[Closed] MacBook Air or Pro for uni work?

Either will be fine. The Pro might be a bit more future-proof. They won't be any more reliable or faster than a new Windows laptop at the same price point, though.

Sounds maybe too overpowered for those programmes if you don't need graphical stuff. I'm no expert.

Speaking of future-proof I know the air has just been updated, is there a new pro around the corner?

An Air would be perfect and you could alternatively use GSuite stuff to avoid ramming the computer with Microsoft software.

The Pro is not really any more future-proof – machines of the same age will both be supported equally. The only benefit of a Pro is that it has a bit more flexibility to expand but for the OPs requirement it isn't really a concern.

I have a Pro (for design work) but in many ways I prefer the Air – especially for its portability.

The new Air also has two USB-3 outputs so you can also simultaneously charge it and power a second monitor if you wish without needing adapters.

Always found the Airs better for typing on and for trackpad use, because they don’t have the stupid sharp edge of alu where your wrists/palms go. Main advantage of the Pros is proper discrete graphics on the 16” version.

Can you get the educational discount via the OU? That makes a big difference.

It doesn't sound like you need much processing power really. I have a 2018 MBP 13 which I use fairly heavily (large external display with 20 apps open including number crunching with Matlab and Photoshop), but even still, today I'd go Air since the difference in spec isn't that much, while the Air is smaller, lighter, cheaper with (slightly) better battery life.

What user story do you have?

Are you looking for easy luggability so you can hang out in coffee shops?

Are you doing lots of online research and have lots of internet tabs open flicking between stuff?

Do you want lots of screen space to put your words in?

How good’s your eyesight?

Will you use a separate monitor for the big stuff?

Sat on an air here I've been using my own machine as much as possible rather than the hateful antiquated HP PC work have given me to use.

I'd defo get an air for your use. They're lovely machines.

Assuming 13” for both, Air is fine for that use. Pro is better if you’re doing heavy stuff for longer (video editing, etc) as it’s less likely to get hot enough to throttle.

I’d probably pay the extra for 16GB RAM though.

Thanks all, sounds like an air is the way to go (as much as I thought) yeah I’ll be using the uni discount with Apple. Won’t be using it in coffee shops etc 😂 I do have a field trip next year but won’t be taking it out into the field.... A few tabs open whilst typing a word doc is my usual MO, I can always use my iPad as another screen?

Just updated my 10 yr old air to the latest 2020 version. Can say its better in any specific way other than being faster, but thats good, because the old one was pretty much perfect already so Im pleased they didn't screw this version up (but pls Apple can I have MagSafe back?). Get the air.

It does sound like the Air is good enough fro your needs - and if your iPad is fairly recent there is a new feature called 'sidecar' that allows you to use it as a second screen - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210380

Perfect, thanks all!

Basic Macbook - neither Air or Pro IMHO

I moved from a 2017 macbook to a 2019 macbook air. The only advantage is the extra USB c slot and the slightly bigger screen. The macbook also doesn't have a fan which makes it quieter and nicer to use.

Refurb store of course.

If you have a proper desk where you do most of your work I would recommend getting a couple of external monitors to work with. You can do your writing in one and reserach, email etc. in the other. I have this setup at work and it improves my productivity markedly. The monitors are just Acer HD 27" screens so nothing fancy but work well for me.

I use them with a Lenovo ThinkPad 13 - not as sleek and sexy as a Apple device but has been pretty bullet proof.

Just to add my own (very expensive) experience.
I bought my daughter a Mac Book Pro for her 18th Birthday -£2k. She loved it. I was the best Dad in the world etc.
Then I bought her a Mac Book Air - £1K as a graduation gift. She loves it. I'm the best Dad in the world etc.
The Mac Book Pro hasn't seen the light of day since she got the Air and she's planning on using the Air for her MSc.
The Mac Book Pro sits on the bookshelf like a very expensive ornament.

