Whose going with the M1 Air vs Pro?

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I have both the M1 Air and Pro, both 8gb. I have just opened and started to setup the Air - to do a side by side full comparison to see which one I keep. Ive been using the MBP for 3 weeks and im more than happy.

I was going to return the Air today without opening it but then at the last minute decided to try it. I'd like to save money if I can but its not a big deal and I've never owned an Air so I want to check it out fully.

My first impressions - and these are very fresh so could change:

- The keyboard on the Air feels different. I wouldn't say its bad, far from it, but the MBP has a more solid feedback. The keys on the Air have slightly more play in them. Ive been using the MBP for 3 weeks so im very familiar with the feel. Im also coming from a 2018 MBP with a terrible key feedback so I have been scarred by that.
- The screen on the MBP seems slighter more to my taste. Cant say more than than - only been using the Air for 30 mins. Ill use some more.
- I prefer the wedge design of the Air - feels lighter and more comfortable holding. Maybe its the weight distribution.
- The Air being fan less - meaning no dust can get in - is a positive.
- I like the physical keys on the top but equally don't mind the Touch Bar.

Ill report back anything else over the next week or so. With the extra 20%+ battery on the MBP and the initial keyboard feedback the Air has its work cut out for me make me change but I wanted to give it a fair chance.

You never know, and then at least ill know for sure - from my own experience - why I decided to pay more for the MBP.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I’m only referring to the M1s. Nothing else. I see a large difference in pro versus air keyboard - the best way to describe it is the pro feels more tactile and stiff (I prefer that)

I agree with this. My experience also... so far. But MBA not bad, just prefer the MBP.

 

[justinf77]

NotebookCheck review on the M1 MBP is out:

Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 Laptop Review: The entry-level Pro also gets the M1 performance boost

Notebookcheck reviews the entry-level MacBook Pro 13 2020 with Apple's new M1 processor. Does the active cooling solution make a noticeable difference?

www.notebookcheck.net

It shows that the screen on the MBP is indeed better than the MBA in terms of black level and contrast, like we all thought.

But the conclusion is this:

"All in all, the new MacBook Pro 13 M1 seems to be filler product that does not make much sense. We cannot find any real arguments to prefer the Pro over the new Air. We suspect Apple will eventually discontinue the entry-level MacBook Pro 13 in the not-too-distant future and only offer a single (and more expensive) MacBook Pro 13 (or maybe MacBook Pro 14) with a more powerful M1X processor."

 

[James_C]

@justinf77 thanks you posting the review, I agree with the conclusion. From someone who has always bought the Pro over the Air, it did not appear worth the premium to me, when I could put the money into additional storage instead, and get the Air.

 

[Paul1980]

NotebookCheck review on the M1 MBP is out:

Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 Laptop Review: The entry-level Pro also gets the M1 performance boost

Notebookcheck reviews the entry-level MacBook Pro 13 2020 with Apple's new M1 processor. Does the active cooling solution make a noticeable difference?

www.notebookcheck.net

It shows that the screen on the MBP is indeed better than the MBA in terms of black level and contrast, like we all thought.

But the conclusion is this:

"All in all, the new MacBook Pro 13 M1 seems to be filler product that does not make much sense. We cannot find any real arguments to prefer the Pro over the new Air. We suspect Apple will eventually discontinue the entry-level MacBook Pro 13 in the not-too-distant future and only offer a single (and more expensive) MacBook Pro 13 (or maybe MacBook Pro 14) with a more powerful M1X processor."

I completely agree with this. Ive had 3 different 13 pro's and have loved them but when I tried the Air M1 I realised that the pro just wasn't worth the extra money anymore. The Air screen might not be as good on paper but unlike the older Airs the screen on the new Air, in my opinion, is pretty much identical and wasn't a factor for me anymore, especially because its now P3.

 

[captain_henry]

Yeah I think it's important to note that if you want the 8-core gpu you'll have to choose either +256gb of the 512gb Air or the Pro with all the little improvements -the weight and shape.
Having some time now with the pro and comparing them side by side in a store I'm satisfied with my decision. Never enough battery life, cooling and cores just for being interested in the m1s future, I prefer the typing feel and the screen, touch bar is still meh and all the stuff with "better" audio, charger, mics is a plus.
Would I be unsatisfied with an base Air? Probably not, but atleast my gut feeling is satisfied with the "review underdog".

