The right choice of MacBook from Apple. Which is better to buy: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? Which is better macbook pro or air
History moves in a spiral, events tend to repeat themselves at certain intervals. If we draw analogies, the current generation of MacBook Air in its current state can be compared with those same white plastic MacBooks that disappeared somewhere unknown. I think the thinnest, lightest and longest-lasting model of Apple laptops will face approximately the same fate. A matter of time, nothing more. But this will only happen if the ideology of the Air model range is not revised.
If you rewind time a little back, to 2008, you can easily remember your first impression of the MacBook Air - “This is fantastic!” The thickness is slightly less than two centimeters, the weight is less than one and a half kilograms, and a productive solid-state drive. Laptop from an envelope - everyone remembers the satisfied face of Steve Jobs at the speaker? The public experienced similar emotions a couple more times - during the announcement of the Air in an updated unibody case along with the 11-inch model in 2010 and more recently, in the spring of 2013, when the world realized what to carry with them now charger Not necessary for a laptop; 12-14 hours of battery life is enough for most everyday tasks.
Moreover, Intel i5 and i7 processors based on Haswell architecture, paired with super-fast SSDs, turned the laptop into a kind of calculator: you pressed a button and immediately, almost instantly, got the result. At least, I had exactly these associations at the moment when I first got my hands on the current generation MacBook Air ( model range 2013).
But one question remains unanswered to this day. Apple has left the displays in the Air unaddressed for now. While slightly more “advanced” laptops, even iPad tablets, are equipped with high-quality IPS matrices with Retina technology, all MacBook Airs are equipped unchanged with obsolete screens based on TN-Film technology. The situation has not changed for several years, only the resolution has been increased (from 1200 x 800 to 1440 x 900 pixels, if we talk about the 13-inch modification). I think in order to better understand the difference in the perception of Retina and TN screens in the Air and Pro, the best comparison is this: put the iPhone 3Gs and iPhone 5 next to each other and look at the image on both devices. The qualitative leap is noticeable immediately; after Retina you won’t want to go back.
It seems that this approach to the production of MacBook Air models is no longer acceptable, especially considering the appearance of thirteen-inch models on sale MacBook Pro with Retina displays and with exactly the same technical parameters, as in current models Air. There are not so many fundamental differences, except for the main one - the presence in Pro of a magnificent 13" Retina High Defenition display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels; try to highlight the important ones for yourself:
- Pro is only 220 grams heavier than Air (1.57 kg vs. 1.35 kg), no charger required
- The Pro is slightly thicker than the Air (though the Pro is even shorter at the hinge area)
- Air is larger than Pro in dimensions (325 x 227 x 17 mm versus 314 x 219 x 18 mm), the difference in thickness is noticeable only in the trackpad area, if this is important to someone
- Pro are equipped with Intel i5 and i7 processors with Haswell architecture, laptops easily work for 9-10 hours, the difference with Air in autonomy is leveled out
- Pro, according to personal observations and feelings, is equipped with a slightly better keyboard
- Pro is equipped with a larger number of ports and connectors (2xUSB 3.0, HDMI, 2xThunderbolt 2, 3.5 mm + SPDIF audio output, support for SD, SDHC memory cards)
The Pro anti-glare coating copes a little better with backlighting; in practice, this allows you to position the laptop as you please without worrying about glare and discomfort
The main factor holding me back from purchasing is the price for a MacBook Pro in the basic configuration ( Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, SSD 128 GB) in the official Apple store they ask for 52,990 rubles, a MacBook Air with exactly the same configuration will cost 7,000 rubles cheaper - you will have to pay 45,990 for it. If you look for unofficial sellers, you can find Pro for several thousand cheaper. If you plan to load your laptop with resource-intensive tasks, for example, running Windows in a virtual machine, I can recommend purchasing the extended version with 8 GB of RAM; otherwise, working on the standard 4 GB is quite comfortable. The difference in price is definitely justified, I was glad to replace my MacBook Air 2013 with the new MacBook Pro just because of the magnificent screen.
As a conclusion, I’ll quote a phrase from a friend on Twitter; I ask today’s Air owners not to take it literally. I really want Apple engineers and marketers to do something with the line of “the thinnest laptops in the world,” otherwise they will face the same story as with the white plastic MacBooks.
