Air or Pro—Which has the best value?

[HiDEF]

I wasn't really sure whether to post here or MacBook Air discussions, but here we go.

I currently use a work-issued 16” MacBook Pro M1 Max for my creative projects. For casual use, I have an 11” iPad Pro M2, and I also game on a PC.

Recently, I bought a 13” MacBook Air (16/512, MXCV3LL/A) for $1,298 during Best Buy's no-tax week. I also purchased a 14” MacBook Pro (18/512, MRX33LL/A) for $1,601 (taxes included), which came with a $100 gift card from Best Buy. I have only 4 days left to make a decision, and I’m still uncertain about which option provides the best value for my needs.

While the extra cash isn’t a major concern, I’m wondering if I should spend it. Should I stick with the Air since the new M4 models are on the horizon? Or is the deal on the MacBook Pro too good to pass up? I should also note that I don’t plan to keep either machine long-term, so resale value is a factor.

I’d love to hear different perspectives to help me make my decision soon. Thank you all in advance!

 

[Fishrrman]

The MacBook Pro.
Of course.

 

[ignatius345]

You don't really mention what your use case is. If you're doing creative work (photo, video, graphics) where display quality is important, the Pro has a much nicer display. If you're doing lighter work loads (productivity, web, writing) and/or value portability, the Air is a bit lighter and thinner.

It sounds like you have both machines in hand, right? I don't think anyone else is going to give you any information you can't get from trying them both out. If, as you say, longevity isn't a factor then I say just pick whichever one feels right ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[bzgnyc2]

I wasn't really sure whether to post here or MacBook Air discussions, but here we go.

I currently use a work-issued 16” MacBook Pro M1 Max for my creative projects. For casual use, I have an 11” iPad Pro M2, and I also game on a PC.

Recently, I bought a 13” MacBook Air (16/512, MXCV3LL/A) for $1,298 during Best Buy's no-tax week. I also purchased a 14” MacBook Pro (18/512, MRX33LL/A) for $1,601 (taxes included), which came with a $100 gift card from Best Buy. I have only 4 days left to make a decision, and I’m still uncertain about which option provides the best value for my needs.

While the extra cash isn’t a major concern, I’m wondering if I should spend it. Should I stick with the Air since the new M4 models are on the horizon? Or is the deal on the MacBook Pro too good to pass up? I should also note that I don’t plan to keep either machine long-term, so resale value is a factor.

I’d love to hear different perspectives to help me make my decision soon. Thank you all in advance!

Since you already have a super laptop and an iPad and a game PC, do you even need another computer/device? What do you want to do that isn't already covered by one of those? If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, what if you bought something non-computer-related?

 

[HiDEF]

Since you already have a super laptop and an iPad and a game PC, do you even need another computer/device? What do you want to do that isn't already covered by one of those? If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, what if you bought something non-computer-related?

The M1 Max is work-issued and has a lot of security software installed, which makes me uncomfortable to use at times. While I don’t mind doing freelance work on the M1 Max, if those privileges ever go away, I would be left without a workstation. My PC is old and only runs certain titles at low settings, but it gets me by. I would also hate to lose access to the M1 and not have a macOS laptop on hand.

 

[bzgnyc2]

The M1 Max is work-issued and has a lot of security software installed, which makes me uncomfortable to use at times. While I don’t mind doing freelance work on the M1 Max, if those privileges ever go away, I would be left without a workstation. My PC is old and only runs certain titles at low settings, but it gets me by. I would also hate to lose access to the M1 and not have a macOS laptop on hand.

Thanks, that context helps. So if I understand the gap you would like a laptop you can do freelance and personal things on that you can't do on your iPad. You have the hefty work laptop but perhaps better if you move everything non-work-related off of it. You already have a PC for games though it is falling behind for running the latest titles.

Assuming that if it was me I would keep the MacBook Pro. You didn't say what kind of creative projects you do but I'm assuming they involve something visual. I believe the screen on the Pro is better than the Air for that but if you don't see a difference for your work the heft of the Pro may not be worth it for you.

For my purposes, mostly productivity type stuff, the slender MacBook Air 2020 models are the perfect size. I like the extra ports and such of the M3 Pro but its a bit hefty (in a totally usable but unnecessary for my needs sort of way).

P.S.I doubt either laptop is ideal for high-end gaming nor much difference in their gaming performance running Intel/Windows games. I would keep gaming needs seperate from my laptop and upgrade my gaming rig separately to keep up with the requirements of the latest games.