MacBook 13“ buying advice for external display

[btsvchris]

Hey everyone,
I struggle what MacBook I should buy.
the Choice is between the MacBook Air 13“ and the MacBook Pro 13“.

I need it mainly in clamshell mode attached to a 4K monitor.
There low-mid gpu and CPU usage (so usually Zoom with 25 people and same time safari and word). That should work without the fan going above 3000 rpms.
Choice is between base MacBook Pro and maxed processor MacBook Air.
256 GB, 1700$ Limit.
Touchbar is of no relevance.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[edubfromktown]

The base MBP 13" is old processor tech so that's one strike against going that route.

I run a 2020 Air i7 with a 4k UHD display and it does quite well.

I've never been a fan of clamshell mode in general so haven't tested that but I guess I could throw and external keyboard and mouse on and see what happens. Seems a bit oxymoronic to keep the cover all the way closed and cook internals more than necessary.

 

[btsvchris]

thanks for the reply. Not sure if „works quit well“. No clamshell is fine for me but during zoom, word, safari there shouldn’t be any performance drops during 4K, even after 3-4 hours straight. How does that work for you?
Is it getting really hot?

 

[edubfromktown]

thanks for the reply. Not sure if „works quit well“. No clamshell is fine for me but during zoom, word, safari there shouldn’t be any performance drops during 4K, even after 3-4 hours straight. How does that work for you?
Is it getting really hot?

Never has gotten really hot. I've been running it clamshell for better than an hour. So far same thing... running cool. I've got Light Room, Opera with 10 windows open and an Adobe Connect meeting going. The closed cover display does not feel warm at all.