Undecided between MBA 8 core 16 512 and MBP 16 256gb

[fc0712]

Hey. This is the same post as in the MacBook Pro forum,but thought it was better in the ARM section

I'm deciding which Computer to get and is currently torn between the MBP 16GB 256GB vs MBA 8core, 16gb, 512GB.

I will primarily be using for my graduate degree (finance) and Data science in my free time.

I will also be occasionally using it for some gaming (WOW).

What model would you guys recommend?

 

[phantom13]

If you get the mini I would opt for the smaller ssd. For a machine that won’t be moved around just buy an external for much cheaper than apples markup.

 

[Tchakatak]

Thats a tough one. Wow as games require longer session, therefore a MBP would be better on the long run. But 512 GB of memory is a minimum.
SSD external might be a good idea at the beginning, but they are not that fast, and for the price of one, I would definitely take the internal 512.

 

[skaertus]

In this scenario, I would get the MBA. They both have the same specs and should perform similarly. It is slightly lighter and has more storage.

The MBP may be better in long sessions, but this small difference in performance does not offset the gains of having double the storage. And, in my experience, an SSD may get filled really quickly. The MBP offers few advantages to be worth the price, such as a slightly brighter screen and the much-vilified Touch Bar.

I suspect Apple is keeping the 13-inch Pro just to reserve the "price point", as they now like to say, as there is no reason to have two laptop lines so similar to each other. The MBA seems the obvious choice for me.

 

[Moakesy]

It's a really close call.

It's either more storage, or go for less storage but get better speakers, mic, screen brightness and that love it or hate it Touch Bar. All of the MBP advantages are only useful if you need them...

Given you are doing a finance degree and some data science stuff as well, I'm guessing you're going to miss having more storage more than you'll miss having better speakers etc. Neither is a clear winner, but my gut feel is edging towards the MBA.

 

[TrueBlou]

If it were me, indeed I faced a similar decision, I’d plump for more storage.

Spec wise and performance wise, they are incredibly similar. The Pro will perform a bit better in extended heavy duty tasks, as it has a fan to help keep cool.

But 256GB, in my experience at least, is just nowhere near enough storage these days. Sure you can get an external SSD, some of which are quite fast. But not in comparison to the internal storage. And it’s nice not to have to rely on an external drive for your most important, most used apps and documents.

At the end of the day, it’s a very personal choice, we all want different things. If you can’t decide, toss a coin

 

[badsimian]

Games like WoW won't in general be ramming your computer to the point that the 10-15% throttling comes into play I think. The extra storage is always going to be useful.