Difference between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. What to choose: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? Which MacBook should I buy?
Apple products are rightfully considered the highest quality and most in demand in the modern world. The thin and compact in appearance, but powerful in their parameters, laptops produced by this company have become especially famous. If you are reading this article, then most likely you are thinking about purchasing an Apple MacBook. Here you will find the necessary recommendations that will help you choose a good MacBook, taking into account both your needs and your budget.
When choosing a Macbook, there are several factors to consider.
So, what laptop models from this company exist and how do they differ? Let's sort it out in order.
Production of the modification of this laptop, which is now on sale, began in March 2015. Apple MacBook Air represents the most available model laptops from this manufacturer. There are currently two 13-inch models on sale. Initially, there was also an 11-inch model on the market, but it was soon discontinued. Now you can only buy it as a used version.
MacBook Air is great for travelers and people with an active lifestyle. If you don’t like to sit within four walls and prefer to work on a laptop in a cafe, outdoors, in the country, etc., this lightweight and compact model will suit you best.
The laptop is equipped with a dual-core Core i5 1.6 GHz processor and has 8 GB RAM. All MacBook Air models come with an integrated HD Graphics 6000 card. The manufacturer promises 12-hour battery life when using the Internet and watching videos.
The main difference between the two MacBook Air models is the storage capacity. For the cheaper model, which has a factory price of $999, this capacity reaches 128 GB. At the same time, the $1,199 model has a 256 GB drive.
The laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows you to connect to the network. And there is also Bluetooth, allowing you to connect a mouse and other wireless devices. If you want to work on this laptop in Ethernet networks, you'll need a special USB adapter (Apple's factory price for this adapter is $29). The laptop supports Thunderbolt 2 technology.
There are also two USB port 3.0, which can work with devices using USB 2.0. MacBook Air is capable of performing everyday tasks routine tasks, send and receive email, provide full Internet access, and work with office applications. It can be used to edit short videos and process images from iPhone and other devices.
This option can be chosen by those users who need to perform a variety of work on the computer while on the road or moving from place to place. And also this best option working laptop for freelancer. The MacBook Air is Apple's least expensive laptop, which makes it also attractively priced.
MacBook
The next model we'll look at was released in April 2016. It's an ultraportable laptop that's even lighter than the MacBook Air. It is intended for people who prefer mobility to all other tasks, including various additional features and productivity. This laptop only comes in one size: 12 inches. But there are a variety of colors: rose gold, space gray, gold, silver.
There are two modifications that differ in processor power. The $1,299 model features a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor and 256GB of storage. The more expensive $1,599 model has the same processor but is clocked at 1.2GHz and has 512GB of storage. Both models have 8 GB of RAM and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 515 card.
This laptop is also equipped with a Retina display, which means it has ultra-high resolution and is capable of showing more clear image than the MacBook Air, which has a standard display. The standard resolution of a modern Retina display on a MacBook is 2304x1440.
Like previous model, the laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, but has only one USB-C port for connecting storage devices, printers, external displays, power adapters and more. If your devices use an earlier USB version, you'll need a special USB-C to USB adapter, which costs about $19. And you will also need an adapter to connect to Ethernet ($29 at Apple's factory price) - in addition to the previous adapter, since you will need both to connect. Finally, if you want to connect an HDMI or VGA display, you'll need another $49 adapter.
However, the performance of the Core M processor of this model is at a good level and can be compared with the performance of the MacBook Air. In this way, the laptop can also perform all the necessary daily tasks. This model is suitable for those users who do not need to frequently connect external devices, since carrying a whole bunch of adapters with you is not very convenient. At the same time, the laptop is thin, light and perfect for people who are easy-going.
The last model on the list is the MacBook Pro, released in October 2016. The model features an improved screen with a particularly clear and bright image. If you look at the screen from the usual distance at which the user is used to working at a computer, it becomes impossible to see individual pixels.
The laptop is designed for demanding users who pay special attention to performance. At the moment, the Pro model is Apple's first-best performing laptop.
There is a whole line of modifications of this laptop.
- $1,499 model. 13-inch screen, dual-core Core i5 2 GHz processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB disk capacity, integrated Intel Iris Graphics 540 card, touchpad absent.
