MBA 13.6, MBA 15.3 or MBP14.2 - tricky

[Chairman.Jobbie]

Yes, this is another which "one should I get" Just sharing my thoughts after a week of usage.

I have MBA 13.6 m2, MBA 15.3 m2 and my brothers MBP 14 m1 (just to try in daytime). I got 6-7 days to decide. All have 16gb ram and 1tb ssd - my minimum based on my usage. I could probably get away with 512 ssd but I prefer to have it.

I currently have a MBA 13.3 m1 (16/512) that I will sell and move to one of the above. MBA m1 has served me well for 2-3y but I prefer a slightly bigger screen, bigger ssd and the battery is at 85% so better to sell now.

I'm trying to decide which to buy/keep. So far...

Keyboard - better on MBP, more solid feedback but MBA fine. I def prefer the keyboard on the MBP.
Screen Quality - Not a big thing, all look good. Im know the MBP is better quality.
Speakers - Not super important, 90% of time I'm using AirPods.
Screen Size - I prefer the 15.3 or 14.2. MBP is the sweet spot but 15.3 is really nice.
Battery - 15h for MBA vs 12h for MBP. MBA wins but 12h is hmm, ok.
Design - I thought the slimness and lightness of MBA was a factor, it's nice but MBP is fine.

MBA 13.6 - I like it but that bigger screen is nice. Id still upgrade to 13.6 if that was the only choice.
MBA 15.3 - I like it.
MBP 14.2 - I like it.

MBA13 is 1738 - with a 6% discount.
MBA15 is 1999 - pricey imo. I know in 3-6 months it'll be on offer somewhere. I'd rather not wait.
MBP14 is 1900 - found this price with good stock.

I still got 6 days... Ill be keep whichever I get for 5+ years

Update - I can get the MBP 10cpu/16gpu for 1900... now I have a decision to make.
Update 2 - the thin wide design of the MBA 15.6 is nice to have.

 

[Zest28]

If you are spending that type of money (16gb/1TB), the 14" MBP is the way to go.

The MBA only are reasonable if you keep them close to base spec.

 

[Shirasaki]

MBA 15” isn’t a bad buy as long as you anticipate minimal port usage. Port and slightly better screen and speaker is what all MBP has to offer compared to 15” MBA, irrelevant to the processor RAM and storage inside.
Do you like to carry your laptop around a lot? MBA is a better buy.
Do you want active cooling? MBP. Trust me, you don’t need to render 36 streams of 4K video 24/7 to justify active cooling.
Since you are already upping storage and RAM, it won’t hurt getting a little extra by spending a bit more.
MBA 13” isn’t worth anymore since 15” release. Smaller everything with not much less saved, and sacrifice portability of 11” to try to strike A middle ground. It’s not a bad machine, but start to become less relevant.

 

[mpetrides]

If I were only getting one laptop, I would definitely go with the MBP because of the improved screen, better thermals/performance, and only marginally heavier/bulkier size compared to the 15 inch MBA.

However, I already have a 16 inch M1 Pro MBP and do not plan on getting rid of it. That said, it is heavy enough and bulky enough that it usually sits anchored to my desk.

So for me, the smaller, MUCH lighter 13 inch M2 MBA had a lot of allure--as an additional/much more portable machine. Mine is out for delivery at the moment, so I'll soon see if the size difference is worth the cost of having two M-series laptops. My thoughts to follow soon.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I spent last 2-3h on MBP 14 and just switched to MBA 15.3.

Immediate impressions.
Lap - The 15.3 is the best for me on 'my' lap - easily. And my hands sit nice on the palm rest.
Design - The thin design is more important than I thought.
Keyboard - The keyboard on MBA 15.3 is pretty close to the MBP.
Screen - obviously more space.

Ok so this was a good exercise.
I think the 15 is in the lead. Typical, has to be the most expensive!
Overall I know id be happy with any. A few more days.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

MBA 15” isn’t a bad buy as long as you anticipate minimal port usage. Port and slightly better screen and speaker is what all MBP has to offer compared to 15” MBA, irrelevant to the processor RAM and storage inside.
Do you like to carry your laptop around a lot? MBA is a better buy.
Do you want active cooling? MBP. Trust me, you don’t need to render 36 streams of 4K video 24/7 to justify active cooling.
Since you are already upping storage and RAM, it won’t hurt getting a little extra by spending a bit more.
MBA 13” isn’t worth anymore since 15” release. Smaller everything with not much less saved, and sacrifice portability of 11” to try to strike A middle ground. It’s not a bad machine, but start to become less relevant.

