What is the difference between Macbook Air and Macbook Pro? Which MacBook to choose: review, description, specifications, reviews
Which Apple laptop is the best? Light as a feather MacBook Air, or reliable and powerful MacBook Pro? Have you decided it's time to trade in your old Mac for one of Apple's new 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 the most inexpensive laptop Apple. 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 processors Intel Haswell 1.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. In the 2013 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Retina models, the 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 a larger hard drive. Please note that the processor cannot be changed later. Hard SSD drive can be upgraded, although it's a bit tricky - Apple doesn't sell individual SSD drives, so if you decide you need more storage space, you'll either have to get a hard drive from another MacBook Air or contact service center, which will help you do this.
"Standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro latest generation retails from $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, various data storage options are provided, including a classic hard drive or SSD.
For $1,299 you can get the new MacBook Pro with Retina display. It is equipped with a 2.4 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 4 GB of 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 is equipped with a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, also includes discrete graphics Nvidia GeForce GT 750. This is the top model made by Apple, so its price is appropriate - $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.
11 inch MacBook display The Air 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. It's sharp and clear displays, which are capable of displaying millions of colors, despite the fact that they do not 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, an iPhone 5S or iPad Mini Retina- this simply means that you will not be able to see individual pixels when looking at the screen from an average distance.
In this particular case, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a standard "Retina" resolution of 2560x1600 - that's even higher resolution than 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 on chips Ivy Bridge, which were used 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 starting resource-intensive graphic applications, such as games or Photoshop.
Battery life
An important aspect of laptop performance is how long you can use it away from 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 high-resolution screen, has an impressive 9 hours of battery life. 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 line of laptops, except the $1,199 MacBook Pro, comes with wireless module 802.11ac. In practice, an 802.11ac-equipped Mac can transfer data wirelessly up to three times faster than the 802.11n Wi-Fi found on older machines like the standard MacBook Pro.
Naturally, the signal must be transmitted from 802.11ac base stations, 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 ports 3.0 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 built-in Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, one Thunderbolt port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC card slot.
In all new Mac computers OS X 10.9 Mavericks is already installed. Mavericks, released in October 2013, has new elements user interface, such as Finder tabs, as well as new apps like a redesigned calendar, as well as 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 performance software, 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. It plays an important role in the Apple ecosystem: it's 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 lot of possibilities. 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 performance, then the 15-inch MacBook Pro will be your best solution. The Iris Pro graphics on it are simply amazing and discrete graphics Nvidia on the expensive version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro allows you to make no compromises.
Still undecided?
If you're still having trouble deciding between 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 the best laptop 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. 2014 models are equipped with dual-core Core processor i5 with a clock frequency of 1.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 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 is 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 required for connection 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. You won’t be able to increase the operating memory on your own, 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 space, viewing photo and video files and editing them. Also the laptop is different high speed working with flash drives. 
Well logical question, summing 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 a device as a tool for professional activities, you 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 so different high density pixels that the human eye is simply unable to determine whether an 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. Both models have an Intel Iris Graphics processor.
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. Except Intel processor Iris Graphics also has a discrete video card GeForce GT 750M. The question about ports was partially migrated from the model Air. In addition to USB Thunderbolt ports, the model also has HDMI. 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 the physical qualities of the 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.
What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop? Question from the authors: how does an iPhone differ from a smartphone... However, people in whose minds this kind of dilemma arises can be understood. Apple Company, which produces these devices, is guilty of naming the gadgets after the name of the product class - smartphone/iPhone, MacBook/laptop - this creates confusion.
In fact, there is no fundamental difference between a Macbook and any other laptop. Even so, a MacBook is a laptop. And yet, the Apple laptop has quite a few differences from the classic one. In this article we will look at these differences.
However, before talking about how a Macbook differs from any other classic laptop, it is necessary to say what types of the first exist.
Apple laptop for a long time was represented by two lines - Macbook Pro(Pro) and Macbook Air(Air, Air, Air), but just recently a new series appeared with a simple and concise name - Macbook - no prefixes or additions.
