What to choose: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? The right choice of MacBook from Apple is better than MacBook Air or Pro

Devices differ in memory capacity, chipset characteristics, video card, screen diagonal, etc. In addition, the body colors and dimensions are different. How then to choose a MacBook?

First, you should know that Apple brand devices are divided into 3 families:

1. Air are relatively inexpensive devices and are lightweight (for example,). An excellent choice for those who value the mobility and functionality of a laptop.
2. It’s just that MacBooks are even more compact than the Air, and moreover, they cope with complex tasks better, however, the price will be higher than the “air” version.
3. – the most advanced models.

The choice of device directly depends on what the user will need it for: work, study, games and movies, or other entertainment. To figure out which MacBook to choose in 2019, it’s worth taking a closer look at each line. Further in the article - everything you need to know before buying devices from Apple: main characteristics, features, possible shortcomings.

Review and comparison of MacBooks

The brand foresaw all the desires of users: those who wanted an ultra-compact device, those who prefer absolute power, and those who love the “golden” mean. Which MacBook should you choose? We read and decide.

The entire Pro line is about ultra-power compact body and about all the features that it can offer in its laptops. However, any of the laptops in this series can be purchased only in two colors: silver and gray.

Pro 13 without Touch Bar

One of the most affordable models in the Pro family. The display size in other devices in the line is 13.3 inches. The screen is bright and contrasting, Retina. Anti-glare coating available.

The price reduction is primarily due to the lack of a Touch Bar. There is also no fingerprint scanner or True Tone. But even without these components, the MacBook deservedly belongs to the Pro line due to:

• cast aluminum body, which does not weigh down the device at all (1.37 kg);
• dual-core i5 or i7 chipset, which, under light load, operates at a frequency of 2.3-2.5 GHz, but when complex tasks arrive, it activates the Turbo function, which overclocks the processor to 4 GHz;
• RAM from 8 to 16 gigs and built-in storage ranging from 128 gigs to 1 TB.

The apple logo on the lid of the MacBook no longer glows, but the logo has acquired a mirror reflection.

Pro 13 with Touch Bar

As is already clear from the name, these Macs (for example, in and in) have a special Touchpad, which replaces the top row of keys on the device. The Touch Bar can display various information: any applications, calendar, music, video, etc. This innovation further expands the functionality of MacBooks and simplifies working with them.

The touch panel is not the only thing that has changed in this subseries:

• the more recent model has True Tone, which quietly adjusts the transmission of shades to the ambient lighting, making the picture more pleasing to the eye;
• expanded internal memory - from 256 gigs to 2 TB, while the RAM reserve remained at 8-16 gigs;
• chipset with 2 (higher model) or 4 (lower) cores with operating frequency, which can reach cosmic 4.7 GHz when overclocked; With such data, the MacBook literally “flies” in games and any applications.

Among the connectors, there are as many as 4 high-speed and universal Thunderbolt 3 ports. You can connect to the device from both sides.

Also in this line of Macs there is unlocking using fingerprints. Touch ID also means secure purchases in the Apple brand store and quick access to password-protected files.

Pro 15 with Touch Bar

The most powerful, productive and large-format model in the line. The screen size has increased to 15.4 inches. Branded Retina display now boasts a resolution of 2280 by 1800 pixels. The manufacturer also did not forget about True Tone for comfortable work with the device.

In addition, 15-inch models seem to have:

1. A six- or eight-core processor (up to i9) will provide excellent performance at high loads. Acceleration is possible up to 5.0 GHz.
2. RAM up to 32 gigs. You can open and work in several powerful programs. The size of the built-in storage has also grown and now ranges from 256 gigabytes to 4 TB.
3. In addition to integrated, there is also discrete Radeon video card Pro. The device can handle any complex tasks.
4. Even with such powerful hardware, the laptop can work up to 10 hours without recharging.
5. Touch Bar for quick interaction with any applications, files, videos and pictures on your MacBook.
6. The already familiar fingerprint scanner still works just as accurately.

In addition to being the most powerful of the Macs, it is also the heaviest model among all Apple models. Its weight is 1.83 kg. However, in the context of all other laptops on the market, this weight is almost a record for such power.

