How does a MacBook Pro differ from an aerosol? How to choose a MacBook? Is it worth buying an Apple laptop? How Macbook Pro differs from Macbook: battery life indicators

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 appeared - in particular, the “midget” MacBook (simple) and the Pro 13 model without 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. The record holder of the model range is simply the 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. U MacBook models, for example, there is only one port () – and that is for recharging.

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 – very lightweight laptop, weighs about a kilogram. It has sufficient ports (a couple regular USB) and a slot for (which greatly simplifies data transfer, 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 comfortable, modern butterfly keyboard and a high-contrast screen with a resolution of 2304×1440 pixels. In addition, the MacBook features passive cooling, thanks to which it operates silently.

We have already mentioned the main disadvantage of this model - there is only one USB port Type-C. 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).

Touch Bar is a touchpad that replaces the row of F1-F12 keys with latest models 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.

It 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 – only USB Type-C. 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 Intel Core I7 with a clock frequency of 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

Flagship model It delights with its design and functions as much 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.

On MacBook Pro 15 they install Core processors i5 and Core i7 with Broadwell architecture and clock speeds 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 is a magnificent screen, different color gamut P3 (25% wider color space than RGB) and loud speakers that sound like 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:

128 GB

256 GB

512 GB

Macbook Air

From 77,990 rubles

From 107,990 rubles

109,990 rubles

133,990 rubles

Macbook Pro 13

From 109,990 rubles

From 125,990 rubles

From 168,990 rubles

Macbook Pro 15

From 204,990 rubles

From 236,990 rubles

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.

Have you noticed how the MacBook line has grown over the past few years? Previously, you had to choose between the powerful Pro and the compact Air. Now in model range five (!) laptops and a dozen modifications.

It’s not easy even for fans to understand them, let alone for new users. I will try to ease the pain of choice and tell you which MacBook to choose in 2018.

MacBook Air

MacBook Air- the most affordable, but at the same time controversial laptop in the line.

The design hasn't changed for six years, but it still looks fresh. The brushed aluminum body is beautifully built and, by the way, stronger than modern MacBooks. You have to try hard to damage or scratch it. New MacBooks have become much more delicate, so they develop chips from scratch.

MacBook Air weighs just over a kilogram, so you can carry it with you all day long and work where it’s convenient. Despite compact dimensions, autonomy consistently lasts for 10–12 hours. You can easily work with photographs and texts, even edit simple videos.

The usual ports are in place. Available USB pair and an SD card slot, which the new Pro lacks.

The last (but not least) argument in favor of the MacBook Air is the price. This is the most affordable laptop Apple and, in my opinion, the best option in the segment up to 70 thousand rubles. Prices for new MacBooks start at 100 thousand, and not everyone can afford them.

However, if you decide that the MacBook Air is the ideal laptop, take your time.

The MacBook Air has an outdated display in every sense with a resolution of 1,440 × 900 pixels. It quickly tires the eyes, the picture is faded and grainy. You can't look at the new Pro without tears.

The second drawback is the old keyboard and trackpad without Force Touch. Typing on a butterfly is more convenient and faster. You get used to the short key travel and don’t want to go back.

I don't recommend buying a MacBook Air. It has a frankly bad screen, an old keyboard and not the thinnest and lightest body. New models bypass it in these parameters. The main advantage is the lowest price among all MacBooks. But you obviously buy outdated device. I am sure that after the summer presentation the MacBook Air will be removed from sale and it will become history.

If you need a small laptop, pay attention to the following model.

MacBook


macworld.com

Next in the lineup is the MacBook. Just a MacBook.

If the MacBook Air is compact, then the MacBook is tiny. It weighs 900 grams, sometimes you check whether you forgot to take it with you. Sizes smaller than 12.9 inches iPad Pro. This super mobility makes it indispensable on business trips and travel. You can work comfortably on a train, in a car, or anywhere.

The screen on the MacBook is excellent and second only to the Pro models. Diagonal - 12 inches, resolution - 2,304 × 1,440 pixels, thin frames around. The picture is bright and rich, watching movies and editing photos is a pleasure. It is curious that the baby has impressive autonomy - on average 8–9 hours. During the working day, you can forget about the outlet.

