[Maverick27]

Hi - i'm a website designer, so the emphasis of my work is Top Notch Artwork & multitasking btwn heavy resource applications.

I want to invest in a Apple Laptop, can a Mackook Guru hlp me decide on which one ?

1. Do i go for Pro or AIR ?
2. 13 inch is ideal for my budget, since the bigger screens are more expensive.
3. As a current user of Windows based laptop, i use MS Excel heavily for programming & analysis for website maintenance.
Does Macbook have spreadsheet version to allow me to do just that ?
4. I'm currently using a 2GB RAM laptop & find it quite slow, especially when i'm switching btwn applns.
5. HD disk is not so important since i save all my work to an Ext. Hard disk.

Somebody pls help, which Macbook is suitable for me ?

Mave

[smax013]

Maverick27, on 18 January 2013 - 06:26 AM, said:

Hi - i'm a website designer, so the emphasis of my work is Top Notch Artwork & multitasking btwn heavy resource applications.

I want to invest in a Apple Laptop, can a Mackook Guru hlp me decide on which one ?

1. Do i go for Pro or AIR ?
2. 13 inch is ideal for my budget, since the bigger screens are more expensive.
3. As a current user of Windows based laptop, i use MS Excel heavily for programming & analysis for website maintenance.
Does Macbook have spreadsheet version to allow me to do just that ?
4. I'm currently using a 2GB RAM laptop & find it quite slow, especially when i'm switching btwn applns.
5. HD disk is not so important since i save all my work to an Ext. Hard disk.

Somebody pls help, which Macbook is suitable for me ?

Mave

First the easy one...

Microsoft makes a Mac version of Office, so you will be able to get Excel for any new Mac that you might get. And the Mac version of Excel will be almost 100% interchangeable with Windows (the current version does have the "Ribbon" interface like the Windows version, but you also actually still get the traditional menus, unlike the Windows version).

As to which Mac, if you are only looking at the 13" Air and the 13" Pro, then the functional differences are 1) available processors; 2) storage type and capacity; 3) Screen resolution; 4) available ports; and 5) size/weight.

1) The 13" Pro will have faster/more power processors available. Thus, if you need every little ounce of speed possible, then the Pro would be the better choice.

2) The 13" Air and 13" MBP Retina will have SSD storage, while the 13" MBP "regular" will have a hard drive. So, if you want more internal drive space without breaking the bank, then you will want the "regular" 13" MBP. Otherwise, the others will work fine. Since you mentioned that you would likely use external storage, then this difference it likely moot for you.

3) The 13" MBP Retina has the best and highest resolution screen. The 13" Air is actually the second highest resolution, while the "regular" 13" Pro has a slightly lower resolution than the 13" Air. They all use the same graphics chip...an Intel HD Graphics 4000.

4) With regards to ports, the 13" Air is the clear "loser". It only has two USB 3.0 ports and a Thunderbolt port. It does also have an SD card slot. The 13" Pro Retina adds a second Thunderbolt port and an HDMI port to what the 13" Air offers. The "regular" 13" Pro adds a Firewire 800 port and Ethernet port to what the 13" Air offers. Thus, if you need the added ports that either type of the 13" Pro offers, then they likely will be the better option.

5) The 13" Air is thinner and lighter than either the 13" Pro models, so if "smaller" and lighter is better for you, then the Air would be the better choice.

Beyond those things, there is not much else different. All of them max out at 8 GB of RAM (although some base models come with 4 GB by default, but are upgradeable to 8 GB...just keep in mind that for the Air and the Pro Retina, you CANNOT upgrade the ram "after the fact"...i.e. after you buy it...as the RAM is part of the motherboard.

If you are in fact also considering the 15" Pro, then that potentially adds the complexity of possibly getting a better graphics system/chip. If you are considering the 11" Air, then it is basically on par with the 13" Air except a smaller screen, a slightly less powerful processor, less battery life, and no SD card slot.

A couple questions...

How much do you plan to use the laptop while "out and about" versus using it at home on a desk? I ask because this might help decide if a more portable Air is better than the slightly heavier/thicker Pro.

