MacBook Air or Pro for Music Production

Hello!
So, I am a music producer for a couple of years now and I am working with my 5/6 years old MacBook Pro 15" with a Core2Duo, 4GB (RAM) and 160GB HHD (5200rpm - I think) and is very frustrating to be able to have multiple vst's / plugins to work simultaneously (Using Logic Pro X and Ableton Live 9).
I'm with some doubts among the MacBook Pro (15.4 ") i7 Quad-Core (2.0 GHz) with 8 GB memory (RAM) and Iris Graphics Pro, MacBook Pro (13") i5 Quad-Core with 8GB (RAM) or a MacBook Air i5/i7 with 8GB (RAM).
I do not have much money to spend at the moment, so was wondering if any of these MacBook will last me a few years?

It is not possible to change anything on the Retina models once they are purchased. Everything but the SSD/Flash storage is soldered onto the logic board (That is the main system board better known as the Motherboard). The SSD/Flash storage module is of a proprietary design and shape and although there are some companies offering replacement units for the older, original, Retina display models I don't know if those same companies will make one for the newer models. Only time will tell. But if you do repplace it for a bigger, more storage capacity, unit that voids the Apple warranty.
I also suggest you factor in the cost of the Applecare extended warranty because to fix any Mac computer once the warranty is over it is very expensive. So much so it is almost better to buy a new system. This is even more so for the Retina models because of all the component soldered to the main system board.

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Is Macbook Air (2013) appropriate for music production?

I heard from a friend that the macbook air does not have an audio interface port. I'm not sure what this means, but I'm purchasing a macbook to be my overall computer for normal day-to-day tasks as well as to produce music (via logic pro). I'm just wondering if he is reffering to the firewire port which is absent on Macbook Airs or if there is something else that I am unaware of. I'm leaning towards the Air because I don't need a whole lot of processing power, and I plan to travel a lot in the upcoming year (Europe), so portability is a must. Anyway i won't be producing massive electronic tracks or anything like that. More along the lines of indie/alternative music that probably wouldn't ever go more than 10-15 tracks. Most likely I'd stay in the area of 5-8 layered tracks. I don't really want to spend any more that $1500. I won't be gaming on this device, I really just want it for normal tasks, minor video editing, and recording/mixing, etc.
Thanks a lot in advance.

He probably means 1/4'' port. It does have 3.5mm standard stereo port. The MBA would be appropriate for your planned usage.

Macbook Air or Pro for gaming.

Hi i was wondering if any of you could answer a couple of questions for me, i am looking to buy a new macbook air or pro (not sure which) but i was wondering if i could play a PC game via bootcamp? would it work okay? Also would a wireless PS4/3 or Xbox 1/360 controller work wirelessly?
Which laptop would be more suited to this?
Thanks, Jake.

Take some time to read through:Boot Camp: Frequently asked questions about installing Windows 8 and also visit the BootCamp support site at http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/

Macbook Air or Pro for Psychology Student

Hey everyone,
Like a lot of people, I'm having trouble deciding which Macbook to buy although I at least know that I'm finally going to buy one! I'm a college student, and here is a list of what I will/want to do with my Macbook:
-Write papers
-Make presentations
-Watch Youtube
-Social network (facebook, twitter, tumblr)
-E-mail
-iTunes/Pandora (listen to music, watch movies)
-Be able to multitask (ex: have lecture slides open while taking notes elsewhere)
-MAYBE light games? I have no intentions to ever religiously video edit or game though it may happen ocassionally.
I've talked to A LOT of people, including the awesome people working in the Apple store and I've gotten mixed suggestions. For what I will need the Macbook for, I've been told by a couple of friends that the Air should be fine. I think I will get the i7 processor with 8gb of RAM. Some (including people at Apple) have told me that I should even be fine with the i5 and 4gb of RAM. My thought was that if I was told I wouldn't even need to upgrade the processor or memory that a Pro wouldn't make sense for me.
The portability and battery life on the Air is really convienent for me as the laptop will be travelling to and from school/work/home. I put this thread in the Macbook Air section because that's the computer I'm leaning toward, but maybe someone can provide an argument that would show me that the Pro really is better for my needs?
Also - you can buy AppleCare any time as long as it's before the end of the 1 year Warranty - correct?
Thanks!

