Air vs Pro

[Steven29]

Hi all,

For performance, am I better off getting a MacBook pro, or adding ram on an air?

it looks like on Amazon you can get a MacBook Air 15” M3 512/16 (~$1350) or a MacBook Pro 14” M3 512/8 (~$1330).*

Use case is: 99% of time using office, web browsing, light gaming. Very rarely: displaying brain images in relevant software.

Thanks!


*Prices include current prime day discounts + the 5% cash back from the Amazon card

 

[Isamilis]

For your use cases, I think base MBA with 8gb RAM will be more than enough.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I like the size boost on the Air display. Double Ram for basically the same price is a bonus.

 

[dmr727]

I'd get the 15" Air between those two. You'll likely be fine with 8GB right now, but I wouldn't want to be potentially saddled with that down the road.

 

[Steven29]

Thanks all! Based on Isamilis' comment I'm now deciding between

MBA 15" M3 256/8 ($975)
MBA 15" M3 512/16 (~$1350)

I'll probably go with the extra RAM; adds 40% to the cost but I only buy a computer ever 7-8 years, and agree w dmr727 that it's probably worth the extra now to try future-proof a little.

Thanks again for the input, really appreciate hearing your thoughts

 

[throAU]

For performance, am I better off getting a MacBook pro, or adding ram on an air?

Go pro with the same RAM.

Once you start veering too far off the standard build options on the Air, it very quickly approaches entry MacBook Pro price, and the Pro has stronger CPU, better display, keyboard, trackpad, etc.

I've made the mistake of building a high spec air before, its just not ideal.


In your situation maybe go with the air, but generally speaking... up-speccing an air too far isn't worth it.

 

[gilby101]

I'll probably go with the extra RAM

Definitely the 512/16 for 7 year future proof.