I hesitate between an Air M2 15" with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD and a 10% discounted M2 MacBook Pro 16" with the same amount of RAM and SSD memory. (The new M3 is more expensive but has less memory bandwidth and I would gamble for an M2.) Use for internet browsing, emailing, text and layout and photo editing, playing music and watching a movie once in a while. No games. Intend to use it for about six years anyway. Can anyone give me any advice? Thanks
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Buying advice: MacBook Air 15" or MacBook Pro 16" M2
- Thread starter Defever
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Seems like the MBA is enough for your needs, I would say go with MBP only if you value mini-LED and/or 120hz displays.
I would go for the MacBook Pro 16” if money is not an issue. Overkill for your needs? Definitely. A tad heavier than the 15” Air? Yes. But the XDR display is so much better and that is what you are going to be looking at every time you use the Mac. Plus the extra real estate is nice to have, and the vastly better speakers will make a difference when you watch a movie.
Not really .
soon the M2 will get higher discounts as soon as the M3 hits the shelf.
For your use case also the M1 is more than sufficient which goes now new for 30% less
FWIW, I'm on a 2019 i7 16g MBP that has been very good to me. I've outgrown the i7 and wanted to trade it in while it still has some value. I ordered a 2023 15" MBA 16g 1tb thinking it would replace my MPB and was looking forward to the lighter and thinner footprint.
Played with the MBA for two days, returned it to the Apple Store this morning.
Reasons; the screen size and resolution were better to me even on the older 2019 MBP. My eyes are not what they once were, I need every bit of screen real estate. Also, the audio on the 2019 MBP absolutely crushes the MBA. Yes, I understand the trade offs, weight, cost, etc.. I really wanted to love the MBA but the pro is the way to go for me as the MBAs shortcomings are deal breakers. Beyond that, the MBA is a very nice unit.
I'll wait for the dust to settle, bite the bullet and get one of the M3 MPBs.
Played with the MBA for two days, returned it to the Apple Store this morning.
Reasons; the screen size and resolution were better to me even on the older 2019 MBP. My eyes are not what they once were, I need every bit of screen real estate. Also, the audio on the 2019 MBP absolutely crushes the MBA. Yes, I understand the trade offs, weight, cost, etc.. I really wanted to love the MBA but the pro is the way to go for me as the MBAs shortcomings are deal breakers. Beyond that, the MBA is a very nice unit.
I'll wait for the dust to settle, bite the bullet and get one of the M3 MPBs.
The M2 Pro MacBooks 16" won't get more of 10% discount because they are nearly sold out where I live.
And I prefer a new Mac instead of a refurbished one. On another forum in the Netherlands, most users recommended the 15" air, but I edit sometimes large photo's with Pixelmator Pro. The M3 Pro is approx. 50% more expensive. It's a difficult decision, however I am tempted by the better display and speakers.
And I prefer a new Mac instead of a refurbished one. On another forum in the Netherlands, most users recommended the 15" air, but I edit sometimes large photo's with Pixelmator Pro. The M3 Pro is approx. 50% more expensive. It's a difficult decision, however I am tempted by the better display and speakers.
I went from the a 16" m1 Pro to a 15" Air. To me, I rarely wanted to use my 16" M1 Pro because of it's weight and footprint. I love the 15" Air much more because it gives me the screen size in a more manageable package. I also never used the extra features of the Pro model. With that said, I think the 14" and 16" MacBook Pros are totally worth the retail price, even better if you can get a discount.
An M2 chip will be more than powerful enough for Pixelmator Pro. I think you are vastly overestimating the power you need.
