Thanks so much, Casual! Thats exactly what i'm trying to do here, so thanks you for taking the time to say so! I really do appreciate it greatly!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Man I really agree!! I have the MacBook Air 15" So I went to the Apple Store and bought the base model 14" MacBook Pro M3. Tried it for a day and decided I wasn't a fan started off confused as it was loaded with Ventura and I had to figure out how to install the update to Sonoma. I figured that out and it worked fine, but then I was drawn to the Space Black model so I returned the base model and picked up the Space Black model with more ram and such and took it home and used it for a couple of days. So here is what happened. Long story short. I figured I would save my money and keep my MacBook Air. I really prefer the larger screen on the air and honestly I like the keyboard better and also for some reason the keyboard on the pro shows more oil from my fingers. I don't understand that one? Anyway I love my Air and I am completely satisfied to use it for everything I need to do on a laptop. I am thankful to Apple for great product and thankful I returned the MacBook Pro. Thanks again for such a great video.
Hey there, Tim I truly appreciate you sharing your experience and insights. It's fascinating to hear how your journey led you to explore the 14" MacBook Pro, especially with the switch to the Space Black model. It's great that you took the time to test it out thoroughly and ultimately made a decision that suits your preferences and needs. The MacBook Air 15" is indeed a fantastic machine, and it's wonderful to hear that you're completely satisfied with it. The oily keyboard is an interesting one though- I haven’t noticed that myself. It's all about finding the right fit for your workflow, and it sounds like you've found your sweet spot with the MacBook Air. If you ever have more thoughts or questions, feel free to share. Thanks a bunch for your kind words about the video-I'm thrilled it resonated with you! 🙌✨
Really good review! Thank you for creating this important tech content! Been waiting for someone to compare 15” mba and the new 14” mbp m3! Please do more videos🙌
Thanks for tuning in, John! I’m glad you enjoyed the video, and rest assured, I will continue to make these videos for years to come! Thanks so much for taking the time to give me your feedback. I appreciate it very much! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Congratulations on the video, finally a comparison from the perspective of the office user, who needs to work in several places, feel comfortable using the keyboard, the trackpad on light devices. And you are right in saying that you go back to the MacBook Air 15. Everyone compares speakers, but most people use Airpods or now we can use EarPods with USB-C connector that support Lossless (19 USD). Excellent comparison, keep it up!!
Thank you so much, Argenis! I really appreciate the kind words and I am of course happy you enjoyed!! I just try to talk about it as if we’re hanging out with a friend who needed a new device, ya know? Nice and casual, without too much techno jargon. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to share your thoughts- I really do appreciate it, Argenis!! Peace brother ✌🏼🤟🏼
You are one of the best tech reviewers on UA-cam. I love how you explain things and your videos are a joy to watch. I have a channel too, so I know what it takes to make content like this. Job well done, my friend. You earned a sub from me. I got both the M2 Air 15 and the M3 14 with: - 24GB unified memory - 1TB SSD - Space Gray I returned the M2 Air 15 simply because the M3 has better battery life, much better performance, a better screen, much better speakers, an HDMI port, a SD card slot, and Wi-Fi 6E. The M3 14 was $95 more on the Apple Refurbished store, and to me, it’s a no brainer.
Thank you so much for that Amazing compliment, Clint- I don’t think I’ve reached that pedigree yet, but I am stoked that you feel that way ! I promise I’ll keep trying to make these videos better and better, and hopefully keep you coming back! Thanks again for stopping by Clint and be on the lookout for my Vision Pro video that hopefully will come out no later than Monday (if I can manage to figure out if I actually like it or not lol- this one is a doozy) ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkmanFor anyone wanting to know the benefits of the standard M3 14 over the M2 Air 15 on paper, here you go: - 3 nanometer vs. 5 nanometer - 22hr battery life vs. 18hr - Both have 15 hours wireless web - 70-watt-hour battery vs. 66.5 - 70W USB-C Power Adapter vs. dual 35W - Wi-Fi 6E vs. Regular 6 - Faster 8-core CPU (4P/4E) - CPU P-cores are 15% faster than M2 - CPU E-cores are 30% faster than M2 - Faster 10-core GPU - Single core is much faster - Multi core is much faster - Metal score is higher - Speedometer 2.1 is much faster - SSD speed is faster (4500 vs. 2900) - Drastically better speakers - Much higher quality screen - 600 nits instead of 500 - 120hz Pro Motion vs. 60hz - 254 PPI vs. 224 PPI - 3024x1964 pixels vs. 2880x1864 pixels - Dynamic caching - Ray Tracing - Mesh Shading - AV1 Support (Video streaming efficiency) - Same Space Gray - Same 24GB unified memory - Same 1TB SSD - Same Bluetooth 5.3 - A fan which eliminates thermal throttling - An HDMI port - A SDXC card slot - Both support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz (or 4K resolution at 120Hz) - 3.4lbs vs 3.3lbs
My pleasure Reginaldo!! Let me know what you think of it once it arrives- I’d love to hear what your first impressions are. Cheers brother and congrats on the new device! I wish you many many productive years with your new air! 🍻
This helps big time. I had the air 15 16gb, but hated the large size. I hated the 13" air too small. So I ended up buying the 14" M3 MacBook base. I am an average user. I don't edit videos etc. Someone has already said 8gb... really. So far this MacBook has been stellar. I love everything about it!!!! Thanks for sharing real world experience and not simply saying what other creators are saying. people need to hear the truth!!!
Hey, what’s up, Dodge! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave that comment! Nothing means more to me than knowing my insights could help make these decisions easier for all of you watching. I will always laugh about people scoffing at Apple's standard RAM configuration. In most cases, these are people that use PCs and just don’t realize how efficient/effective Apple hardware-software integration is. We don’t need 32 GB of RAM, people! 😂😂. I’m happy you landed on the 14". There will always be a part of me that wished that it was more comfortable for me because, let’s be honest, that screen is just bonkers! I would love to be using that display every day! I’m so happy to hear that it worked out for you, bro! Have a great day, and thanks again for taking the time to share that with me! I appreciate you big time 🤟🏼✌🏼
Hey Kim! The skin is made by D Brand, Which are by far my favorite! I don't think this exact one is available anymore, but there are a few spinoffs of this one from the same artist. Here is a link! dbrand.com/shop/skins/apple-macbook-air-15-skins-2023-m2#/customizer/details Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment- I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Great video! Really enjoying your content! After looking online at numerous videos I am pretty set on the M2 15” Air now for quite a few reasons: 8GB RAM The fact Apple have just launched yet another 8GB RAM base model suggests that Apple are going to be optimising MacOS and the stock applications for 8GB RAM for quite a while yet. SPEAKERS Personally I never really rely on laptop speakers for sound would much rather use AirPods anyway, so good enough is fine by me. SCREEN To be honest, both have their drawbacks, LCD doesn’t have as sharper of an image and the blacks are slightly more grey looking, however, the miniLED has that awful border shading and going from white to black images on the display leaves remnants of the dark image on the display for a few millisecond’s due to the miniLED refresh time. Further there is the blooming issue. Personally I feel that miniLED does have quite a few drawbacks. ‘STUDIO’ MICS I am so glad you actually took the time to listen to them back, as most reviewers tend to demo both then ask the viewer to decide without giving an opinion, but personally the Pros mics seem more distant. GO WITH M2 v WAIT FOR M3 AIR Although the M3 is newer and will be supported for probably a year longer than M2 (maybe), the difference in performance in real world usage is quite negligible by what all reviewers are saying. On top of this Maxtech noticed that the M3 chip gets warmer far quicker than M2, meaning Apple will either downclock M3 in the Air or it will thermal throttle faster than M2. Is that really worth waiting 8 months for and paying a higher price? I don’t think so. PORTS After using Mac for so long I am accustomed to lack of ports and this really doesn’t bother me one bit I have plenty of dongles for all my needs. FAN v NO FAN From what I am seeing the fan really doesn’t make a huge difference in the performance, and I don’t know but I like that the Air is fanless and isn’t getting clogged with loads of dust inside the machine, crazy I know! PRICE The M2 Air 13” and 15” are likely going to get major discounts this Black Friday so it certainly will be a decent buy in the lead up to the holidays, price points which we likely won’t see in the M3 Air until early 2025 now.
I think I need to consult with you before I put together my reviews! You have a lot of great insight my friend! Let me know if there is another product I should review and maybe we can collaborate on it!?
Practically I agree with you. Yes it is a competition within the line up. I incline with the larger screen and longer battery with slim and lighter weight.
Hey MrZerg! Thanks for stopping by! So many potential buyers end up going exclusively with the machine that’s more powerful on paper, but I really think if they took the 15 for a test spin, they would realize that it is perfectly capable of doing just about anything, as well as being incredibly more comfortable to use daily. There are definitely those that require the extra power of the M3- but I would be willing to bet that that’s maybe 1-2% of the people that actually purchase this new M3 Pro. This 15 is the ultimate daily driver for MOST people and I still love it! Thanks much for taking the time to leave a comment, MrZerg!! See ya soon ✌🏼🤟🏼
I love the vibe of the Air, the body and that 15" screen size is just the perfect middle ground the Pro models aren't hitting right now. If I start watching a darker movie scene tho I'm immediately turned off by the screen tho, that worse contrast ratio makes some movies look so bad in comparison and I watch a ton of movies. May just deal with the 16" MBP until the Air gets OLED in the next few years. If the Air gets the OLED tho, and especially 1 more port on the right side (or an SD card reader) then it'd legit be my perfect computer.....or just make the MBP thinner and 15" again lol
Jordan, I was JUST talking to my buddy about the old 15 MBP! I really do agree that 15 really is the perfect middle-ground size, and the portability you get out of it in this Air chassis is just perfect for me. I will admit, I am 100% with you on the screen quality. Totally fine for most tasks in a normally lit environment, but as soon as those lights dim, all sorts of unsavory qualities start rearing their ugly head. I personally don't watch movies on this at all for that exact reason. Had I never experienced the Retina XDR, it might have been palatable, but knowing what I know... it's a no-go for me. All that said, I do like everything else enough to forgive the screen, as major of an aspect as that is. If you are reading this Apple... Please give Jordan and me a timeline for the OLED OR mini LED variant of the 15 Air... I KNOW it's on your roadmap somewhere!! 🤣 Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment, Jordan! I appreciate you, Bro! Let's both keep our fingers crossed for that config... That would be yours and my perfect daily! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Really professional stuff. Keep doing your stuff & you’ll go places my friend. Got a sub from me 👍 use a 16” M3 pro MacBook Pro myself & I misread the title of the vid but you kept me around until the end because of the quality of the vid. Engaging 👍
Thanks so much, Grime!! I really appreciate your kind words, Bro. These videos really are quite difficult to make even at the newb level im at lol. for that reason, im so im glad people are enjoying them! I will cont to try my best to make better and more engaging videos for you guys! thanks for the sub, and thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it man!!
@@GrimeGames Dang dude, I don't even know? If i had to take my best guess and i considered all time spent on every aspect, B-roll, testing time, editing, filming my unprepared dialogue etc. ........maybe 15-20 hours? Maybe more- I honestly don't know. Not having a plan ahead of time really adds a lot to that figure ya know. I don't script this, have a storyboard or any other useful things that a smart creator would likely utilize 🤣 Im trying to get better about all that, but i'm just kinda figuring all this out on my own as I go. Any tips!? Feel free to send them my way!!
Great video! You have captured my struggle the last few days. Always had an older intel 15 inch MacBook Pro. I moved to the 15 inch air two weeks before the event announcing the pro. My 14th day was when they announced the new pro and I let my gadget envy get the best of me and I called Apple up and initiated a return for the air and I ordered a 14 inch pro. Over the last four days using it I am in love with the quality of that screen, but for me, it’s the same thing the form factor just doesn’t feel right I find myself leaning forward, I find myself putting my knees together, I find myself looking at it feeling a little sad because it just seems too small. It’s basically the same size as my 12.9 inch iPad Pro And it’s bumming me out So now I’m planning a trip back to the Apple Store to look at the base 16 inch and I’m trying to decide if I should try it or back to the air cause I don’t wanna lose the screen quality but I don’t think I can happily live with a 14. I know it’s a silly problem to have, but it’s a huge struggle to try and figure out what to do .
I don't think it's silly at all, Justin! These devices are a big investment in most cases, and to some, they are a massive one that requires saving money for a considerable amount of time to get their hands on one. I think it's totally reasonable to desire a feeling of joy and satisfaction with whatever device you land on. Now, it sounds to me like your gut is trying to tell you something, and I would advise you to hear him out! The joy you get out of watching that screen will flicker out over time, and you will be left with a machine that may look pretty but doesn't allow you to comfortably get things done, which ultimately ends with you either not using it or just spending money to replace it earlier than necessary. The fact that you are still in the return window is nice, but it also adds that sense of urgency to make a decision that can add a lot of stress to the process. It seems to me that you would likely feel right at home with that base 16 MBP. If money and portability are no issue (especially the portability, LOL), then I can't imagine a world where you wouldn't be satisfied with it. The screen is AMAZING, sound... INSANE, M3 Pro will perform for years to come. It's a CHUNKY piece of gear, but if you don't mind toting that beast around... everything else will likely blow your socks off!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your dilemma- Hopefully i was able to help guide you down the right path! let me know what you end up doin, Justin. Best of luck to you my friend!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I lived with a 14 inch M1 for three years. But I got a external monitor and hooked it up in pretty much used it that way. I realize I’m not having to travel to my parents anymore since they passed. And I don’t tend to take anything but my iPad Pro with cellular out side. So I upgrade to the 16 inch. I barely ever connected to the monitor.I am a happy camper
You and I were using the 14 in the exact same way, @BlairSlavin. I had it essentially docked at my studio desk and connected to all sorts of dongles and displays, finding myself getting a little annoyed every time I had to remove it all to go portable. I found myself wanting a stationary solution that I could count on to be ready to go at a moment's notice, hence my decision to get an M2 Pro Mac mini. This is my current studio setup alongside my 15 Air as my portable solution. This combo has worked well for me so far, and I will likely continue to have some variation of this for the foreseeable future. Aside from all that, I am happy to hear that you have landed in a place that makes you happy, Blair. Regardless of what device it took to get you there, you found it, and that's what counts! Take care, and I hope you have many years of joy with that amazing machine! Cheers 🍻
I had the same struggle! To me, I am not doing any image work but only Microsoft and web browsing. I have decided to take the advantage of the apple Black Friday sale event and get the 15 inch air! (200$ gift card back ).
For the price of of a single 16" MBP, you could get two 15" MBAs. Unless you're going to use most of the features of the MBP, I suggest the MBA instead; we don't always need the best-of-the-best, even if we could afford it. I personally tell myself: if I'm going to use all the features of this device, then the device is serving me, but if I'm NOT utilizing most of the features of a device, then it is I who is serving the device, or to be precise, Apple. This helps curb my compulsion and envy 😇
Reply: I'm right there with you, Vinicius! This 15 would be absolutely perfect with the mini LED. Honestly, I'd even take a slightly lower-end spec that just had HDR. ProMotion would be awesome as well, but I don't see them giving us the full beans unless, of course, the new Pro gets a substantial screen upgrade, at which point maybe we get the XDR?? Man, that would be awesome!! I won't hold my breath, though 😂 Thanks for stopping by the channel and taking the time to comment, Vinicius! I appreciate you!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Dude…that would be an absolute dream come true! Thanks for putting those positive vibes out there into the universe, my friend- I really believe that will make a difference!! Until next time 🍻
Phew! I just ordered a 15" MacBook Air for $828 on Amazon Refurbished which I think is a great deal. You just confirmed it! Thanks. Can't wait to get mine tomorrow.
Hey Bemacbe, that is AWESOME! What a great deal you got- I know you are going to love it from the moment you get it in your hands. Let me know what your thoughts are after you get it!! On another note, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment- I really appreciate it!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Well, I already have a Mac mini m2 Pro which I purchased in January which has been great. There have been a few times when I really needed a laptop to do InDesign freelance work on the go. We shall see. @@NigelWorkman
🎉 I’m grateful for your sub, gtretroworld!!! I’m very pleased to hear you enjoyed the video 😊 See you in the next one, and thanks again for stopping by! 🤟🏼✌🏼
We need a 15” M3 MacBook Air! I like the lighter and slimmer footprint of the Air to be honest. Regular users who don’t use intensive applications have no need for the Pro which is perfect for consumers like us.
Hey Arnel! I think you and I are absolutely on the same page when it comes to this topic. I know it’s a tough choice to make between these two, which is the whole reason why I posed the question in the video. They are both amazing pieces of hardware, but the slim and portable feeling of this 15 with the additional screen size just feels so great to work with. I’ll never understand why people that are just watching videos and typing up documents think they need to buy something with the word "pro" on it! I mean, if you have the money, absolutely get what you like, but it’s just surprising to me how many people are genuinely concerned that the M2 will not be powerful enough for their day-to-day computing. Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment, Arnel! I appreciate you, brother!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I just cancelled my order for the 14 MBP which is currently on discount on amazon. I compared it to what a 15 inch MBA would cost me and the difference was 100USD. I also looked at both side by side in the Apple Store. You are correct, the form factor of the MBA is really amazing. I currently have a 13 inch MBA M2 and previously had an M1 MBA. Every time I pick them up I just marvel at the form factor. I do plan to upgrade to the new laptop. I also compared the screen side by side in the store and while yes the MBP is better, the MBA screen is exceptional for an LCD screen. I honestly didn't feel the Pro motion as I do on my I pad pro. The speakers are better no doubt on the MBP are a nice to have but not a deal breaker I worry I may not like the portability of the 15 inch MBA for daily use and travel. I use my I pad pro for heavy media consumption and we all know how great those speakers are. I guess if you don't have an I pad Pro and consume a lot of streaming services, the MBP is maybe the better option. I am the definition of a casual user. I don't use this machine for anything professional. I think the one thing that keeps me for loving the MBP is the form factor. if you hold this side by side even with the 15 MBA, the MBP feels very chunky. This is a tough choice. I wish I could have both. I am still undecided if I should go with the M3 13 or 15 MBA or if I will regret not keeping my order for the MBP given the discount!!! Help!!
