Putting aside the cost difference, which would you recommend for a retired person and why? Thanks! [My hairdresser just told me today that one daughter has a MBP and loves it, the other daughter has a MBA and hates it!]
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Hello smartblondegirl,
I had a MacBook Air 13" M2 and currently have a MacBook Pro 14" M3. From my experience, the "Pro" label simply implies "latest features" whereas the "Air" label implies "baked features." Let me explain. The MacBook Pro will include the most advanced features that Apple has to offer to the Mac (120Hz display, Mini-LED, 12MP Main Camera, up to 1000 nits screen brightness, etc.). The MacBook Air will include time-tested features, but generally nothing "new" per se (60Hz display, LED, 1080p Main Camera, up to 500 nits screen brightness, etc.).
Think of it this way: the MacBook Air inherits features from the MacBook Pro, while the MacBook Pro introduces features. In the long term, this means that a MacBook Pro will be "newer" than a MacBook Air even several years down the road; however, I believe this is where it ends.
As the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro (base model) will both have the same M-series chips in a few months when the next MacBook Air is released with more inherited features, I would consider what your priorities are. At this point, performance is really not a differentiating factor. What matters is how "new" you want your Mac to feel. Seriously. There is no more "must-have" feature (unless you are legitimately using the device for professional work).
I believe that consumer satisfaction is a very real situation here. As you stated, one person hates her MacBook Air, while the other person loves her MacBook Pro. This, I believe, is what differentiates between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in terms of everyday use. The 120Hz ProMotion Mini-LED screen and the speakers are all amazing features. A MacBook Air will always be "boringly" great, but in a good way. On that note:
Even as a software developer, I could switch back to a MacBook Air any day; it just wouldn't feel exciting. Honestly, If I just wanted a computer, I would pick the MacBook air every single time.
Sorry for the long response. That's my take.
Hello smartblondegirl,
I had a MacBook Air 13" M2 and currently have a MacBook Pro 14" M3. From my experience, the "Pro" label simply implies "latest features" whereas the "Air" label implies "baked features." Let me explain. The MacBook Pro will include the most advanced features that Apple has to offer to the Mac (120Hz display, Mini-LED, 12MP Main Camera, up to 1000 nits screen brightness, etc.). The MacBook Air will include time-tested features, but generally nothing "new" per se (60Hz display, LED, 1080p Main Camera, up to 500 nits screen brightness, etc.).
Think of it this way: the MacBook Air inherits features from the MacBook Pro, while the MacBook Pro introduces features. In the long term, this means that a MacBook Pro will be "newer" than a MacBook Air even several years down the road; however, I believe this is where it ends.
As the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro (base model) will both have the same M-series chips in a few months when the next MacBook Air is released with more inherited features, I would consider what your priorities are. At this point, performance is really not a differentiating factor. What matters is how "new" you want your Mac to feel. Seriously. There is no more "must-have" feature (unless you are legitimately using the device for professional work).
I believe that consumer satisfaction is a very real situation here. As you stated, one person hates her MacBook Air, while the other person loves her MacBook Pro. This, I believe, is what differentiates between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in terms of everyday use. The 120Hz ProMotion Mini-LED screen and the speakers are all amazing features. A MacBook Air will always be "boringly" great, but in a good way. On that note:
Even as a software developer, I could switch back to a MacBook Air any day; it just wouldn't feel exciting. Honestly, If I just wanted a computer, I would pick the MacBook air every single time.
Sorry for the long response. That's my take.
I really appreciate your long response--no apology necessary.
I've had two iMacs at home and used MacBook Pros at my last job before retiring. At this point, I just need a computer, so I think I made the correct choice by going with the MacBook Air. The one (hard) lesson I learned was to get enough storage--my current iMac has less than 5GB available right now so I cannot even do the latest software update. :-(
Thanks for your thoughtful reply; I feel much more confident about my decision. BTW, I went with a M3 MBA 13 inch with 16GB memory/2TB storage--could not wait for the M4 to come out.
I'm so glad I could help. ;)
Storage is important, although you can always offload some of your large personal files onto an external SSD (perhaps that would allow you to update your iMac?). I'd be happy to explain in more detail.
You're welcome! Great choice, by the way.
Take care.
Actually, I do use an external storage for redundant backup (besides iCloud), but having experienced a sudden failure of an external backup in the past I am hesitant to offload.
Thanks again. Can’t wait until it arrives!
Okay. I see. That's a valid concern.
Enjoy your new Mac!
Be sure to get an external drive so you can make routine backups of your new Mac.
Thanks. As I mentioned above I already use an external drive as a redundant backup to iCloud.
Just got notice that my MBA should be here Feb. 7--can't wait!
Choosing between MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Air 13
