13" MacBook Air or 13" MacBook Pro Retina

tmt on 28/07/2015 - 18:46
Last edited 29/07/2015 - 19:55

Hey guys, I'm in a little predicament deciding between the 2015 MBA and 2015 rMBP (both 13" screens).

If money wasn't an issue it would be the rMBP every day of the week due to the significantly better performance (8GB RAM, 2.7GHz), display (2560x1600), very good battery life (10hrs) and extra features (different inputs, new Force Touch track pad etc). The only negative it seems with this laptop is the price, RRP at $1799, but I would wait for the inevitable DSE 15% off MacBooks, making it $1529.15.

So the reason I'm considering the MBA is because of the recent eBay deal, potentially being able to purchase it at $974. As my University degree doesn't necessarily need the performance and display a rMBP provides (I'd only use it for watching lectures, doing assignments and potentially some minor games/playing around with designs as a hobby), this MacBook is very tempting at the price. The battery life is better than the rMBP at 12 hours and it's a little lighter than the Pro, but that's where the advantages end. It's only got 4GB of RAM, it's display is only 1440x900 and only a 1.6GHz processor. It's design is also less favourable to the rMBP, and doesn't include the new Force Touch track pad and lacks some inputs.

So what would you do? I can either buy the MBA now at the favourable price of $974, or wait for a DSE deal and buy the rMBP later at $1529.15.

TL;DR: The price of the MBA is around $500 less than the rMBP, and I can't decide whether all of the advantages of the rMBP outweigh the price of the MBA.

Disclaimer: I'm quite determined on getting a MacBook, and although I've considered other cheaper options with higher specs, I like the build quality, design, operating system and service included with a MacBook.

Decision: Coincidentally reflected by the current poll (23-17 in favour of the rMBP), I'm probably going to choose the rMBP over the MBA by the slimmest of margins. Thanks to everyone that has voted and discussed my options in the post, there's been some excellent feedback that really has helped me make a more informed decision. Feel free to continue to vote on and discuss what one you think is better! :)

Poll Options

  • 27
    13" MacBook Air - $974 (or $1074)
  • 35
    13" MacBook Pro Retina - $1529.15
Computing

Comments

  • MSG on 28/07/2015 - 19:14
    +2

    Get the MacBook Pro with Retina display. The extra processing power and specs is going to make its life longer so you don't need to upgrade often.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 19:28

      Good point, I'd probably need it for 3-5 years at the least.

    • massafiri on 29/07/2015 - 00:57
      +2

      I recently upgraded from the Air to the Pro. The screen is well worth the price difference, however the upgrade in speed isn't very noticeable IMO.

      You can definitely do more concurrently with the extra ram, but the speed of the device, isn't much of an upgrade.
      Well, at least not a huge leap. It may be a little more noticeable if you're coming from a 4 year old device as I did the jump from a 2 year old Air.

      The force track pad is great, but nothing revolutionary. Definitely needs more application support before it can become useful.
      Battery life is also great, I can comfortable squeeze 10 hours out of the rMBP (on low brightness). However, comparatively, I could get 12+ hours on the Air.

      • striker5950 on 30/07/2015 - 11:40

        around $560 extra isnt worth it for just a better screen.. processing power isnt that noticable from what i searched up. thats why i got the air from the previous deal.

    • Member 0230 on 30/07/2015 - 12:04

      Since my first MBPr, I've sadly become a screen snob. My first high-res phone didn't do it. My first razor-sharp res tablet didn't do it. It's ALL the MBPr's fault.

      Plugging it in to a bog-standard corporate Dell screen and then looking from one to the other there is a shocking difference.

      TL;DR

      Go MBPr. Just for the screen.

  • iridiumstem on 28/07/2015 - 19:16
    +2

    I think better spec will last longer while giving you better experience (though this is more of my opinion). That said, I don't think Macbook Air would be a bad choice either (I'd go with Pro Retina, though).