When you talk about doing artwork, what program do you use? I am kind of assuming Photoshop and/or Illustrator. If you are using Photoshop and working are very large photos and applying filters, etc frequently, then the slight extra power/speed you can get from the 13" Pro processors might be worth it.

In the end, any of the 13" MacBooks will likely be nominally similar in overall performance for you. The 13" Pros might give a slightly more power than the 13" Air, but then the 13" Air might offer slightly better portability.

[Maverick27]

smax013, on 18 January 2013 - 01:38 PM, said:

Maverick27, on 18 January 2013 - 06:26 AM, said:

Hi - i'm a website designer, so the emphasis of my work is Top Notch Artwork & multitasking btwn heavy resource applications.

I want to invest in a Apple Laptop, can a Mackook Guru hlp me decide on which one ?

1. Do i go for Pro or AIR ?
2. 13 inch is ideal for my budget, since the bigger screens are more expensive.
3. As a current user of Windows based laptop, i use MS Excel heavily for programming & analysis for website maintenance.
Does Macbook have spreadsheet version to allow me to do just that ?
4. I'm currently using a 2GB RAM laptop & find it quite slow, especially when i'm switching btwn applns.
5. HD disk is not so important since i save all my work to an Ext. Hard disk.

Somebody pls help, which Macbook is suitable for me ?

Mave

First the easy one...

Microsoft makes a Mac version of Office, so you will be able to get Excel for any new Mac that you might get. And the Mac version of Excel will be almost 100% interchangeable with Windows (the current version does have the "Ribbon" interface like the Windows version, but you also actually still get the traditional menus, unlike the Windows version).

As to which Mac, if you are only looking at the 13" Air and the 13" Pro, then the functional differences are 1) available processors; 2) storage type and capacity; 3) Screen resolution; 4) available ports; and 5) size/weight.

1) The 13" Pro will have faster/more power processors available. Thus, if you need every little ounce of speed possible, then the Pro would be the better choice.

2) The 13" Air and 13" MBP Retina will have SSD storage, while the 13" MBP "regular" will have a hard drive. So, if you want more internal drive space without breaking the bank, then you will want the "regular" 13" MBP. Otherwise, the others will work fine. Since you mentioned that you would likely use external storage, then this difference it likely moot for you.

3) The 13" MBP Retina has the best and highest resolution screen. The 13" Air is actually the second highest resolution, while the "regular" 13" Pro has a slightly lower resolution than the 13" Air. They all use the same graphics chip...an Intel HD Graphics 4000.

4) With regards to ports, the 13" Air is the clear "loser". It only has two USB 3.0 ports and a Thunderbolt port. It does also have an SD card slot. The 13" Pro Retina adds a second Thunderbolt port and an HDMI port to what the 13" Air offers. The "regular" 13" Pro adds a Firewire 800 port and Ethernet port to what the 13" Air offers. Thus, if you need the added ports that either type of the 13" Pro offers, then they likely will be the better option.

5) The 13" Air is thinner and lighter than either the 13" Pro models, so if "smaller" and lighter is better for you, then the Air would be the better choice.

Beyond those things, there is not much else different. All of them max out at 8 GB of RAM (although some base models come with 4 GB by default, but are upgradeable to 8 GB...just keep in mind that for the Air and the Pro Retina, you CANNOT upgrade the ram "after the fact"...i.e. after you buy it...as the RAM is part of the motherboard.

If you are in fact also considering the 15" Pro, then that potentially adds the complexity of possibly getting a better graphics system/chip. If you are considering the 11" Air, then it is basically on par with the 13" Air except a smaller screen, a slightly less powerful processor, less battery life, and no SD card slot.

A couple questions...

How much do you plan to use the laptop while "out and about" versus using it at home on a desk? I ask because this might help decide if a more portable Air is better than the slightly heavier/thicker Pro.

When you talk about doing artwork, what program do you use? I am kind of assuming Photoshop and/or Illustrator. If you are using Photoshop and working are very large photos and applying filters, etc frequently, then the slight extra power/speed you can get from the 13" Pro processors might be worth it.

