Which MacBook / Pro / Air
Discussion
Hey folks
Buying a new MacBook but could really use a little advice.
It's going to be used for half work half personal things - the usual word/excel documents, social media, nothing too technical. Will also be used for iPhone backup, some music (mainly use spotify) and photos, both personal and work.
I've ruled out the old MacBook Pro as it's not been updated since 2012 and just doesn't seem worth it despite prices being good.
Ideally I'd like the 13" screen but I haven't seen the 12" of the new MacBook to compare - does it feel a little small compared? I get the feeling that any smaller and it starts to feel less laptop and more iPad on its side.
Ideally I'd like the best laptop that will do what I need for the best price. Storage is a concern also with the new Pro coming in with 128gb Flash Storage, this doesn't seem like much, is there the option to increase this with a JetDrive card?
The air seems to be well priced and fits the bill also. Then the new MacBook but it's a little more expensive.
I also have the option of purchasing here in the UK or over in the USA where prices seem cheaper. Are there any downsides to this? Apart from having to buy a UK power adapter. Or is it worth buying over here?
Basically I'm just a little baffled with all the options, storage etc. and want to make sure I get the right one! Hopefully someone in the know can shed some light.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Buying a new MacBook but could really use a little advice.
It's going to be used for half work half personal things - the usual word/excel documents, social media, nothing too technical. Will also be used for iPhone backup, some music (mainly use spotify) and photos, both personal and work.
I've ruled out the old MacBook Pro as it's not been updated since 2012 and just doesn't seem worth it despite prices being good.
Ideally I'd like the 13" screen but I haven't seen the 12" of the new MacBook to compare - does it feel a little small compared? I get the feeling that any smaller and it starts to feel less laptop and more iPad on its side.
Ideally I'd like the best laptop that will do what I need for the best price. Storage is a concern also with the new Pro coming in with 128gb Flash Storage, this doesn't seem like much, is there the option to increase this with a JetDrive card?
The air seems to be well priced and fits the bill also. Then the new MacBook but it's a little more expensive.
I also have the option of purchasing here in the UK or over in the USA where prices seem cheaper. Are there any downsides to this? Apart from having to buy a UK power adapter. Or is it worth buying over here?
Basically I'm just a little baffled with all the options, storage etc. and want to make sure I get the right one! Hopefully someone in the know can shed some light.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Is it going to be your main computer?
If so I'd lean towards a specced up Retina MacBook Pro 13".
I have a 12" MacBook and the Retina screen is way better than the screen on the Air. I use it as a secondary computer and it is fine, but I think the lack of connectivity would annoy me if it was my main machine.
If so I'd lean towards a specced up Retina MacBook Pro 13".
I have a 12" MacBook and the Retina screen is way better than the screen on the Air. I use it as a secondary computer and it is fine, but I think the lack of connectivity would annoy me if it was my main machine.
I'd be going for a Pro too. The Air's screen is absolute crap by todays standards and the 'regular' MacBook is too compromised. The Pro isn't exactly a breeze block but has everything you would need - well, apart from the storage, but going for the upgraded model with 256GB is better valued compared the the base MacBook, with the more power the Pro provides all round.
Jackpot said:
I also have the option of purchasing here in the UK or over in the USA where prices seem cheaper. Are there any downsides to this? Apart from having to buy a UK power adapter. Or is it worth buying over here?
Couple of the keys are switched - personally I prefer it as the @ is in a better place.Even better, buy it from the US refurb store and save a serious amount over the UK price.
I was in a similar position last year. Went for a top spec 13" pro as I personally thought that it looked a better package than the air and macbook. if I was looking now, the only consideration would be, 'when will the new one be available here'?
The wife has the same but with a 15" screen. again really good but just a little too large for lugging about.
not sure if that helps at all?
The wife has the same but with a 15" screen. again really good but just a little too large for lugging about.
not sure if that helps at all?
Guvernator said:
I'd wait a month, apparently they are announcing the new Macbook Pro in June. It's the one I'm waiting for.
+1New MBPs are a given at Apple's WWDC having been non-refreshed (?) for so long. Even if you aren't going to buy one of the new ones (Skylake architecture ought to be very tempting) the then previous generation should be discounted fairly heavily.
Dan_1981 said:
I'm having the same dilemma at present - thought I wanted a Pro and would wait for the new one.
However had a look at the Macbook - in the flesh it's a thing of beauty. However the limited connectivity kills it as a only PC.
I think i'll team it with a 27" Imac.
I have recently got the 5k 27" iMac... works a treat for me (astonishing actually), but that's for photography. My regular 2560 px wide iMac is better for surfing the net, mail etc.However had a look at the Macbook - in the flesh it's a thing of beauty. However the limited connectivity kills it as a only PC.
I think i'll team it with a 27" Imac.
Dan_1981 said:
I'm having the same dilemma at present - thought I wanted a Pro and would wait for the new one.
However had a look at the Macbook - in the flesh it's a thing of beauty. However the limited connectivity kills it as a only PC.
I think i'll team it with a 27" Imac.
The iMac/MacBook combo is a good one, I find it much more productive than iMac/iPad which I had before.However had a look at the Macbook - in the flesh it's a thing of beauty. However the limited connectivity kills it as a only PC.
