Should I buy a MacBook Air or a MacBook?

[AnrBjotk]

I have both a 15" rMBP (2012) and a 12" rMB (2015 M5/512GB) and I love my 12". I use my 12" to browsing, music, look at video and more and I love the small factor of the computer.
Today I only use the 15" for video editing (FCPX) and will replace both of them when Apple releases the next version of the 12" as it is powerful enough for my edits (1080), even if the rendering takes longer time. For everything else it is powerful enough and the portability of it is so fantastic.
I have had a MB Air 13" and I loved it until I replaced it with my 15". It is a big difference on the non-retina and the retina screens, and I will never buy a computer without a retina screen even if the Air is a good computer.

I use Apple Music Match for my iTunes library and a Plex Cloud (Google Drive) as my video/media server. I love to have everything in the cloud to be able to stream/download it to my Apple TV / iPhone / iPad / computers.

Hmmmm... I'll have to go down and have another look at them side by side. The more I look at the Airs screen the more I hate the bad resolution and awful bezzle edge.

So how does the Plex cloud work? Would I be able to put my 180GB there? Do I pay for that amount? And will I have to download it to listen?

Also, will the 8GB memory make any difference to an upgraded 16GB?

 

[maerz001]

There is no free breakfast

First u need google drive or other service which goes for 10$/m plus plex pass for 5$. So after 2years u invest the same as for the 512SSD...

For RAM u have to look in ur MBP activity monitor. What is ur use, swap and pressure? What programs do u use it for ?

 

[EugW]

as an owner of a 2012 mba 13", i'd say go for the latest macbook. get apple's small notebook. looking back, i wish i had gotten the macbook air 11", the size adn weight diffrence is really noticeable. I traveled the world for 2 years backpacking, and I wish i had the 11".

I hated the screen on the 11” MacBook Air. Viewing angles sucked, in comparison to other Apple laptops.

 

[AnrBjotk]

There is no free breakfast

First u need google drive or other service which goes for 10$/m plus plex pass for 5$. So after 2years u invest the same as for the 512SSD...

For RAM u have to look in ur MBP activity monitor. What is ur use, swap and pressure? What programs do u use it for ?

I can't make heads or tails of the monitor. Physical memory 4GB? In use 3,26GB.

I use Firefox, iTunes, VLC, Safari, Audacity, Word, Deluge.

 

[maerz001]

I can't make heads or tails of the monitor. Physical memory 4GB? In use 3,26GB.

I use Firefox, iTunes, VLC, Safari, Audacity, Word, Deluge.

I don't know Audacity, but for the rest 16GB would be a waste of money...

 

[CmdrLaForge]

There are a lot of complaints about the keyboard reliability ... not sure if those apple to the Macbook

 

[AnrBjotk]

Here's what it boils down to: I just went down to the Apple store a second time. each time I go to the shop and see the MacBook 12-inch next to the MacBook Air I think "No. Nonononono! It's too small. Waay too small. It'll be embarassing". But then I walk out of the shop and think "It's so cool. Such a small practical machine, portable and for my use (Word and Netflix) it's perfect. I'll get used to the size". Then I go back and say "no no no". On google images it doesnt look that small compared to the Air. I'm losing my mind here...

 

[Kierikka]

I have 512GB in my MacBook and I use a lot of the space for documents, images and other thing so I don´t have much space for movies and other media. I hope Apple will release the next gen with 1TB drive. I also have three 2TB external drives with documents, movies, media and so on. I love to have things in the cloud so that I can get hold of it from all of my devices.

Plex is a great media solution for me. I have a Plex Server at home but I don´t want to have a computer running 24/7 so I am trying the Plex Cloud solution. You connect one of the cloud services from Microsoft, Dropbox or Google to Plex and use the space on the account for your media. You stream the media from the cloud. Even if it is a monthly cost, that is the only solution I have found that I can have my movies in the cloud and connect to from all of my devices and even let family connect to. I would loved Apple to let me put movies in the cloud like iBooks (books and PDFs) and iTunes (Apple Music Match) but I guess they never will do it as the movie rentals and sales is a big business for Apple.

I know Google has a music service but I have never tried it.
[doublepost=1510698734][/doublepost]

Here's what it boils down to: I just went down to the Apple store a second time. each time I go to the shop and see the MacBook 12-inch next to the MacBook Air I think "No. Nonononono! It's too small. Waay too small. It'll be embarassing". But then I walk out of the shop and think "It's so cool. Such a small practical machine, portable and for my use (Word and Netflix) it's perfect. I'll get used to the size". Then I go back and say "no no no". On google images it doesnt look that small compared to the Air. I'm losing my mind here...