I would like to thank Store77 store employee Dmitry Lushin personally for his help in preparing the material.
Which Apple laptop is the best? Light as a feather MacBook Air, or reliable and powerful MacBook Pro? You've decided it's time to change yours old Mac on one of the new Apple laptops? Or maybe you've finally decided to switch to the Mac platform? MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro with Retina display - lots of options. Keep in mind that these models cover a wide price range. What will you get for the money that you still planned to part with? And which model is right for you? Let's figure it out.
New MacBook models and price tag
Apple's MacBook line consists of two products: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These two laptops differ in size, weight, and performance. Well, for the price, of course.
MacBook Air is Apple's lightest laptop. It comes in two different screen sizes - 11-inch and 13-inch. This is Apple's most inexpensive laptop. Prices start at $999 for the 11-inch model, and $1,099 for the 13-inch.
Base models of both sizes of this year's MacBook Air feature 1.3GHz Intel Haswell processors, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. On the 2013 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Retina models, hard drive is now connected via PCI Express or PCIe. This is significantly faster than the Serial ATA (SATA) interface used in last year's systems.
You can order a MacBook Air with a faster processor, more RAM, and hard drive increased size. Please note that the processor cannot be changed later. The SSD hard drive can be upgraded, although this is quite difficult - Apple does not release separate ones for sale SSD drives, so if you decide you need more storage space, you'll either have to borrow a hard drive from another MacBook Air or contact a service center that can help you do it.
The latest generation "standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,199. These Macs have an internal "SuperDrive" optical drive. It has 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive working with a SATA controller. This makes the MacBook Pro quite fast, even though it still uses regular hard disk, not SSD. The processor operates at a frequency of 2.5 GHz. This is a fairly fast processor that works well in conjunction with good RAM. Also provided various options data storage, including a classic hard drive or SSD.
For $1299 you can purchase new MacBooks Pro with Retina display. It is equipped with 2.4GHz dual core Intel processor i5, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. The Retina display found on MacBook Pros is coupled with an internal optical drive, making Retina display models thinner and lighter than traditional PCs.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display completes Apple's line of laptops. It is equipped with a 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel i7 processor, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. It uses an integrated Intel graphics Iris Pro. This year, the model with a Retina display is the only 15-inch model Apple is making. It retails for $1,999.
It’s worth mentioning separately about the more expensive 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display - this is the only model that is equipped with a fast discrete graphics chip. It's powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and also includes Nvidia GeForce GT 750 discrete graphics. It's Apple's top-of-the-line model, so it's priced accordingly at $2,599. Like other MacBooks, the MacBook Pro with Retina display can be customized with more fast processors or a large hard drive.
Comparing screens by size and pixel density
MacBook Airs are not yet available with a Retina display—both the 11-inch and 13-inch models feature classic LED panels. The 11-inch MacBook Air has a resolution of 1366 x 768, while the 13-inch model uses 1440 x 900 pixels.
The MacBook Air's 11-inch display is a bit of an outlier—the screen has a different aspect ratio than any other MacBook model. Most MacBooks come with 16:10 aspect ratio screens; and the 11-inch MacBook Air has a 16:9 aspect ratio screen. This results in the 11-inch MacBook Air having a more elongated display than other MacBook models.
In any case, the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models have pixel densities of 135 pixels per inch (PPI) and 128 PPI, respectively. These are sharp and crisp displays that are capable of displaying millions of colors, even though they don't have Retina resolution.
As does the $1,199 MacBook Pro. This is a fast model with a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, equipped with a 13.3-inch display. It's in the same segment as the MacBook Air, with a pixel density of around 113 PPI.
The concept of “Retina display” came into fashion with the iPhone 4 and soon Retina displays appeared on the iPad. Also, since 2012 we have seen the MacBook Pro with a Retina display. This doesn't mean the MacBook Pro has the same pixel density as, say, the iPhone 5S or iPad Mini Retina - it just means you won't be able to see individual pixels when looking at the screen from a medium distance.
In this particular case, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a standard "Retina" resolution of 2560 x 1600 - an even higher resolution than the iPad Air. Although the screen is the same size as a standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, it has double the pixel density at 227 PPI. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. This is about 220 PPI.
