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MacBook vs. MacBook Pro....

D

Dodgeman

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Nov 30, 2016
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So the Macbook pro I found for an ok price $1150.
The Macbook Air is currently $700 but I am not sure I can deal with a non retina screen for many years down the road.

The Macbook came into play due to more memeory and portability. Although I do not plan to travel much with it but the more memory down the road could be useful.

However now the pro went on sale the 256 version which is the same price as the Macbook so I guess it be more cost effective if one needed the extra memory and specs to do the Pro 256 over the smaller screen Macbook with the slower processor.

I visited apple and the guy did a little trick where he opened all the apps on the Macbook and the Pro, and there was def a difference in speed when it came to getting all the apps open....

Any other differences to be aware of? Or advanatges to having the 12 inch Macbook instead of the Pro?
 
The MacBook uses a super-low-power CPU, and it is passively cooled. That means there are no fans, so no noise/dust concerns. The MBP uses a much higher power CPU, and has a fan. That means you will get more performance out of it in more situations, and for longer periods of time. It's more than just opening apps, it's the sustained power of the MBP that will be a big difference maker when actually using the apps. The MacBook should be fine if your needs are basic and you don't expect that to change. The MBP is going to have more flexibility. How do you plan to use this new machine?
 
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Exploring the web. Backing up an iPhone. Maybe watching movies or playing music. Maybe occasionally doing a word document.
Only downside I saw is the MBP was 1299 for the 256 variant as well. So bigger screen, more ports, better speakers, and a better processor than the MacBook. That is almost a deal breaker only thing the MB has at that point is size.
However if that same MBP was 1500 then the MB would be the better value.
I like the smaller footprint for sure and I do not think I need the faster processor just don't want to look back after 2 years and say I spent 1300 and this machine is slow as ever & I wish I had a bigger screen.
 
Doesn’t sound like you need much for power. I guess if there is one consolation, Apple products do hold value well. If you end up wanting more power, you could probably sell the MB for a decent price. Hard to know what we’ll have in 2 years that will compare. By then, we may be looking at Apple-powered MacBooks instead of Intel.
 
Darmok N Jalad said:
Doesn’t sound like you need much for power. I guess if there is one consolation, Apple products do hold value well. If you end up wanting more power, you could probably sell the MB for a decent price. Hard to know what we’ll have in 2 years that will compare. By then, we may be looking at Apple-powered MacBooks instead of Intel.
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What would you have to be doing to make the processor worth it?
Where would I notice a difference between the M3 and I5?
 
Dodgeman said:
What would you have to be doing to make the processor worth it?
Where would I notice a difference between the M3 and I5?
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You’d have to check reviews of the models you’re considering, but I’d say the MBP will do things twice as fast as the MB, maybe more. Games, Photoshop, video encoding, the MBP will be noticeably faster.
 
I have had a MB since they were first released and am very happy with its performance. I use it mainly for business travelling, including database work and don’t notice any major difference in speed to an iMac. It will play movies on an external monitor with an adapter (eg HDMI to a TV)
The lack of ports is often criticised but I have not found it to be a problam. In fact I just need to plug one adapter cable into the USB-C port to connect power, hard drives, iPhone etc.
If you don’t need portability then I agree it is overpriced. And I would have preferred a slightly larger screen.
 
mpainesyd said:
I have had a MB since they were first released and am very happy with its performance. I use it mainly for business travelling, including database work and don’t notice any major difference in speed to an iMac. It will play movies on an external monitor with an adapter (eg HDMI to a TV)
The lack of ports is often criticised but I have not found it to be a problam. In fact I just need to plug one adapter cable into the USB-C port to connect power, hard drives, iPhone etc.
If you don’t need portability then I agree it is overpriced. And I would have preferred a slightly larger screen.
Click to expand...

The only thing I am kicking myself is that the 256 Macbook Pro was the exact same price as the Macbook. So if you don't mind the bigger footprint then it would be a no brainer.
However normal price that Macbook Pro 256 is 1500.
Also the Pro 128 was on sale for 1100 just not sure I can make so on tge 128 though.
 
Darmok N Jalad said:
You’d have to check reviews of the models you’re considering, but I’d say the MBP will do things twice as fast as the MB, maybe more. Games, Photoshop, video encoding, the MBP will be noticeably faster.
Click to expand...
To add, since the MB is passively cooled, I imagine OP will notice it getting warmer far quicker for far less.

I tested a MB out with Pages and a bunch of PDF tabs opened in Acrobat Reader, and within 20 minutes it got noticeably warm. The wooden table I had it on also got pretty warm. With the MBP, it barely got warm. Not a big deal though.
 
shyam09 said:
To add, since the MB is passively cooled, I imagine OP will notice it getting warmer far quicker for far less.

