MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: Which Apple Notebook to Choose

[Mad Mac Maniac]

If they're seriously shrinking the Macbook Air to 12 inches, you're better off just buying a tablet, to be honest. With that screen resolution and size, it just isn't worth the purchase price any longer. My opinion anyway.

I might be inclined to believe you... but we don't really know anything about the mythical 12" MBA... specs but, most importantly IMO, the price. If the price goes up from the current MBA, then yeah iPad is a better bang for your buck. But if the price actually goes down and you are looking at either a 10" iPad at $500, a 12" iPad at ~$600 and a 12" MBA at ~$800, then that is a completely different proposition.

Honestly, my iPad had started to get squeezed out of most real use cases for me. Squeezed at the bottom by my iPhone 6+ and squeezed at the top by my MBA. That middle ground area that Steve Jobs identified at the iPad introduction has gotten much much smaller with advances in smartphones and size reductions in laptops....

 

[3dayslater]

I'm thinking Apple will eliminate the mini when the iPad Pro comes out, breathe new life into the air and make it the only small laptop offered by apple, get rid of the 13" rMBP, and add a 17" rMBP option. I think the trend will be "add a bigger device to each line-up" as we've seen with the plus and potentilly with an iPad Pro.

 

[Bawstun]

I'm thinking Apple will eliminate the mini when the iPad Pro comes out, breathe new life into the air and make it the only small laptop offered by apple, get rid of the 13" rMBP, and add a 17" rMBP option. I think the trend will be "add a bigger device to each line-up" as we've seen with the plus and potentilly with an iPad Pro.

I like the way you think, with common sense/business reasoning. Apple's lineup has literally gotten to the point where they are cutting into their own profits with the models they offer.

And that's the only way I think a 12-inch Macbook Air works for Apple. Seriously - $1,000 (taxes) for a subpar 12-inch laptop? I know Apple's OS is superior and all, but for that kind of cash you can buy a Windows laptop with a 17 inch screen and superior specs. I don't get it. Then again I've said that for other releases and they've still sold millions upon millions of them. I'm sure these will too.

ETA: I know comparing a MBA to a 17-inch clunky, Windows laptop that's probably 4 or 5 pounds doesn't seem logical. But at what price point would people choose portability over value? For a few hundred more you could purchase a MBP (unless they discontinue the 13 MBP as 3dayslater suggests).

 

[nouveau-apple]

The MBP is big?? The MBA is dinky?? I think many would disagree with both.

However, it's pretty clear that Apple wants to keep the distinction. That's the direction they will be going with the new 12" MBA. Super thin, light, portable, etc MBA vs the powerful "Pro" MBP.

People always slam Apple's MacBooks. And it's true, they're not as powerful as they should be. Just imagine if Apple decided they actually wanted to compete with Microsoft, God forbid they actually put a worthwhile processor inside it.

We shouldn't be at a time where Apple's products are costing what they do, but we're getting what we get.

They can't survive off a few tweaks here and there.

 

[SaraMac95014]

Once my MBP dies I'll be getting the Surface Pro 3 or 4. Why lug around a laptop that continually requires software updates to fix bugs?

 

[Steve121178]

anyone think there is a chance that the MBP will be delayed for skylake?

I don't think so. Windows machines have really gone up a level this year and Apple will need to raise the bar also.

However, if I was looking to purchase a laptop but it wasn't urgent, I wouldn't touch Broadwell. Broadwell is so late it's turned into a stop-gap release so I would hang on for Skylake.

 

[John.B]

Once my MBP dies I'll be getting the Surface Pro 3 or 4. Why lug around a laptop that continually requires software updates to fix bugs?

You think the Surface Pro is going to somehow be bug-free and not need updates? Be sure to check back, we'll be interested to see how that pans out for you.

 

[l0gikb0mb]

If you actually took the time to read my post I said roughly.

Apparently English is not your first language or you have the reading comprehension of a 3 year old.

So a less than 18% bump in CPU performance is "roughly" a 100% increase?

No, I think it's your Math skills that are severely lacking. Go back to school, it'll help you.

Once my MBP dies I'll be getting the Surface Pro 3 or 4. Why lug around a laptop that continually requires software updates to fix bugs?

Yeah, like the poster above said, I don't think the Surface is what you're looking for if you don't want bugs. Hopefully the next one will have a capable GPU to handle that res better.

 

[Steve121178]

You think the Surface Pro is going to somehow be bug-free and not need updates? Be sure to check back, we'll be interested to see how that pans out for you.

I think those that have purchased a Surface Pro have found them relatively trouble free. I think Microsoft had to issue some firmware updates to improve and fix issues with things like Wi-Fi which seems to be par for the course these days, sadly.