  • eatwell365 on 28/07/2015 - 20:15
    +2

    50% is fair bit of difference, especially to pay for things that may never be used. The marginal return is diminished.
    Everyone varies - some like to get an M3 instead of 320, some like $5000 a bike rather than $1000.
    I normally pay for what it needs to do basic, instead of what the best is.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 20:23

      It's not quite 50% but I understand what you mean. $1000 is still a lot of money to spend on a laptop that only does the basics though, whereas paying another $500 clearly gets me a lot more. But the other part of me wants to save that extra $500 and live with the "basic" laptop of the two. (I usually prefer not to spend more than I need to, for example buying a Reid bike and 1992 Toyota Corolla respectively instead of more expensive options, both purchases I've really liked to this point). Really tough decision for me!

  • verio on 28/07/2015 - 20:38

    I would go for MBP. I think Retina display is a huge advantage, I personally love it.

    Check Apple Refurbished products, they were selling MBP 2014 256GB/8GB for $1450 a few month ago.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 20:45

      Really? That's a pretty decent price - although apparently they don't come in the "new" boxes the other MacBooks come in, which is usually valuable in case of re-sale (it's also currently $1569 on the Apple Refurb Store). Also I'd prefer to purchase a new model, although I have been looking around on gumtree for deals haha.

  • tin tin on 28/07/2015 - 20:58
    +7

    I would get a MBA, they are brilliant machines, if you can edit Full HD video on there what more do you want?

    Just remember retina and force touch are marketing terms, you can do without these just fine.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:03
      +2

      I understand "Retina" is just a marketing term, but there is a significant and noticeable difference between 2560x1600 and 1440x900. Not saying the Air necessarily looks bad, as I went into the Apple store today to have a look and it still looked quite refined, it's just we're in 2015 and for $1000 I feel 1920x1080 (FHD) should be a minimum in terms of display.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:04

      Do you have a MacBook Air yourself? If so what do you like about it?

      • tin tin on 28/07/2015 - 21:10
        +2

        Yes, I have one that is 4 years old and it is still working flawlessly. The trackpad is brilliant, not much to improve on there. Yeah I like high-res myself but in reality you sort of just forget about it once you are using it. They are very portable and thin, easier to type on your lap compared to Pro?

        • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:18

          Yeah, for all MacBook products people rave about the keyboard and trackpad. I'm impressed that it still works so well after 4 years! Yeah, I mean if I were to choose the Air, I'd probably learn to live with the screen, but I'd always have in the back of my mind like "what could have been" haha. In saying that though, I do have access to a desktop at home which has a full HD screen which I really like, so whether I could justify buying a MBA with a 1440x900 display I'm still undecided yet.

        • tin tin on 28/07/2015 - 21:22
          +1

          Yep hard decision :-| I guess by now the Air really should have a better screen than that so Apple have made your decision harder!

        • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:29

          @shemethy: Yeah, the guy at the Apple store said the MBA screen was outdated and that I should go for the Pro Retina, whether he just wanted me to spend more money might have influenced his opinion haha. He also guessed they would release an Air with a Retina display next year, but just a guess really.

  • anoykw on 28/07/2015 - 21:30
    +2

    if you're only going to use it for uni i recommend just the macbook air, i had a macbook pro and it gets too heavy to bring around uni. the macbook air is better for the back :)

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:32

      Do you really find a noticeable difference? Like I know the MBA is titled the "Air" for a reason, but in reality the Pro is only 300g heavier. It's probably more portable, but not by much I'd assume. Happy to discuss your experience with it though.

      • anoykw on 28/07/2015 - 21:33

        yes i find it makes a difference

        • anoykw on 28/07/2015 - 21:35

          if you get the macbook pro retina display, the only main difference is the actual display - which i think is a bit steep for the price. the hardware of course is better but if you're only using it for uni u really wont see a difference.

        • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:47

          @freshpetalz: Yeah, I keep trying to tell myself that I'm not going to notice the difference, and being on ozbargain I would've thought most people would have chosen the Air option, but it seems the Pro is making a strong lead in the poll, indicating for price the Pro is the more preferred model. A MacBook under $1000 is so tempting though!

