Which laptop from Apple is the best? Light as a feather MacBook Air, or reliable and powerful MacBook Pro? You've decided that it's time to change your old Mac to one of the new Apple laptops? Or maybe you have finally decided to go on the platform Mac? MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro with Retina display - a lot of options. Please note that these models cover a wide range of prices. What do you get for the money, which still planned to leave? And which model is right for you? Let's face it.
New models of the MacBook and the price tag
MacBook lineup Apple's consists of two products: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These two laptops vary in size, weight, performance metrics. Well, at the price itself.
MacBook Air - the lightest Apple laptop. It comes in two different embodiments, the screen size - 11 -inch and 13-inch. This is the least expensive Apple laptop. Price starts at $ 999 for the 11-inch model and $ 1099 for the 13-inch.
Basic models of both MacBook Air this year, equipped with Intel Haswell processors in size with a frequency of 1.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. In models of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Retina-2013, the hard disk is now connected via PCI Express or PCIe. This is significantly faster than the interface Serial ATA (SATA), used in previous systems of the year.
You can order a MacBook Air with a faster processor, more RAM and a hard disk larger size. Keep in mind that in the future, the processor may not be changed. you can upgrade the SSD hard disk, although it is quite difficult - Apple does not release sales for some SSD drives, so if you decide you Need more storage space, you will either have to take the hard drive from another MacBook Air or contact the service center, which will help it do.
"Standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro is the latest generation is priced from $ 1199. «SuperDrive» internal optical drive installed in these Mac. In its 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB hard drives based on the SATA-controller. This makes the MacBook Pro quite quickly, despite the fact that he still uses a conventional hard drive, not SSD. The processor is clocked at 2.5 GHz. This is a fairly fast processor, which works well in conjunction with a good memory. Also provides a variety of storage options, including the classic hard drive or SSD.
For $ 1299 you can buy a new MacBook Pro with Retina-display. It features a 2.4 GHz dual core Intel i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD. Retina-display, which is equipped MacBook Pro, connected by an internal optical drive, resulting in a model with Retina-display is thinner and lighter than the "traditional" Proshka.
15-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display completes the line of laptops from Apple. It features a 2.0 GHz Intel i7 quad processor, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD. It uses the integrated Intel Iris Pro graphics. This year, the model with Retina-display, is the only 15-inch model, which makes Apple. It sells for $ 1999.
On the more expensive 15-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display worth mentioning separately - it is the only model that is equipped with a fast discrete graphics chip. It features a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 quad processor also includes a discrete graphics Nvidia GeForce GT 750. This is the top model in the Apple version, so the price it accordingly - 2599 $. Like other MacBook, MacBook Pro with Retina-display can be made to order with faster processors or larger hard drive.
Comparison screens by size and density of pixels
MacBook Air are not yet available with the Retina-display - and the 11-inch and 13 -inch models equipped with the classic LED panels. 11-inch MacBook Air has a resolution of 1366 x 768, while the 13-inch model uses 1440 x 900 pixels.
11-inch MacBook Air a little distracting from the overall series - the screen has a different aspect ratio than any other model MacBook. Most MacBook equipped with screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio; and 11-inch MacBook Air a screen aspect ratio of 16: 9. This led to the fact that the 11-inch MacBook Air display is more elongated than the other MacBook models.
In any case, the 11-inch and 13 -inch model MacBook Air have pixel density of 135 pixels per inch (PPI) and 128 PPI respectively. This sharp and crisp displays that are capable of displaying millions of colors, despite the fact that they do not have the Retina resolution.
As well as the 1199 $ MacBook Pro. This velocity model with a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, equipped with a 13.3 inch display. He is in the same segment as the MacBook Air - a pixel density of about 113 PPI.
The concept of «Retina-display" came into vogue with the iPhone 4 and Retina-displays soon appeared on iPad. Also, in 2012 we saw the MacBook Pro with Retina-display. This does not mean that the MacBook Pro has the same pixel density as, say, the iPhone 5S and iPad Mini Retina - it just means that you can not discern individual pixels at the screen with an average distance.
In this particular case, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display has a standard «Retina» -Resolution 2560x1600 - it's even higher resolution than the iPad Air. Although the screen has the same size as a standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, double pixel density - 227 PPI. 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina-display has a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. It is about 220 PPI.
The difference between standard and Retina display screen is huge. Retina-displays more detail show detail in photos and they are much more convenient for reading, because they have smaller pixels. Naturally, you can estimate the difference in any Apple store or reseller.
Haswell platform
Except for the "standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is a relic of the 2012 Product Line Apple's, now all MacBook comes with an Intel processor of the fourth generation, which is known under the code name «Haswell».
Haswell is improved Ivy Bridge chips, which are used in the models of the previous year. These include smaller chip size, and have improved power management, which is why this year's MacBook models have a longer battery life.
The Haswell-equipped MacBook, also has a good graphical sub-processor. According to Apple, our tests have shown that the Haswell integrated graphics processor of up to 40 percent faster than before.