The MacBook has passive cooling. There are no coolers, so it works silently. It does not heat up much, only in the most resource-intensive applications.

MacBook is the first Apple laptop, which received a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism. I got used to it quickly, I like the short key travel, and now it’s inconvenient to work on another keyboard. It feels like your fingers are falling through.


thenextweb.com

When Apple introduced the first generation MacBook in 2015, many did not take it seriously. Small, weak processor, only one USB-C port. "Expensive typewriter" - that's what they called him. For me, it was the main computer that coped with all tasks. I often went on business trips, wrote posts on the road, and processed photographs.

Of course, it was inferior in speed to the MacBook Pro, but this is a case where size matters. In 2017, the third generation was introduced with two processors - the mobile m3 and the “adult” i5. The laptop noticeably increased in speed and learned to easily cope with heavy software.

I solved the problem of the only port by purchasing a 27-inch monitor with USB-C. On the road, the laptop remains small and convenient, while at home I work in front of big screen. I connect the peripherals directly to the monitor; there is a USB pair for this. In the process, the monitor also charges the MacBook. All this through one USB-C port - this is the wireless future.

The only drawback of the MacBook is high price. Costs the same as a MacBook Pro 13 without Touch Bar. If performance and number of ports are more important, pay attention to it.

If you need a mobile, fast and beautiful laptop, MacBook is the best choice.

MacBook Pro 13 without Touch Bar

The youngest model in Apple's line of professional laptops. It was presented as the successor to the MacBook Air. It is more compact, more powerful, with new keyboard and a stunning display. It differs from older models, in fact, in the number of ports and the absence of a Touch Bar.

A pair of USB-C is enough to connect the monitor and accessories. But the lack of a slot for an SD card, a fingerprint scanner and a discrete graphics processor will be considered disadvantages.

If the MacBook is a fashion item, then the MacBook Pro 13 without Touch Bar is a practical option: it covers most of the tasks of the average user.

It is worth overpaying about 20 thousand rubles for a model with? I think no.

MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar

The MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar may seem like the perfect laptop. Good hardware, a cool screen with a wide color gamut, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, a fingerprint scanner and a Touch Bar.

But in 2017, Apple reduced the battery capacity from 5,800 to 4,300 mAh, which eliminated the advantages of the laptop. The battery lasts for a maximum of five hours, which is absurd for a work tool.

Is there any use for the Touch Bar? Probably not. You can find a use for it, and you will find it; it’s not for nothing that you overpaid. But it does not make the workflow more convenient. Think of it as a nice addition, but not a reason to buy a laptop.

I do not recommend buying the 2017 MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar. It is better to take the version without Touch Bar or the 2016 model with a more capacious battery.

MacBook Pro 15

A universal laptop for any task. Already in the basic configuration - quad-core i7 with a frequency of 2.8 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, Radeon Pro 555 graphics with 2 GB of memory and Intel HD Graphics 630. Depending on the tasks GPU switches automatically. The top version comes with a Radeon Pro 560 with 4 GB, but you’ll have to pay about 30 thousand rubles.

The prices for the MacBook Pro 15 are scary, but they choose it for specific tasks. This solution is not for everyone, but it is worth the money.

It has a stunning 15.4-inch 2,880 x 1,800 pixel display, a giant trackpad, and awesome sound. With such speakers, there is no need for additional acoustics.

The battery, fortunately, has not changed compared to last year and lasts an honest 6-7 hours.

The only downside is the lack of an SD card slot. Why it didn’t find a place in the Pro models remains a mystery to me.

Verdict

  • MacBook- a beautiful thin laptop for those who value mobility. An excellent solution for working with text or editing photos on the go.
  • MacBook Pro 13 without Touch Bar- for those who do not have enough performance of a regular MacBook and one port, but want to have a small and light laptop. Worthy MacBook replacement Air.
  • MacBook Pro 15- a professional tool for which you will have to pay a considerable amount. He can handle any task, be it working with graphics or photography. At the same time, it remains a compact and thin laptop.

I definitely don’t recommend buying a MacBook Air. And think several times about whether it’s worth paying extra for the MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar.