Macbook Pro is a line of powerful Apple laptops. The most advanced hardware and Retina displays in recent versions allow devices in this line to be easily replaced full-fledged computers for home and work tasks. Moreover, when we say “workers,” we do not mean only classic office programs, like typing and presentation utilities. Macbook Pro will satisfy even the most demanding graphic designer or design engineer, in general, users whose profession involves working in heavy programs - Photoshop, Autocad, etc.
Macbook Air is a more universal series. Laptops in this line are slightly less powerful, but at the same time they are thinner and lighter, and also show record autonomy. In short, the Macbook Air is the ideal mobile laptop for everyday tasks, unless working in Photoshop is your daily task. No, of course, this device will easily open this and any other heavy program and allow you to work in it, but only the Macbook Pro will demonstrate lightning-fast, lag-free operation when working with these types of applications.
And finally, just a Macbook. This series is relatively new and it is difficult to say how Apple sees its future. We’ll just note that this device (the line is currently represented by one device) is a kind of lightweight version of the Air.
Macbook is the most beautiful in the world
Well, now let's talk about the differences. And the first thing that catches your eye is the design - impeccable, no matter how you look at it. No laptop - and this is recognized by both Apple fans and critics - can boast such a perfect design as the Macbook.
Both Air and Pro version very similar. There are differences, of course, but they are minimal and insignificant within the scope of this review. What do the models of all lines of Apple laptops have in common? All metal slim body made of aluminum, minimalistic design, elegant “apple” on the lid, noble shades of the body, and generally incredibly high-quality and neat execution.
In short, if you are one of those people for whom image is everything and thirst is nothing, then for you the difference between a Macbook and a traditional laptop is obvious already at the first stage of comparison.
Mac OS is my faithful friend
If you believe that appearance is not the main thing in technology and everything is determined by performance, then we move on. We have already talked about the power of Macbooks above, but the above information requires additions.
An Apple laptop, especially if we are talking about a current model listed on official sale, is a powerful thing. However, a device with powerful filling can be found from another manufacturer. That’s right, but only the Macbook can boast of an optimal combination - hardware + platform. And this, in fact, is very important, this is the very reason why a Macbook freezes and slows down extremely rarely, even if it was purchased several years ago. Agree, a classic Windows laptop can only dream of this. What's the matter?
The fact is that Apple itself creates devices and writes the Mac OS platform for them. With laptops from other companies, everything is different - the manufacturer designs the device and installs a ready-made Windows platform written by Microsoft on it. And here the same story begins as in the eternal confrontation between iPhone and iOS vs any other smartphone and Android. When the platform is optimally adjusted with all other hardware being equal, you can achieve more in all respects - performance, autonomy, etc.
Enough for a long time
Another difference between a MacBook and a classic laptop is autonomy. Here again the Macbook stands out positively. Macbook Air is a real unique product - productive and thin, but at the same time capable of working in quiet office mode for up to 12 hours without recharging! This is generally an impressive figure for a laptop, not to mention an ultra-thin and powerful device. The Macbook Pro is a little behind in terms of battery life, because it is more powerful and has a Retina display, but the figure is still good - 10 hours.
In standby mode, Apple laptops can last up to 30 days! And by the way, getting back to the lightning-fast response and fast response - the Macbook wakes up from standby mode almost instantly, that is, you literally open the lid and the next second you can continue working. Even if you haven’t approached the device for a couple of weeks, it will still react with lightning speed.
A few words about the display
We are all already accustomed to high-definition displays in flagship smartphones, but laptops have a large diagonal and this kind of screen, as they say, costs a pretty penny. And yet, in the latest Macbook Pro, Apple still decided to install Retina displays, which no matter how much you look at, you can’t see an individual pixel. This, of course, is another advantageous difference from classic laptops.
However, Air laptops also do not have Retina displays, but, in fairness, it is worth saying that not everything comes down to clarity. Apple uses advanced technologies in designing screens, so in fact, the display of any Macbook compares favorably with most classic laptops.
