#2017 macbook pro vs 2017 macbook air pro#
Overall, the M1 MacBook Pro feels more powerful than the Air when it comes to graphics-oriented workloads but is generally the same when it comes to daily tasks. But the MacBook Pro's fan most likely means it's capable of sustaining high performance for longer since it won't have to throttle performance to cool off. The MacBook Air's fanless design is a godsend for anyone who's dealt with noisy, whirring fans that make your laptop sound like a jet engine once it's under a little bit of stress. That should give the base MacBook Pro a bit more of a kick when running games and other graphics-heavy programs.Īnother important characteristic found on the MacBook Pro that the MacBook Air lacks is a cooling fan. One of the few differences when it comes to the processor is that with the MacBook Air, the base model comes with a seven-core graphics processing unit, while the MacBook Pro has an eight-core GPU in its entry-level configuration. Specificationsīoth the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air run on Apple's M1 system-on-a-chip, which features an eight-core central processing unit and a 16-core Neural Engine. A new MacBook Air with a new processor that's more powerful than the current M1 but not quite as fast as the one in the next-generation MacBook Pro is also reportedly in the works.
Apple is planning to release a new high-end MacBook Pro this year with a fresh design and upgraded Apple-made processor that's expected to bring big gains in performance compared to the M1, according to Bloomberg. However, it's probably best to hold off on buying a new MacBook unless you really need it. But, that's not enough of a reason on its own to recommend buying the Pro over the Air. The Pro model also has Apple's Touch Bar, which is a thin, touch-sensitive strip that replaces the function key row.
#2017 macbook pro vs 2017 macbook air mac#
Now that you can also get the M1-powered MacBook Pro through Apple's Refurbished Mac Store at a $200 discount, it may be a more compelling option for those in need of more power. The MacBook Pro comes with a few extras that could make it the ideal choice for professionals with specific needs, such as slightly longer battery life, higher-quality microphones, and, most important, internal cooling fans. While the MacBook Air is the better choice for most people, there are some reasons to opt for the Pro instead. Those seeking a general-purpose laptop that's equipped for browsing the web, writing papers, watching videos, and some photo and video editing will find plenty of power in the MacBook Air. The M1-powered MacBook Air is generally a better value than the Pro since it offers similar features, performance, and configuration options at a starting price that's $300 lower. By comparison, the wide silver border around the 13-inch MacBook Air screen may be the single most dated thing about the design.MacBook Air M1 vs. TVs and phones are nearly bezel-free today, and high-end laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or Samsung Notebook 9 are following the same path. So many new devices have shaved down the bezel, which is what we call the outer border around the screen. For anything above an ultrabudget laptop, it's not wrong to expect a higher resolution, especially in 2017, where even bargain basement televisions have 4K panels, and a growing number of midrange laptops are shooting past 1,920x1,080 towards 2,560x1,440 or even 4K. It's also not an IPS display, the in-plane switching technology found in newer laptops that helps with off-axis viewing. This is a 1,440x900-pixel display, the same as the Air has used for many generations.
The single biggest thing that keeps the MacBook Air stuck in the past is its display. the 13-inch Air in a battle of the bezels.