New to MacBooks. Do I need the Pro if I plan on doing light audio/video editing at some point or might pursue a career involving design?

[TH55]

I’m at the Apple Store and I’m really digging the featherlight form factor and aesthetics of the Air. The Genius is telling me the only major difference is the cooling fans, that in heavy video editing it may throttle rendering and take longer on the Air.

How much of an issue is this, like how often would I notice this in editing 3-5 minute video clips, or even 10-15? I don’t plan on doing this often but would like to have the capability for future use, especially if I find I really get into video editing.

I just can’t seem to get over how nice and light the Air is. I will primarily be using it for basic stuff, work, browsing etc. I do plan on getting into design/multimedia editing or a career in UX at some point though so want to have that ability. Thanks!

 

[buckingham2015]

From all the reviews I've watched, the Air only starts to throttle after about 10-15 minutes of sustained load. Most tasks, unless you're processing large videos, will be completed in short bursts well before that time.

So for the majority of situations you shouldn't notice much of a difference, even editing smaller videos. If you are regularly editing and exporting larger videos though, you may notice a difference, but not huge (maybe 20-30% off the top of my head) and only after that 10-15 minute sustained load mark.

The other benefit of the Pro is the battery life, it's a lot longer than the Air and any other competitor.

If ~10 hours is good enough for you though, and you don't really do so much editing that you'd really notice the difference, I'd get the air.

 

[bag99001]

As a beginner video hobbyist, learning Final Cut Pro, the Macbook Air screams. It is SO freaking fast with the m1 chip. I think you're fine, saving your money now...put it towards a large, high-quality, external monitor if you're into video or design work, and then in a few years if you are into this more, get a higher-end machine.

 

[MBAir2010]

the pro has a better screen display and an fan incase you need to work in a humid place.
i would (and might) get a M1 Pro so i don't feel short performance wise this year.
as for th macbook air:
I use a MacBook air from 2010 and need to close some apps while editing and performing graphic design tasks but i am being very demanding on the system.
sometimes that MacBook out performs the Dell XSP when photo editing while using the same nikon software.

 

[KaliYoni]

I feel it depends on your timeframe for the "new" tasks and if you think you would be able to upgrade to a 2nd generation M1 Mac in a year or so.

It seems like a current MBA fits your current situation and would be able to support you as you get started in A/V and design work. But, as others have said, it's easy to push machines to their limit once your projects move beyond a basic level. And the last thing you want is for your computer to hold you back when you're facing a deadline or making an important deliverable.

So, my suggestion is to go for a MBP if the Mac you buy now will remain your main computer for the next few years. But if you anticipate having the desire or resources to upgrade within the 18 months or so, I'd say buy a MBA.