MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro questions

[iphonefreak450]

I’m currently running a laptop with Windows 10 and my main question would be, would it be silly to spend a fortune on a MacBook just because it’s a bit more secure than Windows?

I just like the fact the the T2 FileVault encryption is based on using a password as opposed to BitLocker on Windows which uses a different PIN code just to unlock the hard disk and then another login just to login to Windows. I just like that idea and concept of FileVault.

Next question:

Since I’m not doing any hardcore graphics video editing and things like that, should just go for the MBA M1 or the MBP M2? Is it true that the M2s get over heated?

My main computing tasks are basically minimal like web browsing, emails, YouTube and I use Google Earth on occasion in 3D mode.

As for the price, the MBA seems a bit cheaper but still expensive…

Another question:

I need a mouse as well. As for using the MacBooks with an external monitor, there are adapters for HDMI. But would it be compatible with my Lenovo T24 inch monitor?

What are your thoughts?

 

[darngooddesign]

Performance wise, the M1 Air will work great for you.

 

[iphonefreak450]

Since the MBA has no fans, will heating be an issue?

And should I get the M1 or M2 model?

What about the Lenovo T24 monitor? Will I have compatibility issues? I know there’s an HDMI adapter that can be plugged into the USB-C port on the MacBooks and from there, just hooked that to the monitor.

 

[unrigestered]

M1 Air should be your choice.

also, for your "minimal" usage, as you put it, you don't even need a mouse, as the trackpad is GREAT for the stuff you listed.
only get a mouse if you want to get your hands dirty in stuff like photo editing, gaming (mainly first person shooters) and some other stuff that truly need utmost precision.

regarding external monitors: you have to keep in mind that Apple stuff is extremely picky when it comes to the right monitors, as the require specific pixel densities, or else you will get blurry images

and lastly, regarding Filevault: you CAN use it without a dedicated passsword and just your user login, the full security is only available though if you also use a dedicated FV password, as i also just learned a couple of days ago.
for most people, including myself, the less secure option should still be good for many, unless you are dealing with truly confidential corporate stuff

 

[darngooddesign]

Since the MBA has no fans, will heating be an issue?

No issue for what you are doing.

And should I get the M1 or M2 model?

What the M2 gives you is a slightly larger screen, brighter screen with a bit better contrast and smaller bezels, better webcam in the notch, new design with slightly lighter weight, and MagSafe with fast charging (if you upgrade the power brick when you order). Then again, many people consider the M1's wedge design to be iconic and better looking.

Regarding the notch, the only time I notice it is with a very light colored wallpaper.

 

[unrigestered]

Since the MBA has no fans, will heating be an issue?

thermals should be no problem, especially for you use case the thing shouldn't even get warm

And should I get the M1 or M2 model?

usually you should be able to get the M1 cheaper, depending on your location even much cheaper.
If the price difference isn't that great, the M2 is the slightly better package, but not worth 50% more than the M1 as it is in some places

 

[iphonefreak450]

I do need a mouse.

So anyone can be able to recommend a good adapter that has HDMI port, a port for mouse and maybe an RJ45 LAN network port? The network port won’t be as important as I use WiFi but sometimes I do need just to setup a new router.

As for the memory options, I need at least 16gb but still, that adds up over $1,000….😳

 

[Heliotropen]

Can I but in and ask how the build quality and feel is between the two?
How about the keyboard? ...

Is the pro more robust?
Is the air more mobile?

 

[TechRunner]

Since the MBA has no fans, will heating be an issue?

And should I get the M1 or M2 model?

What about the Lenovo T24 monitor? Will I have compatibility issues? I know there’s an HDMI adapter that can be plugged into the USB-C port on the MacBooks and from there, just hooked that to the monitor.

I use a 24" Lenovo 2K monitor with an M1 Mini now, and a 2015 MBA in the past, and both work(ed) fine with it. I have my Mini scaled to 2048 X 1152 to make the system fonts big enough to read without a magnifying glass (aging eyes here). I run HDMI to HDMI, but I can't imagine a USB-C to HDMI would make a difference, though I'm no expert in that area.

