Macbook Pro vs Air
- Started 11 years ago
- Last post 10 years ago
- 21 Responses
- JG_LB
I'm assuming most of yous have a PRO but am wondering does anyone have experience running any Photoshop or any Adobe programs on an AIR?
- hardhat0
air = fine. just make sure you max out ram
think of what your current machine is and compare specs against new airs
- JG_LB0
Considering maybe selling my 2009 Pro and getting an Air but want to make sure it can handle photography / print design needs...
- check monitor connections -- not sure if you can attach to larger screen. if that matters to youGnash
- Yes, if you need to power two monitors, you'll want the better video card of the Retina Pro. (Iris Pro Graphics)********
- true actually.********
- ********0
I have the 13" Retina Pro and people often ask me "How does your Macbook Air run Photoshop?". It's that thin.
- ********0
Considering I have a MacBook from late 2007 with 4GB RAM...
And that I keep myself well informed ;)
In my case an Air would be totally okay.But I seriously consider in buying a second hand pre-Retina Pro when this one dies.
This to say that I have the same opinion as hardhat.
If you really don't edit (heavy) videos and it's just for print an Air suits well.
- uan0
the worst thing is you get a 13-inch display with 'only' 1440 by 900px. performance wise, it's ok when maxed out.
but that little space to design in is a a bit of a problem imo.
also, buyers guide is expecting a new model soon next year (retina)
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com…- true, although i would mostly use it on location or on set when i'm shooting.JG_LB
- pinkfloyd0
The 13" macbook airs are 850 now at best buys.
- spl33nidoru0
like uan said, the new macbook air is due in april 2015, with new thinner design and processor likely to handle photoshop much better.
- 12" is really small. Go try an 11.6" MB Air. Not usable for work, imho.********
- I agree, i wouldn't use those for anything other than text. But thought JG_LB should know.spl33nidoru
- 12" is really small. Go try an 11.6" MB Air. Not usable for work, imho.
- Miguex0
The mac book air is great for showing clients work and for facebook
For design work, specially ifs going to be your main computer, just get the real laptop workstation man, why even risk it?
Isn't the Air worth a lot more than the real computer version just because it's thinner anyways?- you'll be saving money and get better performance specs... just sayinMiguex
- All your work will look better on a Retina screen, though!********
- sem0
There is no VS in this question.
Its like saying PS4 vs Ps Vita.
If you can get a Macbook Pro but get an Air instead to save a few bucks then you're making a bad move. Invest in your tools.
- pinkfloyd0
I'm thinking about going with a thinkpad. Anyone have one?
- inteliboy0
I wouldn't buy anything without retina. Serious fuzzy town when you go back to non-retina.
- orrinward20
Photoshop/Illustrator should be fine on an Air for graphical work. If you're a photo editor and want to be tweaking huge RAW files, or any HD/4K video work in AE/Premiere/FCX then a Pro would be needed.
If you're definitely buying Apple, getting an Air should be down to price-point and not portability. As others have said, the new MBP's are very thin and light. I have a mid 2014 13" Retina MBP and I see no need for anything lighter.
- Solid advice hereHombre_Lobo
- If you think you can work on 4K on a MacBook pro.. you are dreamingMiguex
- well, you can... but it already struggles with 1080Miguex
- I don't do video but a friend who has a slightly lower spec machine than mine handles 4K editing in Motion, AE and FCX just fine. Not sure his exact specs but mine is 8GB Ram, 2.6GHz i5 (not sure if Dual or Quad).orrinward2
- JG_LB0
the reason is because it wouldn't be my main computer, i'd use it when i'm not in the office, which is the minority of the time
- ideaist0
I think if the minority of your time is not in the office, you have a bigger life/work issue here that a CPU will not solve.
I, for example have an iPad outside of the office:
1. I can read on it.
2. I can write on it.It's mostly a consumption device, BUT if the majority of your life is already work, why have more work?
- Miguex0
A more accurate comparison would be something like, should I get an air, or a fire?
- If you want to watch mad men, then pick the fire, the air only for watching the spaceMiguex
- The Fire is also very good for reading Stieg Larson and Bon Appétit Magazine********
- The kindle paper is good at that too. What's the point?monospaced
- hardhat0
the question is if an air will run apps fine. answer = yes (for almost all you might use)
we have only airs after years of 15" pros etc, and the airs run shit fine. these machines chug now -- its not like 10 years ago. you lose some stuff with an air (extra ports, HD size etc) -- those are the things to look at. those will be the things you'll miss (one of mine was "fuck, someone sent me a DVD. what they hell do i do?). not the extra 10,15,20% processing power IMHO. entry level models are fine these days, the others are just "better".btw, im running a 2012 air with an upgraded HD and maxed out ram. i used to buy new machines every year, but its just not worth the $$ or the effort these days. just my 2 cents
- sublocked0
I have a MB air 11". I love the portability and would not go back to a bigger model. If I need more screen real estate I hook up a 2nd monitor or now, my iPad mini with Duet (http://www.duetdisplay.com)
I also have a 27" imac I work on at the office though...so YMMV.
If you need lots of expansion ports, dont own an additional monitor for design duties and it'll be your only machine, get the pro 13 or 15"
- sublocked0
...also if you get the 11" air, get used to running everything fullscreen...i work that way with multiple desktops and it's a joy.
My typical work day...sublime text editor, iterm, safari/chrome, evernote, mail.
- mekk0
both shit