Differences between macbook pro and air. Choosing the right MacBook from Apple

So, standing in front of a shop window (or, much more likely, sitting in a comfortable armchair in front of a monitor), you ponder which of 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 it doesn't get much easier than that. Which line to stop? Should I 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 pull out, say, Photoshop?

macbook

The legendary MacBook will soon become a rarity. Apple's classic white MacBook is now only sold to educational institutions. However, it is still possible to find it in our stores, which means that we do not discount this option.

Why is he loved?

In the US, the white MacBook is especially loved by students. The model successfully combined versatility and an affordable price, so the “poppy drivers” started with it. Now the price is almost the same as 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 a display with excellent viewing angles and impeccable color reproduction (what all Macs are traditionally famous for).

macbook still remains the ideal model for the cautious. Firstly, its initial characteristics are quite worthy. Secondly, there is a DVD burner and the ability to connect wired internet. Thirdly, you will be able to add RAM to it over time (the volume can be increased up to 8 GB), change the hard drive to a more capacious one. Note that at the same time, the weight, although significantly greater than that of air-line laptops, allows you to carry your MacBook with you without the risk of overstraining: a white laptop weighs 2.13 kg.

Who is it for?

Perhaps you already have a desktop computer with a huge monitor and the same huge upgrade options at home, 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 a word, the white MacBook is addressed primarily to those who are looking for a laptop "for everything."

Which one to buy?

There are currently no alternatives in this lineup. In stores you can only find the latest model, released in mid-2010. But the future owner will not have to experience the agony of choice!

What's the catch?

Consider: The MacBook is a versatile laptop in every sense of the word. It easily copes with all traditional tasks, but if high performance is important for you (for example, you are engaged in video editing or three-dimensional modeling), then this is not your option. In this case, you should look towards Pro.

For the role of an ultraportable computer, which spends most of the time in a bag on the shoulder of the owner (and even more so the hostess), Air is ideal. Of course, for its class, the white MacBook is quite light. But if you take a 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

Once the owner of a MacBook Air had to miss his flight - a US airport security officer delayed him because he suspected something was wrong. He simply could not believe that a laptop could be so thin and light, and even not have a hard drive on board (instead of it, the Air has a fast SSD). There are two conclusions to be drawn from this story. First: beauty requires sacrifice; second: the MacBook Air is really something special.

Why is he loved?

Actually, this is what he conquers - with his exclusivity. Usually laptops are built according to the formula "light, productive, long-playing - pick any two". Air owners don't have to choose; they get everything at once.

A chic laptop in a solid sheet of aluminum weighs about the same as two glossy magazines: the weight of the 11-inch Air is 1.08 kg, the 13-inch - 1.35 kg. It takes up much less space in a bag than two Esquire numbers - the maximum thickness of the laptop is 1.7 cm, and at its thinnest point it is only 3 mm. Fresh Air models carry a dual-core Core i5 processor (there is an option to install a Core i7), an integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics card and 2 or 4 GB of RAM. The bonus is the Mac OS X operating system, which allows you to squeeze the maximum out of the configuration.

To this gentleman's set, engineers have added a battery that provides 7 hours of battery life - and in web surfing mode, with the included Wi-Fi adapter, 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 a text document from the screen for several hours in a row, reducing the backlight to a minimum and not sticking his nose into the Internet.

The fact that the MacBook Air looks great, you can not even be reminded. A simple fact is enough: 90% of the time 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 Air. You can, of course, consider that Apple bought all of Hollywood, but if you do not go into conspiracy theories, the obvious reason remains: the Air is simply beautiful.

Who is it for?

The obvious answer: for those who constantly carry a laptop with them. However, it should be noted that the latest models based on productive new-generation processors have somewhat changed the situation: now MacBook Air is more than just a portable laptop, it is also quite a worthy replacement for the main computer for those who do not need crazy speed from a working 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 graphics work, are still too tough for this bullseye. But Full HD-video, we note, Air reproduces without hesitation.

As for the notorious Photoshop, it all depends on the year the model was released and on your tasks. Air 2010 handles simple digital retouching and small files 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 Air without worrying about performance.

Which one to buy?

