MacBook Pro or Air

starbearer on 24/01/2017 - 17:16
Last edited 24/01/2017 - 17:26

Hello All,

Continuing from the saga mentioned here, I've now decided to convert to the dark(white?) side. Not sure which exact Macbook I want but my main requirements are surfing, facebook, office docs (word, excel, powerpoint) and a bit of image and video editing… not too intensive.

I would think that the Air would be sufficient for my needs. However, I'm unsure on which version and year model I should buy. My budget is $1200-1400 but can extend to 1500 if its a really cracker of a deal. Are there any offers on going or expected for OzDay?

Thanks in advance!

Computing

Comments

  • gasman70 on 24/01/2017 - 18:02

    "Get a Surface Pro 4" is probably not the answer you were looking for?

    • starbearer on 24/01/2017 - 18:16
      +1

      Probably not. I do have a windows laptop which work provides me. Trying something different this time.

  • b-t on 24/01/2017 - 18:33
    +2

    I bought myself a MacBook Pro 2016, 15 inch with Touch-Bar and I kind of regret it (mainly because of it's $3599 price tag and it's quite glitchy if you haven't read the news).

    I would suggest the newest MacBook (not Air) which would cost you $1999 brand new so a bit over budget but I think it's quite worth it.

    If I could choose again, I'd probably choose the MacBook over my current MacBook Pro.

    • atj on 24/01/2017 - 19:06

      I don't mean to be rude but you'd go from a 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 with 16GB of RAM to a 1.1Ghz dual-core m3 with 8GB?

      • donga100 on 24/01/2017 - 19:18

        a 1.1Ghz dual-core m3 with 8GB

        They charge $2k for that?! No wonder people say they are expensive. I honestly had no idea.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2017 - 19:03

    Xiaomi Air
    good laptop and feature packed

  • atj on 24/01/2017 - 19:05

    MacBook Air screens are 'ok' for 2011 but for 2017 they're pretty dire. Unless you intend to use an external monitor most of the time, a MacBook while slower (but probably not noticeably so for the tasks you've listed) is probably a better buy. You can get a refurbished 2016 MacBook for $1689 from the Apple online store.

  • Shopaholicdesi on 24/01/2017 - 19:56

    PROs GET A PRO

  • nicholasfrawley on 24/01/2017 - 20:47
    +1

    Can get a 2015 Air from Cashies for like $1000

  • starbearer on 24/01/2017 - 21:48

    Thanks all for the advice on the surfaces and Xiaomi's. However keeping true to this sub-forum's name, can you guys come back on track and find me a bargain on a MacBook?

    • atj on 25/01/2017 - 09:06
      +1

      There's not really any bargains to be had. You can wait for another 10% off sale at The Good Guys or JB HiFI (might be a good option if you can get discounted gift cards), look for a reseller doing a discount and then get OfficeWorks to beat it by 5%, or buy a refurbished machine (~15% off). Other than that, OfficeWorks discounted the 2015 MacBook to $1350 in June last year so maybe they'll discount the 2016 around the same time this year. That's a ways off and a maybe at best though.

    • klaw81 on 25/01/2017 - 11:16
      +1

      Bargain
      MacBook

      Pick one :-)

      More seriously, the Air is the obvious choice. It's very outdated and the screen is pretty ordinary, but it's otherwise a very serviceable machine that you should be able to get a few hard years out of. It's definitely too expensive, considering its age and the competition, but that's par for the course if you want to go down the Apple route. IMO get a refurb or 2nd-hand one to lessen the blow a little.

      The only good reason to go for the 13" MacBook Pro is if you're willing to pay an extra ~$600 for a much better screen and bigger touchpad. You don't need the extra power for your tasks.

      The 12" MacBook is also an option, but unless you're a planning to live on the road where size and weight is your biggest priority, it's way too expensive to consider.

  • 0FoxGiven on 25/01/2017 - 14:46
    +1

    Not exactly a bargain..
    You can go for the cheaper 128gb variant for either the pro or the Air and expand on the space using a Micro Sd card paired with one of these. To know how that works, watch this

    I myself bought an Air in 2014 because its much lighter, cheaper, portable and suits my purposes. Its still going strong and works just like how it used to the day I bought it. Dependable laptops these are when compared to windows laptop

    • starbearer on 25/01/2017 - 18:35

      Brilliant… Might give this a try.

  • starbearer on 28/01/2017 - 19:09

    Used this deal along with Officeworks price beat for an effective 14.53% total off.

    Would've bought the 2015 one with the USB ports but coz of this nice discount, couldn't resist.

    Thanks all for your suggestions.

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