Hello, Trini! Absolutely, making decisions on tech can be a real challenge. I appreciate you sharing your experience and concerns. As you saw in the video, I had a similar struggle when comparing the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 15-inch MacBook Air. It's great that you took the time to visit the Apple Store and compare them side by side. I'm not sure how anyone would be able to make this choice without some actual hands-on time. The form factor of the 15-inch MBA is truly something special. I can relate to the marvel every time you pick it up! And, as you mentioned, it really does have an exceptional LCD screen. Now, your point about portability is crucial-this is what my decision was based on. I was a bit concerned with the size of the 15, not because I didn’t think it would travel well, but I do carry a small-ish backpack and did not want to bulk up just to be able to comfortably carry this larger laptop. That would defeat the whole purpose of my choice to go with the Air over the chunkier feeling 14. I am happy to report that the pocket feels like it was made for this 15! No slip-sliding in there, just a perfect snug pouch. The bottom line is, I think you analyzed all of the details very well: The screen, the sound, size, and weight, and have already had the time to feel them with your own hands. When I read your comment, it honestly sounds to me like someone who already knows they want the 15 but is maybe a little bit apprehensive given the fact that the “pro computer” is within $100 of it, and it’s hard to not buy the one that’s considered the best when given the opportunity, even if our gut is telling us otherwise. In my experience, I already had the 14 and had absolutely no reservations about giving it up to move over to this 15. I think that statement says more than any overly detailed and bullet-pointed list of reasons could ever convey. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story, Trini! I hope I was able to help. Please feel free to follow up if you have any other questions. Take care!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman I went back again to the store. for a 100 more on amazon, it would be remiss of me not to buy the MPB pro. I do travel a lot and sometimes the 13 inch MBA is too big for an economy seat airline table. I don't like the design of the MBP but I feel as I if the screen, speakers, and may be the pro motion to a lesser extent will make me happy. thank you for your detailed response!!
@@triniflyer8685 My pleasure, Trini! I must admit, when you when you mentioned frequent traveling, for some reason, a long work commute is what I had envisioned. Now that you mention frequent flying, I can totally get behind the idea that the 15 would be cramped on a flight. I have flown with it several times at this point and that big computer sitting on that small tray table is definitely a bit of a hassle. The iPad Pro is the perfect travel companion if media consumption is all you need it for. Good thing you have both! Take care and let me know how you feel about that Pro after having it for a little while. I would love to know what your long-term feelings are about it. Take care ✌🏼🤟🏼
Coming back to this. So I ended up getting the base MacBook 14 inch pro and the 15 inch air for my wife. I am really happy with the pro. Hear me out. It’s like the 15 pro of computers. Do you need all this for the money nope. The Amazon discount made it worthwhile. I am really enjoy the screen and the speakers. The MacBook Air isn’t the best to watch movies with dark scenes but it’s still very good. I would say if you are a heavy discerning media consumer you can’t go wrong with the base pro. Do you need it nope.
Hello, Phuamt- Thanks for stopping by! As far as the performance is concerned, It really won't be that noticeable during most tasks. If you do any sort of Photo/Video editing, or maybe some 3d rendering type work, you would probably benefit from having the m3- albeit, not dramatically so. The question I would be asking myself is- Would I pay an additional 200 if it meant being able to get an additional 1-2 years out of the device? Hope that helps, Phuamt!! Thanks again for stopping by and commenting- I really appreciate it!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey whats up, Hamza! Im happy to hear you enjoyed the video, Bro. thanks for taking the time to send that compliment my way- I appreciate it big time!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
That’s awesome, mwanz! I thank you for taking the time to leave that thoughtful comment. I appreciate you subscribing to the channel as well, and I will do my best to make content you can enjoy for years to come! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Hey, Bella! I think you mad a great choice. The good thing about it is, if you do decide to start using it beyond it’s current purpose, you will be pleased to find out that there is plenty of muscle to go around with this M2! I hope you enjoy your 15 Air for years to come, Bella!! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting- I appreciate it!! Take care ✌🏼🤟🏼
I had been using a 2017 Intel 13” MacBook Pro up until a few weeks ago when I finally got a 2023 M2 15” MacBook Air… loved everything about it… except its bigger footprint on my desks, both at home and at work, it was a monster and took up a considerable amount of additional space. Since I also lug around a 16” 2020 MacBook Pro for work, having two huge laptops just seemed like overkill. When the 2023 14” M3 MacBook Pro was announced, I decided to return the Air and get the Pro. I have had the Pro for about a week now and love everything about it including the size. It is a step up from the 13” without the huge footprint of the 15” Air. Since I spec’ed out both the M2 and M3 with 16 gb of RAM and 1 tb of storage, the price difference was only about $100. The Pro adds an HDMI port and an SD card slot, both of which I’ve been using a dongle for on my Intel Pro. Also, it has the variable refresh rate, a brighter and nicer screen, wonderful speakers, and a fan to cool it down for those occasional processor intensive tasks. In summary, for my needs the M3 Pro was a better fit.
Hi Jeff- thanks for stopping by! Im glad you were able get it all figured out and land on the right piece of hardware. If i were in the same spot as you (lugging the 16 around) I most certainly WOULD NOT want to cary the 15 along side it. I myself and extremely averse to clutter and having both of those open on my desk would likely drive me nuts! Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us! I think this same scenario will hold true to some other folks and will help guide them to the right hardware. Take care, Jeff! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Agree 100% , at this point these chips can handle my day to day since the m1. Form factor becomes priority and because of that I went with the 15 inch. Being able to see more with two apps side by side also is a bonus.
Hello, Seru! You are totally right; Apple Silicon really did change the game with M chips. There are some who may not have experienced this yet, and as a result, they are hanging on to old ways of thinking. An example would be: there are tons of folks in the comments that are concerned about the 8GB memory that most of these configs come with. Maybe back in the days of Intel Mac, this would have been more of a consideration, but with this super-fast memory and the way that it is unified on the chip, it all works flawlessly together, hence not requiring nearly as much to get the job done. This has been the case with Apple phones for ages. Any Android flagship counterpart at the time would have anywhere from 3-4 times the memory, yet iPhone consistently outperforms them. The bottom line is, M chips are crazy good, the hardware and software integration is incredible, and we can now focus on the auxiliary features we want because the chip will get the job done regardless. Seru, I want to thank you for stopping by and taking time to comment. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
That’s a great point you made about chrome. I must be living under a rock, but I wasn’t aware of the fact that it used more memory than Safari. Appreciate you pointing this out!
This is the exact comparison i need! For someone like me who needs the big screen size but also don’t need pro features, price difference was the only thing i was iffy about. Great video! I’ll grab the 15”
Glad I was able to help, Eerietin! I think you are going to love the form factor of this 15. For me, it’s the perfect everyday computer and easily my choice over the pro. Let me know how you like it once you have it in your hands!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey Mark! I don't blame you for waiting. The fact that we are already so close to spring makes holding off a little longer the smart move. I'm not sure if I'll end up reviewing one, as I'm pretty sure it will be a minor spec bump, but if for some reason we get lucky and they update to a higher quality screen, with HDR for instance, I'm all in!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, Mark. I really appreciate it!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey Dudek! I think we can hash this out together! What would you say are the top 3 purposes for this new machine? The 16 is definitely the ultimate laptop, but at a hefty price. The 15, on the other hand, is a machine that can do just about anything and at a considerably lower price tag-albeit with some limitations compared to the 16. I'm here for you, Dudek! Let's get this figured out!
I’m personally going with the 16” even though the specs are way more than I will ever need. So many reviewers are constantly mentioning terms such as workflow, video editing, photo editing…. I mean, are there any people out there that just want a laptop for searching the web, watching UA-cam, creating the odd document.
Hi Fred, thanks for stopping by! You're totally right, man. We do spend a lot of time talking about those same aspects, and I think the main influence of that is we are talking about what we are doing in that moment (making UA-cam vids), and the influence that has on our perspective might cause us to forget that there are others who will just want to use it for media consumption as well as general tasks. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I will make it a point to include some more of those ideas in my next video. Thanks for taking the time to share that perspective, Fred. These ideas will really help me become a more well-rounded reviewer! Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@MadScientist7 Awesome! Im grateful for your sub, Fred! I will do my best to make content that is just as entertaining as this- hopefully even more so. Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
This is a tough one, Brendan… using the 42-inch C3 OLED certainly has its strong points. The resolution's great, the refresh rate is great, and, of course, the black levels are incredible. Not only that, you can have your PS5 or Series X connected to it and get all the advantages of variable refresh rate, 120 Hz, etc. On the other side, there are definitely some minor annoyances when it comes to using this as a monitor. One of those would be the automatic dimming of the screen that you have no control over. I have seen that people have used the service remote to go in and modify those settings, which is something I have not attempted to do. I don’t want to risk burn-in/retention, as I do tend to step away from my computer quite a bit with static images left on the screen. These are just a couple of the initial things that pop into my mind after reading your comment, but there’s definitely a lot more to it than just those details. Overall, I am happy with the experience, but if I could go back, I wish I would have at least attempted to use the studio monitor to see what that experience is like. There’s also the new M3 iMac, which I have sitting on my desk right now! So far, my experience with that is no different than the M1, so I’m not planning on making a video on it anymore, but be that as it may, that’s still a really good option. I love the iMac. Feel free to ask me any other specific questions you need to, Brendan. I’m here for you, brother. 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks for your very thoughtful reply! I did watch a video where someone said they used the service remote to turn off the auto dimming and have had no problems with burn in as of yet. Might be cheap enough to take the risk (compared to something like the Studio Display), but another complaint was lack of auto sleep/wake. I’ve got the M1 Studio w/ Studio Display myself, though if I don’t end up going multi-monitor, the rumors of a possible 32” iMac Pro in a year or two have me pretty excited. That size seems like the perfect middle ground, and I love the reduced clutter of an all-in-one these days. I sent my dad your video to watch - I’m sure he will love the 15” Air.
It’s my pleasure, Brendan! I hadn’t heard of that 32-inch iMac-I hope you’re right about that. If so, I think you and I both will be a couple of really happy dudes!! I’m always on a mission to reduce clutter, which is nearly impossible in my studio setup as there are just so many things connected at any given time. My office, on the other hand, has a 24-inch iMac sitting on the desk, and it makes me very happy just to look at how clean and simple everything is! I hope your dad is able to get it all figured out. At least he has the ability to check out your setup, which would be the only other thing I would do outside of the OLED. Best of luck, and thanks for passing along the video!! 🙏✌🏼🤣
I have a 43” Samsung mounted to the wall behind my desk and drive it with my MBP via the HDMI. It’s a great set up. Used a 27” iMac for 9 years and loved it, but I prefer the versatility (mobility) of this set up.
I purchased the MacBook Air 15 16GB/1TB and I agree with everything you expressed in this video. Thanks for reminding me why I chose it in August. I think the M3 chip in the macbook air will come but it runs hotter than the M2 so I'm not so sure.
I didn’t end up adding any of this to the video because it was already getting a little bit longer than I had wanted it to, but I did do some testing of video game performance, specifically wanting to see about kicking the fans on and what sort of temperature both machines would produce under those conditions. What I found was that the 14-inch MacBook Pro, running Rise of the Tomb Raider at nearly identical resolutions at high settings, never ended up kicking the fans up to an audible level. however, it did get really, really hot. I’m actually surprised that the fans did not crank up. The M2 MacBook Air, on the other hand, stayed much cooler and, of course, silent, albeit not running as stably in frames per second as the M3. This game, of course, is not optimized for any of this Apple Silicon, so it’s not the best test at the end of the day, but it was the prettiest looking game I could find in my Steam library that supported Mac at all.
That’s a nice spec, Geps! I’m happy to have reminded you that you did, in fact, make the correct choice! I hadn’t had any second guesses toward getting rid of my 14 for that 15-inch Air, but as soon as this new M3 configuration reared its head, it had me second-guessing myself just a little bit, which is why I made this video. I am happy to have concluded that the 15 is still my go-to, and I’m also happy to know that I helped remind you of that as well! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Have a great day! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman To play when I have time I do it on console. I think Apple is on the right track but the basic M3 chip is still not enough to play at good levels.We will probably have to wait for the next generations for this.
@@geps7393I totally agree. It’s really interesting how much they’ve been sprinkling in little bits of gaming speak to their recent conferences, specifically when it comes to hardware accelerated ray tracing capabilities with this new M3 line. I can only imagine what the other variations would be capable of. That of course, would still require someone to make a game for Mac and optimize for Apple Silicon lol. Maybe one day you and I will ditch our consoles for the convenience of grabbing our notebooks but I doubt it 😂
For me, the 15” MBA is just too big - like it felt like Mammoth big. I am looking forward to to the XDR screen and the battery life for the basics with the 14” M3
Hi Richard- thanks for stopping by! You wouldn't be the first commenter today to have the same sentiment towards the 15. Its always fun to hear the thoughts and perspectives of those who have differing opinions. To feel so completely satisfied with the 15 and then to hear that someone things its huge is a valuable thing to be aware of, and its difficult to consider those possibilities when i am such a huge fan of it. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the matter, Richard. I as well as many other will likely appreciate your perspective! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I need to get a new macbook for working (telehealth) videocalling, screen sharing, multiple tabs and apps open to screen share. With all the upgrades to 16GB RAM and 512 GB Storage, the 14inch M3 pro will cost 120$ more than the M2 air 15 inch. I got used to using the 15 inch with my 2015 macbook. I am wondering if you can help me decide. With a 120$ difference, I am concerned about longevity and also resale value. I do like the screen being much brighter and nicer but most of the time I like to do notes after on the bed or couch... so please let me know what you think? When I saw the 14 inch in person I was shocked at how small it looked.
Hello, Ms. Z! Thanks for dropping by. 😊 My gut is telling me to direct you towards the 15-inch model. The fact that this is predominantly a work device, not to mention a telehealth device, you would benefit from a larger screen to visualize your patient more easily, leading to a more thorough assessment. I myself am a provider, so coming from that perspective, I think it would be useful- although not a game changer. As far as processing power and similar considerations are concerned, I honestly believe it's a non-issue. There is nothing this 15-inch model won't be able to do for you given its primary objectives. Regarding screen quality, as I mentioned in the video, the 14-inch model has a better screen, but not necessarily in all circumstances. If you were consuming high-quality content with high dynamic range, then there would be no contest between the two. However, for general day-to-day work, internet browsing, conducting a telehealth interview, or typing up a document, I think the additional size is much more valuable than the screen quality which would not be a parent during normal circumstances. The advantages of the 14-inch screen really only come into play when doing very specific media consumption /creation related tasks I will stand by my statement in the video and say that unless you're a professional requiring additional power or the ability to work with HDR footage or images, the 15 is the better computer for day-to-day work. Hope that helps, MsZ! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate you 🤟🏼✌🏼 ps: I just got off work and I’ve had a couple of beers so I might be rambling a little more than I normally do 😂. Take care!
@@NigelWorkman thank you so much for the ramble. It helps that you're coming from a provider perspective. In terms of longevity, would you consider the M2 air as sturdy as the M3 pro base- esp with the 16gb/512gb upgrades?
@@MsZzainwk Hi again, Ms. Z! I'm glad my ramble was helpful. Regarding longevity, both the M2 Air and the M3 Pro with the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage upgrades should provide you with a robust performance. The M3 Pro may have a slight edge in terms of processing power, but for your described use cases like telehealth, video calling, and multitasking, the M2 Air with those upgrades should be more than sturdy enough to handle your needs. Considering your familiarity and comfort with the 15-inch size, along with the cost difference, I still lean towards the 15-inch M2 Air for your day-to-day work. It strikes a good balance between performance and practicality. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask! Take care! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman thanks so much the cost difference of only $120 really threw me off and gave me fomo with m3! But I think you may be totally right. The comfort is super important and the camera isn't any better.
@@NigelWorkman thank you so much Nigel for taking the time to help me and respond to my questions. I do appreciate it. I think I'll go with the 15inch and also, can you tell me if 16gb is enough ram for running video call, multiple apps and tabs? And can you comment on which charger is better the 70w or the 35 w, I am worried that that fast charger would ruin the battery but nothing is coming up on Google besides a few comments on Reddit that don't explain if it actually does or not. Thanks so much again!! I will be ordering it tomorrow. Just confirming details.