There are more options here than in the case of a white MacBook. You can, for example, save money and buy the previous generation Air - its power is also enough for traditional user tasks. But keep in mind that the mid-2011 model is equipped with the latest processors, which gives a twofold increase in speed compared to the previous generation. So if you're after lightning speed, the choice is clear. By the way, a nice little thing: in 2011, the MacBook Air brought back the backlight of the keyboard, which, to the indignation of users, was absent in the 2010 models.

We have decided on the generation, let's move on to the amount of RAM. The subtlety here is that adding memory to this laptop will not work over time, so the best solution is to take it with a small margin. The youngest models are equipped with 2 gigabytes. This is the necessary minimum; we recommend taking a laptop with 2 GB only if you are absolutely sure that your requirements for a computer 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 it is not worth chasing an increase in the volume of the drive. 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 buy an external hard drive of the required volume: it is both more efficient and much cheaper.

As for choosing between the 11- and 13-inch model, it's entirely a matter of personal preference.

What's the catch?

We have already mentioned that the MacBook Air is a non-upgradable laptop. 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, such problems are solved by purchasing the necessary adapters. But the new models are equipped with a Thunderbolt port that provides data transfer speeds up to 10 Gb / s, that is, twice the speed of what the USB 3.0 interface is capable of.

Macbook Pro

The most powerful of Apple's laptops was included in the list of the most significant inventions of the year in 2009, and also became the best-selling in the US. And, in general, there is nothing surprising in the fact that buyers rushed to the stores after him.

Why is he loved?

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 (upgradable 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 younger 15-inch model has an AMD Radeon 6750M under the hood, and the top-end Pro models have an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with a gigabyte of memory on board. (In all cases, we are talking about the latest generation, which was released at the end of 2011.) Good news for those who can not stand glossy displays - 15- and 17-inch models can also be supplied with a matte screen.

The ability of the MacBook Pro to work without recharging for 7 hours is worth mentioning 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 often work away from home or the office, the MacPro's phenomenal stamina can be the deciding factor.

Considering that a professional doesn't care what his working laptop looks like is rather short-sighted. Stylish and solid equipment is appreciated by many, and no one has canceled the image component either. After all, many people have to take a laptop with them to business meetings, and not every client will take seriously an aggressive gaming model taken out of a bag. So the elegance of the MacBook Pro is a significant advantage.

Who is it for?

A powerful configuration plus a display that renders superb colors - this combination could not leave indifferent designers, photographers and those involved in video editing.

Another segment of the MacBook Pro audience is lovers of elegant and complete solutions. A set of ports and an SD card slot allow you not to fill your bag with additional adapters and card readers. The need to carry an external drive with you also disappears - instead of an optical drive (yes, it is also here!) You can install a second hard drive or SSD of the required volume into the Pro case. The mouse can also be left at home - it will be replaced by a multi-touch trackpad (it is likely that it will be even more convenient to use).

Which one to buy?

Well, first of all, it makes no sense to take a Pro that was released before 2011. Performance is a 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.

Second, you need to prioritize. If you know you can't get by with integrated graphics, the 13-inch Pro can be safely discounted. The same if you want to have the most 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; 15- and 13-inch models are equipped with an SD card slot instead.

Otherwise, everything is individual and depends on your requirements for resources and display size.

What's the catch?

There is no trick. The MacBook Pro is a great laptop that's powerful and upgradable. It is comfortable to work on, feels good to hold, looks flawless, and doesn't weigh that much for a device in its class. Only the price can cause serious complaints, but it’s hard to call it a catch: usually this is one of the first things that a potential owner pays attention to.

Previously, there was no need for Macbook selection guides, since the assortment of Apple laptops was limited to only 2 models. The main selection criterion was the amount of money that the potential buyer had. Little money - you take Air, a lot - Pro.

Now the headache of the buyer has increased, as the range has expanded. A few compromises have emerged, notably the midget MacBook (simple) and the Pro 13 model without the Touch Bar. The article will present current models and help you choose the best Macbook.

Before you go to the store for a MacBook, you should ask yourself the question: do you understand why you need an “apple” device? It is better to carefully weigh the pros and cons, because buying a MacBook is not a cheap pleasure. For the money you spend on the simplest laptop from Apple, you can buy a very good and powerful device with Windows "on board".

