I'm currently weighing my options for purchasing a MacBook, and I'm having trouble deciding which model would be the best fit for my needs. Primarily, I'll be using it for tasks such as browsing the web, working on documents (Word and Excel), and also for photo editing. Initially, I was inclined towards the MacBook Air 15-inch, but I can't help but wonder if the MacBook Pro might offer better value, not necessarily due to performance requirements, but possibly in terms of build quality. It seems that the Pro's enhanced cooling system could potentially lead to a longer-lasting machine. However, I'm also concerned about the Pro's greater number of moving parts, which could make it more prone to damage. Despite visiting the Apple Store, I found that the sales representative was more focused on discussing available colors and speaker performance, rather than providing insights into durability. Any thoughts or advice on which computer would be the most durable in the long run?
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Build quality Air vs PRO
- Thread starter Southernbreeze
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Keep in mind that Airs are wholly incapable of reproducing black vs. the Pro’s admittedly imperfect mini-LED XDR displays. The HDR-capable Pro screens completely obliterate the Air’s frankly ancient backlighting technology, and this could be a big factor in photo editing. It definitely is in media consumption.
Thank you for response. Those are the two options I am considering. I just struggle to make up my mind between the two. Thinking the >8ram is making me leaning towards the pro.
I have a 16“ M1 Max MBPro and a 15” MBA. Although there are significant differences in technology, I believe the build quality of both are very good and neither is better than the other in that respect. I removed the baseplate on both machines and construction is of an extremely high quality. It looks as if the difference in price is entirely due to the differences in components e.g. screen, fans, battery size, processor (the motherboard on the MPBro is substantially larger and more complex). So I think you should chose between the two based entirely on requirements for performance, ports, screen and not on built quality.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
OP, MBair for the apparent win here. Only the photo editing use has much potential to need MBpro horses... and that would need to be some intensive editing, which most people do not do. If "photo editing" is working on one photo, either is going to be fine. If you are optimizing hundreds of photos at a time, you prob need MBpro, if not Mac Studio.
Durability is not typically a big concern with Macs. They usually last at least 7+ years, which is about how long macOS will be updated for them. I've got a fully functional 2012 MBpro and a fully functional 2010 iMac still going strong. That 2012 has taken a lot of travel-related beatings. macOS has left both behind but the hardware itself is still just fine, running older generations of macOS just fine too. One thing the Apple Premium certainly buys is well-built computers that tend to last.
Apple Store employees and Apple fans are never going to discuss Apple durability, unless it's gushing praise. So you'll get little in that topic to help drive this decision. To 5 guys who can chime in with their horror story of failed Macs, there's 5 counters that someone's Apple II is still kicking about 40 years later. Besides, with Silicon Macs so very new, there's not enough history to pass much judgement on Silicon Mac durability model vs. model. Buyers basically gamble on the assumption that Silicon Macs will be as durable as Intel Macs. We'll all learn if that is true or false after a few more years.
Either Air or Pro will likely be durable enough to outlast how long you want to use them. Your stated usage is such that either Air or Pro should be fine for you. Some other more intense use objective in the future might tip the decision in favor or Pro... else "hot deals" for older Pros might make one more appealing than a newer Air.
I know when I specced up MBair on launch day, final pricing banged into "deal" pricing for various MBpros... and that derailed the purchase for me. When spec pricing gets close, may as well get the added horses.
Durability is not typically a big concern with Macs. They usually last at least 7+ years, which is about how long macOS will be updated for them. I've got a fully functional 2012 MBpro and a fully functional 2010 iMac still going strong. That 2012 has taken a lot of travel-related beatings. macOS has left both behind but the hardware itself is still just fine, running older generations of macOS just fine too. One thing the Apple Premium certainly buys is well-built computers that tend to last.
Apple Store employees and Apple fans are never going to discuss Apple durability, unless it's gushing praise. So you'll get little in that topic to help drive this decision. To 5 guys who can chime in with their horror story of failed Macs, there's 5 counters that someone's Apple II is still kicking about 40 years later. Besides, with Silicon Macs so very new, there's not enough history to pass much judgement on Silicon Mac durability model vs. model. Buyers basically gamble on the assumption that Silicon Macs will be as durable as Intel Macs. We'll all learn if that is true or false after a few more years.
Either Air or Pro will likely be durable enough to outlast how long you want to use them. Your stated usage is such that either Air or Pro should be fine for you. Some other more intense use objective in the future might tip the decision in favor or Pro... else "hot deals" for older Pros might make one more appealing than a newer Air.
I know when I specced up MBair on launch day, final pricing banged into "deal" pricing for various MBpros... and that derailed the purchase for me. When spec pricing gets close, may as well get the added horses.
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Nice, soon I will hopefully have mine.
Thank you, this is the type of comment I was hoping for.
Th
Thank you for taking the time to reply. This will be my first Apple computer- using IPadPro for daily browsing. I think I will go for the 14inch Pro 16gb ram M1 which will cost me the same as the AIR15 8gb ram M2 here is South Africa.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
You will love the 14 pro. Also it's worth mentioning sine you have an iPad Pro, the screen quality will match, thats something that would have been lacking with an air. Final note, remember you can use continuity and screen share with iPads and apple computers so thats extra screen space to use.
OP you are going to love it and getting to learn MacOS, good choice! The previous poster was correct with regards to screens, the keyboard can cause micro scratches when closed. Easily solved by putting a piece paper between the screen and keyboard when closed and carrying it around.
I am actually talking that the screens come scratched out of the factory. Big deal that Apple is not fixing.