I loved the Surface Pro 3. I thought it was excellent, only let down by one of the worst keyboards I've ever used. If Microsoft fix that and adopt Broadwell then they have arguably the best thin & light computer on the market.

I'd like to see Microsoft branch out in producing their own notebooks. Imaging how great an ultrabook would be build with the Surface Pro DNA. Wow.

 

[maflynn]

I'd like to see Microsoft branch out in producing their own notebooks. Imaging how great an ultrabook would be build with the Surface Pro DNA. Wow.

They have to dance a fine line that Apple doesn't. Since MS really does depend on hardware makers they cannot really branch out too much into producing computers.

Plus the Surface Pro was created to show off Windows, there was really no tablets worth getting running windows so MS took it upon themselves to show what you can do. It took 3 incarnations but MS imo, has a good product on their hand with the SP3.

Windows RT and the surface tablet on the other hand is an abject failure.

 

[Steve121178]

They have to dance a fine line that Apple doesn't. Since MS really does depend on hardware makers they cannot really branch out too much into producing computers.

Plus the Surface Pro was created to show off Windows, there was really no tablets worth getting running windows so MS took it upon themselves to show what you can do. It took 3 incarnations but MS imo, has a good product on their hand with the SP3.

Microsoft are changing in to primarily a software & services company and to a lesser extent, hardware company with their mobile products.

I don't see any reason why Microsoft can't branch out in to notebooks. If it upsets other vendors then so what? Microsoft are already heavily influencing some of Dell's latest hardware such as the excellent 2015 XPS 13 and completely taking control over the drivers for things like trackpads in order to exert some quality to the rubbish third parties produce.

Microsoft are making all the correct decisions and I think a Surface ultrabook is just a matter of time.

 

[johnhurley]

I want both my new maxed out mbp retina 15 is sweet but probably will be looking at and probably buying one of the 12 inch air's once they are out ( and hoping my wife doesn't find it )!

 

[chucker23n1]

13 rMBP vs 13 MBA:

0.5 lb heavier
Similar thickness
Similar battery life
$300 more

But you get roughly:

2X CPU speed
2X RAM
2X SSD
2X Resolution
More ports

Winner: 13 rMBP

Yeah, no.

It's 17% heavier, so that's arguably not that much.
It's hardly "similar thickness"; at the thinnest point, the rMBP is six and a half times as thick.
The MBA has a third more battery life. That's not "similar" at all. 12 hours of battery life means you can commute, use it at work, commute back, and still have some left. 9 hours means, well, not so much.

You don't get "2x CPU speed"; you get about 24% more (6561 vs 5261). That's not nothing, but hardly 2x.
You do get twice the RAM. In particular, the Air can't be even had with 16 GB, which is a non-starter for me. But, YMMV.
You do get twice the SSD, too.
Of course, both of those can be configured to be higher on the Air, too.
You certainly don't get twice the resolution. If anything, in the default configuration, you get a lower resolution — it's retina, yes, but you do get 25% less screen estate. You can configure it higher, but hardly at "2x".
You do get more ports.

There's no clear winner. It's laughable to declare either one as "winner". The 13-inch rMBP doesn't even have a quad-core CPU, so it isn't even nearly as much a powerhouse as the 15-inch one. Nor does it come with an optical drive, or all that many expansion abilities — the Air does have Thunderbolt, too, after all.

It's fine to say the MBA is not for you. It's absurd to pretend that it doesn't serve a market.

 

[Meister]

Wow and I thought that my MacBook Air that was giving to me for Christmas had retina display. ##

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To late for me!!

I really hope you are joking.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

get rid of the 13" rMBP, and add a 17" rMBP

There is a 0% chance of this happening.

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I know comparing a MBA to a 17-inch clunky, Windows laptop that's probably 4 or 5 pounds doesn't seem logical.

No, it's not logical because most people purchase Apple laptops for all the reasons they are not like a "17-inch clunky, Windows laptop that's probably 4 or 5 pounds".

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God forbid they actually put a worthwhile processor inside it.

So, given the thermal constraints of the MBA and rMBP chassis, what processor should Apple be placing into these laptops?

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2x Resolution is incorrect as well. 1440x990 x2 = 2880x1880, MBP is 2560x1440.
...
BUT, talk to me when the rMBP doesn't lag on simple UI animations and scrolling around.
...
The rMBP has a beautiful screen but is underpowered for it.

So you think that a retina MBA would be 2880x1880 when you've just pointed out that the higher specced CPU/GPU in rMBP can't properly handle its lower resolution and PPI?

How does that make sense?

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I don't see any reason why Microsoft can't branch out in to notebooks. If it upsets other vendors then so what?