Why then do users prefer products from Cupertino? It has a number of advantages:

Mac operating system. Apple's proprietary operating system is closed, it is not afraid of any viruses. Macbooks run very fast and stay fast for a long time (because the system doesn't get clogged).
Butterfly keyboard. Modern MacBooks have butterfly keyboards, which are characterized by a plus sign for small key travel and ease of typing (compared to traditional scissors). Users who have tried the "butterfly" claim that it is not so easy to return to the "scissors" later.
Mobility. Macbooks are lighter than laptops and easier to carry. The record holder of the lineup is just a MacBook. He doesn't even weigh a kilo.
Energy efficiency. Some of Apple's models can hold a charge for 12 hours - almost like smartphones.
Brand. Even if a person convinces himself and everyone around him that he takes a MacBook as a work assistant, he will probably still post a photo on Instagram with the coveted “apple” on the cover of the device.

The main disadvantage of Macbooks is the meager number of programs and games adapted for iOS. The second most important is, perhaps, a small number of ports. The MacBook model, for example, has only one port () - and that one is for recharging.

Which MacBook to choose in 2019?

Let's say you still decided to stay on the "apple" device and found the money to buy it. Next, a pleasant headache awaits you - choose a Macbook. We will briefly describe each of the models that are sold in 2018-2019 below.

Macbook Air

Air is a suitable option for those who doubt whether after Windows they can get used to MacOS, its features and closeness. This model is cheaper than others, as it is considered somewhat outdated. Macbook Air can be bought for 65-70 thousand rubles.

Air is a very light laptop, weighing about a kilogram. It has a sufficient number of ports (a pair of regular USB) and a slot for (which makes it very easy to transfer data, for example, from a camera). But, alas, the trouble is with the screen: its frames look too large at the present time, and the resolution is ridiculous - 1440 × 900 pixels. You can’t call the keyboard modern either - it doesn’t smell like “butterflies”, the key travel, according to user reviews, is unusually large.

Most likely, in 2019, Air will become part of history and disappear from the windows. Therefore, those wishing to buy a cheap Macbook should hurry up.

macbook

In terms of dimensions, the MacBook, released in 2016, is the most compact. It weighs even less than Air - only 900 grams. The language does not turn to call it a laptop - it is rather a netbook. The screen size of the device is 12 inches. MacBook is the perfect companion for those who, on duty, have to travel frequently on business trips.

Even if you compare just visually, you understand that the MacBook is a newer and more advanced product than the Air. "Baby" looks neater, its screen has small frames. And when you use it a little, you will see that Apple in just a year (Air was released in 2015) has taken a big step forward. The MacBook has a comfortable modern butterfly keyboard and a contrast screen with a resolution of 2304 × 1440 pixels. In addition, the MacBook is passively cooled, thanks to which it works silently.

We have already mentioned the main disadvantage of this model – there is only one USB Type-C port. But this is a logical consequence of the compactness of the device. We also note that the MacBook is significantly more expensive than the Air model - you will have to pay about 100 thousand rubles for it.

Macbook Pro 13

With the MacBook Pro, everything is not as clear as with the models described above. There are many modifications in this series, which differ not only in memory capacity, but also in screen diagonal, the presence / absence of the Touch Bar, the year of manufacture - and, as a result, in price.

Apple sells 3 options (except Air):

MacBook Pro 2015 (price - from 106 thousand rubles).
MacBook Pro 2016 without Touch Bar (price - from 119 thousand rubles).
MacBook Pro 2016 with Touch Bar (price - from 149 thousand rubles).

The Touch Bar is a touchpad that replaces the F1-F12 row of keys on the latest Apple laptops.

Do not rush to label the 2015 model as “old” and refuse to buy it! This device has good functionality and a reasonable price. The 2015 MacBook Pro costs the same as a "baby" MacBook, but:

It has a screen that is larger diagonally (13 inches versus 12).
Equipped with a powerful processor - in the best modification i7 3.1 GHz.
Provided with a sufficient number of connectors (2 USB, HDMI, slot for an SD card).

True, this model is not so convenient when traveling - the laptop weighs over 1.5 kilograms. In addition, the 2015 MacBook is problematic to find on sale in stores - apparently, in 2019 this will become an impossible task at all.

