Undecided MacBook Pro 14 (base) or Air M2

[ledzep1]

Hi

Im really undecided on which to go for pro 14 MacBook or the slightly newer Air with M2 chip.

Im coming from an iMac late 2013, so a I need to get used to a smaller screen, portability is not a huge factor, likely move it around in the home on the rare occasion so not worried about the weight difference.

The screen size, despite being marginal has me tempted to get the pro and it also has a better screen display I believe. The biggest thing for me is 13" vs 14" on pro, I feel I may find 13" too small.

I was going to get the Air with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD, in the pro these are already base.

So £1649 vs £1899 for the 14" pro


I doubt I will make use of the extra performance of the Pro, but I just love having the best if possible.

What should I get guys?

Also I understand a newer Pro could be on the horizon with M2 pro chip, is it worth waiting, this could also bring a price hike though?

Thanks

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Literally dozens of posts on the forums and hundred of Google results. Bottom line, pick what fits your budget and lifestyle, nobody can tell what hasn’t been said already so you’ll have to decide for yourself.

 

[ledzep1]

Literally dozens of posts on the forums and hundred of Google results. Bottom line, pick what fits your budget and lifestyle, nobody can tell what hasn’t been said already so you’ll have to decide for yourself.

Yeah, I actually just got the 14" pro as I got a good saving on it, £1614 instead of £1899 in UK with some staff discount. No brainer after all that.

 

[ilikewhey]

its a no brainer, mbp has bigger better screen, better speakers, faster ram, faster ssd, etc, for the same if not better price than similar spec mba. if you wanna get a standalone mini led monitor, the starting price is 2k+

 

[Leo90]

I also had the same doubt last week and ended up getting the MBP 14” with a lovely discount. M1 Pro is a beast and the screen on the MBP is much better than the one on the Air model. It is a no brainer, for the same small price difference go for the pro

 

[maflynn]

What should I get guys?

If it was me, I'd probably opt for the MBP. While I can see the M2 MBA being a temptation, the 14 MBP offers too many advantages.

MBP advantages:
More ports (more TB/USB-C), SD card reader, HDMI port
Display: Larger, Mini-LED, Faster (Promotion)
Faster processor
More max ram
Active cooling (fans)
Better Audio (more speakers).

I believe in just about every measurement, the MBP is simply the better option, though I think battery life is superior on the MBA but I didn't look that deep.

 

[ilikewhey]

If it was me, I'd probably opt for the MBP. While I can see the M2 MBA being a temptation, the 14 MBP offers too many advantages.

MBP advantages:
More ports (more TB/USB-C), SD card reader, HDMI port
Display: Larger, Mini-LED, Faster (Promotion)
Faster processor
More max ram
Active cooling (fans)
Better Audio (more speakers).

I believe in just about every measurement, the MBP is simply the better option, though I think battery life is superior on the MBA but I didn't look that deep.

but what happened to your pc laptop lol

 

[maflynn]

but what happened to your pc laptop lol

I still have it - my Razer is an awesome laptop. If you need a gaming laptop, Razer is the best.

Depending on my needs for the day. If its something that I'll be spending a fair amount of time working remotely, say in a hotel, or playing some games. The Razer comes with me. If I need battery life, or light work, where I can get away without needing windows only programs then the MBP comes with me. I can play some games on the MBP, but overall if I think I'll have some off time, the razer comes because the game selection is night and day

 

[tills24]

I am in the same boat, my 15" i7 MacBook Pro is due for replacement at work, and I am torn between the 14" MBP or the 13" M2 Air. I am desktop support, so I walk around campus of my university with the laptop most of the time, and the size and weight of the 15" MBP is making me think the Air for the smaller weight and for the battery life.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Im really undecided on which to go for pro 14 MacBook or the slightly newer Air with M2 chip"

Can you "wait a little longer"? If so then...
WAIT 4-5 MORE WEEKS.
If you do, you will have MANY more choices.

If you need to buy RIGHT NOW, I'd suggest the base model MacBook Pro 14".
You may still be able to get it for $400 off list price, as they "close them out".

 

[ledzep1]

"Im really undecided on which to go for pro 14 MacBook or the slightly newer Air with M2 chip"

Can you "wait a little longer"? If so then...
WAIT 4-5 MORE WEEKS.
If you do, you will have MANY more choices.