I don't need a lot of ports. I do take my laptop out 2-3 times week to local coffee shop. I took the 15.3" yesterday and it was fine.

It's very personal which one you go for. Each has its good points. In terms of pure monetary value if all spec'd as 16g 1tb the 14 MBP M1 wins. But it's also about about feel, screen size and use case. The MBA seems to 'feel' right. Im liable to change my mind but the last 2-3h helped me get some perspective on what I like.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

If I were only getting one laptop, I would definitely go with the MBP because of the improved screen, better thermals/performance, and only marginally heavier/bulkier size compared to the 15 inch MBA.

However, I already have a 16 inch M1 Pro MBP and do not plan on getting rid of it. That said, it is heavy enough and bulky enough that it usually sits anchored to my desk.

So for me, the smaller, MUCH lighter 13 inch M2 MBA had a lot of allure--as an additional/much more portable machine. Mine is out for delivery at the moment, so I'll soon see if the size difference is worth the cost of having two M-series laptops. My thoughts to follow soon.

Thermals and CPU performance are not relevant for me. I want fanless but with the M pro chips wouldn't do anything that would necessitate cooling. The intel MacBooks however would burn my legs it got so hot with the fans running.

 

[Sowelu]

If you are spending that type of money (16gb/1TB), the 14" MBP is the way to go.

The MBA only are reasonable if you keep them close to base spec.

Hmm, for me, it's about a thin and relatively light MacBook with a larger display. The power of the Pro line is irrelevant for me if it's not being utilized. My 16GB/1TB 15" Air replaced my thick and heavy 16" MacBook Pro for this reason and I am sure I am not alone.

Yes, a 14" Pro would have some advantages over the higher spec'd 15" Air at similar price points, but with a smaller display and unused processing power (in my case). Value is a subjective thing and can be based on what the user wants and needs, not just about specs and how much power you get with the same or similar price-tag.

I am just glad that Apple offers more options now and we no longer have to by a MacBook Pro to enjoy a bigger screen, and in a thinner, lighter and fanless design.

 

[Saturn007]

Chairman, keep updating this thread! Even daily — or hourly as you have new insights…

Your first-hand comparisons are well written and informative. I'm finding them incredibly helpful.

What sorts of tasks do you typically do on the laptop or types of programs do you usually run?

Are you a touch typist?

Who's ahead today? Is the 15” lapping the field? (Maybe, I should have written “laptopping the field”! 🙈) Or, is it a horse race again?

Inquiring minds…

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

Chairman, keep updating this thread! Even daily — or hourly as you have new insights…

Your first-hand comparisons are well written and informative. I'm finding them incredibly helpful.

What sorts of tasks do you typically do on the laptop or types of programs do you usually run?

Are you a touch typist?

Who's ahead today? Is the 15” lapping the field? (Maybe, I should have written “laptopping the field”! 🙈) Or, is it a horse race again?

Inquiring minds…

Touch typist - yes more or less.

I run safari (web browsing, YouTube, streaming), craft app, drafts app, bike outliner app, trading view app, things app, email, pages, numbers, kindle. These give you an idea that I am mainly productivity orientated and writing. I don't do any photo or video work. Im often streaming twitch in the background or watching a YouTube vid.

No intense work so chances of it getting hot are low. The temp of laptop is between 30-40% based on iStats app but the 15.3" doesn't seem fully supported yet.

Update:
- The 15" is the one I've used since my last post / the one I reach for. But I haven't cycled between them since my last post.
- I did use my 13.3 M1 yesterday for 1-2h in bed and I missed the extra screen size of the 14/15. I was wondering whether I should wait until the MBA15 is on offer in a few months but I do appreciate the bigger screen.
- I also prefer the full size function keys on the top row + Touch ID.
- The 13.3 does feel very slightly dated to me now.

I will try all three laptops over the next 3 days and decide. Now that I've used the 15 mostly the last 1-2 days I'll see how the 13.6 and 14 feels when I switch back - might be interesting but it feels as though the 15 is preferred.

One thing I have noticed is that the 15.6 allocates all 16gb ram all the time. This is maybe / probably an iStats app issue but idk? But the 14", 13.6 and 13.3 all show 4-5gb free with the exact same app setup and usage. I need to check further on the activity monitor. No swap memory used. Not an issue just an observation.

15.6 is my fav at the moment - it feels like a 'proper' laptop compared to the 13.3.

