So confused between 2019 MacBook Pro and Air

[akash.nu]

Just did a price comparison between the new MacBook Pro and Air models. I need a new laptop.

Given the price difference is only £200. I’m not sure if I should just go with the Pro. What would you do?

For context, if it helps. I’m in the software development industry and often need to run Xcode and Android studio side by side while having 10+ tabs open on multiple safari instances. Plus other apps like outlook, slack, chrome, iMessage and various others from time to time.

 

[maflynn]

The MBA with a slower processor, slower iGPU and lack of P3 gamut but longer lasting battery. The laptop imo, is geared for the road warrior who needs better battery over performance.

 

[fokmik]

If you go base MBP 1.4ghz i guess even the battery life will the same since its 15W, same 2 ports...so its hard to tell, but quad core vs dual core it will be the difference and the iGPU
So for just 200 more go with the pro

 

[Weaselboy]

https://9to5mac.com/2019/07/10/2019-macbook-air-macbook-pro-comparison/

I ran across this comparison this morning that might help you decide. If it was me, I'd go for the Pro for the small price bump.

 

[fokmik]

So better performance in cpu+gpu
Almost same battery life since this one is 15W
Better BT 5.0
Better display
Better cooling solution

 

[elite953]

for heavy duty applications, macbook pro is the best choice. if you intend to run safari with multiple tabs, watching 1080p movies, macbook air will do the job

 

[pcd213]

I think it's pretty darn simple.

• Buy the MBP if you value processor speed, screen brightness, color accuracy, more USB-C ports, or the touch bar
• Buy the MBA if you value battery life, a physical function keys, or a bit of savings

I think you really get a lot for that extra $200 so, to me, it would be worth it. Based on what you've told us that you'll be working on, I think that $200 difference is very much worth it, but that's your decision to make.

 

[YonTom]

I think it's pretty darn simple.

• Buy the MBP if you value processor speed, screen brightness, color accuracy, more USB-C ports, or the touch bar
• Buy the MBA if you value battery life, a physical function keys, or a bit of savings

I think you really get a lot for that extra $200 so, to me, it would be worth it. Based on what you've told us that you'll be working on, I think that $200 difference is very much worth it, but that's your decision to make.

Actually, it seems like the new base MBP 13" beats the MBA in terms of battery life, and not by a short margin.

 

[pcd213]

Actually, it seems like the new base MBP 13" beats the MBA in terms of battery life, and not by a short margin.

Wow, I'm shocked. This is in stark contrast to Apple's numbers (MBP's 10 hrs vs the MBA's 12 hrs).

 

[YonTom]

Wow, I'm shocked. This is in stark contrast to Apple's numbers (MBP's 10 hrs vs the MBA's 12 hrs).

I know! Insane battery life used to be the MBA trademark, but it has taken a hit with the Retina display. My MBA 2014 had much better battery life than my MBA 2018. I am actually thinking of selling it and getting the new base MBP.

 

[maflynn]

but it has taken a hit with the Retina display.

There's the rub, people were chiming for years for a retina based MBA (rightly so), and now with the display and trying to keep the same slender shape, its hard to maintain great battery life. Its still a nice machine for a group of users but the 13" MBP seems like a better machine over all - just my $.02

 

[akash.nu]

The overwhelming positive response in favour of the Pro definitely makes sense. Thanks guys. Pro is it for me. I wonder if there’s a chance of the keyboard changes in the near future though. I’m not too excited about the butterfly keys.

 

[kindaichi81]

Just did a price comparison between the new MacBook Pro and Air models. I need a new laptop.

Given the price difference is only £200. I’m not sure if I should just go with the Pro. What would you do?

For context, if it helps. I’m in the software development industry and often need to run Xcode and Android studio side by side while having 10+ tabs open on multiple safari instances. Plus other apps like outlook, slack, chrome, iMessage and various others from time to time.

No brained MacBook Pro.

 

[Systra72]

The overwhelming positive response in favour of the Pro definitely makes sense. Thanks guys. Pro is it for me. I wonder if there’s a chance of the keyboard changes in the near future though. I’m not too excited about the butterfly keys.

The SSD is what is wrong with the base 13-inch MBP. Not only is it small, it is very slow too (can very well be left over parts from 2011). So choose the 256GB if you can.

