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Tmurray315

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 16, 2012
199
0
Hi guys I'm going to school and thinking about buying a new Macbook, any suggestions mostly I'm doing typing, surfing Web and streaming nfl games and movies. Can the Macbook handle this, or should I opt for the Macbook Pro any suggestions
 
Don't know about streaming games, but for all other listed tasks, it should be just fine. m5 version is recommended.
 
Don't know about streaming games, but for all other listed tasks, it should be just fine. m5 version is recommended.
I think he means NFL games as in, streaming live versions of the real life matches.

If that's the case OP, then yeah. The MacBook is known to handle those things well. You're getting a much nicer, more recent design. You won't even need the m5 version.
 
Oh thanks guys, can the Macbook handle PowerPoint and other programs? I'm leaning towards Macbook or the Macbook Air
 
Oh thanks guys, can the Macbook handle PowerPoint and other programs? I'm leaning towards Macbook or the Macbook Air

Yes, the MacBook can handle all of the "everyday" tasks just fine. I've been using PowerPoint, Numbers, Sketch, Xcode and so on without any problems. It's not a powerhouse but a decent everyday machine.
 
Oh thanks guys, can the Macbook handle PowerPoint and other programs? I'm leaning towards Macbook or the Macbook Air
Do yourself a favour and avoid the Air. It's very outdated laptop, the screen is awful, etc etc. It's only marginally better performing and has slightly better battery life.
 
The MacBook can actually handle a lot more than people think. I am running Photoshop on mine and it works well, I do have the 1.3 version though, so that might be why. But so far I have not experienced any problems with the MacBook.
 
The MacBook can definitely handle what you are expecting to do. However, since you mentioned powerpoint, if you are going to be doing a lot of presentations, the MacBook Pro has a HDMI port on board to connect directly to a projector. With the MacBook you have to flash a dongle to connect (to do anything outside your computer). If your school mainly has old time VGA connectors, then either choice wont make a difference.
 
Ya im leaning towards the Macbook instead of the air, I don't need it for gaming, mainly for school and browsing the web, PowerPoint, Excell and word
[doublepost=1472063694][/doublepost]Sorry very new what's the difference between m3, m5
 
m3 is base model clocked at 1.1GHz. m5 is at 1.2GHz. But, the graphics bandwidth is higher in m5. So, kinda more future-proof. And "snappier" for want of any other word, when it comes to having multiple browser tabs and apps open.
 
m3 is base model clocked at 1.1GHz. m5 is at 1.2GHz. But, the graphics bandwidth is higher in m5. So, kinda more future-proof. And "snappier" for want of any other word, when it comes to having multiple browser tabs and apps open.
Oh, is it? I didn't know that! Where can I find more info about that?
 
Check out B & H photo and video's website. They've been running a deal on a 2015 mb for $999 with no taxes or shipping charges. I ordered one and love it. It's been a great upgrade over my 2012 mb air.
 
I'd wait to see what the entry level macbook pro 13 offers. And there's going to be a 13 Macbook coming out. I think that it'd be a shame to wait 4 years for a newer macbook pro and be 1 month away from knowing specs and pricing....and going out and buying last generation tech. Only get a 12 macbook if you're getting 25% off at least.
 
I'd wait to see what the entry level macbook pro 13 offers. And there's going to be a 13 Macbook coming out. I think that it'd be a shame to wait 4 years for a newer macbook pro and be 1 month away from knowing specs and pricing....and going out and buying last generation tech. Only get a 12 macbook if you're getting 25% off at least.

Where would you be getting a 2016 Macbook 12" for 25% off, other than off a truck?
[doublepost=1472141084][/doublepost]
Check out B & H photo and video's website. They've been running a deal on a 2015 mb for $999 with no taxes or shipping charges. I ordered one and love it. It's been a great upgrade over my 2012 mb air.

I do not see that price, it must have expired already... pretty damn good deal.
 
its fine for general purpose use, but barely. its livable with photoshop, which i use extensively. certain things itll hiccup, such as streaming 1080p or even 720p youtube on chrome which is choppy (html5, flash, doesnt matter).

using native browser like safari is a little better.

general ms office usage is fine. its just certain operations you'll take notice of having to 'wait'.

the lack of headroom in terms of performance means very little longevity for me. coupled with annoyances of the keyboard (durability), lack of ports, etc, and doesnt get a recommend from me.

owned 2 pros and 3 airs. would heartily recommend any of them with 95%+ satisfaction. this one gets a 80% from me. for you, i suggest waiting for release of the new 13" MBP
 
its fine for general purpose use, but barely. its livable with photoshop, which i use extensively. certain things itll hiccup, such as streaming 1080p or even 720p youtube on chrome which is choppy (html5, flash, doesnt matter).

using native browser like safari is a little better.

general ms office usage is fine. its just certain operations you'll take notice of having to 'wait'.

the lack of headroom in terms of performance means very little longevity for me. coupled with annoyances of the keyboard (durability), lack of ports, etc, and doesnt get a recommend from me.

owned 2 pros and 3 airs. would heartily recommend any of them with 95%+ satisfaction. this one gets a 80% from me. for you, i suggest waiting for release of the new 13" MBP

This is what I'm doing. I personally really don't see the value in the MacBook vs 13" MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Pro is faster, much more capable, has much more ports, and a bigger screen. The "cons" (but aren't cons to me) are they're a little heavier, a little thicker, and a little more expensive.

When the MacBook Pro is updated in the next couple of months I'll buy it. I'm really not a pro user, and while the MacBook is geared more for consumers, the extra $100 for MacBook Pro is worth it to me for future proofing.
 
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