The size and the display is the things I love most about the MacBook. Sitting with the MacBook in the sofa writing this while watching TV and have something small and powerful like this is fantastic. And that it fits almost in all bags and is easy to hide in the car is so perfect.

 

[ZapNZs]

IMO the MacBook Air is the better device when one is used wired components or needs maximum battery life, where as the retina MacBook is the better device when one wants the ultimate in portability (and accepts the tradeoffs), or wants an ultra-light device with an outstanding screen. Both are good computers IMO, and both are so different that I feel Apple should continue to offer both of them. You may find you prefer one keyboard design so strongly over the other that this becomes a deciding factor in your decision.

You can see more on the MacBook screen that you can on the MacBook Air's screen by a huge margin. Further, you can read text that is far smaller, allowing you to fit more text on the screen at a given time and it still be legible. Going from a 15-inch Unibody to a 12-inch MB is simply going to be kind of a shock no matter what - your only option here is to jump into it, because it is going to be a comically significant difference any way you cut it. It's like getting into the pool the first time - it's just going to be cold at first. You will adapt, and you will probably come to really like the portability.

Just to verify, is the model you are looking at the 2017? I ask because the 2015/2016 MacBook, 2017 MacBook, and 2010-2017 MacBook Air all have different keyboards and you may or may not find a preference for one or more. For example, I do not like the 2015/2016 rMB keyboard, and until the 2017's redesign this keyboard largely prevented me from purchasing one.

Is AppleCare available in your area? IMO it is worth purchasing.



If Apple products are super expensive in your area, you might be interested in the base m3/8gb/256ssd model + an NAS setup such as a Synology Diskstation to offload infrequently used files (but still giving you access to them no matter where you are in the world provided you have an internet connection.)

 

[AnrBjotk]

The size and the display is the things I love most about the MacBook. Sitting with the MacBook in the sofa writing this while watching TV and have something small and powerful like this is fantastic. And that it fits almost in all bags and is easy to hide in the car is so perfect.

The size really should be a bonus, not a handicap. Yet in my mind that's hard to process. Paying $1800 for what is basically an iPad (never owned a pad so no idea if they cost the same, but that's besides the point) seems strange for this old fuddy-duddy who felt he had to have a 15-inch in 2011.
So you think, I could break the bank and buy a 13-inch Pro for $2300 (which will make me broke for a long time). But then why pay $500 for one inch?
I keep going in circles.
I know I'll get used to it. I know it'll be a benefit in the long run. I know I'll hate to look at the MacBook Air (both in design and in screen quality). For my needs, which, again, is Netflix and Word, it's is perfect.

I wish I could borrow one home, have it on my lap and watch a video, then I'd know for sure.
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IMO the MacBook Air is the better device when one is used wired components or needs maximum battery life, where as the retina MacBook is the better device when one wants the ultimate in portability (and accepts the tradeoffs), or wants an ultra-light device with an outstanding screen. Both are good computers IMO, and both are so different that I feel Apple should continue to offer both of them. You may find you prefer one keyboard design so strongly over the other that this becomes a deciding factor in your decision.

You can see more on the MacBook screen that you can on the MacBook Air's screen by a huge margin. Further, you can read text that is far smaller, allowing you to fit more text on the screen at a given time and it still be legible. Going from a 15-inch Unibody to a 12-inch MB is simply going to be kind of a shock no matter what - your only option here is to jump into it, because it is going to be a comically significant difference any way you cut it. It's like getting into the pool the first time - it's just going to be cold at first. You will adapt, and you will probably come to really like the portability.

Just to verify, is the model you are looking at the 2017? I ask because the 2015/2016 MacBook, 2017 MacBook, and 2010-2017 MacBook Air all have different keyboards and you may or may not find a preference for one or more. For example, I do not like the 2015/2016 rMB keyboard, and until the 2017's redesign this keyboard largely prevented me from purchasing one.

Is AppleCare available in your area? IMO it is worth purchasing.

View attachment 735724

If Apple products are super expensive in your area, you might be interested in the base m3/8gb/256ssd model + an NAS setup such as a Synology Diskstation to offload infrequently used files (but still giving you access to them no matter where you are in the world provided you have an internet connection.)

As for the keyboard, that is not a deal breaker for me. I'll get used to whatever keyboard it is. Yes I'll have to re-learn typing and the shallow keys will be weird for a few days, but that's insignificant.