The difference between a Retina display and a standard screen is huge. Retina displays show more detail in photos and are much easier to read because they have smaller pixels. Naturally, you can judge the difference yourself at any Apple store or reseller.
Haswell platform
With the exception of the "standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is a holdover from Apple's 2012 product line, all MacBooks now come with an Intel processor fourth generation, which is known by the code name "Haswell".
Haswell is an improvement over the Ivy Bridge chips found in last year's models. They include a smaller die size and have improved power management, which is why this year's MacBook models have such improved battery life.
Haswell-equipped MacBooks also have a decent graphics subprocessor. According to Apple, tests have shown that the processor's integrated Haswell graphics are up to 40 percent faster than before.
In the MacBook chain, graphics power gradually improves along with price. The MacBook Air uses Intel HD 5000 graphics, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display uses an Iris chip, which is faster than the Intel HD 5000. The 15-inch MacBook Pro uses Iris Pro, which is even faster thanks to the addition of memory EDRAM. The most expensive 15-inch model uses a discrete graphics chip Nvidia GeForce GT 750, which is automatically activated when running graphics-intensive applications such as games or Photoshop.
Battery life
An important aspect of a laptop's performance is how long you can use it away from an electrical outlet. After all, what's the point of carrying around a power bank all the time that adds weight to your bag? So the main idea is lost - to have a laptop computer.
The tiny 11-inch MacBook Air lasts about 9 hours on a single charge when surfing the web, and about 8 hours when watching videos. The 13-inch MacBook Air, which has almost a third more battery capacity, can run up to 12 hours on a single charge. This model rules the roost in battery capacity tests.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, despite its screen with high resolution, battery life is an impressive 9 hours. And the 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina has a battery life of 8 hours, despite all its powerful hardware inside.
The standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, with its hardware from 2012, has a battery life of approximately 7 hours.
Wireless connections
This year's entire lineup of laptops, except the $1,199 MacBook Pro, comes with 802.11ac wireless. In practice, an 802.11ac-equipped Mac is capable of transferring data over wireless communication up to three times faster than 802.11n Wi-Fi found on older machines like the standard MacBook Pro.
Naturally, the signal transmission must be carried out with base stations 802.11ac format, such as the new AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule from Apple or other equipment operating in the same range. Otherwise, your new MacBook Pros won't make the most of 802.11ac speeds.
The Bluetooth 4.0 module is installed in the entire line of laptops from Apple.
External connectors
MacBook Air has two USB 3.0 ports and one Thunderbolt port. The Thunderbolt connector can be used to connect to an external monitor, RAID system, and other devices. The 13-inch MacBook Air adds an SDXC card slot, making it easy to import photos and videos from SD cards to your computer.
SDXC card slots are standard on MacBook Pro with Retina display. They are also the first Apple laptops to support Thunderbolt 2. This is a high-speed interface that transfers data twice as fast as the original Thunderbolt. What's more, there are two Thunderbolt 2 ports. There are also two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI connector, so you can connect the MacBook Pro directly to an HDTV if necessary.
$1,199 MacBook Pro has a built-in jack Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, one Thunderbolt port, two USB 3.0 ports and an SDXC card slot.
operating system
In all new Mac computers OS X 10.9 Mavericks is already installed. Mavericks, released in October 2013, features new UI elements like Finder tabs, as well as new apps like a redesigned Calendar, Maps, and iBooks. iCloud integration has increased significantly, so you'll notice improved workflow efficiency when you share files and data between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
But what really makes Mavericks an exceptional OS is the way Apple has redesigned its internals to improve performance and battery life. Laptops running Mavericks will last longer than before thanks to these important changes, like Timer Coalescing and App Nap. Thanks to them, it was possible to use processor resources more efficiently.
Who should buy a MacBook Air?
I would compare the MacBook Air to a roadster like the Mazda Miata. It looks airy and flying over the waves. But once you get behind the wheel, you get a completely different feeling - it's flexible, nimble and a lot of fun to drive.
For the same reason, the MacBook Air is very pleasant to use; its PCIe-coupled holistic architecture makes it fast and responsive. Mac users who surf the web will enjoy the software's performance, graphics, and design. The MacBook Air is a perfectly balanced machine that does a lot without costing a fortune.
The disadvantage is the limited memory capacity. 128 GB may not be enough for everyone. But there is an inexpensive solution - an external hard drive.
