Here are all the features, specifications, prices, and comparisons you need to help you decide what MacBook you should buy.
You’re planning on buying a new Mac laptop. So you head over to your local Apple store, or you peruse the pages of Apple’s website, and you find yourself with money to spend but no idea on which MacBook to buy. Don’t worry! That’s why we’re here. In this guide, we’ll go over Apple’s current MacBook lineup, point out their differences and similarities, and provide you with the information you need to pick the right MacBook for you. Longtime Mac users may remember when the MacBook Air made its debut years ago as Apple’s entry into the ultra-portable laptop market. But times have changed, and starting in 2015, the MacBook was repositioned as Apple’s affordable laptop. What are the prices for the MacBook Air? With a $999 model, the MacBook Air is Apple’s most affordable laptop. If you decide to customize the features set, the price will change. What are the $999 MacBook Air specifications? Jason Cross/IDG What is it good for? The MacBook Air can easily handle typical tasks, like internet access, writing, spreadsheets, presentations, and other productivity-related jobs. It also has enough processing punch for using Apple Photos to edit and manage your pictures or to create short YouTube videos in iMovie. It has the power to handle high-end work with pro apps, but because of its design, it may need to throttle down its CPU speed in order to maintain a proper temperature. Save some money and buy refurbished: Apple’s Refurbished and Clearance online store has a few MacBook Air models for sale. While not brand new, these gently-used laptops have been refurbished to Apple’s strict guidelines and are like new. Macworld’s buying advice: The MacBook Air is a capable laptop for your everyday work as well as pro tasks at an affordable price. Okay, we know, we just got done talking about how the MacBook Air was originally released as Apple’s lightweight solution, and how it was repositioned as the company’s affordable laptop. Here’s the thing: it’s also Apple’s smallest laptop, able to fit in most backpacks, briefcases, satchels, and bags. And it’s a tad lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro while being about the same size. How big is it? Here are the specifics of the MacBook Air compared to the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Why pick the MacBook Pro instead: If you want more processing power, go with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The $1,299 and $1,499 13-inch MacBook Pro have the same 8-core Apple M1 System on a Chip, but its design lends it to better handle the heat generated while doing more intensive tasks that are often performed in pro apps. Save some money and buy refurbished: Apple’s Refurbished and Clearance online store has a few MacBook Air models for sale. While not brand new, these gently-used laptops have been refurbished to Apple’s strict guidelines and are like new.