Yes, I should just jump into it. My rational mind says so. My impulsive, intuitive mind says this is too far. It's almost a social experiment or weird contemporary psychosis: Make everything tiny, like the "purse dogs". And that concept will change and soon they might release a MacBook with a 13 or even 15-inch screen and I'll feel like a moron.

Yes, it's the 2017 version.

Why do you recommend Apple Care?

 

[ZapNZs]

As for the keyboard, that is not a deal breaker for me. I'll get used to whatever keyboard it is. Yes I'll have to re-learn typing and the shallow keys will be weird for a few days, but that's insignificant.

Yes, I should just jump into it. My rational mind says so. My impulsive, intuitive mind says this is too far. It's almost a social experiment or weird contemporary psychosis: Make everything tiny, like the "purse dogs". And that concept will change and soon they might release a MacBook with a 13 or even 15-inch screen and I'll feel like a moron.

Yes, it's the 2017 version.

Why do you recommend Apple Care?

With the high cost of Macs in your area, I am guessing out-of-pocket repair pricing is ridiculous. Unlike your Unibody, the MBA, rMB, and retina MBPs are minimally user-serviceable and, when something breaks, it usually entails the replacement of an expensive part (such as the logic board.) Further, the rMB and MBP new keyboard design appears to be less durable than the keyboard on the machine you are replacing it with - out of pocket repairs could be expensive. This design is especially vulnerable to particles getting trapped under the keys, changing the feel/function, and if the User just presses down harder (rather than clearing the obstruction), it appears to be pretty likely to cause damage that may necessitate replacement. Finally, at least in the US, AppleCare now covers free battery replacement after your battery reaches 80% capacity, and the AC+ version also adds accidental damage protection, which I find to be a big benefit on a mobile device.

Where as I use a 15-inch MacBook Pro connected to 3 monitors as my at-home workstation, I could not see myself ever going for another MBA or MBP13 as my mobile machine (I have a MBA, and had a 13-inch MBP nTB), because of the rMB's superior portability. The one thing I cannot tell you is how the rMB works as one's only computer - for my personal needs, it would be insufficient - but again, that's in regards to my own usage situation so it would not necessarily apply to others.

 

[AnrBjotk]

With the high cost of Macs in your area, I am guessing out-of-pocket repair pricing is ridiculous. Unlike your Unibody, the MBA, rMB, and retina MBPs are minimally user-serviceable and, when something breaks, it usually entails the replacement of an expensive part (such as the logic board.) Further, the rMB and MBP new keyboard design appears to be less durable than the keyboard on the machine you are replacing it with - out of pocket repairs could be expensive. This design is especially vulnerable to particles getting trapped under the keys, changing the feel/function, and if the User just presses down harder (rather than clearing the obstruction), it appears to be pretty likely to cause damage that may necessitate replacement. Finally, at least in the US, AppleCare now covers free battery replacement after your battery reaches 80% capacity, and the AC+ version also adds accidental damage protection, which I find to be a big benefit on a mobile device.

Where as I use a 15-inch MacBook Pro connected to 3 monitors as my at-home workstation, I could not see myself ever going for another MBA or MBP13 as my mobile machine (I have a MBA, and had a 13-inch MBP nTB), because of the rMB's superior portability. The one thing I cannot tell you is how the rMB works as one's only computer - for my personal needs, it would be insufficient - but again, that's in regards to my own usage situation so it would not necessarily apply to others.

Woooah! What?! The new MacBooks keyboard is inferior? That's my only pet peeve with my MBP, that the keys kept getting loose and needing replacement.

As for Apple Care. The thing is I've always bought my Mac directly from Apple. This time I wont, because the MB is $2100 at Apple and $1800 at a reliable hardware online retailer. Not sure what that'll mean for warranties and whatnot, but I'll have to find out.
Is Apple Care expencive?

Shizz... So you're saying that the MB is too small to be my only computer? Would you say that the MBA is too? Because my partner has one and it seems more than fine for all uses... Does that one inch make such a difference?

 

[maerz001]

Cool down. There are thousands of people without problems and using as a only machine.

Order from Apple. Test it two weeks and send it back if u find a better deal

 

[AnrBjotk]

Cool down. There are thousands of people without problems and using as a only machine.

Order from Apple. Test it two weeks and send it back if u find a better deal

Thanks

 

[jbs-horn]

I have owned an 11” MBA, a 13” MBA, and now own a 12” RMB, the 2016 model with the m5 and 512GB. I use the computer for drafting legal documents, some complex, some not, as well as email, calendar, and remoting into my office computer when I’m on the road.

