MBA Analysis Paralisis

[Night_Ink]

Hey everyone-
First (long-winded) post here, but I’ve been a reader of this site for years. Lots of great info, thanks for that.

I tend to use my Macs well past the point of obsolescence, having used a 2006 MBP until 2015, and I’m still using a 2009 iMac. I’m an illustrator and musician, and primarily use Affinity Photo, Designer, and GarageBand.

I’m in a position to buy a new Mac, aiming towards a Laptop For portability, but I’m feeling a little out of alignment with Apple’s current offerings.

I’m considering a 2020 MBA, upgraded to i5 processor and 16gb ram, or a base model 13” MBP. Both configurations cost the same, and are pretty much my max budget.
How will the performance compare? Super hot, fans on for the MBA?

Thanks for your input!

 

[0128672]

(I know you're asking for help decided between the two, but if you want to save some money, take a look at the 2020 like-new MBAs on Apple's US Refurb Store. There are i5/16/512 for $1269. They come with the full Apple warranty and option to buy Applecare+, all accessories too.)

Refurbished Mac - 2020

Save up to 15% on refurbished Mac notebooks and computers. Every refurbished Mac is tested and certified by Apple and includes a one-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[Night_Ink]

(I know you're asking for help decided between the two, but if you want to save some money, take a look at the 2020 like-new MBAs on Apple's US Refurb Store. There are i5/16/512 for $1269. They come with the full Apple warranty and option to buy Applecare+, all accessories too.)

Refurbished Mac - 2020

Save up to 15% on refurbished Mac notebooks and computers. Every refurbished Mac is tested and certified by Apple and includes a one-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

Super good idea- I didn’t see those last time I checked.

 

[deeddawg]

Dunno what load Designer or GarageBand will do, but Affinity Photo will enjoy the quick bursty CPU nature of the Air.

Generally speaking - if you need to do sustained substantial CPU loading, the MPB will be the better choice. If you're doing fairly light stuff and desire quick snappy responsiveness, the MBA will be the better choice.

Either way, buy from somewhere that you can easily return it if after 10 days you find it isn't suited to your needs. Give it a full ten days though, don't make your assessment in the first day or so.

My i5 remains quiet and cool unless I push it with a sustained substantial CPU load - such as exporting 100 RAW image files or similar. Then when done it gets quiet and cool again.

I've also seen (and experienced it myself) where a stuck daemon or sync process really hammered a person's CPU. Resetting the daemon / sync job fixed the issue. If you get a system that seems to be hot an noisy, check Activity Monitor CPU tab to see whats going on.

 

[Night_Ink]

Dunno what load Designer or GarageBand will do, but Affinity Photo will enjoy the quick bursty CPU nature of the Air.

Generally speaking - if you need to do sustained substantial CPU loading, the MPB will be the better choice. If you're doing fairly light stuff and desire quick snappy responsiveness, the MBA will be the better choice.

Either way, buy from somewhere that you can easily return it if after 10 days you find it isn't suited to your needs. Give it a full ten days though, don't make your assessment in the first day or so.

My i5 remains quiet and cool unless I push it with a sustained substantial CPU load - such as exporting 100 RAW image files or similar. Then when done it gets quiet and cool again.

I've also seen (and experienced it myself) where a stuck daemon or sync process really hammered a person's CPU. Resetting the daemon / sync job fixed the issue. If you get a system that seems to be hot an noisy, check Activity Monitor CPU tab to see whats going on.

Thanks, very helpful! Did you spring for the 16gb ram or stick with 8?

 

[deeddawg]

Thanks, very helpful! Did you spring for the 16gb ram or stick with 8?

I went with 16 because I will utilize virtual machines on occasion, and it makes a difference in that scenario.

Unless you know you'll use a virtual machine, or you know that Garageband really needs the extra memory, I'd suggest sticking to 8GB and save the $200. macOS is very good with virtual memory and even if you do end up going past it the system compresses least recently used stuff, and with the fast SSD any actual paging to the swap file will be difficult to discern except for very specific scenarios (such as running virtual machines)

 

[0128672]

(there's an i5/8/512 refurb for $1099)

 

[deeddawg]

(there's an i5/8/512 refurb for $1099)

Thats a pretty solid deal.

 

[Night_Ink]

(there's an i5/8/512 refurb for $1099)

What is the consensus on Apple refurbs? I’ve never bought one- any personal experiences?

 

[deeddawg]

What is the consensus on Apple refurbs? I’ve never bought one- any personal experiences?

I've bought several Apple Refurbs over the years, including computers.

The only difference I've ever discerned from brand new was the box they were in. All have been 100% perfect condition.

Same warranty, same return-ability, same ability to add Apple Care.

IMHO if there's a refurb available fitting your needs you're better off buying the refurb than buying the new.

That's for APPLE refurbs from https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished
Other sources may not be the same.

