- Which Mac is right for you? Mac buying guide: Which Mac is right. MacBook: The great compromise; MacBook Pro: Portable powerhouse; MacBook Air: Thin traveler; Mac mini: All you'll ever need.
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May 09, 2010 i just want to thank the room moderator yellow.yellow you may laugh but ive been using my windows-installed mac for around three months with the help of a usb receiver and wireless mouse.it has created much inconvenience for me but i had to because i didnt know how to right-click.well i didnt read boot camp read me thank you very much. This quiz will show which Mac is right for you. Mac users, feel free to answer, windows users, if you want to take this quiz, nice! The results are iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro (sorry for the extra Mac mini). I do not know at all if you like macs or not. Apr 14, 2017 On Mac computers, right click is known as secondary click or Control click. If your mouse, trackpad, or other input device doesn't include a right-click button or other way to perform a right click, just hold down the Control key on your keyboard while you click.
We now have Apple's full NEW lineup of MacBooks that you can buy in 2019! We compare literally everything possible to help YOU decide Which MacBook you should buy! Score the lowest prices on Apple. Which Adobe Photo Editing Software Is Right for Me? By Sally Wiener Grotta 2019-07-16T21:01:15Z Cameras. Here is a breakdown of each Photoshop version (CC, Lightroom and Elements), so you can.
The Apple MacBook range has long since established itself as the perfect mix of style and power. With MacBook prices starting at $999, Apples laptops aren't the cheapest, but they're an investment that can last you for many happy years. But, which MacBook is best for you?
Despite there only being three model lines in the MacBook range (with their own sub-variants), picking the right model for your needs isn't always obvious. Do you go for power? Portability? Or both?
Here's the easy answer to help you decide:
- Just need to do day-to-day emailing, browsing and work? Pick the MacBook Air
- Need extra power, but keen to stick to a budget? The 13-inch MacBook Pro Without TouchBar is best
- After as much power as possible, and a great screen? You'll love the 15-inch MacBook Pro
We look at the Apple MacBook lineup and help you pick out the best Mac for your own needs and budget.
Which MacBook is the Best for You?
The three lineups in the MacBook range available today are the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Each has its strengths, but rest assured that not one is a dud.
- MacBook Pro (no TouchBar, 13-inch) – Best Mix of Power and Value: The Pro lineup is the premium offering from Apple. It's pitched at those who need to really push their laptop with high-end work such as design or video-editing. It's the model of choice for trendy graphic designers. And why not? There's plenty of power under the hood, plus a gorgeous screen.
- MacBook Air (13-inch) – Best Cheap MacBook: The cheapest MacBook available, the MacBook Air has just received a further price cut, and there's never been a better time to pick one up. With an 8th generation processor, its a better value prospect than the 12-inch MacBook. It might not have the raw power of the Pro, but for the average user it's a fantastic choice.
- MacBook (12-inch) – Best for Portability: Recently discontinued by Apple, the 12-inch MacBook is harder to recommend than ever. It beats the famously light MacBook Air when it comes to portability, being lighter and smaller, but with the Air's recent price cut and more powerful spec, it's no surprise Apple have ditched it.
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, TouchBar) – Best for Designers: You're spending serious money at this point, in excess of $2,000. You won't be disappointed by the return on your investment. The top-end MacBook Pro has a fantastic processor and outstanding screen, making it perfect for graphic design work. The TouchBar is a nice touch, too, with its simple functions lending themselves well to design programs.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, TouchBar) – Best for Apple fans who want a smaller laptop The 13-inch model with the TouchBar doesn't quite have the specs of the bigger 15-inch, but it's impressive all the same, and an ideal laptop for anyone who wants the TouchBar, but doesn't need a 15-inch laptop
Apple has built a solid reputation for its excellent hardware, and there's a reason why its customers are so evangelical about the brand. Any one of the laptops above would do you proud for day-to-day computing. If you need to step up to harder-going graphics tasks, think Pro. For value, not something normally associated with Apple, go Air.