How to choose a MacBook in 2019? Everything is very simple. As before, you need to start from the purposes for which the device is purchased and pay attention to:

1. Dimensions of the device. If you need to constantly move around the city with a MacBook, often go on business trips or to study, you should think about buying a lightweight Air or just a MacBook. Their performance is sufficient for solving office tasks.
2. Screen. Of course, options with a Retina display are in favor. All updated models use an IPS matrix. But you can also buy a more budget version of Air with TN+film. The MacBook has the smallest screen sizes (12″), if you also need a device to work with graphics, it’s worth taking note of 15-inch screens.
3. Memory. Apple produces devices with SSD drives of various capacities. Minimum 128 gigabytes in “air” and Pro models without touchpad. Such options are cheaper than devices with 1, 2 or even 4 TB of storage space. If you plan to store “tons” of necessary information on your MacBook, you should not skimp on storage capacity.
4. Chipset and video card. Intel processors handle multitasking with ease. But if you need to work with 3D graphics or perform other complex tasks, it is better to choose the top-end 15-inch Pro with a discrete graphics card.

Therefore, before choosing a MacBook, you need to ask yourself: what is the purchase for? For working with office applications or cool graphics, for study or entertainment? Then calculate your personal budget and start choosing a suitable device. In any case, buying a Mac will be 100% worth it, because it has everything for comfortable, long-term and productive work.

Previously, there was no need for guides for choosing a MacBook, since the range of Apple laptops was limited to only 2 models. The main selection criterion was the amount of money available to the potential buyer. If you don’t have enough money, you buy Air, if you have a lot of money, you buy Pro.

Now the buyer has more headaches because the range has expanded. Several compromise solutions have emerged - in particular, the “midget” MacBook (simple) and the Pro 13 model without the Touch Bar. The article will present current models and help you choose the best MacBook.

Before you go to the store to buy a MacBook, you should ask yourself the question: do you understand why you need an Apple device? It’s better to carefully weigh the pros and cons, since buying a MacBook is not a cheap pleasure. For the money you spend on the simplest laptop from Apple, you can buy a very good and powerful device with Windows “on board”.

Why then do users prefer products from Cupertino? It has a number of advantages:

• operating system MacOS. Apple's proprietary operating system is closed; no viruses are afraid of it. MacBooks work very quickly and maintain performance for a long time (since the system does not become clogged).
• Butterfly keyboard. Modern MacBooks have butterfly-type keyboards, which differ with the plus sign in their short key travel and ease of typing (when compared with traditional scissors). Users who have tried the butterfly claim that it is not so easy to return to the scissors.
• Mobility. MacBooks are lighter than laptops and easier to carry. Record holder model range– just a MacBook. He doesn't even weigh a kilogram.
• Energy efficiency. Some of Apple models can hold a charge for 12 hours - almost like smartphones.
• Brand. Even if a person convinces himself and everyone around him that he uses a MacBook as a work assistant, he will probably still first post a photo on Instagram with the coveted “apple” on the lid of the device.

The main disadvantage of MacBooks is the meager number of programs and games adapted for iOS. The second most important thing is, perhaps, the small number of ports. The MacBook model, for example, has only one port () – and that’s for charging.

Which MacBook to choose in 2019?

Let’s say you decide to go with an Apple device and find the money to buy it. Next you will have a pleasant headache - choosing a MacBook. We will briefly describe each of the models that are sold in 2018-2019 below.

MacBook Air

Air is a suitable option for those who doubt whether after Windows they will be able to get used to MacOS, its features and closed nature. This model is cheaper than others because it is considered somewhat outdated. A MacBook Air can be bought for 65-70 thousand rubles.

Air is a very light laptop, weighing about a kilogram. It has a sufficient number of ports (a couple of regular USB) and a slot for (which makes it very easy to transfer data, for example, from a camera). But, alas, there’s a problem with the screen: its frames look too large for today’s standards, and the resolution is ridiculous - 1440x900 pixels. The keyboard cannot be called modern either - there is no smell of “butterflies” here, the key travel, according to user reviews, is unusually large.

Most likely, in 2019, Air will become part of history and disappear from storefronts. Therefore, those who want to buy a cheap MacBook should hurry up.

MacBook

In terms of dimensions, the MacBook released in 2016 is the most compact. It weighs even less than Air - only 900 grams. I wouldn’t dare call it a laptop – it’s more like a netbook. The screen diagonal of the device is 12 inches. MacBook is an ideal assistant for those whose work requires them to travel frequently on business.

Even if you compare just visually, you understand that the MacBook is a newer and more advanced product than the Air. “Baby” looks neater, its screen has small frames. And when you use it a little, you will be convinced that Apple has made a big step forward in just a year (Air was released in 2015). The MacBook has a convenient modern keyboard butterfly type and a high-contrast screen with a resolution of 2304×1440 pixels. Also, MacBook is different passive cooling, thanks to which it works silently.