- MacBook Pro $1,799. The screen is also 13 inches, but the processor frequency is higher - 2.9 GHz. The memory and disk size, as well as the card, are identical to the previous model, but there is a touch panel Touch Bar- a new product from Apple, which each user can customize for himself by placing the functions he needs.
- The next model is priced at $1,999. It has the same processor frequency - 2.9 GHz, a 13-inch screen, the same amount of RAM and the same card as the previous model. The only difference is the amount of disk space; this model has 512 GB. A touchpad is also present.
- $2,399 model. This laptop has bigger screen- 15 inches, as well as another processor - dual-core Core i7 at 2.6 GHz. The amount of RAM is 16 GB, disk space is 256 GB. There is an integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 card, as well as a discrete Radeon video card Pro 450 2 GB. A touch panel is also available.
- The $2,799 model is identical to the previous one, except for the following parameters: 2.7 GHz processor frequency, 512 GB disk capacity, discrete Radeon Pro graphics card
And a few more words about the new Touch Bar - an innovation and a distinctive feature of these laptops. It is the input device located at the top of the keyboard. The buttons on this panel and the functions they perform vary depending on the device you are using. software. Note that the first model in the $1,499 MacBook Pro line doesn't have a Touch Bar, just regular function buttons.
Overall, MacBook Pro laptops are the most powerful laptops ever released Apple company. This is especially true for 15-inch models with improved graphics card performance.
Comparison of some models
The $1,499 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air show some interesting comparison results. In performance testing, the MacBook Pro performs significantly more impressively—it's 25 percent faster. When using professional software applications it also leads in performance. A slightly different picture is obtained when using conventional software applications - browsers and email. In this case, the MacBook Pro shows only a slight performance advantage. While working, for example in a browser or text editor the difference is almost invisible to the average user.
For the most demanding users, the $1,799 MacBook Pro is the best option. This model comes with a Retina display for excellent viewing. The performance of this laptop is also at a good level. And the disk space and two inches of diagonal that separate this model from the next in the line are not decisive and do not provide a serious advantage, but the price varies significantly.
ADVICE. If you need maximum performance, then the choice is obvious, the most powerful laptop from Apple is a MacBook Pro for $2,799. If regular computer work only involves accessing the Internet and working in a word processor, then a MacBook Air will be enough for you. Well, if you are not chasing the most modern models, a used MacBook is also suitable for you.
New or used?
Experience shows that the service life Apple computers are very durable due to their good quality. Processor performance has not increased much in recent years. The main changes that are introduced in the new models mainly concern the battery life and various innovative elements such as the touchpad. Therefore, the demand for used equipment from this company does not weaken.
In general, all Apple equipment produced in recent years demonstrates equally high quality. Therefore, you can buy a used MacBook Air 2013 and get an excellent laptop for your daily needs at a significantly reduced price compared to a new model.
To avoid making a mistake when purchasing, you can follow these steps to help you choose a good, functional used MacBook.
We hope that this guide will help you make the right choice and purchase a laptop, new or used, whose parameters will fully meet your needs. After all, Apple equipment can serve its owner for a really long time. We wish you good luck!
At the beginning / middle of 2017, the Apple laptop lineup is represented by six devices, and if the Cupertino team does not plan to reduce and replace individual products, it will soon become very difficult to navigate it. We will discuss below how this is most conveniently done in today’s realities.
All current Apple laptops in 2018
General information:
The lightest and smallest Apple laptop, the main features of which are 4 colors and the presence of only one USB-C port(which is used for charging, as well as for connecting peripheral devices using adapters (sold separately)). The laptop is popular among women.
CPU:
Option 1. Dual-core Intel Core m3 processor with clock frequency 1.1 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 2.2 GHz. Option 2. Dual-core Intel Core m5 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz.
Option 3. Dual-core Intel Core m7 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz.
Color: Silver, Gold, Space Grey, Rose Gold.
8 GB.
SSD drive: 256 GB or 512 GB.
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 515.
Ports: One USB-C connector(including for charging) and a 3.5 mm headphone output.
Weight: 0.92 kg.
Price: from 102,990 rubles to 134,490 rubles depending on the configuration.
MacBook Air
General information:
Most cheap laptop Apple. Since 2016, only a 13-inch version with a “non-Retina” display has been produced. MacBook Air has the most best time battery life among all current Apple laptops.