| 12-inch MacBook (Discontinued) | MacBook Air | MacBook Pro (13-inch) | MacBook Pro W/Touch Bar (13-inch) | MacBook Pro W/Touch Bar (15-inch) | |
| Processor | Intel Core m3/i5 | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i7/i9 |
| Ram | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB to 16GB | 8GB | 16GB – 32GB |
| Storage | 256GB to 512GB | 128GB to 256GB | 128GB – 512GB | 256GB – 512GB | 256GB – 512GB |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 615 | Intel UHD Graphics 617 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 | Radeon Pro 555X/560X |
| Screen size | 12-inches | 13.3-inches | 13.3-inches | 13.3-inches | 15.4-inches |
| Touch Bar | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Price | Starts $1299 | Starts $1099 | Starts $1299 | Starts $1799 | Starts at $2399 |
| Buy |
MacBook Pro 13 (Without TouchBar)
The best mix of power, value and portability
Let's be in no doubt – the TouchBar is a “nice to have”, not an essential. And that means, for an all-round brilliant MacBook, the 13-inch Pro model without the TouchBar is a smart choice.
First up, let's talk value – you can save yourself a few hundred dollars by picking up the MacBook Pro without a TouchBar, compared to the 13-inch Pro with a TouchBar (let alone compared to the eye-wateringly expensive 15-inch Pro).
You'll still get a very powerful laptop that's ideal those with high demands from their hardware. The 13-inch Pro includes a seventh generation Intel processor and that stunning Retina screen. The MacBook Pro without TouchBar is only available as a 13-inch model, however – if you want a bigger screen, get your wallet out for the 15-inch model with TouchBar.
Starting at $1,299, the entry-level MacBook Pro is considerably more powerful than the 12-inch MacBook, but with the same price tag. That's something to consider if speed is a bigger concern for you than absolute portability.
Verdict – You can live without the TouchBar and save. This is a powerful laptop with a stunning screen that will easily impress.
Pros
- Stunning Retina screen
- Powerful processor
- Capable graphics features
MacBook Air
The best MacBook for day-to-day casual users, and beautifully portable
The MacBook Air had been slightly neglected compared to Apple's other offerings lagging behind the 12-inch MacBook, but a 2018 update to the Air model brought it bang up to date.
With an 8th generation i5 processor under the hood, it more than packs a punch now. It might not be able to take on the Pro, but the average user won't have any complaints, and for day-to-day browsing, emailing, streaming and running programs, it's a fantastic laptop. It's also received an upgrade to its screen, with a super-sharp Retina display.
With a 12-hour battery life, the Air will last you an entire day out of the office, and the 30-day standby time means you can be up and running at a moment's notice, even if you haven't plugged it in for weeks.
It may not be as slim or light as the MacBook 12-inch, but it's still impressively svelte, and will pack into your bag without taking up too much room or ruining your posture. It's also something of a bargain (for a MacBook, that is).
Verdict – The Air is Apple's ‘budget' offering, but don't assume it's under powered. In fact, its latest update makes it more powerful than the standard (and more expensive) 12-inch MacBook. For all but the most demanding of users, the Air is a fantastic all-rounder, available at a decent price.
Pros
- Cheapest MacBook
- 12 hour battery
- Light and easy to carry
MacBook (12-inch)
Only choose this model if you have to have the slimmest MacBook possible
The MacBook is Apple's smallest, slimmest laptop. If you're wondering why anyone would pick up 13-inch MacBook Air instead, it's because the 12-inch MacBook costs more and is actually less powerful than the Air model.
The MacBook has always felt like it was designed to replace the Air, but with the Air newly updated, the 12-inch MacBook now occupies a slightly odd space. Choosing between the Macbook and Air isn't immediately obvious, but our advice is to save some money and go for the Air instead. Apple seems to agree with us, having ditched the 12-inch MacBook from its line-up entirely.
The MacBook has seventh generation Intel Core processors powering the range, versus the 8th-gen processor in the new Air.
Is this a bad laptop? Not at all. It's stunning, beautifully portable and if you pick one up, it'll be sometime before you're looking for a replacement. However, we think you're better off with the only-slightly-larger 2018 MacBook Air, which will save you some money and give you more power, too.
Verdict – The 12-inch MacBook is a great choice if you want the slimmest model possible. But the newer 2018-released MacBook Air is a smarter purchase, and only a little larger.
Pros
- Smallest MacBook, with 12-inch screen
- Lightweight and slim
- Plenty of power
Cons
- New MacBook Air is better value
- Same entry-price as more powerful Pro
- Just one USB-C port
MacBook Pro 15-inch With TouchBar
An extraordinary laptop that will make any designer happy, but the price is high
The MacBook Pro with TouchBar is Apple's flagship laptop, with specs and price that reflect its status. That's right, it's not cheap. The entry level 13-inch model comes in at $1,799, and goes up to $2,799 for the top end 15-inch version.
