Torn between Air M2 and Pro 14 - Any news on the horizon?

[Technerd108]

I think my responses to your opinions have been as respectful and consice as I can make them.

I am sorry if you don't understand. My point about not being an Apple engineer is to simply be transparent that all of us on this forum are not privy to the information that an engineer has and none of us work for Apple and that I personally would defer to their level of expertise over my opinion.

Also I have explained my points about structural rigidity in detail and I don't see any rebuttal to my statements just dismissal of what I say.

However it doesn't invalidate the points I made that continue to be overlooked.

I would think by now complaints would be commonplace if there were issues with the build quality of the M2 MBA and there really aren't any in this area. Instead most people say who solid the device feels including people who have owned M1 MBP and the M2 MBA and some who actually own both.

 

[whizkid11]

Are you kidding? The sides of either are not even close to those measurements. The port depth has nothing to do with the thickness of the aluminum.

Even if the sides were thicker (which they aren't) it's not enough to preclude the horizontal panels flexing any less.

tried both multiple times, both feel just fine. Ones just thicker and heavier, good luck with this though

Exactly. Same aluminum.

 

[Technerd108]

So MBA M2 is faster than MBP 14" but it is not faster than MBP 14".
Honestly when I've been testing MBA M2 I did not notice it being noticeable faster in anything. Actually often demo models felt laggy due to lot of apps open but I closed them and tried more without seeing the "fastness".


Sure, if your tasks need no more than few seconds bursts but as soon as you start to push it, active cooling comes in handy. I notice huge difference in my MBP 14" compared to my previous MBA M1 and Mini M1, even they should be based in this MBA M2 faster logic being as fast.

And yes a newer processor can be faster than an older one, specially in single core while the older processor with more cores will have a higher multi core. Both sets of data can be true at the same time.

An opinion of a base model demo unit is not a good example.

Throttling is a non issue and an exaggerated claim made when people use the air for extremely demanding workloads it was not designed for and can be mitigated with a $20 laptop cooler if you must push it beyond its design capacity.

 

[nStyle]

Surprisingly I didn’t see anyone mention that the 14” Pro was $1599 recently for at least a week. At that price, it’s a no brainer to go with the Pro, especially if you configure the M2 Air with 16GB of RAM. Even if you don’t, it’s still only a $100-200 difference.

I like the thinnest and lightest machine as much as the next guy but you’re getting an overall much faster rig with a much better screen and better speakers.

The M2 Air is an excellent machine I just don’t think it’s priced right when the M1 Pro goes on extreme discount from time to time. Maybe we’ll see sub $1k on the base M2 Air soon.

 

[1BadManVan]

Surprisingly I didn’t see anyone mention that the 14” Pro was $1599 recently for at least a week. At that price, it’s a no brainer to go with the Pro, especially if you configure the M2 Air with 16GB of RAM. Even if you don’t, it’s still only a $100-200 difference.

I like the thinnest and lightest machine as much as the next guy but you’re getting an overall much faster rig with a much better screen and better speakers.

The M2 Air is an excellent machine I just don’t think it’s priced right when the M1 Pro goes on extreme discount from time to time. Maybe we’ll see sub $1k on the base M2 Air soon.

you haven't been around here much then because thats all the pro lovers seem to wanna say.

 

[nStyle]

you haven't been around here much then because thats all the pro lovers seem to wanna say.

I don‘t see any mention of it in this thread which I find strange. Slightly irrelevant now since the sale is over but the thread has been going on during the sale.

 

[1BadManVan]

I don‘t see any mention of it in this thread which I find strange. Slightly irrelevant now since the sale is over but the thread has been going on during the sale.

post #7 and wasn't mentioned much more in this particular thread because the OP doesn't live in the US

 

[Technerd108]

I don‘t see any mention of it in this thread which I find strange.

There are tons of threads where literally that is all that is mentioned. MBP 14" $1599 better deal than M2 MBA because of xyz. This thread may have gone off topic by some posting that the MBA is flimsy compared to the MBP 14" and as mentioned above it is not applicable to OP.

 

[whizkid11]

Surprisingly I didn’t see anyone mention that the 14” Pro was $1599 recently for at least a week. At that price, it’s a no brainer to go with the Pro, especially if you configure the M2 Air with 16GB of RAM. Even if you don’t, it’s still only a $100-200 difference.

