Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacBook Air or MacBook

newtito

newtito

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 6, 2006
55
19
So I have a dilemma - my wife's 2012 13" MacBook Pro (non-Retina) is on its last legs. Should we go with the MacBook Air or the MacBook? My wife is not interested in using an iPad (she likes the attached keyboard and functionality of the laptop) but does not do any kind of intensive work. Web browsing, finances, Photos app, etc. My fear with the MacBook Air is something better coming along. The macbook is quite pricey, she likes the idea of the improved screen but doesn't like the idea of having to have a hub to attach her memory card. Both offer great portability. What do you all think?
 
I would wait to see if the MacBook Air gets either replaced or upgraded by something similar but better.

If it gets upgraded and the new one still has all that she wants, buy the new one.

If it gets replaced by something else (ex: the MacBook with a lower price), then be ready to buy a brand-new MacBook Air at a discounted price.
 
Even the current Air has a higher resolution screen than the non-retina MacBook Pro 13, so it might be worth taking a look at one. I took my mother in law to look at the Air, MacBook, and Pro this past fall and we all agreed the Air was the best fit for her. She went with the 256GB i7 model and is quite happy with it. She preferred the traditional USB A ports, the keyboard, and the price.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Yvan256 and Ulenspiegel
newtito said:
So I have a dilemma - my wife's 2012 13" MacBook Pro (non-Retina) is on its last legs. Should we go with the MacBook Air or the MacBook? My wife is not interested in using an iPad (she likes the attached keyboard and functionality of the laptop) but does not do any kind of intensive work. Web browsing, finances, Photos app, etc. My fear with the MacBook Air is something better coming along. The macbook is quite pricey, she likes the idea of the improved screen but doesn't like the idea of having to have a hub to attach her memory card. Both offer great portability. What do you all think?
Click to expand...


What's your budget? When do you need to buy something? I wish people would follow my guideline thread.
 
Hrududu said:
Even the current Air has a higher resolution screen than the non-retina MacBook Pro 13, so it might be worth taking a look at one. I took my mother in law to look at the Air, MacBook, and Pro this past fall and we all agreed the Air was the best fit for her. She went with the 256GB i7 model and is quite happy with it. She preferred the traditional USB A ports, the keyboard, and the price.
Click to expand...

The MacBook Air has a higher resolution but it is a washed out TN panel in comparison to the excellent IPS panel on the 2012 MBP.
 
I would hold out until June. The MBA should be getting a refresh (or some sort of equivalent replacement). Either way, I would imagine that its replacement would adopt USB-C unless it's a minor refresh. As mentioned above, the 2017 model may also receive a generous discount especially if it's discontinued. Check Best Buy every Sunday as it seems they discount the MBA every two weeks or so offering the max config model for around $1350
 
smallcoffee said:
What's your budget? When do you need to buy something? I wish people would follow my guideline thread.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the guideline thread, very helpful!...our budget is between $900 - $1200, but I may be willing to go up a little. We tend to keep our MacBooks for 4-5 years are so, which is one of the great values of getting a mac. Unfortunately, the computer recently dropped (we're not on AppleCare) and damaged the MagSafe adapter. It still works but every now and again it doesn't charge.
 
Last edited:
newtito said:
Thanks for the guideline thread, veryery helpful!...our budget is between $900 - $1200, but I may be willing to go up a little. We tend to keep our MacBooks for 4-5 years are so, which is one of the great values of getting a mac. Unfortunately, the computer recently dropped (we're not on AppleCare) and damaged the MagSafe adapter. It still works but every now and again it doesn't charge.
Click to expand...

I would consider the air if thats your budget. As I mentioned, check Best Buy this Sunday as I'm pretty sure the max config Air (i7 / 8gb Ram / 500gb SSD) will be on sale for $1350 - A similar spec MacBook would be closer to $1800 and you would lose the legacy ports.
 
Nbd1790 said:
I would consider the air if thats your budget. As I mentioned, check Best Buy this Sunday as I'm pretty sure the max config Air (i7 / 8gb Ram / 500gb SSD) will be on sale for $1350 - A similar spec MacBook would be closer to $1800 and you would lose the legacy ports.
Click to expand...

I'd say you gain on the legacy port removal, but I digress.

I otherwise agree with purchasing the MacBook Air but you should wait as long as you can. Something new might get announced in June. You can also take a look at Apple's refurbished store.

I enjoyed the 2015 MacBook when I had one (upgraded from the 2011 Air). It was perfect for just about everything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back