Yeah, that would be the only detriment I see as well, though I intend to buy the 256GB model and can simply get an external drive if I find it necessary. Thanks for your input!
Another question - (for anyone) - If I order online and select the student discount, how does that work? Do I pay the student rate and then show my student ID & license at the store when I pick it up?

MacBook Air or Pro for 2012 Student (heavy multitasker)?

Hey Apple Community,
Brief Background: I have been using the MacBook (December 2010), and it has been a boon - but it is time to move on. I waste anywhere between 1-3 hours just waiting for it to load, or else having to reboot it and open things again. Whatever I do, within an hour of use it just lags to the point where I end up doing my work on my iPhone or relocating to the school library where I can use a PC.
As such, I want to buy a new MacBook. I will be writing two books, doing academic research, and soon starting my JD.
I need a computer mainly for the following tasks:
- Word processing et al (pages, word, powerpoint)
- Internet (heavy multitabbing ... I mean very heavy)
- Internet streaming films, shows, etc.
- Music (Itunes)
Perhaps most defining, I do all of these at the same time, utilizing Apple's 'Spaces' feature to the max - so the chosen mac would have to be very Multitask-Friendly (VERY!). I want something that will be able to effortlessly hold up all of these tasks at the same time. Harddrive space is less important (I am willing to put all of my music, movies and photos on an external harddrive if necessary). I'd like a computer that can do all of this very quickly, and would also be very portable (but I think the Pro is lightweight enough).
I am leaning towards the MacBook Air.
I would be grateful for any help at all.

I think the MBair would meet your needs. Here's a comparison with the MBpro.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57458148-37/13-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-mac book-pro-which-should-you-buy/?tag=postrtcol;posts

MacBook air or pro for Art student in university?

Hey,
I'm about to start year 12 then go onto study art in university after that. I'm looking to buy a Mac for school and personal use but I'm stuck between the air and the pro. My primary uses are:
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Downloading & listening to music
Downloading & watching movies and tv shows
Uploading photography for my art work and saving photos for art
Writing essays.
That's about all. I use iTunes for music and movies and such do I dont know if that affects storage space.
I was originally going to go with the air but I thought I would get some more opinions on what I should get.
Thanks in advance.

Here's a comparison of the two.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57458148-37/13-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-mac book-pro-which-should-you-buy/?tag=postrtcol;posts

Macbook Air or Pro for College?

With the announcment of the new Macbook Air with all day battery life, faster graphics, and better flashstorage I don't know if I should go with the 13 MBA or the 13 MBP with Retina. I will be a engineering major but I took a private tour at Colorado State and everyone said that you don't need a personal computer for all your work its all done on the school network. If my laptop would only be personal would it be smart to just get the Macbook Air? I just wish it had a Retina Display.
Thanks
Alpine

SammiiDannii wrote:
When I purchased my MBP 13, I considered the air. However, I found out that the Air's do not have a cdrom. Meaning I cannot put my own music on it, if it's off a cd. I can't install any games I may decide I want. I couldn't install any software, either.
Both of these products do basically the same things, however remember that if you do get the air, you won't have a cd rom/dvd drive.
The 13" Mbp Retina does not have an optical drive either, so there is no difference.

MacBook Air or Pro for Print/SocialMed/Video

I know this has been asked in all different ways but can't seem to find a thread that has what I'm wondering...appreciate the time and effort all of you put into these messages for those of us who don't pour over all the technical specs!
I'm a graphic designer (I'm in InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator 80% of the day) but I also create training videos, iPad apps, iBooks and create everything for social media venues for my company. I also do a lot of the same on the side when I can for freelance jobs as well as create things for family events.
I'm looking to replace my home iMac with a MacBook but not sure which; the Air or Pro. I have a 2 x 2.26 Quad-core intel, 6GB Mem MacPro at work so that's what I'm use to working with. I beleive, from other reading, it's a nice to have the 8GB Mem but I also know this is all stuff I can add. I'm looking to spend around $2,000. I'm leaving it up to you pros out there to let me know what's the best bang for my buck.
Thanks to all who take the time to respond! Love this community!