Seriously consider getting the Pro, but at the last minute buy the new Air, and with the money you save get a decent SSD external hard drive and a external monitor which can become your telly as well.

And with the change.....buy several beers, no, dozens, no, more .

If you have a proper desk where you do most of your work I would recommend getting a couple of external monitors to work with.

Or just use Spaces? Much easier and neater than having two additional monitors. I use several - one for work, one for internet, one for accounting, one for internal discussion (using Slack) and one spare. A quick F4 and I can drag to re-arrange to suit any particular need.

Depending on the course, it would be wise to check what software you are required to use. Some specialist software might be Windows or Mac specific, or there may be differences in the functionality between Windows and Mac versions.

If you buy a premium Windows machine for the same money you'll pay for a Mac, you'll find they are a huge improvement over the low-end machines.

Basic Macbook – neither Air or Pro IMHO

It's 2020 now. Are you referring to the retired, overpriced, slow, and next to useless 12" MacBook.. or one of the even older legacy ones?

Options now (new anyway) are... 13" Retina Air (a top spec one of these would be great for all but graphics), 13" Pro (avoid the lower spec ones here, as they offer little that the Air doesn't, but the ergonomics aren't as good) or 16" Pro (great for graphics.. but still, if you're typing thousands of words regularly, you'll still end up plugging in a keyboard and mouse).

I'd go for an Air. I got a Pro a few years ago to be future proof and it's good but, in retrospect, I'd prefer the lighter weight of the Air.

Or just use Spaces? Much easier and neater than having two additional monitors. I use several – one for work, one for internet, one for accounting, one for internal discussion (using Slack) and one spare. A quick F4 and I can drag to re-arrange to suit any particular need.

It's not really the same, though - with an extra monitor you can have your source material open full-screen on one monitor, and the document you're working on open on the other.

These days you can get some pretty good wide aspect monitors that are less hassle than running two separate ones and give you the same advantages

The Mac Book Pro sits on the bookshelf like a very expensive ornament.

I'll dispose of it for you.

These days you can get some pretty good wide aspect monitors that are less hassle than running two separate ones and give you the same advantages

That would also work. Although I just use the laptop as a secondary screen, and do most of the work on the main (external) screen - it's only 24" but I'm not sure anything much larger would really fit on my desk 🙂

Sidecar is great for using iPads as extra monitors... if you're tight for space.

It’s not really the same, though – with an extra monitor you can have your source material open full-screen on one monitor, and the document you’re working on open on the other.

I agree, but I was responding to the post about having TWO external monitors.
This comment:

I would recommend getting a couple of external monitors to work with

I use Spaces with a single external monitor and find it works very well. My lovely ultra-widescreen monitor is stuck at work right now so making do with an older 25'' widescreen.

Some specialist software might be Windows or Mac specific, or there may be differences in the functionality between Windows and Mac versions.

Worth considering - as I found out this week on another thready, MS Excel for Mac (for instance) is limited compared to the PC version.

Looks like you're sold on the Mac anyway, but I always think that despite the initial layout, the value for money isn't bad when I compare the Macs I've had (usually get 6-7 years as a main computer) to the lower priced Dells and Sonys (more like 3 years)

I agree, but I was responding to the post about having TWO external monitors.

Ah, fair enough 🙂

I always think that despite the initial layout, the value for money isn’t bad when I compare the Macs I’ve had (usually get 6-7 years as a main computer) to the lower priced Dells and Sonys (more like 3 years)

They might have a slightly higher resale value, but for a similarly priced Windows machine I'd expect to get the same amount of use out of it (possible even slightly more, as they're often easier to add more RAM to etc). All of my personal Windows PCs have lasted for at least that many years, apart from the one I spilled beer over but I'm not going to blame Bill Gates for that failure...

I have both and use the Air more often as its so much more ergonomic. The pro only comes out for serious business

@dakuan out of interest which one did you buy first and whatever it was lacking get solved by the second purchase?