The deal-breaker for the 2 MBAs was the screen. Because of my presbyopia, the 11” screen was almost impossible for me to read. The 13” was better, but still lacked definition. I am tolerant of pixelation, but the characters were hard to read and caused considerable eye fatigue when used more than a few minutes at a time.

The RMB, on the other hand, has a screen that is smaller than the 13” MBA but much easier to read. I get excellent battery life and fairly easily adapted to the shallow keyboard. The one issue I have had with the computer was that several keys on the top row of the keyboard (volume controls and mute) stopped working. It was repaired under warranty by replacing the keyboard and top cover. The repair facility advised me to get AppleCare before the warranty expired because the keyboards were proving to be a problem. I’ve had no issues in the six months since. I also have no particular need for extra ports - I have a three-way adapter for USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI that has handled everything I need ports for.

 

[AnrBjotk]

I have owned an 11” MBA, a 13” MBA, and now own a 12” RMB, the 2016 model with the m5 and 512GB. I use the computer for drafting legal documents, some complex, some not, as well as email, calendar, and remoting into my office computer when I’m on the road.

The deal-breaker for the 2 MBAs was the screen. Because of my presbyopia, the 11” screen was almost impossible for me to read. The 13” was better, but still lacked definition. I am tolerant of pixelation, but the characters were hard to read and caused considerable eye fatigue when used more than a few minutes at a time.

The RMB, on the other hand, has a screen that is smaller than the 13” MBA but much easier to read. I get excellent battery life and fairly easily adapted to the shallow keyboard. The one issue I have had with the computer was that several keys on the top row of the keyboard (volume controls and mute) stopped working. It was repaired under warranty by replacing the keyboard and top cover. The repair facility advised me to get AppleCare before the warranty expired because the keyboards were proving to be a problem. I’ve had no issues in the six months since. I also have no particular need for extra ports - I have a three-way adapter for USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI that has handled everything I need ports for.

Thank. Starting to worry about the keyboard now, since I type alot and I've had problems with my current one. But I guess as long as it's covered by Apple Care and maybe it's fixed on the 2017 model (if it was a known issue).

My key question, again and again is: Does the size of the screen make any difference in relation to the MBA? Is it just scaled down to 12" or does it struggle somehow (like trying to fit too many plates on a small table)?

 

[maerz001]

Thank. Starting to worry about the keyboard now, since I type alot and I've had problems with my current one. But I guess as long as it's covered by Apple Care and maybe it's fixed on the 2017 model (if it was a known issue).

My key question, again and again is: Does the size of the screen make any difference in relation to the MBA? Is it just scaled down to 12" or does it struggle somehow (like trying to fit too many plates on a small table)?

It's scaled down to 900p like the Air.

But Please understand: U won't find the answer here.
It's like asking is the color spacegrey the right one or silver. It's very personal and humans adapt to new things fast.That's why there are so many different versions on the market. And not only for MacBooks. U have now 4 different iPhone sizes, 4 diff iPads, iMacs and so on. If one would be the best there would not be a reason to build the other ones.

That's why I told u to try it. U have nothing to loose. Apple offers an extended return period during the holidays, and as of today, the new return period is in effect. Most products and accessories purchased between November 15 and December 25, 2017, will be eligible for return until January 8, 2018 in countries that include the United States, Australia, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Japan.

 

[jbs-horn]

The specific answer to AnrBjotk’s question is that the desktop is scaled to fit the screen. There are some alternative settings that make things a tad larger, but I find the default settings to work just fine, better than any setting I was able to find for the MBA.

 

[ZapNZs]

Woooah! What?! The new MacBooks keyboard is inferior?

It's more problem prone. From a perspective of liking it, that's totally subjective and can become a polarizing topic. As noted, many (myself included) have NOT had issues. But the frequency of those reporting issues are higher with the newer design than they were the older. That, combined with you having had keyboard issues previously, combined with the poor repairability, in my opinion, justifies AppleCare. However, that's just my personal opinion.

 

[AnrBjotk]

It's scaled down to 900p like the Air.

But Please understand: U won't find the answer here.
It's like asking is the color spacegrey the right one or silver. It's very personal and humans adapt to new things fast.That's why there are so many different versions on the market. And not only for MacBooks. U have now 4 different iPhone sizes, 4 diff iPads, iMacs and so on. If one would be the best there would not be a reason to build the other ones.

