MBA 2019 vs 2020

[Dhonk]

Hey everyone, I've pretty much decided on getting the 2020 MBA base as a complementary device to my 2014 13" MBP retina. I have my iPad mini for travel or browsing in bed. But when I'm lying on the couch I find myself using my MBP more for the full keyboard and hinged screen experience. I've contemplated picking up a Macbook 2016 or 2017, but I just can't justify the going rate online of $600-900 for a refurbished 12" Macbook for a 3-year old computer that's comparable to my current MBP. Today Woot has the 2019 MBA i5 at $729. That's tempting for my usage. Plus, the wife may sometimes use one, so between the devices she might have some usage.

In summary:
model single core/double core/price
2014 MBP 13"--781/1602/current computer
2017 MB 12" i5--697/1517/$600-900
2017 MB 12" i7--774/1574/$600-900
2019 MBA i5--749/1511/$730
2020 MBA i3--987/1973/$899 (teacher)

Typical usage (I would use MBP primarily when on a flat surface):
-web browsing
-imessage
-light emailing
-Pages and Numbers
-current computer using 82GB
-work computer is a MBP 2017, and I've gotten used to the butterfly. Typing may not be AS GOOD, but I'm pretty close with it.

In an ideal world, I'd find a MB 12" for a nice price as my 2lb iPad-replacer. But I haven't found that yet, and I don't want a heavily used, beat up one. So then it becomes--given my usage--is it better to have a $730 lightweight complement that's similar in power to my 2014 MBP, or the 2020 Air that's $899 but around 25% faster than my current go-to computer. Thoughts?

 

[Loog]

I ordered the new 2020 model but sent it back, I simply prefer the butterfly keyboard and cooler running and couldn't justify the cost difference between the 2018 model I had.

My view is subjective, others I'm sure will disagree based on their own personal preferences. It seems that both models will work for you.

Can you order and return within 14 days ?

 

[Seanm87]

Generally I always say buy the best one you can afford

Best to future proof. The cheaper/older ones won’t last as long.

Having said that I own a 2019 and I love it.

 

[Loog]

Generally I always say buy the best one you can afford

Best to future proof. The cheaper/older ones won’t last as long.

Having said that I own a 2019 and I love it.

I agree with all the above @Seanm87, the 2018 i5 and 2020 i3 are pretty much on par, I would suspect they will be retired at the same point re OS updates.

At the cost savings without education discount the 2018 seems a really good value proposition to enter the Mac eco system and they are really good devices.

 

[deeddawg]

I bought a 2020 i5 MBA to replace my aging 2015 12" macbook.

So far I've been very happy with it. Quiet, cool, quick, and a MUCH better keyboard. I definitely prefer the scissor keyboard of the 2020 vs the butterfly - even like it better than the updated butterfly version on my 2018 MBP15.

On that alone I'd choose the 2020 vs the other options.

Have you considered upgrading the 2020 i3/8/256 to an i5/8/256 for $100? It'd put you at $999 edu price, and would give quad core vs dual core.

 

[Dhonk]

Have you considered upgrading the 2020 i3/8/256 to an i5/8/256 for $100? It'd put you at $999 edu price, and would give quad core vs dual core.

yes, but it doesn’t seem the value I’m looking for. Traditionally I’ve bumped my specs like I bump my car trim packages (love cooled seats in AZ). I will also be keeping my 2014 MBP so I can run Windows Bootcamp smoothly, and will probably do some tasks still with that computer. Maybe that’ll become the wife’s

 

[deeddawg]

yes, but it doesn’t seem the value I’m looking for.

Nothing wrong with that. Just wanted to point it out as it's not entirely obvious that the i5/8/256 is an option.

 

[AirBud]

I upgraded from a 2013 MBA, I think 4 years is a reasonable timetable for upgrading.