2013 Macbook Air Replacement

[kdm0505]

I'm looking for a new laptop as my Macbook Air 2013 as it's getting a bit long in the tooth. I'm sorta torn and hope that I could get some guidance. My usage is light web browsing, watching Youtube videos, word processing. To give context I've had my laptop for 5 years used it daily and am reaching capacity at 128gb storage.

I'm looking at the 2019 Macbook Air but I'm waiting for the October event to see what is released. I'd jump for one right now if it had a quad core processor

I'm also debating the Macbook Pro but think it is overkill for my needs as I don't have a use for the touchbar.

I want to get a good value as well as future proof myself for the new 3-5 years.

1. What are your thoughts in a recommendation based on my usage?
2. How will we know if there is a 2019 October event?

 

[Nbd1790]

For what you're using the laptop for, I doubt you're going to see a difference with a quad core processor. Would I recommend going for it? Of course. This is just speculation, but I don't believe the air will be getting a quad core processor until the 13 inch pro receives a 6 core processor. The entry level pro comes with a quad core processor along with the Touch Bar as well as 2 TB3 ports. If they gave the air a quad core, it would just deem that entry level pro a bit useless in the product line.

With that being said, you will see a drastic improvement in terms of performance on both the Air and Pro models. When push comes to shove, the Touch Bar isn't going to make a difference in your day to day, but if you're looking for a nice leap in power, the 13 inch MacBook Pro is certainly the way to go. If not, go with the air and bump up the storage a bit and you'll find yourself at a similar price point.

 

[charlyham]

I'm looking for a new laptop as my Macbook Air 2013 as it's getting a bit long in the tooth. I'm sorta torn and hope that I could get some guidance. My usage is light web browsing, watching Youtube videos, word processing. To give context I've had my laptop for 5 years used it daily and am reaching capacity at 128gb storage.

I'm looking at the 2019 Macbook Air but I'm waiting for the October event to see what is released. I'd jump for one right now if it had a quad core processor

I'm also debating the Macbook Pro but think it is overkill for my needs as I don't have a use for the touchbar.

I want to get a good value as well as future proof myself for the new 3-5 years.

1. What are your thoughts in a recommendation based on my usage?
2. How will we know if there is a 2019 October event?

The Apple Refurb Store has some nice prices on 256-512gb 2018 Airs.

Refurbished Mac

Save up to 15% on refurbished Mac notebooks and computers. Every refurbished Mac is tested and certified by Apple and includes a one-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[revmacian]

Also important to note is that the Retina MacBook Air models include the T2 chip, which takes some of the work off of the CPU. I’m not a computer expert, but I’m not convinced that the MacBook Air actually need a quad-core CPU right now.

 

[GanChan]

I'm running on a Samsung Chromebook for the same kinds of everyday computing tasks that you're currently running. I might get another Macbook Air to replace my old, failed one, but only if it's equipped with the new scissor-switch keyboard.... when I do it, I'm gonna do it with long-term satisfaction in mind. In the meantime, this cheap stopgap is working.

 

[Velin]

First, better go look at the Air in-store. Their screens are dim compared with Macbook Pro. An Air screen may be sufficient for you, but it wasn't for me. Second, everything is about the keyboard. Wait to see if the butterflop keyboard is deprecated, replaced with a quality scissor-type keyboard.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

The current Air was just refreshed in June. I doubt there will be a redesign for a while.

The Pro isn't much more money, although it is thicker (lacking the tapered profile of the Air). I don't have a use for the touch bar, either, but the quad core processor is appealing.

I'm doing the same things you describe on a 2011 13" MacBook Air (storage capacity is not an issue, as I keep my documents on another machine), and it still works well. It will also Chromecast a tab of video in Chrome, but it takes all the beans it has to do so, and you pretty much have to leave it connected to the power adapter if you're doing that.