If you need to buy RIGHT NOW, I'd suggest the base model MacBook Pro 14".
You may still be able to get it for $400 off list price, as they "close them out".

Nope as I have a special one day only staff discount so I went for the MBP 14" and got 15% of the price. Thanks for the help everyone.
Ive never worried about waiting for refresh, even if its in weeks. Im on a 2013 iMac, and updating to a 2021 MBP, so I should see a massive improvement in performance that will last me years.

 

[ledzep1]

I am in the same boat, my 15" i7 MacBook Pro is due for replacement at work, and I am torn between the 14" MBP or the 13" M2 Air. I am desktop support, so I walk around campus of my university with the laptop most of the time, and the size and weight of the 15" MBP is making me think the Air for the smaller weight and for the battery life.

I got the MBP 14" in the end, but if I was like you and on the move all the time, I would have gone for the Air.

 

[jerryk]

Another person in the same M1 14" MBP or M2 Air boat.

I am replacing a M1 Air that has been permanently assigned to our recording booth. But before that I liked traveling with it. It was nice and light, and had a decent, but not spectacular screen. My plan is to make this next machine my travelling companion. I travel about 6 times a year. Here are my likes and dislikes of the M1 Air:

• Likes
  • Small size. Easy to pack and carry.
  • Light
  • Keyboard is OK
• Dislikes
  • 8 GB was not enough memory so beachballs occur
  • 256 GB storage is restrictive
  • Screen is nice, but not great

Because of these issues I am thinking about a 14" MBP M1. But concerned about the weight and size. I don't want to lose too much portability. What do people think about upgrading to an M1 14" MBP with 16 GB memory and 512 GB SSD? Or should I look at a M2 Air with similar specs?

Wild card, does anythink the M2 14" MBP will be out this year?

 

[Misheemee]

Another person in the same M1 14" MBP or M2 Air boat.

I am replacing a M1 Air that has been permanently assigned to our recording booth. But before that I liked traveling with it. It was nice and light, and had a decent, but not spectacular screen. My plan is to make this next machine my travelling companion. I travel about 6 times a year. Here are my likes and dislikes of the M1 Air:

• Likes
  • Small size. Easy to pack and carry.
  • Light
  • Keyboard is OK
• Dislikes
  • 8 GB was not enough memory so beachballs occur
  • 256 GB storage is restrictive
  • Screen is nice, but not great

Because of these issues I am thinking about a 14" MBP M1. But concerned about the weight and size. I don't want to lose too much portability. What do people think about upgrading to an M1 14" MBP with 16 GB memory and 512 GB SSD? Or should I look at a M2 Air with similar specs?

Wild card, does anythink the M2 14" MBP will be out this year?

I'm a petite female and travel back and forth everyday with my 14' MBP, as well as my work surface laptop 4. I own a base M1 Air as well (which I bought trying to curb my appetite for the MBP 14" prior to M2 MBA coming out).

No issues with portability at all on the MBP 14' - it's a highly portable computer, and I'm very happy with it. Love the screen real estate, speakers, the ports (especially magsafe and the HDMI) - and the Mini LED screen with promotion, it's soooo fluid and immersive and such a joy to use - not to mention that the MBP is a beast and does everything I need it to in the blink of an eye. I’m not a power user, and probably won’t use the MBP to its full potential, but I really do enjoy the hell out of it, every time I use it.

M2 MBA is a great laptop too. You can't go wrong with either laptop, you just need to prioritise what are needs/no compromises for you. For me, the ports (especially built in HDMI and additonal ports), larger screen with Mini LED and Promotion (after having Ipad pros with Promotion, Screen size, and great speakers were things I really wanted, in a portable package.

Now and then I read these forums about how much people love their M2 MBA's and wonder if I'd like the M2 MBA better, but if it weren't for these forums, I probably wouldn't give it a second thought as I'm really happy with my 14" MBP.

