Would you still choose a 13 MBP if AIR had Sandy Bridge already?

[jsmply]

Thanks everyone for the replies. All very good points. Anyone have any logical reasons why the 2011 MBP 13 didn't get the same higher resolution as the late 2010 MBA 13? It just makes it seem like it's a step behind or being phased out soon. Maybe there is something else I'm not seeing though?

As for the questions about business use, we agree they are not the most cost efficient for regular workstations (data entry, etc) and they will not be used for that purpose and in those situations we use cheaper Windows machines, but we do have a need to run certain MAC software on some portables (we work closely with charities that work with the school system which is all MAC, etc). That's where the Macs come into play.

Allow me to turn it around...

Why would you prefer the Air?

The only thing I can think of is weight. If you like the idea of the SSD, then do it on the MBP.

I have been a road warrior for years with laptops weighing much more than four pounds. The MBP 13 is one of the lightest machines I have ever carried.

The ports, optical drive, etc., make it a much more likely "work" computer than the air - and while traveling I absolutely have run into no wireless internet in a hotel (although it was outside of the US).

R

To answer this question, I guess see the above points about it seeming like Apple may be phasing out the current MBP?

Mac's do seem to hold their resale value well though. It seems like you can still get $ 700-800 for excellent condition 2010 MBP 13's . . . if that's the case, perhaps we can go with MBP now and if the next generation AIR does come along this summer possibly upgrade without losing too much.

 

[brentsg]

Thanks everyone for the replies. All very good points. Anyone have any logical reasons why the 2011 MBP 13 didn't get the same higher resolution as the late 2010 MBA 13? It just makes it seem like it's a step behind or being phased out soon. Maybe there is something else I'm not seeing though?

I don't see it either.

As it is, my 2011 13" is going to have a short lifespan. As soon as I can get my hands on a 13" Air with respectable CPU performance and greater than 4GB RAM (ha?) or a 13" MBP with higher resolution it's gone.

 

[thatoneguy92088]

I would still get the pro as I need the large hard drive. I am an engineering student and need to boot into windows for programs. Along with having a large music library, the smaller SSDs won't give me the space I need.

 

[jvmxtra]

This is what I originally wanted in this refresh. Slimmer, more powerful and high res 13 inch mbp.

 

[NickZac]

One thing I have learned from Apple is to NEVER rely on ANYTHING coming out until it is actually released. Next week they may release a 100 core SmartPhone or a firmware update for horse drawn carriages, you do not know and you are always taken by surprise.

 

[afroAnt]

if i was you i'd go for the pro's, larger hdd, and more power, i don't think apple is going to stick an i7 into the air it will get too hot

 

[cvs]

Give me a MBA with high speed ports, ethernet and nearly always silent operation and I am there.......

+ Backlit keys and I'm there also

 

[iMackPro]

The way i see it, the MBP is the general all purpose computer, if you're not sure what you are exactly going to be doing, then go with MBP. IF you know for sure that all you're gonna be doing is checking up on eMail and browsing sites for information and writing papers then the MBA will be perfect for you. If you're gonna have to use some heavier applications or again; like i said, you aren't sure what you are going to be using the computer for exactly then go with the MBP. Because the MBP can do everything the Air can do, but no so much the other way around.

 

[Mobius 1]

why not air??


-no thunderbolt
-no backlit keyboard, yes i also can type w/o seeing the keyboard but this is a cool feature


i'm definitely switching to MBA if those two features is fullfilled + i have i3/i5 SDB plus much better cooling system

 

[jsmply]

Thanks all. Any theories on why Apple did not upgrade the resolution on the new mbp 13? Just wondering how usable a 1280x800 laptop will be in three years.

 

[mcvaughan]

Had one, but decided I needed more RAM, larger HD, dedicated GFX proc.

So, in answer to your question, no.

 

[jsmply]

Thanks. However you said that you needed a dedicated GFX processor and the 13 MBP does not have that so I assume you went with a 15 or 17?

 

[technopimp]

I had a 13" Air for 3 weeks but sold it and got a 13" Pro because I was going to a single machine (the MacBook) and I couldn't live without an ethernet port. Wireless is fine for light use, but anything else it just isn't enough.

If they put out an Air with Thunderbolt (I'm sure they will never put an ethernet adapter in there) and someone comes out with an ethernet-to-Thunderbolt adapter or hub or something I'd consider it.

 

[jsmply]

I had a 13" Air for 3 weeks but sold it and got a 13" Pro because I was going to a single machine (the MacBook) and I couldn't live without an ethernet port. Wireless is fine for light use, but anything else it just isn't enough.

If they put out an Air with Thunderbolt (I'm sure they will never put an ethernet adapter in there) and someone comes out with an ethernet-to-Thunderbolt adapter or hub or something I'd consider it.

Thanks. How did you feel about going from the AIR's higher resolution to the PRO?

Great points about the ports. Did you notice a significant change in performance either way?

 

[technopimp]

Thanks. How did you feel about going from the AIR's higher resolution to the PRO?

Great points about the ports. Did you notice a significant change in performance either way?