If I were in your position, I would choose one of these:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC976LL/A
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0ML2LL/A
I'm not certain that the 16 GB RAM is mandatory, but it would be nice.
My principle concern is the GPU capability. Both of these units have discrete GPU which will give you optimum performance in a note book.
Yes, both are refurbished units. I have done this three times and I recommend this path. They have always looked as if new with the same warranty and telephone support as a new one. It's your money.
Ciao.

Macbook air vs. pro for uni science student

my macbook is 5years old and its time for a new computer. i was planning on getting another macbook since its worked so well and ive never had any problems with it, but upon realizing they are discontinuing the macbook i decided otherwise.
im a 3rd year earth science student, so i spend time writing up labs and essays in microsoft word and using excel from time to time, but i also use my computer a lot for music and photos - sometimes some other programs i have to download for courses i take at school. really trying to figure out which computer would be better for me and i really have no idea. ive already got an 750gb external hard drive where ive got everything stored from my old mac, and i plan to put some pictures on cds onto the drive with my old computer. after that i suppose i wouldnt have a use for a cd drive, but im debating on whether the air is really a good idea or not.
im still old fashioned and prefer writing my notes in lectures than using powerpoint. so if the air is a bit slower i dont think that would bother me.
biggest thing is the whole cd drive, all opinions for my situation would be appreciated. thanks!

I just sold my Macbook Pro 13" i5 processor, 8GB RAM for the new 13" MBA i5 4GBRam. It is such a huge difference in size and wait that I would never go back to something so bulky(I know MBP isn't really bulky, but things have changed). It is plenty fast for everything I do...heavy duty web surfing, email, writing papers, hd video, music, etc. and I find that I still have yet to fill up the 128GB SSD it came with...I'm at about 60GB...it is truly the best computer you'll ever own.

MacBook Air or Pro for iMovie editing?

I am getting a Macbook. I want the air, but i'm concerned that there won't be enough GHz for the imovie projects that I create. Is the air good enough? Or should i get the pro?
Thanks in advance.

You should also ask this in the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air forums. This is the forum for the 13” white and black plastic MacBooks that were discontinued in 2010. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_air

Macbook Air or Pro for student with Mac pro already

Hi guys,
I already have a Mac Pro as a desktop, but I need a notebook for High School (Yr 11 student in Australia)
I am deciding whether to get a MBA or MBP.
Macbook Air
11in Screen
128GB SSD
Core i5
Backlit Keyboard
Lightweight
But, Less value for money
Macbook Pro (refurb.)
(Early 2011 Model)
13in Screen
320GB HDD
Core i5
Backlit Keyboard
Sturdy
More value for money, but unnescessary power
$1099
Optical Drive
The MBP has lots of power, more USB ports (3?) and SD Card Slot, along with optical drive. But it is also just over twice the weight and thickness.
The MBA is sleek and beautiful, has two usb ports (really all I need) is fast, but costs $150 more, for a hard drive half the size, and a smaller screen size and is really light.
I don't need heaps of processing power, I need a laptop that goes on the bus everyday, and needs to be sturdy (a little worried about the MBA on buses and bags being thrown around - but nothing a case cant fix). Im just thinking i dont need the extra power of the Pro, but a lot of people in my classes have the 13in so I am confused about what to get.
Thanks

I think you have answered your own question.
If you value portability more than power, then the MBA 11" is the way to go.
For most day-to-day computing, there's not much between the MBA 11" and MBP 13". The MBA may in fact feel faster due to the SSD than the MBP with is mechanical HD.
I have the MBA 11" and am happy with its performance compared to the 13" MBP.

Macbook Air Or Pro For University.