Who should buy the standard one?MacBook Pro?
The standard MacBook Pro sits between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with Retina display. He's playing important role in the Apple ecosystem: this is a laptop for people who need much more space than they can afford with an SSD-equipped system or built-in optical storage.
The downside is that it lacks the fast Wi-Fi, high-speed graphics and better battery life of this year's models. Thus, it is a compromise solution. It can be said that the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a popular choice for many users. This is the Mac for those looking for a good, reliable laptop with a large number opportunities. That's why Apple kept it in the current lineup. If you are looking powerful computer with a large amount of memory, then this is a great option.
Who should buy a MacBook Pro withRetina display?
At $1,299, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is the best in its class. Its size fits most people. The price is also not overpriced. Don't forget that this year's MacBook models are faster than ever, thanks to powerful processors and installed Mavericks.
If you work with heavy graphics and video, you must work on a laptop that can quickly edit large files, such as Photoshop. Well, if you want to achieve maximum productivity, then the 15-inch MacBook Pro will be yours the best solution. The Iris Pro graphics on it are simply amazing, and the discrete Nvidia graphics on the expensive version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro mean you don't have to compromise.
Still undecided?
If you're still having trouble deciding between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Pro with Retina display, do some research before you go shopping. additional information on the forums. Either way, you're looking at the best 2013 MacBook lineup, better than ever, and no matter your choice, you'll end up with best laptop which are sold on the market.
We hope this article will help you make your choice. If you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments.
Let's start with . What kind of bird is this and what is it intended for? Claimed to be an ultra-thin laptop, model Air It really amazes with its size and corresponding weight. With a thickness of only 1.7 cm (the minimum thickness is 0.3 cm) and a weight of just over a kilogram, the laptop leaves a pleasant sensation from just one tactile acquaintance. It is clear that holding a laptop in your hands is difficult to decide whether it is worth buying, so from somewhat mundane things you should move directly to the characteristics of the model Air.
MacBook Air Available in two formats: with 11 and 13-inch screen. The 2014 models are equipped with a dual-core Core i5 processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor. Also, due to the difference in SSD drives, the battery life of 11-inch and 13-inch laptops different. The smaller model has 9 hours, the larger one 12.
As with all laptops Apple in the model Air There is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth necessary for connecting peripheral equipment. It should be warned that if the user needs an Ethernet connector or FireWire 800, he will either have to purchase them himself, because MacBook Air Built-in Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports. Increase operational memory You won’t be able to do it yourself, so it’s better to order a laptop from an official representative, specifying the specifications in advance. An SSD drive can be purchased from third-party developers, but if you change the configuration of your devices, Apple stops providing service support.
Based on the above, we can conclude that MacBook Air easily copes with ordinary user requests, be it working with office applications, surfing the Internet, viewing photo and video files and editing them. The laptop also has high speed of working with flash drives. 
Well, a logical question that sums up everything written above: who falls into the target audience of users? MacBook Air? Dynamic people get there who, for a number of reasons, do not want to part with their device. If you need a universal replacement, then MacBook Air fits like nowhere else. For those who need the device as a tool for professional activity need to take a closer look at MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro
Actually. Excluding the outdated model from the review, we will focus on MacBook Pro with display Retina. New generation of LCD displays Apple It is characterized by such a high pixel density that the human eye is simply not able to determine whether the image consists of them. Laptops of this model are also available with displays of different sizes: 13 and 15 inches. Same as in the model Air they differ in characteristics, but to a greater extent.
The 13-inch models are equipped with the same dual-core Core i5 processor with a clock frequency of 2.4-2.6 GHz. The size of RAM is set to choose from 4 to 8 GB, and the SSD drive is from 128 to 512 GB. Available in both models GPU Intel Iris Graphics.
15-inch models are available with a quad-core Core i7 processor clocked at 2.0-2.3 GHz, 8-16 GB of RAM and SSD drives ranging in size from 256 GB to 512 GB. In addition to the Intel Iris Graphics processor, there is also a discrete video card GeForce GT 750M. The question about ports was partially migrated from the model Air. In addition to the model USB Thunderbolt There are also HDMI ports. But just like in the previously reviewed model, FireWire 800 and SuperDrive connectors. With component upgrades the story is the same as in Air- you can update, but Apple will not approve.