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah I think it's important to note that if you want the 8-core gpu you'll have to choose either +256gb of the 512gb Air or the Pro with all the little improvements -the weight and shape.
Having some time now with the pro and comparing them side by side in a store I'm satisfied with my decision. Never enough battery life, cooling and cores just for being interested in the m1s future, I prefer the typing feel and the screen, touch bar is still meh and all the stuff with "better" audio, charger, mics is a plus.
Would I be unsatisfied with an base Air? Probably not, but atleast my gut feeling is satisfied with the "review underdog".

I have iPad Pros and honestly, I've never felt that they needed fans. I'm highly unlikely to do anything super intensive that would fully load the chipset so the fact that the MBA is fanless is actually a major pro.

Personally, the only advantage of the M1 MBP for me is slightly longer battery life. I prefer having the function keys plus the MBA is a bit lighter as well. For my use, I'm better off buying a 8GB/512GB MBA over a similarly priced 8GB/256GB MBP.

For most users, I just don't see the 7c vs 8c GPU as well as addition of fan actually bringing much benefit.

 

[Argon_]

I have iPad Pros and honestly, I've never felt that they needed fans. I'm highly unlikely to do anything super intensive that would fully load the chipset so the fact that the MBA is fanless is actually a major pro.

Personally, the only advantage of the M1 MBP for me is slightly longer battery life. I prefer having the function keys plus the MBA is a bit lighter as well. For my use, I'm better off buying a 8GB/512GB MBA over a similarly priced 8GB/256GB MBP.

For most users, I just don't see the 7c vs 8c GPU as well as addition of fan actually bringing much benefit.

In my case, I'd rather allocate the price difference to upgraded RAM.

 

[rui no onna]

In my case, I'd rather allocate the price difference to upgraded RAM.

I would've done that as well if the 16GB RAM options weren't 1+ month delayed. My desired config is MBA 16GB/1TB (cheaper than either MBP 8GB/1TB or 16GB/512GB) but I needed a MacBook now.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

Fwiw, I used the MBA all day today instead of the MBP. Both 8gb ram which seems fine for my general usage.

- The MBP keyboard has slightly stiffer feedback. But nothing bad about the MBA keyboard whatsoever - I like both.
- The battery is at 32% at end the day. The MBP would probably be 50% or thereabouts.
- I very much prefer the MBA wedge design.
- I didn't notice much about the screen. Ill see tomorrow when I switch back to MBP.
- Prefer physical keys rather than Touch Bar but no big deal.
- The MBA seems to run slightly hotter than MBP (1-3 degrees) - between 26-38 degrees range.

I could toss a coin - save £235 or have 20% extra battery - and id be fine either way. Not charging for 2 full days is good but maybe not worth £235 🤷‍♂️

As I might go for the 14" (only if it has no bezels) if/when its released (if ever) I might go for the MBA to save money. This switch is partly about transferring max value from my intel MBP to an M1 Macbook.

Will know tomorrow how I feel fully about each after using the MBP - then decide.

 

[walterpaisley]

I could toss a coin - save £235 or have 20% extra battery - and id be fine either way. Not charging for 2 full days is good but maybe not worth £235 🤷‍♂️

This is where I'm at as well. When I use the MBP I can see how it's almost worth the extra cost, but then I spend some time with the Air and it's not so clear cut. My MBP is 16G/1TB vs my Air which is 8GB/512GB, so the cost different is substantial. What I'm trrying to figure out is if the cost difference is worth the "just-in-case" future proofing or not. Also, do I buy for what is probably my work and very limited travel reality for the next couple of years, or do I buy with the expecation that things will go back to "normal" and I'll travel more?

For me it's a tough call. I'm glad I have until the 8th to decide!

 

[Zazoh]

What I'm trrying to figure out is if the cost difference is worth the "just-in-case" future proofing or not.

