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My MBP needs replacing - would a MBA be the right choice to replace it?

C

Cassandle

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 4, 2020
316
297
Hello

I've been reading the threads on here for a while and have finally signed up today as I need some advice.

My MacBook Pro (2011, i5 with user-installed 8GB RAM and a user-installed 256GB SSD) is starting to show its age. It's still a great device but won't run the latest OS and it's probably time to upgrade. At the same time my iPad 4 has given up the ghost - it's no longer running any apps (YouTube has dropped support for iOS 10, for example...)

I am feeling completely stumped about what to do. My use case is:
  • Using VMWare to log onto my work network. I was working from home 1 day a week but now that's become everyday! (because I'm logging in to the network it doesn't require much legwork from the Mac)
  • Zoom. Zoom. And more Zoom. It's my work's choice of tool to communicate and I also use it personally. It's just stopped working on my iPad and it makes my MacBook's fans go crazy, whilst killing the battery
  • General office-style work (using iWork apps)
  • Storing music and photos
  • Safari
  • Email (stock Mac mail app)
  • Some light gaming (mostly Football Manager, a few retro games)
My MacBook is connected to an external monitor. I don't tend to travel with it but have done on occasion. It's a fairly cheap Samsung display that I got second hand. It does the job but I'd prefer something better.

This machine has lasted (and probably could continue to last) for the past 9 years and has been almost flawless. I want my next Mac to be something that lasts at least 5 years.

I feel like the base i3 MacBook Air (with 512GB - I'm close to maxing my current one out) would suit my use case. It's (probably?) going to be much snappier than my current setup and a dual-core processor with 8GB RAM has been enough until now. But I worry that it's not going to last and that I should get more RAM and a faster chip. But when you look at the i5 Air, you start getting into MacBook Pro pricing territory. And my feeling is that if you're buying a MBP you may as well get the 10th gen model (once you've added a bigger SSD and RAM to the base model it's largely the same price as the 10th gen model in the UK).

Then there's the iMac. Because I don't travel with my Mac that much the iMac makes sense, especially as I'd get an incredible screen for roughly the price of the 10th gen Pro. The existing models are stupidly overpriced (Fusion Drives for £1750?!?!) but perhaps WWDC may see either a spec bump to SSDs as standard or something more substantial.

The crazy option is to just get the iPad Pro. I really want a new iPad - I'd love to use the Pencil for note-taking and think I could do most of what I need on an iPad (with the big exception that dual screen support is limited and I'm used to having dual monitor, especially when working). So rather than getting an Air or Mini to accompany a Mac, I could potentially go all-in on the iPP.

Apologies for the crazy long and rambling post.

TLDR

My MacBook Pro and iPad need replacing and I can't decide between:
  • MacBook Air
  • MacBook Pro
  • iMac
  • iPad Pro only
I suppose what it comes down to - and the reason I've posted in this forum, is I am looking for knowledge and experience as to whether the base MBA is going to enough for me, and will last 5+ years. I don't want to drop a thousand pounds on a machine and then feel like I have to hold back on it or find out it is no good in 3-4 years. If the base is not enough, then I start going up the 'Apple price ladder' and end up getting to the £1500-2000 range, which psychologically feels hard for me and the options become a lot more confusing.

Thanks
 
I have a similar use case on my MacBook Air 2019 and it works fine. You may want to go for the i5 model if you want to future proof though. Thats only an extra 100 (I think).
 
Seanm87 said:
I have a similar use case on my MacBook Air 2019 and it works fine. You may want to go for the i5 model if you want to future proof though. Thats only an extra 100 (I think).
Click to expand...
That's what I did. The i3 would have been fine for my needs, but who knows what the future will bring? I went with the i5 and 16GB of RAM. Overkill for sure, but it stops me from asking the question, "What if...?" Peace of mind.
 
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Cassandle said:
Hello

I've been reading the threads on here for a while and have finally signed up today as I need some advice.

My MacBook Pro (2011, i5 with user-installed 8GB RAM and a user-installed 256GB SSD) is starting to show its age. It's still a great device but won't run the latest OS and it's probably time to upgrade. At the same time my iPad 4 has given up the ghost - it's no longer running any apps (YouTube has dropped support for iOS 10, for example...)