The question of choosing a MacBook if you are making such a purchase for the first time is always difficult. It seems that everything is simple - here’s Air, and here’s Pro in two diagonals, 13 and 15 inches. And if you firmly decide that you need a firmware, then deciding on the diagonal will still be easier than choosing between the “air” Air and a model from the Pro line, with a 13-inch diagonal.

Despite some similarities in terms of technical characteristics of the basic models, you need to understand that these are two completely different product lines. If the MacBook Air is intended for those who put mobility at the forefront of everything, and are not ready to overpay, agreeing to some compromises, then the MacBook Pro 13 is for those who care about performance. Even if you have to gain weight and pay an extra few hundred dollars.

Let's take a closer look at in what cases it is worth choosing one or another model, and at the end of the article, we will provide an additional comparison of them based on technical characteristics.

Who needs a MacBook Air?

This is Apple's most affordable full-size laptop, unless you count the 11-inch model, which is too small for work. It weighs little, is quite fast in operation, and can run on battery power for an impressive amount of time - up to 10-12 hours on a single charge!

So, you should choose MacBook Air if:

  • you have a limited budget, but you, by all means, want to become the owner of an Apple laptop;
  • practically all of your work consists of tasks of a more office nature; you do not work with resource-intensive tasks such as video or photo processing;
  • You spend a lot of time traveling, so not only portability is important to you, but also high autonomy.

This is an excellent choice for a student, a journalist, or just a person who needs a laptop for surfing the Internet, office tasks, and using low-resource applications.

When to choose a MacBook Pro

We can say that the MacBook Pro 13 is even better in some ways than its 15-inch brother. After all, with smaller dimensions and weight, you still get the same magnificent retina screen, high performance and a full-size keyboard. And if the screen diagonal is not a critical point for you, you will get real pleasure from using it, at a fairly moderate price for a device of this class.

You should buy a MacBook Pro if:

  • except stylish design, no less important for you is the issue of performance;
  • your work involves photo processing, in which case a retina screen will be an excellent solution;
  • you will have to solve more resource-intensive tasks that require performance comparable to a desktop PC;
  • the greater number of available ports does not limit the connection of peripherals;
  • A $200 difference is not a serious argument for you.

When upgrading to a laptop with a screen high definition, you will no longer be able to look at regular monitors without tears of pity. For many, choosing between the 13-inch Air and Pro comes down to a question of screen quality. And, believe me, even if we ignore all other factors, the retina screen is worth the difference in price that they ask for it.

Let's compare again specifications MacBook Air 13, with basic model Pro of a similar diagonal:

So what should you choose?

With the introduction of the 2012 MacBook Pro, Apple took a giant technological leap compared to other laptop manufacturers. And if then it seemed like a laptop from the future, now it is a current reality, which embodies an impressive balance of functionality, quality materials and design. It's noticeably superior to the Air in most features, and the price difference is only $200.

At the same time, the MacBook Air has changed little since 2010 and is equipped with the same outdated TN+Film matrix. After the release of the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, the future of this line remains unclear. And the only argument in favor of choosing this particular model is that the low price makes it the most affordable option for those who want to become the owner of one of the Apple computers for the first time.

Typically, Apple products are compared with equipment from other manufacturers, arranging countless holivars on the topic “the more beautiful the apple” and “is it worth paying for the show-off.” You would want to determine the similarities and differences between Cupertino laptops only in the case of an acute question: “what to choose?” And you can be stuck choosing between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air for a long time, especially if you get access to the bodies and turn in your hands wonderful-looking devices with price tags that are no longer frightening, but stop you. Of course, within each line of versions there are many, and the hardware of representatives of one model can differ significantly, so the comparison mainly concerns design, main technical characteristics and user tasks and capabilities.

Definition

Apple MacBook Air- a laptop from Apple, considered the thinnest in the world at the time of its release. Sales began in 2008, today the fifth generation is relevant.

Apple MacBook Air

Apple MacBook Pro- a laptop from Apple, introduced in 2006 and today supplied in the sixth generation of the line. Positioned as a full-fledged replacement for desktop computers for home and professional use.