I don’t believe in future proofing. But especially in the era of SoC, these are entry Gen 1 devices, as soon as the next iteration arrives, these quickly get left behind. Apple has promised us a two year rollout replacement. I wouldn’t look to last much beyond that.

Yes, it will function, but it won’t be the thing everyone is talking about or building for.

 

[rui no onna]

I don’t believe in future proofing. But especially in the era of SoC, these are entry Gen 1 devices, as soon as the next iteration arrives, these quickly get left behind. Apple has promised us a two year rollout replacement. I wouldn’t look to last much beyond that.

Yes, it will function, but it won’t be the thing everyone is talking about or building for.

I don't believe in future proofing either. However, while 8GB is adequate, it doesn't really offer any headroom. You just have super fast swap to help mitigate low RAM.

 

[nameste]

I sent my i9 64/2tb/560m mbp back to apple placed an order for m1 mba 16/1tb because i couldnt stand the fan noise and the battery life.I also read the whole thread and find out people are happier with mbp than mba.Do you think should i cancel and get the same spec mbp?

 

[deeddawg]

@nameste the MBA vs MBP choice is an individual preference matter. The “correct” answer varies by individual.

 

[Argon_]

I sent my i9 64/2tb/560m mbp back to apple placed an order for m1 mba 16/1tb because i couldnt stand the fan noise and the battery life.I also read the whole thread and find out people are happier with mbp than mba.Do you think should i cancel and get the same spec mbp?

If you actually need that kind of computing might, then I'd wait until you can at least get the M1X, 32/2TB

 

[James_C]

I sent my i9 64/2tb/560m mbp back to apple placed an order for m1 mba 16/1tb because i couldnt stand the fan noise and the battery life.I also read the whole thread and find out people are happier with mbp than mba.Do you think should i cancel and get the same spec mbp?

More people tend to post on a forum like this when they are not happy, rather than when they are happy. I replaced my 15" late 2016 MBP with a M1 MBA a month ago and I love the new MBA. It is completely silent and is 100% faster than my old MBP. It really depends on how much you like the Touch Bar. If you do, then go MBP, if not then go for the MBA like me.

 

[jmackhack]

What do you think about $974 US for a openbox m1 macbook pro base model 8gb 256gb? Found one at Best Buy with full warranty and 14 day return policy? Debating on base model but I think I may trade in when new machines come out.

 

[OldCorpse]

I just bought an MBP 8GB/256GB. It will be delivered today in a few hours.

I didn't want it. I wanted an Air 8GB/512GB. But they didn't have one available until shipped Jan 18.

But I needed a computer TODAY - or VERY SOON, like within days. My trusty late 2009 iMac has started failing - the HDD is making odd clicking sounds and I'm afraid it's going to be toast very soon. I'm trying to back up stuff before it collapses. Meanwhile I need a computer pronto.

Like I said, I really wanted the M1 Air 8/512 - but not available until mid January - too late for me.

Failing that, I went for the Macbook PRO, and I wanted the 512GB storage, because 256GB is really too little... unfortunately, the same story as with the Air - not available until mid January.

So, unhappy, I ordered the standard space gray M1 MBP 8/256.

I will use it over the next couple of weeks, and if I see the availability of the Air get better over the next couple of weeks, I'll probably return the MBP and get the Air with 512GB.

That's how I ended up with an MBP even though I really wanted the MBA.

 

[KShopper]

It sucks when that happens. Been there.

 

[rui no onna]

Like I said, I really wanted the M1 Air 8/512 - but not available until mid January - too late for me.

Failing that, I went for the Macbook PRO, and I wanted the 512GB storage, because 256GB is really too little... unfortunately, the same story as with the Air - not available until mid January.

I got lucky and was able to get the 8C/8GB/512GB MBA (with EPP discount) last Saturday from Apple with same day delivery. If they didn't have that, I would've gone with whatever M1 MacBook they had available.

It's still not ideal but at least storage isn't super cramped as it would've been on 256GB.

Anyway, wish you luck in getting the config you actually want.

 

[/V\acpower]

I don’t believe in future proofing. But especially in the era of SoC, these are entry Gen 1 devices, as soon as the next iteration arrives, these quickly get left behind. Apple has promised us a two year rollout replacement. I wouldn’t look to last much beyond that.