The lid of the MacBook Air has a “glowing apple”, unlike all new Apple laptops.
CPU:
Option 1. 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz). Option 2. 2.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz).
Color: Silver.
Amount of RAM: 8 GB.
SSD drive: 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 6000.
Ports: 1 Thunderbolt 2, 2 USB 2, 1 SDXC card slot, MagSafe 2 charging and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Weight: 1.35 kg.
Price: from 76,990 rubles to 115,490 rubles, depending on the configuration.
MacBook Pro
General information:
Apple's most powerful laptop. The choice of professionals (programmers, designers, photographers, editors, etc.) The laptop is available in four models: two with a 13-inch, one with a 15-inch Retina display, released in 2016, and one 13-inch model, released in 2015.
Laptops released in 2016 feature improved wide trackpads and a new butterfly keyboard. The main innovations of the MacBook Pro 2016 are the Touch Bar (instead of the F1-F12 function keys) and the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. All of the above innovations are not available in other Apple laptops.
At the same time, the cheapest version of the 2016 MacBook Pro did not receive either a Touch Bar or Touch ID.
The 2015 Macbook Pro with a 13-inch Retina display is the only current firmware that has a “glowing apple” lid.
In addition, in new MacBooks Pro are missing USB ports and HDMI.
What you need to know when buying a 2016 MacBook Pro:
Macbook Pro with 13-inch Retina display (2015)
CPU:
Option 1. 2.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz). Option 2 Option 3. Dual-core Intel Core i7 processor clocked at 3.1 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz).
Color: Silver.
Amount of RAM: 8 GB.
SSD drive: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.
GPU: Intel Iris Graphics 6100.
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports, 2 USB 2 ports, 1 HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 2 charging and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Weight: 1.5 kg.
Price: from 102,990 rubles to 193,990 rubles depending on the configuration.
Macbook Pro 13" Retina Display without Touch Bar and Touch ID (2016)
CPU:
Option 1. 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz).
Option 2. 2.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz).
Color:
Amount of RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB.
SSD drive: 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
GPU: Intel Iris Graphics 540.
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports (each port can be used for charging) and 3.5mm headphone output.
Weight: 1.37 kg.
Price: from 116,990 rubles to 193,990 rubles depending on the configuration.
Macbook Pro with 13-inch Retina display (2016)
CPU:
Option 1. Dual-core Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 2.9 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz).
Option 2. 3.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.5 GHz).
Option 3. 3.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz).
Color:"Space gray" or silver.
Amount of RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB.
SSD drive: 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.
GPU: Intel Iris Graphics 550.
Ports:Four Thunderbolt 3 ports (each port can be used for charging) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Touch Bar and Touch ID.
Weight: 1.37 kg.
Price: from 137,990 rubles to 214,990 rubles depending on the configuration.
Macbook Pro with 15-inch Retina display (2016)
CPU:
Option 1. 2.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boot acceleration up to 3.5 GHz).
Option 2. 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz).
Option 3. 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boot boost up to 3.8 GHz).
Color:"Space gray" or silver.
Amount of RAM: 16 GB.
SSD drive: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB.
GPU (3 options): Radeon Pro 450 with 2 GB memory, Radeon Pro 455 with 2 GB memory, or Radeon Pro 460 with 4 GB memory.
Ports:Four Thunderbolt 3 ports (each port can be used for charging) and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Touch Bar and Touch ID.
Weight: 1.83 kg.
Price: from 179,990 rubles to 312,990 rubles depending on the configuration.
Let's start with . What kind of bird is this and what is it intended for? Claimed to be an ultra-thin laptop, model Air It really amazes with its size and corresponding weight. With a thickness of only 1.7 cm (the minimum thickness is 0.3 cm) and a weight of just over a kilogram, the laptop leaves a pleasant sensation from just one tactile acquaintance. It is clear that holding a laptop in your hands is difficult to decide whether it is worth buying, so from somewhat mundane things you should move directly to the characteristics of the model Air.
MacBook Air Available in two formats: with 11 and 13-inch screen. The 2014 models are equipped with a dual-core Core i5 processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor. Also, due to the difference in SSD drives, the battery life of 11-inch and 13-inch laptops different. The smaller model has 9 hours, the larger one 12.