I am feeling completely stumped about what to do. My use case is:
  • Using VMWare to log onto my work network. I was working from home 1 day a week but now that's become everyday! (because I'm logging in to the network it doesn't require much legwork from the Mac)
  • Zoom. Zoom. And more Zoom. It's my work's choice of tool to communicate and I also use it personally. It's just stopped working on my iPad and it makes my MacBook's fans go crazy, whilst killing the battery
  • General office-style work (using iWork apps)
  • Storing music and photos
  • Safari
  • Email (stock Mac mail app)
  • Some light gaming (mostly Football Manager, a few retro games)
My MacBook is connected to an external monitor. I don't tend to travel with it but have done on occasion. It's a fairly cheap Samsung display that I got second hand. It does the job but I'd prefer something better.

This machine has lasted (and probably could continue to last) for the past 9 years and has been almost flawless. I want my next Mac to be something that lasts at least 5 years.

I feel like the base i3 MacBook Air (with 512GB - I'm close to maxing my current one out) would suit my use case. It's (probably?) going to be much snappier than my current setup and a dual-core processor with 8GB RAM has been enough until now. But I worry that it's not going to last and that I should get more RAM and a faster chip. But when you look at the i5 Air, you start getting into MacBook Pro pricing territory. And my feeling is that if you're buying a MBP you may as well get the 10th gen model (once you've added a bigger SSD and RAM to the base model it's largely the same price as the 10th gen model in the UK).

Then there's the iMac. Because I don't travel with my Mac that much the iMac makes sense, especially as I'd get an incredible screen for roughly the price of the 10th gen Pro. The existing models are stupidly overpriced (Fusion Drives for £1750?!?!) but perhaps WWDC may see either a spec bump to SSDs as standard or something more substantial.

The crazy option is to just get the iPad Pro. I really want a new iPad - I'd love to use the Pencil for note-taking and think I could do most of what I need on an iPad (with the big exception that dual screen support is limited and I'm used to having dual monitor, especially when working). So rather than getting an Air or Mini to accompany a Mac, I could potentially go all-in on the iPP.

Apologies for the crazy long and rambling post.

TLDR

My MacBook Pro and iPad need replacing and I can't decide between:
  • MacBook Air
  • MacBook Pro
  • iMac
  • iPad Pro only
I suppose what it comes down to - and the reason I've posted in this forum, is I am looking for knowledge and experience as to whether the base MBA is going to enough for me, and will last 5+ years. I don't want to drop a thousand pounds on a machine and then feel like I have to hold back on it or find out it is no good in 3-4 years. If the base is not enough, then I start going up the 'Apple price ladder' and end up getting to the £1500-2000 range, which psychologically feels hard for me and the options become a lot more confusing.

Thanks
Click to expand...


Hi,
I have some issues like you. I've been using my Macbook Pro since 2011. My Macbook Pro is early 2011, i5, and a user-256 GB SSD same like yours. It's still running well but sometimes it doesn't charge properly (it's probably because of its age).

I've upgraded to the OS High Sierra (the highest OS version of MBP'11) and most of the apps won't run on this OS, such as iMovie, Keynote, Final Cut. Those apps require the latest OS. Then, the worst of this issues is Airdrop. I can't send my files through Airdrop to my Iphone X. I searched on the internet that MBP '11 does not support to share file from Mac to Iphone nor Ipad.

Just wondering which Macbook I should buy. The points of buying new Macbook:
1. Recently I am editing video and photos
2. Storing photos

Is Macbook Air good for editing video and photos?

Thanks.
 
Cassandle said:
Hello

I've been reading the threads on here for a while and have finally signed up today as I need some advice.

My MacBook Pro (2011, i5 with user-installed 8GB RAM and a user-installed 256GB SSD) is starting to show its age. It's still a great device but won't run the latest OS and it's probably time to upgrade. At the same time my iPad 4 has given up the ghost - it's no longer running any apps (YouTube has dropped support for iOS 10, for example...)