Hey Bugged! Which piece of hardware? Mac Studio? If so, Im sure you are loving every minute of it. I myself am partially regretful of my purchase of the mini rather than the studio. I still have a lot of life in this mini (M2 pro) but when and if they release a M3 max Apple studio- i might have to jump on that. Aside from that, im happy to hear you are satisfied with your setup and thanks for taking the time to share! take care, Bugged!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Macbook pro 14 inch. I had an M1 mini base model and I could't wait until the pro machines came. Mini was awesome but these M series machines are only limited by the amount of RAM one configures. I don't think i am interested in an upgrade until they do a redesign so probably M5 or M6. I will get the vision pro first day though.
Hey Avm, that would depend on what sort of work you are doing. I think most people will be perfectly fine with the standard configuration of just 8 GB. I edited a large chunk of the video you just watched on my 15" Air (which is the lowest configuration, M2 8GB), and it felt identical to the experience I have using my M2 Pro Mac mini. With all that being said, I really think it boils down to the specifics of your particular interactions. There is certainly a scenario where the Pro is the way to go, but if you’re like me and doing similar things as me-general everyday tasks such as email, Zoom meetings, document preparation, as well as some media creation like video editing and music creation-this 8GB M2 Air flies through all of those things with zero issues while also being considerably more comfortable for me. I think for you, it would be worth testing both of them out. If the 14" is a comfortable experience for you, then I would say go for it! You get the better screen, better speakers, not to mention being on the most recent chip! But if you’re like me and have a hard time interacting with that thing, I am confident that you will be happy with the 15! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@NigelWorkman im a real estate agent, I mostly use outlook and use programs like photoshop, lightroom, etc. I publish properties online, webbrowsing, work on our website, edit photos, and occasionally edit videos.
Given your particular situation, I would say that the base model 15-inch Air could easily glide through all of those tasks without any hiccups whatsoever. The only thing worth considering would perhaps be the storage capacity. The $1299 variant only has 256 GB of storage, which could get eaten up very quickly if you are editing video frequently. I myself realized I was going to need external storage from day one, so I chose to go with the smaller internal storage as I knew it wouldn’t last me more than a couple of days with how large these 4K video files are. With all that being said, I can tell you with certainty that you will not have issues with performance with either of these machines. The bigger consideration in my mind would be: would you prefer the extra screen real estate or the higher picture quality? Just to be clear, there is nothing at all wrong with the screen on the 15". It’s actually quite nice-the 14" is just a step better in most categories. Hope that helps! Please don’t hesitate to ask further questions. I’m here for you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Have M2 MacBook Air 13. Most of it is great, but sometimes I wish the sound was just a few bars higher. So thinking between MacBook Air 15 and M3 MacBook Pro. I don’t watch HDR content and am not a pro user, just some light coding and web browsing. Still debating which one will be better. When configuring both to 16/512 the difference is 200€ with pro being more expensive. Are the display quality and sound worth 200€ difference? Will probably wait till M3 comes to Airs, maybe sound will get even better on them
Here’s the thing, Profix: removing the screen size out of the equation, there is a massive difference between the image quality of the two. Not only that, the difference in sound could not be any more one-sided. The array of speakers in the 14 just honestly has no business sounding as good as it does. That being said, I will still end up putting in my AirPods 99% of the time, so as much as I like to rave about how amazing the quality is, it doesn’t matter at the end of the day because I’m never going to be anywhere where I will not be using my headphones. Now, back to the actual screen size itself, I find that to be by far the biggest consideration for myself personally. I know there are those out there that have commented on the fact that it’s just a 1-inch difference, but I would request that those same people go and try these both out for themselves and tell me they don’t notice a big difference. My recommendation for you would be to absolutely go and try both of them out. If you have great vision and you’re not a particularly large person, you could very easily get away with using the 14, and in that case, I think you would be happier with that. On the other hand, if you’re like me and maybe don’t have the greatest vision, perhaps you have big, floppy hands like I do that need a little bit more support, etc., etc., you’ll probably end up liking the 15 more. Please feel free to ask me any more specific questions if you have them! I am here for you. Aside from all that, thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it. 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks for the detailed answer. Will really have to check them both out in person. Heard about blooming on Pro displays. Plus have no idea how frequent I'll need to clean the fan in the pro model. Watched some more videos on the sound comparison and yea - even through the video the difference in the sound quality can be heard, with pros having more bass. Wish standard M3 MacBook Pros came with new color Space Black, it looks so sick. But it only comes with M3 Pro, being another 200 euro more expensive. Typical apple upsell strategy)
I haven’t seen it myself, but a good friend of mine, who I always have these conversations with, did purchase the Space Black, and his initial take on it is, he is not nearly as impressed with the color in person as it appeared to be online. He actually set it up side-by-side in a pretty well-lit room next to the previous 14-inch in Space Gray, and the perceivable difference to my eyes was maybe 10%. Once again, I think that will also depend on lighting conditions, but given the fact that I think most of us have lights in our house on 😂 it probably won’t ever look “Space Black.”
@@NigelWorkman Update: Found one of the best deals for M3 Pro base model. It is just 60 euros more than M3 MacBook Pro 16/512. Preordered Space Black M3 Pro MacBook. The laptop costs 1/3 more than the price of MacBook Air M2 8/512 I bought last year, but hope that 18 Gb of ram, screen, sound and new space black Color will be worth it. Didn’t even manage to find time to check Air 15 and Pro 14 in store, but could not pass such a delicious deal😅
Heck ya@@profix4993 I'm glad you found that deal! I totally agree that sometimes you just need to jump on stuff while the opportunity is there. Let me know what you think of it after you get a chance to put it through its paces!!!
It really does make all of the difference! The ultimate would be a 15 inch liquid retina XDR inside of the 15 air chassis.....PERFECTION! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Abhishek! i appreciate you ✌🏼🤟🏼
I was torn between the two until I saw your video which brought up some important points. I would love to have the latest and greatest but is it worth the hype? My MacBook Air 15 in. fits comfortably in my lap and the keyboard isn't crowded. It is very light whilst while traveling can be a plus not to mention the fan which could make annoying noises and add weight. If I did go the M3 route it would more than likely be the 16 in because of the space on the keyboard and size of the screen. I was going out to trade in this 15 air for the 14 m3 until I saw your video so thanks again for saving me a few bucks and making me appreciate what I have in the 15 in MacBook Air.
It is my absolute pleasure, Steven!! Prior to making these videos (which give me the opportunity to try just about anything I want) I would have 100% felt the exact same way as you! Apple has a way of getting me excited for even the smallest differences. That's not to say the ones that exist between these two aren't totally obvious, but it also does not end up making it better for a lot of us. I think that anyone who genuinely enjoys using this 15 would, in most cases, feel uncomfortable going back down to the 14. I have had a handful of subscribers mention that they feel the 15 is much too big, but most are in agreement with you and me and have expressed very positive feelings towards the 15 Air. I think the next daily driver for me will once again be the 15 Air, and my hope is that they will up the standard storage to at least 512GB and add HDR to the next display. That right there is my perfect daily! Thanks for taking the time out of your day to comment, Steven! I appreciate it, brother! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I am a collage student loking for a laptop for coding and 1080p video editing and some browsing and video and some documents realted work which should i prefer
Hello Bipul! The two most important considerations for me would be the coding and video editing. The M series Apple Silicon, such as the M2 in MacBook Air, is tailored for coding with several key features. The multiple high-performance cores and efficient energy management enable swift code compilation and execution. The unified memory architecture ensures quick access to shared resources, enhancing multitasking capabilities crucial for coding workflows. Additionally, the advanced GPU in these chips benefits tasks like rendering and graphics-intensive coding projects. The tight integration of hardware and software optimizes performance, making the M series an excellent choice for a smooth and efficient coding experience. As far as the video editing is concerned- 1080p footage is perfectly doable with the M2 chip in the MacBook Air. The M2 offers ample processing power and graphics capabilities to handle video editing tasks efficiently. For your needs, including coding and occasional video editing, the MacBook Air with M2 would provide a well-rounded and cost-effective solution without compromising on performance. Hope this helps!! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, Bipul- I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Another one thing for query Can I buy macbook pro m3 base model because I love mini led display and pro motion I can increase by budget to 1400 to 1500 dollars. Also thinking iam a student so I can use benefit of student discount so this value for me?
The mini LED display on the 14 is certainly great to look at when viewing UHD/HDR content, no doubt, but for me, the additional screen real estate makes a much bigger impact based on the things I do with it. Although I LOVE the 14-inch MBP screen, I don't consume a lot of content with it, and in that case, the difference is far less apparent. I would highly recommend you see them both for yourself in person, Bipul. You might be perfectly satisfied with the 14-inch screen size, and in that case, you will get the additional quality benefits that it will provide. On the other hand, the 15 might feel much better for your work-related tasks. The 15 may not sound like it's much bigger, but when you open it and actually USE it, the difference can feel considerable. Just my two cents! Let me know which way you end up goin, Bipul!! Id love to see where you end up and how you are liking it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Thanks for mentioning this chefT and Mike! I hadn’t even thought of this. I have a separate desktop, so these considerations don’t come to mind. Now thinking about it, I realize there are probably a lot of people who not only use this machine on the go, but also dock it at home. Thanks again for bringing this up, and a big thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Appreciate you both! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Well, hopefully I saved you from having to do any of that for yourself! I am extremely confident that you would have made the same choice as me. there’s no way a person can go back from the 15 to the smaller 14. Unless of course you were one of the rare cases where the 15 is too large- I have actually gotten several comments to that effect just today. Anywho! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, and leave comment, Simonal! I really appreciate it big time! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Yes I agree my 15” Air replaced my very old and broken 15” Intel Pro I was only contemplating the 16” Pro but the weight carrying it around puts me off especially with the advances in processors to the Apple silicon. The screen on the Pro is gorgeous but the 15” Air form is perfect for me like you I love the larger palm rest and the whole larger size but love the, so much, lighter and slimmer form of the Air and with a little upgrade - 16gb ram and 1 TB drive it is pretty much all I need oh and if i have to have a black machine….there are always skins to change the colour.
@@Simonal777 That’s a solid spec you opted for! I can’t imagine the need for an upgrade anytime soon. I’m happy that so many others have had the opportunity to experience the comfort and portability of this 15. I agree that the screen in the 16 is absolutely brilliant, but that sucker is the polar opposite of this air with regards to portability, not to mention the entry level price is double this entry level config I’m using. Once again, I’m happy to hear of your positive experience with the 15 and hope it keeps you productive for years to come! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Those deals may not last much longer, Professor - you better get on it fast! Lord knows, Apple will never give such a discount once the Best Buy one is gone. Then it's back to the typical $50-$100 off that Best Buy offers periodically. Quite a few people have commented about this very deal and capitalized on it. Worst case scenario: give yourself a week to play around with it, and if you don't like it, just make sure to bring it back within 14 days! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Professor! I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Great video. I’ve been going back and forth between the 15 M2 Air 16GB 1 TB ($1699 on sale) and the 14 M3 Pro 16GB 1 TB ($2199 not on sale). Using it for business Word, Excel, Adobe PDF, Safari, no heavy lifting on the photo/video editing. I would be transitioning from my 2017 iMac 21.5” i5 16GB 1 TB Fusion to it as my sole computer - running a separate monitor, been living with only one monitor forever. I want something that is a bit future proof as I keep these things for several years. A lot of bang for the buck in both models. Just not sure 14 M3 Pro is worth $500 more. Yesterday it was the M2 Air, today the M3 Pro.
Hey Jon, thanks so much for stopping by! Quick question for you: that M3 Pro configuration that you talk about - do you mean the M3 Pro chip, or just the MacBook Pro with M3? The reason I ask is, another commenter had mentioned that both the M2 Air, as well as the M3 MacBook Pro, only support one external display. I’m not sure if this even matters to you, but I just thought I would bring that to your attention. Apparently, to support multiple external displays, you would have to move up to the M3 Pro version of the MacBook Pro. Another reason why I even bother asking this is, how much time do you actually spend with your computer on the go? I love having a desktop setup personally, but then again, I have the benefit of having several different laptops to choose from as well. It would be a hard choice for me to pick between my desktop and my laptop if I only had the ability to keep one. I suppose the reasonable person would go with the laptop, given that you would have more options at that point. On the other hand, an M2 Pro Mac mini is $1200, is an absolute beast, and can easily support multiple external displays if you need that AND, you could grab yourself a 13 inch MacBook Air for your portable needs. This puts you just slightly over that 2199 configuration that you mentioned . None of that may actually be in any way relevant to your current situation 😂 I guess at this point I’m just throwing some considerations out there just in case you hadn’t thought about them. If you have any particular questions for me, Jon, I’m here for you, brother! Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to leave a comment. I enjoy hashing out these situations with people and especially like when I can help them come to a conclusion!
Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes, the M3 Pro chip supporting two monitors. I’ll likely not use the second. I got there because the M3 Chip on the MacBook Pro 14 when upgrading to the 16GB and 1 TB gets me to $1999. So for $200 I get 18GB ram, better processor (not that I need it) 2 monitor support and more outputs 3 Thunder, etc. So going that upgrade route makes sense. I’m still able to use the 2017 iMac in the short term and will transition to a separate monitor later down the line. Everything now is pointing back to the M2 Air. Save $500 to put toward something else down the line. Great conversation and all valid. I want the screen real estate and for that reason dismissed the 13”
@@johnmarchetto8097 This sounds like a really well thought out plan if i'm being honest with you, John. It sounds to me like you are someone who wants to hang on to your equipment for several years, and in that case, i am a firm believer of spending for a spec that will make all of those years of work smooth and reliable, rather than struggling with performance issues due to old tech not keeping up. Nothing worse than being stuck with a machine that makes more work, out of your work, if that makes sense. Best of luck to you, brother- I hope you land on something that you can enjoy for years to come!!
forgot to answer your question - my portable device is an iPad Pro 11”, which isn’t cutting it as a mini laptop. How much do I use it, well mostly for conveyance, out of town business meetings 1x 2x month and allowing me to visit kids out of state working remotely. I do like my desktop, but with the price of iMac, Mac mini and MacBooks, I figured that the MacBook is as powerful as most iMacs so I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone as I transition from the current iMac.
@@johnmarchetto8097 Fair enough, John- I could see how being out of town frequently would lead you to wanting the 'one stop solution' so to speak. I think if you ever do miss having a desktop that is more recent, the mini is an excellent buy!
Hello, first off I just want to say thank you for this comparison cause ive been in a week long debate on what macbook to get. Ive been going on full circles because im stuck whether I should get the macbook air 15 with 16gb ram or the macbook pro m3 base model. In terms of consumption, I mainly use it for everyday tasks. Web browsing with multiple tabs open, movie streaming, shopping, and sometimes i do download some movies. So yes, ive actually been persuading myself to get the pro since it has exhaust fan, better display and all that. Since im also a big movie guy, i would like to know if ditching a 15inch display for a better and enhanced visuals in the pro compared to the air is better? I know my consumption isnt that heavy but my macbook air 2018 tends to overheat whenever I do my normal daily tasks and ive been so hesitant with the air ever since. Reasons for purchase: I want a powerful macbook that can last me 5+ years. I want it to be durable and to future proof my macbook since I would not know what I’ll be doing with my MacBook in 5 years time.
Hi Ian, I think we can solve this puzzle for you! Taking into consideration all the points you mentioned, the fact that you are coming from a 13 and didn't seem to indicate any frustration with the size, as well as the fact that you do watch the occasional movie on it, I think I am leaning more towards the 14 for you. Another significant reason for that would be the length of time you are hoping to get use from it. In my opinion, when it comes to Apple products, it's always a safe bet to go with the latest and greatest, as you will at the very least have an additional year of macOS updates available to you. Not only that, I think it's reasonable to assume that the last 1-2 years of use will certainly continue to perform at a higher level. I could very easily make a good argument for the 15 as well, but my gut is telling me that for you and your situation, I really think you will LOVE the 14. Please follow up with me and let me know what you end up going with! I'd love to know where you land and how you feel about it.
Sounds like you would be happier with the 16" MBP instead of the 14". I would get the 16" MBP because I use a 17" HP laptop now with an i7. I like a large screen and I don't really move my computer so I'm not worried about the weight!
Hey Joseph, thanks for stopping by! If I didn’t need to be mobile with this device as often as I do, I would absolutely love to use the 16". The limited experience that I have with it left me feeling like it is just far too bulky to be toting around as often as I need to. Aside from the mobility issues, I will 100% agree that it is a beautiful machine that would be a joy to edit videos on in a stationary setup. There are already two iMacs as well as an M2 Pro Mac mini in my home, so having a 16-inch MacBook Pro as a stationary computer has no purpose here, unfortunately. Believe me when I say, if I could find any way of justifying that purchase, I would’ve figured it out by now, lol. 😂 Thanks again for taking the time to comment, Joseph! I’ve been getting a lot of different perspectives on this topic today, and it’s already helping me to see ways I can improve my next video. Thanks again! 🤣✌🏼
I went from my MacBook Air Intel 2020 to MacBook Air 15 inch 24gb ram & 256 SSD and it was absolute game changer and with it for me! I have iCloud+ and external hard drive for the storage and with the 24gb ram it will last me a long time and love how it’s lightweight even though it has a bigger screen. Note: for anyone that says “24gb ram is overkill” I use a gaming monitor and connect a lot of cables for Ethernet and HDD drive which goes up to 13-17gb ram in use and with No overload whatsoever and haven’t had it over heat not once! I freaking love it I don’t think I need to explain further of why I decided to go with 24gb ram RAM > Storage
Thats an awesome spec, Obiken!! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with it. This will likely help other who will be in the same situation. I hope you have many many years of joy and productivity with that monster of an Air!! Take care!