The MacBook Pro 2016 without Touch Bar can hardly be called an alternative to the MacBook due to the big difference in price (about 15 thousand rubles). But it is this “apple” laptop that many users consider the best in terms of price-functionality ratio. The 2016 Pro models are easy to distinguish from their "predecessors" - their Touch Pad is simply gigantic.

It may seem strange, but the new Pro models are even slightly inferior to laptops released in 2015 in a number of criteria. They do not have USB connectors and slots for an SD card - only USB Type-C. In addition, the new models have less capacious batteries - no longer 5800 mAh, but only 4300 mAh. The laptop is only enough for 5 hours of battery life. Perhaps for these reasons, users in 2019 will remember the MacBook Pro 2015 with nostalgia.

Let's dwell on the differences between the 2016 models with and without Touchbar. There are more than you probably think:

A laptop with a Touch Bar has 4 Thunderbolt ports (the younger model has only 2).
The device with the Touchbar has (Touch ID).
The Touch Bar MacBook is more powerful (at least numerically) with an Intel Core I7 clocked at 3.3 GHz. The model without Touchbar has a lower processor clock speed of 2.4 GHz.

Design, of course, is also important. The Touch Bar is a fashion item that makes the laptop look special. But is it worth overpaying 20-25 thousand rubles for such visual delights? Let's leave this question open.

Macbook Pro 15

The flagship model delights in design and features just as much as it intimidates with its price. In the simplest configuration, it costs like a used foreign car, in the most "tricked out" - like an apartment in a remote province.

The MacBook Pro 15 is traditionally taken by performance geeks or successful entrepreneurs who have to work with large amounts of data and require a laptop to perform resource-intensive operations. For example, for video rendering or in a recording studio, this device will be indispensable.

The MacBook Pro 15 is equipped with Core i5 and Core i7 processors with Broadwell architecture and clock speeds up to 3.1 GHz. For those to whom these data do not mean anything, let us clarify: the performance margin of the laptop will be enough for several years to come - you won’t have to think about updating.

Outstanding performance is a key selling point for the MacBook Pro 15, but it has other benefits as well. This is a great screen, featuring a P3 color gamut (25% wider color space than RGB), loud speakers that sound like speakers, and premium design. True, with all this, the laptop is inferior in autonomy to other current models.

How much are MacBooks in 2019: table

Without pretending to be pharmaceutically accurate, we have compiled in a table the prices for MacBooks that are relevant at the beginning of 2019:

	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Macbook Air	From 77 990 rubles	From 107 990 rubles
		109 990 rubles	133 990 rubles
Macbook Pro 13	From 109 990 rubles	From 125 990 rubles	From 168 990 rubles
Macbook Pro 15		From 204 990 rubles	From 236 990 rubles

Prices are taken from the official Apple website. If you research "", you will be able to find stores that sell cheaper.

Conclusion

Here we will not give banal advice in the spirit of "choose based on the amount of cash." If you have firmly decided to buy a MacBook, it is understood that you have an amount of 120-150 thousand rubles. Otherwise, there will only be enough money for an outdated Air, from which you will not get as much pleasure from working as from using new models.

The best option for buying in 2019 looks like the MacBook Pro 13 2016 model without Touch Bar, which costs about 114 thousand rubles (in). This model was released only in 2016, is considered one of the most recent and looks just great with its wide touchpad. But if the year of manufacture of the laptop is not so important to you, as its autonomy and the availability of various ports, it is better to buy a MacBook Pro 13 2015. This device will also be cheaper - on Yandex.Market you can certainly find an offer for 100 thousand rubles.

But the MacBook and MacBook Pro 15 models are more specific. MacBook is a "modest kid" and "lady's man", glorious primarily for its compactness. And the Pro 15, on the contrary, is a device for serious people who are ready to spend serious money on high-quality equipment.

Apple products are rightfully considered the highest quality and most in demand in the modern world. Thin and compact in appearance, but powerful in their parameters, laptops manufactured by this company have gained particular fame. If you are reading this article, then most likely you are thinking about purchasing an Apple MacBook. Here you will find the necessary recommendations to 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 at once.

