Apple’s MacBook lineup is fast becoming too complicated because of overcrowding. There are now six models in total, the most that Apple has ever offered at once, so it’s understandable if everyone is a bit confused. And the new MacBook doesn’t help matters. While it’s thinner than the Air, it doesn’t steal its name, and its screen size is different from any preceding model.
Cupertino’s marketing geniuses should probably consider reducing the model line if they would like to retain the company’s reputation for simplicity. Until then, Mac buyers should consider only one product from the list.
Here are the six models of MacBook now available, counting different display sizes as distinct models.
The reason why the regular Pro gets the axe is obvious. It is essentially a three year old laptop, complete with 5,400RPM mechanical hard drive, outdated Core processor and downright ancient 1,280 x 800 display. Hence, it is still a great wonder why Apple even continues to sell it. It’s simply not competitive with anything on the market, even the MacBook Air.
There are actually only two veterans that are worth considering, the 13-inch Air and the 13-inch Pro.
If the user can at all afford it, the Pro is the way to go. In recent years the Pro line has lost so much weight that the Air’s existence is barely justified. When the 13-inch models are compared side-by-side the Pro turns out to be just a few fractions of an inch thicker, and one pound heavier, than the Air. The difference is absolutely noticeable in-hand, but it’s hard to feel when both are shoved into a backpack for travel.
That extra pound accounts for seriously improved hardware. The Retina display offers roughly twice the pixels of the Air, the processor’s base clock is 1.1GHz quicker, and RAM is doubled from four to eight gigabytes. In addition, the latest Pro comes with the force-click touchpad also found in the MacBook and offers quicker Intel HD integrated graphics. The Air lasts a bit longer on a charge than the Pro, but not much.
The Pro is also US$ 300 more, but that is money well spent. The Air is a system near the end of its life which is struggling to compete with Windows alternatives like Dell’s XPS 13. The Pro, meanwhile, will have a place in Apple’s line-up for years to come and is still the best all-around value for US$ 1,300.
That’s not to say the Air is pointless. It has a place among users who really, really don’t give a damn about display quality, those who want maximum battery life, and those who crave OS X but simply can’t afford the extra US$ 300. These are all valid reasons to go with the Air instead of the Pro.
For most people, though, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 with Retina display is the notebook to buy. It blends display quality, portability and performance into a potent whole that other MacBooks can’t contend with.
Cupertino’s marketing geniuses should probably consider reducing the model line if they would like to retain the company’s reputation for simplicity. Until then, Mac buyers should consider only one product from the list.
Here are the six models of MacBook now available, counting different display sizes as distinct models.
- MacBook
- MacBook Air 11-inch
- MacBook Air 13-inch
- MacBook Pro 13-inch
- MacBook Pro with Retina 13-inch
- MacBook Pro with Retina 15-inch
The reason why the regular Pro gets the axe is obvious. It is essentially a three year old laptop, complete with 5,400RPM mechanical hard drive, outdated Core processor and downright ancient 1,280 x 800 display. Hence, it is still a great wonder why Apple even continues to sell it. It’s simply not competitive with anything on the market, even the MacBook Air.
There are actually only two veterans that are worth considering, the 13-inch Air and the 13-inch Pro.
If the user can at all afford it, the Pro is the way to go. In recent years the Pro line has lost so much weight that the Air’s existence is barely justified. When the 13-inch models are compared side-by-side the Pro turns out to be just a few fractions of an inch thicker, and one pound heavier, than the Air. The difference is absolutely noticeable in-hand, but it’s hard to feel when both are shoved into a backpack for travel.
That extra pound accounts for seriously improved hardware. The Retina display offers roughly twice the pixels of the Air, the processor’s base clock is 1.1GHz quicker, and RAM is doubled from four to eight gigabytes. In addition, the latest Pro comes with the force-click touchpad also found in the MacBook and offers quicker Intel HD integrated graphics. The Air lasts a bit longer on a charge than the Pro, but not much.
The Pro is also US$ 300 more, but that is money well spent. The Air is a system near the end of its life which is struggling to compete with Windows alternatives like Dell’s XPS 13. The Pro, meanwhile, will have a place in Apple’s line-up for years to come and is still the best all-around value for US$ 1,300.
That’s not to say the Air is pointless. It has a place among users who really, really don’t give a damn about display quality, those who want maximum battery life, and those who crave OS X but simply can’t afford the extra US$ 300. These are all valid reasons to go with the Air instead of the Pro.
For most people, though, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 with Retina display is the notebook to buy. It blends display quality, portability and performance into a potent whole that other MacBooks can’t contend with.
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