 

[maflynn]

. No issues with portability at all on the MBP 14'

I bought a 16" but for my needs that I had earlier this year, I needed something more portable. I exchanged the 16" for the 14" and I was shocked at how light and portable it really is. I'm used to lugging around a 15" laptop and this is light, and so portable

M2 MBA is a great laptop too. You really can't go wrong with either laptop

I bought my 14" well before the M2 was released, had I waited, there's a good chance I would have opted for the M2, but that's the story of my life ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

No regerts though - the 14" is a fantastic laptop (but I do love that midnight blue color)

 

[Technerd108]

I have had the 14" MBP, 16" MBP and now I have an M2 MBA.

They are all great devices.

The screen on the MBP's is nice but in normal non hdr use the brightness is the same. Promotion on the mini led screens is not as noticeable as one would think. Unless you have the MBA next to the MBP you won't notice the difference. The mini led has more vibrancy than the regular ips and no back light bleeding at all but you do get a halo effect on some images almost looks foggy. There is flickering with PWM on the mini led while there is not on the MBA. So if you get headaches due to PWM you might be sensitive to the MBP.

Both screens are fantastic on the air and Pro. You really can't go wrong with either but I prefer the air due to eye strain and the halo effect. Some don't even notice either and if I didn't then the Pro screen would be better.

Speakers on the 14" Pro have a lot more bass and have more max volume but for me the sound was muddied and listening to voices on a movie where they were talking low was almost impossible at high volume setting. It was a problem for me because my computer is also my TV. The air on the other hand has much less bass but is ultra clear. I never have to turn it up all the way and I can hear everything clearly. The air has okay bass but it is lacking compared to the 14" but I prefer it much more because I can hear everything clearly, bass is only good if I can hear everything and max volume on the 14" was not great. The 16" is another story. Still a lot of bass but also more volume but there were still sometimes where spoken voices were hard to hear but much better than the 14"

Now weight. The 16" is a tank. For me it was just too heavy to use on my lap for a long time. The 14" is lighter but in proportion to its size it still feels heavy. My thinking was if I am getting a Pro I want the biggest screen, best cooling, best battery and best speakers. Later I regretted the weight. I didn't like the weight of either one. 3.5 lbs for a 14" is heavy when you consider other laptops on the market. But it is a solid device.

The M2 air on the other hand at 2.7 lbs. is much more comfortable. The weight is never an issue. It doesn't have fan vents either which means I can put it on any surface without worrying it will block vents and overheat.

Battery life. The M1 Pro on the 14" has decent battery life but it is considerably less than my M2 air or even the 16". The M2 air lasts a long time.

Keyboard: I didn't have the 14" long enough but on the 16" the deck where the track pad is was very wide and made typing uncomfortable for me. That said the keyboard is very nice. The air feels perfect for me and I love typing on it more than any other computer I have had except for maybe a Lenovo ThinkPad.

So in my experience the M2 MBA for portability is much better than the Pros for multiple issues. If I had to do video editing or utilize a lot of GPU or multicore cpu then the Pro would be the only choice. But I don't and for my use case the M2 has been impressively fast to say the least.

I came from Intel gaming laptops where in order to have a powerful laptop you needed to hear a jet engine, burn your lap and if you were lucky get 2 hours of battery life. The M2 is faster than those machines, has no fan, and lasts several times longer.

You really have to ask what is most important to you. I would encourage you to look at both devices in person and see if you can use them in different lighting. Pick them both up and if possible set them on your lap. There are strengths and weaknesses to both.

The m1 MBP 14" is one of the best Apple laptops for Pros ever and I would say the m2 air is the best Apple laptop in an ultra light ever. I still have dongles from my 13 m1 mbp so the lack of ports is a non issue. Having magsafe is huge on both though.

I also like new colors so midnight on the new M2 MBA is pretty cool.

Whatever you decide I am sure you will be happy because they are both great!

 

[maka344]

Hi

Im really undecided on which to go for pro 14 MacBook or the slightly newer Air with M2 chip.

Im coming from an iMac late 2013, so a I need to get used to a smaller screen, portability is not a huge factor, likely move it around in the home on the rare occasion so not worried about the weight difference.

The screen size, despite being marginal has me tempted to get the pro and it also has a better screen display I believe. The biggest thing for me is 13" vs 14" on pro, I feel I may find 13" too small.

I was going to get the Air with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD, in the pro these are already base.