 

[0128672]

I agree 100% and I'm a huge fan of Apple's refurbs having bought Macs and iOS/iPadOS devices. I would never buy a refurb from any other company because who knows what their process is. Apple's refurb process is detailed on the refurb site, and based on my experience, it's rock solid. The warranty and optional Applecare+ is icing on the cake.

And another thing is that so many of the refurbs are BTO options that you can receive in a couple of days rather than wait the usual 2-3 weeks.

Of course returns in-store and via mail are just as easy as new items.

 

[RedTomato]

If you're an illustrator, go with whichever has the better screen. The old Airs had outdated screens, but the new ones have good screens. Some people say still not as good as the Pros though. Normally I'd say go to the Apple Store and compare them side by side, but that might be difficult for you.

Weightwise, are you planning to carry them for several hours every day?

I used to carry around a 13" 2013 Air every day, and that was a significant improvement weightwise over the polycarbonate Macbook that I had before. A few months ago I finally replaced it with a 15" 2015 Pro. I don't notice the difference at all (though I use a rucksack not a hip satchel) and I love the larger screen, more power, and better screen.

Going in blind, I'd say get a loaded 2015 Pro 15" (16GB & replace the SSD at home with a new 1TB nvme drive), or one of the newer Pros that finally have a decent keyboard if you can find a refurb model.

 

[deeddawg]

If you're an illustrator, go with whichever has the better screen. The old Airs had outdated screens, but the new ones have good screens. Some people say still not as good as the Pros though. Normally I'd say go to the Apple Store and compare them side by side, but that might be difficult for you.

FWIW - the 2020 MBA screen provides 113% of the sRGB gamut according to Tomsguide and the 2020 MBP13 screen provides 114% of the sRGB gamut (also Tomsguide)

MBP can achieve higher brightness than the MBA - though I'll say I've never pushed my MBA to full brightness even in my brightly lit home office. Others needs may be different.

 

[0128672]

@Night_Ink post back here to let us know what you decided to do.

 

[jgorman]

Hey everyone-
First (long-winded) post here, but I’ve been a reader of this site for years. Lots of great info, thanks for that.

I tend to use my Macs well past the point of obsolescence, having used a 2006 MBP until 2015, and I’m still using a 2009 iMac. I’m an illustrator and musician, and primarily use Affinity Photo, Designer, and GarageBand.

I’m in a position to buy a new Mac, aiming towards a Laptop For portability, but I’m feeling a little out of alignment with Apple’s current offerings.

I’m considering a 2020 MBA, upgraded to i5 processor and 16gb ram, or a base model 13” MBP. Both configurations cost the same, and are pretty much my max budget.
How will the performance compare? Super hot, fans on for the MBA?

Thanks for your input!

I would recommend the base 13-inch MBP. It has a good balance of performance, thermals and weight. Using Affinity Photo or Designer, you might appreciate the better display in the MBP. Also, you might like the better speakers in the MBP for music. Here are in-depth reviews of the base 13-inch MBP (this is a review of the 2019 MBP; the 2020 model is similar, but has a new keyboard) and the i5 MBA. Comparing these reviews, generally the 13-inch MBP has higher performance with less heat and fan noise.

Another aspect to consider is that one of first devices Apple is rumored to release with an ARM processor at the end of the year is a 13-inch MBP (9to5mac.com link). The report is from the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who added that Apple would discontinue the existing Intel 13-inch MBP when the new model comes out.

 

[Night_Ink]

@Night_Ink post back here to let us know what you decided to do.

Absolutely! Thanks so much for all of the thoughts, experience, and advice. At this point I’m wondering if an upgraded MBA will make me as happy as a base model MBP. My computer use is not basic, but not at the level of a video editor either. Music plugins can eat processor and ram, some I’m thinking about that. Some of my illustration files can reach 68-100 mb per, as well. But I’m not heavily batch processing RAW files, etc.

it’s hard because the base model iMac has some pretty rockin’ specs, and for cheaper. I’ve been craving the portability factor of a laptop though, for creativity’s sake. I’d love to own a MBP, but they seem like they have dated processors and Apple is about to revamp everything work AMD, etc.
Unfortunately I kind of have to decide soon, before the money ship sails.
And then there’s the iPad Pro... 😬

 

[0128672]

it’s hard because the base model iMac has some pretty rockin’ specs, and for cheaper. I’ve been craving the portability factor of a laptop though, for creativity’s sake. I’d love to own a MBP, but they seem like they have dated processors and Apple is about to revamp everything work AMD, etc.
Unfortunately I kind of have to decide soon, before the money ship sails.
And then there’s the iPad Pro... 😬

And you've got a community here to help you sort it out. You've probably been reading through some other threads here too about the same dilemma. There's good advice all over the place here.

As far as "dated processors", you can read lots on Macrumors about how the 8th, 9th and 10th generation Intels aren't all that different from each other, so don't let that be a factor in your decision. Remember you have 14 days to try out (even with a refurb) to put it through its paces to see if it works for you. The only non-butterfly keyboard MBP refurbs are the 16".

 

[Night_Ink]

And you've got a community here to help you sort it out.

