MBA + iPad or MBP?

[Number 41]

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?

 

[Audit13]

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.

 

[Freyqq]

I'd not buy an air due to screen. Get the better laptop.

 

[BenTrovato]

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.

 

[jerryk]

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.

 

[smallcoffee]

Why not get just the iPad and see if that can replace your laptop completely?

Otherwise do not buy the MacBook Air.

 

[maflynn]

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 $$

 

[hwy1trd]

Yup, Best Buy is having a nice apple sale right now. I'd go for the MBP and skip MBA.

 

[Number 41]

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 $$

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.

 

[smallcoffee]

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.

You can buy a cheap little adapter - not a big deal.

It’s helpful though that now you’re discussing more requirements.