MacBook Air M2 13" vs MacBook Pro 14"

[MrsWiddershins]

Hi all,

I'm looking to upgrade from a early 2015 MacBook Pro and am thinking about the 13" M2 Air or 14" MacBook Pro.

I use my laptop recreationally with no specific tasks requiring high specs but am guilty of excessive safari tabs and want it somewhat future proof. I know the 8GB RAM and 256GB hard drive have been insufficient with my current laptop (obviously with a different processor).

If I up the basic M2 Air to 16GB RAM and a 512GB hard drive (same as the basic Pro), it ends up about $700 (AUD) cheaper than the Pro.

I understand the better specs of the Pro, particularly the screen, and I guess my question is how noticeable these upgrades are for an average user? Will the lack of fan likely be an issue?

I have a preference for the Air for size and colour (silly, I know!) but don't want that to sway me. For reference, I had my last two MacBook Pros for 6 to 7 years each and expect this next one to also go the distance.

Last question - I'm fairly certain if I go with the Air that upgrading from an 8 to 10 core GPU won't make a measurable difference but am keen to hear if anyone thinks otherwise.

Any and all advice welcome!! Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I had a M1 Air and right have the 14 and 16 Pro's.
In day to day tasks such as web browsing, office apps, media streaming I felt no differences between the Air and Pro's. Things will be different if you are starting to have more intensive tasks such as photo/video editing, gaming, etc.
The screen difference is tricky. Some will notice substantial differences others not. It is a very personal experience or choice.
It would be advisable to go to some Apple store and examine both screens personally.

 

[OrenLindsey]

For your use cases, I don't think you need the pro.