Macbook Air 2014 Vs Macbook Pro 2012

Processor

The 11 inch Macbook Air comes with a 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor. The $1099 model can also be configured to a dual-core 2.0HGz Intel Core i7 processor. The 13 inch Macbook Air, on the other hand, comes with an 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, while the $1499 model can be upgraded to the dual-core 2.0HGz Intel Core i7 processor.

The 13 inch Macbook Pro comes with either a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor or a 2.9GHz duel-core Intel Core i7 processor. The 15 inch Macbook Pro comes with either a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor or a 2.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor.

Storage

The 11 inch Macbook Air comes with either 64GB of flash storage or 128GB. The 13 inch Macbook Air comes with either 128GB or 256GB.

The Macbook Pro comes with either 500GB or 740GB of 5400-rpm hard drive. This is configurable up to a 512GB solid-state drive. The 15 inch with retina display model comes only with 256 and 512GB flash storage which is configurable to 768GB flash drive.

Performance

Tests suggest that the 13 inch Macbook Pro is seconds faster in processing speed than the 13 inch Macbook Air, but that the Macbook Air’s boot times are faster. The 15 inch Macbook Pro is significantly faster than the Macbook Air.

In one test by Geekbench, the 15-inch Macbook Pro scored 10810 in processing power, while the 13 inch Macbook Air scored 7007 and the 11 inch scored 7004.

The performance benchmarks for 2012 models of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air as seen on Primate Labs are as follows (higher numbers are better):

And here’s a video of a speed test and overall comparison of 15 inch Macbook Pro with Retina display with a Macbook Air:

Dimensions

The 11 inch Macbook Air is 11.8 inches wide, 7.56 inches deep and 0.11-0.68 inches thick. It weighs 2.38 pounds. The 13 inch Macbook Air is 12.8 inches wide, 8.94 inches deep, 0.11-0.68 inches thick and weights 2.96 pounds.

The 13 inch Macbook Pro is 12.78 inches wide, 8.94 inches deep and 0.95 inches thick. It weight 4.5 pounds. The 15 inch Macbook Pro is 14.35 inches wide, 9.82 inches deep and 0.95 inches thick. It weighs 5.6 pounds.

Graphics

The Macbook Air comes with Intel HD Graphics 4000.

The Macbook Pro also comes with Intel HD Graphics 4000.

Display

All Macbook Air models have LED backlight, standard display and screen resolutions.

All Macbook Pro models also have LED backlight, standard display and screen resolutions. The Macbook Pro 15 inch has an additional model with retina display (2880 by 1800 pixels) providing a much finer screen resolution.

Wireless

The Macbook Air comes with 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.

The Macbook Pro also comes with 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology.

Cost

The 11-inch MacBook Air is available for $999 (with 64GB flash storage) and $1099 (128 GB flash storage). The 13-inch Macbook Air is available for $1199 (128GB flash storage) and $1499 (with 256GB flash storage).

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available for $1119 (with 500 GB storage) or $1499 (with 750GB storage). The 15-inch Macbook Pro is available for $1799 (with 500 GB storage) or $2199 (with 750 GB storage). The 15-inch Macbook Pro with retina display is available for $2,199 and $2,799.

Amazon usually sells MacBooks at a slight discount compared with Apple’s store.

Connections

The 11 inch Macbook Air comes with two USB 3.0 ports, 1 Thunderbolt port, and a power port, as well as ports for headphones and a microphone. The 13 inch Macbook Air comes with the same, plus an SD card slot.

The 13 inch Macbook Pro comes with two USB 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a Thunderbolt port, an SDXC card slot, a Kensington lock slot, and a 8x SuperDrive. The 15 inch Macbook also comes with these features, plus an audio line in and an audio line out.

Battery

The 11 inch Macbook Air comes with up to 5 hours battery when using Wi-Fi. The 13 inch Macbook Air comes with up to 7 hours.

The Macbook Pro has up to 7 hours battery when using Wi-Fi.

Environmental Issues

The Macbook Air and MacBook Pro are both BFR-free, PVC-free, highly recyclable, meet ENERGY STAR 5.2 requirements and rated EPEAT Gold. In addition, the Macbook Pro has arsenic-free display glass, mercury-free LED backlit display and a highly recyclable aluminum case.

Similarities

Both the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro come with either 4GB or 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L onboard memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000, OS X Mountain Lion, iLife and 90 days free telephone support with one-year limited warranty.

Which is more suitable for you?

The Macbook Air is best suited for portability, while the Macbook Pro is a more powerful machine and a suitable desktop replacement for scientists and designers. Computing magazines suggest that students and those who want a portable, go-to laptop choose the Macbook Air, while those who want a flexible machine with older ports and lots of storage, or those who need extra processing power, go for the Macbook Pro.

References

• MacBook Air Specs – Apple
• MacBook Pro with Retina display specs – Apple
• Benchmarks for Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air – MacRumors
• New 2014 MacBook Air Benchmarks – MacWorld