• Best of luck to the class of 2024 for their HSC exams. You got this!
    Let us know your thoughts on the HSC exams here
  • YOU can help the next generation of students in the community!
    Share your trial papers and notes on our Notes & Resources page
MedVision ad

Macbook Pro vs Macbook Air for University (1 Viewer)

lanagabrail

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2013
Messages
5
Gender
Female
HSC
2014
Any advice on which laptop is better for uni? Air is lighter but i've heard the Pro lasts longer..

HELP !
 

QZP

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Messages
839
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
2014
Such a shallow question... the answer is it depends on what your requirements are.
 

CaptainPrice

Active Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2012
Messages
396
Gender
Male
HSC
2014
If what you'll be using for is non-intensive, get the Air.
 

astroman

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 12, 2014
Messages
7,069
Location
Las Vegas
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
both are great machines, i have the pro and it works a charm for heavy work, the slower processor of the air might slow you down
 

Trans4M

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
1,225
Gender
Male
HSC
2010
Uni Grad
2016
There is barely a difference in weight now. If you are simply using a laptop for work and want to save money then get the 13" Air. If money isn't an issue then just get the 13" Pro. It's only about $200 difference and the Pro provides you with more. I believe the 13" Pro has 9 hours battery life? That is more than enough to last you a day at uni. The Air's 12 hour battery life does sound tempting but I doubt you will be using your Mac for 12 hours straight and even then you can always charge your laptop at uni.
 

MiseryParade

Active Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2011
Messages
155
Gender
Female
HSC
2013
Get the Pro if you care about having a nice screen (I didn't), need the extra processing power (I didn't), or want to "future proof" your machine (I didn't - I plan to upgrade every 2-3 years). My Air is my main computer, and it's basically a Facebook machine that sometimes runs OneNote and Youtube. It does everything I want it to do perfectly (flawless user experience, fast and snappy, very light and portable, great battery life), probably because my degree doesn't need me to run intense programs like CAD nor do I game on it. I'm very satisfied with my Air and would recommend it if it suits your needs.
 

OzKo

Retired
Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
9,892
Gender
Male
HSC
2009
Uni Grad
2013
Go with the Air. It's a reasonable proposition if you prioritise weight and battery life.

If you want a laptop with actual performance, avoid Apple.
 

kast

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2013
Messages
33
Location
Australia
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
Uni Grad
2017
What do you need it for? If you're just going to be viewing slides and writing essays on it, all you need is a light inexpensive laptop with MS Word...
 

seremify007

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
10,059
Location
Sydney, Australia
Gender
Male
HSC
2005
Uni Grad
2009
Air. Unless you need specialised software or lots of power to run your programs, then go Air. It's lighter, more portable, cheaper, etc...

If you can wait though, I'd hold out as rumours suggest a new Macbook Air will be out this month. That being said the current Macbook Air shape has remained unchanged pretty much (bar the Magsafe power plug) for the past three or four years. It still looks good though.
 

obliviousninja

(╯°□°)╯━︵ ┻━┻ - - - -
Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
6,624
Location
Sydney Girls
Gender
Female
HSC
2013
Uni Grad
2017
Pro.

Not really much heavier or less portable.

Worth the price you are paying for the extra specs.
 

astroman

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 12, 2014
Messages
7,069
Location
Las Vegas
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
i also suggest you get an external drive, my mac pro's 128ssd got full fast since i use it for everything, so i store all stuff on an external 2tb drive.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top