The MacBook chain graphics power is gradually improving along with the price. MacBook Air uses the Intel HD 5000, while the schedule as the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display uses a chip Iris, which is faster Intel HD 5000. The 15-inch MacBook Pro uses Iris Pro, which is even faster by adding memory EDRAM. The most expensive 15-inch model uses a discrete graphics chip Nvidia GeForce GT 750, which It is automatically activated when you run compute-intensive applications, such as games or Photoshop.
Runtimes
An important point in the laptop is how long you can work with it away from the wall outlet. In the end, what is the point all the time to carry the power supply, which increases the weight of your bag. So the main idea is lost - to have a laptop computer.
Miniature 11-inch MacBook Air is powered by a single charge about 9 o'clock when surfing the web, and about 8 hours of video playback. The 13-inch MacBook Air, in which the battery capacity is larger by almost a third, can work up to 12 hours without recharging. This model rules the ball in on the battery capacity tests.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display, despite its high-resolution screen, autonomously impressive 9:00. A 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina autonomously works 8 hours, in spite of all its powerful hardware counters inside.
The standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, with its filling of 2012, the operating time without recharging is approximately 7 hours.
Wireless connections
The entire line of notebooks this year, except for 1199 $ MacBook Pro, available from 802.11ac wireless module. In practice, equipped with 802.11ac Mac is able to transmit data wirelessly to three times faster than Wi-Fi 802.11n, which is installed on older machines such as the standard MacBook Pro.
Of course, the transfer of the signal must be carried out with the 802.11ac format base stations, such as the new AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule from Apple or other equipment operating on the same range. Otherwise, your new MacBook Pro will not use the entire reserve 802.11ac speed.
Bluetooth 4.0 module installed in the entire range of laptops from Apple.
external connectors
MacBook Air is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt connector can be used to connect to an external monitor system, RAID and other devices. The 13-inch MacBook Air is added to the slot for SDXC cards, allowing you to easily import photos and videos from the SD-card to a computer.
SDXC card slots are standard for the MacBook Pro with Retina-display. They also became the first notebook Apple, Thunderbolt 2 support. This high-speed interface, data transfer rate which is twice the capabilities of the original Thunderbolt. Moreover, there is a full two Thunderbolt 2 ports. There are also two USB 3.0 ports and the HDMI connector, so you can, if necessary, connect the MacBook Pro directly to an HDTV.
1199 $ MacBook Pro has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet jack, FireWire 800, one port of the Thunderbolt, two USB 3.0 ports and a slot for SDXC cards.
operating system
All new Mac computers have already installed OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Mavericks, released in October 2013, has a new user interface elements, such as the Finder tab, as well as new applications such as recycled calendar, as well as maps and iBooks. ICloud integration has increased considerably, so that you will notice improvement in workflow efficiency, if you share files and data between Mac, iPhone and iPad.
But what really makes the Mavericks exceptional OSes, so that's how Apple redesigned its "internal" to improve performance and battery life. Laptops running Mavericks will be working longer than ever before, thanks to important changes like Timer Coalescing and App Nap. Thanks to them, get and use processor resources more efficiently.
To buy a MacBook Air?
I would compare the MacBook Air with a roadster such as a Mazda Miata. It looks air and flying over the waves. But sitting behind the wheel, you get a completely different feeling - it is flexible, agile, and a lot of fun driving machine.
For the same reason, the MacBook Air is very pleasant to use, it integrated architecture, combined with the PCIe, making it fast and responsive. Users Mac, which are surfing the web, will enjoy the performance of the software, graphics and design. MacBook Air is perfectly balanced machine that knows how much, but it is not worth a lot of money.
A drawback is the limited amount of memory. 128GB is enough not to all. But there is a cost-effective solution - an external hard drive.
To buy standard MacBook Pro?
Standard MacBook Pro fills the gap between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina-display. It plays an important role in the Apple ecosystem: it's a laptop for people who need more space than they could afford with SSD-equipped system or a built-in optical drive.
The disadvantage is that it lacks the fast Wi-Fi, high-speed graphics, and better battery vitality as in the models of the year. Thus, it is a compromise solution. We can say that the 13-inch MacBook Pro is a popular choice for many users. This Mac to anyone looking for good, solid laptop with a lot of possibilities. That is why, Apple has left it to the current ruler. If you are looking for a powerful computer with a large memory capacity, it is a great option.
To buy a MacBook Pro with Retina-display?
With a price of $ 1299, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Retina-display is the best in its class. Its size is suitable for most people. Price is also not too high. Do not forget that the MacBook models this year, faster than ever, thanks to a powerful processor and installed Mavericks.
If you are working with heavy graphics and video, you have to work on a laptop, able to quickly edit large files, for example, Photoshop. Well, if you want to achieve maximum performance, the 15-inch MacBook Pro will be your best solution. Iris Pro graphics in it is simply amazing, and Nvidia discrete graphics on an expensive 15-inch version of the MacBook Pro makes it possible not to compromise.
Still undecided?
If you still have the problem of choosing between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Pro with Retina-display, before you go shopping, look for more information in the forums. In any case, you are looking at the best line of MacBook in 2013, better than ever, and no matter what your choice, you are ultimately going to be the best laptop sold in the market.
We hope that this article will help you decide your choice. If you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments.
Based on materials iMore