I'm currently debating between a 15" MBA with 16GB memory ($1461), a 15" MBA with 16GB memory and 512 GB storage ($1673; $212 over the 16GB only MBA) and the MackBook Pro 16" ($2437--$763 above the MBA with 16GB; $551 over the MBA with 16GB and 512GB.). I often split the screen with documents, so nothing I do is too intensive, but larger sizers are nice to work on. I can make the price of either option work, but I don't want to spend extra money if I don't need to. What do you think?
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Struggling to decide between the Air and Pro.
- Thread starter LennyRoger
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- If you mainly use your laptop for everyday tasks, the 15" MacBook Air with 16GB of memory is sufficient and cost-effective.
- If you need more storage, go for the 15" MacBook Air with 16GB of memory and 512GB storage.
- If you prioritize performance and a larger screen for multitasking, the 16" MacBook Pro is the best choice but comes at a higher cost.
I think you should look at both screens in person, and if possible, try doing split screen with some example documents. To me, it seems like that particular window config on the screen will be the most important factor in the long term, and I think you need to see it for yourself to see which one works.
Be sure to test different screen rez settings, because one might be more legible, despite being on a physically smaller screen.
Another possibility might be to order one (or both), try it for 14 days, then return it if it doesn't work out. This assumes you're in a location that offers Apple's 14-day no-questions return policy.
Be sure to test different screen rez settings, because one might be more legible, despite being on a physically smaller screen.
Another possibility might be to order one (or both), try it for 14 days, then return it if it doesn't work out. This assumes you're in a location that offers Apple's 14-day no-questions return policy.
Biggest question is storage - what do you have now and how much do you use? As for MBA vs MBP, the Air is powerful enough for what you describe. I even wonder why 16GB.
I'd buy the one I thought was the best fit, and return it if you find you need more. Buying two and returning one seems a bit of gaming of they system.
I'd buy the one I thought was the best fit, and return it if you find you need more. Buying two and returning one seems a bit of gaming of they system.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Do you do your work mostly from one location? If so, are you sure this must be a laptop?
Your post begs for BIG screen. So consider taking that budget and getting a Mac Mini paired with a big screen. You can get much bigger than 16" that way without really needing to spend so much (ASD is not the ONLY possible choice of screen- there are many good choices).
If you do end up with a laptop, save some money to buy a big screen to attach to it when at your main location. Split screen document work will be much better with more screen R.E.
Your post begs for BIG screen. So consider taking that budget and getting a Mac Mini paired with a big screen. You can get much bigger than 16" that way without really needing to spend so much (ASD is not the ONLY possible choice of screen- there are many good choices).
If you do end up with a laptop, save some money to buy a big screen to attach to it when at your main location. Split screen document work will be much better with more screen R.E.
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I don't use much. I'm just thinking of future proofing. I use cloud storage quite a bit because I bounce between my laptop and desktop. I've been watching some Youtube videos and some people recommend a refurbished 14" Pro over the 15" Air.
If your usage mostly for split screen with documents, the MBP is too expensive just for that. I would go with 15” Air / 8 GB / 512gb. This machine is more than enough already for what you plan to do with.
512gb or 256gb? It really depends on your usage. How much are you collecting/creating files (ie, music, video, pdf, word files etc). How much of them do you plan to offload to external storage. I don’t really agree with future proofing idea due to lot of things that can change the “future” suddenly (ie, the MacBook is lost, need service, or newer ones come up with very very good features etc etc).
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That really depends on your storage requirements. My office Mini uses around 100GB so I got 256. My personal MBP houses my photo collection and some music and needs several times more space.