I am feeling completely stumped about what to do. My use case is:
  • Using VMWare to log onto my work network. I was working from home 1 day a week but now that's become everyday! (because I'm logging in to the network it doesn't require much legwork from the Mac)
  • Zoom. Zoom. And more Zoom. It's my work's choice of tool to communicate and I also use it personally. It's just stopped working on my iPad and it makes my MacBook's fans go crazy, whilst killing the battery
  • General office-style work (using iWork apps)
  • Storing music and photos
  • Safari
  • Email (stock Mac mail app)
  • Some light gaming (mostly Football Manager, a few retro games)
My MacBook is connected to an external monitor. I don't tend to travel with it but have done on occasion. It's a fairly cheap Samsung display that I got second hand. It does the job but I'd prefer something better.

This machine has lasted (and probably could continue to last) for the past 9 years and has been almost flawless. I want my next Mac to be something that lasts at least 5 years.

I feel like the base i3 MacBook Air (with 512GB - I'm close to maxing my current one out) would suit my use case. It's (probably?) going to be much snappier than my current setup and a dual-core processor with 8GB RAM has been enough until now. But I worry that it's not going to last and that I should get more RAM and a faster chip. But when you look at the i5 Air, you start getting into MacBook Pro pricing territory. And my feeling is that if you're buying a MBP you may as well get the 10th gen model (once you've added a bigger SSD and RAM to the base model it's largely the same price as the 10th gen model in the UK).

Then there's the iMac. Because I don't travel with my Mac that much the iMac makes sense, especially as I'd get an incredible screen for roughly the price of the 10th gen Pro. The existing models are stupidly overpriced (Fusion Drives for £1750?!?!) but perhaps WWDC may see either a spec bump to SSDs as standard or something more substantial.

The crazy option is to just get the iPad Pro. I really want a new iPad - I'd love to use the Pencil for note-taking and think I could do most of what I need on an iPad (with the big exception that dual screen support is limited and I'm used to having dual monitor, especially when working). So rather than getting an Air or Mini to accompany a Mac, I could potentially go all-in on the iPP.

Apologies for the crazy long and rambling post.

TLDR

My MacBook Pro and iPad need replacing and I can't decide between:
  • MacBook Air
  • MacBook Pro
  • iMac
  • iPad Pro only
I suppose what it comes down to - and the reason I've posted in this forum, is I am looking for knowledge and experience as to whether the base MBA is going to enough for me, and will last 5+ years. I don't want to drop a thousand pounds on a machine and then feel like I have to hold back on it or find out it is no good in 3-4 years. If the base is not enough, then I start going up the 'Apple price ladder' and end up getting to the £1500-2000 range, which psychologically feels hard for me and the options become a lot more confusing.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The only thing that makes me question an MBA is the Zoom thing. A lot of users have reported high temps/loud fans with Zoom (with the culprit either being 'Zoom is poorly optimised' or 'the Macbook Air heating solution doesn't work so well', depending on what unit you receive).

I use Zoom on my 2020 i3 but it does get louder/hotter in a shorter period of time than my 2019 MBA. It's possible to improve the thermal performance if you receive an MBA that (for whatever reason) is hotter or louder than you'd like, but that involves cracking open the case.

I think, because of the emphasis on video conferencing and using an external monitor, the base model MBP would be a far safer bet. There are some good side by side comparisons of the MBP/MBA on YouTube now, but even before the refresh, the base MBP was way better at keeping its cool during video conferencing/running external monitors.

The performance difference between an 8th gen MBP versus a 10th gen MBAi3/i5 is negligble, because the MBA is capped at 12 watts so it doesn't melt. I think the last review I saw had the base MBP smoking the MBA for single and dual core tasks, whilst being cooler and quieter.

Anyway, TL;DR, if you can afford it, the base MBP sounds like the safe option for you. Couple that with the fact that a 2020 MBP will feel like an air coming from your 2011 MBP, it'll feel like you've got a much thinner and lighter laptop without sacrificing performance for sustained tasks like long video calls/external monitor use/etc.
 
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rambo47 said:
That's what I did. The i3 would have been fine for my needs, but who knows what the future will bring? I went with the i5 and 16GB of RAM. Overkill for sure, but it stops me from asking the question, "What if...?" Peace of mind.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. I wonder though: once adding the extra RAM, storage and going up to i5, the price starts to get into MacBook Pro territory.
[automerge]1591435981[/automerge]
RiaKoobcam said:
The only thing that makes me question an MBA is the Zoom thing. A lot of users have reported high temps/loud fans with Zoom (with the culprit either being 'Zoom is poorly optimised' or 'the Macbook Air heating solution doesn't work so well', depending on what unit you receive).

