Macbook Pro vs Macbook Air

[Fatalivy]

Originally Posted by Maximo

If you have an Apple store in your area, it is worth going in to talk to their reps.

Yes, you are right, because I thought I had to purchase a drive separately
based on what I saw on the internet. And I also thought I had to purchase keynotes and numbers to get something close to word and excel. Website is not very clear. Thanks for all the input!

[Faboosh]

Originally Posted by Maximo

You can also run Bootcamp, which means you have Windows on your Mac, but still have to pay for MS Office.

The only downside to running windows on your Mac is that it opens your Mac to the risk of PC-only viruses. And please don't let your Apple rep tell you Macs don't get viruses. They can, but since there's so many more PC's, it's quicker/easier to write viruses for PC's. Since Macs are gaining popularity, they're making more viruses for them and you'll want to consider virus-protection either way.

[Fatalivy]

Originally Posted by Faboosh

The only downside to running windows on your Mac is that it opens your Mac to the risk of PC-only viruses. And please don't let your Apple rep tell you Macs don't get viruses. They can, but since there's so many more PC's, it's quicker/easier to write viruses for PC's. Since Macs are gaining popularity, they're making more viruses for them and you'll want to consider virus-protection either way.

Do they offer virus protection?

[Faboosh]

Originally Posted by Fatalivy

I also thought I had to purchase keynotes and numbers to get something close to word and excel.

Apple has an "office-like" program, but most people don't like the way it operates. It's pretty simple and watered down. If you want office, I'd recommend the Office for Mac software.

[Faboosh]

I don't think Apple has their own anti-virus software, but once you get your Mac and go to the App Store or look online and you'll find products for it. You'll have to research what's out there- sort of like what's out for PC's- and see what you prefer.

[SophieKatesMom]

I have the Macbook Pro, love it. I also debated on either updating to the Macbook Pro or the Air and decided for my use the Pro was the best solution. I also have an IPad and add a bluetooth keyboard when I want to us it for documents or speadsheets.

[Fatalivy]

Originally Posted by SophieKatesMom

I have the Macbook Pro, love it. I also debated on either updating to the Macbook Pro or the Air and decided for my use the Pro was the best solution. I also have an IPad and add a bluetooth keyboard when I want to us it for documents or speadsheets.

I think I will go with the pro and add MS office for mac. Now I am trying to decide what size screen I want. Decisions, decisions!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Faboosh

The only downside to running windows on your Mac is that it opens your Mac to the risk of PC-only viruses. And please don't let your Apple rep tell you Macs don't get viruses. They can, but since there's so many more PC's, it's quicker/easier to write viruses for PC's. Since Macs are gaining popularity, they're making more viruses for them and you'll want to consider virus-protection either way.

You are right on all points, plus Bootcamp is a nuisance.

We live without anti-virus programs. Fatalivy, make sure you set up an administrator's account, and then a general user's account for daily use of your computer. The user account has fewer permissions and prevents things from being automatically installed on your computer.

Then keep your computer current with all of the updates. When you check for updates, you have to enter the adminstrator's ID and password.

This is the way PC users should operate too. Never use an adminstrator's account for daily computer use.

Never install or update programs from suspicious pop ups or third party pages.

Originally Posted by Fatalivy

I think I will go with the pro and add MS office for mac. Now I am trying to decide what size screen I want. Decisions, decisions!

I recommend testing out the keyboards in person on the 2 sizes. If you don't have an Apple store convenient to you, we have had good luck with Best Buy reps.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Fatalivy

Yes, you are right, because I thought I had to purchase a drive separately
based on what I saw on the internet. And I also thought I had to purchase keynotes and numbers to get something close to word and excel. Website is not very clear. Thanks for all the input!

If you want Time Machine backup, I believe that does require an additional external hard drive.

There are alternatives for backing up: Apple - Support - Backup

[Fatalivy]

Originally Posted by Maximo

You are right on all points, plus Bootcamp is a nuisance.

We live without anti-virus programs. Fatalivy, make sure you set up an administrator's account, and then a general user's account for daily use of your computer. The user account has fewer permissions and prevents things from being automatically installed on your computer.

Then keep your computer current with all of the updates. When you check for updates, you have to enter the adminstrator's ID and password.