 

[darngooddesign]

Can I but in and ask how the build quality and feel is between the two?
How about the keyboard? ...

Same keyboard.

Is the pro more robust?

The Pro is probably slightly more robust, but I doubt the difference is very noticible. It's not like the Air is plastic.

Is the air more mobile?

The Air is more mobile.

From my perspective, if I were carrying it regularly on my shoulder(s) I would get the Air, but if I were carrying it infrequently I would get the Pro and invest in a good bag.

 

[Heliotropen]

Thank you so much ... so on a budget Air might be the way to go?

 

[darngooddesign]

Thank you so much ... so on a budget Air might be the way to go?

The M1 Air is a fantastic computer. I personally think you should at least reach for the 512GB drive because it will give you more breathing room. If you are buying from Apple get a refurbished one.

 

[russell_314]

I’m currently running a laptop with Windows 10 and my main question would be, would it be silly to spend a fortune on a MacBook just because it’s a bit more secure than Windows?

Yes it would but it's your money. If that's your only reason to get a Mac then you need to have something worth securing. A better reason to get a Mac is because you like how the OS is or how it integrates with your other Apple devices. Security is boring TBH

I just like the fact the the T2 FileVault encryption is based on using a password as opposed to BitLocker on Windows which uses a different PIN code just to unlock the hard disk and then another login just to login to Windows. I just like that idea and concept of FileVault.

It's a cool concept but I'm not sure how much more secure it is than Windows encryption for regular people. If you're important I'm sure either can be broken.

Next question:

Since I’m not doing any hardcore graphics video editing and things like that, should just go for the MBA M1 or the MBP M2? Is it true that the M2s get over heated?

My main computing tasks are basically minimal like web browsing, emails, YouTube and I use Google Earth on occasion in 3D mode.

Any MacBook Air would work for what you do. There is no "over heated". It's not a car engine. Some of these clickbait YouTube channels are only good for making people worry about stuff that isn't real. The processor will slow down when it gets too hot but it doesn't damage it. This will only happen with constant benchmarks or extended video editing. Also video games could make it throttle but I hope you're not buying a Mac to play AAA games.

As for the price, the MBA seems a bit cheaper but still expensive…

It is but I think well worth it if that's what you need.

Another question:

I need a mouse as well. As for using the MacBooks with an external monitor, there are adapters for HDMI. But would it be compatible with my Lenovo T24 inch monitor?

What are your thoughts?

I've never used an external monitor with my Air so I'll leave that to other posts. I know it only supports one external monitor so keep that in mind if you're considering a dual screen setup. Since you mentioned monitors have you considered a M1 Mac mini? It's more affordable than the Air and supports two monitors. If it's just going to stay on your desk then that's the way to go. Me I like taking my MacBook Air around the house and I don't like being tied to the desk. This is why I sold my iMac and bought the Air.

 

[Ruggy]

I do need a mouse.

So anyone can be able to recommend a good adapter that has HDMI port, a port for mouse and maybe an RJ45 LAN network port? The network port won’t be as important as I use WiFi but sometimes I do need just to setup a new router.

As for the memory options, I need at least 16gb but still, that adds up over $1,000….😳

You really don't. I totally understand you saying that now, I thought exactly the same thing coming from the trackpad on Windows computers: the trackpad on the Mac is a totally different world- absolutely brilliant.
In a couple of days you will never bother with a mouse again.
Hold off anyway.

 

[iphonefreak450]

What adapter do you all recommend for an HDMI port?

I understand that the track pad that’s probably be getting used to but I do need a mouse. I don’t even use the trackpad even on Windows.

I just need recommendations for an adapter with HDMI port, mouse USB port and I think that’s all I need. Maybe an LAN port but I only would use that just to setup a new router. Ohhh, I also need extra USB port to connect with my USB stick as well.

 

[darngooddesign]

What adapter do you all recommend for an HDMI port?

I understand that the track pad that’s probably be getting used to but I do need a mouse. I don’t even use the trackpad even on Windows.