In the end, any of the 13" MacBooks will likely be nominally similar in overall performance for you. The 13" Pros might give a slightly more power than the 13" Air, but then the 13" Air might offer slightly better portability.

Hi - thanks for a concise, elaborate reply. A real eye-opener.

1. I'm not someone who likes to carry laptops around, so portability is "NOT" a factor.
2.. I use Corel Draw & Photoshop
3. I've been using Windows based laptop for last 15 years. I'm told the Leapord O/S (or whatever is called) is far superior than Windows in performance.
4. The 15 Inch model prices are more expensive than 13", almost 40% MORE. Not worth it.
5. Being able to upgrade the RAM is something very important. That said, i'm not some kind of super user. Currently, with 2GB RAM laptop i find it relatively slow. With 4GB or 8GB would be just perfect.

It think, i 'll go for 13" Pro.

Cheeky qtn: where would be cheapest place to buy ProBook, is it US or Dubai (or anywhere else) ?? These days, it's very easy to buy it On-line & have it couriered. I'm working in Kenya as a IT Consultant, though based & living in Australia. It's going to be while b'4 i head back to Australia.

Mave

[icerabbit]

Are you aware of the following comparison page:

http://www.apple.com.../notebooks.html

Pay attention to the screen resolution. I don't know what resolutions you are used to working with, but if you do anything intense with graphics or spreadsheets, then you need pixels. Considering your activities, interest in the 13" model, and if this is going to be primary system; then I think the MacBook Pro 13" with Retina Display would be the way to go. 3rd party memory is cheaper than pre-installed by Apple.

Regarding purchase options. I think most people like to buy in the US and fly it home, as things are more expensive outside the US it seems, also considering the typical 20-25% sales/luxury tax. Apple does have a price lock on all their products with all the major retailers, and makes them all adhere to manufacturer suggested retail pricing. The benefit of a few states here is that a product can be purchased retail without sales tax. Typically a 5%-9% savings. The trick would be to have a store in such a state ship the item to you and prepare the documentation for international customs. They may not like enter into a transaction with someone from abroad. I had the opposite issue a number of weeks ago where I needed to order a product in Europe and all stores refused my American credit cards. The credit card processors in Europe had some type of card origin lockout. Despite me have called the US based companies with pre-approval to charge a certain amount, so that it wouldn't get red flagged as fraud ... and me having called the store in Europe. Should you want a lead for store here that does internet sales without sales tax, I could send you a note via private message in the forum.

[Cubytus32]

smax013, on 18 January 2013 - 01:38 PM, said:

(...)
2) The 13" Air and 13" MBP Retina will have SSD storage, while the 13" MBP "regular" will have a hard drive. So, if you want more internal drive space without breaking the bank, then you will want the "regular" 13" MBP. Otherwise, the others will work fine. Since you mentioned that you would likely use external storage, then this difference it likely moot for you.

For storage size, don't underestimate the size of your music library. It can fill a large chunk of the internal hard drive even if you don't put work-related data in it.

Quote

Beyond those things, there is not much else different. All of them max out at 8 GB of RAM (although some base models come with 4 GB by default, but are upgradeable to 8 GB...just keep in mind that for the Air and the Pro Retina, you CANNOT upgrade the ram "after the fact"...i.e. after you buy it...as the RAM is part of the motherboard.

Not true. The MBP non-retina (still sold and also very powerful) maxes out at 16GB, user-upgradeable.

Maverick27, on 18 January 2013 - 10:29 PM, said:

(...)
3. I've been using Windows based laptop for last 15 years. I'm told the Leapord O/S (or whatever is called) is far superior than Windows in performance.

Honestly, that is not true anymore comparing Windows 7 to Lion. Just a question of what you're used to.

Quote

4. The 15 Inch model prices are more expensive than 13", almost 40% MORE. Not worth it.

Still, this would seem to be your best bet considering your applications. They come with a larger screen but also more powerful-everything, CPU and graphics card. So more than screen size involved here.