No issues with the M2 MBA, besides admittedly strongly preferring the MBP.
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M2 MacBook Air or M1 Pro MacBook Pro 14” dilemma
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OK, because it is not PWM but some kind of shimmering effect that was issue in that link. Check page 2 for video examples of that.
Thanks for the heads-up. Temporal dithering doesn't bother me, and it was tested not to have it regardless. It appears like there is some sort of oddity going on, but I have no notable issues with the Air.
Yeah, this does seem different issue than PWM or temporal dithering. But it is pretty individual thing if issue causes eye stain or headaches. Some reported getting symptoms from this mentioned phenomena in those another threads.
Yeah, they are now replacing their MBA M2's (to which they just upgraded from slow and heavy MBP 14") with the iPhone 14 Pro because it is so much more lighter and faster than MBA M2.
Yeah, they are now replacing their MBA M2's (to which they just upgraded from slow and heavy MBP 14") with the iPhone 14 Pro because it is so much more lighter and faster than MBA M2.
There will come a day when you drop your iPhone into a dock and that's all the machine you need.
Yes, there will be. From what I read, seems iPad is doing that in the next IOS release. So maybe iPhone follows that some point.
Samsung has been trying to make the S series notes and ultra phones/tablets as a do it all device with Dex for years. It has never completely worked and I suspect it never will unless they merged Windows and Android or iOS and MacOS. Dex is pretty good though but android as a base is still a problem.
Since Apple likes to sell multiple devices I suspect this will never happen. It would kill profits. I honestly don't even understand why they are implementing Stage Manager on iPads. Steve Jobs was very clear that an iPad was a secondary device and not a primary computing device and Apple for years had followed this mantra with no touch screen for Mac's. Now they are mutilating the iPad to be an all in one device.
I understand for some people an all in one device would be very useful and I am not criticizing them but to me a tablet or a phone can't ever replace the functionality of a laptop and a laptop can never replace the convenience and lightness of a tablet. Just my opinion.
FWIW I'm tentatively keeping the 14" MacBook Pro. I only say tentatively because I have some issues with the PWM flickering, otherwise it's probable I wouldn't have tried the Air at all since I am quite enamored by it.
I'm not sure how strongly the ProMotion contributed but even just general UI use feels more fluid on the Pro. The MacBook Air felt like it was lagging more often than I'm used to experiencing on a laptop, even if it's probably an order of a magnitude better than previous Air generations.
Side-by-side the Pro provides a much better experience: the display is significantly better in color, contrast, and pixel density, the speakers are dramatically louder with deeper bass, the trackpad feels more refined, and I ended up preferring the more solid-feeling keyboard on the Pro.
Honestly the Pro feels more solid and premium overall, despite having a similar design.
The Air does have the benefit of being a better laptop in that I would recommend it to users that would constantly transport it. It anecdotally feels like the battery would last twice as long, whereas it seems like I can drain the Pro battery in a matter of hours. Side note: I still don't like using laptops on my lap.
I keep my laptop at my desk a majority of the time, and I'll probably continue that trend with the 14" Pro but it is nice to know that it still feels adequately portable compared to my previous 15" rMBP.
Another point that surprised me with this being my first time temporarily owning an Air: its form factor doesn't have the wow effect that I expected, or that I experienced holding the tapered MacBook Air in a retail store. Maybe this is because we've all already used iPads and have become accustomed to our devices being extremely thin and light.
I found that the larger 14.2" display of the Pro also made a noticeable real-world difference in multi-tasking and content consumption. 13.6" seemed a tad too small for me, and I should have given a little more consideration to the 16" Pro.
The disparity in battery life is the main area that I feel could use improvement which perhaps we'll see once they bring the same efficiency cores over to the M2 Pro, as the portability isn't a major difference in my opinion.
Otherwise, I would recommend the Pro to those facing the same decision and are already considering upgrading the SSD or RAM on the Air--with the exception of users that value extreme portability or battery life.
The Air is the perfect laptop, and the Pro is the perfect workhouse computer. Relatively speaking: I have some suggestions for both that we'll hopefully see over the next few generations.
I'm not sure how strongly the ProMotion contributed but even just general UI use feels more fluid on the Pro. The MacBook Air felt like it was lagging more often than I'm used to experiencing on a laptop, even if it's probably an order of a magnitude better than previous Air generations.
