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Cryates

macrumors 68040
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Nov 19, 2013
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Looking for input here. I'm leaning slightly to the MacBook Air, despite the display differences, only because I feel it's going to be the one to hold up longer-term. I played around the with original 12" MacBook a few years ago and was not impressed with how it handled streaming video. Now, I could be wrong. What do you guys and gals think? I'd like something affordable, and portable, that will hold up for 3-4 years - and display is not a deal breaker.

Also, I'm wanting to compare base models here.
 
The MacBook Air should no longer be sold in my opinion. All the hardware is old. Screen is bad compared to everything else Apple makes, processor is an old architecture, etc. The MacBook holds modern hardware. It is going to hold up much better than the Air. Whilst the Air might be able to perform better in multi-threaded workloads, as it's got a higher TDP, the MacBook should outperform it by a fair margin in single threaded tasks, and regarding watching video and that, the MacBook has a lot more hardware accelerated encode and decode blacks than the Air, i.e. better performance with less impact on battery life.
 
Thanks for the input. The older hardware does make me a little timid to go with the Air instead, but would you say the 12" MacBook is worth the additional $300 long-term?
 
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Thanks for the input. The older hardware does make me a little timid to go with the Air instead, but would you say the 12" MacBook is worth the additional $250 long-term?

Well, I personally think the MacBook is a bit overpriced. But I think the Air is very overpriced, so yeah. When it's those two compared, yes. The MacBook is worth the extra cash. But last I checked the base MBP cost the same as the MacBook, and I'd consider that a much more even comparison.
 
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Well, I personally think the MacBook is a bit overpriced. But I think the Air is very overpriced, so yeah. When it's those two compared, yes. The MacBook is worth the extra cash. But last I checked the base MBP cost the same as the MacBook, and I'd consider that a much more even comparison.
That's cos u get 256 vs 128GB...

I also vote for the MB. The 2015 u probably tested was indeed sluggish. But with the 2017 u won't have these problems. It's faster than the Air.

Look out for the refurbished store to save 200€
 
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My subjective take on both...

The MacBook is the most extreme that portability gets and it prioritizes everything else for this. For highly mobile users, it is a godsend. The 2017 has huge improvements over previous versions, with a much improved keyboard (I despised the keyboard on the 2015-2016 models), battery life, CPU (with an inherently better ability to sustain performance - I use mine to frequently run a second Windows OS as a virtual machine.) However, like previous MacBook generations, it uses legacy USB, and it only has one USB port. For wired devices or those wanting to use external 4k displays, this presents several challenges. This single port blends best when someone uses cloud storage or NAS more so than DAS. It's screen and trackpad are far superior to the MacBook Air. You lose MagSafe and its ability to prevent an, "oh crappy I done trippy-knocky-over", but now you can get a quality braided powercord that is independently certified for $9.99, which I like a lot given how the MagSafe cords can wear quickly. The 2017 version is so different from the original they practically should have renamed it. They keyboard uses a second generation butterfly mechanism - it is definitely more delicate than the traditional scissor mechanism used on the MBA. It (at least the 2017 version) has an impressive ability to maintain a reasonably good battery life under a continuous heavy load, even when the CPU is consistently running at twice its base frequency. Minus the legacy IO, it's really come of age. I love mine, was floored by the quality of the fit & finish (even for Apple's already high standards), and I'd go as far to say it's my favorite Apple product to date except for my AirPods. If you are not using a ton of wired devices, or if this is not your primary machine, or you like having maximum portability, I would favor the rMB.

The MacBook Air is still reasonably portable, and I still have love for mine. It is arguably the ultimate performer in battery life. Where as it also has legacy USB (just with the type-A connector instead of the type-C connector of the rMB), it features two legacy USB ports, not to mention TB2. It has a keyboard that, while subjective in terms of how much one may "like" it, is arguably far more durable than what the MacBook uses. While its CPU is several generations older, it does have the benefit of a fan. From what I have observed, it seems that the Air can withstand more abuse than other Apple portables. The lack of a USB-C port is probably going to be a downside several years from now, but it certainly won't be the end-all. You keep MagSafe, but you are also stuck paying $80 a pop for an OEM replacement or risking a potentially dangerous 3rd party option that no independent body offers certification for. The SD card slot does mean you can also add up to 256 GB of internal flash storage using something like the Transcend JetDrive Lite, and this will perform like a good HDD, making it suitable for media and document storage. As I was using mine purely as a portable machine, and the 10-ish hours runtime of the rMB is sufficient for my usage, my rMB is now the one I always have on me. If this is going to be your only computer and you use a lot of wired devices, you want battery life above everything else, or you like to eat over your computer, I would favor the MBA.

