The sensitivity of the issue is that this comparison is not between notebooks of different brands but the same. Apple’s Macintosh (Mac) processor has already set up a strong hold in the computers market. The people who want Mac just don’t settle for Windows OS. The 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are the ones to be compared. Which one of the two is the best 13-inch notebook for you? For a start, Apple has introduced the Intel Sandy Bridge processor and Thunderbolt I/O ports in the new 13 inch Macbook Air. But is it the best you can have or is it Macbook Pro? Let’s find out!
The Challenge
Apple has introduced the 13-inch MacBook Air which is just 0.76 inch thick at its thickest part. The MacBook Air is by far the world’s thinnest laptop. The MacBook Pro not long ago was the newest laptop in the lot for apple but now is the oldest. On the other hand, the MacBook Air has evolved from the past designs and is technically well prepared for the young and restless. But is it worth the money or the old remains the stronger? A technical comparison will definitely solve this confusion.
Comparison
Portability and size
The 13-inch MacBook Air is the world’s thinnest laptop and weights about 2.9 lbs. Well, there is not much of a comparison in this case. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is well one and a half pounds heavier at about 4.5 lbs.
Battery
The battery life in normal conditions for both the 13-inch Notebooks is above 5 hours and nearly the same. The earlier version of the Macbook Air would have lost the battle in this case but the newly improved version has just the same battery backup as Macbook Pro.
Resolution
The screen resolution for the MacBook Pro is the normal 1,280×80 pixels whereas the MacBook Air has 1,440×900 pixels which is definitely above ordinary and better than the competitor here.
Processor Speed
The MacBook Pro has a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and also a 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 where as MacBook Air comes with a 1.7GHz dual core Intel i5 processor. Hence, the heavier is the faster.
Features
Well, here’s where the real difference lies. If you are not worried about carrying a heavier notebook because it has an optical drive, FireWire, an Ethernet jack and a HD webcam, more hard drive space, Pro is definitely the choice. Apple has let go the features which might not be everyday and everyone’s requirement. Understandable though but MacBook Pro has an edge when it comes to features and not portability.
The Verdict
For the given features at an entry price of $1,1,99, MacBook Pro is definitely a smart choice. On the other hand, MacBook Air is about $150 cheaper but has a lot less features. It’s a choice you have to make. If you travel a lot, and you don’t rely on an optical drive and an Ethernet port, MacBook Air is a more portable and a better looking Notebook. But MacBook has almost all the basic features you need in a computer.
Winner
A notebook is supposed to be light, battery efficient, elegant and more portable, something that you can carry and flaunt. If it is about saving money, you can always consider buying a windows laptop. The MacBook Pro fulfills the need of a computer that you can also carry. But if you need a Notebook, MacBook Air is a winner by a margin. A little speed and an Ethernet jack can be compromised for a thinner, elegant looking, easier to carry MacBook Air. Prefer a MacBook Air over MacBook Pro if you are looking for a Notebook to carry and not a full-featured computer.