I was just wondering which laptop would be better for university.
I love the macbook air and how it is so light and portable, but in saying that, I keep thinking that a macbook pro would be better as it has more GHZ.
I plan to do a Bachalor Of Business and/or Bachalor Of Information Technology.
I hardly ever use a CD drive and never make videos or use my current computer for photography editing.
Plese help me choose.

Here's a comparison of the two.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57458148-37/13-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-mac book-pro-which-should-you-buy/?tag=postrtcol;posts

Uni Student looking for a MacBook Pro for Music Production.

I'm sorry if a thread like this is already up but i couldn't find one.
Anyway, basically i'm university student studying Audio Engineering w/ Electronics and i am just currently entering my second year. After the first year of uni i have come to the conclusion that an Apple computer would meet my needs as this course is multimedia heavy and i also like to produce music on my spare time.
I have been desputing in my head whether to get an iMac or a MacBook Pro and should i get the current generations or the previous ones and try to save money. If i were to buy the current models i could only afford the lowest spec iMac or MacBook Pro. I do like the having a laptop due to portability but if an iMac is the better out of the two i'd probably use this laptop for light browsing and whatnot.
Currently, I am using a Windows PC and it crashes on me when ever i open Reaper and even Audacity which is strange as looking at the my current specs it should be able to run the absolute minium. I have managed to use Adobe CS5 on it but it takes somewhat hours to render the final video - i don't whether if it's the machine or if it's just the vidoe content. I had too many problems with Windows PC's and I feel that I am a true Apple user at heart.
Advice would be much appreciated.

There is nothing the Mac computer line can do that a Windows computer Can't do. Whatever you have been told or read is flat wrong. There are major recording studios that use only Windows and then therer are some that use only Mac's. They will both do the extact same things with the exact same software.
Both Mac and Win PCs use the exact same hardware. There is no difference except in the OS they run and the available software for each OS. Windows having a larger choice of available software.
EDIT:
Then there is something wrong with your Win PC if it crashes all the time. Could be hardware or the software is corrupted, like the OS and programs needs to be reloaded.
Same things happen to Mac's, again there is no difference. Mac's suffer from the same hardware and sofftware glitches as Windows. Just read these forums and you will see tons of problems.

Which Mac Pro to buy for Music Production

Hi All
Hope you can help.
Currently I have a macbook pro ( 2.66Ghz + 4GB ).
Im planning to buy a mac pro for music production, which is better
4 Core 2.66Ghz Nehalem CPU + 3x2GB or
8 Core 2.26 Ghz Nehalem CPU + 6x2GB
Im heavy on VST/AU's, use a fair bit of audio samples and also will be using a load of ROMpler style sampler instruments.
Im also looking to future proof the system but if the 8 core system is unnecssary for using logic studio id rather get the 4 core option as its easier on my budget.
Im also planning to run 3 x 1tb HDD's ( 1 x OS / 1 x Samples / 1 x Music )
Hope you can advise as itching to buy one with my commission money
Cheers
Andrew

JG99 wrote:
I've heard from a few Logic users and read on other forums that there is currently little difference in performance between the 8-core and 4-core Mac Pro's when running Logic 8. This may change in the future...?
Really? The benchmarks seem to indicate that the 8 x 2.26 is 30-40 % more powerful than the 4 x 2.66, a significant difference...
Personally, I'd get a quad core and spend the difference on ram (from crucial.com) as this will make more of a difference when running power hungry plug-ins.
JG
But the 4 core has a max RAM of 8 GB where the 8 core maxes to 32 GB. Might be worth considering.

Which is better for music production: macbook air or pro?

Which is better for music production: macbook air or pro?

The MacBook Pro has higher specifications, depending
on the model, and then CTO additional upgrades.
The Air does not have a Retina display, but has lesser
specs, so that may make a difference. They still offer a
low-end MB/Pro w/ optical drive, w/o Retina; specs vary;
it may work in your instance. You'd have 14 days to take
a new Apple computer back, so keep that in mind.
Good luck!

MacBook Air or Pro for Music Production

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