Thank you Nigel, your review is exactly what I needed. And I feel the same way, I went yesterday to check them in iStore for 1h, and 14 just didn't clicked with me they way 15 did! :D Great work, keep them coming. Also, where did you get the "skin" for your Air 15?
You are so welcome, Djordje!! It's always nice to know that I was able to help someone! The skin is from a company called DBRAND and in my experience, there is no other brand worth going to. The fitment is the best by far, the materials are the best by far, and the available styes IMO are the coolest around. I'll drop a link down below! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment, Djordje, and I hope you get many years of joy and productivity from your new machine!! ✌🏼🤟🏼 dbrand.com/shop/skins/apple-macbook-air-15-skins-2023-m2
I'll be buying the M3 15 Inch MacBook Air when they release it. I hope they improve the screen but I'll buy it regardless as it will be time to upgrade. My 2019 13 Inch MacBook Pro is starting to show its age now, especially when it has to push pixels around my new 4K monitor.
Hey, Chris - I think you have a solid plan. I, too, hope they will add this mini LED display to the 15" Air as I believe that would be the absolute BEST everyday computer by a long shot. Do I think they’ll do it… probably not, but until then, I’ll hold out hope for such a configuration. On another note - have you ever considered getting a Mac mini to satisfy your desktop needs? My last MBP was also performing double duty until I decided to finally give a Mac mini a try. I really like having a stationary setup that I can always count on for being ready to go in an instant, rather than my prior situation requiring me to dock, reconnect, monitors, hard drives etc., etc. These are all, of course, minor inconveniences at the end of the day, but just something worth considering. If the funds are available, maybe give that a try? Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment - I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey Arnav- Sorry for the late reply!! I would love to help you with this problem- But first, what sort of work do you plan on using this machine for? Please describe to me and additional things you may do less frequently, and what are some programs you plan on using? We can get this figured out, Arnav!! PS: I will respond much sooner on the next one...PROMISE!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Hmmmm…this is an interesting one. Could you give me a specific scenario that you’re experiencing this in so I could try recreating it on my end. I haven’t picked up the iPad for a while, but I do still have an m1 laying around. It would be interesting to figure out what is happening there.
@@NigelWorkman specifically web browsing and utilizing UA-cam. The ipad seems much quicker and responsive. Note that I also tried out the 15 inch macbook air (costco sale item) and after comparing it to the 14 inch macbook pro I prefer the feel of the air better. Considering taking back the macbook pro.
@@BUCKINUTI’d go with your gut on this one, Buck. If something is saying that you should return that and get the 15 I jump on it before it’s too late! Let me know what you end up doing if you think about it! Best of luck to you brother 🤟🏼✌🏼
I have been using mine for about 4 months now and have yet to experience a situation where I felt like I needed more juice. Just for perspective, the most intensive work I personally do with it would be 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro. It's not as fast as my M2 Pro with 16GB, but it doesn't feel to be too far behind. Here is my bottom line: I think you SHOULD be able to get all the work done that you need to with the 8GB, especially if you aren't doing anything more resource-hungry than something like 4K editing. On the other hand, Best Buy has the 15 at $200 off right now, and if it were me, rather than save $200, I would 100% get the next configuration, which has the 16GB and never stress it again. Hope that helps!!
macbook pro speakers is the best ever, spetialy 16 inch one. the bass is crazy good. for the studio microphone is the best from any laptop. but don't compare laptop microphone to studio microphone, its different device. I use ipad pro m1 microphone to record my podcast, for me, its very good microphone from A tablet mic.
Hi there, NUHNUH!! You’re right about the 16 having some insane speakers! I haven’t personally owned one nor have I spent much time with it, but I have heard it with my own ears and it’s something to behold. As far as the mic goes- my main issue with it is the fact that they label as “studio quality”. That is printed right in the spec sheet on the website. To say that it’s the best laptop mic is one thing. I will get behind that statement all day. But they crossed the Hype Line on this one big time. There is nothing studio quality about it, that alone is why I am disparaging it so highly. Besides, all that, I’m very thankful that you took the time to leave a comment on my video! I really appreciate it, and I hope you all the best on your podcast! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hi, Stephanie! I couldn’t agree more-I would absolutely LOVE there to be a card reader on the next one. Although I will say, I’m not particularly optimistic that it will actually happen. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this one 🤞 On another note, I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your day to leave a comment. I really appreciate it! Take care, Stephanie!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
15 inch is still too big for me. i am not a size queen. my sweet spot is 13 inch. so i am going to stick with 13 inch macbook air. lightest and fanless with the best portability out of the entire apple laptops. since i only use my laptop for web surfing, watching videos, word processing, excel. macbook air line is more than sufficient to do all that.
Hey Vamp! Thanks for stopping by 😊 I don’t know if you’re much of a comment browser, but I did have a discussion about this with a subscriber just a little while ago. What I mentioned to them was, I am a mega fan of the 13-inch Air, and although I owned a 14-inch Pro simultaneously, I found myself always opting to take the 13 with me wherever I went. To be honest, I didn’t get a whole lot of use out of that 14 at the end of the day. I would open it up and gaze at how pretty the screen was or demo some Atmos-enabled music for somebody just to show them how good the speakers were, but outside of that, the Air was always my go-to. A bit smaller than I would’ve liked, which is why when this larger form factor came out I was so excited to get my hands on it, and have been using it ever since. I’m happy to hear that you found the right machine for you and all the things that you do. There’s nothing better than actually being satisfied with the tech that we invested in. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your situation with all of us. I appreciate you, Vamp!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Yo, what’s up, Jayrod! That is a tougher question than some might think-let me explain. There was a point when I did, in fact, own the 13-inch M2, while simultaneously owning a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook. If it would have come down to me having to choose between one of them, I would have actually picked the 14. NOW, ask me which computer I actually threw in my backpack and took with me everywhere?? You guessed it, it was the 13 😂 Now, I did eventually trade in that 13-inch Air for my M2 Pro Mac mini, from which I do most of my work, but I missed the heck out of that insanely portable computer. So ya, if I had to choose between one of those today, and it was going to be my ONLY computer, it would absolutely be the 14-inch Pro. On the other hand, if you have a desktop such as an iMac, or a Mac mini and you just need something to toss in your bag and go, I’d probably go with the air. I hope that helps! If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to ask me. Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment; I appreciate it! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Easy choice- 15 air all day long! It is clearly not as lightweight, or as portable as the 13, but I think that the minor difference in weight that it introduces when spread over a much larger footprint, creates a very similar overall experience, and the addition of 2 inches makes my work infinitely more productive. Which way are you leaning at this point?
@@NigelWorkman I actually already own a 13” M2 MacBook Air in midnight. I thought about either trading up for a 14” MacBook Pro in Space Black with 1TB (mine is just 512GB and could use more internal storage since I’m also running Windows 11 on it), or wait for the 15” M3 MacBook Air and hope they offer it in Space Black.
@@jayrod377 Ok Gotcha! So performance certainly isn't an issue at this point i wouldn't image. Maybe a combination of dwindling storage and a yearning for a larger display? I have never been able to make sense of Mac and how/when they decide to release new colors. Maybe the rumor mill will start churning out some info about m3 15 and it new colors soon so you can either suck it up and wait, (if black is incoming) or go ahead and jump on the m2 now? i have not heard a peep about this myself so i have nothing for ya in that department, regretfully.
The only slight advantage the 15" Air has, is a slightly bigger screen and slightly cheaper price, the rest of it is a compromise, night and day against the M3 14", hardware, software and faster, particularly in web browsing. All this video does is put your personal narrative on it, which is based purely on price! If you were a true pro, you'd have a 16" M2, if screen size is that important to you 😂
Hey, what’s up, Jack! I get where you’re coming from, brother, and I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do about it. Most of my videos are based on my subjective feelings and experiences rather than just being spec comparisons. I try to make this really clear from the get-go, but if I didn’t this time around, my apologies. There are plenty of videos out there that will compare Geekbench scores, resolution counts, etc., etc., so I try to steer clear of doing the same thing. I don’t know if you were able to watch the entirety of the video, but one of the most important points for me is the comfort and portability of the machine, and this is precisely why I DON'T have the 16". The screen is absolutely something to behold, but it is not nearly as portable as the Air, which, for myself, is a huge game-changer. Also, the entry-level cost on that computer is quite a bit more expensive than any of those we're talking about here. Besides all that, on No level would I consider myself to be a pro! Quite the opposite, in fact - I’m just now starting on this journey and still have a ton to learn! With all that said, I am still very thankful that you took time out of your day to leave a comment, Jack! I appreciate it even if it wasn’t the friendliest one I’ve read all day, lol. 😂 🤟🏼✌🏼
YO!! Thanks for stopping by LIL!! I appreciate you taking the time to drop those flames on the video, brother! I appreciate man! Glad you enjoyed the video! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hi Blair, this is a fair question-allow me to explain. My intention was to create a comparison between two similarly priced MacBooks. The reason for this is that there has rarely been much competition between the Air and Pro lines as they are generally much further apart in price. Enter this new entry-level 14 Pro, and what do you know-there is now a direct competitor for the Pro with this recently released 15' Air. I don't believe that those who are interested in this new 14 Pro or the Air 15 will be looking at the 16 as an option, primarily due to the additional cost, which at $1000 USD is substantial. With that being said, I totally agree that it is an amazing option! The only reason I don't own one personally is that it is a beast of a machine, and I really do enjoy the lightweight portability of the 15 Air. It's a perfect daily for me. Thanks again for stopping by the channel and taking the time to comment, Blair. I appreciate it!!
The base M3 Pro is only 40 g heavier! And smaller all around. It’s more portable when you pick them up together and handle them. I like it more. Believe me. More performance, better screen, better speakers, SD card slot, what’s not to like? I was about to buy the 15” Air with 16GB RAM and 512 SSD, it was so close, but then the M3 Pro came out, only AU$200 more for the same spec RAM and SSD and after going to the Apple Store and playing with them side by side for a while the Air was dead ☠️ to me ! I am so relieved I didn’t make the wrong decision and get the Air a month ago. And most of the time when I’m doing some Lightroom or light video editing, I’m plugged into a 32 inch 4K monitor. That’s my extra screen Real Estate
Hey Shred, I'm not sure how much of the video you watched, but just a quick recap for you: I love everything about the 14. There are several really important aspects (processor, screen, speakers) that are objectively better. HOWEVER, it is far less comfortable for me to interact with. I'm sure there are those who would choose to overlook the comfort factor and opt for the more powerful machine, but I personally spend countless hours typing, editing, and creating. With the 14, I feel eye strain, fatigue in my hands and lower back much sooner than I would using the 15. With all that said, I am genuinely excited for those who can enjoy all the amazing features of this new 14 while also feeling comfortable! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience, Shred. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
That is a nice spec, Bigboy- Well done! Were you able to catch it on sale this week? Best Buy has most specs of the air 15 @200 off. Just throwing it out there! Besides that, what are your thoughts on it so far? Making this video really made me appreciate my 15 all over again! Such a great laptop!
Hey, José- thanks for stopping by! What will you be doing with your new machine primarily? I can tell you which I’d have- but In want to make sure we find what’s best for you!
I realize if one is a content creator, that Apple Laptops are the way to go. When I worked for a Newspaper back in the 80's and 90's they used an Apple Macintosh in the Advertising Department. But if you aren't a content creator, would one really need this type of Laptop. I would think that a student could get by with just an average Laptop to take notes, papers and other projects that happen to come. What are your thoughts on this?
Hello Mark, thanks for stopping by! I think that, in reality, there are very few people that NEED a Mac of any kind. Many prefer to use a Mac as it ties into the Apple ecosystem and generally creates a smooth experience, particularly when moving from one piece of hardware to another. There are, of course, similar features on a Windows machine, but just not quite as polished of an experience. With regards to a student and the use case you presented, there would be no need for a Mac. Most students could easily get by with a $200 Chromebook. With that said, there is something to be said about the psychology behind it all. There is something about Apple hardware that makes you want to interact with it more frequently, which in my mind could perhaps lead to being more productive and getting more work done. There is nothing worse than having to do work on equipment that you aren't excited about, or at the very least, confident in its capability. I think this translates into work of any kind, whether you are a construction worker with a $5 Harbor Freight hammer that "gets the job done" vs. the $30 hammer that has a better, more ergonomic handle that is balanced just right, or a landscape professional who has a push mower vs. a ride-along. We all tend to be more productive when we have the right equipment, and THAT is a major draw to Mac. Not the necessity for it, rather the overall experience from start to finish. Ok im all done now 🤣 Hopefully that sheds a bit of light on the situation. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Mark. This was a really good question that lead me down a whole slew of different thoughts and ideas, so thanks for that!! Have a great day! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Nigel, I understand your point of view. But I just thought about this this morning. Can Software Developers write a program that can take advantage of a particular chipset that is used in a computer? For example, If you purchased a program when the M1 was developed, I'm sure it worked faster than if you were using an older chipset. But, if you never updated the software program and loaded that original program onto a M3 Laptop, would the speed differences be significant or not? If a software program has been updated to take advantage of the M3 chipset, then it would be natural for the program to work faster and more efficiently versus the M2 or M1 chipset. Am I off base is this assumption? No, I am not a software developer. But it seems that Apple goes to a lot of effort to have people write that a particular chipset is faster then the chipset that was used before. I don't know how much Intel and AMD have people on UA-cam to do this extensive testing on a particular chipset.
Real talk : get the PrO if money is not an issue or if your name is Peter Mckinnon., otherwise AiR will be more than enough., its been this way for a few years now really 😊
I remember the moment they bridged the gap between Air and Pro-the introduction of Apple Silico! What was traditionally an underpowered Intel Atom and the like-based piece of hardware is now a well powered and fully capable media machine. The draw to them in the past was, they were really cool and lightweight, but you LITERALLY couldn't do anything other than general tasks. The fact that I can now edit a 4K UA-cam video on a MacBook Air without any performance issues is quite amazing! There are plenty of those out there who never experienced this era, but if they did, they would realize just how amazing the Air is and how capable a piece of hardware it has become. Thanks for taking the time to comment on the video, Charvlim- i appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Not everything about the MacBook Pro screen is amazing. Actually, pixel response time is shockingly bad for 120 Hz. It's so bad it actually makes this screen incapable of displaying 120 Hz content, but Apple won't tell you this. Most reviewers don't seem to acknowledge that neither.
Not to be a grammar Nazi here, but that should read, "Most reviewers don’t seem to acknowledge that 'either.'" For me personally, the benefit of the so-called ProMotion display resides in the sense of fluidity you get when moving throughout the UI or just pointing the cursor on your mouse around the screen. It’s a very snappy feeling experience, but when it comes to actual 120Hz content, I personally have not bothered with that because I don’t game on this computer at all. Outside of that, I don’t know what else would use that natively.
@@NigelWorkman you can point out my grammar, as English is not even my first language, so I'll appreciate any correction. Gaming aside, you can tell there's something off with this 120 Hz screen even if you're just scrolling. Good quality 120 Hz screens make scrolling look like real life objects. On the contrary, MacBook's ones are very ghostly, not a true 120 Hz experience. But surely it's a step up from their 60 Hz counterparts and I do agree that they feel nice and snappy. There's a lot of potential for improvement though.
Hey Rafad, I was totally just messing with you because you got me on the et cetera 😂 Jokes aside, I don’t have the greatest vision in the world, and I must admit that my eyes don’t pick up on any dragging or ghosting on this particular screen. I’m not suggesting that it’s not there, but I’m just not noticing it. Most of the work that I do has me sitting behind my C3 LG OLED monitor, which is connected to the HDMI 2.1 port of my M2 Pro Mac mini, and that so far has been a great experience! Noticeably better than the so-called 120 Hz on the laptop screen. Now that I’m typing that out, I think I kind of know what you mean. I wouldn’t have been able to explain it the same way you did, but there is a very distinct difference between the way the 120 Hz on my Mac mini connected to the LG looks versus this built-in screen. I’m glad you stopped by to leave that comment because sometimes just typing out a response helps to build my own understanding of things that I may not have even been cognizant of before. Appreciate your time and knowledge, Rafad! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman you're welcome and good luck with your channel. You may like to take a look at Notebookcheck's reviews of these MacBooks, they are the most detailed ones I've found so far.
Feels a little chuuunky! 🤣
😂😂😂 it really does though LOL
Great comparison - honest, down-to-earth "real life," and without the nonsense that bigger channels throw in.
Thanks so much, Casual! Thats exactly what i'm trying to do here, so thanks you for taking the time to say so! I really do appreciate it greatly!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Man I really agree!! I have the MacBook Air 15" So I went to the Apple Store and bought the base model 14" MacBook Pro M3. Tried it for a day and decided I wasn't a fan started off confused as it was loaded with Ventura and I had to figure out how to install the update to Sonoma. I figured that out and it worked fine, but then I was drawn to the Space Black model so I returned the base model and picked up the Space Black model with more ram and such and took it home and used it for a couple of days. So here is what happened. Long story short. I figured I would save my money and keep my MacBook Air. I really prefer the larger screen on the air and honestly I like the keyboard better and also for some reason the keyboard on the pro shows more oil from my fingers. I don't understand that one? Anyway I love my Air and I am completely satisfied to use it for everything I need to do on a laptop. I am thankful to Apple for great product and thankful I returned the MacBook Pro. Thanks again for such a great video.