As with all laptops Apple in the model Air There is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth necessary for connecting peripheral equipment. It should be warned that if the user needs an Ethernet connector or FireWire 800, he will either have to purchase them himself, because MacBook Air Built-in Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports. You won’t be able to increase the operating memory on your own, so it’s better to order a laptop from an official representative, specifying the specifications in advance. An SSD drive can be purchased from third-party developers, but if you change the configuration of your devices, Apple stops providing service support.
Based on the above, we can conclude that MacBook Air Easily copes with ordinary user requests, be it working with office applications, surfing the Internet, viewing photo and video files and editing them. The laptop also has high speed of working with flash drives. 
Well, a logical question that sums up everything written above: who falls into the target audience of users? MacBook Air? Dynamic people get there who, for a number of reasons, do not want to part with their device. If you need a universal replacement, then MacBook Air fits like nowhere else. For those who need the device as a tool for professional activity need to take a closer look at MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro
Actually. Excluding the outdated model from the review, we will focus on MacBook Pro with display Retina. New generation of LCD displays Apple It is characterized by such a high pixel density that the human eye is simply not able to determine whether the image consists of them. Laptops of this model are also available with displays of different sizes: 13 and 15 inches. Same as in the model Air they differ in characteristics, but to a greater extent.
The 13-inch models are equipped with the same dual-core Core i5 processor with a clock frequency of 2.4-2.6 GHz. The size of RAM is set to choose from 4 to 8 GB, and the SSD drive is from 128 to 512 GB. Available in both models GPU Intel Iris Graphics.
15-inch models are available with a quad-core Core i7 processor clocked at 2.0-2.3 GHz, 8-16 GB of RAM and SSD drives ranging in size from 256 GB to 512 GB. In addition to the Intel Iris Graphics processor, there is also a discrete video card GeForce GT 750M. The question about ports was partially migrated from the model Air. In addition to USB Thunderbolt ports, the model also has HDMI. But just like in the previously reviewed model, FireWire 800 and SuperDrive connectors. With component upgrades, the story is the same as in Air- you can update, but Apple will not approve.
Judging by the characteristics, it can be assumed that the operating speed on model laptops is Pro directly depends on the physical qualities of the user. In terms of performance, this laptop can be put on par with some models. Considering another new generation of displays Retina, we can conclude that in the line of laptops Apple model Pro preferred in all categories.
MacBook Pro First of all, it will be useful in work, as it meets the highest requirements. In addition, it will also be in demand among simple “advanced” users due to the convenience and comfort provided by the functional characteristics.
MacBooks have held the title of cult laptops for several years now. Thanks to Apple's policy, these products are distinguished not only by their design and simplicity, but also by their reliability, which primarily pleases users. MacBooks are a symbol of prestige, as their market value differs from the budget solutions of competitors. Very often on various forums you can see questions like: help me choose a MacBook, or what are the differences between MacBook Pro and Air. So, is it worth buying an Apple laptop? If so, which MacBook should you choose?
MacBooks have been divided into three families:
- MacBook is a cheap version of an Apple laptop. Although it still impresses with its performance and simple design. The body is made of plastic.
- MacBook Pro– as the name suggests, this is an improved version of the basic model. Aluminum is used as the body material. Currently, you can purchase two types of Macbook Pro laptops - equipped with a traditional 13-inch matrix or a Retina screen (13 and 15 inches). Prices can be found here http://applekiev.com.ua/category/macbook-pro
- MacBook Air- this is lightweight and reduced Macbook version Pro. It can be compared to an ultrabook, which has proven itself very well when carried frequently or in the field.
Currently, on the official Apple website, you can buy only two types of laptops: Macbook Pro and Air.
Choosing a macbook? What to look for?
If in front of you there is choosing macbook, then you should ask yourself one question: what will it be used for?
- If the laptop will be used for simple office tasks and will also be moved frequently, you should consider buying a lightweight Macbook Air.
- If a photographer or a person who works professionally in graphics buys a laptop, a MacBook Pro with a 15″ screen would be an excellent choice.
- If the laptop needs to be replaced home computer, you should consider buying a cheaper version in the basic configuration of the Macbook Pro 13″.
