Macbook Pro 13" 2012 OR Macbook Air 13" 2012

I am thinking of buying on of the two macbooks, but I am not sure which one to choose. The 2012 refresh made them really similar, specs. wise. The only significant difference I could find was that the Macbook Pro has a superdrive. I am kind of pushed towards the Macbook Air because of the higher screen resolution, but is it really better than the Macbook Pro's screen?(also it's size)
I would use the laptop at least two years and I will use it most for web browsing, video editing and some gaming.
Which one would you recommend to me and why?

if your major concern is portability get the air. i own both a early 2011 macbook pro 13" and a 2012 11" macbook air. i love my mba because its extremely lite and portable. it turns on and is ready to use in 9 seconds. very quick. but once im on the next it might be half a seond to a second faster than my mbp when clicking on the same web page. i have put them side by side and clicked on the same sites synchronized. unless you are very impatient the speed is not that much different. im assuming the new mbp is just as quick as the air if not faster. the SSD is faster when you are retrieving data, not while you are surfing the web. with that said the pro comes with way more storage. people have commented so far just get an external hard drive. well the point of the mba is portability. carrying around an external hard drive kind of negates that luxury, and add in an external superdrive and now you are just cluttered with external peripherals.
yes the mbp is heavier but it feels way more solid.
with that said i want to clarify about the screens. my early 2011 MBP has a much much better picture quality than my air. colors, photos and videos are much more vibrant and crisp than on the mba.
unless your concern is portability the mba is best used to compliment a mbp.
and if your still thinking about the 13" mba the only benefit is weight. its the same width as the mbp so portability is really not that much of a difference.
i hope this reply helps.

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Macbook Pro 2012 with 240GB SSD or Macbook Air 2012 240GB SSD or Macbook Pro Retina

Macbook Pro 13inch 2012 240GB SSD Specs:
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
240BG Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Overall Price $1600+Tax
or
Macbook Air 2012 13inch with 240GB SSD SPECS:
1.8GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
240GB Auro Pro 6G Solid State Drive
Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Overall Price $1600+Tax
or
Macbook Pro Retina 15inch 2012 256SSD Specs:
2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage
Intel HD Graphics 4000
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
Overall Price $2199+Tax
orMacbook Pro Retina 13in 2012 256SSD Specs:
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
128GB Flash Storage or 256 Crucial m4 256GB 2.5 inch if possible to upgrade
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
Intel HD Graphics 4000
I'm looking for a laptop that will last me a couple of years which is why I'm upgrading to SSD without losing performance. I usually game on my Mac so I want a laptop to handle that, handle programs in the background and writing or reading without losing speed, I also need a laptop that has fast boot time.
I will be using the laptop mainly for school and running programs such as iWork and mircrosoft office as well as websurfing and video streaming thanks for any advice.

I hope others pipe in with their comments, but the first suggestion is to visit your local Apple Store and try out the units. Trying them out can make a difference in your decision.
This is how I'd try to make sense of this:
MBP 13 2012:
Solid all-purpose portable at a decent price, and even has a 240GB SSD. If you don't load it with tons to videos, this will more than fit your needs as a student and websurfer. A little heavier than the others here, but it's a solid package that's stable. Great if you need to use the CD/DVD.
MBA 13 2012:
Also good, similar specs, notably lighter. Notes are easy to take, and easier to carry on long campus treks. If you're not near a power source, the battery life may be a concern. If you need a CD/DVD, you can connect it when you need it - but it's extra. Servicing a MBA is more difficult.
MBR 15 2012:
Beautiful display, packed with performance. No DVD/CD drive, NVIDIA performance is unproven, kind of pricey, the first generation of a device; it's going to get better over time. Can't be serviced in any way by the user; the Apple Store is your only option. Now's not the best time to get the MBR.
MBR 13 2012:
Same comments.
I'd say the MBA is a good pick. Few moving parts, therefore more reliability. Low heat. You can always attach a CD/DVD drive via USB. Intel Graphics is solid; no problems there. Plenty of capacity for your needs. And the display is bright. MBA 13 or 11, IMO.

