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Mac Book or 11" MBA

bigbadneil

bigbadneil

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 18, 2009
360
3
I'm going to buy either a new fully loaded 12" MacBook or a 11" fully loaded MBA
I want it for travel photography. Basically savings RAW files to it and overload onto an external HD.
Look at FB and send emails etc etc while on photo trips
What do you guys think???
MBAMB.JPG

Neil
 
Personally, I would choose the MacBook. Better display and graphics. I'm not sure which is the fastest of the two machines but you can check that out. Rumor has it that Apple will discontinue the 11" MacBook Air so something else to consider.
 
I would wait if you can. Every computer Apple makes with the exception of the Macbook is due for an update, so who knows what you'll be able to get in a month or two.
 
I'd go for the MBA. The macbook has trouble pushing the pixels for it's screen with it's underpowered iGPU resulting in UI lag. I don't think it would handle editing of RAW files well.
 
I'd say get the MacBook, there is really no reason to get a non-retina Macbook in 2016. The MacBook is more portable, doesn't clog with dust and the performance should be fine for transfering files, sending emails and checking facebook.
 
I'm not fully qualified to advise as I don't yet have a MB. However this is a highly personal choice, and you might want to consider the following.

For general purpose use (including travel photography, that doesn't include heavy editing), both machines will be more than adequate.

The screen aspect ratio on the MBA11 is occasionally limiting (I have to hide the task bar, and this is only a slight improvement). The screen of the MB (for general use, not movies) is a more useful format.

Some have found the MB keyboard 'unusual', coming from a more traditional laptop. The MBA11 keyboard is great.

For me, this boils down to a trade-off between the 'superior' screen & 'inferior' keyboard. My use case is not too much typing, but lots of research via browsing and occasional photo reviewing/culling.

Good luck, and enjoy!
 
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I think the 11" laptop is just too small, I suppose its because of my 51+ old eyes, but the display is tiny. The 12" is a bit better and because its retina you also get an improved display, not just a bit larger.
 
Yaboze said:
I would wait just a little longer, if you can't wait, I'd get the MBA.
Click to expand...
If you are tempted by the MB, I would agree with this.

My delay is waiting for the USB3.1/TB3 connector that may appear on the updated model.

The other limitation that may concern you is lack of connectivity on the MB. I have an existing TB dock that would resolve all of this with one plug, once the USB-C connector is compatible with TB. Until then I'll stick with the MBA.
 
Apple is going to eliminate the Macbook Air line. Right now, the full spec 11” macbook air is better than the full spec Retina Macbook, unless you prefer the actually smaller but higher resolution screen on the Retina Macbook. If you don’t mind a worse and more expensive computer with only one port, go for the macbook, if you want USB 3 ports and a better computer go for the air, but don’t wait, because it looks like the Air will be discontinued by the end of September.
 
I personally like the design of the MBA, the wedge design. The combo of size, better i7 processor, better keyboard (IMHO) and more ports are why I recommended the MBA. The only downside is the screen and you can always hook up a nice LCD when at home with a good color profile for photography and still have ports free!
 
NapoleonIV said:
Apple is going to eliminate the Macbook Air line. Right now, the full spec 11” macbook air is better than the full spec Retina Macbook, unless you prefer the actually smaller but higher resolution screen on the Retina Macbook. If you don’t mind a worse and more expensive computer with only one port, go for the macbook, if you want USB 3 ports and a better computer go for the air, but don’t wait, because it looks like the Air will be discontinued by the end of September.
Click to expand...

The 12 inch MacBook is bigger than the 11.6 inch air and has the best screen currently any Mac notebook. It's sort of in those 2 descriptions.....
 
If you are going to be a photographer on the road, I would recommend the MacBook Air just for the connectivity. With the single USB-C post not the MacBook, you will need to haul a tangle of dongles around everywhere to connect peripherals.
 
Samuelsan2001 said:
Onl had a few quick goes on one but didn't notice anything.
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I hope they don't get rid of the air. I want something powerful(ish) but still portable, like the Dell XPS13 dev edition. If there is just the Macbook Pro and Macbook, there is a gap in the lineup. :/
 
OzyOly said:
I hope they don't get rid of the air. I want something powerful(ish) but still portable, like the Dell XPS13 dev edition. If there is just the Macbook Pro and Macbook, there is a gap in the lineup. :/
Click to expand...

I expect you'll be sorely disappointed then.
 
Samuelsan2001 said:
I do expect the next generation of thirteen inch pro's to be lighter than the current airs though with far better graphics.....
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That would be nice. But the new MBPs being lighter than the air, I think you'll be the one disappointed haha.
 
Buy the less expensive product. the differences between the two devices you spec'ed out are minor and would only be noticeable in a side by side comparison.
Saving money is not a crime.
 
Dont' buy MBA, its outdated product with terrible TN display and such ridiculous low resolution
My advice: get MB or the new Xiaomi Notebook Air which is clearly a Macbook Air killer for half price (starts from 500$)
 
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