Today’s computer shopper has a choice of two great software platform standards in Windows and Mac, but lines have blurred between the types of hardware, which generally share Intel® CPUs.
Which API is right for me? Within our Developer Tools for PC/Mac, there are multiple methods to connect to our headsets. These methods differ based on the platform(s) you'd like to work with and the language(s) you'd like to code with. Go for a Mac that is fitted with the best processor at the time. Avoid low priced Macs that are fitted with weak CPUs if you will be using professional plugins and effects in producing your music. Hard drive: This is where all the music you create will be stored and since you will want to make lots of music you need a large hard drive. Editor’s note: The following article is part of our Which Mac is right for you? Series. It used to be that if you were a “pro,” you needed a Mac Pro—it was hands-down the fastest Mac you. 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.
Today’s computer shopper has a choice of two great software platform standards in Windows and Mac, but lines have blurred between the types of hardware, which generally share Intel® CPUs.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
- Consider if you like the Mac hardware and software aesthetic or would prefer the roll-your-own configurations that come with PCs.
- Decide whether you will use touch and voice input capabilities.
- Determine what software you’ll use and where you’ll keep it—on your computer or in the cloud.
- Consider whether your future needs might require upgrades and additions to the computer. Apple mac v microsoft.
In computing circles, “PC vs. Mac” has long been a topic of debate—advocates on both sides felt so intense that it was better to steer clear of the subject unless you were up for a furious debate. While Macs and PCs still both have passionate followings, the differences between the two types of computers have dramatically lessened over the years. The result is your decision comes down to subtle preferences—but you really can’t go wrong with either choice. It has become less a matter of hardware and software than of style and personal taste.
The Ecosystem: Do You Think Less Is More or More Is More?
When you buy a Mac, you’re buying a philosophy as much as a piece of computer technology. The same company produces the hardware and software, and the computers share an aesthetic sensibility with Apple* phones and tablets. Mac offers just six computer styles with a limited choice of configurations—a “best of the best approach” that eliminates the need to wade through an excessive amount of options. If you don’t like deliberating over RAM, disk space, and other hardware components, Mac does much of the work for you.
With PCs, roughly a dozen major manufacturers produce the hardware, and most run the Windows operating system. You can have hundreds of choices of style and configurations, allowing you to find exactly what you want, though it may take more time and deliberation. Whether more is more or less is often in the eye of the beholder.
Price: Look Beyond the Price Tag
Macs have long carried a reputation for premium pricing compared to PCs, though advocates would say that was simply the cost of higher-end components that provide better performance and reliability.
Making an apples-to-apples comparison on price for PC vs. Mac has always been difficult, though, because PCs and Macs typically have different pre-installed software and components, such as graphics cards, ports, and processor speed. The standard model Macs tend to offer less memory and hard drive space, so you need to take the specs into consideration.
Because of their lower cost, PCs have often been the choice for people who needed basic computing functions, like word processing and web surfing, while creative professionals who perform tasks such as design or video editing have been willing to shell out extra money for the apple of their eye. That said, the premium for the Apple know-how has shrunk to a couple of hundred bucks, making price a smaller consideration.
Maintenance: Are You a Troubleshooter?
Just as Macs offer a narrow number of choices, the systems tend to stay as they are – typically only the hard drive and RAM can be upgraded. PCs, coming in so many models from so many vendors, usually allow any of the individual hardware components to be switched out, from the central processing unit (CPU) to the displays. Whether that matters may depend on how you use the computer, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you are adept at handling some of your own maintenance.
Because Apple makes both the hardware and software, you have one primary place to turn when you have an issue, and issues can usually be resolved quickly. With PCs, different vendors make the hardware and software, and problem solving can be more complicated. Partly for this season, Apple has always received high marks from Mac owners for customer service.
Software: Your Choice May Be Up in the Clouds
In the past, it was easy to pick a Mac or PC based on the type of software you needed. Business productivity tools were domain of the Windows operating system, while editing, photo and other creativity apps were clearly a Mac world.
And though the PC tends to dominate in the workplace, many software programs for professional use—including Microsoft* Office and the Adobe* Creative Suite—have versions for both operating systems. The software has also become a smaller issue as many people no longer load software on their computer but maintain subscriptions for software they can access via the cloud. If you stream videos on YouTube, for example, your browser doesn’t care what type of computer or operating system you’re using.
Playing Games: Close the Window on This One
Gamers have always flocked to PCs, and that won’t change anytime soon. PCs can now stream games from Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and the number of titles available on a PC dwarf the Mac. So if gaming is more than just fun and games in your house, the PC wins hands-down.
Getting Touchy-Feely: PCs Emphasize Speech and Touch
For all the passion of Mac users, PC advocates can now honestly say they have a more touchy-feely relationship with their computers. Recent versions of the Windows operating system have embraced touch and speech, such as the new feature Cortana* in Windows* 10, which enables voice commands to schedule appointments. Apple has integrated its voice recognition software, Siri, into its desktop models but has been resistent to introduce a touch feature into its operating system, OS* X.
So if you prefer speaking to your computer, or moving your finger across the screen, to a keyboard and mouse, PCs offer a clear advantage.
Security: Mac Still Gets the Nod
At one time, PCs were known for frequent crashes, but the Windows operating system has become significantly more reliable. While Mac hardware and software is denoted by its stability, the difference here has lessened.
The odds of getting a virus or malware with a PC remain higher than with a Mac, but this is more about the numbers game than technology. About 7.5% of the computers in use are Mac, according to IDC, so hackers spend more time and creativity attacking PCs.
That said, a sprinkling of Mac-attacks have begun to appear, such as last year’s Keyranger ransomware which attacked the OS* X operating system and encrypted all files on a hard drive until users paid an extortion fee. The proper antivirus program and other safeguards will keep either system safe, but PCs will be at greater risk.
The Choice:
PCs and Macs do offer some clear-cut differences; which of those differences are the most important is something that each person has to decide for his or herself. Due to price and availability, PCs tend to be the winner, while Macs remain the choice for the more elite or anti-Windows computer users. Either way, you can’t really go wrong. It truly is the golden age of computers.
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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. Vreveal video enhancement software get a free download.
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
![For For](/uploads/1/3/4/3/134341584/209716696.jpg)
An extraordinary laptop that will make any designer happy, but the price is high
Apple
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
Which Mac Is Best For Me
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. Mass effect 3 pc download. Mathcad for mac.
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 Right For Me 2017
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. Vivaldi for mac. 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
Which Mac Is Right For Me Quiz 2017
- 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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