 

[akash.nu]

The SSD is what is wrong with the base 13-inch MBP. Not only is it small, it is very slow too (can very well be left over parts from 2011). So choose the 256GB if you can.

I’m going with 512GB. I already have a 256GB at present and got hardly 20GB left.

 

[fate0311]

The SSD is what is wrong with the base 13-inch MBP. Not only is it small, it is very slow too (can very well be left over parts from 2011). So choose the 256GB if you can.

I'm not sure anyone in the market for the baseline is going to be crutched by the lower SSD speeds. However from a value stand point and where we are today then yes the speeds are a bit aggravating.

It is a pretty cheap route into a quad core, can't really complain.

 

[pcd213]

The overwhelming positive response in favour of the Pro definitely makes sense. Thanks guys. Pro is it for me. I wonder if there’s a chance of the keyboard changes in the near future though. I’m not too excited about the butterfly keys.

Well, yes, they're definitely moving to a scissor keyboard, but they'll likely release it on the 16" model to start and then it will trickle down to the 13" MBP (or a new 14" model?) in late 2020 or in 2021. Being that they screwed the pooch on this keyboard, I wouldn't even buy that new 16" model on day one. I'd give it a year to ensure that there are no reliability issues and that the general public enjoys it. So, that said, if you buy a 2019 (or even a 2018 refurbished model) now, keep that until 2021 or 2022 and then upgrade to the newer models. By that point, I'm sure we'll all find something new to hate on with the new models and that's what we'll be blabbing about here. The cycle really never ends.

 

[akash.nu]

Just wanted to update. Ordered the 13" MacBook Pro. Upgraded the RAM to 16GB and SSD to 512GB.

 

[tranceking26]

Sounds to me like you made the right purchase. Hope everything suits your needs.

I was going to say for such a small price difference go for the Pro.

 

[kp98077]

Pro for sure! I'd try and go for the 2.4 which was on special at Best Buy if you are in the USA was $1599! I can tell a difference between the 1.4 and 2.4 not so much in speed, but build quality, even though they are 'suppose' to be the same...

 

[xb2003]

Dual core CPUs are still very passable in many situations, but I just don't see near as much value in the Air as I do in the Pro. The Air used to be quite a bit smaller and lighter than the comparable Pro, but the difference more or less negligible IMO. I'd argue that the battery life difference isn't enough to truly be an advantage/disadvantage for MOST people; if you have to carry a charger for one, you will have to for the other. And the Pro has some nice features.

The Air's main selling point is the cheaper price.

 

[kindaichi81]

Just wanted to update. Ordered the 13" MacBook Pro. Upgraded the RAM to 16GB and SSD to 512GB.

Very future proof configuration.
[doublepost=1563688857][/doublepost]

Just did a price comparison between the new MacBook Pro and Air models. I need a new laptop.

Given the price difference is only £200. I’m not sure if I should just go with the Pro. What would you do?

For context, if it helps. I’m in the software development industry and often need to run Xcode and Android studio side by side while having 10+ tabs open on multiple safari instances. Plus other apps like outlook, slack, chrome, iMessage and various others from time to time.

Dun buy MacBook Air. Totally not worth it.

 

[torana355]

The Pro is the better buy no doubt about it. I got a 2018 Macbook Air a few weeks before the base model pro was refreshed, im still happy as I don't like the touch bar but if I was buying a laptop today it would be the pro.

 

[kp98077]

Very future proof configuration.
[doublepost=1563688857][/doublepost]

Dun buy MacBook Air. Totally not worth it.

Yes PRO for sure !!
[doublepost=1563690087][/doublepost]

The Pro is the better buy no doubt about it. I got a 2018 Macbook Air a few weeks before the base model pro was refreshed, im still happy as I don't like the touch bar but if I was buying a laptop today it would be the pro.

Did u get the Best Buy deal $1599? Die the 2.4

 

[bige12]

I'm also a little confused to me the 2019 13 niche MacBook Air & 2019 13 nich Macbook Pro are about the same computer. since they mainly all of the same ports but the only difference is the Air has the 12 physical function keys, and Pro has the touch bar.

i think i'm also going to get the pro