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heyyitssusan

macrumors 601
Original poster
Feb 9, 2014
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I have a 2016 MBP now with NTB (non Touch Bar). I am liking the pricing of the new models of the MBP, but I’ve realized I don’t use my MBP for anything but basic web browsing, media consumption, etc.

Now the only dilemma I’m facing is that the MBP base model is $1299 and the MBA base is $1099. So about $200 difference.. my thing is, should I shell out the $200 and get a MBP or does the new MBA do everything I need it to without slowing down, lagging, etc?
 
I recently bought an Air for light use such as yours and it runs perfect with no lag. Keep an eye out for Best Buy sales as they have literally been on sale weekly since the update in June. I picked up the base for $899.

I've sometimes second guessed my decision to get the Air over the Pro (could have got the base Pro for $1099) but do realize that for my usage even with only a $200 difference (and sale price), it would have been a waste of money. From what I can tell I gave up a slightly better screen and the Touch Bar, neither of which would have really made much of a difference for me and the extra power of the Pro would have gone unnoticed.

I expect this will run well for years with basic usage.
 
I recently bought an Air for light use such as yours and it runs perfect with no lag. Keep an eye out for Best Buy sales as they have literally been on sale weekly since the update in June. I picked up the base for $899.

I've sometimes second guessed my decision to get the Air over the Pro (could have got the base Pro for $1099) but do realize that for my usage even with only a $200 difference (and sale price), it would have been a waste of money. From what I can tell I gave up a slightly better screen and the Touch Bar, neither of which would have really made much of a difference for me and the extra power of the Pro would have gone unnoticed.

I expect this will run well for years with basic usage.

Thanks for the input. Yeah, the Pro is nice and all, but I've come to realize that I am not using any of the extra power. In this case, I will keep an eye out on Black Friday and just sell my Pro and grab the air. $899 is a great deal.
 
Genuine question, for your usage the existing laptop should be more than adequate, why are you looking to buy a new device?
 
Genuine question, for your usage the existing laptop should be more than adequate, why are you looking to buy a new device?

I like it, but the keyboard is a bit iffy at times and whatnot, so just exploring my options I guess
 
I like it, but the keyboard is a bit iffy at times and whatnot, so just exploring my options I guess

Could just be dirt under the keyboard. I’ll be honest, it seems a bit of waste of money to buy a new laptop for your usage. Especially when you’ve already got a fairly new device from 2016. My MacBook Air from 2013 served me until earlier this year without any issues at all. I had to replace it with the new 2019 MacBook Pro just because the processor just couldn’t keep up anymore with my requirement.

I mean at the end of the day it’s your money so whatever you feel right but if it’s related to usage then I’d suggest to just get the keyboard cleaned / replaced and carry on using the laptop. Good luck.
 
Could just be dirt under the keyboard. I’ll be honest, it seems a bit of waste of money to buy a new laptop for your usage. Especially when you’ve already got a fairly new device from 2016. My MacBook Air from 2013 served me until earlier this year without any issues at all. I had to replace it with the new 2019 MacBook Pro just because the processor just couldn’t keep up anymore with my requirement.

I mean at the end of the day it’s your money so whatever you feel right but if it’s related to usage then I’d suggest to just get the keyboard cleaned / replaced and carry on using the laptop. Good luck.

That actually might be a good idea. Thanks for the wise words, akash!
 
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I am in the market for a new notebook and was looking at the MBA and MBP. I watched some videos and saw many people using Final Cut Pro on the MBA. If they can run Final Cut Pro on the Air, then that machine should be plenty adequate for my needs. I had no idea the MBA could handle that app.
 
I am in the market for a new notebook and was looking at the MBA and MBP. I watched some videos and saw many people using Final Cut Pro on the MBA. If they can run Final Cut Pro on the Air, then that machine should be plenty adequate for my needs. I had no idea the MBA could handle that app.

The 2019 MacBook Air is plenty powerful for day to day use with occasional heavy use.
 
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Could just be dirt under the keyboard. I’ll be honest, it seems a bit of waste of money to buy a new laptop for your usage. Especially when you’ve already got a fairly new device from 2016. My MacBook Air from 2013 served me until earlier this year without any issues at all. I had to replace it with the new 2019 MacBook Pro just because the processor just couldn’t keep up anymore with my requirement.

I mean at the end of the day it’s your money so whatever you feel right but if it’s related to usage then I’d suggest to just get the keyboard cleaned / replaced and carry on using the laptop. Good luck.
I completely agree. No need for her to replace the current MBP. My 2013 MBP does all and more that I ask of it and is of a better quality than the current offerings.
 
I looked online and it looks like my MBP has the anti reflective coating repair program and the battery replacement program. I think once I get those repaired, I’ll be set.

Thanks for changing my mind guys!!
 
I looked online and it looks like my MBP has the anti reflective coating repair program and the battery replacement program. I think once I get those repaired, I’ll be set.

Thanks for changing my mind guys!!

That’s good news. Enjoy your newly revamped device.
 
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