I have and use both. The Air is a much better shape to do work on, the Pro has more grunt without getting hot or noisy. I'm sure they could combine the wedge shape of the Air with the power and heat dissipation of a Pro... now that they don't have to squeeze discs into any laptop... it's maddening that they don't.

As for anyone still fretting about Windows support, like this is 2010... don't. Either use Virtual Box if you come across a few Windows tools you need and can't find a Mac equivalent for.. or go the whole hog and give you Mac the full split personality...

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/boot-camp

If you just want a Mac then that's perfectly reasonable, but your reasoning is flawed. If you paid Apple money for a Windows laptop I absolutely guarantee that it won't have any of the issues you list. The problem isn't "Windows laptops," it's spending £300 on a laptop and then comparing it with something costing four figures.

Your use case is primarily Microsoft Office. You're proposing to pay double the price of a PC laptop for something that will do an inferior job. It's the wrong tool for the job in this instance, IMHO.

I have a monster i7 MacBook Pro, the last with a DVD drive. It's nice to use but a boat anchor. I also have a nice HP work laptop that is half the weight an 13.3" screen. Also fine.

Looking for what you do, I'd probably go with a MS Surface now. Apple have little answer to that at the moment. I think Apple are moving iOS towards a standalone operating system and then iPads will be detachable MacBook Airs. But the surface is already there.

For Office we are moving to Teams on all devices. Seems to be Ok, but some of the apps are a bit unstable (PPT) and outlook isn't in Teams (yet). This connectedness is where things are going and platform is not a factor.

I'm still using an Air that I bought nearly ten years ago, during which time it's seen off 3 windows laptops that have been supplied by my employer.

My Air is on all day, every day, writing reports, browsing, listening to music, streaming TV and PP presentations. I use Office (although I hate Word) and if wasn't for the fact that some of the educational institutions don't support Apple with their testing software, I would never use a PC.

For the first 5 years of it's life it was thrown into a laptop bag and carted around the country. It always boots up in seconds and rarely crashes. When I had a problem with the keyboard it was replaced FOC despite being out of my warranty period.

Yes it cost 4 figures, but nearly ten years use out of a laptop that has had so much use is a bargain to me. Apple's back up has been superb too. If it died tomorrow I'd be buying another a few hours later.

As others have said the Air is much nicer to type on than my neighbours Pro.

It’s 2020 now. Are you referring to the retired, overpriced, slow, and next to useless 12″ MacBook.. or one of the even older legacy ones?

Oooooof how very dare you my 12" MacBook was none of those things thanyouverymuch.

I see they are discontinued though 😭

I think Cougar hit the nail on the head.

I also think purchasing laptops to be futureproof is a bit of a false economy as at the top end stuff you pay 100% more to get something 30% faster, ends up better value to get a more mid range machine and change every 4 years rather than keeping a high end machine for 8 years.

Future proofing peripheral interface is a bit more tangible.

If I was in position of OP i'd be looking at my overall setup for productivity, setting up a nice screen, desk, seat, keyboard, using neat USB-C hub which should be a supported interface for several years to come and use a mid range laptop and laptop stand so it also works as a 2nd screen.

Yes it cost 4 figures, but nearly ten years use out of a laptop that has had so much use is a bargain to me.

My 17" Dell laptop cost me £600 and has been in daily used since 2008. If mine dies tomorrow and you get another 10 years out of yours (assuming your "4 figures" is 'only' £1,000), you'll have caught me up in cost/year. Good luck! (-:

(This isn't strictly true, it's had a few upgrades over the years, SSD and the like. But, y'know.)

If you are not a graphic designer or on IT professional I'd suggest saving your valuable student pennies and getting something like a Chromebook.

For what you are speccing £250 will get you a great device, then get a monitor for home/apartment work.

Oooooof how very dare you

Sorry. But those 12” MacBooks were the kind of device that gets propeller heads on their “Apple laptops are underpowered and overpriced” rants. It actually was both those things… even if it was a lovely handbag and flip up travel table friendly physical design.