Judging by the characteristics, it can be assumed that the operating speed on model laptops is Pro directly depends on physical qualities user. In terms of performance, this laptop can be put on par with some models. Considering another new generation of displays Retina, we can conclude that in the line of laptops Apple model Pro preferred in all categories.
MacBook Pro First of all, it will be useful in work, as it meets the highest requirements. In addition, it will also be in demand among simple “advanced” users due to the convenience and comfort provided by the functional characteristics.
Apple products are rightfully considered the highest quality and most in demand in the modern world. The thin and compact in appearance, but powerful in their parameters, laptops produced by this company have become especially famous. If you are reading this article, then most likely you are thinking about purchasing an Apple MacBook. Here you will find the necessary recommendations that will help you choose a good MacBook, taking into account both your needs and your budget.
When choosing a Macbook, there are several factors to consider.
So, what laptop models from this company exist and how do they differ? Let's sort it out in order.
Production of the modification of this laptop, which is now on sale, began in March 2015. Apple MacBook Air is the most affordable laptop model from this manufacturer. There are currently two 13-inch models on sale. Initially, there was also an 11-inch model on the market, but it was soon discontinued. Now you can only buy it as a used version.
MacBook Air is great for travelers and people with an active lifestyle. If you don’t like to sit within four walls and prefer to work on a laptop in a cafe, outdoors, in the country, etc., this lightweight and compact model will suit you best.
The laptop is equipped with a dual-core Core i5 1.6 GHz processor and has 8 GB of RAM. All MacBook Air models come with an integrated HD Graphics 6000 card. The manufacturer promises 12-hour battery life when using the Internet and watching videos.
The main difference between the two MacBook Air models is the storage capacity. For the cheaper model, which has a factory price of $999, this capacity reaches 128 GB. At the same time, the $1,199 model has a 256 GB drive.
The laptop has a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows you to connect to the network. And there is also Bluetooth, allowing you to connect a mouse and other wireless devices. If you want to use this laptop on an Ethernet network, you will need a special USB adapter(Apple's factory price for this adapter is $29). Laptop supports Thunderbolt technology 2.
There are also two USB 3.0 ports that can work with devices using USB 2.0. MacBook Air is capable of performing everyday tasks routine tasks, send and receive email, provide full Internet access, and work with office applications. It can be used to edit short videos and process images from iPhone and other devices.
This option can be chosen by those users who need to perform a variety of work on the computer while on the road or moving from place to place. This is also the best option for a work laptop for a freelancer. The MacBook Air is Apple's least expensive laptop, which makes it also attractively priced.
MacBook
The next model we'll look at was released in April 2016. It's an ultraportable laptop that's even lighter than the MacBook Air. It is intended for people who prefer mobility to all other tasks, including various additional features and productivity. This laptop only comes in one size: 12 inches. But there are a variety of colors: rose gold, space gray, gold, silver.
There are two modifications that differ in processor power. The $1,299 model has a dual-core 1.1GHz Intel Core M processor and 256GB of storage. The more expensive $1,599 model has the same processor but is clocked at 1.2GHz and has 512GB of storage. Both models have 8 GB of RAM and a built-in Intel HD Graphics 515 card.
This laptop is also equipped with a Retina display, which means it has ultra-high resolution and is able to show clearer images than the MacBook Air, which has a standard display. The standard resolution of a modern Retina display on a MacBook is 2304x1440.
Like the previous model, the laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, but has only one USB-C port for connecting storage devices, printers, external displays, power adapters and more. If your devices use more earlier version USB, you'll need a special USB-C to USB adapter, which costs about $19. And you will also need an adapter to connect to Ethernet ($29 at Apple's factory price) - in addition to the previous adapter, since you will need both to connect. Finally, if you want to connect an HDMI or VGA display, you'll need another $49 adapter.
However, the performance of the Core M processor of this model is at a good level and can be compared with the performance of the MacBook Air. In this way, the laptop can also perform all the necessary daily tasks. This model is suitable for those users who do not often need to connect external devices, since carrying a whole bunch of adapters with them is not very convenient. At the same time, the laptop is thin, light and perfect for people who are easy-going.