  • ShamelessBargains on 28/07/2015 - 21:37
    -1

    I have owned the MacBook Air and currently own the MacBook Pro retina. The MacBook Air was gutless and had a terrible screen and viewing angles. Being a uni student I am glued to my screen and having a high res screen is great. The Air was underpowered for my uses and the Pro just does everything flawlessly every time. It's future proof and I know it will still be going strong when I finish my degree.

    Although if you cycle to uni or are always on the move, the lightness and extra battery life of the air is great.

    If you can afford it, buy the Pro.

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:42

      Yeah I certainly ride into Uni occasionally, where the Air would be more convenient, but I'm sure the Pro wouldn't be too heavy, would it? It certainly seems the Pro is definitely more future proof, and I wouldn't be surprised if they released an Air next year with a Retina display and more RAM haha. Obviously I want the laptop for this Semester, so this is definitely a contributing factor to my decision.

      • ShamelessBargains on 28/07/2015 - 21:50
        +1

        I can't see the air with retina coming too soon as it would cannablize Apples MacBook and MacBook Pro sales.

        Pro isn't too heavy but is noticeable over the Air.

        4gb of ram is the killer for me on the air. Apple will most definitely optimise their software making it slower over time. It's just the well known tactic of a forced upgrade.

        • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 21:52

          Yeah, you're probably right about the Retina display, RAM is probably the first to be improved.

  • PVA on 28/07/2015 - 21:49

    my son has used an Air for the last two years at school (school supplied). battery is fantastic and and small and light. The air does all he wants, even illustrator for his design class at another college.
    yes the other is better spec wise but if you only need it for normal things (like you say) the air is a great choice.
    Also its a tough beast , my son has dropped it many times and I can see dings and dents over it, but it still works fine.

    Save the money.

    (I hate to admit all this cos I don't like apple computers at all)

    • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 22:10
      +1

      Yeah there's a lot to like about the Air, especially just for University related things like assignments and watching lectures, and the current price is quite favourable. Thanks for your feedback though, it's good to know Illustrator works well on the Air.

      • PVA on 28/07/2015 - 22:15

        My sons has the whole Microsoft Office and the Adobe CS(?not sure of versions) supplied by school.
        The only issue he doesn't like is its 128GB SSD, but he deals with it.

        • tmt on 28/07/2015 - 22:20

          That's good, I think I would be able to manage with the 128GB SSD quite well, but if I did encounter problems I could always use the SD slot as more storage.

        • PVA on 28/07/2015 - 22:25
          +1

          @tmt:
          yep, SD card or microSD with a short adaptor so it doesnt poke out.

  • Woodyg22 on 29/07/2015 - 02:33

    will this be your only computer or do you have another at home, eg a desktop?

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 08:10

      I have access to a desktop I use regularly.

      • Woodyg22 on 29/07/2015 - 12:46

        basically what encipher said below..

        If you've got a main desktop there is little point getting a powerful and expensive laptop. I'm in a similar situation and just bought a Surface 3 as I don't need to take a powerful device with me. Just sold my Macbook Air 13" as I even found that too much of a pain to ride to uni and carry around all day (stopped brining it altogether!).

      • Woodyg22 on 29/07/2015 - 12:48

        Although a high resolution screen is great to use…

        • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 13:12

          I really want to be convinced by the Air I really do! And in a lot of ways I am, and in a lot of ways I'm not. I'm just such a consumer and want the best display and the highest specs haha.

  • eatwell365 on 29/07/2015 - 05:13

    how much do you set aside for the basic Mac software, like Office and Adobe? supplied free by school or uni?

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 08:11

      I'm pretty sure it's supplied free but I have to look into that, if not I think my family has a home office software.

  • noyesmaybeok on 29/07/2015 - 05:51
    +1

    I've used a Macbook Air for full-time work as a web developer for years. I'll have dozens of apps running all the time and often don't restart for a week or so. It's more than powerful enough for me and your usage will be even lighter.

    Unless you're going to doing do intensive tasks specs don't matter because you'll only use a fraction of the MBA's ability let alone the rMBP. I have a resource tracker and in the past 7 days only for tiny spikes, probably logging in or opening a large file, has it ever gone above 20% CPU. My RAM usage is around 6GB average (and likely some swap which isn't tracked long-term), but in fairness my Safari is shagged, right now I have 7 tabs open and it's using 12GB of RAM! RAM is also stored when needed and the SSD is quick so running over doesn't slow the experience down much. RAM usage doesn't mean it's struggling it just means it's keeping a lot stored so it's good to go when you reopen that app (put simply).

