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Unable to decide about 2013 or 2014 model

S

sanjayhk7

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 22, 2014
2
0
I am planning to buy a MBA 13 inch model probably by the end of this month. The 2013 model costs 40 dollars lesser than the 2014 model. Which model should i opt for? I ve also heard that the 2014 model has a slower ssd.
 
sanjayhk7 said:
I am planning to buy a MBA 13 inch model probably by the end of this month. The 2013 model costs 40 dollars lesser than the 2014 model. Which model should i opt for?
Click to expand...

To save just $40? I'd probably go with the new model, you get a slight speed boost. Unless you're looking at the upgraded i7 unit, then save $40 and buy the 2013. Both the mid 2013 and early 2014 i7 models have the same 1.7GHz processor, and all the other specs are the same too.

I ve also heard that the 2014 model has a slower ssd.
Click to expand...

That isn't true. The blogs simply assumed that it had a slower SSD based on a few tests. All the geeks got worked up and spread the misinformation as if it were a fact.

https://www.macrumors.com/2014/05/06/ssd-2014-macbook-air-same/

The 2013 and 2014 models use the same SSDs and have the same performance. The speed of the SSD is determined by the manufacturer.
 
sanjayhk7 said:
I am planning to buy a MBA 13 inch model probably by the end of this month. The 2013 model costs 40 dollars lesser than the 2014 model. Which model should i opt for? I ve also heard that the 2014 model has a slower ssd.
Click to expand...

There is virtually no noticeable difference in performance between the two. If 40 dollars is all you are saving I'd go ahead and get the 2014. You will more than make up for the 40 bucks when you go to sell it in a few years and even if you don't, you know you have the newest model.

That being said, depending on where you live there may be some much better deals floating around for the 2013 model. I have seen it as much as 200 dollars cheaper than the 2014 with sales/student discounts/etc.

Regardless of which you choose, you will have a great machine.
 
In the UK, you can save £150-£400 on MacBooks if you buy standard configs from Amazon instead of directly from Apple.

I presume some hefty savings also apply in the US...
 
sanjayhk7 said:
I am planning to buy a MBA 13 inch model probably by the end of this month. The 2013 model costs 40 dollars lesser than the 2014 model. Which model should i opt for? I ve also heard that the 2014 model has a slower ssd.
Click to expand...
you are kidding right?
 
The models are basically the same. The SSD speed variation is due to possible change in manufacturers, but you may get the fastest version. Of course I would challenge you notice the difference in day to day use.
 
Steve121178 said:
In the UK, you can save £150-£400 on MacBooks if you buy standard configs from Amazon instead of directly from Apple.
I presume some hefty savings also apply in the US...
Click to expand...
Same in germany. Thats why I always advocate the standard configurations.
Funny thing: the 2014 is 100€ cheaper than the 2013 here.
 
IMHO, get the cheapest one. In the real world you won't notice a difference in speed due to the very small speed bump. As far as SSD speed, as has been said earlier, the SSDs are the same for the 2013 and 2014 MBAs. SSD Speed depends on the OEM for the drive installed, not the MBA.

Lou
 
Can anyone tell me what's the deal with that huge difference in copying files (finder test)?

MBA 2013 destroys the 2014 model in this test.

PuDsoq1.png

http://www.macworld.com/article/2150841/lab-tested-new-2014-macbook-air-benchmarks.html

There might be some true in those claims about SSD speed after all...
 
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^^^^It's the luck of the draw. The SSDs come from different OEMs. Some are faster than others. It's NOT 2013 vs 2014 MBA. It's one OEM against another. Do some research on this site and you'll see who's faster.

Lou
 
SmOgER said:
Can anyone tell me what's the deal with that huge difference in copying files (finder test)?

MBA 2013 destroys the 2014 model in this test.

Image
http://www.macworld.com/article/2150841/lab-tested-new-2014-macbook-air-benchmarks.html

There might be some true in those claims about SSD speed after all...
Click to expand...

People keep bringing this up. The speed of the SSD depends on the brand of the SSD installed in the particular laptop you get.

https://www.macrumors.com/2014/05/06/ssd-2014-macbook-air-same/

The same SSDs were used in the 2013 models.
 
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This thread is making me feel good about buying my macbook air mid 2013 This thing is super fast, booting takes about 12 seconds it's quiet, light, lastly the battery lasts for ever! I love this this to death i couldn't be happier!!
 
big samm said:
This thread is making me feel good about buying my macbook air mid 2013 This thing is super fast, booting takes about 12 seconds it's quiet, light, lastly the battery lasts for ever! I love this this to death i couldn't be happier!!
Click to expand...

Great machines aren't they? Did you get the 11 or the 13?
 
I would spend the extra $40 and go with the newer model. Being able to have the latest model will help with resale value in the long run. The older the machine the quicker it devalues. So although the specs may be similar, when you are looking to trade it will give you much more buying power over the older mac.
 
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