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aniovira

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 25, 2017
1
0
Faro, Portugal
MacBook Air i7 or mbp i5? I ask this because I work quite a bit with iMovie app making home vídeo…also I work at the same time with Windows on Mac…wich of the machines handle this well?
 

AppleFan22

macrumors 6502
Jan 3, 2014
282
31
MacBook Air i7 or mbp i5? I ask this because I work quite a bit with iMovie app making home vídeo…also I work at the same time with Windows on Mac…wich of the machines handle this well?

The MBP is designed to better handle tasks such as heavy rendering, such as using iMovie. Using Windows (I assume via Bootcamp?) is as though the macOS system wasn't there at all, so that again depends on what you're using it for. Heavy tasks such as playing games would be better on the Pro. If you are using a virtual desktop software such as Parallels I would recommend the Pro as apps like that will use a lot of power and require more resources, which the Pro will be able to offer.

However, iMovie still run with ease on the Air, since it's not as intensive as Final Cut or Motion. If you want a slicker experience, the Pro is the way to go. If portability is more important than performance get the Air.

Also consider a MBP i7, if it's within your budget. That will make general use and especially iMovie a lot smoother.
 

Pugly

macrumors 6502
Jun 7, 2016
411
403
From what I've researched, they are very similar. The Pro is a better value when you start adding on the Air upgrades though. The Pro has better cooling, and the chips can run at top speed for longer.

With that said, I use an Air i7 and I have no complaints about it's performance. I run Logic Pro with big projects and it's great. It exports audio quickly too.
 

Sedulous

macrumors 68030
Dec 10, 2002
2,530
2,577
The MBA is a capable device but as others have pointed out, it will run quite hot. Be prepared to hear that fan spin! The display is not great. That said, it is the only MacBook I would currently buy. The 15” MBP is overpriced and underpowered and the 13” MBP is roughly same price as MBA so it comes down to preference. The 13” MBP is probably better. Better display and more capable ports. But if you hate the clickitty-clack new keyboard, are not ready for USBC, or just love MagSafe (I know I do), then the MBA is worth considering.
 

StrawberryX

macrumors member
Jun 14, 2013
99
42
Antwerp
I would only buy the Air now if you don't do any upgrades.
If you do upgrades to make the Air more powerfull.
You are very close or same as the pro that has TB3 and IPS.
And the weight is the same now.

With superspeed SSD's and ePCI graphics USB c/TB3 It is much more future proof.
And when you buy a new mac or PC, you will probably be happy that your external stuff is usb 3.1 gen2 or TB3.

I love the Air but bought It in 2015, where the 13" pro was a lot less portable.
It could be the Air is a more reliable design ... we have a 2013 air also and It is still very happy,
my macbook pro has long been dead.
 
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