Going from MBP 15" to M1 MBA

[Tech198]

I spilled liquid on my 2019 MBPro 15" and fried the motherboard. While my AppleCare+ covered it for $299, I need a computer for work so I went shopping. I wound up with an MBA/8GB/512. I wanted a 16GB Ram model but that was special order, and despite my MBP having 16 I never really did any heavy lifting beyond running Parallels, and Geekbench on the MBA was as good or better with less memory than on the MBP.

My really concern was screen size. My first MB was the old white one from 2010. After I went the MBP I went with a 15 inch screen and really liked the extra space, so I was concerned a 13inch would be too small. After using, it for 2 weeks I've found it to be enough, especially since I use a second screen anyway.

Here are my takeaways on the switch:

1. I didn't realize how much lighter and slimmer the MBA is. There is a big weight /size delta, which is nice because I travel a lot for work.
2. It's powerful. Granted I am not a gamer but I've noticed no dropoff from my i7 MBP.
3. The new keyboard is a whole lot nicer than the old one. The typing experience is much better.
4. There are some personal cons, YMMV:
• Only two USB-C ports is a pain, especially since one is used for power.
• Can't run Win10 in a VM (Yes, I am running WinARM Preview but that is not a long term solution)

If Apple comes out with a new Air next year with more USB C ports, and possible a microSD slot I'd upgrade. Get rid of the bezel and add more screen space, even if you make the chassis a bit bigger would be fantastic.

I'm already dreading when i get mine soon too..

USB-C will be the biggest factor, for me to get used to, and i already assuming Win10 insider preview probably still buggy.(although that just could be all the Youtube reviews from Jan.).. There are 'hacks', like UTM, but i'd stay clear of them.

For that reason, and no windows servers, this could be a short lived test. Luckily, Windows is not my main focus.

 

[Jacoblee23]

I do not miss my 2019 15 MBP ...

I have one. May I ask why?

 

[jz0309]

I have one. May I ask why?

The MBA is just as fast if not faster, this is my “gut feel” ignoring benchmarks, for some apps even faster, eg Lightroom photo import.
It was easy to get the fans spinning on the MBP, no fans on the MBA.
Smaller footprint, lighter.
I wasn’t sure about the screen, the MBP was a replacement for a 2013 13 MBA and the screen was awesome, the M1 MBA has Retina display but I have gotten used to the loss in real estate.
I do not need x86 apps.
I got just over half what I originally paid as trade in, which to me meant that I got the MBA for a little over $400.

that is of course me and you and others might have different perspectives

 

[Jacoblee23]

The MBA is just as fast if not faster, this is my “gut feel” ignoring benchmarks, for some apps even faster, eg Lightroom photo import.
It was easy to get the fans spinning on the MBP, no fans on the MBA.
Smaller footprint, lighter.
I wasn’t sure about the screen, the MBP was a replacement for a 2013 13 MBA and the screen was awesome, the M1 MBA has Retina display but I have gotten used to the loss in real estate.
I do not need x86 apps.
I got just over half what I originally paid as trade in, which to me meant that I got the MBA for a little over $400.

that is of course me and you and others might have different perspectives

Understandable. My 2019 MBP 15” gets too hot compared to my m1 machines. I have also had my keyboard replaced twice already and will probably have to get it replaced for a third time. Do you think if this keeps happening there is any chance apple will send me a 16” with the updated keyboard or do they have 2019 15” pros for apple care replacements. I do have AppleCare plus.

 

[deeddawg]

It was easy to get the fans spinning on the MBP, no fans on the MBA.

Data point for those considering M1 MBA vs M1 MBP:

Although the M1 MBP does have a fan, I've only ever heard it once - and I was specifically trying to make it come on. I had to force Lightroom to regenerate a couple thousand raw previews, and even then it wasn't very loud or obtrusive, and didn't stay on very long.

Otherwise it's remained silent in my normal usage including LR and PS.

 

[jz0309]

Understandable. My 2019 MBP 15” gets too hot compared to my m1 machines. I have also had my keyboard replaced twice already and will probably have to get it replaced for a third time. Do you think if this keeps happening there is any chance apple will send me a 16” with the updated keyboard or do they have 2019 15” pros for apple care replacements. I do have AppleCare plus.

I had no issues with the keyboard with mine. Whether or not they will give you a 16 because of the keyboard, I am guessing probably not but one never knows. If it happens again, you’ll just have to escalate it up high, incl the famous email to tcook@apple.com…
I had AC+ too, paid upfront and had forgotten how much it was, so was happy to get another $125 refund…

 

[jz0309]

Data point for those considering M1 MBA vs M1 MBP:

Although the M1 MBP does have a fan, I've only ever heard it once - and I was specifically trying to make it come on. I had to force Lightroom to regenerate a couple thousand raw previews, and even then it wasn't very loud or obtrusive, and didn't stay on very long.

Otherwise it's remained silent in my normal usage including LR and PS.

Interesting because LR is an absolute CPU hog during import/preview generation…

 

[darngooddesign]

If you look at the specs the MBP isn’t that much heavier than the Air. 2.8 pounds vs 3.0. Still only 2 ports though. If they release a 14” MBP with 4 ports it might be your preferred option.

The 15” MBP is 4 pounds.

 

[deeddawg]

Interesting because LR is an absolute CPU hog during import/preview generation…

Indeed.

Do note that I say that my M1 MBP remains silent. It's entirely likely it's sometimes spinning the fan, but quietly enough that I cannot hear it even in my pretty quiet home office environment.

It's nothing like my 2018 MBP15 - which would mimic a jumbo jet on takeoff if you looked at it funny.

 

[jz0309]

Indeed.

Do note that I say that my M1 MBP remains silent. It's entirely likely it's sometimes spinning the fan, but quietly enough that I cannot hear it even in my pretty quiet home office environment.

It's nothing like my 2018 MBP15 - which would mimic a jumbo jet on takeoff if you looked at it funny.

Yea, my 2017 iMac actually mimics a 707 during LR import ?