How about the following:

1. Their expertise is in software.
2. Margins on PC hardware are almost non-existant
3. This isn't the 90's - they need to keep their hardware OEMs happy if they want to stay relevant.
4. They have a dismal success rate as a hardware company

An analogous situation in the mobile area would be Google's sale of Motorola Mobility to Lenovo. Google ownership of Motorola was making all of the OEMs nervous (particularly Samsung).

Samsung were leaking to the media about a potential switch away from Android to Tizen. Suddenly, Google sells Motorola and Samsung announces a multi-year deal to stick with Android and we hear almost nothing about Tizen. Not a coincidence.

 

[thekev]

I'm thinking Apple will eliminate the mini when the iPad Pro comes out, breathe new life into the air and make it the only small laptop offered by apple, get rid of the 13" rMBP, and add a 17" rMBP option. I think the trend will be "add a bigger device to each line-up" as we've seen with the plus and potentilly with an iPad Pro.

The 13" is consistently predicted to be their best seller, and they're more cautious with it than any other size. There is virtually no chance of what you're suggesting. Even if the 17" returned (which would please me) you wouldn't see them drop the 13" anytime soon. They still have the old non retina 13" for sale.

13 rMBP vs 13 MBA:

0.5 lb heavier
Similar thickness
Similar battery life
$300 more

But you get roughly:

2X CPU speed
2X RAM
2X SSD
2X Resolution
More ports

Winner: 13 rMBP

That doesn't hold up. The resolution is scaled differently in terms of area, meaning that you have sharper text but can fit slightly less in that area. It is a much nicer display, but your comparison is meaningless. The cpu is nowhere near 2x comparing base to base. If you are in need of cpu power the 15" quickly becomes the better option over the cpu upgrades. The ram is a valid point. The ssd is the 128GB on both unless you opt for upgrades.

 

[tmarks11]

MBA r12... that might do away with several existing ports, including the MagSafe, relying instead on a USB Type-C connector for charging and peripherals

Say it ain't so...

The mag safe power supply is why I started buying Mac.

 

[teknikal90]

the 13" retina pro is the best notebook money can buy IMO.
At least, once they put quad core chips in them

 

[graywolf323]

I liked my Air more than the Pro I replaced it with but I can't go back from Retina so I'm just waiting for an Air with Retina (hopefully 13")

 

[TripFoeYa]

I'm torn between waiting to see if a Retina Air is released soon or I have a chance to buy a very slightly used 13" Pro (July '14) maxed out for 1K.

 

[gmm421]

Does anyone think that Apple may create a 15" MBA?

 

[Shanghaichica]

I'm getting a Mac at the end of the month as my windows laptop is virtually dead. However my computing needs are not great. To be honest I could probably get away with my iPad, as all I really do is browse, check mails, stream content etc. However I like the idea of having a computer in the house for those rare occasions when an iPad won't do. Also I need something that can run iTunes. I've decided on a MacBook air, probably 13 inch and I'll go with 4GB of ram. My current windows laptop is 4GB and I've never come close to taxing it. I don't do video editing or even photo editing. I don't play games or do anything intensive that would require more RAM. I'll either go for 256 storage or 500. Haven't decided yet. I don't think I'll mind it not being retina as my current windows laptop is only 720p and I don't imagine I'll use it much. So buying the MacBook pro seems overkill for the usage it will get.

The only thing I want to know is if the Apple care is Apple care plus, as in does it include coverage for accidental damage and how long is the warranty?

I ask because one of our department stores in the UK is offering a 2 year warranty and for £99 you get accidental damage cover for 3 years. It sounds like a better deal than what I would get if I buy it from the Apple store.

 

[class77]

Once my MBP dies I'll be getting the Surface Pro 3 or 4. Why lug around a laptop that continually requires software updates to fix bugs?

You're going to pay $130 for the Surface Keyboard in addition to the Surface 3/i3 for $799?? Good luck with that.

 

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

Microsoft are changing in to primarily a software & services company and to a lesser extent, hardware company with their mobile products.

I don't see any reason why Microsoft can't branch out in to notebooks. If it upsets other vendors then so what? Microsoft are already heavily influencing some of Dell's latest hardware such as the excellent 2015 XPS 13 and completely taking control over the drivers for things like trackpads in order to exert some quality to the rubbish third parties produce.

Microsoft are making all the correct decisions and I think a Surface ultrabook is just a matter of time.

I needed a new Windows laptop recently, and, tried out a bunch of Windows laptops. All the trackpads were garbage. 8 years after the 2007 MBP, and, the Windows world still hasn't figured out how to do a decent trackpad as far as I know. Certainly not in any of the mid-tier laptops that I looked at.

I don't now about you, but, I find that really strange.

 

[Tech198]

Only 'geeks' care about spces..