Apple MacBook Pro

Comparison

The difference between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro seems very subjective, since both laptops are quite productive and can handle a huge number of standard tasks. The first thing users pay attention to is the design and dimensions of laptops with an apple: in comparison with equipment from other manufacturers, they look elegant and stylish, which is what most people buy (and the brand, of course). Both laptops are made in an aluminum Unibody case - solid, without cracks, do not hang or creak.

Dimensions are determined primarily by the diagonal size of the screen, and the MacBook Air line has 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch options, while the MacBook Pro shows 13.3 inches, 15 inches and 17. The latter diagonal size is not relevant today , because Apple refused such laptops in the Pro model. The weight of the Air reaches a maximum of 1.35 kg, the weight of the Pro is 2.56 kg (for variants with a 15-inch screen diagonal). If we compare models of the same matrix size, the Pro weighs 700 g more (however, it all depends on the specific configuration). The thickness of the MacBook Air is 1.7 cm, the Pro is somewhat more substantial - 2.4 cm. Accordingly, we can say about the Air that it is more focused on solving mobile problems. The eleven-inch Air model can be safely placed in a magazine or folder with documents; with a more “adult” model, this trick will not work. MacBook Pro still requires more careful handling and a special case or bag. In a word, Air is a justified name (although let us remember that Apple still challenged the status of the thinnest laptop, and successfully).

If we talk about the display, the main selection criterion is now considered not to be the diagonal, but the screen matrix and its quality characteristics. In this regard, the MacBook Pro outperforms the Air very beautifully, although cunningly: recently the Pro has been equipped with Retina display, familiar to us from tablets and smartphones. This means higher resolution, higher pixel density and, accordingly, sharper images and smoother fonts. The Pro models, which have a simpler matrix, demonstrate a screen resolution slightly worse than that of the Air (1280x800 versus 1240x900 with a 13.3-inch diagonal).

Inside Apple cases, the hardware content is usually level, and it is not possible to compare the performance of different configurations. It is worth noting that the MacBook Air does not have a powerful video system, and the graphics are integrated into the processor, and the RAM for the graphics core is reserved in RAM. The MacBook Pro, which plays in the league of professional laptops, is not distinguished by such modesty, and is equipped with a discrete graphics card of a good level. Fifteen-inch models are equipped NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M.

The processors in the MacBook Air do not offer high performance - Intel Core Duo, i5 or i7 with a frequency of up to 2 GHz (but with the new Haswell architecture), while the MacBook Pro offers all 2.6 GHz in top models (and when overclocked Turbo Boost even 3.6 GHz). Four cores are available only for the older model. In typical Air configurations, an SSD drive with a capacity of 128 GB or 256 GB is installed (512 GB is possible, but on request), while the Pro makes do with hard drives up to 750 GB (we have seen up to 1 TB), and can also be found with a solid-state one. In the case of MacBook Air Apple considered her brainchild ideal and did not leave users the opportunity to change anything, blaming them on crooked hands. But the MacBook Pro can be customized to suit you by changing the system configuration yourself.

If technical specifications are an empty set of letters and sounds for you, then the comparison of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro should be task-oriented. Eleven-inch Air models are a hiking option, lightweight and compact, easily fitting into a briefcase, bag, or backpack. It can do a lot, especially in comparison with tablet satellites. Watch videos on the road, read, work with documents, scroll through websites and play low-segment games - this is enough for this, and even more than enough. If it is also intended to be used as home computer, then a 13-inch diagonal will be needed, and with high level comfort of movement will have to say goodbye. However, Air still remains mobile solution, and its ability to run 9-12 hours on its built-in battery comes at a price. MacBook Pro is an attempt to replace stationary solutions and leave the ability to “walk” the device without heavy stress on the body. It will handle resource-intensive applications, graphics system will cope with heavy loads, but performance will not let you run wild - about 7 hours of battery life with connection to wireless networks.

Choosing Apple equipment based on price is a certain kind of oddity, more often called stupidity. If you decide not to do without a scrap on aluminum, then you will have to spend a significant part of the budget, and plus or minus a certain number of orange pieces of paper will not make a difference. But still, if price matters, then the MacBook Air will save money: eleven-inch models start at 42 thousand rubles, thirteen-inch models start at 46 thousand. The MacBook Pro in its most modest version (13.3 inches) will cost 48 thousand (and 60 thousand for Retina), and 15 inches - 72 thousand (and 88 thousand, respectively).

