MBA vs MBP Style vs Content?

[oddsock81]

Hi All,

With my current laptop on its last legs i'm looking at the options available for a replacement.

1) MBA 13"
2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage

2) MBP 13"
2.7GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x4GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

These two come in at the same sort of price, and although I do prefer the idea of getting a MBA I can't seem to justify it against the spec of the MBP.

The main use of the laptop would be work based and use CS5. I would imagine that both machines would have no problem doing the work but apart from weight, I can't see any other advantage with the MBA for the purpose of use?

I'm guessing by posting this in the MBA thread I do prefer the idea of this machine, but it does all seem a bit style over content?

Is there anything else i'm missing or does it just seem the right choice to go for the MBP?

Many thanks,

Keith

 

[Cheffy Dave]

The Air with the 256 SSD will run rings around the MBP 5400 RPM HDD

 

[KPOM]

You might also consider getting the Core i5-equipped MacBook Pro with 4GB and the 256GB SSD. It would come in at $1849 and give you the speed of the SSD along with the expandability of the MacBook Pro.

 

[TheRealDamager]

To me it really depends on what you do with the laptop and how much you have to carry it around. If you move around with the laptop alot (take to classes, travel, carry back and forth to work), then the weight becomes a PLUS on the Air that packs a big punch. I've been very impressed with how this thing has met my needs.

 

[oddsock81]

Thanks for the responses.

Have to admit I have not paid to much attention to the difference between a SSD and the standard hard drive of a mbp. Guessing there is more to in than just looking at the processor and ram.

I would imagine the sort answer would be that both options would do the job with no real problem, and just comes down to person preference. I think it is one of those things when you spec up one mac, you look to see what is missing from the option of the options available for another mac.

With regards to the mba, what sort of experiences have people been having with using cs5? I tend to end up having illustrator, photoshop, indesign and dreamweaver open at the same time.

 

[jrichie]

i would get the pro with an ssd for your needs.

I did a similar thing with my 15" and just did a speed comparison to my 11"air and there was no competition ......

on its own the air always felt fast but my mbp thrashes it in everything,......

 

[ritmomundo]

Based on your needs, I would say MBP with SSD, like the other posters say. Plus, you will be able to upgrade your components easier, which means your investment may last longer for you. The MBA is limited in upgradability.

Portability was the deciding factor for me, so I bought the MBA. The differences in specs weren't a big deal to me. If portability is important to you, then consider the MBA.

 

[Scottsdale]

The only "spec" that the MBP wins is CPU. All the rest go to the MBA.

MBA Pros
SSD much faster
Much more capable GPU
Hi Res Display much more capable
Better software and battery integration with instant on
Much lighter weight
Much thinner at about half as thick

MBP Pros
Better CPU
and if you consider the following necessary you shouldn't buy an MBA
FireWire
Ethernet

If you want a Pro level MacBook you have to go 15" or bigger, as in my opinion the 13" MBP is less Pro than the 13" MBA.