We have already mentioned the main disadvantage of this model - there is only one USB Type-C port. But this is a logical consequence of the compactness of the device. We also note that the MacBook is significantly more expensive than the Air model - you will have to pay about 100 thousand rubles for it.

MacBook Pro 13

With the MacBook Pro, everything is not as clear as with the models described above. There are many modifications in this series that differ not only in memory capacity, but also in screen diagonal, presence/absence of Touch Bar, year of manufacture - and, as a result, price.

Apple sells 3 options (except Air):

• MacBook Pro 2015 (price – from 106 thousand rubles).
• MacBook Pro 2016 without Touch Bar (price – from 119 thousand rubles).
• MacBook Pro 2016 with Touch Bar (price – from 149 thousand rubles).

The Touch Bar is a touchpad that replaces the F1-F12 row of keys on the latest Apple laptops.

Don’t rush to label the 2015 model “old” and refuse to buy it! This device has good functionality and a reasonable price. MacBook Pro 2015 costs the same as the “baby” MacBook, but at the same time:

• It has a larger diagonal screen (13 inches versus 12).
• Equipped powerful processor– in the best modification i7 3.1 GHz.
• Provided with a sufficient number of connectors (2 USB, HDMI, SD card slot).

True, this model is not so convenient for travel - the laptop weighs over 1.5 kilograms. In addition, it is difficult to find a 2015 MacBook for sale in stores - apparently, in 2019 this will become a completely impossible task.

MacBook Pro 2016 without Touch Bar can hardly be called an alternative to MacBook - due to the large difference in price (about 15 thousand rubles). But many users consider this particular Apple laptop to be the best in terms of price-functionality ratio. The 2016 Pro models are easy to distinguish from their “predecessors” - their Touch Pad is simply gigantic.

This may seem strange, but the new Pro models are even slightly inferior to laptops released in 2015 in a number of criteria. They dont have USB connectors and SD card slots – USB Type-C only. In addition, the new models have smaller batteries – no longer 5800 mAh, but only 4300 mAh. The laptop only lasts 5 hours on charge. battery life. Perhaps for these reasons, users in 2019 will remember the MacBook Pro 2015 with nostalgia.

Let's dwell on the differences between the 2016 models with and without Touchbar. There are more of them than you probably think:

• The laptop with Touch Bar has 4 Thunderbolt ports (the younger model has only 2).
• The device with Touchbar has (Touch ID).
• The MacBook with Touch Bar is more powerful (at least in numbers) - it has an Intel Core I7 with clock frequency 3.3 GHz. The model without Touchbar has a lower processor clock speed - 2.4 GHz.

Design, of course, is also important. Touch Bar is an image item that makes the laptop look special. But is it worth overpaying 20-25 thousand rubles for such visual delights? Let's leave this question open.

MacBook Pro 15

The flagship model delights with its design and functions to the same extent as it frightens with its price. In the simplest configuration it costs as much as a used foreign car, in the most sophisticated configuration it costs as much as an apartment in a remote province.

The MacBook Pro 15 is traditionally used by geeks obsessed with productivity, or successful entrepreneurs who have to work with large amounts of data and require the laptop to perform resource-intensive operations. For example, this device will be indispensable for video rendering or in a recording studio.

The MacBook Pro 15 is equipped with Core i5 and Core i7 processors with Broadwell architecture and clock speeds of up to 3.1 GHz. For those to whom this data means nothing, let us clarify: the laptop’s performance reserve will be enough for several years to come – you won’t have to think about upgrading.

Outstanding performance is the key benefit of the MacBook Pro 15, but it has other advantages, too. This includes a gorgeous screen with P3 color gamut (25% wider color space than RGB), loud speakers that sound as good as speakers, and a premium design. True, with all this, the laptop is inferior in autonomy to other current models.

How much do MacBooks cost in 2019: table

Without pretending to be pharmaceutically accurate, we have compiled a table of prices for MacBooks that are current at the beginning of 2019:

Prices taken from the official Apple website. If you research “”, you will be able to find stores that sell cheaper.

Conclusion

Here we will not give banal advice in the spirit of “choose based on the amount of cash.” If you have firmly decided to buy a MacBook, it is assumed that you have an amount of 120-150 thousand rubles. Otherwise, you'll only have enough money to buy an outdated Air, which won't give you as much pleasure as the newer models.