(If you are going to be typing all day long, I recommend using both for a little while before making a decision. I'm fine with either keyboard, but you will likely notice that some Users have a very strong preference for one design over the other.)

I assume you are looking at base models because they are the ones that frequently go on sale. In this respect, the MBA's advantage is that you can often find it less for the rMB (but at the expense of a 128 GB SSD, which can quickly become a huge PITA.) With the rMB, you can often find it for a pretty reasonable sale price as well, plus it comes with a 256 GB base SSD.
 
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I actually ended up getting the MacBook Air. Honestly, I could not justify the $300 price difference for my needs right now. Sure the screen is outdated, but the port flexibility, MagSafe and battery life were all just too good to pass up at $300 less. I don't really think there is a perfect solution for me in the current MacBook lineup. I'll probably ride with this for two or three years, or at least until they retire the Air and drop the price of the 12" to a more suitable tag.

I appreciate the input.
 
I actually ended up getting the MacBook Air. Honestly, I could not justify the $300 price difference for my needs right now. Sure the screen is outdated, but the port flexibility, MagSafe and battery life were all just too good to pass up at $300 less. I don't really think there is a perfect solution for me in the current MacBook lineup. I'll probably ride with this for two or three years, or at least until they retire the Air and drop the price of the 12" to a more suitable tag.

I appreciate the input.
I chose the Air because of ports. Mine spends most of the day connected to 4K monitor with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. No adapters or docks required for 4K@60Hz, USB A devices, unlike rMB, unless one buys a Monitor that costs almost as much as the laptop. The screen isn't the best but far from the worse.
 
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The MacBook Air is still a great option. The design element is that of the Steve Jobs era -- old-school silver enclosure (before space gray, rose, or gold finish) and last in the MacBook lineup to use MagSafe and USB type A. Display is good enough for what the original system was designed for, ultimate portability.
 
The MacBook Air is still a great option. The design element is that of the Steve Jobs era -- old-school silver enclosure (before space gray, rose, or gold finish) and last in the MacBook lineup to use MagSafe and USB type A. Display is good enough for what the original system was designed for, ultimate portability.
Ist the cheapest option but not great;)
 
Which model MBA did you get? If it's one of the standard ones, I hope you didn't pay full price for it. They are regularly $100 to $200 off at Amazon, BestBuy or B&H. They rotate the discount a lot.

You probably still have time to return it if you bought it at a place with a good policy.

Check the buyer's guide for best pricing.
 
Which model MBA did you get? If it's one of the standard ones, I hope you didn't pay full price for it. They are regularly $100 to $200 off at Amazon, BestBuy or B&H. They rotate the discount a lot.

You probably still have time to return it if you bought it at a place with a good policy.

Check the buyer's guide for best pricing.
I got a $150 student discount off of it with the purchase of AppleCare+, BUT I actually returned it today and got the 2017 nTB MackBook Pro. The place I bought it had a $150 discount on the Pro, and I was able to use the same student discount for it. So basically I got it for $300 off, only condition being the purchase of AppleCare+.
 
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everyone will nay say, but the macbook air is leagues more competent than the macbook
In terms of nostalgic design and technology u r right
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I got a $150 student discount off of it with the purchase of AppleCare+, BUT I actually returned it today and got the 2017 nTB MackBook Pro. The place I bought it had a $150 discount on the Pro, and I was able to use the same student discount for it. So basically I got it for $300 off, only condition being the purchase of AppleCare+.
So u first bought the Air against all votes in this thread just to switch shortly after to the MBP which was not even considered.
What a waste of time...
 
So u first bought the Air against all votes in this thread just to switch shortly after to the MBP which was not even considered.
What a waste of time...
First off, I can definitely justify only $150 more for the Pro vs the Air (after seeing it was recently discounted and could i was still in my return period), but I still can’t justify a $300 difference for the 12” MacBook vs the Air. At the time, I wasn’t looking to spend an extra $300 on a laptop, but I was willing to spend and extra $150 for the right one.

Also, it’s not your time to waste, so you shouldn’t care.
 
First off, I can definitely justify only $150 more for the Pro vs the Air (after seeing it was recently discounted and could i was still in my return period), but I still can’t justify a $300 difference for the 12” MacBook vs the Air. At the time, I wasn’t looking to spend an extra $300 on a laptop, but I was willing to spend and extra $150 for the right one.

