Electronics

[glb613]

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@Jordan2 wrote:

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@glb613 wrote:

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@Jordan2 wrote:

I am in need of a new computer and considering a MacBook Air or Pro. I'm not sure what the differences in the two models are. I was also wondering when was the last update to these two models, is Apple planning new releases in September or October (I would wait for the newer models)?

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I have a MacBook Pro and love it.  I have vision problems and wanted the bigger screen.  If I travel, I use my iPad.  A lot depends on how you use a computer but for me, I want big screens  I also have a 27" iMac which I use 80% of the time. 

Be advised, they both come with solid state drives and the drives are not big.  You're not going to be able to store a lot of stuff on it.  I was having problems with my MacBook Pro, had used a lot of hard drive space under the category "other", restored it from an old backup and was pleased to gain a lot of free space. 

I know what you mean when people tell you to go to the Apple store.  Not everyone has one close by.  The closest Apple store to me is in Chicago or Indianapolis.  There is a Best Buy 5 minutes away and I have gone there to look.  I bought my MacBook in Florida while on vacation because their sales tax is lower.   Whatever you decide (and there is no reason not to buy from BB), be sure to get Apple Care if it's your first Mac.  While you can trouble shoot most problems online, you might need more one on one help initially. 

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@glb613 Did you get the 15" one? My nephew has a MacBook Air 11" and loves it, it is his second Mac laptop. I think the minimum size screen I would go with is a 13", ideally a 15". I'm not familiar with a solid state drive and was wondering how much storage space you get. If I don't get a MacBook I'll probably go with a HP laptop because I had one in the past and was happy with it. 

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I have the 15 inch which works better for me.  I had a smaller Windows notebook computer, 11 inches, and I couldn't stand it.  Too small of a screen for my needs.  The SS hard drives are usually 250 GB which isn't much.  

[Bridgegal]

I have the 11" macbook air and the size is perfect for me.   I use it for email, texting , surfing.  I don't have to do schoolwork or work so it's just for fun and meets my needs.

I still prefer PC format to Apple but I have an iPhone so when my last netbook died I got the macbook air.   I put up with it.

[BriggsiePeawiggle]

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@Ainhisg wrote:

I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro (mid 2015) w/retina display that I bought last August at a locally owned retailer of Apple products.  It is not an Apple store but an independent store authorized to sell and repair Apple products.  You might check online and see if you have an independent store in your area.  I bought it during the "back to school no-sales tax" holiday offered in my state.  I got the Apple Care warranty "just in case."    I have a blog and do a lot of writing, so I wanted a laptop and needed a bigger screen.  The store transferred over all my bookmarks, got me set up, and gave me a mini course on the system, since I was unfamiliar with it.  I also called them several times after purchase with initial questions, and they were so helpful. I also took a class there.  I will buy my next laptop from them again even though you can get them cheaper elsewhere just for the service and initial setup service that they provide.

This was my first Apple product, and I was so impressed after a lifetime of using Microsoft Windows that I bought an iPad mini 4 this spring.  More expensive than a Windows laptop?  LOTS more expensive.  Problems?  None, which is PRICELESS.

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I did the same. I bought the 15" Macbook Pro after a computer lifetime of using Windows. I couldn't be happier. I wanted the bigger screen, and that was what I saw as the biggest difference between the Air and the Pro. 

I also was so happy with mine that I broke down and bought a cellular iPad Air last spring. It was seriously the best purchase I ever made in the way of electronics. I use it every single day, along with my Macbook. I have had other tablets, but never an Apple product, and for some reason the OS is so much more user-friendly on the iPad than any other tablet I have owned. I gave my Toshiba (Android) tablet to a friend. 
 

[JavaQueen]

I work from a 13-inch MacBook Pro.

I use to run professional software. Mine is an older version that can be upgraded--the mid-2012. Yes,  Apple was still selling them. Yes, it's still pretty good.

Keep in mind that newer versions of the MacBook Pro cannot be upgraded, so buy as much RAM as you can. Do that and the machine can last for four years or more.