I use Zoom on my 2020 i3 but it does get louder/hotter in a shorter period of time than my 2019 MBA. It's possible to improve the thermal performance if you receive an MBA that (for whatever reason) is hotter or louder than you'd like, but that involves cracking open the case.

I think, because of the emphasis on video conferencing and using an external monitor, the base model MBP would be a far safer bet. There are some good side by side comparisons of the MBP/MBA on YouTube now, but even before the refresh, the base MBP was way better at keeping its cool during video conferencing/running external monitors.

The performance difference between an 8th gen MBP versus a 10th gen MBAi3/i5 is negligble, because the MBA is capped at 12 watts so it doesn't melt. I think the last review I saw had the base MBP smoking the MBA for single and dual core tasks, whilst being cooler and quieter.

Anyway, TL;DR, if you can afford it, the base MBP sounds like the safe option for you. Couple that with the fact that a 2020 MBP will feel like an air coming from your 2011 MBP, it'll feel like you've got a much thinner and lighter laptop without sacrificing performance for sustained tasks like long video calls/external monitor use/etc.
Click to expand...
This is great, thank you. Especially the part about the 2020 Pro “feeling” like an Air compared to my old machine.

With my use case do you think the standard base configuration would be enough, especially the RAM? I’m already close to filling my 256 SSD and once you start adding extras to the 8th gen model the price starts to go up very quickly and then buying the base 10th gen becomes tempting.
 
This is great, thank you. Especially the part about the 2020 Pro “feeling” like an Air compared to my old machine.

With my use case do you think the standard base configuration would be enough, especially the RAM? I’m already close to filling my 256 SSD and once you start adding extras to the 8th gen model the price starts to go up very quickly and then buying the base 10th gen becomes tempting.
Click to expand...

Dude, absolutely. For your usage, you'll have more than enough RAM and processing power - be careful of price creep. A base MBP for you now will last for ages, and the difference between 8th gen and 10th gen is pretty incremental. If you've got cash to burn, go for it, but I doubt you'll notice it in actually using the thing 👍
 
I Am using myself a MBP 13 2010 with core 2 duo ehh, upgraded with 8GB RAM, 120 GB SSD( sata3 but limited by Sata2 on MBP).

I am really feeling the need to get a new Mac..although this still works well for basic tasks

Thinking about getting MBA or MBP Base 13 with 16gb... but then why not wait for real upgrade with upcoming 14"

Cassandle said:
And my feeling is that if you're buying a MBP you may as well get the 10th gen model
Click to expand...

OP.. I second your thought with the price increase for upgrades.
 
Cassandle said:
Thanks for the feedback. I wonder though: once adding the extra RAM, storage and going up to i5, the price starts to get into MacBook Pro territory.
[automerge]1591435981[/automerge]
Click to expand...

It does indeed. My choice of the Air vs. Pro was partly because of the form factor and partly because my 2010 had lasted so long and served me so well. I don't know if i'm in the minority here but I absolutely LOVE the new keyboard on the 2020 Air. The extra battery life of the Air vs. Pro also drew me in (again).
 
rambo47 said:
It does indeed. My choice of the Air vs. Pro was partly because of the form factor and partly because my 2010 had lasted so long and served me so well. I don't know if i'm in the minority here but I absolutely LOVE the new keyboard on the 2020 Air. The extra battery life of the Air vs. Pro also drew me in (again).
Click to expand...

any thermal issues you faced ? Youtube 1080/4k at 60 all cool ?
 
I just replaced my Late ‘11 17” MBP (i7, 8GB ram) with an i5 2020 MBA. I’m very happy with the performance of the Air. It’s snappy and quick. Display is great. I do some light photo editing (Photoshop & Lightroom), basic doc editing, and browsing and haven’t had any issues with overheating. I’ve also tried Sims 4 and it managed pretty well (a bit of a lag but not awful). My daughter plays Minecraft and said it performed well for her. I’ve had the fan run during games but cools down quickly after.

My iPad Pro with magic keyboard is my main machine but I enjoy a few things better on the MBA and I like having both to choose from.
 
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