I had the butterfly keyboard intel MBP15 version before the MBA M1 13.3 and I felt the same about the 15 MBP screen as I do now with the 15.6 MBA screen. I only switched to 13.3 MBA because the butterfly keyboard was not working properly and the M1 chip changed the game. So probably the 15.6 is a natural fit for me.

I'll update tomorrow as I'm out all day today so no laptop all day.

 

[Saturn007]

Thanks for the update! Helpful additional details.

What is your take on the size of text in documents, in menus, etc.? Some have reported things looking larger and better for older eyes or those who prefer larger text on the 15”, while, in another thread, people are saying that, at the defaults, the 14” has larger text and it's sharper to boot!

???

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

MacBook Pro 14 v MacBook Air 15

The MBA 13.6 is fine but if it was between 13.6 vs 15.3 MBA's I'd chose the 15.3 so this is about 14.2 v 15.3. If I prefer one over the other below its more about it being optimal rather than the other being bad in some way.

TDLR : Its still tricky. I think the MBP is the one to buy because of value + the slightly better keyboard (I think) and screen quality is better than the MBA (+£100 less). The reasons to get the MBA are 1.4" of extra screen and 3h extra battery (+M2 chip). The 15.6 MBA is my preferred screen size.

Screen Size : I prefer the 15.3, it's the screen I want to work on. The extra allows for split screen better and just having space is good.
Screen Quality : MBP is better. In terms of text, yes fractionally larger and clearer. But that's not to say the MBA is not good, it's just that if you do a proper comparison then you will see these things. The screen is whiter whilst the MBA has a tone to it.
Keyboard : I would say the MBP is better (for me). Its close but I do notice the better feedback / response on the MBP, where as the MBA has a softer feel. You probably can type faster / more accurately on the MBP. Keyboard is important to me so something to consider.
Lap : Both are fine. 15 is better (for me).
Palm Rest : Both are fine. The MBA has a longer palm rest so its supports more.
Weight : There is no real world difference imo. When you grab the MBA the thinness gives the illusion of lighter.
Design : The MBA thin design feels better in your hand and a more modern feel. I do lean towards the slimmer modern design.
Speakers : Not tested yet. I know the MBP is definitely better.
WIFI : Not tested. The MBP has double the speed from what I've seen on YouTube reviews. But not sure in real world web browsing I'm going to notice.

I'm still testing for next 2 days so I'll see. Logic says MBP but the extra 1.4" + 3h battery are big factors. I'll update tomorrow if anything changes. Wish I had an extra week. Because I have the MBA 15.6 in my hands its easier to keep it

I could live happily with all 3 of them over the M1 MBA 13.3.

 

[ilikewhey]

Do you want active cooling? MBP. Trust me, you don’t need to render 36 streams of 4K video 24/7 to justify active cooling.

just wait til more dev start releasing more demanding games on the osx, the passive cooling on the mba is going to choke hard.

 

[Shirasaki]

just wait til more dev start releasing more demanding games on the osx, the passive cooling on the mba is going to choke hard.

Well, Apple has sort of conceded that macOS native game ain’t gonna come en mass anytime soon.
And, MacBook Air owner ain’t gonna play too much games id assume, so not going to be a concern for them.

 

[ilikewhey]

Well, Apple has sort of conceded that macOS native game ain’t gonna come en mass anytime soon.
And, MacBook Air owner ain’t gonna play too much games id assume, so not going to be a concern for them.

lol alot of college kids who has their macbooks as their only source of entertainment, my brother and his friends plays war of tanks in their dorm and his 14inch fan is spinning 5 hours a day.

 

[Shirasaki]

lol alot of college kids who has their macbooks as their only source of entertainment, my brother and his friends plays war of tanks in their dorm and his 14inch fan is spinning 5 hours a day.

Well then, we will see how amazing passive cooling to tame down M1, a beast chip that has been hailed for no end. Yes, better than Intel Chips, but we may find out soon how good M1 actually is, and all subsequent chips.

 

[ilikewhey]

Well then, we will see how amazing passive cooling to tame down M1, a beast chip that has been hailed for no end. Yes, better than Intel Chips, but we may find out soon how good M1 actually is, and all subsequent chips.

honestly not that great in terms of pure performance, performance/battery yeah its amazing, but when battery isn't a factor, the new 13th gen walks the apple silicon.

Intel Core i9 13900K vs Apple M2 Max: performance comparison

We compared Intel Core i9 13900K (3 GHz) against Apple M2 Max (3.5 GHz) in games and benchmarks. Find out which CPU has better performance.

nanoreview.net

Intel Core i7 13700 vs Apple M2 Max: performance comparison

We compared Intel Core i7 13700 (2.1 GHz) against Apple M2 Max (3.5 GHz) in games and benchmarks. Find out which CPU has better performance.

nanoreview.net

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

Keyboard update.