For the money, you get a lot of laptop. Even at entry-level, that means a powerful quad-core, Intel Core i7 processor – plus a dedicated graphics card with the 15-inch models.
At the top end, Apple has recently implemented a 9th generation 8-core i9 processor, to the MacBook Pro range, giving it some serious firepower.
Then there's TouchBar, of course. This is Apple's attempt to reinvent the way we control our laptops. While it's not a game-changer like the humble mouse was, it's a nice addition. Not essential, but novel.
The TouchBar's use depends on what you're doing on the MacBook at the time, and varies from scrolling through pages, scrubbing through video and images to presenting context-dependent buttons. It's versatile, but it's main use case is for image and video editing, so could be handy for a designer.
Verdict – The best MacBook Apple has to offer, and incredibly powerful. But, the TouchBar isn't essential, so you could save by getting a MacBook Pro without one.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Gorgeous Retina Screen
- TouchBar is a fun novelty
Cons
- Expensive
- Touch Bar not essential
- Need an adaptor for some connections
MacBook Pro 13-inch w/TouchBar
A brilliant MacBook, but the TouchBar is non-essential
You don't need to buy a 15-inch MacBook Pro to get your hands on the TouchBar. There is also a 13-inch model that packs in impressive specs as well as Apple's fancy TouchBar.
Its specs are slightly more modest than the 15-inch model's, with just an Intel Core i5 processor under the hood, rather than an i7. But most people won't find it lacking for power.
On paper, TouchBar aside, there's little to tell it apart from the standard 13-inch MacBook. Although, one key difference is that Apple has given it the newer 9th generation Intel processor, while the standard 13-inch Pro model relies on the 7th and 8th gen. There are also more Thunderbolt ports (4, rather than 2).
Verdict – This 13-inch model has the slight edge over the standard 13-inch model, but its key selling point really is the TouchBar and little else.
Pros
- Extra ports over standard version
- Touch Bar
- 8th gen processor
MacBook vs MacBook Air
If you're after the slimmest, most portable MacBook, your choice comes down to the 12-inch MacBook or 13-inch MacBook Air. And we'll make this one easy – go for the new, 2018 MacBook Air. It has more power under the hood, costs less, and is only a little larger.
The 12-inch MacBook (simply called ‘the MacBook' by Apple) is the lighter and slimmest of the two, although the Air is no brick by any stretch. The older 11-inch Air model is no longer available, incidentally.
Both the MacBook and the MacBook Air are great choices for daily users who want to work, browse, catch up on social media and stream video or music. What they aren't good at is heavy graphics work. Yes, you could get away with some image editing, but heavy duty video work or serious gaming is out.
The recently announced MacBook Air has surpassed the more expensive 12-inch MacBook.
Both the MacBook and Air boast excellent battery life means you could take either out for the day without running out of power.
When it comes to specs, the MacBook Air has a faster processor. This has only been the case since Apple's October 2018 event where it finally unveiled a newer, faster update to the Air. This has made the 12-inch MacBook now look somewhat redundant, in all but size – we have to assume that this is why Apple have now discontinued it.
Verdict: Until recently, the MacBook was the obvious choice between the two, but with its update, the Air is now the clear entry point for those looking for a great Apple all-rounder.
- MacBook
- 12-inch screen
- Intel m3, i5 or i7 processor (7th-gen)
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 256GB or 512GB SSD
- 2.03 pounds
- From $1299
- MacBook Air
- 13-inch screen
- Intel i5 processor (8th-gen)
- Up to 13 hours battery life
- 128GB SSD
- 2.75 pounds
- From $1099
Which Mac Is Best For Me 2018
MacBook vs MacBook Pro
If you're debating between the 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Pro, then you're serious about your laptops and have set aside a healthy budget. The decision needs to come down to portability vs power.
The now discontinued 12-inch MacBook range starts at $1299, going up to $1,599, while the Pro range starts at $1,299 and goes up to $2,799 for the premium 15-inch model.
If you're looking to do heavy graphic design, image-editing and video work, then don't bother looking at the 12-inch MacBook. Go for the Pro. The specs are designed with this type of work in mind and it will handle your asks with ease. That's why we've picked out the MacBook Pro as one of the Best Laptops for Designers in 2019.
For graphic design, image-editing and video work, then don't bother looking at the 12-inch MacBook. Go for the Pro.
