The problem with the artificial benchmarks under sustained loads is one thing, but I’m very curious to see how the Air holds up when doing a Zoom or Teams call for 1 hour or more. That is a very common use case which can be taxing and absolutely relevant to the vast majority of buyers.
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M1 Pro 14 base vs M2 Air
- Thread starter Booji
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Thank you for sharing this perspective.
I have been provided a 14" Pro for my day job but have been looking to replace my own late 2011 13" MBP for out of hours and holiday usage but have been going round in circles as to which to go for. Thanks
Dont get me wrong, probably for its intended demographics, usage wise, M2 Macbook Air is probably going to be good laptop. However the price you pay for one and spec you get for it is just too high for what you get, imho.
I would gladly get one with 16/512GB combo for 1599€, however, it costs 1539€ and up for base spec model with 8/256GB and slower nvme speeds, so, obviously, 14" Pro model in its base configuration is much better value for me.
I would gladly get one with 16/512GB combo for 1599€, however, it costs 1539€ and up for base spec model with 8/256GB and slower nvme speeds, so, obviously, 14" Pro model in its base configuration is much better value for me.
I've been using the M1 Pro in both the 14" and 16" MBP models for a few months now, and even though they both have astoundingly good battery life during normal use, things like Zoom, FaceTime, Webex Meeting, Teams, etc. still drain the battery noticeably faster than any other application other than games. I don't think I've ever heard the fans spin up during use of those conferencing applications though, unless I just can't hear them. I do sit pretty far away from my work laptop while I'm working, because it's almost always docked.
I know I used to use the standard M1 in my MacBook Air for some Zoom and FaceTime calls, and it was more or less the same story. I think these kind of apps are just very processor intensive due to the volume of data they're constantly pushing back and forth.
The weird part is that I feel that my iPhone 13 Pro handles Zoom calls incredibly well for a few hours. The M2 is by and large a bigger version of the A15. The A14 is of a similar vein thanks to it being an Apple Silicon chip which the M1 is based off.
You'd think that a FaceTime call would be very efficient since it's an in-house videoconferencing solution.
I kicked around the the idea of the M2 vs M1 Pro, and I settled on M1 Pro. I needed the boost in RAM and storage from my current machine and felt like the M1 Pro 14 provided the best value for my use case and beyond. I typically have a lot of programs running at once along with 3-4 VMs in constant use. The M1 Pro is a superior machine, in just about every way.
I understand for some about the whole weight thing, but that is of no consequence to me. The M1 Pro is still a thin laptop and a pound makes no difference to me.
I understand for some about the whole weight thing, but that is of no consequence to me. The M1 Pro is still a thin laptop and a pound makes no difference to me.
The 14” M1 Pro is thinner than I expected it to be. I’ve seen them in person before, briefly, but never really analyzed them. So when I bought, it was almost sight unseen.
It was no problem with 6+ hours/day on my M1 Air; I'm sure it's fine with the M2. That was always plugged in though - I have no idea what the battery drain is like.
Jumping in late in this thread, but I say: don't get buyer's remorse or FOMO*. The 14 M1 Pro is a BEAT. I just got one myself yesterday, after comparing it and the M2 Air in-store. Weight is almost the same. Similar specs are almost the same price. the Pro will last many years and perform beautifully.
If you let FOMO rule you, buy an Air now, and regret it this winter when something new comes along, and next year regret it when the M3 comes along (or whenever that will be). Enjoy what you got, and get something better in a few years
* Fear Of Missing Out
Got a silver base model 14-inch M1 Pro and it is perfect.
Gimme that tasty thick brick.
I really like that it doesn’t have body issues and is just out and proud about its thickness and user friendly features.
Gimme that tasty thick brick.
I really like that it doesn’t have body issues and is just out and proud about its thickness and user friendly features.
Are you talking about a computer here or something else? 😂
The 14" is an incredible device, not that much thicker / heavier than the M2 Air, but has superior performance, greater screen tech along with other Pro features.
Yup, this!
People end up with a pre conceived notion that it’s big and heavy because of people on these forums - without having actually seen it, touched it or picked it up - and it’s really not at all! Yes the air is slightly lighter, but the MBP isn't a heavy device at all
The 14” MBP is hands down the best computer I’ve owned, and I carry it with me back and forth every day too 😉
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Its not heavy, but it is heavier and thicker then the MBA2, and yes, you can feel the difference, in my opinion.
Anyway, i went for the MBP14 too and dont regret it at all. I could talk about especially the screen all day, love it.
Anyway, i went for the MBP14 too and dont regret it at all. I could talk about especially the screen all day, love it.
Weight is a consideration if you're a Uni student who is constantly on the move and carrying it in your backpack.
Completely immaterial to me personally. So much so that I just bought a new 16" MBP, base model at a nice discount for $2,300 (AUD 3,360). Bigger screen (much needed for me) and better speakers and mic. Heavier, sure but it won't break my back as I literally have to carry it to and fro bedroom-living room once a day haha.
My first Apple product was the MBA early 2014. Upgraded after 8 years to MBP 14.2 on 13/07/2022. Switched to the 16" on 31/07/2022 to 16". No more upgrades for a decade at least.
I mean, it's half of 0.25" thick, but the weight gain is noticeable. Other than that, agreed.
Was looking forward to an MBA M2. For form factor, new design, and an upgrade in processing power. Would have to get 16GB of RAM and a minimum of 512GB of storage and do everything I need. MBA M2 seemed the way to go. But, a starting jump in the base price, the upgrade added cost to 16/512, AND here the recent Yen-dollar exchange rates became a problem. Plus, APPLE Japan took the opportunity at the MBA M2 introduction to increase prices across the line in Japan by 30%! So, my option became a very lightly used (6 recycles on the battery, "like-new," boxed) base MBP 14". About $70us more than that new MBA M2 16/512 and with a much better display and ports. More than I'd originally thought I'd be spending (M1 days and pre-Yen drop) is my only concern. Just took delivery, and this should be fun coming from an MBP 15" 2015. Wow, for some reason I didn't think it would be that much smaller than the 15", the screen is smaller too but cool in this form factor, and the blacks and contrast! I Hope Apple comes out with a MagSafe adapter to use with the power cable on my old but still good Apple Thunderbolt Display, the only thing I'll be missing in the transition to Apple silicon (Display to MPB 14" can use the TB 2-3 adapter, so not all lost .
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