Also, it’s not your time to waste, so you shouldn’t care.
I was speaking about the time people including me in this forum wasted to answer ur questions.
 
Regarding to variety of ports and SSD up to 256GB I would prefer MBAir :) - for work the display is sufficient, the keyboard is cosy and the time you can work without charging is heavy better, even if you compare to MBP...
 
Looking for input here. I'm leaning slightly to the MacBook Air, despite the display differences, only because I feel it's going to be the one to hold up longer-term. I played around the with original 12" MacBook a few years ago and was not impressed with how it handled streaming video. Now, I could be wrong. What do you guys and gals think? I'd like something affordable, and portable, that will hold up for 3-4 years - and display is not a deal breaker.

Also, I'm wanting to compare base models here.

I have two MacBook Airs. Bought my last one in early 2015. I've had three total.

Sure there are better screens, faster processors, and updated components. But it all comes down to use. I think the Air has a fantastic keyboard, it's backlit, the screen although not UHD, it still looks great to me. The best part is the battery life. I charge my laptop overnight, and take it with me on the road. I use it all day everyday. The battery lasts all day and then some. Heck I don't even bring the charger. I've used it to edit on FCP, rendered 2 hour video clips, type reports, emails, browse the web, and it has never let me down. I've even seen it on sale at Best Buy for $799. Heck of deal to me.

Just my two cents.
 
I was speaking about the time people including me in this forum wasted to answer ur questions.
I admittedly didn’t realize where the MBP price fell, and definitely did not expect to find it on sale $100 cheaper than the 12” MacBook at the store. I made the better decision in hindsight.

What are we on an internet forum for, if not for wasting time.
 
I admittedly didn’t realize where the MBP price fell, and definitely did not expect to find it on sale $100 cheaper than the 12” MacBook at the store. I made the better decision in hindsight.

What are we on an internet forum for, if not for wasting time.

When you post on this or any other form, you are under no obligation to take people's suggestions. So, personally, I don't think it is a big deal that you went in a different direction with your final purchase. This happens all the time. Folks shouldn't get their feelings hurt because you found a good deal on a different computer that better suited your needs.

As for the ntb 2017 MBP, beware of keyboard issues. Specifically, from other MR posts, the keyboard seems to be susceptible to getting dust in the butterfly mechanism, and this can lead to failures. You might consider getting a silicon keyboard cover or skin to reduce the likelihood of this failure.
 
I have two MacBook Airs. Bought my last one in early 2015. I've had three total.

Sure there are better screens, faster processors, and updated components. But it all comes down to use. I think the Air has a fantastic keyboard, it's backlit, the screen although not UHD, it still looks great to me. The best part is the battery life. I charge my laptop overnight, and take it with me on the road. I use it all day everyday. The battery lasts all day and then some. Heck I don't even bring the charger. I've used it to edit on FCP, rendered 2 hour video clips, type reports, emails, browse the web, and it has never let me down. I've even seen it on sale at Best Buy for $799. Heck of deal to me.

Just my two cents.

You took the words right out of my (oldfashioned) keyboard!

I will replace my MBA with a brand new one before they stop the production.


Showmaster
 
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I have two MacBook Airs. Bought my last one in early 2015. I've had three total.

Sure there are better screens, faster processors, and updated components. But it all comes down to use. I think the Air has a fantastic keyboard, it's backlit, the screen although not UHD, it still looks great to me. The best part is the battery life. I charge my laptop overnight, and take it with me on the road. I use it all day everyday. The battery lasts all day and then some. Heck I don't even bring the charger. I've used it to edit on FCP, rendered 2 hour video clips, type reports, emails, browse the web, and it has never let me down. I've even seen it on sale at Best Buy for $799. Heck of deal to me.

Just my two cents.

Well said.

My thoughts - and experience - exactly; the MBA is the best - and most reliable - computer Apple have ever made. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
 
You took the words right out of my (oldfashioned) keyboard!

I will replace my MBA with a brand new one before they stop the production.


Showmaster

My tactics lead me to wait till my MBA 13" (Early 2011) will break down or some RUMORS urge me to buy a new for spare.

By the way: we compared the screen quality in text editing and photos between this MBA and a MBPr 2013 (first with Retina Display) and found no respectable difference (even zooming some quality camera photos) - maybe this gap would be a bit more visible with current MBP, but human eye has its own limits ;-) :)
 
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