If that's not your field, then consider what you need. The entry-level MacBook and Pro both start at $1,299. The entry-level Pro is more powerful and has a larger screen, so it could seem like a no brainer. However, it's also larger and heavier, and if you travel a lot, may not be the ideal companion compared to the ultra compact and light MacBook.
The further you extend your budget, the bigger the gulf between the MacBook and the Pro becomes. Go all the way to the top-end MacBook Pro, and you've got a massively powerful laptop that will do everything you want, and more, with the Touch Bar (not essential, but more than a gimmick) thrown in. You'll also get a deliciously detailed 15-inch screen. Go for the top-end 12-inch MacBook, and you'll get…a slightly better MacBook.
Verdict: For any kind of design work, you'll need the MacBook Pro. The 12-inch MacBook may be slimmer, but it won't be powerful enough to keep up.
- MacBook
- 12-inch screen
- Intel m3,i5 or i7 processor
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 256GB or 512GB SSD
- 2.03 pounds
- From $1299
- MacBook Pro
- 13 or 15-inch screen
- Intel i5 or i7 processor
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 128GB to 1TB SSD
- 3.02 pounds
- From $1299
Best MacBook Pro to Choose
The MacBook Pro range starts with a decent-spec laptop that will suit most users, to a power-packed head turner for those with a seriously generous budget. Realistically, you don't need to plump for the top-end model unless you're really looking to do some serious graphics work.
The Touch Bar is an added feature on the top-end 13-inch model and both 15-inch Pros. It's essentially a slim touchscreen that is “context sensitive”, and can be used for scrolling through photos or scrubbing through a video. Is it essential? No. Is it cool? Yeah, it is.
Touch Bar models also enable Touch ID as a way to log into sites or pay for items. Again, its a nicety, not a necessity.
Average users will get away with the entry-level MacBook Pro, which may not have the 8th gen processor of the pricier models, but they won't miss that if they're simply surfing, streaming and working.
Opt for a 15-inch model and you'll get a beautiful 2880 x 1800 Retina screen and a Radeon graphics card. Both are perfect for designers. Although, with storage purely solid state drive (SSD) based, you might want to look into a decent external hard drive for all those large image files.
Verdict: There's no ‘bad' MacBook Pro to choose, but only opt for the 15-inch Touch Bar models if the kind of work you do means you can really justify the expense. Otherwise, it's power you may not need.
- MacBook Pro 13-inch
- 13-inch screen
- 2.3GHz Intel i5 or 2.5GHz i7 processor
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 128GB to 1TB SSD
- No Touch Bar
- 3.02 pounds
- From $1299
- MacBook Pro w/Touch
- 13-inch screen
- 2.3GHz Intel i5 or 2.7GHz i7 processor
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 128GB to 2TB SSD
- Touch Bar
- 3.02 pounds
- From $1799
- MacBook Pro 15-inch
- 15-inch screen
- 2.6GHz Intel i7 or 2.3GHz i9 processor
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 128GB to 4TB SSD
- Touch Bar
- 4.02 pounds
- From $2399
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With the recent introduction of the 12-inch MacBook, Apple's added a whole new product to the existing MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lineup, making it more difficult than ever to decide which MacBook is right for you.If you're planning a purchase and you just aren't sure which Apple notebook suits your needs, read through this guide, which will walk you through all of the options and give you the pros and cons of each machine.
You can basically think of Apple's product lineup as meeting two different needs: power and portability.
If you're looking for a machine that's going to handle whatever you can throw at it, you're going to want the MacBook Pro. If you're looking for something that's portable and more than capable of handling every day tasks, you're going to want to look at the MacBook Air. And if you want the newest technology, the latest form factor, the ultimate in portability, and you don't mind the price tag, the MacBook is the machine for you.
Which Mac Foundation Shade Is Right For Me
Retina MacBook Pro
The Retina MacBook Pro is Apple's workhorse MacBook, with the fastest processors, the best graphics, and the most available RAM (via upgrade). If you want to do things like serious photo, video, or audio editing, this is the Mac for you. Use Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, or Logic Pro X on a regular basis? You probably need a MacBook Pro.
You're also going to want to choose a MacBook Pro if you want a machine capable of playing modern system-intensive games. Don't care about games and just want to do things like browse the Internet, write papers, and answer emails? The MacBook Pro may be more computer than you need -- consider a MacBook Air if you don't care about a Retina screen, or a MacBook if you don't mind the price.