That's why I told u to try it. U have nothing to loose. Apple offers an extended return period during the holidays, and as of today, the new return period is in effect. Most products and accessories purchased between November 15 and December 25, 2017, will be eligible for return until January 8, 2018 in countries that include the United States, Australia, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Thank you. I know. I know it's a personal preferance and not an objective truth. It's just that I'm so unsure and several youtube-reviews mention the 12-inch not being suitable for a primary computer, or rather, it being recommended as a secondary computer for on-the-go tasks. Like an iPad.
Yet it is the MacBook, i.e. the basic Mac laptop with the Pro as more a luxury model. It supposed to be the regular version without bells and whistles.

I know I'm basically asking you to justify the purchase for me, and tying your hands by saying the MBA is out of the question because of design and the MBP out because for price. But that is the truth. I only have one option left when all others are eliminated...

 

[maerz001]

So than u made ur choice. Congratulations

I used the Air for 5 years which was fine and now the MB for 1 year which is even better. I also had the same feeling that it's to small in the store. But as for u the MBP was too much money and I like the wedge shape much more cos it's more ergonomic to type.

I adapted to the smaller screen really fast and know when I see the Air, it seems so outdated.

But it's really personal. And friends who see the MB ask me how I can be even productive on this machine.
But it's fine for me. I do even 3D design on this thing. It's my only computer. I even sold my iPad cos I wasn't using it anymore with the MB

 

[MacRazySwe]

I find myself in the exact same boat. I really like the concept of the MacBook, but it’s just too small (for me).

Here’s the deal, the 12” MacBook is not really 12 inches. It’s 11.88”.

The 13” MacBook Air/Pro is not really 13 inches. It’s 13.3”.

So in the end, you’re looking at a fairly large diagonal difference between the two. For me, the problem is the vertical space of the MacBooks display. It’s possibly even smaller than my 9.7” iPad in portrait mode.

If Apple made a 13.3” MacBook, I would be all over it. Unfortunately they don’t, so I might have to get one of the new Pro’s, or a good old MacBook Air.

 

[EugW]

I find myself in the exact same boat. I really like the concept of the MacBook, but it’s just too small (for me).

Here’s the deal, the 12” MacBook is not really 12 inches. It’s 11.88”.

The 13” MacBook Air/Pro is not really 13 inches. It’s 13.3”.

So in the end, you’re looking at a fairly large diagonal difference between the two. For me, the problem is the vertical space of the MacBooks display. It’s possibly even smaller than my 9.7” iPad in portrait mode.

If Apple made a 13.3” MacBook, I would be all over it. Unfortunately they don’t, so I might have to get one of the new Pro’s, or a good old MacBook Air.

I find for a portable machine, the 13.3" is a bit too big, in that it's annoying to use in tight spaces, like economy class on planes.

But then again, my MacBook is mainly just my portable machine (and occasional couch surfer), as I use a dual 27" screen iMac as my main machine.

 

[AnrBjotk]

So than u made ur choice. Congratulations

I used the Air for 5 years which was fine and now the MB for 1 year which is even better. I also had the same feeling that it's to small in the store. But as for u the MBP was too much money and I like the wedge shape much more cos it's more ergonomic to type.

I adapted to the smaller screen really fast and know when I see the Air, it seems so outdated.

But it's really personal. And friends who see the MB ask me how I can be even productive on this machine.
But it's fine for me. I do even 3D design on this thing. It's my only computer. I even sold my iPad cos I wasn't using it anymore with the MB

I have made my choice... well, sort of. One last trip to the Apple store (my fourth) and I'll be sure (Thank there are three Apple stores here. They'd thin k I was mental)

Do you stream shows on yr MB?
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I find myself in the exact same boat. I really like the concept of the MacBook, but it’s just too small (for me).

Here’s the deal, the 12” MacBook is not really 12 inches. It’s 11.88”.

The 13” MacBook Air/Pro is not really 13 inches. It’s 13.3”.

So in the end, you’re looking at a fairly large diagonal difference between the two. For me, the problem is the vertical space of the MacBooks display. It’s possibly even smaller than my 9.7” iPad in portrait mode.

If Apple made a 13.3” MacBook, I would be all over it. Unfortunately they don’t, so I might have to get one of the new Pro’s, or a good old MacBook Air.

If I was content with 215GB (or whatever) the MB and MBP would be the same price, but with 512GB the price difference here is $750 so not that easy a choice.

 

[AnrBjotk]

Will the MB 12-inch last as long as my old MBP (which is 5 years)? Or will it have a shorter life span?

I'm a little worried after having read that the MB is very proned to issues if hair and crumbs get stuck under its shallow keys. This was a problem with my MBP. I recently tried to fix my broken e-key and discovered, after five years, a disgusting amount of hairs trapped under the key, even under the lill' plastic skeleton and stretching under several keys. Yuck. But I guess it just means being vigilant...