The last model on the list is the MacBook Pro, released in October 2016. The model features an improved screen with a particularly clear and bright image. If you look at the screen from the usual distance at which the user is used to working at a computer, it becomes impossible to see individual pixels.
The laptop is designed for demanding users who pay special attention to performance. At the moment, the Pro model is Apple's first-best performing laptop.
There is a whole line of modifications of this laptop.
- $1,499 model. Screen 13 inches, dual core Core processor i5 2 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB disk capacity, integrated Intel Iris Graphics 540 card, touchpad absent.
- MacBook Pro $1,799. The screen is also 13 inches, but the processor frequency is higher - 2.9 GHz. The size of the memory and disk, as well as the card, are identical to the previous model, but there is a Touch Bar touch panel - a new product from Apple, which each user can customize for himself by placing the functions he needs.
- The next model is priced at $1,999. It has the same processor frequency - 2.9 GHz, a 13-inch screen, the same amount of RAM and the same card as the previous model. The only difference is the amount of disk space; this model has 512 GB. A touchpad is also present.
- $2,399 model. This laptop has a larger screen - 15 inches, and a different processor - dual-core Core i7 at 2.6 GHz. The amount of RAM is 16 GB, disk space is 256 GB. There is an integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 card, as well as discrete video card Radeon Pro 450 2 GB. A touch panel is also available.
- The $2,799 model is identical to the previous one, except for the following parameters: 2.7 GHz processor frequency, 512 GB disk capacity, discrete Radeon Pro graphics card
And a few more words about the new Touch Bar - an innovation and a distinctive feature of these laptops. It is the input device located at the top of the keyboard. The buttons on this panel and the functions they perform vary depending on the software you are using. Note that the first model in the $1,499 MacBook Pro line doesn't have a Touch Bar, just regular function buttons.
Overall, MacBook Pro laptops are the most powerful Apple has ever released. This is especially true for 15-inch models with improved graphics card performance.
Comparison of some models
The $1,499 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air show some interesting comparison results. In performance testing, the MacBook Pro performs significantly more impressively—it's 25 percent faster. It also leads in performance when using professional software applications. A slightly different picture is obtained when using conventional software applications - browsers and email. In this case, the MacBook Pro shows only a slight performance advantage. While working, for example in a browser or text editor the difference is almost invisible to the average user.
For the most demanding users, the $1,799 MacBook Pro is the best option. Installed on this model Retina display, which provides an excellent image. The performance of this laptop is also at a good level. A disk space and the two inches of diagonal that separate this model from the next in the line are not decisive and do not provide a serious advantage, but the price varies significantly.
ADVICE. If you need maximum performance, then the choice is clear; Apple's most powerful laptop is the $2,799 MacBook Pro. If regular work using a computer only includes access to the Internet and working in a text editor, then a MacBook Air will be enough for you. Well, if you are not chasing the most modern models, a used MacBook is also suitable for you.
New or used?
Experience shows that Apple computers have a very long service life due to their good quality. Processor performance in recent years does not increase much. The main changes that are introduced in the new models mainly concern the battery life and various innovative elements such as the touchpad. Therefore, the demand for used equipment from this company does not weaken.
In general, all Apple equipment produced in recent years demonstrates equally high quality. Therefore, you can purchase a used MacBook Air 2013 and get an excellent laptop for your daily needs at a noticeably reduced price relative to a new model.
To avoid making a mistake when purchasing, you can follow these steps to help you choose a good, functional used MacBook.
We hope this guide will help you do right choice and purchase a laptop, new or used, whose parameters will fully meet your needs. After all, Apple equipment can serve its owner for a really long time. We wish you good luck!
The 2012 MacBook Pro served me well for more than 4 years, but it’s already 2017 and the euro has dropped significantly against the ruble, so it’s time to seriously think about buying a new computer, but what to choose: Apple MacBook Pro 2016 year or MacBook Air 2016
year?
When choosing a laptop, every user asks himself questions: compact, but weak, or sacrifice dimensions, but get better performance. I am no exception and asked myself similar questions, after watching a dozen videos and re-reading several articles, I settled on two models: Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with a diagonal of 13 inches.
Both selected MacBooks from Apple met the most important requirement - compactness, because not every laptop can be put in a classic bag, moreover, I was clearly not ready to carry a bag weighing more than two kilograms every day. 