Oh, and OP, ignore the Chromebook suggestion for Uni work. Thin clients have been the future since I was at Uni… but the world still expects you to have a fully functioning stand alone computer. There will be a need to close the chromebook and open a PC/Mac/Unix machine at some point on your course, guaranteed.

It actually was both those things…

Mine really wasn't and for the OP's described use, it would be fine. YMMV

Oh wow people are still doing the Mac Vs pc thing? How quaint

Typing this on an early 2014 MacBook Air. Still does everything I need it to do. The only thing I've ever had to do is replace the battery a few months ago and when it does die it be replaced with another Mac.

As you said they Just work, I ve always said if you like messing around and altering things get a pc or android phone if you just want to get on and happy with the programs and apps available go Apple. Been using Apple since 2004 when I got an iBook 12" after getting fed up with my PC and have never regretted it.

As for the price look at the premium models of a lot of makes and they are comparable to Apple prices. One of the big things with Apple is they make the actual computer and operating system and if you have anything else Apple they just work with each other without any hassle.

Pro or Air imo would be good just get the best one with the max ram that you can afford.

I ve always said if you like messing around and altering things get a pc

Once you deep dive into the Mac (Unix) terminal, I’d argue macs are more customisable (Than Windows).

That said, Windows 10 is decent. The ergonomic gap between OS X and Windows is narrowing. I still prefer Mac OS but it’s not streets ahead like it was 5-8 years ago.

Your use case is primarily Microsoft Office. You’re proposing to pay double the price of a PC laptop for something that will do an inferior job. It’s the wrong tool for the job in this instance, IMHO.

Mrs FD bought an Air roughly the same time I bought a £500 Windows laptop 8 yrs ago. My laptop got bloated and slow, and fell apart 3 years in and I gave up on it. Since then I’ve had works laptops of varying quality and ability, most requiring to be plugged in to the mains after a year or two.

All the time the Air has just worked as soon as you open the lid, never frozen, battery still strong etc etc.

Will be looking at another Air if and when this current one dies

For all the nice hardware you can get a PC with, it still runs windows, which is still to this day bloody awful. I have the misfortune of using a PC occasionally at work and it makes me want to smash it in every time. Its still way behind Mac OS in terms of usability despite having up to date windows. Get the air 😉 Hardware only does so much, its the software and OS that makes the machine and in that regard Mac wins hands down still. They also make nice hardware too.

Pages and numbers (mac equivalent of Word and Excel) although lacking some features vs. the windows equivalents are way nicer to use so you don't need the Windows versions, and don't even start on Keynote Vs Powerpoint....

Its still way behind Mac OS in terms of usability despite having up to date windows

Whatever you are used to seems intuitive and easier to use. I have a MBP at work. I used the Mac OS for a bit, but it really wasn't intuitive the way Windows is. I use some specialized software that is Windows only, so ended up just running Windows on it in Bootcamp. I'm sure someone who was a long-term Mac user would have exactly the opposite experience if they tried to switch too.

Pages and numbers (mac equivalent of Word and Excel) although lacking some features vs. the windows equivalents are way nicer to use so you don’t need the Windows versions,

This is where you might run into serious problems. For most people doing everyday stuff, the Apple stuff is probably fine. The reason those extra features are there (especially in Excel) is that some people really do need them. If you are one of those people, you have to run MS Office, and you are better to do that on Windows because the Mac versions (apparently) lack some features. The software I use in my work to analyze data is Windows only and uses Excel to generate charts. The chart generation does not work with OpenOffice, etc. The software will still run fine and output the results as tables, but having to manually generate the charts would be an enormous amount of work.

So, the idea that a Mac can do everything a Windows machine can do is not always the case, the same with the "you don't need MS Office" argument. It is probably true for what most people do most of the time, but it's not universal. If the OP is doing university courses, it's a really good idea to check what software they will need to run and make sure they have a machine that is compatible.