So, what models of laptops 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 is the most affordable laptop model from this manufacturer. There are currently two 13-inch models on the market. Initially, an 11-inch model was also 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 do not like to sit within four walls and prefer to work with a laptop in a cafe, outdoors, in the country, and so on, this light and compact model will suit you best.

The laptop is equipped with a 1.6 GHz dual-core Core i5 processor and has 8 GB of RAM. All MacBook Air models come with an integrated HD Graphics 6000 card. The manufacturer promises a 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, that goes up to 128GB. The $1,199 model, meanwhile, has a 256GB drive.

The laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows you to connect to the network. And it also has Bluetooth, allowing you to connect a mouse and other wireless devices. If you want to use this laptop on an Ethernet network, you will 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 3.0 ports that can work with devices using USB 2.0. MacBook Air is able to perform everyday routine tasks, send and receive e-mail, provide full Internet access, and work with office applications. It can be used to edit short videos and to 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 on the road or moving from place to place. It's also the best work laptop for a freelancer. The MacBook Air is Apple's most affordable laptop, making it an attractive price tag as well.

macbook

The next model we'll look at was released in April 2016. It's an ultraportable laptop that's even lighter than a MacBook Air. It is intended for people who prefer mobility to all other tasks, including various additional features and performance. 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 is powered by a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor and has 256GB of storage space. The more expensive $1,599 model has the same processor, but at 1.2GHz and 512GB of storage. Both models have 8 GB of RAM and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 515.

Also, this laptop is equipped with a Retina display, which means it has an ultra-high resolution and is able to show a sharper image than the MacBook Air, which has a standard display. The standard resolution of a modern Retina display on a MacBook is 2304x1440.

Like the 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 older version of USB, 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 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. Thus, the laptop can also perform all the necessary everyday tasks. This model is suitable for those users who do not often need to connect external devices, since it is not very convenient to carry a whole bunch of adapters with them. At the same time, the laptop is thin, light and perfect for people who are light on their feet.

The last model on the list is the MacBook Pro, released in October 2016. The model differs in the advanced screen with especially accurate 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 performance laptop.

There is a whole line of modifications of this laptop.

Model for $1499. 13" screen, 2GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB disk space, integrated Intel Iris Graphics 540, no touchpad.
MacBook Pro $1799. The screen is also 13 inches, but the processor frequency is higher - 2.9 GHz. The size of the memory and disk, as well as the card, are identical to the previous model, but there is a Touch Bar touch panel - a novelty from Apple, which each user can customize for himself by placing the functions he needs.
The next model is priced at $1999. It has the same frequency of the processor - 2.9 GHz, a 13-inch screen, the same amount of RAM and the same card as the previous model. The difference lies only in the amount of disk space, in this model its volume is 512 GB. The touchpad is also present.
Model for $2399. This laptop has a larger screen - 15 inches, as well as a different processor - a dual-core Core i7 at 2.6 GHz. The amount of RAM is 16 GB, disk space - 256 GB. There is an integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 card, as well as a discrete 2 GB Radeon Pro 450 graphics card. There is also a touch panel.
The $2,799 model is identical to the previous model except for the following: 2.7 GHz processor speed, 512 GB disk space, Radeon Pro discrete graphics

And a few more words about the new Touch Bar - an innovation and a hallmark of these laptops. It is the input device located at the top of the keyboard. The buttons on this panel and the functions they invoke depend on the software being used. Note that the $1,499 first model of the MacBook Pro line doesn't have a touch bar, just the regular function buttons.

Overall, MacBook Pro laptops are the most powerful laptops Apple has ever released. 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 comparisons. In performance testing, the MacBook Pro performs significantly more impressively - it is 25 percent faster. When using professional software applications, it also leads in terms of speed. A slightly different picture is obtained when using conventional software applications - browsers and e-mail. 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 imperceptible to the average user.

For the most demanding users, the $1,799 MacBook Pro is the best bet. This model has a Retina display, which provides an excellent image. The performance of this laptop is also at a good level. And the disk space and two inches 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 want maximum performance then the choice is clear, Apple's most powerful laptop is the $2799 MacBook Pro. If the usual work at the computer includes only access to the Internet and work in a text editor, then the 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 life of Apple computers is very long due to their good quality. Processor performance has not increased much in recent years. The main changes that are being made to the new models relate mainly to battery life and various innovative elements, such as the touch panel. Therefore, the demand for used equipment of this company is not weakening.