Within the MacBook Pro family, there are 13 and 15-inch models and several different configurations at various price points. As the price goes up, so does the power. Most of Apple's MacBook Pro models have a Retina screen, aside from the 13-inch MacBook Pro priced at $1,099. You don't want to buy this model -- it's years old and technologically lagging way behind newer models.
In the past, many people have chosen a MacBook Pro because it was the only notebook that offered a Retina display, but with the recent addition of the 12-inch two-pound MacBook, there's no longer a need to compromise between portability and a decent display. If you don't need the power of a MacBook Pro but want a Retina display, the MacBook is now the machine to choose.
The MacBook Pro is Apple's most powerful notebook, but be warned: it's also the biggest and heaviest. The 13-inch version weighs in at 3.48 pounds and the 15-inch version is 4.46 pounds. That doesn't sound like much in print, but carrying four pounds on your back all day is a lot more taxing than 2 or 3 -- the weight of Apple's lighter notebooks. All Retina MacBook Pro models have two thunderbolt ports and two USB 3.0 ports, along with an HDMI port, a headphone port, and an SD card slot.
So, 13-inch or 15-inch? The 15-inch machines are more powerful, with quad-core processors, Intel Iris Pro Graphics, and the option for a discrete graphics card, and (obviously) a bigger display, but they're also more expensive. The 13-inch models have dual-core processors and are limited to integrated graphics.
After a recent update to the 15-inch model, both the 13 and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros come with a pretty cool Force Touch trackpad that has new gestures, and they've got speedier flash storage.
The 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro was last updated in March of 2015 and the 15-inch model was last updated in May of 2015. The 13-inch model got new Broadwell processors, but the 15-inch model continues to use Crystalwell processors in the Haswell family. These aren't quite as speedy or efficient as Broadwell processors, but Intel's delays have prevented Apple from introducing processor upgrades. We don't expect to see another update to the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro for several months to come, but the next model will use improved Broadwell or Skylake processors.
Here's a rundown of the differences between the 13 and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models and their prices:
- $1,299 - 13-inch 2.7GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 6100
- $1,499 - 13-inch 2.7GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 6100
- $1,799 - 13-inch 2.9GHz dual-core Broadwell processor/8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Graphics 6100
- $1,999 - 15-inch 2.2GHz quad-core Crystalwell processor 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel Iris Pro Graphics
- $2,499 - 15-inch 2.5GHz quad-core Crystalwell processor 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Pro Graphics and AMD Radeon R9 M370X
Beyond choosing a specific MacBook Pro model, you also need to decide whether you want to make any additional build-to-order upgrades. It's important to note that these components can't be upgraded later, so you need to think ahead to what you might need in the future. Upgrading the RAM or the CPU will keep your machine feeling fast longer.
Need a ton of storage space for videos and photos? Get the storage upgrade. Want the best gaming performance? You'll want to opt for the higher-end 15-inch Retina MacBook, which has a discrete graphics card. Do complex 3D modeling, intensive video/audio/photo editing tasks often? The extra RAM might be worthwhile. Individual workloads are going to vary significantly, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution for all users -- that's why Apple offers so many options.
When deciding between a 15-inch model and a 13-inch model, aside from display size and price, the biggest difference is the processor. With the 15-inch model, you're getting a quad-core processor, but with the 13-inch model, it's dual-core. Quad-core processors are better if you plan to do a lot of multitasking with many apps open at once, or if you plan on playing intensive games, you'll benefit from a quad-core processor. Single-core performance between the two MacBooks is similar, but multi-core performance is much better in the quad-core 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Need the ultimate in power and money is no object? Go with the 15-inch model. On a budget but still want more power than a MacBook Air will provide? Get the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro. It's still a powerful machine that's going to do all of your photo, video, and audio editing tasks with ease.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air used to be Apple's most portable computer, but with the introduction of the 12-inch super thin MacBook, it's now just Apple's most affordable notebook. Its low price tag comes at a cost -- it's the only notebook in Apple's lineup without a Retina display. The 11-inch model's display has a resolution of 1366 x 768, while the 13-inch model's display has a resolution of 1440 x 900.
It's not Apple's lightest portable notebook anymore (that title goes to the 2.03-pound MacBook), but the MacBook Air is still lighter and thinner than the Retina MacBook Pro. The 11-inch model weighs in at 2.38 pounds, while the 13-inch model weighs 2.96 pounds. Both models are 0.68 inches thick.