I mean, you can just run windows on a Mac for the very rare occasions when you actually need it. I have a bootcamp partition and I can't remember when I last used it. Gah I fell into the trap.

I mean, you can just run windows on a Mac for the very rare occasions when you actually need it.

If you need Windows but don't need Mac, you are better to get a dedicated Windows machine. It's a PITA having to reboot to switch OS. Parallels is also a PITA.

The reason those extra features are there (especially in Excel) is that some people really do need them. If you are one of those people, you have to run MS Office, and you are better to do that on Windows because the Mac versions (apparently) lack some features.

Not sure thats the case anymore. Excel was way behind on the Mac for a long time but the latest versions seem pretty close to the windows versions. Im sure there's some exceptions with function support but the OP doesn't sound like thats going to be an issue. Of course if you have 3rd party software that hooks into Excel then you might be stuck on windows. I feel for you 😉

Im sure there’s some exceptions with function support but the OP doesn’t sound like thats going to be an issue.

The smart thing to do is check this before hitting the "buy" button.

Still on my 2013 11" macbook air, its been a great little machine and still is actually for what the OP needs, having a hard time justifying a replacement, but an apple silicon air, hopefully later this year, might push me to upgrade. If you don't need it right now, I'd hold off until these new macs are announced.

There's a list of some of the features missing from the MacOS version of office. It's from 2018 so might be out of date:

https://www.howtogeek.com/340435/whats-the-difference-between-microsoft-office-for-windows-and-macos/

I use a mac at home and windows at work, all on an office 365 license so all apps are the 'latest' version. I'm far from a 'power' user but did find a few niggles in OneNote when using Class Notebooks on the mac - I usually found a decent workaround on my phone though.

I've been using a Mac long enough now that I would seriously consider buying one out of my own money if I no longer had access to them through work. And that's unlike me, because I'm tight. But that's mainly down to my requirements; there's not much in the way of alternatives when it comes to Linux based systems with widespread support for software.

If the main use-case is MS Office, it's difficult to look past a Windows PC. In fact as much as I've grown to like Macs, Finder is the most frustrating thing on there, file management in Windows is far superior in my opinion. You're less likely to run into any software compatibility issues, either with what is required for your course, or with your peers. And depending on what you're studying and what your goals are, it could well be that you land a job working on a Windows machine, where you have to get your head around the many subtle, and sometimes not so subtle differences in the software and keyboard layout.

I switch between Mac (2009 iMac) and Windows (2012 100% solid state laptop) a number of times every day. Can't say I am bothered which I am using, both have their pros and cons and I just get on and use whatever is in front of me.
Both machines are sill performing fine but the solid state Windows laptop is still very fast whereas the Mac feels slower. Maybe it always did but agin doesn't really make a whole lot of difference as both do what I need to work from for 8 hours a day with a few hours of leisure time thrown in.

If the Mac was to blow up I would probably get another one as it is on display and they still look nicer than any other home computer on the market and that would be the only differentiator for me.

My daughter has my old 2012 MacBook Air for Uni. She loves it and it appears to be the 'laptop of choice' for most students. I used it for four years before handing it over and never had an issue with it. As Kelvin says it's easier to type on than a MBP.

I've two MBPs since, the one with the horrible keyboard and the latest 16in one. It's a brilliant machine. I bought the MBP because I worked away a lot and wanted the bigger screen. It's noticably heavier tho.

So yeah get the Air.

I currently have a Dell desktop, a Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and a 17" Lenovo Ideapad that I bought a couple of years ago - it has an i3 and is an awful POS.

I like having a big laptop for when I'm working at a remote/site office and I'm looking to replace the Lenovo.

I use them all for music, Netflix, Lightroom etc and on the work side, just Excel, Word and Adobe PDF editor. All my work stuff is saved on OneDrive for access across all machines.

The natural choice for me, would be something like a Dell XPS 17 for a decent spec laptop - however, would my workflow suffer for moving to a MBP 16 for my big laptop duties?