Buy laptop it is not usually a simple task. On what do we base ourselves to decide one model or another? Price? Graphics power? Weight? Compatible operating system? The problem is even greater if we are going to buy a PC, but make no mistake, I am not saying this because I am against it (I have one with Ubuntu), if not because there is much more to choose from.
If what you want is a Mac there are not so many models, but within each one we have different configurations. To clarify all your doubts, this article is about the comparison between MacBook and MacBook Air, two of Apple's lightest laptops put face to face.
In this small guide to the MacBook vs MacBook Air we will talk about the main differences between both models laptop. There are some important ones that, as long as Apple doesn't eliminate the Air model completely, it seems they will always be there. Without further ado, we begin to talk about the differences between the two laptops.
Common points between MacBook and MacBook Air
Operating System
OS X El Capitan
Like tablets, watch and iOS devices, all Apple computers they use the same operating system. If we buy a MacBook or a MacBook Air right now, they will both come out with OS X El Capitan 10.11. If we buy them from October, they will arrive with macOS Sierra. On the other hand, keep in mind that the MacBook is more modern, so it can probably be updated one year more than the MacBook Air.
Wireless connection
All the connections from both computers They are equal, and this includes WiFi and Bluetooth. As we have already mentioned, the MacBook is a more modern computer and, although the specifications they provide are the same, the MacBook most likely has more modern components, but this should not be too noticeable (or not at all).
Keyboard, just its layout
Both keyboards are 79 keys, with 12 function keys (Fx) and four arrows to move the cursor (or control some games). They are also backlit, something that is appreciated if we want to write in low light. The differences, as we will explain later, are related to the design / system.
MacBook vs MacBook Air: differences
Screen, size and weight
The screen of both devices is different. MacBook Air is available with 11.6 and 13.3 inch displayswhereas the MacBook has an intermediate screen of 12 inches. Both laptops use a backlit LED displayBut the new MacBook uses a Retina display with nearly twice the resolution of the MacBook air.
On the other hand, the MacBook is a really fine device which is designed so that we always take it with us if we work with it. This also has its downside: many who have tried it and leaned it on their legs to write from a sofa, for example, say that it gets to move.
Ports included
This was the most controversial thing about the presentation of the new MacBook: it only has a USB-C port. It is clear that it is the standard of the future and that we had to take the step, but the problem is that there is only one and from that port we will have to connect any peripheral, including USB Pendrives. There are accessories, but it is not the most comfortable thing in the world.
On the other hand, the MacBook Air has two USB 3 ports, a Thunderbolt and a MagSafe, something that did not like in the presentation of the last MacBook for not being present. They both have an audio input and output jack port.
Keyboard: traditional mechanism vs. butterfly mechanism
To make the MacBook this slim, they had to make a lot of changes. Apple's latest laptop has a keyboard with butterfly mechanism (designed by Apple) whose travel when pressing the keys has been reduced even more if possible. It could be said that the change from the keyboard of the Mac Book Air to that of the new MacBook is similar to the one we notice when going from a desktop keyboard to an Apple one: the journey is reduced, at first it seems wrong and even absurd, but in the end we get used to it and we don't want to go back to those keyboards that seem to have keys like mountains.
Trackpad
MacBook Force Touch Trackpad
The Trackpad on Apple computers is a delight. I think so since I tried the Magic Trackpad on an iMac. We could say that the Trackpad of the MacBook Air is the equivalent to the Magic Trackpad of the first generation, while that of the MacBook is the second generation. The first generation is a multi-touch surface that will allow us to perform all kinds of gestures, and more that we can use if we install a tool such as BetterTouchTool.
The MacBook Trackpad can do everything the MacBook Air can do, but it also has the Force Touch technology that they presented in 2014 together with the Apple Watch, that is, it detects the force we apply when we touch it. Although I am not sure that this is necessary, the truth is that it offers more possibilities.
Colours
MacBook Colors
The iPhone is the one that kicks off many components, functions and specifications included in Apple devices. In 2013 the iPhone 5s was presented in a new color, gold, and in 2015 the iPhone 6s arrived in another color, rose gold. Also in 2015, the MacBook in four colors: gold, rose gold, space gray and silver or classic. On the other hand, the MacBook Air is only available in silver classic
Price
We have said that we will not provide data that may become obsolete at any time, but it seems to me that this price will always remain the same. The size is paid, especially if it is reduced. The MacBook costs more than MacBook Air despite the fact that the performance of the second will be slightly higher than the first for using a slightly faster processor. It will be even more expensive than the 13-inch MacBook Air.
Conclusion
We are facing two identical laptops, but at the same time different. The MacBook is a masterpiece of technology, and as such it pays for itself. The MacBook Air is, say, an older model, and this is worth keeping in mind for future updates because in all likelihood the MacBook will be upgraded to at least one more version than the MacBook Air. If what we are looking for is a better performance y more universal ports At a cheaper price and without thinking about the future, the MacBook Air should be our choice. If we want a Mac microlight, design, typing comfort and the latest Apple components, which assures us more years of support, the Macbook is what we are looking for.
After our MacBook vs. MacBook Air, which of the two interests you more: the MacBook or the MacBook Air?
I have to correct you on the resolution of the MacBook: its retina screen does not have "more or less the same resolution", it is almost double ... and it shows.
A 13.3 ″ MacBook Air owner tells you.
And on the keyboard, that you get used to the "butterfly" and you don't want anything else, because it's your opinion-experience. Many people think just the opposite because they do not get used to a keyboard with almost no scrolling.
A greeting.
I have to correct you on the resolution of the MacBook: its retina screen does not have "more or less the same resolution", it is almost double ... and it shows.
A 13.3 ″ MacBook Air owner tells you.
And on the keyboard, that you get used to the "butterfly" and you don't want anything else, because it's your opinion-experience. Many people think just the opposite because they do not get used to a keyboard with almost no scrolling.
A greeting.
By the way, more complete, and free, than BetterTouch is MagicPrefs.
Same resolution not kidding. If the MacBook Air had the same as the MacBook I think that nobody would buy the latter?