I like the thinnest and lightest machine as much as the next guy but you’re getting an overall much faster rig with a much better screen and better speakers.

The M2 Air is an excellent machine I just don’t think it’s priced right when the M1 Pro goes on extreme discount from time to time. Maybe we’ll see sub $1k on the base M2 Air soon.

Both machines serve different functions. Depends on what you’re using it for. I sure wouldn’t want to carry around a 14 pro when the M2 Air is sufficient for my needs. The Air keyboard is more tactile, too.

Then again, I do have both but use the Air daily and take it with me more than the pro. 16 gb of RAM, silent, and no heat buildup while multitasking. Love it.

 

[nStyle]

Both machines serve different functions.

Not really. They do the same things, one just does those things better.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb.

 

[Technerd108]

Not really. They do the same things, one just does those things better.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb.

So people who buy a M2 MBA are dumb?

 

[nStyle]

post #7 and wasn't mentioned much more in this particular thread because the OP doesn't live in the US

Ah I seemed to have missed that. Dude literally paid $100 more for an M2 Air. Alright I’m clearly not going to fit in here, I didn’t realize people were so obsessed with the thinnest and lightest thing at all costs.

 

[nStyle]

So people who buy a M2 MBA are dumb?

No, but people who misconstrue statements and pay more for worse specs might be.

 

[Technerd108]

No, but people who misconstrue statements and pay more for worse specs might be.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb.

Your statement was pretty clear and seems like an insult but what do I know I must be dumb.

 

[nStyle]

I didn’t say ”anyone who buys a M2 Air is dumb”. Clearly there are situations where it makes sense.

 

[Technerd108]

Not really. They do the same things, one just does those things better.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb.

No, but people who misconstrue statements and pay more for worse specs might be.

I didn’t say ”anyone who buys a M2 Air is dumb”. Clearly there are situations where it makes sense.

Hmm? I guess I made a mistake then?

 

[nStyle]

Ok I can’t believe I have to type this out but I suppose I will for posterity.

MBP 14” was on sale for $1599

At the same time if you configured the M2 Air with 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM you’re looking at $1699.

Paying $100 more for an objectively worse performing machine is dumb in my opinion.

Again, this info is all aligning with the fact that this thread has been going on during the sale.

OP obviously is considering the Pro thus I assume he would benefit form the extra storage and RAM and the slightly heavier and thicker machine isn’t going to break his back.

If you’re not someone who needs a more spec’d out machine then the M2 Air can be had for a lot less money in many cases. In those cases, it makes a lot of sense to get the M2 Air.

I didn’t know OP wasn’t in the US as it isn’t made clear in the OP so whatever but the point still stands for anyone reading who could take advantage of the recent sales or potentially one in the future.

Again, I think the M2 Air is a great machine, it just doesn’t make as much sense at a certain price.

 

[Technerd108]

Ok I can’t believe I have to type this out but I suppose I will for posterity.

MBP 14” was on sale for $1599

At the same time if you configured the M2 Air with 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM you’re looking at $1699.

Paying $100 more for an objectively worse performing machine is dumb in my opinion.

Again, this info is all aligning with the fact that this thread has been going on during the sale.

OP obviously is considering the Pro thus I assume he would benefit form the extra storage and RAM and the slightly heavier and thicker machine isn’t going to break his back.

If you’re not someone who needs a more spec’d out machine then the M2 Air can be had for a lot less money in many cases. In those cases, it makes a lot of sense to get the M2 Air.

I didn’t know OP wasn’t in the US as it isn’t made clear in the OP so whatever but the point still stands for anyone reading who could take advantage of the recent sales or potentially one in the future.

Again, I think the M2 Air is a great machine, it just doesn’t make as much sense at a certain price.

Not really. They do the same things, one just does those things better.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb.

No, but people who misconstrue statements and pay more for worse specs might be.

I didn’t say ”anyone who buys a M2 Air is dumb”. Clearly there are situations where it makes sense.

Well the middle statement is what you started with. So maybe it was just how you wrote it that I was confused?

 

[nStyle]

Well the middle statement is what you started with. So maybe it was just how you wrote it that I was confused?