MacBook Air 2016 and MacBook Pro 2016 specifications
Not only the speed and ability to perform various tasks depends on the characteristics, but also whether the chosen one MacBook relevant for the next few years. Nobody wants to buy a computer that in a year will not cope with tasks, because you will have to waste time selling and buying new technology, and no one will reimburse us for the money spent.
I would like to note right away that I did not consider the MacBook Pro 2016 with the Touch Bar, because I think that this is a waste of money, because you and I do not use the F1-F12 keys so often. 
For me, before choosing a computer, the Apple MacBook Air 2016 is not significantly different from the MacBook Pro 2016 from a technical point of view, for example, as I saw it:
1. Screen resolution MacBook Air 1440x900 vs MacBook Pro 2560x1600. I have never used a computer with a Retina screen, so unfortunately I have nothing to compare it with. Someone may say that it is possible to compare laptops in a store, but believe me, I did it, in a store you will not see much of a difference.
2. CPU A MacBook Air with 1600 MHz is hardly possible to fully compare with a MacBook Pro with 2000 MHz, and it’s worth considering that according to Benchmarks statistics, both laptops are almost on the same level.
3. Keyboard: classic or “butterfly”. I spent about two hours in the store and to be honest, the MacBook Pro keyboard annoyed me, it was noisy and small. The MacBook Air's keyboard was no different from my 2012 Pro model, and the soft, quiet click was definitely more enjoyable.
4. Large trackpad(or Touch pad) I considered it a clear disadvantage and thought that when typing text I would touch it with my palms, thereby increasing errors when working “blindly” with the keyboard.
I won't lie USB ports and USB-C is the least significant thing in choosing a future computer. Adapters are not expensive, and their weight does not exceed 50 grams. Moreover, if you are a professional photographer or video shooter, then for this technique you have a briefcase or case where you can always put an adapter.
The above four reasons haunted me and for almost two weeks I was wondering whether it was worth overpaying almost 30,000 rubles for the 2016 MacBook Pro. After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided to buy a MacBook Pro, although I assumed that if the chosen model did not suit me, then I would easily sell it and buy a MacBook Air.
To my surprise, the Apple laptop turned out to be just the perfect machine. 
Impressions of the MacBook Pro 2016
After working on the Apple MacBook Pro 2016 for several hours and looking at the monitor of my five-year-old Pro 2012, I was horrified. On the old screen I saw a not clear picture, dots (pixels) and blurry text. I can say with confidence that the Retina screen alone is worth paying extra for.
For it to work I needed to install virtual machine Parallels with Windows 7 unfortunately works with programs such as: Microsoft Office, 1C and SAP are much more comfortable on the Windows platform. I didn’t experience any technical difficulties; the MacBook Pro 2016 coped with all tasks perfectly.
Getting used to the keyboard occurs gradually, although many bloggers claim that 2 hours is enough - a lie. Of course, after a month I already feel discomfort when working with other keyboards, but I don’t dare fully declare the superiority of the MacBook Pro keyboard with “Butterfly” technology. In my opinion, Apple should have made pressing the keys softer and more silent.
It's worth paying attention to the large trackpad, it's great. When working on the Internet and with documents, this size is quite reasonable; working on it is a pleasure. Of course, I periodically pressed the trackpad with my palm and this affected the correctness of the input, so for comfortable work I recommend disabling the “Touch to simulate a mouse click” function. 
Of course, each user has his own vision of the functionality and practicality of a laptop; some choose the Windows platform, others Mac OS. As they say, to each his own.
By the way, I paid 85,000 rubles for a MacBook Pro 2016 without the Touch Bar, but about choosing a store Apple technology and I will tell you how to save on your purchase in the next article.
Is it worth buying a MacBook Pro 2016
If you use a 2012 or older MacBook model, then upgrading to the 2016 version will certainly please and impress you 100%. Of course, if you ask the question “Is it worth overpaying almost 30,000 rubles for a MacBook Pro 2016,” then you need to start from your financial capabilities. Do finances allow? then in front, to the store for a brand new Apple MacBook Pro.
Should you buy a Mac on credit or in installments? Ask yourself the main question: will the loan affect your life, will it make it harder to pay your bills? The decision depends on the answer. The main thing is not to forget - this is just a technique, without which life does not end.