In general, all Apple equipment produced in recent years demonstrates an equally high quality. Therefore, you can buy a used MacBook Air from 2013 and get a great laptop for your daily needs at a significantly reduced price compared to the new model.

In order not to make a mistake when buying, you can follow the steps below to help you choose a good working used Macbook.

We hope that this guide will help you make the right choice and buy a laptop, new or used, which will fully meet your needs. After all, Apple technology can serve its owner for a really long time. Good luck!

Apple Corporation annually pleases fans of electronic innovations with a variety of modern gadgets, among which computer technology occupies a hotel niche. Brand computers are distinguished by high performance, reliability, advanced software functionality and serious technical capabilities. There are several model lines of "apple" laptops that have many differences from the classic ones. Let's try to figure out how the Macbook Air differs from the Macbook Pro and what is the difference between them and a regular Macbook.

Main product series of Apple

Before we give comparative characteristics, let's name the main types of portable Apple computers.

macbook- a lightweight version of the Air-family in a compact format. The device is focused on solving mobile problems. It weighs only 2.1 kg and has an aesthetic, ergonomic design.
Macbook Air- a universal series, represented by light and thin computers. Convenient for everyday work tasks. They are distinguished by high speed of work, the absence of lags. In terms of performance, they are in no way inferior to the Pro series. However, if we consider purchasing a device for complex, multifaceted, professional work, for example, in graphic editors or 3D programs, and choose which is better Macbook Pro or Macbook Air , the decision will definitely be in favor of the first.
Macbook Pro- a line of laptops with powerful, advanced hardware and Retina displays. Due to their parameters, these devices are able to replace stationary PCs. They can easily cope with work in such heavy programs as Autocad, 3D Max, Photoshop and others.

Comparative characteristics and description of products

Covering the question of how the MacBook Pro differs from the MacBook Air and just the MacBook, it is worth considering in more detail the main technical parameters of these devices. Both laptops are quite productive and easily cope with standard tasks. The main feature that captivates most users is an elegant, stylish design. Both laptops have a solid aluminum body, open and close easily and silently. The Air line is represented by 11.6, 13.3-inch samples, and the Pro-series boasts 13.3 and 15-inch diagonals. The maximum weights are 1.35 (for Air) and 2.56 (for Pro).

Screens

Another indicator of how Macbook Air differs from Macbook – pixel density. It is also worth considering the resolution of the monitor. These settings affect the overall quality of the image, the smoothness of the fonts, and the naturalness of the displayed images. So, Mac Air is represented by a 13″ model (16:10) with a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixel and a standard density of 128 ppi. The second sample is equipped with a 12″ screen with a resolution of 2304 by 1440 with a density of 226 ppi. Similar figures for the MacBook Pro: 2560 x 1600 and 227 ppi (for 13 inches), as well as 2880 x 1800 and 220 ppi (for 15). Monitors cover a wide color range, correctly, brightly and realistically display all shades, are highly detailed.

What is the difference between MacBook and MacBook Pro and Air: processor

The second important component in the selection of a computer is the characteristics of the hardware. The performance, speed, and ability to cope with complex operations depend on the technical characteristics of the processor. Therefore, before you buy a device, you need to clearly understand what tasks it should solve. Processor performance is the main difference between a MacBook and a MacBook Air and Pro. The MacBook is objectively inferior to the other two model lines in terms of the speed of performing actions. The 12-inch model runs on Intel Core M and Skylake architecture, which is somewhat inferior to Core i5 and 7. But a significant advantage of such laptops is the absence of a fan to cool the processor, which ensures absolute noiselessness during operation.

The inside of the MacBook Air is a Broadwell-architecture chip and the time-tested Intel Core i5/i7 (varies depending on configuration). Thirteen-inch members of the Pro-family operate on Skylake, fifteen on Broadwell. One and the second laptop is equipped with Core i5 (2.7 GHz) or Core i7 (3.1 and 2.8 GHz) processors.