If you're on a budget and need a portable laptop for under $1,000 that's powerful enough for your day to day needs like web browsing, email, and light application use, the MacBook Air is the notebook to choose. It'll handle some games and apps like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, but it won't do as well as the MacBook Pro. If you have a bigger budget, the Retina displays of the MacBook Pro and the MacBook are worth the extra money.
There is another situation where you might want to choose the MacBook Air over the MacBook or the MacBook Pro, and that's if you need portability and ports. The MacBook Pro is heavier (and thus less portable), and while the MacBook is thinner and lighter, it's only got one USB-C port, which might not fit into some workflows. If you need Thunderbolt and standard USB ports, don't want to deal with adapters, and don't mind the lack of a Retina display, the MacBook Air might be the machine for you.
It's worth keeping in mind that the MacBook Air's dual-core processor is also going to outperform the Core M processor in the Retina MacBook, but the performance difference isn't going to matter much if you're getting a machine for day to day tasks. When considering performance, think of it as Retina MacBook Pro --> MacBook Air --> MacBook.
Spec wise, both the 11 and 13-inch MacBook Air models have the same processors and RAM so they perform similarly, but there are two very compelling reasons to choose the 13-inch model over the 11-inch model, aside from screen size: it's got a solid state drive that's twice as fast as the drive in the 11-inch MacBook Air, and its battery life is three hours longer. Here are the available models:
- $899 - 11-inch 1.6GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 6000
- $1,099 - 11-inch 1.6GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 6000
- $999 - 13-inch 1.6GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 6000
- $1,199 - 13-inch 1.6GHz dual-core Broadwell processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 6000
Unless you need near-Retina MacBook Pro performance in a slightly less heavy package or a slightly longer battery life (13-inch MacBook Air battery is 12 hours, 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is 10 hours), there's no reason to shell out for a fully upgraded MacBook Air over a Retina MacBook Pro.
MacBook
The 12-inch Retina MacBook is Apple's latest and greatest notebook, and will very likely replace the MacBook Air entirely once Apple is able to bring its costs down enough, though this may take a few generations. It's fresh on the market, having been released on April 10, and it features all of Apple's newest technology. Like to have the coolest product on the market? This is it. Looking for the most portable Apple notebook? You found it. Want to wow your friends? You need a Retina MacBook.
Weighing in at just two pounds with a body that's smaller than the 11-inch MacBook Air, the Retina MacBook is a good on-the-go computer to have if you travel often. You're barely going to notice it in a backpack or a bag, and it's compact enough that you can pull it out anywhere. It's only 13.1mm thick. For reference, that's half an inch and about the thickness of the original iPad.
The Retina MacBook's major claim to fame is its thinness melded with its Retina display, which comes in at 2304 x 1440 with 226 pixels-per-inch. It's basically the Retina MacBook Air that we've been hoping for, with a lot of extra bells and whistles thrown in. Unlike the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air, you can get the new MacBook in one of three iPhone-style colors: Silver, Gold, or Space Gray.
The major downside to the new MacBook is its price. Whenever Apple introduces new technology, it tends to be priced higher than some of its older products. The new MacBook starts at $1,299 and goes up from there. Here are the two configurations:
- $1,299 - 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M Processor plus Intel HD Graphics 5300 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage.
- $1,599 - 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor plus Intel HD Graphics 5300 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of flash storage.
There aren't many upgrades available for the Retina MacBook, but you can opt for a better 1.3GHz processor. If you've got the cash, it may be worth the upgrade to eke out all the performance you can get. As with the MacBook Air, it maxes out at 8GB RAM and 512GB storage space. If you want more RAM, a Retina MacBook Pro is the only option.
The Retina MacBook comes with an Intel Core M processor and Intel HD Graphics 5300, so based on CPU and GPU, it's not at the level of the 2015 MacBook Air, but it's still more than adequate for day-to-day tasks. With the entry-level 1.1GHz Retina MacBook model, you can think of it as an iPad Air 2 that runs OS X -- the speeds are fairly similar. The higher-end Retina MacBook that comes with a 1.2GHz processor and the optional 1.3GHz upgrade give you some extra processing power and those will outperform the iPad Air 2 by a decent margin.