So £1649 vs £1899 for the 14" pro


I doubt I will make use of the extra performance of the Pro, but I just love having the best if possible.

What should I get guys?

Also I understand a newer Pro could be on the horizon with M2 pro chip, is it worth waiting, this could also bring a price hike though?

Thanks

It's a tough decision because they are both great. However, as you're in the UK, Apple's refurbished website is offering the 16gb/512 M2 Air for £1479 and the base 14 Pro for £1619.

 

[seanster]

Hi

Im really undecided on which to go for pro 14 MacBook or the slightly newer Air with M2 chip.

Im coming from an iMac late 2013, so a I need to get used to a smaller screen, portability is not a huge factor, likely move it around in the home on the rare occasion so not worried about the weight difference.

The screen size, despite being marginal has me tempted to get the pro and it also has a better screen display I believe. The biggest thing for me is 13" vs 14" on pro, I feel I may find 13" too small.

I was going to get the Air with 16gb ram and 512gb SSD, in the pro these are already base.

So £1649 vs £1899 for the 14" pro


I doubt I will make use of the extra performance of the Pro, but I just love having the best if possible.

What should I get guys?

Also I understand a newer Pro could be on the horizon with M2 pro chip, is it worth waiting, this could also bring a price hike though?

Thanks

I've had MBP's of different configurations since about 2004. This was the first time that I really could not make up my mind on which to get. My job/career has changed over the years and I simply do not require the specs for an MBP anymore, but I always buy because you 'never know'. But I begin to value portability over 'top spec'.

I had to physically go into the Apple Store yesterday to check out and compare the M2 MBA vs. the MBP 14. Both were great machines. The display on the MBP is fantastic. The keyboard on the MBP seems to have a touch more travel, feels more natural. But outside of that, I found that the MBP felt really 'chunky' compared to the MBA (or the previous generation MBP's). The weight of the two is night/day - ignore the 'spec sheets' - go and pick them up, you'll see what I mean. I know I know, ports are everything. Well, not for me - I don't need an HDMI port nor do I need an SD card slot.

Got home and immediately ordered the M2 MBA, in midnight, with the requisite spec bumps (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). Way I figure it, I buy a new laptop every 3 years - so why do I keep buying a laptop that is supposed to last me 5 years when I get a new one every 3 - just handing out my money.

No regrets, other than that I have to wait a week to get it!

 

[Token]

I chose the MBP 14" base model myself, and it is a really solid machine. As an academic doing lecturing with slides every week, I love that I no longer need any hdmi-adapters. I was a bit surprised by the heavier weight in comparison with my previous 2018 13" MPB. A much better keyboard, screen, SSD speed, etc are things I will love for the years to come.

 

[jerryk]

I chose the MBP 14" base model myself, and it is a really solid machine. As an academic doing lecturing with slides every week, I love that I no longer need any hdmi-adapters. I was a bit surprised by the heavier weight in comparison with my previous 2018 13" MPB. A much better keyboard, screen, SSD speed, etc are things I will love for the years to come.

I agree about the HDMI port. I think this is one of the best things you can have on a laptop today. As you point out if you lecture every school or conference room has an HDMI port. And also, every TV made today also has an HDMI input. So, you can do your work presentation and come back to the hotel or your home and play video games or watch YouTube.

 

[jerryk]

I am replacing my M1 Air with a new system. I was leaning heavily towards and M2 Air, but after looking at all of the features and cost for the configuration I want, decided the 14" MBP. I want a system with 512 GB and 16 GB of memory. When I configure that at Apple the price is $1699. But at Amazon I can buy the base M1 MBP 14" with 512 GB and 16GB of memory for $1599.

 

[GMShadow]

Got home and immediately ordered the M2 MBA, in midnight, with the requisite spec bumps (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). Way I figure it, I buy a new laptop every 3 years - so why do I keep buying a laptop that is supposed to last me 5 years when I get a new one every 3 - just handing out my money.

This is probably the attitude I need to take re: going from 16 to 32GB of RAM on a Pro when I upgrade.

Of course if Apple released a 15" Air I'd be all set, but that one doesn't seem like it'll ever come out of the rumor stage.

 

[ilikewhey]

Another person in the same M1 14" MBP or M2 Air boat.