I definitely prefer the higher resolution of the Air. I can't for the life of me imagine why Apple didn't put that panel (already a 13") in the Pro. I'm sure there's a reason. But it hasn't been too big of a deal because I bought a 27" Cinema Display to use when it's "docked", so most of the time I'm working at much higher resolution anyway.

In terms of performance, honestly no...I did upgrade the Pro to 8GB and put in an SSD, but the Air was really, really fast despite it's "lower" specs.

 

[Rhyalus]

I don't know why Apple opted for the lower res, either... maybe cost? I highly doubt that it is because they will discontinue the machine.

But I have to say that I am pleasantly satisfied with this resolution. I do a lot of email, web browsing and Mac office work. I also stream video and watch some movies and even that is cool.

The perfect MBP would have 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. I added the RAM but will wait for the SSD prices to come down.

R

 

[idunn]

Closer to parity

Chances are with the next MBA update that the 13" MBP will still offer more horsepower and features at a better price.

But in the 13" form factor there will probably be much less of a gap in capability, and less reason to choose one over the other. Each will likely retain certain advantages and disadvantages.

The 13" MBP will probably still be more powerful, but the difference close enough as to be more academic, and anyone seriously concerned with it should probably be considering an iMac or larger MBP. The MPA could really benefit from the inclusion of a Thunderbolt port, and should that happen one decided step closer to parity with the MBP. As for optical drives, they are increasingly irrelevant, add weight and take up a lot of valuable space. For the times when an OD is necessary, an external one is a good, inexpensive, lightweight option. Those still wishing one included within the computer pay a decided price for it, with many hoping the latest MBP update would have dropped them. Ethernet falls into the same category, if one really feels the need, or wants the option with a MBA, then there are USB adapters available. Many seem to prefer a backlit keyboard, but whether the next Air will negate this MBP advantage is an open question.

The MBA has the decided advantage of being lighter, and if much travel is envisioned this alone might be a serious consideration. Yes, some claim to happily lug the 17" MBP all over campus or elsewhere, but perhaps they are working on upper body strength. Small and light generally equates with a happy traveler. The MBA is also just faster in overall feel than the MBP, which is also a consideration unless devoted to CPU intensive tasks the MBP would be better suited for. This speed is due both the Air's integrated architecture, and also its SSD. The MBP cannot match the integrated architecture, so always at some disadvantage in that regard. It can of course be supplied with an SSD, which could be a very good idea, but doing so more or less negates any price advantage it has over the Air. Then, too, the Air is just sleeker and, to some eyes, more attractive. Such intangibles cannot be discounted, something more along the line of simply what one will be happiest with, no matter what the numbers say. Speaking of intangibles, one feature the MBP enjoys, at least to some, is its black bezel, but perhaps the new Air will match or exceed that. Oh, and yes, also the issue of screen resolution for those that care, and it seems many prefer the MBA to 13" MBP in this equation.

In sum, with the next update of the Air few may be able to point to obvious reasons to favor it over the MBP, or vice versa. More the question of which one likes the best - or wants to lug around.

 

[Rhyalus]

Whoever can't "lug" around a 4.5lb MBP with an SSD should not bother with mobile computing, in my opinion.

I am a business traveler... trust me - the difference between the Air and the MBP (1.5 lbs) is not going to make a break things.



R

 

[technopimp]

Whoever can't "lug" around a 4.5lb MBP with an SSD should not bother with mobile computing, in my opinion.

I am a business traveler... trust me - the difference between the Air and the MBP (1.5 lbs) is not going to make a break things.



R

Do you have an Air? Having now owned both (at the same time), while the Pro is by no means heavy, the Air is amazingly light. I couldn't even tell it was in my bag, whereas the Pro definitely lets you know it's there. I may at some point pick up a refurb/cheap 11" Air expressly for traveling because it's so small.

 

[Rhyalus]

Do you have an Air? Having now owned both (at the same time), while the Pro is by no means heavy, the Air is amazingly light. I couldn't even tell it was in my bag, whereas the Pro definitely lets you know it's there. I may at some point pick up a refurb/cheap 11" Air expressly for traveling because it's so small.

I don't have one, but my co-worker owns one so I have used it.

If the MBP weighed what the Air did with all of the same features (ports, lit keyboard, upgradeable), I would buy it.

But the 20 or so ounce difference is not worth it to me.

R

 

[jvmxtra]

still need back-lit keyboard.

 

[Cicatrix]

I loved the MBA but went MBP instead this year because

1) No high speed port on Air..... killer for pro audio and large file transfers
2) No Ethernet (really )...... kills realtime use of Network attached storage (the USB/Ethernet) adapter is 1/10 the speed.......

The performance although not stellar was actually sufficient for me (MBA 2.13/256)...... and the machine was nearly always dead silent.......

Give me a MBA with high speed ports, ethernet and nearly always silent operation and I am there.......

FWIW: I always have a mac pro for the true heavy lifting.......

I agree on all of these aspects. I'll be right there with ya. I am excited for the MBA to have Thunderbolt. Then all you need to do is hook up the Thunderbolt hub and your good, lightest pro audio setup ever. Done deal.