MBP14 - probably the best because I'm thinking there is more travel.
MBA13.3 - next best maybe or even same as MBP. I think because of the same reason - ever so slightly more key travel.
MBA13.6 & 15.3 - not bad but less travel. Im assuming all keyboards are the same and the only variable is slimness which makes it a softer feeling.

I'm not sure im describing it perfectly but this would be my order. But all are perfectly fine and there is not a huge difference but you can tell in someway - ever so slightly more mechanical feel on the MBP. Maybe other people have opinions?

 

[mpetrides]

Followup on my earlier post: I've had my 13" M2 MBA for a couple of days now and it has met my expectations (and then some). I've been using it constantly on my lap out on the deck and on the couch and, unlike the 16" M1Pro MBP it doesn't feel unsteady, even when balanced on one thigh with my knees crossed. And I'm really liking how light it is.

When trying to view multiple windows at a time, I do find I'm fiddling with window sizing more on this machine than on the MBP with a larger screen but it's not intolerable. However, if you're planning on working with multiple windows frequently, you might want to go with a larger screen.

All of this said, the 13" M2 MBA won't be replacing my 16" MBP but it certainly is a nice addition and, in my case, worth the cost. For me it's a keeper. As always YMMV.

 

[Shirasaki]

honestly not that great in terms of pure performance, performance/battery yeah its amazing, but when battery isn't a factor, the new 13th gen walks the apple silicon.

Intel Core i9 13900K vs Apple M2 Max: performance comparison

We compared Intel Core i9 13900K (3 GHz) against Apple M2 Max (3.5 GHz) in games and benchmarks. Find out which CPU has better performance.

nanoreview.net

Intel Core i7 13700 vs Apple M2 Max: performance comparison

We compared Intel Core i7 13700 (2.1 GHz) against Apple M2 Max (3.5 GHz) in games and benchmarks. Find out which CPU has better performance.

nanoreview.net

Probably one thing those kids would appreciate later is they can game longer on their Mac than windows laptops, assuming their power/energy efficiency can get carried over to gaming fairly well. But if my iPad gaming experience is anything to go by, I’d say running demanding game on Mac is still not realistically on the table yet, such as those with 4K res and extensive ray tracing.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

The MBA 15.3 won. The 13.6 is being returned. It's the 15.3" only.

The extra screen real estate enhances my experience more than what the MBP offers. Still have a day but it's very unlikely to change. Having 2 windows side by side on the 15.3 is my go to usage - half & half or 2/3 1/3 - is something I really value. The size is right for me - the best experience.

I do think the keyboard is ever so slightly softer than the 13.6 MBA and the MBP 14. Im going to go to the store and if all the store 15.3's are like that I'll keep the 15.3" I have. I might not be able to tell though.

My M1 13.3 screen feels so small now - text looks over sized for smaller screen, I can't go back

 

[Shirasaki]

My M1 13.3 screen feels so small now - text looks over sized for smaller screen, I can't go back

If not for active cooling (which I need sadly), I might like the 15” size. I do need to visit Apple Store and take advantage of 14 day return period tho.

 

[mpetrides]

I had to work toggling between 3 open windows on my 13" today and it was a bit annoying. Not nearly annoying enough for me to even consider giving up the convenience of having such a small, light laptop but I can see how people who need to have multiple open windows at the same time might find the screen size limiting.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I had to work toggling between 3 open windows on my 13" today and it was a bit annoying. Not nearly annoying enough for me to even consider giving up the convenience of having such a small, light laptop but I can see how people who need to have multiple open windows at the same time might find the screen size limiting.

Yeah, it's a personal trade off. I use my laptop at home 95% of the time so the bigger screen experience is huge, no need to work on a smaller device. But we all adapt to what we have. Have to weigh up what's more important individually.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I swapped my original MBA15 for another one. The keyboard was a touch soft compared to the 13.6 I had and my brothers MBP. I also noticed a small dark patch in the bottom left of the screen. I checked the in store MBA15's and decided to change mine for a new one. Very glad I did as the one I'm typing on has a keyboard the same as MBP I'd say and the screen doesn't have the dark patch and seems brighter + more colour. Maybe the first MBA15 I had was a bit of a dud.

Very happy with my MBA15.3. Pricey imo for my config but hopefully I keep this one for 5+years.