Hey there, Tim I truly appreciate you sharing your experience and insights. It's fascinating to hear how your journey led you to explore the 14" MacBook Pro, especially with the switch to the Space Black model. It's great that you took the time to test it out thoroughly and ultimately made a decision that suits your preferences and needs. The MacBook Air 15" is indeed a fantastic machine, and it's wonderful to hear that you're completely satisfied with it. The oily keyboard is an interesting one though- I haven’t noticed that myself. It's all about finding the right fit for your workflow, and it sounds like you've found your sweet spot with the MacBook Air. If you ever have more thoughts or questions, feel free to share. Thanks a bunch for your kind words about the video-I'm thrilled it resonated with you! 🙌✨
Thanks again my friend! @@NigelWorkman
My pleasure@@timroberts3532 See ya on the next one!!✌
Your experience meets my needs and confirm my decision on the MBA 15. Thank you for sharing.
Really good review! Thank you for creating this important tech content! Been waiting for someone to compare 15” mba and the new 14” mbp m3! Please do more videos🙌
Thanks for tuning in, John! I’m glad you enjoyed the video, and rest assured, I will continue to make these videos for years to come! Thanks so much for taking the time to give me your feedback. I appreciate it very much! 🤟🏼✌🏼
I love the introduction to this video man I can’t believe I never seen your videos before. Congrats keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, Guillermo! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and i'm especially glad you enjoyed the content!! Take care ✌🏼🤟🏼
Congratulations on the video, finally a comparison from the perspective of the office user, who needs to work in several places, feel comfortable using the keyboard, the trackpad on light devices. And you are right in saying that you go back to the MacBook Air 15. Everyone compares speakers, but most people use Airpods or now we can use EarPods with USB-C connector that support Lossless (19 USD). Excellent comparison, keep it up!!
Thank you so much, Argenis! I really appreciate the kind words and I am of course happy you enjoyed!! I just try to talk about it as if we’re hanging out with a friend who needed a new device, ya know? Nice and casual, without too much techno jargon.
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to share your thoughts- I really do appreciate it, Argenis!! Peace brother ✌🏼🤟🏼
You are one of the best tech reviewers on UA-cam. I love how you explain things and your videos are a joy to watch. I have a channel too, so I know what it takes to make content like this. Job well done, my friend. You earned a sub from me.
I got both the M2 Air 15 and the M3 14 with:
- 24GB unified memory
- 1TB SSD
- Space Gray
I returned the M2 Air 15 simply because the M3 has better battery life, much better performance, a better screen, much better speakers, an HDMI port, a SD card slot, and Wi-Fi 6E. The M3 14 was $95 more on the Apple Refurbished store, and to me, it’s a no brainer.
Thank you so much for that Amazing compliment, Clint- I don’t think I’ve reached that pedigree yet, but I am stoked that you feel that way ! I promise I’ll keep trying to make these videos better and better, and hopefully keep you coming back!
Thanks again for stopping by Clint and be on the lookout for my Vision Pro video that hopefully will come out no later than Monday (if I can manage to figure out if I actually like it or not lol- this one is a doozy)
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@@NigelWorkmanFor anyone wanting to know the benefits of the standard M3 14 over the M2 Air 15 on paper, here you go:
- 3 nanometer vs. 5 nanometer
- 22hr battery life vs. 18hr
- Both have 15 hours wireless web
- 70-watt-hour battery vs. 66.5
- 70W USB-C Power Adapter vs. dual 35W
- Wi-Fi 6E vs. Regular 6
- Faster 8-core CPU (4P/4E)
- CPU P-cores are 15% faster than M2
- CPU E-cores are 30% faster than M2
- Faster 10-core GPU
- Single core is much faster
- Multi core is much faster
- Metal score is higher
- Speedometer 2.1 is much faster
- SSD speed is faster (4500 vs. 2900)
- Drastically better speakers
- Much higher quality screen
- 600 nits instead of 500
- 120hz Pro Motion vs. 60hz
- 254 PPI vs. 224 PPI
- 3024x1964 pixels vs. 2880x1864 pixels
- Dynamic caching
- Ray Tracing
- Mesh Shading
- AV1 Support (Video streaming efficiency)
- Same Space Gray
- Same 24GB unified memory
- Same 1TB SSD
- Same Bluetooth 5.3
- A fan which eliminates thermal throttling
- An HDMI port
- A SDXC card slot
- Both support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz (or 4K resolution at 120Hz)
- 3.4lbs vs 3.3lbs
How it feels in your hands (and legs) is the point for this decision. I'll keep my order on the MBA 16/512. Thank you for this video.
My pleasure Reginaldo!! Let me know what you think of it once it arrives- I’d love to hear what your first impressions are.
Cheers brother and congrats on the new device! I wish you many many productive years with your new air! 🍻
This helps big time. I had the air 15 16gb, but hated the large size. I hated the 13" air too small. So I ended up buying the 14" M3 MacBook base. I am an average user. I don't edit videos etc. Someone has already said 8gb... really. So far this MacBook has been stellar. I love everything about it!!!! Thanks for sharing real world experience and not simply saying what other creators are saying. people need to hear the truth!!!
Hey, what’s up, Dodge! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave that comment! Nothing means more to me than knowing my insights could help make these decisions easier for all of you watching. I will always laugh about people scoffing at Apple's standard RAM configuration. In most cases, these are people that use PCs and just don’t realize how efficient/effective Apple hardware-software integration is. We don’t need 32 GB of RAM, people! 😂😂. I’m happy you landed on the 14". There will always be a part of me that wished that it was more comfortable for me because, let’s be honest, that screen is just bonkers! I would love to be using that display every day! I’m so happy to hear that it worked out for you, bro!
Have a great day, and thanks again for taking the time to share that with me! I appreciate you big time 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks!! I have subscribed and told the office tech nerds here to subscribe as well!!!!
Awesome skin on your MBA 15.What brand is it ?
Hey Kim! The skin is made by D Brand, Which are by far my favorite! I don't think this exact one is available anymore, but there are a few spinoffs of this one from the same artist. Here is a link! dbrand.com/shop/skins/apple-macbook-air-15-skins-2023-m2#/customizer/details
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment- I really appreciate it!
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Great video! Really enjoying your content!
After looking online at numerous videos I am pretty set on the M2 15” Air now for quite a few reasons:
8GB RAM
The fact Apple have just launched yet another 8GB RAM base model suggests that Apple are going to be optimising MacOS and the stock applications for 8GB RAM for quite a while yet.
SPEAKERS
Personally I never really rely on laptop speakers for sound would much rather use AirPods anyway, so good enough is fine by me.
SCREEN
To be honest, both have their drawbacks, LCD doesn’t have as sharper of an image and the blacks are slightly more grey looking, however, the miniLED has that awful border shading and going from white to black images on the display leaves remnants of the dark image on the display for a few millisecond’s due to the miniLED refresh time. Further there is the blooming issue. Personally I feel that miniLED does have quite a few drawbacks.
‘STUDIO’ MICS
I am so glad you actually took the time to listen to them back, as most reviewers tend to demo both then ask the viewer to decide without giving an opinion, but personally the Pros mics seem more distant.
GO WITH M2 v WAIT FOR M3 AIR
Although the M3 is newer and will be supported for probably a year longer than M2 (maybe), the difference in performance in real world usage is quite negligible by what all reviewers are saying. On top of this Maxtech noticed that the M3 chip gets warmer far quicker than M2, meaning Apple will either downclock M3 in the Air or it will thermal throttle faster than M2. Is that really worth waiting 8 months for and paying a higher price? I don’t think so.
PORTS
After using Mac for so long I am accustomed to lack of ports and this really doesn’t bother me one bit I have plenty of dongles for all my needs.
FAN v NO FAN
From what I am seeing the fan really doesn’t make a huge difference in the performance, and I don’t know but I like that the Air is fanless and isn’t getting clogged with loads of dust inside the machine, crazy I know!
PRICE
The M2 Air 13” and 15” are likely going to get major discounts this Black Friday so it certainly will be a decent buy in the lead up to the holidays, price points which we likely won’t see in the M3 Air until early 2025 now.
I think I need to consult with you before I put together my reviews! You have a lot of great insight my friend! Let me know if there is another product I should review and maybe we can collaborate on it!?
Practically I agree with you. Yes it is a competition within the line up. I incline with the larger screen and longer battery with slim and lighter weight.
Hey MrZerg! Thanks for stopping by! So many potential buyers end up going exclusively with the machine that’s more powerful on paper, but I really think if they took the 15 for a test spin, they would realize that it is perfectly capable of doing just about anything, as well as being incredibly more comfortable to use daily. There are definitely those that require the extra power of the M3- but I would be willing to bet that that’s maybe 1-2% of the people that actually purchase this new M3 Pro. This 15 is the ultimate daily driver for MOST people and I still love it! Thanks much for taking the time to leave a comment, MrZerg!! See ya soon ✌🏼🤟🏼
Solid review, subscribed
Thanks so much, blue lagoon! I appreciate you taking the time to say so! Hope to see you in the comments on the next one ✌🏻🤟🏻
I love the vibe of the Air, the body and that 15" screen size is just the perfect middle ground the Pro models aren't hitting right now. If I start watching a darker movie scene tho I'm immediately turned off by the screen tho, that worse contrast ratio makes some movies look so bad in comparison and I watch a ton of movies. May just deal with the 16" MBP until the Air gets OLED in the next few years.
If the Air gets the OLED tho, and especially 1 more port on the right side (or an SD card reader) then it'd legit be my perfect computer.....or just make the MBP thinner and 15" again lol
Jordan, I was JUST talking to my buddy about the old 15 MBP! I really do agree that 15 really is the perfect middle-ground size, and the portability you get out of it in this Air chassis is just perfect for me. I will admit, I am 100% with you on the screen quality. Totally fine for most tasks in a normally lit environment, but as soon as those lights dim, all sorts of unsavory qualities start rearing their ugly head. I personally don't watch movies on this at all for that exact reason. Had I never experienced the Retina XDR, it might have been palatable, but knowing what I know... it's a no-go for me. All that said, I do like everything else enough to forgive the screen, as major of an aspect as that is. If you are reading this Apple... Please give Jordan and me a timeline for the OLED OR mini LED variant of the 15 Air... I KNOW it's on your roadmap somewhere!! 🤣
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment, Jordan! I appreciate you, Bro! Let's both keep our fingers crossed for that config... That would be yours and my perfect daily! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Really professional stuff. Keep doing your stuff & you’ll go places my friend. Got a sub from me 👍 use a 16” M3 pro MacBook Pro myself & I misread the title of the vid but you kept me around until the end because of the quality of the vid. Engaging 👍
Thanks so much, Grime!! I really appreciate your kind words, Bro. These videos really are quite difficult to make even at the newb level im at lol. for that reason, im so im glad people are enjoying them! I will cont to try my best to make better and more engaging videos for you guys! thanks for the sub, and thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it man!!
@@NigelWorkman Anytime! From start to finish - how long did this take you out of interest my friend ?
@@GrimeGames Dang dude, I don't even know? If i had to take my best guess and i considered all time spent on every aspect, B-roll, testing time, editing, filming my unprepared dialogue etc. ........maybe 15-20 hours? Maybe more- I honestly don't know. Not having a plan ahead of time really adds a lot to that figure ya know. I don't script this, have a storyboard or any other useful things that a smart creator would likely utilize 🤣 Im trying to get better about all that, but i'm just kinda figuring all this out on my own as I go. Any tips!? Feel free to send them my way!!
Great video! You have captured my struggle the last few days. Always had an older intel 15 inch MacBook Pro. I moved to the 15 inch air two weeks before the event announcing the pro. My 14th day was when they announced the new pro and I let my gadget envy get the best of me and I called Apple up and initiated a return for the air and I ordered a 14 inch pro.
Over the last four days using it I am in love with the quality of that screen, but for me, it’s the same thing the form factor just doesn’t feel right I find myself leaning forward, I find myself putting my knees together, I find myself looking at it feeling a little sad because it just seems too small. It’s basically the same size as my 12.9 inch iPad Pro And it’s bumming me out
So now I’m planning a trip back to the Apple Store to look at the base 16 inch and I’m trying to decide if I should try it or back to the air cause I don’t wanna lose the screen quality but I don’t think I can happily live with a 14. I know it’s a silly problem to have, but it’s a huge struggle to try and figure out what to do .
I don't think it's silly at all, Justin! These devices are a big investment in most cases, and to some, they are a massive one that requires saving money for a considerable amount of time to get their hands on one. I think it's totally reasonable to desire a feeling of joy and satisfaction with whatever device you land on. Now, it sounds to me like your gut is trying to tell you something, and I would advise you to hear him out! The joy you get out of watching that screen will flicker out over time, and you will be left with a machine that may look pretty but doesn't allow you to comfortably get things done, which ultimately ends with you either not using it or just spending money to replace it earlier than necessary. The fact that you are still in the return window is nice, but it also adds that sense of urgency to make a decision that can add a lot of stress to the process. It seems to me that you would likely feel right at home with that base 16 MBP. If money and portability are no issue (especially the portability, LOL), then I can't imagine a world where you wouldn't be satisfied with it. The screen is AMAZING, sound... INSANE, M3 Pro will perform for years to come. It's a CHUNKY piece of gear, but if you don't mind toting that beast around... everything else will likely blow your socks off!!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your dilemma- Hopefully i was able to help guide you down the right path! let me know what you end up doin, Justin. Best of luck to you my friend!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I lived with a 14 inch M1 for three years. But I got a external monitor and hooked it up in pretty much used it that way. I realize I’m not having to travel to my parents anymore since they passed. And I don’t tend to take anything but my iPad Pro with cellular out side. So I upgrade to the 16 inch. I barely ever connected to the monitor.I am a happy camper
You and I were using the 14 in the exact same way, @BlairSlavin. I had it essentially docked at my studio desk and connected to all sorts of dongles and displays, finding myself getting a little annoyed every time I had to remove it all to go portable. I found myself wanting a stationary solution that I could count on to be ready to go at a moment's notice, hence my decision to get an M2 Pro Mac mini. This is my current studio setup alongside my 15 Air as my portable solution. This combo has worked well for me so far, and I will likely continue to have some variation of this for the foreseeable future.
Aside from all that, I am happy to hear that you have landed in a place that makes you happy, Blair. Regardless of what device it took to get you there, you found it, and that's what counts!
Take care, and I hope you have many years of joy with that amazing machine! Cheers 🍻
I had the same struggle! To me, I am not doing any image work but only Microsoft and web browsing. I have decided to take the advantage of the apple Black Friday sale event and get the 15 inch air! (200$ gift card back ).
For the price of of a single 16" MBP, you could get two 15" MBAs. Unless you're going to use most of the features of the MBP, I suggest the MBA instead; we don't always need the best-of-the-best, even if we could afford it. I personally tell myself: if I'm going to use all the features of this device, then the device is serving me, but if I'm NOT utilizing most of the features of a device, then it is I who is serving the device, or to be precise, Apple. This helps curb my compulsion and envy 😇
Thank God I’m not alone! Just love the 15-inch Air, even though I wish it also had a mini-LED display and maybe ProMotion.
Reply:
I'm right there with you, Vinicius! This 15 would be absolutely perfect with the mini LED. Honestly, I'd even take a slightly lower-end spec that just had HDR. ProMotion would be awesome as well, but I don't see them giving us the full beans unless, of course, the new Pro gets a substantial screen upgrade, at which point maybe we get the XDR?? Man, that would be awesome!! I won't hold my breath, though 😂
Thanks for stopping by the channel and taking the time to comment, Vinicius! I appreciate you!!
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@@NigelWorkman Thanks so much for the reply! I really hope your channel grows a lot and reaches the 1M mark soon!
Dude…that would be an absolute dream come true! Thanks for putting those positive vibes out there into the universe, my friend- I really believe that will make a difference!! Until next time 🍻
Phew! I just ordered a 15" MacBook Air for $828 on Amazon Refurbished which I think is a great deal. You just confirmed it! Thanks. Can't wait to get mine tomorrow.
Hey Bemacbe, that is AWESOME! What a great deal you got- I know you are going to love it from the moment you get it in your hands. Let me know what your thoughts are after you get it!!
On another note, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment- I really appreciate it!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Well, I already have a Mac mini m2 Pro which I purchased in January which has been great. There have been a few times when I really needed a laptop to do InDesign freelance work on the go. We shall see. @@NigelWorkman
I purchased the 15" Air using my Amazon Prime card which gaves me 5% back too, giving me the laptop for about $790! @@NigelWorkman
Brilliant video and a new viewer…thanks 👍
🎉 I’m grateful for your sub, gtretroworld!!! I’m very pleased to hear you enjoyed the video 😊
See you in the next one, and thanks again for stopping by! 🤟🏼✌🏼
We need a 15” M3 MacBook Air! I like the lighter and slimmer footprint of the Air to be honest. Regular users who don’t use intensive applications have no need for the Pro which is perfect for consumers like us.
