MacBook Air 13" vs MacBook Pro 13"

[thomasasz]

Hi!

I am thinking about buying a new MacBook as my MacBook White ('10) is become to slow for me. I am forced to choose between two base models:

• MBA 13" (2012) + 8Gb of RAM (from Apple)
• MBP 13" (2012) + SSD (Crucial m4 128Gb)

The price difference between these two options is not that big so that is why I am considering both options.

I am not a hard-core computer user: my MB is mainly used for studies, YouTube, iPhoto + some photo editing on Pixelimator, iMovie; moreover, I would like to leave playing games as an option (games like Angry Birds, Civilization V, Sims 3, Half-life 2, SimCity 5 etc). However, I would like to buy this computer for a longer period of use (2-3 years).

At the moment I am leaning towards MBA due to its - primarily - portability. However, does the processor difference (between 1,8 and 2,5ghz) is noticeable? MBA superiority in some factors comes from its SSD but what about MBP with SSD - how much "faster" would it be with it? (I was looking for some benchmarks to compare MBA vs. MBP+SSD but could not find any). Lastly, can MBA take use of 8Gb or Ram with its processor?

Thank you for your answers!!!

 

[Dkcode]

I have not used both so I cannot give you an opinion based on experience however I don't think you would notice that much difference between the two when it comes down to general use.

The advantage with the MBA is you have Apple authorised SSD and memory, something which the MBP will not have forcing you to use third party tools to get TRIM support. If you go to the Trim Enabler website you will see comments of people with varying success with regards to Mountain Lion.

I also read a comment about a guy using a Mac Pro with non Apple DIMMS installed which was disabled when he upgraded to Mountain Lion. I have not looked into that issue further but it might be something you want to bare in mind.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

FYI, the word on the streets is that the Retina 13" MBP will be released in the next few weeks. You may want to wait to see what that has to offer before deciding.

I have been using a 13" MBP for more than three years (currently with a 512GB Crucial M4) and love it. I have bought a 13" MBP for my stepmother as well and that thing blew my mind. Personally if I were OK with as little storage as you are, I would lean toward the MBA.

 

[emisinclair]

I am also wondering similar things with the OP. I am considering either the 13'' Air or the 13'' Pro, but am questioning the processor in the Air. Have the ULV Ivy Bridge CPUs come along that far? I believe one of the AT reviews mentioning that the base i5 ULV (1.8 GHz) performs similarly or better than the i5-2410m (2.3GHz normal-voltage Sandy Bridge), but is that indeed true?

 

[sgrinavi]

Regardless of whichever you choose I would wait for the retina version to be released and catch the last gen on fire sale

 

[crab0]

If you need more storage than the MBA offers get MBP and replace the optical drive, otherwise get a MBA. I use a last-gen MBA and it works fine for iPhoto and Pixelmator and I only have 4GB ram and the base SB i5.

I do think it might be worth waiting for a Retina 13 MBP but of course that will cost more so if thats a roadblock or you need it now, get something now.

 

[paul878]

Get a PC laptop if you want to play games, why limit yourself to such a narrow selection of software..

 

[TheStu]

Get a PC laptop if you want to play games, why limit yourself to such a narrow selection of software..

You can install Windows on a Mac.

No one has mentioned the resolution difference between the Pro and Air? Where the Air is 1440*900 and the Pro is only 1280*800.

 

[paul878]

You can install Windows on a Mac.

No one has mentioned the resolution difference between the Pro and Air? Where the Air is 1440*900 and the Pro is only 1280*800.

You can install OSX on a PC too.

 

[TheStu]

You can install OSX on a PC too.

It isn't the same thing. You can't just grab any PC from Best Buy (or wherever) and install OS X. I can do the opposite with any Mac sold.

But your response didn't actually address the OP's question. He never even mentioned Windows laptops.

 

[xchaotic]

If you look at various mac forums, many, me included, have _upgraded_ from 13" MBP to MBA (13 or 11").
I get mostly the same performance as MBP and the difference in portability is massive.
Is still works for some games, but for gaming actual I use a proper gaming PC.