The only obstacle to buying a new MacBook may be the price - so before you start your search, you need to determine the budget you can allocate for its purchase in order to narrow down the range of models that can be purchased for a given amount.
Screen
Apple has several options in its range:
- Macbook Air 11-inch and 13-inch (12-inch models also due this year)
- Macbook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch
The large screen (15 inches) is suitable for work and when watching movies, processing photos and creating graphics. By giving preference to a smaller matrix, the user receives greater mobility. At home, the 13-inch MacBook can simply be connected to the TV (if the whole family wants to watch videos or other multimedia materials).
What's also impressive about Apple laptops is the high resolution. The 13-inch Macbook Pro displays images with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the 15-inch model has 2880 x 1800 pixels. The Retina display is ideal for editing photos, graphics or videos.
The Macbook Air uses two resolutions: 1366x768 pixels (for a smaller monitor) and 1440x900 pixels (for a 13-inch screen).
Hard drive
Currently, Apple is focused on selling laptops equipped only with fast SSDs. This means you don't have to devote a lot of space to storing them (even if you choose the most expensive version of the Macbook Pro with a 1TB hard drive).
There are four containers to choose from:
- 512 GB,
- 1 TB.
If your budget does not allow, you can choose the smallest one hard drive in a laptop, as well as separately purchase a traditional one for other data that should not be stored on a laptop.
Processor and video card
The latest MacBook models are equipped with the Intel Haswell platform. Dual core available for selection Intel processors Core i5 and quad-core Core i7, which are only available in 15-inch Macbook Pros.
In Macbook Air computers, Core i5 processors operate at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, and the 13-inch Pro from 2.6 to 2.8 GHz. Such processors can be useful in complex computing tasks or when using demanding software. In other cases, Core i5 provides comfortable work and entertainment.
Each model only had a built-in video card. The exception is the expensive Macbook Pro configuration, which has a chip installed nVidia GeForce GT 750M.
Is it worth buying a MacBook?
Many people think that buying a MacBook is too expensive a luxury. In particular, if you compare competing laptops, as well as their parameters. However, it should be kept in mind that the MacBook has many advantages that make it a unique proposition on the market:
- excellent trackpad that even recognizes gestures;
- optimized, fast system with a simple interface;
- long battery life;
- excellent screen;
- very good execution and distinctive design;
- easy to use keyboard.
So, standing in front of a display window (or, much more likely, sitting in a cozy chair in front of a monitor) you are wondering which one Apple laptops will be the most suitable for you. The choice, on the one hand, is not so great: only three lines - classic macbook, ultraportable MacBook Air And powerful MacBook Pro. But this doesn’t make it much easier. Which line should I choose? Should you choose a MacBook Pro with a more powerful processor or one that is $400 cheaper? How much better is the new generation than the old one - maybe save money and take last year's version? Or, for example, I was completely fascinated by Air, but will it hold up to, say, Photoshop?
MacBook
The legendary MacBook will soon become a rarity. Apple now sells the classic white MacBook only to educational institutions. However, you can still find it in our stores - which means we are not discounting this option.
Why do they love him?
In the USA, the white MacBook is especially loved by students. The model successfully combined versatility and an affordable price, so the poppy growers started with it. Now the price for it is almost the same as for the cheapest 11-inch Air, but the display diagonal of the MacBook is larger - 13.3 inches. And keep in mind that these are not just extra inches: these are inches of display with excellent viewing angles and impeccable color reproduction (something that all Macs are traditionally famous for).
MacBook remains the ideal model for the cautious. Firstly, its initial characteristics are quite decent. Secondly, there is a DVD burner and the ability to connect wired internet. Thirdly, you will be able to add RAM over time (the volume can be increased to 8 GB), or change the hard drive to a more capacious one. Note that the weight, although significantly greater than that of air line laptops, allows you to carry the MacBook with you without the risk of overstraining yourself: the white laptop weighs 2.13 kg.
Who was it invented for?
Perhaps you already have a desktop computer at home with a huge monitor and equally huge upgrade capabilities, and all the factors listed in the previous paragraph seem insignificant to you. But if you are thinking about using a laptop as your main computer, they immediately come to the fore. In short, the white MacBook is addressed primarily to those who are looking for a laptop “for everything.”