Because it's using that super low power Intel Core M processor, the Retina MacBook has no fan inside. That means it runs completely silently. It's also got some specialized batteries inside, giving it a full nine hours of battery life when web browsing. That's on par with the Retina MacBook Pro, but below the battery life the 13-inch MacBook Air gets.
Like the MacBook Air, the Retina MacBook is going to be able to run most modern software, but with pro-level software like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, intensive tasks aren't going to be as fast or as smooth as they would be with a more powerful machine. It's also not going to handle multiple apps open at once as well as the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
With the Retina MacBook, you're essentially trading performance for portability, but it does come with some pretty cool features. It has the new Force Touch trackpad which doesn't actually click but feels like it does. The Force Touch trackpad enables new feedback methods and pressure-based gestures within Mac apps, bringing up new interactions with a hard press.
For example, if you press down when hovering over a word in Safari, it brings up a Wikipedia entry, and when editing in iMovie, the Force Touch trackpad will offer feedback to let you know when you hit the end of a clip. It's all very cool and we've really only touched the surface of what's possible -- developers are going to be adding Force Touch to third-party apps in the coming months.
The new MacBook uses MacBook Pro-style black bezels and it has a redesigned edge-to-edge keyboard that makes it look pretty slick. The keyboard uses new butterfly technology for the keys, which are thinner and more stable than traditional keyboard keys. It's a different key feel than a traditional MacBook Pro or MacBook Air keyboard, so you might want to give the MacBook a try in a store before buying. Not everyone likes the new keys and they make take some time to get used to.
Another major change to the Retina MacBook is its lack of ports. It has a single USB-C port on the side, which is used both to connect to peripherals and to charge. Apple's got adapters in its online store already, and additional adapters will be coming out from third-party sources, but getting used to a single port is going to be tough, especially if you're used to using several peripherals at once. One other quick note -- the Retina MacBook's got a downgraded 480p FaceTime Camera, while the other MacBooks have a 720p front-facing camera.
Choosing Which to Buy
When it comes to choosing a computer, the main thing you want it to be able to do is run modern apps and perform every day tasks, and all of Apple's notebooks are powerful enough to do so (at varying levels of performance, of course). Beyond that, you need to choose what specialized features you want.
If you plan to do major photo or video editing or run other system intensive apps or games, then you want a Retina MacBook Pro. For the absolute best performance, the 15-inch model is the one to pick, but if you also want portability, the 13-inch model is going to handle most of what you can throw at it too, just a bit more slowly.
If you want something that's super portable and ideal for frequent travel, the best option is the 12-inch MacBook. It's lightweight, incredibly thin, and it's got all the bells and whistles. It's not going to handle apps like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, or iMovie as well as a MacBook Air or a Retina MacBook Pro (expect apps to load slower and tasks to take longer) but it's going to be more than adequate for browsing the web, answering emails, writing, and other tasks one might do on the go.
Which Mac Should I Buy
Creative professionals, gamers, and other people who use heavyweight apps might not want to own the 12-inch MacBook as their sole computer, but for the average person, it offers plenty of processing power in a form factor that's very desirable.
If you need a middle-of-the-road computer that's got more power than a MacBook but more portability than a Retina MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air is a good choice. It's also Apple's most affordable notebook, and the one you're going to want to choose if you're on a budget and don't mind the lack of a Retina display. It really hits the sweet spot between performance and portability, and it's got some of the best battery life.
Which Mac Processor Is Right For Me
We don't recommend the 11-inch MacBook Air model unless you need the portability and can't afford a Retina MacBook -- the last update left its SSD performance lagging behind the 13-inch model.
Which Mac Is Right For Me 2018
Bottom line: If you need something for travel that's ultra light and can be carried all day, get the Retina MacBook. If you need performance for games and serious app usage, go for the Retina MacBook Pro. If you need something under $1,000, get the MacBook Air.
At a Glance Stats
Rankings:
- Fastest processor: 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro
- Lightest weight: MacBook
- Thinnest: MacBook
- Best Battery: 13-inch MacBook Air
- Most RAM: Retina MacBook Pro
- Fastest SSD: 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro
- Best graphics: High-end 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro
- Second best graphics: 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro
- Most ports: Retina MacBook Pro
Standout features:
- 13-inch MacBook Air: Faster SSD, 13 hour battery life
- 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro: Faster SSD, Force Touch trackpad
- 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro (high-end): Discrete graphics card, quad-core processor
- 12-inch MacBook: Force touch trackpad, keyboard
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