Hey Arnel! I think you and I are absolutely on the same page when it comes to this topic. I know it’s a tough choice to make between these two, which is the whole reason why I posed the question in the video. They are both amazing pieces of hardware, but the slim and portable feeling of this 15 with the additional screen size just feels so great to work with. I’ll never understand why people that are just watching videos and typing up documents think they need to buy something with the word "pro" on it! I mean, if you have the money, absolutely get what you like, but it’s just surprising to me how many people are genuinely concerned that the M2 will not be powerful enough for their day-to-day computing.
Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment, Arnel! I appreciate you, brother!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I just cancelled my order for the 14 MBP which is currently on discount on amazon. I compared it to what a 15 inch MBA would cost me and the difference was 100USD. I also looked at both side by side in the Apple Store. You are correct, the form factor of the MBA is really amazing. I currently have a 13 inch MBA M2 and previously had an M1 MBA. Every time I pick them up I just marvel at the form factor. I do plan to upgrade to the new laptop. I also compared the screen side by side in the store and while yes the MBP is better, the MBA screen is exceptional for an LCD screen. I honestly didn't feel the Pro motion as I do on my I pad pro. The speakers are better no doubt on the MBP are a nice to have but not a deal breaker I worry I may not like the portability of the 15 inch MBA for daily use and travel. I use my I pad pro for heavy media consumption and we all know how great those speakers are. I guess if you don't have an I pad Pro and consume a lot of streaming services, the MBP is maybe the better option. I am the definition of a casual user. I don't use this machine for anything professional. I think the one thing that keeps me for loving the MBP is the form factor. if you hold this side by side even with the 15 MBA, the MBP feels very chunky. This is a tough choice. I wish I could have both. I am still undecided if I should go with the M3 13 or 15 MBA or if I will regret not keeping my order for the MBP given the discount!!! Help!!
Hello, Trini! Absolutely, making decisions on tech can be a real challenge. I appreciate you sharing your experience and concerns. As you saw in the video, I had a similar struggle when comparing the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 15-inch MacBook Air.
It's great that you took the time to visit the Apple Store and compare them side by side. I'm not sure how anyone would be able to make this choice without some actual hands-on time. The form factor of the 15-inch MBA is truly something special. I can relate to the marvel every time you pick it up! And, as you mentioned, it really does have an exceptional LCD screen.
Now, your point about portability is crucial-this is what my decision was based on. I was a bit concerned with the size of the 15, not because I didn’t think it would travel well, but I do carry a small-ish backpack and did not want to bulk up just to be able to comfortably carry this larger laptop. That would defeat the whole purpose of my choice to go with the Air over the chunkier feeling 14. I am happy to report that the pocket feels like it was made for this 15! No slip-sliding in there, just a perfect snug pouch.
The bottom line is, I think you analyzed all of the details very well: The screen, the sound, size, and weight, and have already had the time to feel them with your own hands. When I read your comment, it honestly sounds to me like someone who already knows they want the 15 but is maybe a little bit apprehensive given the fact that the “pro computer” is within $100 of it, and it’s hard to not buy the one that’s considered the best when given the opportunity, even if our gut is telling us otherwise. In my experience, I already had the 14 and had absolutely no reservations about giving it up to move over to this 15. I think that statement says more than any overly detailed and bullet-pointed list of reasons could ever convey.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story, Trini! I hope I was able to help. Please feel free to follow up if you have any other questions. Take care!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman I went back again to the store. for a 100 more on amazon, it would be remiss of me not to buy the MPB pro. I do travel a lot and sometimes the 13 inch MBA is too big for an economy seat airline table. I don't like the design of the MBP but I feel as I if the screen, speakers, and may be the pro motion to a lesser extent will make me happy. thank you for your detailed response!!
@@triniflyer8685 My pleasure, Trini! I must admit, when you when you mentioned frequent traveling, for some reason, a long work commute is what I had envisioned. Now that you mention frequent flying, I can totally get behind the idea that the 15 would be cramped on a flight. I have flown with it several times at this point and that big computer sitting on that small tray table is definitely a bit of a hassle. The iPad Pro is the perfect travel companion if media consumption is all you need it for. Good thing you have both!
Take care and let me know how you feel about that Pro after having it for a little while. I would love to know what your long-term feelings are about it. Take care ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman will do for sure!
Coming back to this. So I ended up getting the base MacBook 14 inch pro and the 15 inch air for my wife. I am really happy with the pro. Hear me out. It’s like the 15 pro of computers. Do you need all this for the money nope. The Amazon discount made it worthwhile. I am really enjoy the screen and the speakers. The MacBook Air isn’t the best to watch movies with dark scenes but it’s still very good. I would say if you are a heavy discerning media consumer you can’t go wrong with the base pro. Do you need it nope.
Grest review. Is it wirth tp pay S$200 to get m3 macbook air 13.6 over m2? Thks
Hello, Phuamt- Thanks for stopping by! As far as the performance is concerned, It really won't be that noticeable during most tasks. If you do any sort of Photo/Video editing, or maybe some 3d rendering type work, you would probably benefit from having the m3- albeit, not dramatically so. The question I would be asking myself is- Would I pay an additional 200 if it meant being able to get an additional 1-2 years out of the device?
Hope that helps, Phuamt!! Thanks again for stopping by and commenting- I really appreciate it!!
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Nice review, keep up the good work....new subscriber 👍🏼
Hello, lsterl!! Thanks so much for the sub! I hope I can keep you around for years to come, my friend!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Great video, great editing 👍🏼
Hey whats up, Hamza! Im happy to hear you enjoyed the video, Bro. thanks for taking the time to send that compliment my way- I appreciate it big time!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Great video. New sub 🎉love your video quality
That’s awesome, mwanz! I thank you for taking the time to leave that thoughtful comment. I appreciate you subscribing to the channel as well, and I will do my best to make content you can enjoy for years to come! 🤟🏼✌🏼
This helped me make a decision on getting the air vs the pro. For me it will be used for basic tasks. Color idk but definitely the air.
Hey, Bella! I think you mad a great choice. The good thing about it is, if you do decide to start using it beyond it’s current purpose, you will be pleased to find out that there is plenty of muscle to go around with this M2! I hope you enjoy your 15 Air for years to come, Bella!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting- I appreciate it!! Take care
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I had been using a 2017 Intel 13” MacBook Pro up until a few weeks ago when I finally got a 2023 M2 15” MacBook Air… loved everything about it… except its bigger footprint on my desks, both at home and at work, it was a monster and took up a considerable amount of additional space.
Since I also lug around a 16” 2020 MacBook Pro for work, having two huge laptops just seemed like overkill.
When the 2023 14” M3 MacBook Pro was announced, I decided to return the Air and get the Pro.
I have had the Pro for about a week now and love everything about it including the size. It is a step up from the 13” without the huge footprint of the 15” Air.
Since I spec’ed out both the M2 and M3 with 16 gb of RAM and 1 tb of storage, the price difference was only about $100.
The Pro adds an HDMI port and an SD card slot, both of which I’ve been using a dongle for on my Intel Pro. Also, it has the variable refresh rate, a brighter and nicer screen, wonderful speakers, and a fan to cool it down for those occasional processor intensive tasks.
In summary, for my needs the M3 Pro was a better fit.
Hi Jeff- thanks for stopping by! Im glad you were able get it all figured out and land on the right piece of hardware. If i were in the same spot as you (lugging the 16 around) I most certainly WOULD NOT want to cary the 15 along side it. I myself and extremely averse to clutter and having both of those open on my desk would likely drive me nuts!
Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us! I think this same scenario will hold true to some other folks and will help guide them to the right hardware.
Take care, Jeff! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Agree 100% , at this point these chips can handle my day to day since the m1. Form factor becomes priority and because of that I went with the 15 inch. Being able to see more with two apps side by side also is a bonus.
Hello, Seru! You are totally right; Apple Silicon really did change the game with M chips. There are some who may not have experienced this yet, and as a result, they are hanging on to old ways of thinking. An example would be: there are tons of folks in the comments that are concerned about the 8GB memory that most of these configs come with. Maybe back in the days of Intel Mac, this would have been more of a consideration, but with this super-fast memory and the way that it is unified on the chip, it all works flawlessly together, hence not requiring nearly as much to get the job done. This has been the case with Apple phones for ages. Any Android flagship counterpart at the time would have anywhere from 3-4 times the memory, yet iPhone consistently outperforms them. The bottom line is, M chips are crazy good, the hardware and software integration is incredible, and we can now focus on the auxiliary features we want because the chip will get the job done regardless.
Seru, I want to thank you for stopping by and taking time to comment. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkmanabsolutely - even those concerned with a only have 8gb and using a memory hog such as Chrome, could switch to Safari if need be.
That’s a great point you made about chrome. I must be living under a rock, but I wasn’t aware of the fact that it used more memory than Safari. Appreciate you pointing this out!
This is the exact comparison i need! For someone like me who needs the big screen size but also don’t need pro features, price difference was the only thing i was iffy about. Great video! I’ll grab the 15”
Glad I was able to help, Eerietin! I think you are going to love the form factor of this 15. For me, it’s the perfect everyday computer and easily my choice over the pro. Let me know how you like it once you have it in your hands!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Good call. I’m holding out for the Air 15 M3 next spring.
Hey Mark! I don't blame you for waiting. The fact that we are already so close to spring makes holding off a little longer the smart move. I'm not sure if I'll end up reviewing one, as I'm pretty sure it will be a minor spec bump, but if for some reason we get lucky and they update to a higher quality screen, with HDR for instance, I'm all in!!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, Mark. I really appreciate it!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Excellent review.
Thanks J!! I am stoked that you like it, Cuz!!
I'm debating between the MBP 16 and the 15 Air...
Hey Dudek! I think we can hash this out together! What would you say are the top 3 purposes for this new machine? The 16 is definitely the ultimate laptop, but at a hefty price. The 15, on the other hand, is a machine that can do just about anything and at a considerably lower price tag-albeit with some limitations compared to the 16.
I'm here for you, Dudek! Let's get this figured out!
I’m personally going with the 16” even though the specs are way more than I will ever need. So many reviewers are constantly mentioning terms such as workflow, video editing, photo editing…. I mean, are there any people out there that just want a laptop for searching the web, watching UA-cam, creating the odd document.
Hi Fred, thanks for stopping by! You're totally right, man. We do spend a lot of time talking about those same aspects, and I think the main influence of that is we are talking about what we are doing in that moment (making UA-cam vids), and the influence that has on our perspective might cause us to forget that there are others who will just want to use it for media consumption as well as general tasks. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I will make it a point to include some more of those ideas in my next video.
Thanks for taking the time to share that perspective, Fred. These ideas will really help me become a more well-rounded reviewer! Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman thanks for replying, just subscribed, looking forward to more content
@@MadScientist7 Awesome! Im grateful
for your sub, Fred! I will do my best to make content that is just as entertaining as this- hopefully even more so. Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Great video. Would love to see a video of your thoughts on using the 42” LG TV as a monitor. Helping my dad decide on a 27” iMac replacement setup.
This is a tough one, Brendan… using the 42-inch C3 OLED certainly has its strong points. The resolution's great, the refresh rate is great, and, of course, the black levels are incredible. Not only that, you can have your PS5 or Series X connected to it and get all the advantages of variable refresh rate, 120 Hz, etc.
On the other side, there are definitely some minor annoyances when it comes to using this as a monitor. One of those would be the automatic dimming of the screen that you have no control over. I have seen that people have used the service remote to go in and modify those settings, which is something I have not attempted to do. I don’t want to risk burn-in/retention, as I do tend to step away from my computer quite a bit with static images left on the screen. These are just a couple of the initial things that pop into my mind after reading your comment, but there’s definitely a lot more to it than just those details.
Overall, I am happy with the experience, but if I could go back, I wish I would have at least attempted to use the studio monitor to see what that experience is like. There’s also the new M3 iMac, which I have sitting on my desk right now! So far, my experience with that is no different than the M1, so I’m not planning on making a video on it anymore, but be that as it may, that’s still a really good option. I love the iMac. Feel free to ask me any other specific questions you need to, Brendan. I’m here for you, brother. 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks for your very thoughtful reply! I did watch a video where someone said they used the service remote to turn off the auto dimming and have had no problems with burn in as of yet. Might be cheap enough to take the risk (compared to something like the Studio Display), but another complaint was lack of auto sleep/wake. I’ve got the M1 Studio w/ Studio Display myself, though if I don’t end up going multi-monitor, the rumors of a possible 32” iMac Pro in a year or two have me pretty excited. That size seems like the perfect middle ground, and I love the reduced clutter of an all-in-one these days. I sent my dad your video to watch - I’m sure he will love the 15” Air.
It’s my pleasure, Brendan! I hadn’t heard of that 32-inch iMac-I hope you’re right about that. If so, I think you and I both will be a couple of really happy dudes!! I’m always on a mission to reduce clutter, which is nearly impossible in my studio setup as there are just so many things connected at any given time. My office, on the other hand, has a 24-inch iMac sitting on the desk, and it makes me very happy just to look at how clean and simple everything is! I hope your dad is able to get it all figured out. At least he has the ability to check out your setup, which would be the only other thing I would do outside of the OLED. Best of luck, and thanks for passing along the video!! 🙏✌🏼🤣
I have a 43” Samsung mounted to the wall behind my desk and drive it with my MBP via the HDMI. It’s a great set up. Used a 27” iMac for 9 years and loved it, but I prefer the versatility (mobility) of this set up.
I purchased the MacBook Air 15 16GB/1TB and I agree with everything you expressed in this video. Thanks for reminding me why I chose it in August. I think the M3 chip in the macbook air will come but it runs hotter than the M2 so I'm not so sure.
But temp at keyboard is a few grades below (M3 vs M2) in some tests I saw. 38C vs 42C aproximately.
I didn’t end up adding any of this to the video because it was already getting a little bit longer than I had wanted it to, but I did do some testing of video game performance, specifically wanting to see about kicking the fans on and what sort of temperature both machines would produce under those conditions.
What I found was that the 14-inch MacBook Pro, running Rise of the Tomb Raider at nearly identical resolutions at high settings, never ended up kicking the fans up to an audible level. however, it did get really, really hot. I’m actually surprised that the fans did not crank up. The M2 MacBook Air, on the other hand, stayed much cooler and, of course, silent, albeit not running as stably in frames per second as the M3. This game, of course, is not optimized for any of this Apple Silicon, so it’s not the best test at the end of the day, but it was the prettiest looking game I could find in my Steam library that supported Mac at all.
That’s a nice spec, Geps! I’m happy to have reminded you that you did, in fact, make the correct choice! I hadn’t had any second guesses toward getting rid of my 14 for that 15-inch Air, but as soon as this new M3 configuration reared its head, it had me second-guessing myself just a little bit, which is why I made this video. I am happy to have concluded that the 15 is still my go-to, and I’m also happy to know that I helped remind you of that as well! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Have a great day! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman To play when I have time I do it on console.
I think Apple is on the right track but the basic M3 chip is still not enough to play at good levels.We will probably have to wait for the next generations for this.
@@geps7393I totally agree. It’s really interesting how much they’ve been sprinkling in little bits of gaming speak to their recent conferences, specifically when it comes to hardware accelerated ray tracing capabilities with this new M3 line. I can only imagine what the other variations would be capable of. That of course, would still require someone to make a game for Mac and optimize for Apple Silicon lol. Maybe one day you and I will ditch our consoles for the convenience of grabbing our notebooks but I doubt it 😂
For me, the 15” MBA is just too big - like it felt like Mammoth big. I am looking forward to to the XDR screen and the battery life for the basics with the 14” M3
Hi Richard- thanks for stopping by! You wouldn't be the first commenter today to have the same sentiment towards the 15. Its always fun to hear the thoughts and perspectives of those who have differing opinions. To feel so completely satisfied with the 15 and then to hear that someone things its huge is a valuable thing to be aware of, and its difficult to consider those possibilities when i am such a huge fan of it.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the matter, Richard. I as well as many other will likely appreciate your perspective! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I need to get a new macbook for working (telehealth) videocalling, screen sharing, multiple tabs and apps open to screen share. With all the upgrades to 16GB RAM and 512 GB Storage, the 14inch M3 pro will cost 120$ more than the M2 air 15 inch. I got used to using the 15 inch with my 2015 macbook. I am wondering if you can help me decide. With a 120$ difference, I am concerned about longevity and also resale value. I do like the screen being much brighter and nicer but most of the time I like to do notes after on the bed or couch... so please let me know what you think? When I saw the 14 inch in person I was shocked at how small it looked.
Hello, Ms. Z! Thanks for dropping by. 😊 My gut is telling me to direct you towards the 15-inch model. The fact that this is predominantly a work device, not to mention a telehealth device, you would benefit from a larger screen to visualize your patient more easily, leading to a more thorough assessment. I myself am a provider, so coming from that perspective, I think it would be useful- although not a game changer. As far as processing power and similar considerations are concerned, I honestly believe it's a non-issue. There is nothing this 15-inch model won't be able to do for you given its primary objectives.
Regarding screen quality, as I mentioned in the video, the 14-inch model has a better screen, but not necessarily in all circumstances. If you were consuming high-quality content with high dynamic range, then there would be no contest between the two. However, for general day-to-day work, internet browsing, conducting a telehealth interview, or typing up a document, I think the additional size is much more valuable than the screen quality which would not be a parent during normal circumstances. The advantages of the 14-inch screen really only come into play when doing very specific media consumption /creation related tasks
I will stand by my statement in the video and say that unless you're a professional requiring additional power or the ability to work with HDR footage or images, the 15 is the better computer for day-to-day work.
