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Macbook Air vs Macbook Pro
- Thread starter Flowerhat
- Start date
DrJohnZoidberg
Honorary Master
Biggest differences between Pro and Air:
1. Processing power (Pro much quicker)
2. Display (Pro has around twice the resolution)
3. Battery life (Air has excellent battery life, ~12 hours compared to 8 on the Pro)
Air is a much better option if you don't need to run processor heavy apps or do professional level graphic work, it's a lot cheaper, lasts longer per charge and is more portable.
Otherwise get the pro if you have the cash.
I just recently sold my air and getting a pro this week, no issues with the air, I just needed a bit more power and screen real estate.
The 2013 and 2014 Airs are basically identical except for slightly higher cpu clock speeds. There is really no noticeable difference though.
Do yourself a favor and watch some YouTube comparison videos.
The MBP model he specified is the non-retina model.
ozziej
Senior Member
Also, RAM.
1. The MacBook Air come standard with 4GB of RAM, you have to do a custom order to get 8GB
2. The MacBook Pro non-retina can be easily upgraded with after market SO-DIMM modules, up to 16GB
3. The MacBook Pro retina comes standard with 8GB of RAM, but you have to do a custom order to get 16GB.
I would recommend that for most users, you get the Maximum RAM possible. You won't regret it.
I don't know if the local iStores will be able to get you a machine (air and retina pro) with more RAM.
1. The MacBook Air come standard with 4GB of RAM, you have to do a custom order to get 8GB
2. The MacBook Pro non-retina can be easily upgraded with after market SO-DIMM modules, up to 16GB
3. The MacBook Pro retina comes standard with 8GB of RAM, but you have to do a custom order to get 16GB.
I would recommend that for most users, you get the Maximum RAM possible. You won't regret it.
I don't know if the local iStores will be able to get you a machine (air and retina pro) with more RAM.
Synaesthesia
Executive Member
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Having used both extensively, I actually prefer the MacBook Air. The way it's built and its portability make it superior for me, and I tried the MacBook Pro with Retina display too.
The most important thing performance-wise in an ssd. Which is what makes the air such a pleasure to use. It depends on what you want to do with your computer though. I recommend going to the store and checking them out for yourself.
The most important thing performance-wise in an ssd. Which is what makes the air such a pleasure to use. It depends on what you want to do with your computer though. I recommend going to the store and checking them out for yourself.
DrJohnZoidberg
Honorary Master
I for one found with the MBA that the entry level 4GB was fine and noticed no performance issues even when having tonnes of programs open. I think the super fast SSD helps in that regard.
Obviously always better to have more memory, but just noting that it doesn't impact performance as much as you would think.
The nice thing about the model of MBP the OP is looking at is that installing an aftermarket SSD is a trivial matter. Removing the superdrive and making a fusion drive is also fairly easy to do.
$m@Rt@$$
Expert Member
I have the latest Air and have used a MD101 before. My Air is MUCH MUCH faster for everyday tasks. Boot times and opening apps. My Air's battery lasts roughly 2x to 3x as long and it actually has a better graphics processor than the pro.
I'd say only go for the MD101 if you HAVE to have the larger 500gb hard drive and if you are going to perhaps do more video editing.
You cannot go wrong with an Air
I'd say only go for the MD101 if you HAVE to have the larger 500gb hard drive and if you are going to perhaps do more video editing.
You cannot go wrong with an Air
The iStore can order a custom built Mac with upgraded RAM and SSD but the trick is getting them to do it. My experience with them was that they first say it's fine, then when you want to actually order, suddenly change their mind and say that it can't be done.
I've read on this forum several times that Digicape are good with ordering custom Macs. Might be worth a look.
I've read on this forum several times that Digicape are good with ordering custom Macs. Might be worth a look.
They can do custom orders. The process is:
Log on to the Apple website, configure your mac as needed. Take a screenshot and email it to them. 6-8 weeks lead time.
I'm also looking to upgrade to a MBP Retina. Coming from a 2011 11" Air (128GB SSD, 4GB Ram). The problem is the screen resolution 1366. It becomes painful to use. Otherwise the MBA is quite snappy and fine for my needs.
So either waiting for the rumored 12" MBA Retina or will go for MBP Retina. Or a full HD MBA will do.
xera
Expert Member
And the July 2014 MBP 15" comes standard with 16GB RAM
CoatiMundi15
Active Member
Just to start, I have had a Macbook Pro for three years and it runs just as fast as ever. Mac comes highly recommended. Macbook Air isn't going to have as much processing power as the Pro, but my fiance uses one and it's pretty fast, fluid and light.