Macbook pro 2012 is slower than macbook air 2012

I have found that my macbook pro 2012 13" (non retina) is slower than macbook air 13" my co-workers own. all macbooks have same softwares and versions.
Macbook pro has better processor but Macbook Air is faster. I guess it is because of Hard drive in pro vs SSD in Air. so my questions are:
Does anyone have a same exprience?
and if I change my HDD to SSD can i beat macbook pro in speed?
waiting for your quick answers because I am feeling bad these days.
Thanks in advance

Take a look at my one and only user tip - Upgrading Your MacBook Pro with a Solid State Drive.
If you have any questions after reading it, just call back. The tip really needs to be updated but I just haven't gotten around to doing so... so many different drives available now!
Clinton

Macbook Pro 2012 or Macbook Air 2013

Hello,
I looking to buy a Apple Laptop but really confused to which one to get Macbook Pro 2012 or Macbook Air 2012. Here are is what I do:
Web Development (PHP, Python Django, Node.js, Tornado)
Photoshop (4 times in 10 uses)
Illustrator (1 time in 10 uses)
Web surfing
Need a good backup time (min of 3hrs)
Want a good performance
Will have it for 4 years

Photoshop (4 times in 10 uses)
Illustrator (1 time in 10 uses)
When you use these, you'll be thankful you got a Pro.
Web development
Web surfing
Both are about equal. Some game performance may be better on a Pro, especially if it uses the graphics chip.
Need a good backup time (min of 3hrs)
Don't you mean max? A lot is dependent on how much data you have to backup and whether you choose to clone or use Time Machine. Clones are faster the second go around. Time Machine can be fast, but if you use it for archival, you'll be spending time turning off Time Machine, and archiving necessary to keep archives off the Time Machine drive. And Time Machine needs at least twice the capacity of your original, where clones only need the original.
Want a good performance
Pro is invariably better performance than Air.
Will have it for 4 years
Both only get a warranty up to three years if purchased within the first year from date of computer purchase.
http://www.safeware.com/ offers insurance, but not warranty.
Some credit card companies extend manufacturer warranty. Check if yours does.

AirDrop doesn'n work between Macbook Pro Mid 2012 and Mac Book Air mid 2013 using both Yosemite

Can't search other devices using AirDrop between between Macbook Pro Mid 2012 and Mac Book Air mid 2013 using both Yosemite...
And trying with MBP late 2011 can't connect either

Hey aniMix,
Thanks for the question. I understand that you are experiencing issues with AirDrop. The following resource provides some troubleshooting information which may be helpful:
Mac Basics: AirDrop lets you send files from your Mac to nearby Macs and iOS devices
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6510
Thanks,
Matt M.

Macbook air 2013 or pro 2012

Hey,Im a an upcoming musician and I am taking rap as my genre so I wanted to know if getting a macbook air 2013 13inch i5 or macbook pro 2012 would be a better option and I also play some games.Please do suggest me a good recording software that mac use and kindly advice

recording software being:
Logic Pro
Adobe Audition
Sony Soundforge
then Amadeus and Twisted Wave
The Air is not an idealized gaming machine

No air play in macbook pro mid 2012

I have mountain lion, and I bought apple tv, but there is no mirroring with option, I bought it july 2012!
What should I do?

About AirPlay and Airplay Mirroring
AirPlay Mirroring requires a second-generation Apple TV or later, and is supported on the following Mac models: iMac (Mid 2011 or newer), Mac mini (Mid 2011 or newer), MacBook Air (Mid 2011 or newer), and MacBook Pro (Early 2011 or newer). For non-qualifying Macs you can try using Air Parrot.
Several Apple Articles Regarding AirPlay
Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen)- How to use AirPlay Mirroring
How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes
About AirPlay Mirroring in OS X Mountain Lion
iTunes 10- About playing music with AirPlay
Troubleshooting AirPlay and AirPlay Mirroring
Using AirPlay
Thanks to the $15 Beamer, AirPlay streaming is still possible on Macs that do not support Airplay and mirroring.
Another solution is the Air Parrot.