Which one should I buy?
There are, one might say, no alternatives in this line now. In stores you can only find the latest model, released in mid-2010. But the future owner will not have to suffer the agony of choice!
What's the catch?
Please note: the MacBook is a universal laptop in every sense of the word. It easily handles all traditional tasks, but if high performance is important to you (for example, you do video editing or 3D modeling), then this is not your option. In this case, you should look towards Pro.
For the role of an ultraportable computer that spends most of its time in a bag on the shoulder of the owner (and even more so the hostess), the Air is ideal. Of course, for its class, the white MacBook is quite light. But if you take your laptop with you every day or often go on business trips with a laptop under your arm, the weight category begins to play a decisive role.
MacBook Air
One day, the owner of a MacBook Air had to miss his flight - an American airport security officer detained him because he suspected something was wrong. He simply could not believe that a laptop, in principle, could be so thin and light, and even not have on board hard drive(Air has a fast SSD instead). This story suggests two conclusions. First: beauty requires sacrifice; second: MacBook Air is truly something special.
Why do they love him?
Actually, this is precisely why it captivates – with its exclusivity. Usually laptops are built according to the formula “lightweight, productive, long-lasting - choose any two points.” Air owners don't have to choose; they get everything at once.
The chic laptop, housed in a single sheet of aluminum, weighs about the same as two glossy magazines: the 11-inch Air weighs 1.08 kg, the 13-inch 1.35 kg. It takes up much less space in your bag than two issues of Esquire - the maximum thickness of the laptop is 1.7 cm, and at its thinnest point it is only 3 mm. The latest Air models carry a dual-core Core i5 processor (there is the option of installing a Core i7), integrated Intel video card HD Graphics 3000 and 2 or 4 GB of RAM. Comes with a bonus operating system Mac OS X, which allows you to get the most out of your configuration.
To this gentleman's set, the engineers added a battery that provides 7 hours of battery life - and in web surfing mode, with the Wi-Fi adapter turned on, which, as you know, consumes a considerable part of the energy. In this matter, Apple compares favorably with many other manufacturers who bashfully indicate the time based on an abstract user who will read from the screen for several hours in a row text document, turning the backlight to a minimum and not poking your nose into the Internet.
Needless to say, the MacBook Air looks great. A simple fact is enough: in 90% of cases when we see a person with a laptop in a film in recent years, it will be a MacBook, and at least half of them will be an Air. You can, of course, think that Apple bought all of Hollywood, but without going into conspiracy theories, the obvious reason remains: Air is simply beautiful.
Who was it invented for?
The obvious answer: for those who constantly carry a laptop with them. However, it should be noted that the latest models based on powerful new generation processors have somewhat changed the situation: now MacBook Air is more than just a portable laptop, this is also quite worthy replacement a main computer for those who don’t need crazy speeds from their work machine. The configuration allows you to cover all the needs of most users, and with a margin.
Of course, the most resource-intensive tasks, such as professional work with graphics, are still too tough for this apple. But we note that the Air plays Full HD video without any hiccups.
As for the notorious Photoshop, it all depends on the year of manufacture of the model and on your tasks. The 2010 Air handles simple digital retouching and small file sizes without slowing down; 2011 models - with manipulations of medium complexity and files of medium size. The most resource-intensive tasks, including working with 3D files, are already the prerogative of the MacBook Pro.
The general conclusion is this: if you are not a designer, not an architect, and are not going to play Crysis 2 at the airport, you can safely buy the Air without worrying about performance.
Which one should I buy?
There are more options here than with a white MacBook. You can, for example, save money and purchase the previous generation Air - its power is also enough for traditional user tasks. But keep in mind that the mid-2011 model has the latest processors, which gives a twofold increase in speed compared to the previous generation. So if you crave lightning speed, the choice is clear. By the way, a nice little thing: in 2011, the MacBook Air returned the keyboard backlight, which, to the indignation of users, was absent in the 2010 models.
We’ve decided on the generation, let’s move on to the amount of RAM. The subtlety here is that it will not be possible to add memory to this laptop over time, so best solution- take with a small margin. The youngest models are equipped with 2 gigabytes. This is the bare minimum; We recommend taking a laptop with 2 GB only if you are absolutely sure that your computer requirements will not increase in the foreseeable future. 4 GB is the optimal amount, but if you want to play it safe, you can also look for a configuration with 8 GB.