As far as "dated processors", you can read lots on Macrumors about how the 8th, 9th and 10th generation Intels aren't all that different from each other, so don't let that be a factor in your decision. Remember you have 14 days to try out (even with a refurb) to put it through its paces to see if it works for you.

Those are really good points!

 

[jparker402]

I've also seen (and experienced it myself) where a stuck daemon or sync process really hammered a person's CPU. Resetting the daemon / sync job fixed the issue. If you get a system that seems to be hot an noisy, check Activity Monitor CPU tab to see whats going on.

I need an education! What is a daemon, how does one recognize it, and how does one go about resetting things to get rid of it? Thanks for your patience.

 

[Night_Ink]

I would recommend the base 13-inch MBP. It has a good balance of performance, thermals and weight. Using Affinity Photo or Designer, you might appreciate the better display in the MBP. Also, you might like the better speakers in the MBP for music. Here are in-depth reviews of the base 13-inch MBP (this is a review of the 2019 MBP; the 2020 model is similar, but has a new keyboard) and the i5 MBA. Comparing these reviews, generally the 13-inch MBP has higher performance with less heat and fan noise.

Another aspect to consider is that one of first devices Apple is rumored to release with an ARM processor at the end of the year is a 13-inch MBP (9to5mac.com link). The report is from the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who added that Apple would discontinue the existing Intel 13-inch MBP when the new model comes out.

The MBP does look like a good match, although of course I’m super curious about the potential AMD version coming out- and the price of that machine. Would it be a lot more money?
Something I’m really curious about though is -
Since I’ve been working with some seriously old Macs, would a MBA blow my mind just do to the newness of it all? I’m obviously not one to upgrade every three years or anything.

 

[deeddawg]

I need an education! What is a daemon, how does one recognize it, and how does one go about resetting things to get rid of it? Thanks for your patience.

Loosly, a daemon is a background process that has some job to do. See https://g.co/kgs/5esvR8

How one goes about resetting things depends on what particular program has run amok.

In my case, the cloudsyncdaemon process for synchronizing a folder to my Synology NAS was eating up all the CPU it could get. Apparently it got confused when restoring from TimeMachine. So I deleted the Synology Cloudstation Drive sync configuration and made a new one, solving the issue.

Point though is the 2020 i5 MBA is not inherently hot or loud. So if yours does behave that way and you're not doing something to cause it, go look at Activity Monitor, specifically the CPU and Energy tabs, and see what process is using the CPU. That'll then give you better guidance on how to address things.

 

[CheesePuff]

What is the consensus on Apple refurbs? I’ve never bought one- any personal experiences?

If it didn't come in a different plain box instead of the labeled box, you would have no idea it was refurbished. Apple puts in a brand new battery and brand new case, and it includes the same warranty as new and supports AppleCare. My company only purchases Apple refurbished for the past ten years, with over 50 machines, and no issues.

 

[isezumi]

So, I have been lurking again recently, because I want to purchase a MacBook as well and I have the same indecision the OP and most others here have. I have read a lot thanks to all the information that is available here on the forums, but I am still undecided.

My usage will be a lot of academic work using Word, Excel, Acrobat reader and chrome with a lot of tabs opened. I also tend to conference a lot with Teams and use an extra monitor most of the time.
Will a MBA or MBP be better suited for my use case and with what processor and memory?

Thanks for answering this question for the umpteenth time.
Sorry for high jacking your post a little bit, Night_Ink.

 

[jgorman]

I also tend to conference a lot with Teams and use an extra monitor most of the time.
Will a MBA or MBP be better suited for my use case and with what processor and memory?

I would recommend a MBP to have less heat and fan noise using Teams and an external monitor. The base model MBP with the i5 and 8GB of memory would be great.

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The MBP does look like a good match, although of course I’m super curious about the potential AMD version coming out- and the price of that machine. Would it be a lot more money?
Something I’m really curious about though is -
Since I’ve been working with some seriously old Macs, would a MBA blow my mind just do to the newness of it all? I’m obviously not one to upgrade every three years or anything.

I have no idea how much the new macs wil be. If you can wait to the end of the year, it might not be a bad idea to see what the new macs offer though. The current models might also be on sale by then also.

Coming from an older mac, I could see your mind being blown by a new one. 😀

 

[jparker402]

Loosly, a daemon is a background process that has some job to do. See https://g.co/kgs/5esvR8

How one goes about resetting things depends on what particular program has run amok.

In my case, the cloudsyncdaemon process for synchronizing a folder to my Synology NAS was eating up all the CPU it could get. Apparently it got confused when restoring from TimeMachine. So I deleted the Synology Cloudstation Drive sync configuration and made a new one, solving the issue.

Point though is the 2020 i5 MBA is not inherently hot or loud. So if yours does behave that way and you're not doing something to cause it, go look at Activity Monitor, specifically the CPU and Energy tabs, and see what process is using the CPU. That'll then give you better guidance on how to address things.

Thank you very much!!