MBA or MBP

[lembowski]

Hello, I had an ibook a few years ago and loved it but due to the cost of getting a Macbook or Pro I had to get a PC at the time.

Well I'm in a better place now and want to look at getting a mac again. I have been really excited about the new MBA. Now I'm going back and forth with the MBA 11.6 (64gb, 4gb) and the MBP 13 (base). I use the computer mostly for surfing, music and word processing. I'm not a designer or do any video editing or processor hungry things. I don’t use an optical drive but maybe once or twice a year so it is not of much concern. I have 3TB of external HD space so the internal HD is a moot point also. I like the weight/heat savings of the MBA as it’s normally on my lap while watching TV. Only thing about the MBP that I love over the MBA is the backlit keyboard which is very handy at night.

I'm trying to get the best bang for the buck with my purchase. I can get the MBP for $1,127 and the MBA for $1,033 with my employer’s discount. Which is a better buy for me?

 

[hcho3]

Tell us what you are going to use it for and please explain what those prices will give you. Every companies get slightly different discounts. Without you telling us what those MBA and MBP specs are, we cannot really tell. Which MBA model is 1033 after discount?

 

[Velin]

If weight matters, get the Air. I have a 13" MBP, and I can tell you I get sick of lugging it around. People w/ 15" or 17" MBP with the solid aluminum, that must be a serious millstone around their necks.

So for frequent traveller like me, these new Airbooks are looking really good.

 

[lembowski]

Tell us what you are going to use it for and please explain what those prices will give you. Every companies get slightly different discounts. Without you telling us what those MBA and MBP specs are, we cannot really tell. Which MBA model is 1033 after discount?

Pretty sure I did say.....

The MBA is the 11.6" 64gb, 4gb, 1.4ghz = $1,033 from $1,099

The MBP is the 13.3" base level, 4gb, 250gb, 2.4ghz = $1,127 from $1,199

 

[lembowski]

If weight matters, get the Air. I have a 13" MBP, and I can tell you I get sick of lugging it around. People w/ 15" or 17" MBP with the solid aluminum, that must be a serious millstone around their necks.

So for frequent traveller like me, these new Airbooks are looking really good.

I wouldn't be traveling with it to much, mostly for at home use. Its the combo of weight and heat. Mostly it will be sitting on my lap.

 

[gianly1985]

If you don't care about FW800 and if you care about SSDs:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1034136/

(I know you considered the 11" MBA but I think the sweet spot is at the 13" base MBA + 4gb ram)