Every single performance aspect of the MBP is better: display, audio, ports, memory bandwidth, available RAM, external display support, etc. Heck, just compare the 100% different spec lists.
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Wouldn't an M3 MacBook Air hurt M3 MacBook Pro sales?
- Thread starter bigpoppamac31
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We will see but I suspect memory bandwidth, available RAM will be the same between M3 MBA and M3 MBP. But it will be better for the M3Pro and M3Max MBP
You are right. It is very likely that the lowest possible version of M3 MBP will share some specs with M3 MBA. But the point is that MBP choices are much better in every category. What Apple has been doing with memory bandwidth in particular is kind of curious. Maybe they are figuring out how to optimize around UMA.
Well I'm not a new convert. I have been using Apple for much of my life since my early teens. Plus I have recommended Apple to other people.
For my simple (not processor intensive) workflows, the MBA would be a slam dunk winner except that I dock to a dual external monitor setup, and I hate having to install DisplayLink.
I've thought about this off and on. I think Apple is going to position the 14" non-Pro/non-Max M3 variant MacBook Pro as having ports, active cooling and a better screen and that will be one's reasoning for selecting it over a 13"/15" MacBook Air with the same M3 configurations. I agree that the functional difference in computing power will still be too negligible to have it make sense that there are three different ways of having base M3 in a notebook. But that'll probably be what "justifies" there being a 13" MacBook Air, a 15-inch MacBook Air, and a 2-Thunderbolt Ports configuration 14" MacBook Pro, all with the same M3 options.
I don't know that Apple needs to position the MBA vs the base model MBP as anything other than cheaper.
Over time I've come to realize that the lower-end MBPs aren't necessarily purchased for their capabilities, many times they're purchased because someone who sends emails and pushes online spreadsheets back and forth is a professional and "needs" (demands) a "pro" laptop. So IT goes and buys them a "pro" laptop. They happily set it on their desk where it will live 90% of the time, plug their old monitor into it, and are happily "pro"-ing away. Even though the Air could do precisely the same job just as well at a reduced price.
In my opinion the brand and naming scheme sell those base model MBPs more than anything else.
Over time I've come to realize that the lower-end MBPs aren't necessarily purchased for their capabilities, many times they're purchased because someone who sends emails and pushes online spreadsheets back and forth is a professional and "needs" (demands) a "pro" laptop. So IT goes and buys them a "pro" laptop. They happily set it on their desk where it will live 90% of the time, plug their old monitor into it, and are happily "pro"-ing away. Even though the Air could do precisely the same job just as well at a reduced price.
In my opinion the brand and naming scheme sell those base model MBPs more than anything else.
In any case I do feel like it may be time for an upgrade from my 2015 MBP. Even the screen saver makes the fans spin up like crazy. Same with watching Youtube. Simple tasks shouldn't make the fans spin up at all or at least not be noticeable.
Why? The M3 MBP is still a superior machine as it has 120hz display with mini-LED, better speakers, doesn't thermal throttle.
The problem with the M2 MBP was that it was still based on the old design. But this is fixed now.
If my M2 MBA dies, I am going for the 14" MBP instead of an other MBA most likely.
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really a bummer that apple doesn't allow disabling the internal monitor to drive two external displays, like a Mac mini.
You forgot the M3 MBP also having cooling fan, and thats the biggest difference, special if your needs involve long processor intensive work. And if thats your needs, then the base M3 Pro would be better choice anyways.
Thats why the M3 MBP is a bit of a lemon in their lineup…
Apple has this angle figured out. They are great at threading this needle and have never been worried about cannibalization going back to ipods and iphones
Not hurting Pro sales is why the MacBook Air continues to be somewhat gimped
Apple is all about price segmenting products and features to drive component upgrades at this point.
It's so far away from "making the best products" now
Apple is all about price segmenting products and features to drive component upgrades at this point.
It's so far away from "making the best products" now
You're not alone. My friend group has a couple executives who've been MBA users since the very first one.
Their one main requirement is being able to have 2 external monitors when they plug in at their office.
They need and want nothing about the MBP -- but are forced to choose it for the dual external monitors
Apple wants you to buy Apple hardware. If your choice is between an Air or a Pro, they are happy.
It’s absurd that we pay the “Apple premium” when you could just go by a cheap ass Windows PC for 1/2 to 1/3 of the price, but you can’t use more than one external display.
They really didn’t have to gimp the MBA as hard as they did.
And that’s why you get the Pro, which is exactly what they want you to do…
Can confirm the blooming is still there on the M3. But I guess it doesn’t really bother me nor has it ever. I’ve only noticed it with high contrast (i.e. white on black) content in a very dark room. That screen with its ultra black blacks is still worth it to me.
I have both 13 inch m2 and 14 inch base M3. Generally speaking, 14 inch is more expensive and has great speakers and displays. Air's main strength is being lightweight. For light computing Air is enough. For something more intensive 14 inch is maybe better. I will sell M2 Air and keep 14 inch as a main machine.
Not available in my country
Also here base model starts 1650€ with 8gb of RAM. Probably enough for me but if I wanted 16gb it would cost 1880€.Other option would be buying used if you can’t buy (or find) refurb and new are to expensive for you.Not available in my country
It’s not that I don’t have money for it. More like can’t justify the high price. I wouldn’t buy used because those aren’t exactly cheap either and I like new one out of the box with warranty. I’m just going to keep using my current machine until it’s unusable and then update. Same thing I do with iPhone. Still hope those machines would be a bit cheaper here in EU.
I get your point. But cos of inflation they will get more expensive.
I bought my Macs always used from ebay Germany. Some professional resellers offer 30day send back options. So maybe that’s something for u. Private its a different story. in 20 years i made 2 bad deals