That statement still stands on its own. It does not translate at all to “buying an M2 Air is for dummies”

 

[Technerd108]

That statement still stands on its own. It does not translate at all to “buying an M2 Air is for dummies”

"Not really. They do the same things, one just does those things better.

I’m not gonna fault anyone for wanting thin and light but paying more for worse specs is objectively kinda dumb."

It kind of does though? It is certainly implied.

 

[nStyle]

Look man, enjoy your spec’d out M2 Air. I’m sure it’s a great machine. I’m sure the M1 Pro was more expensive at the time. If it wasn’t, then still, enjoy your Air. I can tell the keyboard is working great at least. Have a good one.

 

[Technerd108]

Look man, enjoy your spec’d out M2 Air. I’m sure it’s a great machine. I’m sure the M1 Pro was more expensive at the time. If it wasn’t, then still, enjoy your Air. I can tell the keyboard is working great at least. Have a good one.

Have a great night as well.

 

[whizkid11]

I see multiple people who actually own the M2 MBA say it is not "flimsy" or has poor structural integrity and one person who does not own the device in question arguing with multiple people over and over again always struggling to have the last word whether or not the last response means anything.

The points being made about the supposed lack of thickness of the sidewall do not even make sense as everything is designed proportionally to the size, weight, and thickness of the device. Apple engineers did not suddenly make a mistake on the frame of the M2 MBA. It is a surprisingly solid laptop specially when the design is taken into consideration.

Looking at this thread there is only one person going round and round......

But again everyone has their own perceptions and if one person has an opinion that is fine and I respect it but it does not make their opinion objectifiable truth.

Exactly. The thickness of the chassis is a moot point. Theoretically, a thicker chassis with the same exact aluminum would make the Pro less rigid and more bendable according to his nonsense.

 

[Technerd108]

As I understand it. The rigidity of a laptop has to do with many factors including the thickness or gauge of the aluminum or what ever material the laptop is made from.

A laptop like the MBP 14" and 16" should have a thicker gauge aluminum because they are bigger and thicker. The hollow space inside the laptop is a point of stress. The larger that space the thicker the aluminum has to be based on volume and weight.

Since the M2 MBA has a much smaller amount of internal volume and smaller dimensions, along with weight and thickness the gauge of the aluminum cane made much thinner while still exhibiting the exact same rigidity.

To say that because the M1 MBP has a thicker gauge aluminum and therefore it is stronger is not an accurate statement. The amount of aluminum is also going to vary by the factors I mentioned above.

So a larger laptop will have both a thicker gauge aluminum and more overall material while a smaller laptop based on size and volume will have a proportionally smaller gauge aluminum and less material overall.

What was being said about less material and sidewall gauge was a completely inaccurate and misleading metric. Rigidity is not only based on the above but also the design and angles of the frame.

Unless you are a structural engineer and could use a computer to do complex calculations to incorporate all of the above variables looking at the thickness of a device is almost meaningless. Apple obviously uses CAD and other computers to measure the exact gauge and thickness and overall material needed to make a device that is both thin and rigid.

I have had many laptops by many brands using multiple materials like kevlar, magnesium and aluminum. The design like having a unibody construction or having a frame with a skin over it make a huge difference. The type of material makes a huge difference. And on and on.

I would also consider the fact that the M2 MBA is a more portable device made without fans so it is designed to be handled much more than a "Pro" device is and as such it should be designed to be more durable because of that fact. The fact that something is thinner and lighter does not make it weaker which is what others have been implying.

 

[Technerd108]

Both machines serve different functions. Depends on what you’re using it for. I sure wouldn’t want to carry around a 14 pro when the M2 Air is sufficient for my needs. The Air keyboard is more tactile, too.

Then again, I do have both but use the Air daily and take it with me more than the pro. 16 gb of RAM, silent, and no heat buildup while multitasking. Love it.

I think this post sums everything up pretty well.

Since you have both devices side by side you would be able to tell if there was one device more rigid than another better than most people on these forums making up talking points based on scant information or perceptions of seeing a demo model or of a colleagues device.

You have no reason to exaggerate since you actually own an M1 MBP and an M2 MBA and you would be able to tell the strengths and weaknesses of both more than your average person who may own one or the other.