Important pleasant little things
In fact, the complex of all the pleasant little things can be appreciated only after starting to use a Macbook, but some catch your eye right away. Firstly, there is a huge trackpad that is a pleasure to operate. Secondly, comfortable keyboard— the buttons and the distance between them are not small even on compact Macbooks. Thirdly, the keyboard backlight is a great addition when working in low light conditions.
However, Apple laptops, of course, are not ideal - they also have some unpleasant little things. The Apple giant, for example, really doesn’t like to make holes in its equipment, and therefore the set of connectors in the Macbook is minimal. In addition, as a rule, Apple laptops are equipped with a small amount of built-in memory, and although it can be expanded, what matters is what you have initially. And finally, the price. Like any product from the Apple giant, the Macbook is not cheap - the minimum price for the current model is about 60 thousand rubles, and for the cool Pro versions you will have to pay all 200 thousand!
Let's summarize
In the broad sense of the word, a Macbook is a laptop. But if you look closer... Compared to a classic laptop, Apple product There are a lot of advantages, however, they all fade when you find out what the cost of a Macbook is. However, if you call a Macbook a premium laptop (and this, it seems to us, is the best epithet for this device), then everything will fall into place. And a lot of advantageous differences, and the price become logical.
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 such associations at the moment when I first got into hands MacBook Air current generation ( 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 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 perception between Retina and TN screens in Air and Pro, this comparison is best suited: put iPhone nearby 3Gs and iPhone 5 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 on sale of thirteen-inch MacBook Pros with Retina displays and exactly the same technical parameters, as in current Air models. There are not so many fundamental differences, other than 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 is 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 you back from purchasing is the price; for a MacBook Pro in the basic configuration (Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD) in the official Apple store they ask for 52,990 rubles, a MacBook Air in 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 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; with undisguised pleasure I replaced my MacBook Air 2013 with new MacBook Pro just because of the great 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.
Very often, many users who want to buy a laptop from Apple ask themselves the question: “Which MacBook should I choose?” And indeed, everything is not as simple as it might seem. There are a lot of different models of Apple devices, and they are all very similar in their characteristics, but they differ noticeably in price. In today's material we will take a detailed look at some of the most interesting and best laptops from Apple that you can definitely buy.
Apple MacBook Air 13 (MMGF2)
The first model that comes to mind when asked “which MacBook to choose” is, of course, the MacBook Air 13. This laptop can easily be called the most balanced and popular among all Apple devices V budget segment companies. Not only is it perfect for home use and work, but it will also be an excellent device for travel and travel.
Delivery set and appearance
The laptop is delivered in a relatively small branded white box, which contains images of the model itself. The packaging also indicates the main characteristics of the device and key features. The delivery package is as follows: laptop user manual, warranty card, network cable with power supply, and, in fact, that’s all.
It’s difficult to find fault with the exterior, because it looks very cool and beautiful. The body is made of metal and has a pleasant texture to the touch. On the top cover there is traditionally the company logo in the form of an apple, which glows when turned on.
On the left side there is a USB 3.0 port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a socket for the power cable. On the right side there is a card reader, another USB version 3 port and a Thunderbolt 2.0 connector.
As for the laptop screen, it has a diagonal of 13.3 inches and a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. The matrix type is TN+film, and the pixel density is 127.7ppi. Apple is very famous for its well-calibrated and tuned screens, so the picture quality here is excellent. Color rendition is good, correct, there is a reserve of brightness and contrast, and everything is in order with saturation. The only negative that is worth noting is glossy finish display. Fingerprints remain on it, and they are visible to the naked eye.
Well, in conclusion, a little about the keyboard and touchpad. In principle, everything here is also more than standard for the company. Keyboard "stripped down", without digital block, but the key layout is spacious and incredibly comfortable. The buttons have a not too large, but very clear stroke, and each press is accompanied by a pleasant click. In terms of ergonomics - a solid five. Those who work a lot with text will clearly be pleased.
The touchpad is also very interesting and convenient. The finger glides over the surface easily, there is support for gestures. The buttons are also easy and pleasant to press. Another advantage of the touchpad is its size - it is larger than in any other laptop, which makes the process of using it even more comfortable.