Side-by-side the Pro provides a much better experience: the display is significantly better in color, contrast, and pixel density, the speakers are dramatically louder with deeper bass, the trackpad feels more refined, and I ended up preferring the more solid-feeling keyboard on the Pro.
Honestly the Pro feels more solid and premium overall, despite having a similar design.
The Air does have the benefit of being a better laptop in that I would recommend it to users that would constantly transport it. It anecdotally feels like the battery would last twice as long, whereas it seems like I can drain the Pro battery in a matter of hours. Side note: I still don't like using laptops on my lap.
I keep my laptop at my desk a majority of the time, and I'll probably continue that trend with the 14" Pro but it is nice to know that it still feels adequately portable compared to my previous 15" rMBP.
Another point that surprised me with this being my first time temporarily owning an Air: its form factor doesn't have the wow effect that I expected, or that I experienced holding the tapered MacBook Air in a retail store. Maybe this is because we've all already used iPads and have become accustomed to our devices being extremely thin and light.
I found that the larger 14.2" display of the Pro also made a noticeable real-world difference in multi-tasking and content consumption. 13.6" seemed a tad too small for me, and I should have given a little more consideration to the 16" Pro.
The disparity in battery life is the main area that I feel could use improvement which perhaps we'll see once they bring the same efficiency cores over to the M2 Pro, as the portability isn't a major difference in my opinion.
Otherwise, I would recommend the Pro to those facing the same decision and are already considering upgrading the SSD or RAM on the Air--with the exception of users that value extreme portability or battery life.
The Air is the perfect laptop, and the Pro is the perfect workhouse computer. Relatively speaking: I have some suggestions for both that we'll hopefully see over the next few generations.
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I've been saying the same for a while now, with side by side comparison. Great to hear yet another real-life comparison rather than the nonsense guessing from some Pro owners saying the difference in display is huge. It's not.
Apple displays are never poor these days. The M2 Air has a fantastic display. I actually prefer seeing lighter blacks when I'm shopping. I find that Mini LEDs (similar to OLED) made have deeper blacks but with dark clothing it is harder to distinguish the different shades of blacks and dark greys whilst shopping.
Everyone I've shown or who's looked at both laptops can't see the difference in 120/60hz.
Exactly the same things I appreciate in Pro. I was at first really considering Air myself until I got to test them myself and I found them way too flimsy. There is a huge difference in that how much more solid Pro feel. Then add up almost OLED quality screen and good speakers, plus solid feeling trackpad and keyboard there was no contest.
Since MBA M2 has pretty much similar amount of internal parts as MBA M1, IMHO mostly minimal "weight loss" in it comes from the thinner chassis. I know some people prefer flexible feel but I cannot stand machine that bends under slight force.
It depend a lot what you do with it how much battery it uses, obviously it gives you sustained CPU power when you need it and then uses naturally more battery. My use has been something where I don't see difference in battery run times between my previous MBA M1 and MBP 14".
Same here, I find that using laptop on my lap causes me "hunchback" feeling for next days. So using on desk is just so much more ergonomic. Also for times I want to get "hunchback" I have Air M1 + Logitech Combo Touch for that purpose, it is much lighter and smaller than my MBA M1 was and I prefer using that for some sporadic surfing on the internet on sofa. Also I can just pull off the keyboard and use touchscreen is a big plus in that situation.
Yeah, I don't find MBA M2 would give any benefit compared to what we have had in MacBooks over past few years already.
I think they will concentrate on CPU raw power in Pro models in the future too and simply because TDP will be so much higher in Pro's anyway, this would not much change. Obviously where MBA M2 tops up with 9.5W throttled/sustained TDP is different where Pro keep running multiples higher TDP without throttling. Surely curbing Pro down to 9.5W TDP gives you much longer battery life in MBP 14" than MBA M2 already, but Pro is not meant to be slow when you push it.
Size and weight IMHO does not make any difference for me between MBA M2/M1, MBP 13" and MBP 14". I can't really tell much difference between the size of these when they are not side by side and even then difference is minimal. People often fail to see the fact that MBP 14" is no fatter than MBP 13" M2, it is just that tapered edges make 13" looks slimmer while they are equally "fat". I prefer more solid feeling MBP 14", so weight is only positive thing vs. flimsy thin chassis.