I think i'll team it with a 27" Imac.
In terms of purchasing in either the UK or the US, I visit the US twice a year and always buy my Apple stuff there (apart from iPhones). Macs come with a worldwide warranty (I've claimed a couple of time in the UK without issue), although consumer protection for goods purchased in the UK potentially gives you longer protection. I normally sell my stuff before that becomes an issue though, as I find I can normally get my money back by selling and replacing frequently. This only works if you buy with a discount in the US - I find Best Buy to be really competitive as they have frequent sales on. At Christmas I bought a new 12" Macbook for £700 ($300 discount), and a 11" MBA for £495 from BB (the Apple store was a lot more expensive).
Dan_1981 said:
However had a look at the Macbook - in the flesh it's a thing of beauty. However the limited connectivity kills it as a only PC.
i thought it would but the number of USB C connectors is now fine - you can even buy hubs for it. NONDA does a great micro USB convertor that works well and is thumb sized. I have a portable drive (left over from my Macbook Air) for the rare times I need a DVD and a SD reader (£8 from Amazon ) for my cameras SD when I can't be arsed doing a wireless transfer. I charge it once a day (at night) and the rest of the day it just is used wirelessly (currently in my family room). It is a wonderful machine and I strongly recommend it for anyone doing general office stuff, web browsing and watching films/listening to music (connect to a Bose speaker). It is like having the best of a Air and an Ipad all in one. The ipad now is only used as the occasional note taker and as the home control centre.
INWB said:
It is a wonderful machine and I strongly recommend it for anyone doing general office stuff, web browsing and watching films/listening to music (connect to a Bose speaker). It is like having the best of a Air and an Ipad all in one. The ipad now is only used as the occasional note taker and as the home control centre.
I would agree with that - at first I wasn't sure about the MacBook (primarily due to the keyboard), but now I love it.Cheers for all the input guys, I'm definitely going to hold off a few weeks and await release of the new Pro and see what that does to prices. I'll also have a look at buying in the States, seems like a good option.
I agree that the lack of connectivity really knocks the option of having it as an only computer. Clearly apple forcing you to purchase adapters and the like but I guess they've just jumped the gun a little as eventually it will all be done wirelessly anyway.
Bit of a minefield with all the choice so I appreciate the advice! It'll definitely be the Pro I go for, just which one and where from to decide on now...
I agree that the lack of connectivity really knocks the option of having it as an only computer. Clearly apple forcing you to purchase adapters and the like but I guess they've just jumped the gun a little as eventually it will all be done wirelessly anyway.
Bit of a minefield with all the choice so I appreciate the advice! It'll definitely be the Pro I go for, just which one and where from to decide on now...
Rumours are it could be announced in 3 weeks but there are also rumours it could be as late as Q4. I wish they'd hurry up and release it already. Everyone else has already refreshed to the latest chipsets months ago. Is it me who is starting to find Apple a bit behind the curve these days. They seem to have lost direction a bit since Jobs passed.
The lack of ports on the thinner Macs can be worked around with a docking station: https://www.hengedocks.com/pages/vertical-macbook-...
Obviously no good if you want to use them while out and about.
I brought my kids Macbook Pros as the Pro has the extra ports, retina screen, better processor and you could get it with 8Gb of RAM, at the time the Air only came with 4Gb but now with 8Gb. The Air is better on battery life and obviously thinner/lighter.
Obviously no good if you want to use them while out and about.
I brought my kids Macbook Pros as the Pro has the extra ports, retina screen, better processor and you could get it with 8Gb of RAM, at the time the Air only came with 4Gb but now with 8Gb. The Air is better on battery life and obviously thinner/lighter.
tankplanker said:
The lack of ports on the thinner Macs can be worked around with a docking station: https://www.hengedocks.com/pages/vertical-macbook-...
Obviously no good if you want to use them while out and about.
I brought my kids Macbook Pros as the Pro has the extra ports, retina screen, better processor and you could get it with 8Gb of RAM, at the time the Air only came with 4Gb but now with 8Gb. The Air is better on battery life and obviously thinner/lighter.
The henge docks look pretty good.Obviously no good if you want to use them while out and about.
I brought my kids Macbook Pros as the Pro has the extra ports, retina screen, better processor and you could get it with 8Gb of RAM, at the time the Air only came with 4Gb but now with 8Gb. The Air is better on battery life and obviously thinner/lighter.
I thought connectivity was going to be a problem with my MacBook, but the only issue I have had is on the inititial Time Machine backup the battery died halfway through, because I couldn't have both the hard disk and charger plugged in at the same time. The bus powered drive probably didn't help battery life either. Obviously this wouldn't have been a problem if I hadn't given away my Time Capsule when I replaced my last MacBook with an iPad a few years ago.
For connectivity I've found that the Apple USB adaptor and the short USB mini lead which came with my GoPro have been really handy and not too bulky. I just connect direct to my cameras, rather that using a card reader.
For connectivity I've found that the Apple USB adaptor and the short USB mini lead which came with my GoPro have been really handy and not too bulky. I just connect direct to my cameras, rather that using a card reader.
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