Graphic arts

Graphic parameters are not the strongest side of the American brand's laptops. They will not suit sophisticated gamers who are used to enjoying rich, highly detailed 3D games. But laptops do a great job with complex multimedia content:

the advanced version of the Mac Pro has more graphics capabilities than the MacBook Air. This is due to the use of a fairly powerful AMD Radeon video card with two gigabytes of memory;
The 13-inch Pro without Touch Bar features Intel Iris Graphics 540, while the Touch Bar version features Intel Iris Graphics 550. The latter is upgradeable to Radeon Pro 450/460.
the 15″ Apple laptop has built-in discrete graphics Radeon Pro 455/460, Intel HD Graphics 530.

What is the difference between Macbook Pro and Macbook : autonomy indicators

The overall battery life is a mandatory parameter that is taken into account when choosing a laptop. In this regard, Apple's portable devices show good results. All brand products are able to function in standby mode for up to thirty days. Consider the difference between Macbook and Macbook Air , on the example of a comparative table of indicators of autonomy.

Keyboard, trackpad

Apple brand electronics provide quick access to Mac system functions. Force Touch trackpads are equipped with MacBook and MacBook Pro. Air and Pro laptop keyboards have standard scissor mechanisms. The MacBook uses a new version of the keyboard mechanism called the "butterfly". Here, each button is a one-piece element with an increased footprint. Such keys are more stable, stable, have a lower height, and respond more accurately to touch and press.

Ports and SSD

Which is better, MacBook or MacBook Air: RAM

A large amount of RAM allows you to install and simultaneously run several programs and applications at once, perform many tasks without loss of performance. Manufacturers offer one version of the MacBook - 8 GB of 1886 MHz RAM. The thirteen-inch version of the MacBook Air has similar parameters. Built-in memory 13″ versions of MacBook Pro 2016 and higher - 8 and 16 GB, 15″ - 16 gigabytes.

operating system

All Mac portable computers come with Mac OS Sierra. The OS is packed with useful apps designed for security and privacy. The developers have tried to do everything for maximum ease of use of the system. Here, already familiar to fans of the Siri brand, Finder tabs, the iBooks application. Thanks to advanced features, integration with a smartphone, tablet or Apple Watch is available. The key difference between the operating system and Apple is increased performance and a period without recharging. Thanks to changes such as Timer Coalescing, App Nap, you can work longer, make the most of the internal processor.

Camera

This is one of the elements in Apple laptops that allows you to use FaceTime video calls, make video calls via Skype, which, according to objective estimates, needs serious improvement. The 12-inch MacBook has a camera with a resolution of only 480p, other models use a 720p camera. Latest MacBook Pro - Rs. Therefore, for high-quality video shooting, you will need to purchase additional photographic equipment.

Color solutions

The MacBook is offered in various color variations: silver, gold, rose gold, space silver. Brand brothers of the Air and Pro families in silver. Since 2016, MacBook Pro has been produced in 2 colors: silver, space gray.

External monitors

Often, a Macbook is used as a portable device, with which external LCD monitors are additionally connected. You can connect an additional device to your MacBook via HDMI (using an adapter) or via a USB-C connector. Connection with displays 3840 x 2160 pixel (30 hertz) and 4096 x 2160 pixel (24 hertz) is allowed.

MacBook Air is capable of operating exclusively with Thunderbolt monitors up to 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Macbook Pro has more opportunities in this regard. 3840 x 2160 pixel displays can be connected to it (15″ models are capable of working with two LCD monitors at once).

Which is better, Macbook Air or Macbook: general conclusions

When choosing a productive, functional device, it is necessary to clearly understand the tasks that the user faces.

What is the difference between MacBook Pro and Air: general comparative parameters:

MacBook Air is thinner, lighter, more compact;
MacBook Pro available in 15″;
Macbook Pro has a discrete video system, Macbook has an integrated one;
Macbook Pro processor is more productive;
Air does not allow third-party interference, "Proshka" allows you to upgrade the system;
MacBook Pro has a Retina display;
the smallest diagonal (11.6″) - MacBook Air;
The screen resolution of Air is higher if the diagonal sizes in typical matrices match.

If you're after a stylish, ergonomic laptop with decent performance, look no further than the M7-based MacBook. For complex, full-fledged work with multimedia content, the MacBook Pro will be the best solution. It is also suitable for those who are looking for a powerful, reliable, productive laptop for rendering large static scenes or videos. "Apple" laptops of the Pro series are the best alternative to a stationary PC, suitable for almost all users. The only negative is that it is not the most convenient format for travel use.