The best option to buy in 2019 is the MacBook Pro 13 2016 model without Touch Bar, which costs about 114 thousand rubles (in ). This model was released only in 2016, is considered one of the latest and looks just great with its wide touchpad. But if the year of manufacture of the laptop is not so important to you as its autonomy and the presence of various ports, it is better to buy a MacBook Pro 13 2015. This device will also be cheaper - on Yandex.Market you can probably find an offer for 100 thousand rubles.

But the MacBook and MacBook Pro 15 models are more specific. MacBook is a “modest baby” and a “ladies man”, famous above all for its compactness. On the contrary, the Pro 15 is a device for serious people who are willing to spend serious money on quality equipment.

Which MacBook should you buy? Until the end of last year, the answer to this question was quite obvious: you need a “typewriter” - take a 12-inch MacBook, a more powerful device - go for the MacBook Pro. But now that Apple has finally updated the MacBook Air, many are trying to figure out whether they should buy the new model or opt for the MacBook Pro with or without the Touch Bar. Let's look at all the advantages and disadvantages of each model and try to answer this question.

Got a Retina display which is really great but compared to the MacBook Pro display it is much dimmer. The firmware screen supports the P3 widescreen color gamut, which the Air does not use.

Keyboard

MacBook Air features Apple's third-generation butterfly keyboard, which includes a silicone barrier that blocks debris from getting between the keys. This makes the Air keyboard more durable and less prone to breakage than the second-generation mechanism in the MacBook Pro. At the same time, the trackpad on the MacBook Pro is much larger, although the laptops are almost the same size.

Ease of movement

Yes, the MacBook Air weighs a little less than the Pro, but when you stack them on top of each other, they're about the same size.

From the side, the MacBook Air has a more wedge-shaped shape compared to the Pro, which tapers from the back. Interestingly, the MacBook Air is thicker at the top, but the leading edge is slightly thinner. Because of this, the Air's keyboard tilts downwards for a more comfortable typing experience. Therefore, in terms of transportation, the MacBook Air 2018 is still The best decision.

Characteristics

The MacBook Pro is 50% faster in the Geekbench 4 graphics test, which is its biggest advantage. The extra power allows you to perform tasks like professional video editing. The MacBook Air is rated to have 12 hours of battery life compared to the MacBook Pro's 10 hours, but unfortunately it ships with a 30W charger versus the 61W charge Apple ships with the Pro model. This means that for charging macbook Air may take a little longer.

As for memory, buying a firmware is worth considering. If you need more RAM and built-in memory -: although it costs more, it will not deprive you of performance. The MacBook Pro also offers interesting upgrade options. You can double the RAM and add a whole terabyte of storage, and you can also upgrade the processor.

Stop. But the MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar!

Yes, and you should consider the MacBook Pro 2018 with the Touch Bar if you clearly understand that the capabilities or firmware without the Touch Bar will not be enough. If, for example, you are going to work with video or process RAW files- take a MacBook Pro, . The new "air" laptop is not very suitable for these tasks.

What about the MacBook 12?

As we already said, if you have a choice between a MacBook and MacBook Air, don't even think about it. Updated version The “air” laptop surpasses it in almost everything. And this is almost the best laptop option from Apple to buy now.

Bonus!

Few people know, but Apple has made a convenient feature for unlocking Mac computer V macOS Sierra- this can be done with Apple Watch on your hand if you first configure the input in the settings. The thing is convenient because you don’t need to enter your laptop password every time (or put your finger on it): walk up and the computer is already waiting for you in working order. The Apple Watch Series 4 is perfect for this - both and

Products Apple is 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 random access memory. 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 it also has 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). The laptop supports Thunderbolt 2 technology.

There are also two USB port 3.0, which 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. MacBook Air is the most inexpensive laptop Apple, 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 Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth, but only has one USB-C port for connecting storage devices, printers, external displays, power adapters and more. If your devices use an earlier USB version, 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 the factory price) Apple 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 this model's Core M processor is good level and can match 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 for performance. On this moment The Pro model is Apple's first most powerful laptop.

There is a whole line of modifications of this laptop.

