With the introduction of the MacBook, scheduled to ship in April, the notebook lineup from Apple has gotten very crowded. How do you choose between one of the three models?
It really all comes down to 3 things: Performance, Size, and Price.
Here is a quick summary of the various models:
- $899 – MacBook Air 11”, 2.38lb, 1.6GHz i5 Processor
- $999 – MacBook Air 13” 2.96lb, 1.6GHz i5 Processor
- $1099 – MacBook Pro 13”, 4.5lb, 2.5GHz i5 Processor
- $1299 – MacBook 12” , 2.03lb, 1.1GHz M Processor
- $1299 – MacBook Pro 13” Retina, 3.48lb, 2.7GHz i5 Processor
All of these models also have an array of CTO options to upgrade RAM, storage, and processor speed. It will be interesting to see how the performance of the new Intel M processors compare with the higher revving i5 and i7 processors of the Macbook Air and MacBook Pro. I think it is probably safe to say that, at least for now, the machines with i5 processors in them will most likely outperform the M processor.
When taken on their individual merits, the new MacBook seems like a no-brainer when compared to the MacBook Air – but when you add in the price/performance ratio that you can get with a MacBook Air, its easy to see why Apple decided to keep this model in the lineup. A $400 price differential for an entry level machine is nothing to sneeze at. For those who want to enjoy a machine as thin and portable as the MacBook Air, at a nice price, this machine is a great choice. For those who like to enjoy the benefits of buying products on the leading edge of technological innovation should definitely consider the new Macbook.
As you move up the lineup, the venerable MacBook Pro 13” without retina still exists as Apple’s one portable machine with a built in DVD player. This machine is still very popular, and offers upgradeable RAM and a standard hard drive which none of the other models offer.
MacBook Pro Retina vs new MacBook – This one is actually an easier divide to make, even though their prices are identical. If you prefer performance, then the MacBook Pro is the machine to choose, if you prefer portability then the new MacBook is the direction to go. You can expect to pay a bit more for adapters and docks for the new MacBook’s USB-C connector, so if you like to hook up lots of external devices to your machine, then you should budget a bit more for those accessories.