Hope that helps, MsZ! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate you 🤟🏼✌🏼
ps: I just got off work and I’ve had a couple of beers so I might be rambling a little more than I normally do 😂. Take care!
@@NigelWorkman thank you so much for the ramble. It helps that you're coming from a provider perspective. In terms of longevity, would you consider the M2 air as sturdy as the M3 pro base- esp with the 16gb/512gb upgrades?
@@MsZzainwk Hi again, Ms. Z! I'm glad my ramble was helpful. Regarding longevity, both the M2 Air and the M3 Pro with the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage upgrades should provide you with a robust performance. The M3 Pro may have a slight edge in terms of processing power, but for your described use cases like telehealth, video calling, and multitasking, the M2 Air with those upgrades should be more than sturdy enough to handle your needs.
Considering your familiarity and comfort with the 15-inch size, along with the cost difference, I still lean towards the 15-inch M2 Air for your day-to-day work. It strikes a good balance between performance and practicality.
If you have any more questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask! Take care! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman thanks so much the cost difference of only $120 really threw me off and gave me fomo with m3! But I think you may be totally right. The comfort is super important and the camera isn't any better.
@@NigelWorkman thank you so much Nigel for taking the time to help me and respond to my questions. I do appreciate it. I think I'll go with the 15inch and also, can you tell me if 16gb is enough ram for running video call, multiple apps and tabs? And can you comment on which charger is better the 70w or the 35 w, I am worried that that fast charger would ruin the battery but nothing is coming up on Google besides a few comments on Reddit that don't explain if it actually does or not. Thanks so much again!! I will be ordering it tomorrow. Just confirming details.
I have an M1 max, no laptops needed anymore. The next thing on my list is the vision pro.
Hey Bugged! Which piece of hardware? Mac Studio? If so, Im sure you are loving every minute of it. I myself am partially regretful of my purchase of the mini rather than the studio. I still have a lot of life in this mini (M2 pro) but when and if they release a M3 max Apple studio- i might have to jump on that.
Aside from that, im happy to hear you are satisfied with your setup and thanks for taking the time to share! take care, Bugged!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Macbook pro 14 inch. I had an M1 mini base model and I could't wait until the pro machines came. Mini was awesome but these M series machines are only limited by the amount of RAM one configures. I don't think i am interested in an upgrade until they do a redesign so probably M5 or M6. I will get the vision pro first day though.
@@bugged1212I am 100% with you on the Vision Pro- this will be a day 1 for me as well!
The macbook air m2 15inch 16gb ram, or the macbook pro m3 base model at only 8gb ram, which one is better according to you?
Hey Avm, that would depend on what sort of work you are doing. I think most people will be perfectly fine with the standard configuration of just 8 GB. I edited a large chunk of the video you just watched on my 15" Air (which is the lowest configuration, M2 8GB), and it felt identical to the experience I have using my M2 Pro Mac mini.
With all that being said, I really think it boils down to the specifics of your particular interactions. There is certainly a scenario where the Pro is the way to go, but if you’re like me and doing similar things as me-general everyday tasks such as email, Zoom meetings, document preparation, as well as some media creation like video editing and music creation-this 8GB M2 Air flies through all of those things with zero issues while also being considerably more comfortable for me.
I think for you, it would be worth testing both of them out. If the 14" is a comfortable experience for you, then I would say go for it! You get the better screen, better speakers, not to mention being on the most recent chip! But if you’re like me and have a hard time interacting with that thing, I am confident that you will be happy with the 15!
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@NigelWorkman im a real estate agent, I mostly use outlook and use programs like photoshop, lightroom, etc. I publish properties online, webbrowsing, work on our website, edit photos, and occasionally edit videos.
Given your particular situation, I would say that the base model 15-inch Air could easily glide through all of those tasks without any hiccups whatsoever. The only thing worth considering would perhaps be the storage capacity. The $1299 variant only has 256 GB of storage, which could get eaten up very quickly if you are editing video frequently. I myself realized I was going to need external storage from day one, so I chose to go with the smaller internal storage as I knew it wouldn’t last me more than a couple of days with how large these 4K video files are.
With all that being said, I can tell you with certainty that you will not have issues with performance with either of these machines. The bigger consideration in my mind would be: would you prefer the extra screen real estate or the higher picture quality? Just to be clear, there is nothing at all wrong with the screen on the 15". It’s actually quite nice-the 14" is just a step better in most categories.
Hope that helps! Please don’t hesitate to ask further questions. I’m here for you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman That helps so much, thank you so much. I'm a new viewer and Im subscribing. ☺
That’s AWESOME!! I’m very happy and grateful to have you! ☺️
Have M2 MacBook Air 13. Most of it is great, but sometimes I wish the sound was just a few bars higher. So thinking between MacBook Air 15 and M3 MacBook Pro. I don’t watch HDR content and am not a pro user, just some light coding and web browsing. Still debating which one will be better. When configuring both to 16/512 the difference is 200€ with pro being more expensive. Are the display quality and sound worth 200€ difference? Will probably wait till M3 comes to Airs, maybe sound will get even better on them
Here’s the thing, Profix: removing the screen size out of the equation, there is a massive difference between the image quality of the two. Not only that, the difference in sound could not be any more one-sided. The array of speakers in the 14 just honestly has no business sounding as good as it does. That being said, I will still end up putting in my AirPods 99% of the time, so as much as I like to rave about how amazing the quality is, it doesn’t matter at the end of the day because I’m never going to be anywhere where I will not be using my headphones.
Now, back to the actual screen size itself, I find that to be by far the biggest consideration for myself personally. I know there are those out there that have commented on the fact that it’s just a 1-inch difference, but I would request that those same people go and try these both out for themselves and tell me they don’t notice a big difference. My recommendation for you would be to absolutely go and try both of them out. If you have great vision and you’re not a particularly large person, you could very easily get away with using the 14, and in that case, I think you would be happier with that. On the other hand, if you’re like me and maybe don’t have the greatest vision, perhaps you have big, floppy hands like I do that need a little bit more support, etc., etc., you’ll probably end up liking the 15 more.
Please feel free to ask me any more specific questions if you have them! I am here for you.
Aside from all that, thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it. 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks for the detailed answer. Will really have to check them both out in person. Heard about blooming on Pro displays. Plus have no idea how frequent I'll need to clean the fan in the pro model. Watched some more videos on the sound comparison and yea - even through the video the difference in the sound quality can be heard, with pros having more bass. Wish standard M3 MacBook Pros came with new color Space Black, it looks so sick. But it only comes with M3 Pro, being another 200 euro more expensive. Typical apple upsell strategy)
I haven’t seen it myself, but a good friend of mine, who I always have these conversations with, did purchase the Space Black, and his initial take on it is, he is not nearly as impressed with the color in person as it appeared to be online. He actually set it up side-by-side in a pretty well-lit room next to the previous 14-inch in Space Gray, and the perceivable difference to my eyes was maybe 10%.
Once again, I think that will also depend on lighting conditions, but given the fact that I think most of us have lights in our house on 😂 it probably won’t ever look “Space Black.”
@@NigelWorkman Update: Found one of the best deals for M3 Pro base model. It is just 60 euros more than M3 MacBook Pro 16/512. Preordered Space Black M3 Pro MacBook. The laptop costs 1/3 more than the price of MacBook Air M2 8/512 I bought last year, but hope that 18 Gb of ram, screen, sound and new space black Color will be worth it. Didn’t even manage to find time to check Air 15 and Pro 14 in store, but could not pass such a delicious deal😅
Heck ya@@profix4993 I'm glad you found that deal! I totally agree that sometimes you just need to jump on stuff while the opportunity is there. Let me know what you think of it after you get a chance to put it through its paces!!!
Air 15 anyday for its big screen...
It really does make all of the difference! The ultimate would be a 15 inch liquid retina XDR inside of the 15 air chassis.....PERFECTION!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Abhishek! i appreciate you ✌🏼🤟🏼
I was torn between the two until I saw your video which brought up some important points. I would love to have the latest and greatest but is it worth the hype? My MacBook Air 15 in. fits comfortably in my lap and the keyboard isn't crowded. It is very light whilst while traveling can be a plus not to mention the fan which could make annoying noises and add weight. If I did go the M3 route it would more than likely be the 16 in because of the space on the keyboard and size of the screen. I was going out to trade in this 15 air for the 14 m3 until I saw your video so thanks again for saving me a few bucks and making me appreciate what I have in the 15 in MacBook Air.
It is my absolute pleasure, Steven!! Prior to making these videos (which give me the opportunity to try just about anything I want) I would have 100% felt the exact same way as you! Apple has a way of getting me excited for even the smallest differences. That's not to say the ones that exist between these two aren't totally obvious, but it also does not end up making it better for a lot of us. I think that anyone who genuinely enjoys using this 15 would, in most cases, feel uncomfortable going back down to the 14. I have had a handful of subscribers mention that they feel the 15 is much too big, but most are in agreement with you and me and have expressed very positive feelings towards the 15 Air. I think the next daily driver for me will once again be the 15 Air, and my hope is that they will up the standard storage to at least 512GB and add HDR to the next display. That right there is my perfect daily!
Thanks for taking the time out of your day to comment, Steven! I appreciate it, brother! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I am a collage student loking for a laptop for coding and 1080p video editing and some browsing and video and some documents realted work which should i prefer
Hello Bipul! The two most important considerations for me would be the coding and video editing. The M series Apple Silicon, such as the M2 in MacBook Air, is tailored for coding with several key features. The multiple high-performance cores and efficient energy management enable swift code compilation and execution. The unified memory architecture ensures quick access to shared resources, enhancing multitasking capabilities crucial for coding workflows. Additionally, the advanced GPU in these chips benefits tasks like rendering and graphics-intensive coding projects. The tight integration of hardware and software optimizes performance, making the M series an excellent choice for a smooth and efficient coding experience. As far as the video editing is concerned- 1080p footage is perfectly doable with the M2 chip in the MacBook Air. The M2 offers ample processing power and graphics capabilities to handle video editing tasks efficiently. For your needs, including coding and occasional video editing, the MacBook Air with M2 would provide a well-rounded and cost-effective solution without compromising on performance. Hope this helps!!
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, Bipul- I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Thanks a lot 🙂
My pleasure! 😊@@BipulKannaujiya
@@NigelWorkman Another one thing for query Can I buy macbook pro m3 base model because I love mini led display and pro motion I can increase by budget to 1400 to 1500 dollars.
Also thinking iam a student so I can use benefit of student discount so this value for me?
The mini LED display on the 14 is certainly great to look at when viewing UHD/HDR content, no doubt, but for me, the additional screen real estate makes a much bigger impact based on the things I do with it. Although I LOVE the 14-inch MBP screen, I don't consume a lot of content with it, and in that case, the difference is far less apparent. I would highly recommend you see them both for yourself in person, Bipul. You might be perfectly satisfied with the 14-inch screen size, and in that case, you will get the additional quality benefits that it will provide. On the other hand, the 15 might feel much better for your work-related tasks. The 15 may not sound like it's much bigger, but when you open it and actually USE it, the difference can feel considerable. Just my two cents!
Let me know which way you end up goin, Bipul!! Id love to see where you end up and how you are liking it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
15 Air can only support 1 external display, I need 2 so will b getting a MBPRO by default.
The base MBPro M3 only supports 1 display, you need the step up with M3 pro chip
Thanks for mentioning this chefT and Mike! I hadn’t even thought of this. I have a separate desktop, so these considerations don’t come to mind. Now thinking about it, I realize there are probably a lot of people who not only use this machine on the go, but also dock it at home. Thanks again for bringing this up, and a big thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Appreciate you both! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Although I have not done the back to back comparisons I too am sticking with my 15” Air it just fits the bill for what I need
Well, hopefully I saved you from having to do any of that for yourself! I am extremely confident that you would have made the same choice as me. there’s no way a person can go back from the 15 to the smaller 14. Unless of course you were one of the rare cases where the 15 is too large- I have actually gotten several comments to that effect just today.
Anywho!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, and leave comment, Simonal! I really appreciate it big time! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Yes I agree my 15” Air replaced my very old and broken 15” Intel Pro I was only contemplating the 16” Pro but the weight carrying it around puts me off especially with the advances in processors to the Apple silicon. The screen on the Pro is gorgeous but the 15” Air form is perfect for me like you I love the larger palm rest and the whole larger size but love the, so much, lighter and slimmer form of the Air and with a little upgrade - 16gb ram and 1 TB drive it is pretty much all I need oh and if i have to have a black machine….there are always skins to change the colour.
@@Simonal777 That’s a solid spec you opted for! I can’t imagine the need for an upgrade anytime soon. I’m happy that so many others have had the opportunity to experience the comfort and portability of this 15. I agree that the screen in the 16 is absolutely brilliant, but that sucker is the polar opposite of this air with regards to portability, not to mention the entry level price is double this entry level config I’m using. Once again, I’m happy to hear of your positive experience with the 15 and hope it keeps you productive for years to come!
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I have a 14 M2 Pro from work, but looking at the 15 Airs on sale for holidays at Best Buy.
Those deals may not last much longer, Professor - you better get on it fast! Lord knows, Apple will never give such a discount once the Best Buy one is gone. Then it's back to the typical $50-$100 off that Best Buy offers periodically. Quite a few people have commented about this very deal and capitalized on it. Worst case scenario: give yourself a week to play around with it, and if you don't like it, just make sure to bring it back within 14 days!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Professor! I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman yeah torn between the base model and the 16/512
Great video. I’ve been going back and forth between the 15 M2 Air 16GB 1 TB ($1699 on sale) and the 14 M3 Pro 16GB 1 TB ($2199 not on sale). Using it for business Word, Excel, Adobe PDF, Safari, no heavy lifting on the photo/video editing. I would be transitioning from my 2017 iMac 21.5” i5 16GB 1 TB Fusion to it as my sole computer - running a separate monitor, been living with only one monitor forever. I want something that is a bit future proof as I keep these things for several years. A lot of bang for the buck in both models. Just not sure 14 M3 Pro is worth $500 more. Yesterday it was the M2 Air, today the M3 Pro.
Hey Jon, thanks so much for stopping by! Quick question for you: that M3 Pro configuration that you talk about - do you mean the M3 Pro chip, or just the MacBook Pro with M3? The reason I ask is, another commenter had mentioned that both the M2 Air, as well as the M3 MacBook Pro, only support one external display. I’m not sure if this even matters to you, but I just thought I would bring that to your attention. Apparently, to support multiple external displays, you would have to move up to the M3 Pro version of the MacBook Pro. Another reason why I even bother asking this is, how much time do you actually spend with your computer on the go? I love having a desktop setup personally, but then again, I have the benefit of having several different laptops to choose from as well. It would be a hard choice for me to pick between my desktop and my laptop if I only had the ability to keep one. I suppose the reasonable person would go with the laptop, given that you would have more options at that point. On the other hand, an M2 Pro Mac mini is $1200, is an absolute beast, and can easily support multiple external displays if you need that AND, you could grab yourself a 13 inch MacBook Air for your portable needs. This puts you just slightly over that 2199 configuration that you mentioned . None of that may actually be in any way relevant to your current situation 😂 I guess at this point I’m just throwing some considerations out there just in case you hadn’t thought about them. If you have any particular questions for me, Jon, I’m here for you, brother!
Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to leave a comment. I enjoy hashing out these situations with people and especially like when I can help them come to a conclusion!
Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes, the M3 Pro chip supporting two monitors. I’ll likely not use the second. I got there because the M3 Chip on the MacBook Pro 14 when upgrading to the 16GB and 1 TB gets me to $1999. So for $200 I get 18GB ram, better processor (not that I need it) 2 monitor support and more outputs 3 Thunder, etc. So going that upgrade route makes sense. I’m still able to use the 2017 iMac in the short term and will transition to a separate monitor later down the line. Everything now is pointing back to the M2 Air. Save $500 to put toward something else down the line. Great conversation and all valid. I want the screen real estate and for that reason dismissed the 13”
@@johnmarchetto8097 This sounds like a really well thought out plan if i'm being honest with you, John. It sounds to me like you are someone who wants to hang on to your equipment for several years, and in that case, i am a firm believer of spending for a spec that will make all of those years of work smooth and reliable, rather than struggling with performance issues due to old tech not keeping up. Nothing worse than being stuck with a machine that makes more work, out of your work, if that makes sense. Best of luck to you, brother- I hope you land on something that you can enjoy for years to come!!
forgot to answer your question - my portable device is an iPad Pro 11”, which isn’t cutting it as a mini laptop. How much do I use it, well mostly for conveyance, out of town business meetings 1x 2x month and allowing me to visit kids out of state working remotely. I do like my desktop, but with the price of iMac, Mac mini and MacBooks, I figured that the MacBook is as powerful as most iMacs so I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone as I transition from the current iMac.
@@johnmarchetto8097 Fair enough, John- I could see how being out of town frequently would lead you to wanting the 'one stop solution' so to speak. I think if you ever do miss having a desktop that is more recent, the mini is an excellent buy!