• $1,499 model. 13-inch screen, dual-core Core i5 2 GHz processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB disk capacity, integrated Intel Iris Graphics 540 card, no touch panel.
• 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 a 2 GB discrete Radeon Pro 450 video card. 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 device you are using. software. 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 emerges 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. This model comes with a Retina display for excellent viewing. The performance of this laptop is also at a good level. And the disk space and 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 obvious, the most powerful laptop from Apple is a MacBook Pro for $2,799. If regular computer work only involves accessing 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 the service life Apple computers is very long lasting thanks to their good quality. Processor performance has not increased much in recent years. 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 technology, produced in recent years, demonstrates equally high quality. Therefore, you can buy a used MacBook Air 2013 and get an excellent laptop for your daily needs at a significantly reduced price compared 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 that this guide will help you make the 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. Good luck!

New MacBook The Air, introduced on October 30, received a complete redesign and became more similar to the junior MacBook Pro model. The editors of the AppleInsider.com portal decided to compare the MacBook Air 2018 with the previous model and with the 13-inch MacBook Pro without TouchBar. This is what came out of it.

Like other Apple products, the MacBook Air now comes in three different color options: silver, space gray and gold, which matches one of the stainless steel variations of the Apple Watch Series 4 and a new color for the iPhone XS.

Design

The MacBook Air 2018 is very similar to the MacBook Pro, with the exception of a few key details. The body of the new product has a wedge-shaped shape when folded, like the previous generation.

A distinctive feature of the MacBook Air 2018 is the Touch ID biometric scanner. It works thanks to the T2 chip, which not only processes biometric authentication, but is also responsible for SSD encryption, Hey Siri support and much more.

Other than that, everything else about the new MacBook Air is borrowed from the latest generation MacBook Pro. The keyboard, speaker placement, Force Touch trackpad (albeit slightly smaller), lack of a backlit Apple logo, and metal hinge are similar between the two devices.

Comparing the size and weight of the new MacBook Air with the previous model, you will notice that the new version is smaller and lighter.

At its thickest point, the MacBook Air 2018 is the same thickness as the previous generation when opened. Its shape makes the new Air appear thinner than the MacBook Pro, but it's actually 0.02 inches thicker.

The wedge-shaped shape has a positive effect on the ergonomics of the device - unlike the MacBook Pro, the Air 2018 creates an inclination, thanks to which, when typing on the keyboard for a long time, your hands do not start to hurt.

Performance

According to the results Geekbench test 4, the 2018 MacBook Air with a 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 4 MB L3 cache scored 4,246 in single-core testing and 7,788 in multi-core testing. By comparison, the 2017 13-inch MacBook Air scored 3,312 in the single-core test and 5,971 in the multi-core test, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar scored 4,424 and 9,554 points, respectively.

Graphics test results

Based on these results, the new Air is close in performance to the Pro model.

The main difference from other laptops in this comparison is Intel processor 8th generation installed in MacBook Air 2018, so it should be faster when encoding HEVC files.

Batteries and mains chargers

The 2018 MacBook Air comes with a 50.3 Wh battery, which is down from the 54 Wh battery in the previous generation Air and the 54.5 Wh battery in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. According to Apple, the new Air's battery will last 12 hours of continuous use.

The previous MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 2017 were powered by 15-watt dual-core processors, while the new MacBook Air features a 7-watt dual-core processor for greater power efficiency.

The new MacBook Air also comes with a 30W power adapter.

Display

The biggest drawback of the previous generation MacBook Air was its display. The resolution was very low - only 1440x900 pixels. It had an LED TN panel installed, which narrowed the viewing angles.

In 2018, the MacBook Air received a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels.

Although the MacBook Air 2018 has the same resolution as the MacBook Pro, it does not support the P3 widescreen color gamut. Pro models boast higher contrast and richer colors.

But this is not the only difference in laptops. The screen brightness of the MacBook Air is 234 nits, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro is 458 nits. Surprisingly, the previous generation MacBook Air was brighter - 336 nits.

Keyboard and trackpad

The new MacBook Air features Apple's third-generation butterfly keyboard, similar to the one found on the 2018 MacBook Pro. It has a silicone lining that helps prevent debris from getting under the keyboard.

The new Air's trackpad is slightly larger than previous generations, but it's smaller than the one on the 2017 MacBook Pro.

Sound

The new MacBook Air speakers look identical to the 13-inch MacBook Pro speakers.

The new product sounds noticeably louder and clearer than the previous model, especially the bass, which has become richer and deeper.

Price

Apple still sells the previous MacBook Air for $999. The new MacBook Air costs $1,199 in its base configuration, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar costs $1,299.

Depending on your needs, you can consider the MacBook Air 2018 as a full-fledged work tool for the next few years.