for MBA M2 maybe 600 plus 100 more for the extra options you bought. Surely extra options with MBA M2 sell faster than base model but no one is going to pay you for 50% of the options price. Not that this make any difference for me since the used value is not the reason why I choose my computers but just saying, since some here seem to say as a fact that MBA M2 with extra options will be better value than MBP 14" in used market.

 

[0906742]

The fact is that an MBP user enters the MBA thread without having one, out of envy and trying to crush the MBA.

WTF??? Have you actually read the title of this thread? It is not "Happy MBA M2 owners thread" as this has started to sound like but it is not based on the title!

 

[resolutiontime]

Any third party, 100W charging adapters you guys recommend?

 

[0906742]

Any third party, 100W charging adapters you guys recommend?

Is Apple Original 96W or 140W chargers out of the question? I rather trust original chargers and I even when using my MBP 14" in clamshell mode with my monitor that has USB-C PD power output I connect MBP 14" original charger too to bypass monitor power.

 

[resolutiontime]

Is Apple Original 96W or 140W chargers out of the question? I rather trust original chargers and I even when using my MBP 14" in clamshell mode with my monitor that has USB-C PD power output I connect MBP 14" original charger too to bypass monitor power.

Yeah. I know they work the best and actually charge faster than third party adapters but I want a multi-purpose USB-C charger adapter for other devices too. I have a iPhone 13 Pro and want to double charge both at once.
thinking of these:

Anker 737 GaNPrime, 120W USB C Charger, PPS 3-Port Fast Compact Foldable Wall Charger for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 16/Pro, Galaxy S22/S21, Dell XPS 13, Note 20/10+, and More Devices

USB C Charger, Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W, PPS 3-Port Fast Compact Foldable Wall Charger for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Galaxy S22/S21, Dell XPS 13, Note 20/10+, iPhone 13/Pro, and More

www.amazon.com

INVZI 100W USB C Multiport Charger, GaN III 4-Port USB Charging Station Fast Charger Power Adapter for MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS, Galaxy S21/S20, iPhone 14 13 12/12 Pro, Note 20/10+, Pixel

INVZI 100W USB C Multiport Charger, GaN III 4-Port USB Charging Station Fast Charger Power Adapter for MacBook Pro Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS, Galaxy S21/S20, iPhone 14 13 12/12 Pro, Note 20/10+, Pixel

www.amazon.com

Aergiatech 100W USB C Charger, 4-Port GaN PD PPS Fast USB Wall Charger Block, Portable Foldable Multiple Ports Power Adapter for Macbook, Laptop, iPad, iPhone, Samsung, and More-Black

Aergiatech 100W USB C Charger, 4-Port GaN PD PPS Fast USB Wall Charger Block, Portable Foldable Multiple Ports Power Adapter for Macbook, Laptop, iPad, iPhone, Samsung, and More-Black

www.amazon.com

100W USB C Wall Charger: TUNNU GaN PD Fast Charging Block Type C Multiport Power Adapter - 4 Ports for USB C Laptop Smartphone - Compatible with MacBook Pro Air iPhone 12/13 Pro Max iPad Pro Samsung

Tunnu GaN Charger

www.amazon.com

Can do 65W adapters too if they're on sale. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09W2JP6SM/ref=emc_b_5_t

Anker 735 Nano II, GaNPrime 65W, PPS 3-Port Foldable Wall Charger $45 - 2022-08-23

w/ promo code SSBV2327 https://www.newegg.com/p/359-00D8...CUHS42311& NLA 44.99 after 25% clippable https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-Ch..._1_2_sspa?

slickdeals.net

 

[Technerd108]

So many people on this thread are trolling, trolling, trolling........LOL

In the end the new Macbook M2 Pro 14" will cost $1999 or more and that future model is the one people should be comparing value of to be honest. This entire thread is just people thinking a year old computer with an almost three year old chip is a better value than a newly released computer is a joke. Of course the older model Macbook Pro 14" is a better value because it is on sale at discounts we haven't seen before.

I don't see people comparing the base model M1 air with the base model MBP 14" because that is a better comparison. I have seen the base model M1 Air go for $799 and that is almost half the cost of the MBP 14" and I think in terms of value alone it is hard to argue the M1 Air is not a better value.

What people in this thread are actually arguing is not value but what is a better computer and as I have said many times it comes down to how you use your computer. Just because something has better "specs" doesn't make it a better choice. It comes down to which one has the better specs I will use and offer the lowest price.

Some said the new MBA M2 is on sale base model so lets compare. Base model MBA M2 is $1099 and Base model MBP M1 on sale is $1599. That is $500!! For $500 it better have better specs. But people go back and forth and compare different spec machines and configurations and then compare value.....And the trolling begins again.......

I wrote a post to purposely troll the trolls because I wanted to illustrate a point not because I am serious.

In the end just get what you personally like best and let the endless opinions that don't matter go on and on.

 

[maka344]

Ok

So many people on this thread are trolling, trolling, trolling........LOL

In the end the new Macbook M2 Pro 14" will cost $1999 or more and that future model is the one people should be comparing value of to be honest. This entire thread is just people thinking a year old computer with an almost three year old chip is a better value than a newly released computer is a joke. Of course the older model Macbook Pro 14" is a better value because it is on sale at discounts we haven't seen before.

I don't see people comparing the base model M1 air with the base model MBP 14" because that is a better comparison. I have seen the base model M1 Air go for $799 and that is almost half the cost of the MBP 14" and I think in terms of value alone it is hard to argue the M1 Air is not a better value.