I am replacing a M1 Air that has been permanently assigned to our recording booth. But before that I liked traveling with it. It was nice and light, and had a decent, but not spectacular screen. My plan is to make this next machine my travelling companion. I travel about 6 times a year. Here are my likes and dislikes of the M1 Air:

• Likes
  • Small size. Easy to pack and carry.
  • Light
  • Keyboard is OK
• Dislikes
  • 8 GB was not enough memory so beachballs occur
  • 256 GB storage is restrictive
  • Screen is nice, but not great

Because of these issues I am thinking about a 14" MBP M1. But concerned about the weight and size. I don't want to lose too much portability. What do people think about upgrading to an M1 14" MBP with 16 GB memory and 512 GB SSD? Or should I look at a M2 Air with similar specs?

Wild card, does anythink the M2 14" MBP will be out this year?

i upgraded from the m1 mba to now a mbp 14, i travel to office twice a week and never noticed the weight difference. if you want to shave every ounce possible then yeah get the m2 mba, otherwise for the better display, speakers, more ports etc, the base mbp 14 makes so much more sense.

 

[ilikewhey]

I've had MBP's of different configurations since about 2004. This was the first time that I really could not make up my mind on which to get. My job/career has changed over the years and I simply do not require the specs for an MBP anymore, but I always buy because you 'never know'. But I begin to value portability over 'top spec'.

I had to physically go into the Apple Store yesterday to check out and compare the M2 MBA vs. the MBP 14. Both were great machines. The display on the MBP is fantastic. The keyboard on the MBP seems to have a touch more travel, feels more natural. But outside of that, I found that the MBP felt really 'chunky' compared to the MBA (or the previous generation MBP's). The weight of the two is night/day - ignore the 'spec sheets' - go and pick them up, you'll see what I mean. I know I know, ports are everything. Well, not for me - I don't need an HDMI port nor do I need an SD card slot.

Got home and immediately ordered the M2 MBA, in midnight, with the requisite spec bumps (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). Way I figure it, I buy a new laptop every 3 years - so why do I keep buying a laptop that is supposed to last me 5 years when I get a new one every 3 - just handing out my money.

No regrets, other than that I have to wait a week to get it!

lol hope you don't mind the fingerprint and easy to scratch surface.

i also went to the apple store before deciding on the mbp 14, honestly the weight difference is not that drastic, then again i'm used to my 2015 13inch mbp.

 

[Technerd108]

I've had MBP's of different configurations since about 2004. This was the first time that I really could not make up my mind on which to get. My job/career has changed over the years and I simply do not require the specs for an MBP anymore, but I always buy because you 'never know'. But I begin to value portability over 'top spec'.

I had to physically go into the Apple Store yesterday to check out and compare the M2 MBA vs. the MBP 14. Both were great machines. The display on the MBP is fantastic. The keyboard on the MBP seems to have a touch more travel, feels more natural. But outside of that, I found that the MBP felt really 'chunky' compared to the MBA (or the previous generation MBP's). The weight of the two is night/day - ignore the 'spec sheets' - go and pick them up, you'll see what I mean. I know I know, ports are everything. Well, not for me - I don't need an HDMI port nor do I need an SD card slot.

Got home and immediately ordered the M2 MBA, in midnight, with the requisite spec bumps (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). Way I figure it, I buy a new laptop every 3 years - so why do I keep buying a laptop that is supposed to last me 5 years when I get a new one every 3 - just handing out my money.

No regrets, other than that I have to wait a week to get it!

You will be very happy with it I am sure!

The M2 is impressive for those who have used it on a regular basis.

Midnight is a great color and the matching keyboard is really a nice touch. Fingerprints are not a big deal. The surface isn't prone to scratches any more than space Grey is.

Having the power of the M2 in a fanless design is pretty cool and under rated. Being able to use the device anywhere for hours at a time is rather liberating and being so light you can use it in a variety of settings without it being a bother.

The M1 MBP'S are some of the best Pro laptops I think Apple has ever made but these new airs are likewise some of the best air laptops Apple has ever made. You get an ultra light, ultra portable laptop that has the power of gaming laptops currently on the market. Obviously there are limitations without a true cooling system but for most use cases it works impressively well. Which is really a game changer for an MacBook Air!