Characteristics
The MacBook runs on an Intel Core i5 5250U processor. The processor is dual-core, with a frequency of 1.6 GHz. There is an automatic overclocking mode in which the frequency increases to 2.7 GHz, which is quite good. The CPU also has a 3 MB L3 cache.
The laptop has 8 GB of memory, and there is no way to expand this volume. The RAM operates at a frequency of 1600 MHz. A 128 GB solid state hard drive (SSD) is used for storage.
Unfortunately, the laptop has an integrated video card, Intel HD 6000. It does not have its own video memory, so it will take up some part of the RAM.
Operating system Mac laptop OS X, not Windows, as many might mistakenly think. The fact is that Windows is not installed on a MacBook, this is Apple's policy.
And finally, a little about autonomy. The laptop battery has a capacity of 4900 mAh. After fully charged The device can work up to 12 hours, which is an excellent indicator.
Reviews
Reviews of this laptop show that the MacBook Air is an excellent and balanced device in all its characteristics, with good speed and performance. Users especially note the high autonomy and excellent build quality of the model. The laptop has no shortcomings as such. Except that the screen is not Retina, and the price could be lower (75 thousand rubles).
Apple MacBook Pro 13 (MPXT2)
Continuing the topic “Which MacBook to choose,” we move on to the next model - Apple MacBook Pro 13. This laptop is already considered a higher class than the previous one. There is also Retina display, and the processor is more powerful, and the performance is higher, in general, it is better in all respects, but it only costs more.
Equipment and appearance
The laptop is sold in a small white branded box. Inside the package there is the following delivery kit: warranty card, instructions, MacBook Pro 13 laptop and network cable with power supply and plug.
Externally, the laptop looks very cool, even better than the Air version. The body is still made of metal and painted in silver color. On the bottom of the laptop you can only find rubber feet, and the lid, according to tradition, is decorated with the company logo.
The only jacks on the right side are 3.5mm for headphones. On the left are 2 USB-C port(Thunderbolt 3). As you can see, there are no classic USB 3 ports here, so to connect the same flash drives you will have to use third-party USB hubs.
Now you can go to the display. Just a minus for the glossy finish, which will always leave fingerprints. Fortunately, this is the only drawback of the screen. The Retina display has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a diagonal of 13.3. Pixel density - 227 ppi. Matrix type - IPS. There are no complaints at all regarding image quality. The picture is very clear, bright, rich, with rich colors, correct and natural color rendition. There is a reserve of brightness; there are no problems with contrast.
As for the keyboard, it is, as always, excellent. The layout is a little denser than the previous model, but there is still enough distance between the buttons to avoid pressing two keys at once. If we talk about the presses themselves, the buttons have a small, but very confident and clear stroke. The sound from touches is practically inaudible, which is certainly a plus.
The touchpad is much larger than the Air version, making it virtually a full mouse replacement. There is huge support for gestures and combinations of presses to perform certain functions. This touchpad also implements Force Touch technology, which, in essence, is a rejection of regular buttons. Instead, there are special sensors that measure the force of pressing and perform appropriate actions. It is very convenient and to some extent even better than a classic mouse.
Laptop Specifications
It's time to move on to the specifications. The processor here is from Intel, model i5 7360U with two cores and four threads. Clock frequency is 2.3 GHz, and in automatic overclocking mode - 3.6 GHz. There is a level 3 cache, its size is 4 MB.
The laptop has 8 GB of RAM, not expandable. It operates at a frequency of 2133 MHz, which is an excellent indicator.
Integrated video card - Intel Iris Plus 640, without its own dedicated memory.
Hard drive The MacBook has a solid state, 256 GB. Unfortunately, the opportunity to install another one is not provided, so the only option is to replace the drive with a more capacious one.
The OS is the proprietary Mac OS Sierra, which has many useful and interesting features, as well as excellent optimization.