    I'm not sure on gaming MBA vs rMBP. I imagine both are only capable of 'average' depending on the game.

    "I feel 1920x1080 (FHD) should be a minimum in terms of display."

    The same physical size with more pixels = less room for pixels = everything is smaller. Having a 13" screen of that resolution wouldn't be a good experience :) Same reason phones resolution is still small.

    • iridiumstem on 29/07/2015 - 06:21

      Phones now have QHD resolution? Don't get me wrong, I personally think anything over FHD is slightly too much, given the current gen hardware (QHD phones could've been amazing if they had FHD screen). It's how well the OS (and the programs done by the third party) implements high DPI that matters, I think. Android runs fine with QHD screen (I had only one case where UI was out of place, and the app had option to change the UI, which fixed the problems), whereas Windows suffer fair bit (even with FHD) on a same sized screen (10 inch).

      Other than that, I agree with you.

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 08:54

      Yeah I was just using 1920x1080 as an example, but I know what you mean how the physical size of the screen has an influence on how many pixels should be on it for optimal viewing. Gaming is probably more of a luxury and I wouldn't be running any high res FPS or anything, like just light gaming.

      This is such a hard decision because honestly I agree with you that I probably won't need the power of the rMBP, but if the Air can last 3-5 years of Uni at a reasonable standard I could probably get over the fact it's not retina display, especially given the price (Although it looks like I've missed the boat on the $974 13" MBA, it's sold out!).

      • noyesmaybeok on 29/07/2015 - 14:44

        iPad => iPad Retina was greatly noticeable, on the computer I don't particularly notice. Isn't the rMBP screen high gloss vs MBA which is matte? That could be a difference. Uni probably has awkward lights, how would both screens compare under it? (though there are matte films you can add).

  • AssamLaksa on 29/07/2015 - 09:55
    +4

    Personally, I own an rMBP, but for you, I would recommend the MBA. Not because I think you won't be using heavy programs, but because you already own a "main" desktop which you use regularly. If you'll be using the MBA just to watch lectures, and doing some assignments on Word, the MBA is more than enough. I do not have any other MACs/PC apart from my rMBP so everything gets done on it (watching movies, occasionally playing with photoshop, running MATLAB and COMSOL). So it really depends what you plan to use it for I suppose. If you're gonna do heavy programming on the go, you should go for the rMBP. Else, save the money and do all the hardcore work on your desktop.

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 12:48
      +1

      Yeah, the Air would probably be more practical in terms of my current needs, and the price is definitely more favourable. I probably wouldn't be disappointed with it either, but $1000 is still a premium price for a laptop, and it probably does do the basics well, but I can't help but think the rMBP is better value for money, even $500 more.

      • dannyeei on 29/07/2015 - 18:14

        I'm in the same boat as Encipher but I think you'll be surprised by how powerful the Macbook Air is. Chances are you won't even notice a speed difference with the work you're doing and even if you're doing more intensive work (video editing, etc.) the Air will handle it just fine.

  • Gaz1 on 29/07/2015 - 14:30

    The Good Guys have 10% off some of the Macbooks at the moment if you don't want to wait for Dick Smith.

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 16:27

      It looks like it's only a select few, eg the MacBook without Retina display (not worth it at all imo) but thanks for informing me!

  • RocketSwitch on 29/07/2015 - 16:11
    +1

    I use the MacBook Air for writing, so the weight and slim factor was perfect for me.

    In all honestly, I think it's the best product ever made by Apple, and I feel the rMBP is the right choice if the weight and slim factor isn't a concern. Otherwise you will pay a bit more for the rMBP.

    MBA is the go still unless you're rendering animation.

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 18:22

      I really don't mind the weight of the rMBP, and it's also reasonably slim as well!

  • Clain on 29/07/2015 - 18:10

    Definitely buy the 13" retina MacBook Pro.
    Its screen will make a huge difference.

    • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 18:16

      Do you think it's worth the extra $500?

      • Clain on 29/07/2015 - 19:38

        Yes, it is definitely worth the extra $500.
        You are paying for one of the best laptops available.
        Solid build quality, and better specifications too.

        Edit: Think about the years ahead you will be relying on it. Make it easier for your eyes with its retina display. FYI-install F.lux on your future Mac/Macbooks, put less stress on your eyes.

        • tmt on 29/07/2015 - 19:45
          +1

          I'll look into f.lux, thanks for the suggestion! Yeah, it's looking more and more likely that I'll pay the extra $500 for the rMBP.

        • Clain on 29/07/2015 - 20:47

          @tmt: You will not regret this. This will be one of the best purchases you've ever made.

        • brilliantthings on 29/07/2015 - 21:04
          +2

          I really don't get this stress on the eyes business. I've never had that problem with lower resolution screens. At the distance from the screen you use a laptop, I'm not sure it makes a whole lot of difference. A lot of people feel strongly about it though.

        • dannyeei on 29/07/2015 - 23:19
          +2

          Honestly you're best off just turning down the brightness. It has far more of an impact than f.lux

  • brilliantthings on 29/07/2015 - 20:55
    +1

    I don't think it's worth the $500 difference. For your purposes the MacBook Air is ideal. And the lighter weight and extra battery life is fantastic. I have the 2013 MBA. I always have more than 10 apps open and it is fantastic. I don't really care about the faster processor or higher resolution screen for my needs. The thing screams.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/07/2015 - 21:09
    +4

    I went from an 11 inch Air to a top of the line 15 inch Pro. My dad also has a the 15 Pro, my sister has the 13 inch Pro and my mum has the 13 inch Air.

    To be honest, I miss the Air. There is a performance difference, but for most stuff its not noticeable. (I had an i7 in the Air). The only real noticeable difference is the display, which is much much better on the Pro. If I had never owned a Pro, the 13 Inch Air would be my pick, for price vs performance, it is hard to beat. It has much better ergonomics (I find the Pro's case cuts into my wrists after prolonged use, and my watch always catches on it too), and the extra few hours of battery life makes a difference. The problem for me is the screen. Now that I have a Retina, I couldn't go back to a regular screen and see all those ugly pixels I never notice before staring back at me.

    I would recommend you save you money, get an Air, and be happy with it. If you haven't owned a retina display, you will never notice, and the 13 inch Air has a decent turn of speed. I genuinely regret dropping $3000 on a Pro which to me is not considerably better than a $1500 specced up Air.

    • PVA on 29/07/2015 - 21:13

      well said Thorton.

      Just going by my sons experience with an Air, I would say choose it but you can compare both.

    • ShamelessBargains on 29/07/2015 - 23:09

      Yeah I could never go back to the air now. It looks pixelated compared to the retina resolution. Air isn't future proof with 4gb ram though.

      Its a tough decision. I reckon you need to consider how much you will be using the laptop compared to your pc and the time frame.

      There's no point dropping the extra $500 if you aren't going to be using it a lot. I would even suggest the 11" if you are only using it for uni studies.

  • defiant on 30/07/2015 - 14:27

    I agonised over this decision a while ago too. Ended up going with the Macbook Air 13 inch/256GbSSD/4Gb. Had it for 2 years now, constantly run 16 desktops with an external monitor plugged in, and it has performed very well.

    I don't use it for heavy graphics / video editing, but I do carry it with me everyday to work in a backpack, and thought the Macbook Pro retina extra 300g was too much.

    You could future proof the air a little by customising with 8GB ram, however I feel the true cost of going this way is $310 ($140 RAM upgrade with apple, and loss of 10% discount with GG / DSE ($170 based on Macbook Air 13/256GB) as every discount I have seen specifically excludes built - to - order machines.

    Good luck!

    • tmt on 30/07/2015 - 18:13

      Yeah, I think one of the biggest winners of the rMBP is the retina display, and unfortunately the Air doesn't support a display close to it. I've considered the customisable performance/storage, but like you said I'd have to purchase from Apple, and that skyrockets the price haha.

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