MacBook Pro 13.3 vs Air 13.3 - both M1

[DMB1]

Hi everyone,

Im looking a bit of advice on what might be the best option in terms of longevity and should I buy now or wait for a future m2 upgrade later in the year.

I’ve never had a Mac before and basically need something which will do me a few years (4-6 years). It will be used for web browsing, designing soccer session (why I can’t go for an M1 iPad - software isn’t compatible with a tablet), listening to music, word processing.

There is a few offers on the base air and base pro over here in the UK - better reduction on the pro compared to the air.

What would everyone recommend in terms of the air over the pro and even though they were released in 2020 will they still be supported in 3-5 years time.

Thanks

Mark

 

[dizmonk]

I have the M1 Air and generally like it. If I were you I'd wait a month as there's lots of speculation as to whether or not Apple will release a baseline version of the Macbook Pro with m1 Pro chip or possibly (though I doubt it) the m2. I plan on waiting until next month to see. If there is a new Macbook Pro with either the same or better battery life than the m1 Air and better screen brightness/speakers I might upgrade(but I doubt it). I would guess all m1 machines will be supported 3-5 years from now. I would stay away from the m1 Macbook Pro because of the Touch Bar.

 

[JPack]

With the MacBook Pro, you're paying for 10-15% better sustained performance. If your workflow pegs the CPU at 100% for more than a couple minutes, the MacBook Pro will outperform the Air by 10-15% because it has better cooling. You also get a better display (higher contrast, brighter), better speakers, bigger touchpad, and bigger battery.

Nobody credible is predicting M2 until the second half 2022. If you find a good deal on M1, it could be worth buying now.

Depending on what productivity software you use, you could benefit from 16GB memory.