To summarize the technical part, it is worth noting this: the system works very quickly, without any delays or slowdowns. The laptop's performance level is good - it is suitable not only for home use, but also as a device for video editing, working with photographs and even 3D graphics. In conclusion, a few words about autonomy. The MacBook Pro 13 battery has a capacity of 6580 mAh, which allows the laptop to work for just over 10 hours on a full charge. Considering the characteristics and capabilities of the model, this indicator can be considered very good.
Reviews about the laptop
Reviews about the laptop show that the MacBook Pro 13 model turned out to be very successful, interesting and with excellent characteristics, however, is not without its drawbacks. Thus, users note the lack of regular USB ports, only 2 USB-C ports, the screen coating is easily soiled, and strong heating when long work(needs additional cooling pad), no HDMI port, not very successful charging technology and high price. Otherwise there are no complaints.
Apple MacBook Pro 15 (MPTU2)
Well, the last one for today is the MacBook Pro 15 laptop. Another representative of the Pro line that deserves attention. There's a bigger screen here, even more best performance and characteristics, incredible high quality screen and much more. More details below.
Laptop delivery set and appearance
There is no particular point in writing about the packaging, since it is the same as above, so you can go straight to the packaging. Inside the package, in addition to the MacBook Pro 15 itself, there is a network cable with a power supply, a plug, an instruction manual and a warranty card.
On appearance And you don’t have to dwell too much on the design, since this is almost the same laptop as the previous one, only slightly larger. The body is also metal, everything is assembled perfectly, the only thing is that the color is different - it is lighter.
As for the elements and their location, almost everything is unchanged. On the right side there are 2 USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) and a 3.5mm headphone input. On the left side there are 2 more USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) and that's it. There is no disk drive, card reader or anything else additional here, as before.
The Retina screen has a diagonal of 15.4 inches with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a pixel density of 220 ppi. Type IPS matrices. There are no complaints about the quality of the display. The matrix is configured and calibrated very precisely. Colors are reproduced correctly, contrast, saturation and brightness are very high level. The display will definitely appeal to those who work with photographs or vector graphics. Unfortunately, the screen has a downside - a glossy finish. Apple will probably never give it up. Oh well.
There is no point in talking too much about the keyboard and touchpad, since they are essentially the same as those of the previous model. The layout and layout are identical; the buttons have a short but clear stroke, which is accompanied by a click. The keyboard is comfortable to use and those who type a lot will definitely appreciate it.
As for the touchpad, it is still slightly larger than in the Pro 13 laptop, but it is made using the same Force Touch technology, with all its features, comfort and convenience.
The only other thing this model has is a touchbar, a strip above the top row of keyboard buttons. This touchbar is a small touch panel on which, depending on the situation, various controls appear. For example, when watching movies on the touchbar, a time bar is displayed, with which you can rewind. Useful thing.
MacBook Pro 15 Specifications
The device is powered by a quad-core Intel Core i7 7700HQ processor. In addition to 4 cores, there are also 8 threads, which will be a huge plus in applications for 3D graphics or video editing. The CPU clock frequency is 2.8 GHz, and in automatic overclocking mode it is 3.8 GHz. The size of the second level cache has been increased to 1 MB, and the third level cache has a capacity of 6 MB.
The MacBook Pro 15 has as much as 16 GB of RAM. As always, there is no room for expansion. The RAM operates at a frequency of 2133 MHz.
The video card is finally discrete - AMD Radeon Pro 555 with 2 GB of memory on board. However, there is also a discrete video card here - this is an Intel HD 630, without its own memory.
The drive is traditionally installed as a solid-state one, but only 256 GB, and without the ability to add another drive. Expectations from a laptop of a higher class are somewhat different. I would, of course, like the SSD to be at least 500 GB, but alas, it is what it is.
The operating system of the model is the same as above - Mac OS Sierra. Everything works quickly, smoothly, without brakes or freezes.
In general, when it comes to overall performance, the laptop is simply excellent. It can be safely used to work in heavy applications, especially where multitasking is required.
If we talk about battery life, then everything is fine here too. The battery has a capacity of 6320 mAh, which allows it to work for 5-6 hours on a full charge.