I just need recommendations for an adapter with HDMI port, mouse USB port and I think that’s all I need. Maybe an LAN port but I only would use that just to setup a new router.

I have been using a cheap Logitech MX535 and it’s been great. It uses the internal BT instead of one of the ports.

 

[ArkSingularity]

What adapter do you all recommend for an HDMI port?

I understand that the track pad that’s probably be getting used to but I do need a mouse. I don’t even use the trackpad even on Windows.

I just need recommendations for an adapter with HDMI port, mouse USB port and I think that’s all I need. Maybe an LAN port but I only would use that just to setup a new router.

I personally use this one from VAVA on Newegg, it's a great dongle and even has an extra USB-C port which is rare.

 

[iphonefreak450]

Thanks!

I saved your link to this in case I decide to buy one.

Anyways, this MacBook buying thing, is just a thought as I still need to really decide if the MacOS environment would be really suited for my needs.

But the most painful part is the price and I’m trying to save up money for it.

 

[chrono1081]

Next question:
Is it true that the M2s get over heated?

This isn't true. People confuse normal processor functionality with "overheating". Chips get warm with heavy use. If a chip gets too hot it throttles until it cools down which is perfectly normal despite what tech YouTubers insinuate. The throttling isn't really an issue either because you don't notice it in real world use. This is why I don't put real value in benchmark scores.

I have both an M1 MacBook Pro and M2 MacBook Air and some of the things I've done on my M2 MacBook Air are:

-Running Houdini simulations for hours.
-Editing and exporting 4k video in Final Cut.
-Making motion graphics in Motion.
-Making music in Logic (20 tracks until I stopped because I got bored adding tracks)
-Animating and rendering in Blender.
-Tons of Xcode work.
-Sculpts in ZBrush.
-Playing lots of Final Fantasy 14 on Med-high settings.

The M2 MacBook Air handled all of this perfectly fine without even barely getting warm.

 

[jav6454]

Since the MBA has no fans, will heating be an issue?

And should I get the M1 or M2 model?

What about the Lenovo T24 monitor? Will I have compatibility issues? I know there’s an HDMI adapter that can be plugged into the USB-C port on the MacBooks and from there, just hooked that to the monitor.

The M1 MBA is an absolutely great buy. You won't be "burned" like with Intel models.

 

[Feek]

I understand that the track pad that’s probably be getting used to but I do need a mouse. I don’t even use the trackpad even on Windows.

My suggestion would be that when you buy an M1 MacBook Air (because that's the one that most suitable), just try it using the trackpad first. If you find it's OK, then you'll have saved the cost of a mouse. If you really don't get on with it then you can add a mouse later.

When I came from a Windows PC to a Mac back in the Vista days, I used a mouse initially and then when the Magic Trackpad was released I bought one to try and I've never connected a mouse to a Mac since then.

 

[Heliotropen]

I agree with the others, make no sense to buy a MacBook and use a mouse… use it for a month without a mouse and you can never go back.

 

[darngooddesign]

I agree with the others, make no sense to buy a MacBook and use a mouse… use it for a month without a mouse and you can never go back.

I use a mouse while working, but the MacBook trackpad is lightyears better than most Windows laptops; my Thinlpad T14's trackpad pales by comparison.

 

[Romain_H]

I agree with the others, make no sense to buy a MacBook and use a mouse… use it for a month without a mouse and you can never go back.

I‘d never use trackpad only. In particular with multiple displays attached, the trackpad is nothing but a big PITA

 

[Heliotropen]

I use a mouse while working, but the MacBook trackpad is lightyears better than most Windows laptops; my Thinlpad T14's trackpad pales by comparison.

With macos gestures (and esp. bettertouch tool) ... the trackpad is lightyear ahead of mouse technology for some tasks (not all). ... for my imac I have a magic mouse and a logitech gamining mouse ... but I still ended up using a Apple Magic Trackpad for it instead ... I only use the mouses for gaming ... or precision work and there I prefer my apple pencil.