MBA + iPad or MBP?

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by Number 41, Apr 27, 2018.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Number 41, Apr 27, 2018

    Number 41 macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2009
    #1
    I'm in need of a new laptop to replace my aged 2008 15" MBP. Best Buy is currently running a sale, and I've narrowed my choices down to the following two options:

    MBA (2017) 256GB for $949 (and then get an iPad to go with it) for a grand total of $1279

    or

    MBP (2017) 256GB for $1299

    I don't do much on my laptop beyond typing (though, TBF, the only thing my 2008 MBP has been able to do for the past 2-3 years is typing) and some basic spreadsheet work.

    I understand the MBA's screen is absolutely garbage (hence getting the iPad as well for any media consumption that might need to happen).

    Thoughts? What would you all do?
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  2. Audit13, Apr 27, 2018

    Audit13 macrumors 68040

    Audit13

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2017
    Location:
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    #2
    I have a late 2013 13" MBP, early 2015 13" Air, and an iPad Air 2.

    I find the screen on the air to be perfectly usable, boots quickly, and is easy to carry around so I usually take the air and iPad on the road and leave the pro at home.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  3. Freyqq, Apr 27, 2018

    Freyqq macrumors 601

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2004
    #3
    I'd not buy an air due to screen. Get the better laptop.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  4. BenTrovato, Apr 27, 2018

    BenTrovato macrumors 68030

    BenTrovato

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2012
    Location:
    Canada
    #4
    OP you couldn't have said it better, the Air screen is absolute garbage.

    I would rather have a 10.5" iPP and refurb MBP with retina.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  5. jerryk, Apr 27, 2018

    jerryk macrumors 601

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2011
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    #5
    Based on your usage, get a base 9.7 iPad for $320 (refub $250) and a used/refurbished Air for $600 or less. Total $900 or less.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  6. smallcoffee, Apr 28, 2018

    smallcoffee macrumors 65816

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2014
    Location:
    North America
    #6
    Why not get just the iPad and see if that can replace your laptop completely?

    Otherwise do not buy the MacBook Air.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  7. maflynn, Apr 28, 2018

    maflynn Moderator

    maflynn

    Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2009
    Location:
    Boston
    #7
    Why not get an iPad Pro, and see if that fits your needs. I'd not buy the MBA, at this stage. Maybe Apple will update it this summer but as it stands right now, I don't think its worth the $$
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
    smallcoffee likes this.
  8. hwy1trd, Apr 28, 2018

    hwy1trd macrumors newbie

    hwy1trd

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    #8
    Yup, Best Buy is having a nice apple sale right now. I'd go for the MBP and skip MBA.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  9. Number 41, Apr 28, 2018

    Number 41 thread starter macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2009
    #9
    Without an actual file system, an iPad isn’t a serious consideration as a computer replacement IMO.

    I went to look at a MBP 13” at the Apple Store. Sadly, the lack of ports is a huge issue, as I do a lot of contract work where people are passing off USB-based media to me to keep data secure.

    Apple isn’t making it easy to stay in their ecosystem at a reasonable price.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  10. smallcoffee, Apr 28, 2018

    smallcoffee macrumors 65816

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2014
    Location:
    North America
    #10
    You can buy a cheap little adapter - not a big deal.

    It’s helpful though that now you’re discussing more requirements.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page