3 ms·

I've opted to use the MBA exclusively at work for years now. I have not found anything that beats the size and weight of it while still giving that level of pow

I've opted to use the MBA exclusively at work for years now. I have not found anything that beats the size and weight of it while still giving that level of power. The form factor is one of my top considerations, so a Pro isn't really something I need or want because the extra horsepower doesn't really add much for my needs. I can dock it at my desk and hook it up to two huge displays and a bigger keyboard, and then not be burdened when traveling.

wool_gather 8y ago
> the extra horsepower doesn't really add much for my needs Can you say what your needs are? I'm skeptical that I would be happy with the speed of my compiler on an Air.
- shostack 8y ago
  Mainly I've got multiple browser windows open with way too many tabs. I use a plugin to prevent them all from being actively loaded, but still have a ton active at any one time. I also usually have one or more Excel windows open for data analysis, possibly Powerpoint or Keynote, and then some other lightweight stuff (Spotify, Sublime, etc.). I also am most frequently using this across two 27" Thunderbolt displays (and if I'm desperate for a 3rd, I can open the MBA screen in addition). I'm not a developer, so my needs may be less intensive than yours.
  - wool_gather 8y ago
    > I'm not a developer Yep, I guess that was the root of my question, thanks. :)
wilsonnb2 8y ago
> I have not found anything that beats the size and weight of it while still giving that level of power The current MacBook pro is only .05 pounds heavier than the 13 inch MacBook air, and noticably thinner than the air's thickest point. They are basically the same form factor at this point. The 13" MacBook Pro with no touchbar is more or less the upgraded MacBook Air with Retina Display that everyone has been asking for for years.
- bitdeveloper 8y ago
  I have to disagree. I bought both a 2017 air and a 2017 mbp 13” to compare, and ended up returning the MBP. The screen on the MBP is far and away better, which made it a painful choice. On the other hand, the air was superior for the keyboard, and also for noise/heat, and of course several hundred dollars in price. The MBP didn’t really feel any faster for the type of work I was doing on it. Most annoying was that the MBP fan was kicking on in high gear consistently when I was doing nothing of note, while the air very rarely does so. It’s always cool and quiet, which I love. If they just threw a retina screen on it, the current Air could be a hell of a computer for several more years.
  - eertami 8y ago
    I recently went from an Air to MBP 13" (not out of choice, work requirement) and the keyboards are horrible on both. The only noteworthy thing on the MBP one to me is the reliability issues, comparing the actual typing quality is apples to oranges. But what I have realized is that in reality it's very rare that you have to actually use a laptop keyboard. Maybe only like once a week do I not use a proper USB keyboard, i.e. if having to visit a client or something.
commandlinefan 8y ago
Do you travel a lot? The only upside I can see of the lighter form factor is if you have to carry it around in airports quite a bit.
- shostack 8y ago
  No, but I do schlep it home every day. Plus, when I am running around to meetings all day, it is just convenient.

wool_gather 8y ago

> the extra horsepower doesn't really add much for my needs Can you say what your needs are? I'm skeptical that I would be happy with the speed of my compiler on an Air.

shostack 8y ago
Mainly I've got multiple browser windows open with way too many tabs. I use a plugin to prevent them all from being actively loaded, but still have a ton active at any one time. I also usually have one or more Excel windows open for data analysis, possibly Powerpoint or Keynote, and then some other lightweight stuff (Spotify, Sublime, etc.). I also am most frequently using this across two 27" Thunderbolt displays (and if I'm desperate for a 3rd, I can open the MBA screen in addition). I'm not a developer, so my needs may be less intensive than yours.
- wool_gather 8y ago
  > I'm not a developer Yep, I guess that was the root of my question, thanks. :)

wilsonnb2 8y ago

> I have not found anything that beats the size and weight of it while still giving that level of power The current MacBook pro is only .05 pounds heavier than the 13 inch MacBook air, and noticably thinner than the air's thickest point. They are basically the same form factor at this point. The 13" MacBook Pro with no touchbar is more or less the upgraded MacBook Air with Retina Display that everyone has been asking for for years.

bitdeveloper 8y ago
I have to disagree. I bought both a 2017 air and a 2017 mbp 13” to compare, and ended up returning the MBP. The screen on the MBP is far and away better, which made it a painful choice. On the other hand, the air was superior for the keyboard, and also for noise/heat, and of course several hundred dollars in price. The MBP didn’t really feel any faster for the type of work I was doing on it. Most annoying was that the MBP fan was kicking on in high gear consistently when I was doing nothing of note, while the air very rarely does so. It’s always cool and quiet, which I love. If they just threw a retina screen on it, the current Air could be a hell of a computer for several more years.
- eertami 8y ago
  I recently went from an Air to MBP 13" (not out of choice, work requirement) and the keyboards are horrible on both. The only noteworthy thing on the MBP one to me is the reliability issues, comparing the actual typing quality is apples to oranges. But what I have realized is that in reality it's very rare that you have to actually use a laptop keyboard. Maybe only like once a week do I not use a proper USB keyboard, i.e. if having to visit a client or something.

commandlinefan 8y ago

Do you travel a lot? The only upside I can see of the lighter form factor is if you have to carry it around in airports quite a bit.

shostack 8y ago
No, but I do schlep it home every day. Plus, when I am running around to meetings all day, it is just convenient.