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Macbook Air vs Macbook Pro (Non-Retina)

thinkinblue613

thinkinblue613

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
283
4
Planet Earth
Hey guys,

I wanted to ask whether a MBA 11 or 13 (customized) can handle Autocad and Adobe programs. The smaller form factor and portability is why I am considering this. I have an external monitor for when I'm at home.

If not, the MBP Hi-Res Anti-Glare (non retina) will be loaded with an SSD and more RAM. I know this will work, but if the MBA can do it, then I'd rather go with that.

I know there isn't a dedicated video card on the MBA, I am curious to see your opinions before I decide to shell out $2000+.

Also, feel free to mention any alternatives. Whether it be a PC or Mac. Thanks!
 
I would go with the Air and upgrade the ram and,cpu and SSD. You have to do this at the time of purchase. They are not user upgradable.
 
wethackrey said:
I'm curious why you excluded the retina display from consideration.
Click to expand...

I excluded the Retina Macbook Pro due to it's price and lack of upgradability. As much as I would like to get that, the MBA's form factor and the MBP hi res anti glare has more value and specs other than the screen resolution.

If I get the MBA, I can still upgrade it to a beast and come out as equivalent to the base model rMBP.

And I prefer a laptop with the silver bezel on the side of the screen.
 
thinkinblue613 said:
I excluded the Retina Macbook Pro due to it's price and lack of upgradability. As much as I would like to get that, the MBA's form factor and the MBP hi res anti glare has more value and specs other than the screen resolution.

If I get the MBA, I can still upgrade it to a beast and come out as equivalent to the base model rMBP.

And I prefer a laptop with the silver bezel on the side of the screen.
Click to expand...

After that comment, I expect you to figure out by yourself which Mac to get. The answer is at the tip of your tongue.
 
The Pro is going to run Autocad a lot better than any Air will. And will retain expandability while the Air is a dead end.
 
thinkinblue613 said:
I excluded the Retina Macbook Pro due to it's price and lack of upgradability. As much as I would like to get that, the MBA's form factor and the MBP hi res anti glare has more value and specs other than the screen resolution.

If I get the MBA, I can still upgrade it to a beast and come out as equivalent to the base model rMBP.

And I prefer a laptop with the silver bezel on the side of the screen.
Click to expand...
Well that's fair enough. I've used anti-glare 17" MBPs for a few years now. I just recently converted to a MBP Retina and am wildly happy with it. The display has nearly as little reflection as my 17" matte finish and is much crisper. But I do understand the trade off.
 
MBA Ultimate vs upcoming MBP 13" Retina

So this thread begs the question: what do people here think is going to make the upcoming MBP 13" Retina differentiate itself from an MBA Ultimate? Just the retina screen? I am going to be needing to buy something in November, assuming the MBP 13" Retina is out by then.
 
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