But you shouldn’t chase increasing storage capacity. If 64 or 128 GB is not enough for you, then 256 is unlikely to be enough for you. In this case, it is easier to purchase an additional external hard drive of the required size: it is both more efficient and much cheaper.
As for the choice between the 11- and 13-inch model, this is entirely a matter of personal preference.
What's the catch?
We have already mentioned that the MacBook Air is a laptop that is not upgradeable. This fact remains to be taken for granted and choose Air with an eye to the future.
The second feature is the absence of many interfaces that we are used to seeing in portable devices. For example, the designers of the MacBook Air hope that the owner of the laptop will not think of connecting it to a wired network (there is no connector for this). However, this kind of problem can be solved by purchasing the necessary adapters. But the new models are equipped with a Thunderbolt port, providing data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, that is, twice as high as what the USB 3.0 interface is capable of.
MacBook Pro
The most powerful of Apple laptops in 2009 was included in the list of the most significant inventions of the year, and also became the best-selling in the United States. And, in general, it is not surprising that buyers rushed to the stores after him.
Why do they love him?
Just like the Air and white MacBook mentioned above, MacBook Pro made in such a way as to meet all the needs of the target audience - that is, those who need a powerful and representative laptop for work.
Naturally, Apple started with a good configuration: Intel Core i5 (for the youngest model) or i7, 4 GB of RAM (the volume can be increased to 8 GB), a hard drive that can hold from 500 to 750 GB of data. As for the video card, there are options. The 13-inch models are equipped only with integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000, the smaller 15-inch model has an AMD Radeon 6750M under the hood, and the top Pro models have an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with a gigabyte of memory on board. (In all cases, we're talking about the latest generation, released at the end of 2011.) Good news for those who can't stand glossy displays - the 15- and 17-inch models can also come with a matte screen.
The ability of the MacBook Pro to work without recharging for 7 hours is worthy of mention as a separate item. The battery is the weak point of many powerful laptops. Manufacturers are guided by the fact that such models are taken to replace a desktop computer, and expect that the user will not move away from the outlet for more than an hour and a half. For those who frequently work outside the home or office, the MacPro's phenomenal endurance can be a deciding factor.
To think that a professional doesn’t care what his work laptop looks like is quite short-sighted. Stylish and solid equipment is appreciated by many, and the image component has not been canceled either. After all, many people have to take a laptop with them to business meetings, and not every client will seriously take an aggressive gaming model taken out of their bag. So the elegance of the MacBook Pro is a significant advantage.
Who was it invented for?
A powerful configuration plus a display that reproduces excellent colors - this combination could not leave designers, photographers and those involved in video editing indifferent.
Another segment of the MacBook Pro audience is lovers of elegant and complete solutions. A set of ports and a slot for SD cards allow you not to fill your bag with additional adapters and card readers. Necessity to carry external storage also disappears - you can use the Pro case instead optical drive(yes, yes, it’s here too!) install a second hard drive or SSD of the required size. You can also leave the mouse at home - it will be replaced by a trackpad with multi-touch support (there is a high probability that it will be even more convenient to use).
Which one should I buy?
Well, first of all, there is no point in buying a Pro that was released before 2011. Performance is the key advantage of this laptop, and a model that was released in April 2010 (an eternity ago, by the standards of the IT world) will no longer be able to give its owner the maximum possible today.
Secondly, you need to decide on your priorities. If you know you can't get by with integrated graphics, the 13-inch Pro can be safely discounted. The same is true if you want to have the maximum powerful processor: Quad-core CPUs are installed in medium and large MacBook Pros. The ExpressCard expansion slot is only available on the 17-inch model; The 15- and 13-inch ones are equipped with an SD card slot instead.
Otherwise, everything is individual and depends on your demands on resources and display size.
What's the catch?
There is no catch. The MacBook Pro is a great, powerful laptop that's also upgradable. It is comfortable to operate, pleasant to hold, looks impeccable and does not weigh that much for a device in its class. The only thing that can cause serious complaints is the price, but it’s hard to call it a catch: it’s usually one of the first things that a potential owner pays attention to.
