Macbook Pro vs Macbook 2015 - which one to buy?

[Foxtrot01]

Hello all,
I am trying to decide on a gift, I am trying to decide between the new Macbook 12” 2015 and the current Macbook Pro. From what I see on apple’s webpage both are around or start around $1299. I read the specs on both of them, although the Air is beautiful and has new bells and whistles like the new USB-C, I think you get more bang for your buck with the MacBook Pro(bigger screen 12 vs 13, faster and more memory). From my understanding the new Macbooks are lighter than the old ones, she has a 2009 that is quite heavy. (sorry I don't own one, I just buy them )

I am looking to spend around $1299 on either one of them. I just want to hear your opinions. Probably I should add what the Mac is for, web browsing, editing pics on Photoshop, music(she is an audiophile) possibly editing video from a GoPro and in a close future some radio broadcasting/editing software and lastly for creating work presentations. Right of the bat I think I am making the case for the Macbook Pro. But I also know she likes to take her computer where ever she goes, on flights she likes to watch movies and stuff. I believe the Air is a tad lighter (1.3 lbs lighter) but I don’t think that is much, but again I am not carrying it around.

I would like to hear your thoughts about what you like and dislike about each one.

No disrespect to anyone, I worked with IT people in the past and they always tell me always wait for the 3rd version when a new product comes out, I know the Macbook Pro as it is, has proven it works, the new Macbook 2015 is a "new" product in the sense everything or most of it is new tech.

Your feedback is much appreciated.

 

[cruisin]

The new MacBook has the power of a MacBook Air from 2011. Editing software may not work very well on this machine, depending on what you do. The rest should be ok. A new MacBook Air is a better choice for a machine with power and portability. You gain 3 more hours of battery but you lose the retina IPS screen.

The MacBook is 2.03 pounds. The Air is 2.96 pounds. The new Pro is 3.48 pounds. The old Pro is 4.53 pounds. Just going to the new Pro will save a bit of weight.

For watching movies on flights a tablet would work much better, as it is more portable in my opinion.

The new MacBook Pro essentially has a proven design. The new trackpad is the only thing that is new.

Before you buy, try typing on the new slim MacBook keyboard. It is different and may not be to everyones taste. And try to count how many things you keep plugged in, as you need an adaptor to use a flash drive and charge at the same time. Not to mention you need a new flash drive or carry an adaptor for the new USB plug.

 

[Foxtrot01]

The new MacBook has the power of a MacBook Air from 2011. Editing software may not work very well on this machine, depending on what you do. The rest should be ok. A new MacBook Air is a better choice for a machine with power and portability. You gain 3 more hours of battery but you lose the retina IPS screen.

The MacBook is 2.03 pounds. The Air is 2.96 pounds. The new Pro is 3.48 pounds. The old Pro is 4.53 pounds. Just going to the new Pro will save a bit of weight.

For watching movies on flights a tablet would work much better, as it is more portable in my opinion.

The new MacBook Pro essentially has a proven design. The new trackpad is the only thing that is new.

Before you buy, try typing on the new slim MacBook keyboard. It is different and may not be to everyones taste. And try to count how many things you keep plugged in, as you need an adaptor to use a flash drive and charge at the same time. Not to mention you need a new flash drive or carry an adaptor for the new USB plug.

Thank you for your response. Seems to me that the new Macbook 2015 is great for everyday tasks and light work but when it comes to above average duties such as using photoshop or video editing it lacks what the Macbook Pro would offer. Am I getting this right?

 

[harleymhs]

Thank you for your response. Seems to me that the new Macbook 2015 is great for everyday tasks and light work but when it comes to above average duties such as using photoshop or video editing it lacks what the Macbook Pro would offer. Am I getting this right?

Plus there are NO ports on the new Macbook, and you wont be able to un it on power and and have a USB or any other device plugged in while charging.. Just picked up a Macbook Pro 13" retina 250gb hd very happy with all my ports , retina screen and Speed and power.. JMO

 

[Foxtrot01]

Plus there are NO ports on the new Macbook, and you wont be able to un it on power and and have a USB or any other device plugged in while charging.. Just picked up a Macbook Pro 13" retina 250gb hd very happy with all my ports , retina screen and Speed and power.. JMO

Thank you for your response. If you dont mind me asking, where did you buy it? I know apple doesnt discount anything, B&H(which I know and believe is a very reputable company, I have bought expensive photography equipment) has prices usually $50 dollars less. I am looking to get the best bang for my buck and not trying to go over $1299.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[alphaod]

If it's your primary computer, get the [MacBook] Air; if not, the MacBook.

I think the MacBook so far for me is great, but the lack of ports can be an issue if used as primary computer.


Anyways if you plan on buying AppleCare, use B&H; they're cheaper than student pricing.

 

[Foxtrot01]

If it's your primary computer, get the [MacBook] Air; if not, the MacBook.

I think the MacBook so far for me is great, but the lack of ports can be an issue if used as primary computer.


Anyways if you plan on buying AppleCare, use B&H; they're cheaper than student pricing.

This is a gift but it will be her primary computer, I think she would like the light weight about the Macbook 2015 but will get frustrated quickly with the lack of ports and computing power for Photoshop and/or editing video.

And forgive me, from my understanding there is the Macbook Air, the new Macbook 2015 and the Macbook Pro(early 2015) is this correct or the Macbook Air is the same Macbook 2015(recently released with USB-C).

 

[ilikewhey]

This is a gift but it will be her primary computer, I think she would like the light weight about the Macbook 2015 but will get frustrated quickly with the lack of ports and computing power for Photoshop and/or editing video.

And forgive me, from my understanding there is the Macbook Air, the new Macbook 2015 and the Macbook Pro(early 2015) is this correct or the Macbook Air is the same Macbook 2015(recently released with USB-C).

the new air also uses the new broadwell, i would say thats a better buy, the only thing its lacking is a retina screen but tbh i can't even tell the difference half the time. only on large 27inch 4k does it really make a difference for me. ur mileage may vary though.