I agree. Especially at the moment here in Europe MBP 14" is dirt cheap because it has not yet gotten weak EUR/USD adjusted price, unlike MBA M2 and new iPhones etc. every product they are updated recently.
Also excellent desktop computer replacement too. I'm using it with 32" 4K monitor + Logitech Craft keyboard + Logitech silent mouse. I sold my Mini M1 and use my MBP 14" as desktop too, so much faster and 100% silent compared to Mini M1 (that is already whispering quiet). Something I would not do with MBA M2.
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So, if you could choose the MBP 14 base vs the MBA M2 16/1TB at the same price - which one would you choose?
Nonsense? Are you serious? Show me even a one _respectable_ review where it is found the difference is nonsense?
you're compromising alot if you go with the m2 mba even if its not the same price, even more if its the same price.
The MBP is a great machine no doubt but you really have to consider your use case and not get lost in the specs and hype.
If you want to use the device to replace an iPad the 14" simply won't. If you want to use as travel and school computer the 14" might not be a bad choice. It is heavy but you are young and I think you would benefit from the better speakers. The screen is a lot better on the 14" but the screen on the Air is really, really good for a standard IPS display with 500 nits brightness.
I would say if you got the air you would gain maximum portability but I bet you would always be wondering what if you got the Pro? You would probably obsess on the screen and want promotion and HDR.
The deals on the MBP 14" are really good and it is an incredible laptop. For school it would perform very well. Really the only downside is a bit more weight and slightly less battery when pushed.
If I were going to school I think I would opt for the Pro. I love the M2 air but my use is a lot different I suspect than yours. You can fill a dorm room with decent sound from the MBP and won't from the air. I am not a huge fan of the mini Led but Promotion is very nice.
If you get the Pro from Costco you have 90 days to return it. Get the Pro and test it out. Keep your receipt and baby it until you decide. Then at least you will have a better idea. The M2 air will be available for a while so you can always get that later if you decide to.
I have just gone from my 16” MBP M1 to a 14” pro. I tried the air but ended up returning it. It was lovely and powerful enough for my use case; but after being spoiled by the speakers and screen and connectivity, on my 16”. It was to much of a compromise.
So I went for the middle ground; missed the speakers, the screen is sublime and in reality it’s not that much bigger. Saves me lugging my 16” which sat in my bag for 6 months and did not get used as I would always grab my m1 MBP. Also picked up another 11” iPad Pro for when I want portability cough cough Netflix on the go.
So I went for the middle ground; missed the speakers, the screen is sublime and in reality it’s not that much bigger. Saves me lugging my 16” which sat in my bag for 6 months and did not get used as I would always grab my m1 MBP. Also picked up another 11” iPad Pro for when I want portability cough cough Netflix on the go.
The bold for emphasis. In fact, I’d say to do this as there should be a launch of new MBPs coming up over the next 5-6 weeks, should the release cycle hold. If it does, then you could decide between the latest Pro versus M1 Pro, versus the Air. Either way, you’ll have all of those at the ready, and if the new models come in 14”, you can return the one back to Costco, and use that money towards the newer model.
If that isn’t an option, I’d say to hold off on buying anything until the next model is released.
BL.
Depends what your needs are.
It you don't need the multicore performance of the MBP14 or the HDR screen for grading, you can look at both laptops and just go with the one whose form factor you prefer.
The main objective advantage the Air has over the Pro is its lighter, smaller form factor.
I ended up keeping my M1 MBP and will wait out whatever happens when the M2 comes and depending on upgrades will upgrade. I did love the M2 Air, but I personally did not like the keyboard and the overall thins of the air ( I know I am sure I am the only one!) LOL...
TO me the screen on the Pro is sitll much better as is the ease of hooking up external monitor (s). I also don't like the M2 Air speakers at all! Glad I decided on the M1 MBP - its a classy, powerful, beast.
TO me the screen on the Pro is sitll much better as is the ease of hooking up external monitor (s). I also don't like the M2 Air speakers at all! Glad I decided on the M1 MBP - its a classy, powerful, beast.