My current laptop is getting on a bit now so i`v decided to spank some money on a new one. I`m lucky enough to be in the position to get a Apple Mac. However, i`m torn between which to go for, the MacBook Air, or the MacBook Pro.

The Air (in 13" form i`m looking at) is a 1.7 Duel core processor, 128GB solid state storage, 4GB memory. Super slim, sleek and nice and light.

The Pro (again 13") is 2.4 Duel core processor, 500GB hard drive, 4GB memory. It also has a superdrive (cd/dvd writer) but is nearly double the Air`s weight.

In reality i`v used a CD drive about 3 times in the past year or two. Later in the year I plan to get a desktop, so the laptop isnt really needed for mass storage and I could always get a USB hard drive. I dont really use the computer for anything more than surfing the net and storing/playing music, the odd play with pictures vis PS from time to time. That said I still cant help thinking the air is a chunk more cash for less performance & space.

Any words of advice to help make my mind up?

If it is just net and music, why a mac? Status symbol, fashion statement?

http://www.dell.com/uk/business/p/vostro-v131/pd

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/xps-l412Z/pd

http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=U36SG-RX107X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Ultrabook-i5-2467M-Bluetooth-Windows/dp/B005ZJTHFA

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung-series-9-13-3-laptop-black-09785353-pdt.html?srcid=867&cmpid=comp~Google~Computing~09785353&istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istItemId=xqawarqt&istBid=t

Here are just a few alternatives of thin and light. If you don't want or need thin and light there are much better and much cheaper alternatives...........unless you are getting HE discount on Apple?

BTW, i am not anti Apple, i am typing this on my works MacBook and support Macs at work......Just opening the world to alternatives!

Its the cost of the HD in the air that makes it expensive , altho the processor is smaller i bet its faster in most things than the Pro , that HD makes a world of difference

Found this with SSD and same spec as the Air for half the price of the air!

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Lenovo_U260_1078651.html

If it is just net and music, why a mac? Status symbol, fashion statement?

I'm not going to lie, both of those come into it, along with matching my iPhone & iPad. They look stunning compared to every other laptop/desktop too.

However aside from that, even just playing about on my uncles various pc's (he has had macs since the big bright see thru ones). It always feels like going back a step when I return to windows.

Its the cost of the HD in the air that makes it expensive , altho the processor is smaller i bet its faster in most things than the Pro , that HD makes a world of difference

I haddnt thought of it like that actually

They look stunning compared to every other laptop/desktop too.

Have you looked at the links i posted? That Samsung at Currys looks amazing and better than the 'i'm being a sheep' Air

I use both OSX and Win7 and to be honest i find Windows 7 easier to use day to day (I am MS and Apple Certified....or do i need to be certified for being certified in both!).

Having said that my MacBook sits in the living room next to my Dell XPS asleep and the Mac always gets picked due to the fact that as soon as i open the lid the macbook is on and ready to use whereas the Windows 7 Dell takes a couple of secs longer! Also the trackpad is a dream to use on the MB although the likes of Dell, Lenovo and most other manufacturers have finally caught up with Apple in these stakes so there is nothing to choose between them really.....except i paid for the Dell but i wouldn't pay the money they are asking for the MB.

You also have to question, having an iPad and an iPhone already, do you actually need a laptop if you are getting a desktop rig later in the year? Especially if you are just net surfing.....unless you need flash sites that is

Isn't the MacBook air due a revamp this quarter?

I got a macbook pro 13" almost 2 years ago, and its a fabulous machine and well worth the extra cash. 2 years on and the battery still gives way over 7 hours use on battery, I am sitting here typing this and its not been on a charger since 5pm yesterday and I used it all yesterday evening, its been left in sleep mode all night and I still have 48% battery remaining. Mine is used as my main computer in the office, so at work its on mains all day from 8am to 5pm. Show me a budget laptop this age with a battery that still holds its charge for more than 10 minutes with this type of usage.

OSX is a dream to use compared to MS Windows, so much so I dumped the windows desktop last summer an also have a 27" imac.

The air is a great machine, but you need to ask yourself if 128GB of storage is enough for you, my Macbook pro has a 500GB drive in it and I only have 50GB free at the moment and looking at upgrading to a 1TB HDD.

Isn't the MacBook air due a revamp this quarter?

apparently, but rumour has it that it will only add a 15" screen to the lineup.

This is worth keeping an eye on for advice on when to buy Apple products.

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

The Air is due for a refresh before the Pro

I have the "New" Mac Book Pro. Top Job

1.7 Duel core processor.

2.4 Duel core processor

I know it terribly bad form to pick up on spelling mistakes but this one always gets on my nerves - It's a dual core processor - - not duel as that means they are fighting it out at dawn!

Anyway I'd go for the faster CPU. You can always replace the HD in the Pro with an SSD, I have a friend who has replaced the Superdrive caddy with a HD caddy and put the original drive in there. He has the speed of the SSD on boot and the capacity of the original HD still available.

I know it terribly bad form to pick up on spelling mistakes but this one always gets on my nerves - It's a dual core processor - - not duel as that means they are fighting it out at dawn!

You better get used to it around here

You already have 2 portable devices capable of performing most of the tasks you say you will use the portable Mac for. As you are also going for a desktop at a later date I am not sure why you would need either an Air or a MacBook Pro. Do you intend to carry 3 mobile computing devices or will you select according to daily requirements?

JRW, I'll check them out on the laptop later, bit akward on my phone.

Cheers for the replies guys

You already have 2 portable devices capable of performing most of the tasks you say you will use the portable Mac for. As you are also going for a desktop at a later date I am not sure why you would need either an Air or a MacBook Pro. Do you intend to carry 3 mobile computing devices or will you select according to daily requirements?

Phone is for calling people, iPad is for work mostly, air would be for at home and going away, as good as the pad is, I like a proper keyboard and screen if I'm at home. An iPad is in no way a computer replacement, no USB etc etc. desktop will be for the mrs work tucked away in the office if/when we get one. In fairness, I'm toying with getting rid of the iPad, my phone does what I need for work really.

I've got an i7 MacBook Pro - LOVE IT!

But it does get used professionally when i'm on site and away from my iMac - I'm a Photographer - If you do buy a Mac, then take a student or teacher with you and take advantage of Education discount!

Al.

MacBook all the way for me

Phone is for calling people, iPad is for work mostly, air would be for at home and going away, as good as the pad is, I like a proper keyboard and screen if I'm at home. An iPad is in no way a computer replacement, no USB etc etc. desktop will be for the mrs work tucked away in the office if/when we get one. In fairness, I'm toying with getting rid of the iPad, my phone does what I need for work really.

I would say the Air is pretty much an iPad plus. But you can get iPad cases with built in bluetooth keyboards (which can be removed from the case) and USB adapters for the iPad if those are the only shortcomings you find with it. It really depends how you think about your workflow and if you have access to an internet connection where you are using your devices.

If the laptop is your main machine (as the desktop is for other use) then go for the Pro, if the laptop is an iPad replacement then go for the Air.