This is the way PC users should operate too. Never use an adminstrator's account for daily computer use.

Never install or update programs from suspicious pop ups or third party pages.

I recommend testing out the keyboards in person on the 2 sizes. If you don't have an Apple store convenient to you, we have had good luck with Best Buy reps.

Great! Thanks for all these suggestions.
Soooo, are you saying the 13 in vs 15 in use different keyboards?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Fatalivy

Great! Thanks for all these suggestions.
Soooo, are you saying the 13 in vs 15 in use different keyboards?

Yes, unless Apple has made changes since I bought mine a year ago.

My 13" inch Pro has the keyboard without the number pad. The keys are the same size, but they are spread out a little bit more than those on the 15" keyboard.

Also, as Faboosh mentioned, the screen size may not be to your liking on the 13". It doesn't bother me, but it really depends on the work you are doing.

[Britster]

I'm in the market for a new Macbook. I really need one with much more space, and faster ram, and a non-cracked screen (lol, dropped it once, dented the top, then stepped on it and cracked the top of the screen). It's been a fantastic laptop for 5 years though and there's nothing wrong with it (besides what I'VE done to it lol). I just want to upgrade.

So anyway my debate is between the 13" Pro or the 13" Pro with Retina Display. It seems the retina display does not have a built in DVD/CD player. Which I think I could live with. I really don't use it THAT much and could buy one separately. The retina screen really seems amazing. But I dunno, I might just go with the regular Pro which has one, and it also has a hard drive whereas the new computers have flash drive.

I need to research the main differences and which one is better still. I am just looking for a lot of space. I want to be able to keep a lot of my videos and pics on my actual computer. My current computer is super small harddrive. I bought the lowest of the low 5yrs ago because I just wanted a macbook like NOW and couldn't wait to save up more money for a bigger one lol.

I wouldn't personally get an Air unless you were just surfing the internet and checking e-mail type thing. But I did hear the battery life is fantastic on it. It just seems so breakable to me.

[Britster]

You can compare macbooks here
Apple - Why You?ll Love a Mac - Compare Mac notebook computers.

[LILYgirlandTAKA]

Originally Posted by Fatalivy

Hi everyone!

I am wanting a new laptop and considering these two. If you are familiar with these, please give me your opinion. Thanks!

I currently have the MacBook Pro and its amazing really. I have had it since August of 2011 and haven't had any problems. I have the 15" and yes its a little heavy to lug around but if its just going to sit at your house its perfect. I play games, upload pics/videos, email, watch shows online, etc.

[Fatalivy]

Originally Posted by Britster

I'm in the market for a new Macbook. I really need one with much more space, and faster ram, and a non-cracked screen (lol, dropped it once, dented the top, then stepped on it and cracked the top of the screen). It's been a fantastic laptop for 5 years though and there's nothing wrong with it (besides what I'VE done to it lol). I just want to upgrade.

So anyway my debate is between the 13" Pro or the 13" Pro with Retina Display. It seems the retina display does not have a built in DVD/CD player. Which I think I could live with. I really don't use it THAT much and could buy one separately. The retina screen really seems amazing. But I dunno, I might just go with the regular Pro which has one, and it also has a hard drive whereas the new computers have flash drive.

I need to research the main differences and which one is better still. I am just looking for a lot of space. I want to be able to keep a lot of my videos and pics on my actual computer. My current computer is super small harddrive. I bought the lowest of the low 5yrs ago because I just wanted a macbook like NOW and couldn't wait to save up more money for a bigger one lol.

I wouldn't personally get an Air unless you were just surfing the internet and checking e-mail type thing. But I did hear the battery life is fantastic on it. It just seems so breakable to me.

I have read that the ones with retina display cant be upgraded, but I have never upgraded my other laptops, so no biggie there. And, since I am so used to a hard drive and since the retina has a flash drive I am torn on if I really care. I want a hard drive only because that is all I have ever had. However, my ipad has retina display and I got it because I saw a difference between one with and without retina display and the pic/images were sharper with the retina. My other issue is deciding between anti glare or glossy screen.
My dad is retired from computer programming and he suggested the mac pro 13 inch since I do absolutely nothing except browse the internet, download music and sometimes put together word documents.

And yes, I want it NOW, too. Lol