Yes, it will function, but it won’t be the thing everyone is talking about or building for.

I disagree with the general idea that these are "Gen 1" devices that will "quickly get left behind".

What are the 1st gen devices that got left behind quickly in "modern apple history" ?

The original iPhone, the original iPad and the original Apple Watch.

All those were very new devices for their times and the hardware was clearly running at his limits just to keep up with daily tasks. (And honestly, the first Apple Watch was already not able to keep up when it launched)

Every little progress in term of performance would then lead to clear new possibilities for the device.

However, for the M1 Macs, the situation is literaly the opposite. In term of performance they perform way better than they actually need to to be competitive in their category. There is just no reason why this computer will feel "outdated" in two years. (It will probably feel even better then when most apps will have AS optimized version.)

... Also Apple has been making SoC for years now with consistent quality and impressive performances compared to the competition. The M1 is fundamentally the exact same technologies scaled for a computer, it's nothing new in term of hardware. The OS and software side of it is Gen 1, but hardware is not. (Lucky for us, software get updated).

 

[KShopper]

I disagree with the general idea that these are "Gen 1" devices that will "quickly get left behind".

What are the 1st gen devices that got left behind quickly in "modern apple history" ?

The original iPhone, the original iPad and the original Apple Watch.

All those were very new devices for their times and the hardware was clearly running at his limits just to keep up with daily tasks. (And honestly, the first Apple Watch was already not able to keep up when it launched)

Every little progress in term of performance would then lead to clear new possibilities for the device.

However, for the M1 Macs, the situation is literaly the opposite. In term of performance they perform way better than they actually need to to be competitive in their category. There is just no reason why this computer will feel "outdated" in two years. (It will probably feel even better then when most apps will have AS optimized version.)

... Also Apple has been making SoC for years now with consistent quality and impressive performances compared to the competition. The M1 is fundamentally the exact same technologies scaled for a computer, it's nothing new in term of hardware. The OS and software side of it is Gen 1, but hardware is not. (Lucky for us, software get updated).

I agree with your point in that I don't think the M1 macbooks will be abandoned by Apple in terms of sw support, etc. any earlier than "normal", whatever that is. If anything, the high M1 performance should ensure a really long lifespan.

However, I think it's pretty clear that the macbooks are due for some pretty dramatic changes soon in terms of their appearance, capabilities, and even form factors (potentially). For these reasons, folks are likely to find the idea of upgrading their M1-based units sooner than they otherwise might appealing.

...on the other hand, oldtimers like myself might rather keep the "classic" MBA form-factor for a good long time, esp. if they try foist the bloody touchbar on all models, etc.

 

[deeddawg]

However, I think it's pretty clear that the macbooks are due for some pretty dramatic changes soon in terms of their appearance, capabilities, and even form factors (potentially). For these reasons, folks are likely to find the idea of upgrading their M1-based units sooner than they otherwise might appealing.

...on the other hand, oldtimers like myself might rather keep the "classic" MBA form-factor for a good long time, esp. if they try foist the bloody touchbar on all models, etc.

... as a counterpoint to the bolded text -- let's not forget the 2016 redesign with loss of ESC key and the switch to that lovely durable Butterfly keyboard... 😈

Personally I typically look at a 3-5 year horizon on time until I switch to a new computer. So even if there's new design late 2021 or 2022, the timing works out for me in letting a new design get past cycle #1 before jumping in.

 

[nameste]

If you actually need that kind of computing might, then I'd wait until you can at least get the M1X, 32/2TB

Unfourtunately i dont have any laptop atm

@nameste the MBA vs MBP choice is an individual preference matter. The “correct” answer varies by individual.

I understand

More people tend to post on a forum like this when they are not happy, rather than when they are happy. I replaced my 15" late 2016 MBP with a M1 MBA a month ago and I love the new MBA. It is completely silent and is 100% faster than my old MBP. It really depends on how much you like the Touch Bar. If you do, then go MBP, if not then go for the MBA like me.

I really like the touchbar but i need a silent machine.I watch on youtube many big youtubers saying the mbp is silent no fan noise at all but normal users said opposite