Need a new computer? Check out our guide to buying the best MacBooks for the general public. For Apple aficionados, the choice of a new laptop seems simple since there are only four models of MacBook, and yet…
A few years ago, the MacBook Air was the most exciting model of the brand. It was the finest computer on the market, all brands combined. However, since its launch in 2008, its design has changed little as other computers have refined and a new MacBook has been launched.
We have organized our ranking according to the uses of the general public and the quality / price ratio of each computer. If you still hesitate between a PC and a Mac, check out our selection of the best laptops and best computers of the year.
This is probably the first time that the MacBook is at the top of a ranking of the best computers Apple, in front of the models “Pro” and “Air”. It should be noted that we are talking here about the new 12-inch MacBook, much improved version of the iconic computer brand.
The MacBook is expensive, $1,499 minimum, but it is particularly compact and powerful. In order to refine this model, Apple has replaced its traditional hard drive with an SSD, which has allowed the removal of the fan, thick and binding. The computer only has a USB-C port, which some will find annoying, but everyone will agree on the quality of the Retina display. The latter is large enough for daily use such as word processing, Internet browsing, Netflix.
When buying the computer you can choose the type of processor you want.
The Intel Core m3 will suffice for most people, but if you are a gamer or want to edit video , choose the Intel Core i5 or Core i7.
In terms of battery, you should get up to 10 hours of autonomy (depending on your use), which is especially decent that the computer is charging rather quickly.
13 inch MacBook Air
We thought about it and decided to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro (no touch bar) before the MacBook Air. Its starting price is identical to the MacBook (€ 1,499) but its screen is larger (13.3 inches) and it comes with the Core i5 processor (minimum). After reading this article, you will come to know why you should buy the macbook air.
The MacBook Pro is heavier and thicker than the MacBook but if you want more power, then choose this one. It has two USB-C ports instead of one, and is perfect for photo editing or video editing.
For the same price as the 12-inch MacBook you get a better graphics card and 8 GB faster RAM (2 133 MHz instead of 1 866 MHz). By cons, and that’s why this model is in second position, you will only 128 GB of storage (instead of 256 GB). If you want more, you will have to pay 250 € extra.
The MacBook Pro is a reliable, solid computer, but we find it slightly overpriced for now.
Apple MacBook Air
Here it is finally, the MacBook Air. This is by no means a bad computer, but nine years after its release, it has lost some of its appeal.
Let’s start with the positives. Of all the MacBooks, the Air has the best battery since it lasts 12 hours (or more). Its 13.3-inch screen is big enough to work on all day, and its Core i5 processor will fit the majority of users. With a starting price of $1,099, it is $400 cheaper than other models.
For that amount, you get 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, two USB-3 ports, one for SD card, another for Thunderbolt 2 cable and a MagSafe charger. The main disadvantage of the MacBook Air is that its screen has a resolution of 1440 x 900, much less accurate than the Retina of other models. If you want to work on graphics, photos or videos, we advise you to invest in a “Pro” model.
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
This MacBook Pro is a “little” gem at $1,999, or $500 more than the model without Touch Bar. For that sum, you get the Touch Bar and Touch ID, a slightly more powerful processor and four USB-C ports instead of two. Is it worth the extra cost? If we consider the technical characteristics, no. This computer is remarkable, but the vast majority of the public does not need these extras and professionals will surely want more storage space.
The MacBook Pro with Basic Touch Bar comes with 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, but was expected to have at least 16GB of RAM for that price.
The features that bring the Touch Bar are interesting but if you use your computer to write, surf the internet or watch videos, then you do not need to spend so much on a MacBook.