2012 MacBook Air running Photoshop and Logic Pro

Looking to buy a laptop. The most I do with my current iMac is record music using logic pro, edit video in iMovie and edit photos in photoshop.
I'm planning on travelling for a decent length of time and would like to continue to do this on a laptop.
The weight and SSD of the macbook air are really appealing to me. I'm wondering if it will be able to perform the above tasks? I read some reviews of people using photoshop on a 2011 macbook air with no issues, and from what I understand, the cheapest 2012 macbook air 13' is faster then the ultimate macbook air of 2011?
So I'm considering purchasing a 2012 MacBook air 13' with the 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and upgrading the RAM from 4gb to 8gb.
Will this be able to meet my needs? I say I will be editing photos and recording music with it, but I'm still really amateur and I'm sure my needs are also.

Thanks for the reply DWB,
USB should be fine as far as I can see. Is there a firewire adaptor just in case?
I was planning on keeping an external drive, and if I wanted to edit any substantial amount of footage, transfer it from the external drive to the MBA hardrive then just edit it from there.
The main thing I'm wondering about is wheter or not the applications photoshop CS6, imovie (maybe even final cut pro?) and logic pro will run smoothly on a 2012 13-inch 1.8GHv i5 macbook air with 8gb ram.

Macbook Air (2012) i7 8Gb RAM & Final Cut Pro X

I want buy a Macbook Air 13 (2012) with i7 dual-core and 8Gb RAM but
Macbook air 13 (2012) with i7 dual-core and 8Gb RAM is ok for Final Cut Pro X + framework Twixtor for slowmotion? for amatorial use..for Clip with maximum length 30 minutes.. to use it sometimes..
Is possible crash during the rendering? is ok rendering?
is possible Final cut pro X with Twixtor and Motion for Macbook air.. or only for Macbook Pro?
thank you so much... look forward..

thank so much Luis
yes I use an external drive for my media..
therefore Final Cut Pro X + Plugin Twixtor(for slowmotion) + Motion 5... all with Full HD is ok on Macbook Air i7 with 8GB ram?
The CPU low voltage and... integration GPU is ok for this software of editing video
Thank you so much

2012 Macbook pro 13 inch or the Macbook air 13inch?

I need to pick between the 2012 macbook air 13 inch and the 2012 macbook pro 13 inch. I am a college student. Any ideas?

I too had that decision to make when I bought my MBP 13 a month ago.
I liked the MB Air because of the portablity and the fact that it had a better screen resolution.
My deciding factor however, was the fact that the MB Air is not user upgradeable and I like the idea of having an optical drive just in case i need it.
If not having an optical drive is an issue to you, then the MB Air is perfect.
Keep in mind however, that if you decide to go with the MB Air, get the maximum RAM you can since you can not upgrade it in the future. Remember, as programs get upgraded, they become more memory hogs.
Just my .02 cents.

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 2012 or MacBook Pro 2012?

Hello to All,
I am new to the Apple universe. I am looking at getting either the updated MacBook Air or MacBook Pro (non-retina display). I was hoping to get some advice on which one would suit my needs better. While I feel that the Air would be sufficient, I notice that when I build my own laptop on Apple's website, I can get a more powerful Pro for around the same price as a souped up Air, so I was wondering if the Pro would be better for the long run. I am looking at the 13 inch Air and 13 inch Pro.
My one worry is that the non-retina Pros will not be supported after a year or two as all the Mac laptops move to retina displays (including the Air), and this is something akin to the last version of the non-retina Pro.
Basically, I will be using the laptop for everyday usage like the internet, email, writing some papers, storing some photos (not a whole bunch. I will backup most photos on an external hard drive), and dowloading apps. I don't play a lot of games, but the ones that I do are not high powered games. I am hoping to have this laptop for 3 to 4 years. The weight of the Pro does not bother me, nor does the hard drive, though I do like the thought of an SSD. I also plan on get VM Fusion or Parallels to run Windows as well, though I don't know what kind of space that will take.
For an Air, is 128gb enough for SSD, or would you recommend a minimum of 256? Is 4gb of memory enough, or would you recommend 8gb for an Air? Or should I just go for an 8 or 16 gb memory Pro?
Thanks in advance.

I'm in almost the exact same situation. I'm starting college this fall and trying to determine which will be best suited for my needs. Currently I'm leaning towards the Macbook Air, the overall idea is very appealing. But I don't want to give something up by doing so. If I go with the MBP I'm planning on upping it to 8gb of RAM and putting the 128 SSD in it. Price wise it will come out about $100 more, but I'll get the benefit of the faster processor and optical drive. Will either of these really enhance my college experience? I'm planning on a degree in Construction Management and will need to have Windows installed. How does the MBA hold up running Autocad on the Windows partition?

MacBook Pro 2012 vs MacBook Air 2012 gaming

Which one is better for gaming such as WoW,guild wars 2 ,day z and elder scrolls when it comes out thanks
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-MD760B-MacBook-1-3GHz-Graphic/dp/B00DCR3SP2/ref=sr _1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393342270&sr=8-1&keywords=MacBook+Air and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-13-inch-MacBook-2-5GHz-Graphics/dp/B008BEYEL8/ref= sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393342298&sr=8-1&keywords=MacBook+Pro

Yeah I know but I'm sick of my laptops dying on me and finally making the leap to mac but those two are the only ones in my price range I'd like it to play games such as those but doesn't the air have intel hd 5000 while the pro only 4000?

April 3, 2012 Macbook Air vs. Macbook Pro

Hello Friends,
I know this gets beat to death time after time and feel free to flog me in the comments, but nonetheless here is my scenario. I'm just finishing up grad school and am looking for a new laptop. My previous laptop is a HP DV5000 that I've had all through my undergrad and grad school (I think I should frame it), it's almost 6 or 7 years old this fall. I'm ready for a new laptop and am wanting to take the mac plunge.
I'm debating between the 13" macbook air and the 15" macbook pro. I primarily use the laptop for writing, surfing the net and editing photos/video (amateur for sure). I like to run music, multiple web tabs surfing the net and pop in and out of video/photo editing software. I figure either of these notebooks will be fine for the limited traveling that I do (anything is going to be light compared to a DV5000 with extended battery, it feels like it’s 40 lbs).
Traditionally when I have bought a laptop I try to go for the higher end with the most powerful processor, ram, HDD etc. But after doing some research and seeing the specs/benchmarks of the SSD and the speed of the MBA I’m lost on where to go. On one hand I can see myself getting a 15” MBP with a 256 SSD, glossy screen and upgrading the ram myself and spending $2500ish or I can see myself going with the 13” MBA with the 1.8ghz procs and 256 SSD for $1800ish.
I’m just not sure which direction to turn and if I should wait right now until the new macbook/macbook airs come out. I plan on using either Adobe Elements or Apple Aperture to do light editing (recommendations on this also welcome). Any opinions/recommendations are surely welcome on which direction I should go 13” MBA or 15” MPB.
Thank you in advance for your help!
-Chris

I agree with you that chasing new models is a hopeless task. My usual pattern is to pick the most appropriate new model shortly after the 3 year Applecare warranty on my current laptop runs out, so I will probably be buying a new computer within the next few months.
For my particular needs, the 13" size has proved to be ideal. I really like being able to fit it into an airline seat pocket, and into a compact briefcase that will not hold a 15" model.
The current 13" models, both Air and Pro, would be a step down for me because they use integrated Intel graphics that provides less support for video and graphic processing (OpenCL etc) than the Nvidia graphics in my 2009 Macbook Pro. Next generation Intel integrated graphics is apparently a big step up, and may be better than what I have now. Who knows, with the optical drive removed there may be room to provide graphics options in the 13" Pro similar to those now available in the larger ones.
(Once I have a Thunderbolt equipped laptop, I will be in the market for a power supply / hub that would give me essentially the same connectivity as Apple's Thunderbolt display. I want to be able to hook up just 2 cables (magsafe and thunderbolt) when I bring my laptop home, and to continue to use my DVI 24" display and my USB and FIrewire 800 drives. But such devices have been slow to appear.)

Macbook Pro 13" 2012 OR Macbook Air 13" 2012

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