Those who appreciate long autonomy, compactness, lightness and convenience should choose the 13-inch MacBook Air. Deciding which Macbook Air is best , it is important to determine for what purpose it is bought. A characteristic feature of the Air line is that only SSD drives are installed in them, and hard drives are also installed in the model of the Pro line. Air laptops are more affordable and have less storage space. This line is ideal for travelers and anyone looking for an affordable laptop.

Thus, to objectively answer the question: which is better, Macbook Pro or Air , only individual preferences, financial possibilities, personal goals will help.

Don't discount the Air line. It is still portable, convenient and in demand. And today we are in for a fight. The base trims of the new 12-inch MacBook and 11-inch MacBook Air enter the ring. Let's compare them in all respects and determine the winner.

Dimensions

The new MacBook is currently the easiest Apple laptop. It is 160 grams lighter than the 11-inch MacBook Air and weighs 920 grams.

And he's half an inch thinner.

In terms of other dimensions, they are almost identical.

Account opens 12-inch MacBook. 1:0

Design

Both are beautiful in their own way. Here it is entirely up to you. The new MacBook looks modern, the MacBook Air looks more classic.

Some people are happy with the glowing apple on the MacBook Air, others are more attracted to the logo on the new MacBook, implemented in the style of the iPhone 6 and iPad Air.

Every man to his own taste. Draw. 2:1

trackpad

We have already talked about Force Touch technology in the new MacBooks. There is no physical click on the new trackpad, but it seems to the person that it is. Magic. Or Taptic Engine technology, whichever suits you.

The trackpad is larger. In addition, now you can click on it anywhere. MacBook Air cannot boast of all this.

This round is definitely for the 12-inch model. 3:1

Keyboard

The new MacBook features a full-size keyboard that spans the entire width of the laptop. It has an absolute key mechanism, it is much thinner and has more accurate backlighting.

Printing on it is a pleasure, but it takes a little getting used to. 4:1

Screen

The display is perhaps the main and most significant advantage of the new MacBook. Firstly, a 12-inch screen fit into a case identical to the 11-inch Air, abandoning large and useless frames. Secondly, this retina. Thirdly, it is significantly more contrast And juicier than the screen of a MacBook Air.

If on the new MacBook the picture is displayed like this:

Then on a MacBook Air it will look something like this:

The difference is enormous and must be seen live.

Knockout, 5:1 .

Air, limping, continues the fight.

Performance

The processors of both models are dual-core and not particularly powerful:

– Intel Core i5 1.6 GHz
– Intel Core M 1.1 GHz

According to synthetic tests in GeekBench 3, the new MacBook inferior 11-inch Air by 27%.

Only now it has passive cooling, which eliminates the need for fans and provides complete silence like on iPhone and iPad.

And the new MacBook has twice as much RAM as the MacBook Air: 8GB against modest 4GB. This means more tabs in the browser, more open programs, more opportunities to work with resource-intensive applications.

Draw. 6:2

Connectors

Here is a simpler list:

The USB-C in the new MacBook is from the future, and so far it's more trouble than it's worth. Many of us are not yet ready to give up standard connectors, Air from this point of view looks much more attractive. 6:3

Sound

The new MacBook takes the 11-inch Air to shreds in terms of volume and sound quality. It can even compete with my 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina. Apple engineers have placed the speakers above the keyboard, which is a better position than somewhere below the MacBook Air's display.

For clarity, let's go back to the comparison image:

12 inch Macbook. Definitely. 7:3

Camera

The MacBook Air's FaceTime camera is sharper. She shoots in resolution 720p, while the 12-inch MacBook is only capable of pathetic 480p. The result is a smeared and poor-quality image. The screen turned out to be too thin to accommodate a normal module in it.

(top - MacBook Air, bottom - 12-inch MacBook)

While the girls will take selfies and record videos on the old Air, the new MacBook will remain silently jealous. 7:4

Price

Our comparison has one but: in the basic configuration of the MacBook Air for 27 thousand cheaper than a 12-inch MacBook.