What people in this thread are actually arguing is not value but what is a better computer and as I have said many times it comes down to how you use your computer. Just because something has better "specs" doesn't make it a better choice. It comes down to which one has the better specs I will use and offer the lowest price.

Some said the new MBA M2 is on sale base model so lets compare. Base model MBA M2 is $1099 and Base model MBP M1 on sale is $1599. That is $500!! For $500 it better have better specs. But people go back and forth and compare different spec machines and configurations and then compare value.....And the trolling begins again.......

I wrote a post to purposely troll the trolls because I wanted to illustrate a point not because I am serious.

In the end just get what you personally like best and let the endless opinions that don't matter go on and on.

Agreed. I love my M2 Air over my M1 14 MBP so much so that I sold my MBP in favour of the Air.. It’s just so lightweight and the battery is incredible- those things are super important to me. It really does feel like a mini-MBP.

The icing on the cake was getting the M2 Air 10/16/1TB for £1500.

 

[ilikewhey]

So many people on this thread are trolling, trolling, trolling........LOL

In the end the new Macbook M2 Pro 14" will cost $1999 or more and that future model is the one people should be comparing value of to be honest. This entire thread is just people thinking a year old computer with an almost three year old chip is a better value than a newly released computer is a joke. Of course the older model Macbook Pro 14" is a better value because it is on sale at discounts we haven't seen before.

I don't see people comparing the base model M1 air with the base model MBP 14" because that is a better comparison. I have seen the base model M1 Air go for $799 and that is almost half the cost of the MBP 14" and I think in terms of value alone it is hard to argue the M1 Air is not a better value.

What people in this thread are actually arguing is not value but what is a better computer and as I have said many times it comes down to how you use your computer. Just because something has better "specs" doesn't make it a better choice. It comes down to which one has the better specs I will use and offer the lowest price.

Some said the new MBA M2 is on sale base model so lets compare. Base model MBA M2 is $1099 and Base model MBP M1 on sale is $1599. That is $500!! For $500 it better have better specs. But people go back and forth and compare different spec machines and configurations and then compare value.....And the trolling begins again.......

I wrote a post to purposely troll the trolls because I wanted to illustrate a point not because I am serious.

In the end just get what you personally like best and let the endless opinions that don't matter go on and on.

it not a joke, m2 is essentially an overclocked version of the m1 chip, but with prores encoder, you guys who failed to see that and only counting calendars is the real joke. i could've went with a maxed out m2 mba but the mbp 14 was simply a better deal.

 

[Technerd108]

it not a joke, m2 is essentially an overclocked version of the m1 chip, but with prores encoder, you guys who failed to see that and only counting calendars is the real joke. i could've went with a maxed out m2 mba but the mbp 14 was simply a better deal.

If value is all you care about look for sales on 12gen Intel windows laptops. Lenovo has a 14” 7i with 2.5k touchscreen, 12th gen i7 1255u, 512gb pci 4 ssd, 16gb ddr5 ram, a loud 4 speaker audio system, 2 thunderbolt 4 ports, sd card slot, hdmi, 3.5mm headphone jack, solid all aluminum build and I have seen it on sale for $550 and $899 with a retail price the same as the base model m2 air.

Specs wise on sale it can’t be beat. Geekbench single core is just under 1700 and multi core 9600 average. It is very close to M1 Pro 8 core.

Also this Samsung with OLED screen is a great value too,

Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3" AMOLED Touch Screen Laptop Intel 12th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Silver NP730QED-KB1US - Best Buy

Shop Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3" AMOLED Touch Screen Laptop Intel 12th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Silver products at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

So if you cherish value don’t buy a Mac. Lol

 

[resolutiontime]

Where you pulled that info? Show me a real review where they list it running on battery at 100% brightness for over 10 hours?
Seriously with use you described here I’d say you are chasing an ”unicorn”.


Unrealiable, are you serious? That is one of the most reliable reviewer.
There are many reasons for top 10 list, while MBA M2 scored decent in test, I believe they also consider price performance ratio and such. It does not make their review unreliable. Show me another review that tests products with using exact measurements?

BTW, what is the reliable resource in your opinion?

Read the post that I quoted. He said that the M2 MBA gets 50% more battery life than the M1 Pro, MBP 14" 'for 'everyday tasks'.

Reliable sources? Try Max Tech, Tom's Guide, Luke, Dave, so on and on...Basically, anyone who wouldn't OMIT the MBA M1 on a list of top 10 Ultrabooks.

You think Notebookcheck's scientific battery test is reliable? You think the M2 MBA and the MBP 14" have similar battery life? Which is what they tested for both Macbooks.

 

[daavee80]

Ok

Agreed. I love my M2 Air over my M1 14 MBP so much so that I sold my MBP in favour of the Air.. It’s just so lightweight and the battery is incredible- those things are super important to me. It really does feel like a mini-MBP.

The icing on the cake was getting the M2 Air 10/16/1TB for £1500.

Can I ask how you got it for that price?

 

[jav6454]

my hands aren't calipers, a difference of 0.22" doesn't make sense to my brain.

but a difference of 33% certainly does. I think any human could tell in this situation.

Agreed, but then again, it's 33% of what? .75 inches? You won't notice it.

 

[Scott-n-Houston]

Do you have numbers or more info on what you were doing on both Macs? I get 6-7 hours doing basic web browsing and playing YT. 80% brightness...

I also prefer the Keyboard on my old, 2015 Macbook Pro, 15" than the MBP 14".

I don’t have detailed data but I got about the same as you on the 14” while getting almost double on my MBA.