I tested a MB out with Pages and a bunch of PDF tabs opened in Acrobat Reader, and within 20 minutes it got noticeably warm. The wooden table I had it on also got pretty warm. With the MBP, it barely got warm. Not a big deal though.
Click to expand...

I think the MBP has fans
 
Keep in mind all the keyboard issues users are reporting! Just takes one spec of dust to render your machine useless! Please take this into consideration before purchasing your machine!
 
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TC_GoldRush said:
Keep in mind all the keyboard issues users are reporting! Just takes one spec of dust to render your machine useless! Please take this into consideration before purchasing your machine!
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So any Macbook or Macbook Pro newer model the keyboard is that terrible and we should steer clear?

Do you think the new models will utilize the same keyboard?
 
Dodgeman said:
So any Macbook or Macbook Pro newer model the keyboard is that terrible and we should steer clear?

Do you think the new models will utilize the same keyboard?
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Not sure about the future modeks. However you should steer clear of the current models, as the keyboards could be rendered useless by one spec of dust... There is actually a class action lawsuit being filed against Apple due to their failing keyboards.
 
Assuming you get AppleCare, your keyboard will at least be covered for a while. If you haven't tried the "butterfly" keyboard, I would definitely go into an Apple store and try one out before you buy. Some people are fine with them, but a lot of people really hate the way they feel.
 
Dodgeman said:
Curious how the MB can do without fans, is the processor that weak?
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It’s a low clocked 5w chip so yes however it can turbo boost to high speeds for short bursts to do most everyday workloads with ease, it’s on sustained performance it falls down .
 
Yes, WWDC (Apple's yearly Developer conference) is just around the corner, in early June, so my suggestion would be to wait it out a wee bit longer. If the sale prices for current models start turning "aggressive" it might mean there are new models coming out shortly.

I'm also currently on the fence for the same reason, and I definitely want to avoid issues with the current keyboards.
 
The MacBook 12" is a great device
Great for travel
If it's 'fast enough' I would say buy it

The reason I wouldn't buy it?

If you need to be connected to power, or an external monitor, as well as a USB storage device at the same time. Using an adapter is really flaky and even if it works, only runs at USB 2.0 speeds.

But if you're just using a mouse/keyboard/etc you'll be just fine.
 
I'm sort of in the same boat. Trying to decide between the Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro. I need the 256gb at a minimum as I have a pretty decent photo and video library. This will be replacing my 27" 2012 iMac. I don't use it much anymore and I prefer the portability of a laptop. Especially that I just got my real estate license and will be doing it on the side as well as keeping my teaching job (for now). I have a MacBook Air through my teaching job which I really like, but I can't decide between the 3. I was leaning towards a MacBook or a Pro, but the keyboard issues have me a little concerned. I think I'll most likely wait a few weeks and see what pops up at the WWDC. Isn't there pretty good speculation things might get shaken up a little bit in the laptop lineup?
 
tardman91 said:
I'm sort of in the same boat. Trying to decide between the Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro. I need the 256gb at a minimum as I have a pretty decent photo and video library. This will be replacing my 27" 2012 iMac. I don't use it much anymore and I prefer the portability of a laptop. Especially that I just got my real estate license and will be doing it on the side as well as keeping my teaching job (for now). I have a MacBook Air through my teaching job which I really like, but I can't decide between the 3. I was leaning towards a MacBook or a Pro, but the keyboard issues have me a little concerned. I think I'll most likely wait a few weeks and see what pops up at the WWDC. Isn't there pretty good speculation things might get shaken up a little bit in the laptop lineup?
Click to expand...

Or they could bring out the same laptop with the same keyboard. Maybe a different laptop with the same/similar keyboard.
 
robvas said:
The MacBook 12" is a great device
Great for travel
If it's 'fast enough' I would say buy it

The reason I wouldn't buy it?

If you need to be connected to power, or an external monitor, as well as a USB storage device at the same time. Using an adapter is really flaky and even if it works, only runs at USB 2.0 speeds.

But if you're just using a mouse/keyboard/etc you'll be just fine.
Click to expand...

I use a Lacie USB-C hard drive for Time Machine backups and also Samsung SSD drive as a second TM backup. Both are fast when connected with USB-C cable directly to the MB, which is then unpowered for the durection of the backup. Using an adapter is noticably slower which, I guess, is because it reverts to USB2.
 
So back to this. The MacBook for a refurb is 1100 or I can get a new one for 1150.
Which one would you go for?
 
I'd get a 2016 with 512GB for $1k. They pop up on sale every few weeks. Woot.com had them one day last week.
 
cobracnvt said:
I'd get a 2016 with 512GB for $1k. They pop up on sale every few weeks. Woot.com had them one day last week.
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Yeah they had a 2016 on there for 950!!! In gold which isn't the first choice but it is ok I guess. I let that slip and it has been almost 2 weeks.
 
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