Conclusions website

  1. MacBook Air is thinner and lighter.
  2. The MacBook Air has a small screen diagonal of 11.6 inches.
  3. The MacBook Pro has a 15-inch screen diagonal.
  4. The screen resolution of the Air, when the diagonal sizes and standard matrices match, is higher.
  5. MacBook Pro is also available with a Retina display.
  6. The MacBook Air has an integrated video system, while the MacBook Pro has a discrete one.
  7. The processors in the MacBook Pro line are more powerful.
  8. MacBook Air can only be installed SSD drives, in Pro - hard drives and SSD (optional).
  9. The MacBook Pro has more storage capacity.
  10. MacBook Pro allows system upgrades, Air does not allow interference.
  11. MacBook Air is slightly cheaper.

We've been waiting for an update to the MacBook Pro line for five long years. Finally, Apple matured and introduced three new laptops at once: one without the Touch Bar and two with it. 13 inches and 15 inches, price: from 119,990 rubles to 349,590 rubles.

At the same time, the company stopped selling MacBook Air with a screen diagonal of 11 inches. A logical question arose - which Apple laptop should I pay attention to now?

Here you will find many comparison tables with prices and options specific model. All of these models are available for order in the official Apple online store. Which one to choose, I believe, you will be able to understand after comparing each model.

In Apple's assortment today:

  • 7 models
  • 97 modifications

Note: if you tap on each table, it will open in higher resolution and there you can see all the characteristics “under a magnifying glass”.

MacBook 2016

Verdict: Last year's updated model is perfect for typing and simple photo processing. This model is clearly not for games and intense workloads.

MacBook Air 2015 13''

Verdict: A frankly weak screen and a thickness that is now inferior to the entire line with the exception of last year's MacBook Pro. Buying a MacBook Air in 2016 is simply illogical. The only plus is the lowest price among all models, but it would be more logical to purchase a MacBook.

MacBook Pro 2015 13''

Verdict: The 15-inch model is gone and Apple exclusively offers the 13-inch version without discrete graphics. When choosing a Pro model, I recommend choosing the 16 GB version random access memory. The price tag here starts from 123,790 rubles for a model with a 128 GB drive.

MacBook Pro 2015 15"

Verdict: An excellent productive laptop that has all the necessary ports, a gorgeous Retina screen and a powerful processor, the clock speed of which in the top configuration exceeds even the characteristics of new products. Curiously, models with a discrete video card have been withdrawn from sale.

MacBook Pro 2016 13'' (without Touch Bar)

Verdict: The youngest model of the updated MacBook Pro, which is positioned as a more productive alternative to the MacBook Air. And it wins in everything: from the screen to the processor and memory. Please note that the RAM is somewhat slower than models with a Touch Bar, but if you don’t need a touch panel, then you can save 30,000 rubles or more on the basic version.

MacBook Pro 2016 13'' (with Touch Bar)

Verdict: Junior model with OLED Touch Bar. Built-in video card, Intel Iris Graphics 550: suitable for games, but don’t expect a miracle. An option with an average drive and 16 GB of RAM will save you from the agony of choosing a laptop for several years.

MacBook Pro 2016 15''(with Touch Bar)

Verdict: The flagship model is a laptop option either for the obsessive designer or for the person who won't notice that he spent 349,000 rubles. The lion's share of the cost is taken by the SSD drive: in the top configuration its cost exceeds 100,000 rubles, but the feasibility of such an investment is still questionable. Medium model varies in price range from 231 to 282 thousand rubles and depends on the size of the drive and processor power. All 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro models come with 16GB of RAM.

Bottom line

Without many words…

Author's humble opinion

I have a 2014 15-inch MacBook Pro with integrated Intel Iris Pro graphics and 16 GB of RAM. Buy new Pro I don’t see the point and I won’t do it. If the question of purchase was open now, I would rather give preference to the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2015 in the top configuration with discrete graphics.

Why? Firstly, marketing ploy about a 130% increase in productivity in new MacBook Pro we already understood: