MacBook Pro or Air for gaming? 13-inch

Know neither of these machines are designed for gaming but I'm getting one or the other.
Only mid-range games really like StarCraft, Warcraft etc.
I have also seen Diablo 3 play on these machines so that would be good.
Also, I may have to install Bootcamp to play some of these games.
It's for uni so it'll need to do all the uni things but I know both of these can.
Thanks in advance!

Hello Tinman!
It is a shame that Warcraft is no longer supported :(((
I own a maxed out 11" Air. I really love it! If you want to go Pro here is my advice:
Wait another 3-4 month. I have word from an Apple employee that the retina display is not yet perfected. As soon as there are 13" Pros with a retina display go and get one :)
The 13" Pros with a non retina display are tempting, but they do not have the fast SSDs that are included in the 15" Pro or the MacBook Air... That is "legacy tech" ;)
If you need a good MacBook now go for the 13" Air. If you can wait, wait for the next release of Retina Pro Macs.
Cheers

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Macbook Pro or Air for business & personal use

I am interested in the 13 inch. I have only used Windows PCs so far. I primarily use Microsoft Outlook and Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). I VPN into my corporate network and browse the Internet. I have Outlook open all the time along with an Office application and a couple of browsing sessions. I would also like Windows 8 installed, if possible, side by side. I rarely watch movies on my laptop and never play games.
I am confused (due to the deluge of information online) between Macbook Pro (not Retina) and Air. I am looking for recommendations alongwith a few answers. Is 4 GB sufficient for my multi-tasking needs? Is 128 GB enough (my disk usage is very very minimal, less than 25 MB) but I will be installing Microsoft Office and (optionally) Windows 8 (not mandatory)? I use a DVD drive very rarely - will an external drive be good enough if I go with the Air?
PS: Best Buy has a $200 discount on Air and a $100 discount on Pro which initiated my interest to buy a Macbook.

Why am I not surprised that you would say that. Please read the question, he asked for people's opinion on whether to get a MacBook Pro or Air.
https://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?resultTypes=&dateRange=all&peopleEnabl ed=true&q=In+all+honesty+Windows+PC&containerType=&container=&containerName=&use rname=Shootist007&rankBy=relevance&numResults=15

Macbook Pro or air for a college engineering major

Hi. Im looking for a new laptop for college and was wondering which would be better for a mechanical engineering major: macbook pro or air? I will be running programs like solidworks and auto CAD and was wondering if i needed the extra processing power of the MBP.

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 Pro or Air for a College Student

Hi, I am a college student and want to switch over to Apple. I not sure which MacBook is correct for me. I had an iPad 2 but it really did not work out for me because I just like having an actual laptop with me, so I got rid of the iPad. I basically use my current HP laptop for surfing the web, typing papers, doing research and and for my large music collection. I am unsure if i should get the 13 inch MacBook Pro or the 13 inch MacBook Air. What the the pro and cons of each? Any fellow students out there that could help me out?

Actually for you the 15" anti-glare would be the better choice.
1: Larger screen, it's only slightly bigger than the 13", sits about 3 feet wayfrom eyes.
2: anti-glare option, lets you "see the goddarn screen" in nearly any enviroment, class, outside etc.
3: more powerful dedicated graphics card (less you get a 3D gaming itch, better video.web animation) 30-45 points on Cinebench
4: can survive more OS X upgrades with CPU + dedicated video card
5: flexibility, you have the performance if your needs change, need to run Windows in virtual machine
6: lasts longer if you take care of it because of the more horsepower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0wo6dIsMU
Also search for "glossy" "Mac screen" in Google images, you'll see pictures people have taken where the screen is unreadable.
13" drawbacks
1: Integrated only video,
2: hotter machine because of integrated video (Intel HD 3000)
3: glossy only option
4: overpriced, any $400-$800 Win 7 cheap laptop is basically the same thing and you get a larger screen
5: can't successfully weather as many OS X upgrades having only CPU and doing double duty for graphics
6: need to hunch closer to the screen, almost placing it on your chest
IMO if your going to be paying $1500+ with AppleCare for a Mac laptop, get something that will last a bit longer AND make you happy.
The AIr is for those who know they operate within it's limitations, since you don't exactly know that...
If later you do decide a Air is better, you can sell the 15" and there would be a lot of interest and buy the Air.
You buy the Air and decide you need the 15" then you won't have a lot of potential buyers for the Air as you would for the 15"

MacBook Pro Cooling Pad for Gaming

Ok, I'm having problems with MacBook Pro overheating when I'm playing a game and the FPS drops very low, so does anybody know the best solution for this situation?

Cooling pads will not work as there are no ports to remove hot air on the bottom of the laptop. The only vents on the macbook/macbook pro line are in the back side of the computer. As there are no cooling pads that have functions to suck hot air/flow cold air to that specific vent, all conventional cooling pads are useless. the most you will do with normal cooling pads/gaming colling pads, is possibly lower external temperature by 2 degrees at the most. unless you manage a way to function the computer without a bottom case, use a desk that has a built in liquid nitrogen colling spot, or drill holes into the bottom of your laptop, cooling pads are useless for macbook pros.
sorry to tell you this, but trust me, i've gone through this with many people and genius' and 1800 apple reps.
best advice, use your laptop in a well ventilated area and air out your vents with dust spray cans regularly.
oh and do not use on your lap. dust is composed of fibers, skin and other foreign objects. using it on your bed, your clothes, etc increases the chance of dust build up inside your computer. use on a solid surface. Glass desks (like i have) are able to disipate the heat best IMO.

Macbook Pro or Air for Xcode Diploma

Can anyone tell me which would be better to use. I am curently doing a Diploma in iPhone Apps using Xcode of course. I have a iMac, but would like to purchase a laptop so i can continue my studies when i am away from home. I am not sure which laptop i should get. I dont really use my computers for movies and gaming but more for my new skills i am acquiring in programming and graphics. Thanks for your comments in advance.

Dat5i,
you could also choose to buy a used model MacBook Pro or MacBook Air for writing apps in Xcode. (I chose to buy a used MacBook Pro myself, and currently have Xcode installed.)

Macbook Pro versus Air for university student (pharmacy)

Hey everyone,
So I love all my Apple products, and I plan to get some sort of Mac laptop for university in a few weeks. I'm going to be a pharmacy student at UBC, (so I'm not going into design or video graphics or anything) I basically want a fast, reliable computer that will last the extent of my Bachelor's degree, I really don't want to be replacing one every year or so. Battery life is somewhat important. I'm trying to decide between the MacBook Pro, (the $1200 one?) and the newer Macbook Air, (about $1200 as well?).
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys.

I'd agree with Kappy, especially if buying for a long haul like a 3 or 4 year degree program. A MBP is the better choice.
And don't necessarily feel that pharmacy won't have its own computationally intensive aspects either. Large databases, especially chemical and drug structural databases and such, can be fairly tasking in terms of cpu use and RAM and harddrive space.
Don't forget your education discount options - http://www.apple.com/ca/buy/hied/ and ask at the UBC bookstore if they offer any machines with 3year AppleCare options (some educational institutions can do this for machines purchased through them - gives you 4 years of total warranty coverage).
P.S. I did my M.Sc. at U.Vic in the 1990's - I loved the west coast!

Macbook Pro 15'' options for gaming and college

Hi there Apple Community!
I'm having trouble choosing the best cost benefit for a new Mac. I'm a college student and my main priority is to have a mobile unit to cary with me for classes. I'm also a gamer, and since this will be my main computer I'd like to have one that could also run games like Civ 5 and WoW smoothly. Therefore I believe the best option for me would be the cheapest 15'' MBP.
However, both the price and the extra weight scare me. I'm not confortable with walking around with a R$ 6,600.00 notebook (about US$ 3,300.00 - I'm in Brazil and thanks to taxes all the prices are overrated ).
I'm studying options to reduce the risk of walking with such a valuable piece of hardware around while giving me what I need where I need, and after some time I've matured the idea of having more than 1 device.
My first option would be to get me cheapest 13'' MBA along with a Mac Mini - the one with the Radeon 6630M videocard on it. They cost together about the same as the 15' MBP, and would give me both a lighter option to go to college and a dedicated videocard for games, though this card is weaker than the one in the MBP - and I'm not sure how well this card would handle the games I want to play.
Another option would be to get myself the both cheapest 21'' iMac (with the same videocard as the MBP) and the cheapest MBA. This would be a bit more expensive than the MBP, but no big deal, and I'd still have both a decent unit at home for games and the mobility I need for college.
My last option would be to get the 13'' MBA and use the rest of the money to assemble a gaming Windows 7 PC. This would be my last resort, though. I know I can assemble a terrible machine with this budget, but I believe I could have what I need - decent (not extreme) gaming experience at home - from a Mac, even if I have to use Bootcamp.
I'd like to know from you who own Macs what you think about these options. I intent to make my purchase this month or the next, as my classes begin in August. What would u think to be the best combination? Or is the MBP the best option? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Thanks for the reply, OGELTHORPE. Refurbished products were the 1st thing I thought when I saw the cost of a 15''MBP. Unfortunately there's not even a link for this store in Brazil's store. I'm not sure, but I believe this is because of the mistrurst we brazillians have upon refurbished equipments sold by many other companies that fail to meet quality specs - some companies even try to push them as 'new' to the customers... I know that US Apple follows refurbishing rules to the letter - not hard to find people around the web saying that they got a nice deal for buying a refurbished Apple and that they would do it again. I wish I could buy a refurbished unit from the american Apple Store and have it delivered to Brazil, but I believe this is way too much to ask for the 'free shipping' they offer...
As for gaming, I do like it, but I'm not looking for a gaming station - otherwise I'd look for a PS3, Xbox 360, etc. I do want a computer to complement my studies at home - this is my main focus after all, and it would be desirable if this new computer could also run some games for me to play when I can.
I'm just not satisfied with the Intel HD 3000's performance (some people say they are even weaker than the previous nVidia models they replace). This is why I'm trying to get my hands on one of those new Radeon videocards.
Anyway I've heard that Apple may show some new products on this week's presentation at WWDC.Let's hope something good is coming.

Macbook Pro or Air for minor photo editing?

I have been an andriod/windows user all my life, but getting my Iphone 5s i've found that I really love the way Apple sets up its OS and am wating try a Macbook try its OS. I do a lot of minor photoediting basic things like using the blur tool, changing the hue and satuiration, and maybe doing some selevtive color. I don't need an iMac because I still have a pretty beffy desktop but I would like a laptop to carry around when I am out getting pictures or editing at someones house. Would I be able to get away with a MBA, or will I have to at least have a MBP to run Lightroom/Apeture with a little PS/Gimp for the blur tools?
Edit: I guess I should just mention I would just be getting the base model of either seeing as this is my first Mac.

I've got a basic Macbook Air that I use for all my image editing and all my graphic design and I've had less issues with these computers then I do using a windows based machine. I find the software runs a lot smoother on here. The only issue you might come across is the screen being small. I like smaller machines, but it makes drawing/editing large pieces difficult sometimes.
Just make sure the editing programs will run properly on a mac and just chose the computer you like better.

Macbook Pro or Air for years 11 and 12

Hello,
I am entering year 11 next year and may school has suggested that my year by an air or pro.
I will be typing my notes in class on the notebook every day.
My school day is around 7 hours and i may do my homework on my laptop in the library after school ( in terms of battery use)
I will mainly be using imovie for assignment, powerpoint and word.
I am deciding between whether i should buy the air, an external hardrive and an external disc drive and the accessory that lets you use the laptop for a few more hours ( extra plug in battery) OR
The pro with retina display ( the middle version in terms of storage) and buy the external disc drive OR
Buy the pro ( no retina) and just put up with the heaviness.
Thanks for your help

Unless you are into games, movie making, or heavy duty Photoshop, there is little reason to go Pro, other than the screen resolution. And games may not all be optimized for Notebook GPUs anyway. So research your software needs thoroughly before jumping in. Pro 15" does give you more screen real estate for windows, though some can't read at so high a resolution.

What will the new high end 15" Retina Macbook Pro be like for gaming?

With Nvidia Geforce GT 750M 2GB GDDR5, what kind of performance can I expect? I must stress that this is not my main concern, but I would like to know that in my down time I can enjoy myself and not got worried about frame rates etc. So what sort of standards for the "average" game will I see? I will be using Windows 7 via bootcamp.

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
Read some benchmarks in the Internet > http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-750M.90245.0.html They will tell you how games would work with this GPU, but note that this may change depending on your screen resolution, GPU drivers...
In general, you shouldn't have any problem with that GPU to run games in medium-high settings. Be careful with the MacBook temperature, as it may get hot quickly

What is best blue tooth presenter for macbook pro and air

What is best Blue Tooth presenter for MacBook Pro and Air?

You got lots of choices such as:
WD Studio
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=200
WD Studio 2
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=210
WD My Book
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=250
Lacie:
http://www.lacie.com/dk/products/range.htm?id=10007
http://www.lacie.com/dk/products/range.htm?id=10036
The are tons of external storage for mac out there but these are a few of them...
I personally like the WD Studio 2 and the LaCie 2big Network 2

Does anyone (like me) wish for macbook pro or air (13"or smaller) with dedicated graphic card?

Does anyone (like me) wish for macbook pro or air (13"or smaller) with dedicated graphic card?

This is not the place to ask such a question. This message board is only for "techincal issues" dealing with Macbook Pros.
You can whisper your wishes over on the Product Feedback wishing well website.

The technical specifications of the internal webcam macbook pro and air?

Technical specifications of the internal webcam MacBook Pro and Air?
About Isight, and Facetime HD. from 2009 till now.
about:
focal length
Field of view in both directions
resolution in mega pixels
F/#
and some information about the entrance pupil position in relation to the screen glass.
Thank you so much community.

It will run. If you really want to game, off course you should but a 15 inch MBP and get you're Steam on, or buy a *couch* PC, or gaming console.
You could get all next-gen consoles for the price of a new MBP (well maybe all of them)
And eveyone of these options can play the games you want!

I need help to decide which macbook pro is best for photo editing, editing movies and doing all the rest too like excel, word etc. 13"

I need help to decide which macbook pro is best for photo editing, editing movies and doing all the rest too like microsoft office products ...excel, word etc. I am new to the apple world and have liked the idea of the MAC Book Pro 13" but really dont know if this is good enough or if the computer will soon crash?
13-inch: 2.6GHz
with Retina display
Specifications
2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage1
Intel Iris Graphics
Built-in battery (9 hours)2

That's a fine machine and, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB flash storage should serve you well for light video/photo editing as well as for 'normal' usage. And it should last you for years to come.
Good luck in making your decision!!
Clinton

MacBook Pro or Air for gaming? 13-inch

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