Hello, first off I just want to say thank you for this comparison cause ive been in a week long debate on what macbook to get. Ive been going on full circles because im stuck whether I should get the macbook air 15 with 16gb ram or the macbook pro m3 base model.
In terms of consumption, I mainly use it for everyday tasks. Web browsing with multiple tabs open, movie streaming, shopping, and sometimes i do download some movies.
So yes, ive actually been persuading myself to get the pro since it has exhaust fan, better display and all that. Since im also a big movie guy, i would like to know if ditching a 15inch display for a better and enhanced visuals in the pro compared to the air is better?
I know my consumption isnt that heavy but my macbook air 2018 tends to overheat whenever I do my normal daily tasks and ive been so hesitant with the air ever since.
Reasons for purchase: I want a powerful macbook that can last me 5+ years. I want it to be durable and to future proof my macbook since I would not know what I’ll be doing with my MacBook in 5 years time.
Hi Ian, I think we can solve this puzzle for you! Taking into consideration all the points you mentioned, the fact that you are coming from a 13 and didn't seem to indicate any frustration with the size, as well as the fact that you do watch the occasional movie on it, I think I am leaning more towards the 14 for you. Another significant reason for that would be the length of time you are hoping to get use from it. In my opinion, when it comes to Apple products, it's always a safe bet to go with the latest and greatest, as you will at the very least have an additional year of macOS updates available to you. Not only that, I think it's reasonable to assume that the last 1-2 years of use will certainly continue to perform at a higher level. I could very easily make a good argument for the 15 as well, but my gut is telling me that for you and your situation, I really think you will LOVE the 14. Please follow up with me and let me know what you end up going with! I'd love to know where you land and how you feel about it.
Sounds like you would be happier with the 16" MBP instead of the 14". I would get the 16" MBP because I use a 17" HP laptop now with an i7. I like a large screen and I don't really move my computer so I'm not worried about the weight!
Hey Joseph, thanks for stopping by! If I didn’t need to be mobile with this device as often as I do, I would absolutely love to use the 16". The limited experience that I have with it left me feeling like it is just far too bulky to be toting around as often as I need to.
Aside from the mobility issues, I will 100% agree that it is a beautiful machine that would be a joy to edit videos on in a stationary setup. There are already two iMacs as well as an M2 Pro Mac mini in my home, so having a 16-inch MacBook Pro as a stationary computer has no purpose here, unfortunately. Believe me when I say, if I could find any way of justifying that purchase, I would’ve figured it out by now, lol. 😂
Thanks again for taking the time to comment, Joseph! I’ve been getting a lot of different perspectives on this topic today, and it’s already helping me to see ways I can improve my next video. Thanks again! 🤣✌🏼
I went from my MacBook Air Intel 2020 to MacBook Air 15 inch 24gb ram & 256 SSD and it was absolute game changer and with it for me! I have iCloud+ and external hard drive for the storage and with the 24gb ram it will last me a long time and love how it’s lightweight even though it has a bigger screen.
Note: for anyone that says “24gb ram is overkill” I use a gaming monitor and connect a lot of cables for Ethernet and HDD drive which goes up to 13-17gb ram in use and with No overload whatsoever and haven’t had it over heat not once! I freaking love it
I don’t think I need to explain further of why I decided to go with 24gb ram
RAM > Storage
Thats an awesome spec, Obiken!! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with it. This will likely help other who will be in the same situation. I hope you have many many years of joy and productivity with that monster of an Air!!
Take care!
Thank you Nigel, your review is exactly what I needed. And I feel the same way, I went yesterday to check them in iStore for 1h, and 14 just didn't clicked with me they way 15 did! :D
Great work, keep them coming.
Also, where did you get the "skin" for your Air 15?
You are so welcome, Djordje!! It's always nice to know that I was able to help someone! The skin is from a company called DBRAND and in my experience, there is no other brand worth going to. The fitment is the best by far, the materials are the best by far, and the available styes IMO are the coolest around. I'll drop a link down below!
I really appreciate you taking the time to comment, Djordje, and I hope you get many years of joy and productivity from your new machine!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
dbrand.com/shop/skins/apple-macbook-air-15-skins-2023-m2
@@NigelWorkman hey man, thanks for the reply. May our machines live long, and we too! :D
I'll be buying the M3 15 Inch MacBook Air when they release it. I hope they improve the screen but I'll buy it regardless as it will be time to upgrade. My 2019 13 Inch MacBook Pro is starting to show its age now, especially when it has to push pixels around my new 4K monitor.
Hey, Chris - I think you have a solid plan. I, too, hope they will add this mini LED display to the 15" Air as I believe that would be the absolute BEST everyday computer by a long shot. Do I think they’ll do it… probably not, but until then, I’ll hold out hope for such a configuration.
On another note - have you ever considered getting a Mac mini to satisfy your desktop needs? My last MBP was also performing double duty until I decided to finally give a Mac mini a try. I really like having a stationary setup that I can always count on for being ready to go in an instant, rather than my prior situation requiring me to dock, reconnect, monitors, hard drives etc., etc. These are all, of course, minor inconveniences at the end of the day, but just something worth considering. If the funds are available, maybe give that a try? Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment - I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Trust this old man. You could make it. No nonsence, easy to listen.
Appreciate that, Josip! Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks so much for taking the time to comment! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey there, would you recommend m2 15 in with 16 gb ram or m3 pro basee?
Hey Arnav- Sorry for the late reply!! I would love to help you with this problem- But first, what sort of work do you plan on using this machine for? Please describe to me and additional things you may do less frequently, and what are some programs you plan on using? We can get this figured out, Arnav!!
PS: I will respond much sooner on the next one...PROMISE!!
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Oh shit… gonna have to look into getting a new laptop!
Yooo!! Apple agrees with you, bro! 🤣
thanks for checking out the vid, Buddy! appreciate it ✌🏼
Subscribed!
Heck ya, Fellowcitizen!! I appreciate it very much! I will do my best to keep the content rollin ✌🏼🤟🏼
I have an m1 ipad pro 12.9 and recently purchased the m3 macbook pro 14. The macbook pro does not seem as quick and responsive. Puzzling.
Hmmmm…this is an interesting one. Could you give me a specific scenario that you’re experiencing this in so I could try recreating it on my end. I haven’t picked up the iPad for a while, but I do still have an m1 laying around. It would be interesting to figure out what is happening there.
@@NigelWorkman specifically web browsing and utilizing UA-cam. The ipad seems much quicker and responsive. Note that I also tried out the 15 inch macbook air (costco sale item) and after comparing it to the 14 inch macbook pro I prefer the feel of the air better. Considering taking back the macbook pro.
@@BUCKINUTI’d go with your gut on this one, Buck. If something is saying that you should return that and get the 15 I jump on it before it’s too late! Let me know what you end up doing if you think about it! Best of luck to you brother
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@@NigelWorkman returned the m3 macbook pro today. In your opinion is 8gb of ram enough for the m2 macbook air 15?
I have been using mine for about 4 months now and have yet to experience a situation where I felt like I needed more juice. Just for perspective, the most intensive work I personally do with it would be 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro. It's not as fast as my M2 Pro with 16GB, but it doesn't feel to be too far behind. Here is my bottom line: I think you SHOULD be able to get all the work done that you need to with the 8GB, especially if you aren't doing anything more resource-hungry than something like 4K editing. On the other hand, Best Buy has the 15 at $200 off right now, and if it were me, rather than save $200, I would 100% get the next configuration, which has the 16GB and never stress it again.
Hope that helps!!
macbook pro speakers is the best ever, spetialy 16 inch one. the bass is crazy good. for the studio microphone is the best from any laptop.
but don't compare laptop microphone to studio microphone, its different device.
I use ipad pro m1 microphone to record my podcast, for me, its very good microphone from A tablet mic.
Hi there, NUHNUH!! You’re right about the 16 having some insane speakers! I haven’t personally owned one nor have I spent much time with it, but I have heard it with my own ears and it’s something to behold. As far as the mic goes- my main issue with it is the fact that they label as “studio quality”. That is printed right in the spec sheet on the website. To say that it’s the best laptop mic is one thing. I will get behind that statement all day. But they crossed the Hype Line on this one big time. There is nothing studio quality about it, that alone is why I am disparaging it so highly.
Besides, all that, I’m very thankful that you took the time to leave a comment on my video! I really appreciate it, and I hope you all the best on your podcast! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman your welacome dude.
M3 MacBook Air 15 when it comes should have an SD card reader.
Hi, Stephanie! I couldn’t agree more-I would absolutely LOVE there to be a card reader on the next one. Although I will say, I’m not particularly optimistic that it will actually happen. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this one 🤞
On another note, I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your day to leave a comment. I really appreciate it! Take care, Stephanie!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
15 inch is still too big for me. i am not a size queen. my sweet spot is 13 inch. so i am going to stick with 13 inch macbook air. lightest and fanless with the best portability out of the entire apple laptops. since i only use my laptop for web surfing, watching videos, word processing, excel. macbook air line is more than sufficient to do all that.
Hey Vamp! Thanks for stopping by 😊
I don’t know if you’re much of a comment browser, but I did have a discussion about this with a subscriber just a little while ago. What I mentioned to them was, I am a mega fan of the 13-inch Air, and although I owned a 14-inch Pro simultaneously, I found myself always opting to take the 13 with me wherever I went. To be honest, I didn’t get a whole lot of use out of that 14 at the end of the day. I would open it up and gaze at how pretty the screen was or demo some Atmos-enabled music for somebody just to show them how good the speakers were, but outside of that, the Air was always my go-to. A bit smaller than I would’ve liked, which is why when this larger form factor came out I was so excited to get my hands on it, and have been using it ever since.
I’m happy to hear that you found the right machine for you and all the things that you do. There’s nothing better than actually being satisfied with the tech that we invested in.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your situation with all of us. I appreciate you, Vamp!! 🤟🏼✌🏼
Okay, say you had the 13” M2 MacBook Air instead of the 15”. Which would you pick between that and the 14” MacBook Pro?
Yo, what’s up, Jayrod! That is a tougher question than some might think-let me explain. There was a point when I did, in fact, own the 13-inch M2, while simultaneously owning a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook. If it would have come down to me having to choose between one of them, I would have actually picked the 14. NOW, ask me which computer I actually threw in my backpack and took with me everywhere?? You guessed it, it was the 13 😂 Now, I did eventually trade in that 13-inch Air for my M2 Pro Mac mini, from which I do most of my work, but I missed the heck out of that insanely portable computer.
So ya, if I had to choose between one of those today, and it was going to be my ONLY computer, it would absolutely be the 14-inch Pro. On the other hand, if you have a desktop such as an iMac, or a Mac mini and you just need something to toss in your bag and go, I’d probably go with the air.
I hope that helps! If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to ask me. Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment; I appreciate it! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman alright, 13” air vs 15” air :)
Easy choice- 15 air all day long! It is clearly not as lightweight, or as portable as the 13, but I think that the minor difference in weight that it introduces when spread over a much larger footprint, creates a very similar overall experience, and the addition of 2 inches makes my work infinitely more productive. Which way are you leaning at this point?
@@NigelWorkman I actually already own a 13” M2 MacBook Air in midnight. I thought about either trading up for a 14” MacBook Pro in Space Black with 1TB (mine is just 512GB and could use more internal storage since I’m also running Windows 11 on it), or wait for the 15” M3 MacBook Air and hope they offer it in Space Black.
@@jayrod377 Ok Gotcha! So performance certainly isn't an issue at this point i wouldn't image. Maybe a combination of dwindling storage and a yearning for a larger display? I have never been able to make sense of Mac and how/when they decide to release new colors. Maybe the rumor mill will start churning out some info about m3 15 and it new colors soon so you can either suck it up and wait, (if black is incoming) or go ahead and jump on the m2 now? i have not heard a peep about this myself so i have nothing for ya in that department, regretfully.
The only slight advantage the 15" Air has, is a slightly bigger screen and slightly cheaper price, the rest of it is a compromise, night and day against the M3 14", hardware, software and faster, particularly in web browsing.
All this video does is put your personal narrative on it, which is based purely on price!
If you were a true pro, you'd have a 16" M2, if screen size is that important to you 😂
Hey, what’s up, Jack! I get where you’re coming from, brother, and I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do about it. Most of my videos are based on my subjective feelings and experiences rather than just being spec comparisons. I try to make this really clear from the get-go, but if I didn’t this time around, my apologies. There are plenty of videos out there that will compare Geekbench scores, resolution counts, etc., etc., so I try to steer clear of doing the same thing.
I don’t know if you were able to watch the entirety of the video, but one of the most important points for me is the comfort and portability of the machine, and this is precisely why I DON'T have the 16". The screen is absolutely something to behold, but it is not nearly as portable as the Air, which, for myself, is a huge game-changer. Also, the entry-level cost on that computer is quite a bit more expensive than any of those we're talking about here. Besides all that, on No level would I consider myself to be a pro! Quite the opposite, in fact - I’m just now starting on this journey and still have a ton to learn!
With all that said, I am still very thankful that you took time out of your day to leave a comment, Jack! I appreciate it even if it wasn’t the friendliest one I’ve read all day, lol. 😂
🤟🏼✌🏼
On paper, the MacBook Air has a slightly larger screen, but in person it is very noticeable.
That’s what I’m trying to tell people but they’re not believing me lol 😂
Bro🔥🙌
YO!! Thanks for stopping by LIL!! I appreciate you taking the time to drop those flames on the video, brother! I appreciate man! Glad you enjoyed the video! ✌🏼🤟🏼
16” is way to go. Why did you not cover that option?you get the best of both worlds
Hi Blair, this is a fair question-allow me to explain. My intention was to create a comparison between two similarly priced MacBooks. The reason for this is that there has rarely been much competition between the Air and Pro lines as they are generally much further apart in price. Enter this new entry-level 14 Pro, and what do you know-there is now a direct competitor for the Pro with this recently released 15' Air. I don't believe that those who are interested in this new 14 Pro or the Air 15 will be looking at the 16 as an option, primarily due to the additional cost, which at $1000 USD is substantial. With that being said, I totally agree that it is an amazing option! The only reason I don't own one personally is that it is a beast of a machine, and I really do enjoy the lightweight portability of the 15 Air. It's a perfect daily for me.
Thanks again for stopping by the channel and taking the time to comment, Blair. I appreciate it!!
The base M3 Pro is only 40 g heavier! And smaller all around. It’s more portable when you pick them up together and handle them. I like it more. Believe me. More performance, better screen, better speakers, SD card slot, what’s not to like?
I was about to buy the 15” Air with 16GB RAM and 512 SSD, it was so close, but then the M3 Pro came out, only AU$200 more for the same spec RAM and SSD and after going to the Apple Store and playing with them side by side for a while the Air was dead ☠️ to me ! I am so relieved I didn’t make the wrong decision and get the Air a month ago.
And most of the time when I’m doing some Lightroom or light video editing, I’m plugged into a 32 inch 4K monitor. That’s my extra screen Real Estate
Hey Shred, I'm not sure how much of the video you watched, but just a quick recap for you: I love everything about the 14. There are several really important aspects (processor, screen, speakers) that are objectively better. HOWEVER, it is far less comfortable for me to interact with. I'm sure there are those who would choose to overlook the comfort factor and opt for the more powerful machine, but I personally spend countless hours typing, editing, and creating. With the 14, I feel eye strain, fatigue in my hands and lower back much sooner than I would using the 15.
With all that said, I am genuinely excited for those who can enjoy all the amazing features of this new 14 while also feeling comfortable!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience, Shred. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I ended up getting the 15 air 16gb memory and 512gb ssd
That is a nice spec, Bigboy- Well done! Were you able to catch it on sale this week? Best Buy has most specs of the air 15 @200 off. Just throwing it out there! Besides that, what are your thoughts on it so far? Making this video really made me appreciate my 15 all over again! Such a great laptop!
@@NigelWorkman I was able to get 250 off. If I was a best buy reward member I would have gotten an additional 50 dollars off.
@@bigboyg209That’s legit, Bro! I’m glad you were able to score on that deal. Lord knows apple would never offer it for that price 😂
Should I get the 14 m3 8gb- 1tb $1500 or the 15 mba 16/1 tb for $1600 refurbished? I am so confused
Hey, José- thanks for stopping by! What will you be doing with your new machine primarily? I can tell you which I’d have- but In want to make sure we find what’s best for you!
I realize if one is a content creator, that Apple Laptops are the way to go. When I worked for a Newspaper back in the 80's and 90's they used an Apple Macintosh in the Advertising Department. But if you aren't a content creator, would one really need this type of Laptop. I would think that a student could get by with just an average Laptop to take notes, papers and other projects that happen to come. What are your thoughts on this?
Hello Mark, thanks for stopping by! I think that, in reality, there are very few people that NEED a Mac of any kind. Many prefer to use a Mac as it ties into the Apple ecosystem and generally creates a smooth experience, particularly when moving from one piece of hardware to another. There are, of course, similar features on a Windows machine, but just not quite as polished of an experience. With regards to a student and the use case you presented, there would be no need for a Mac. Most students could easily get by with a $200 Chromebook. With that said, there is something to be said about the psychology behind it all. There is something about Apple hardware that makes you want to interact with it more frequently, which in my mind could perhaps lead to being more productive and getting more work done. There is nothing worse than having to do work on equipment that you aren't excited about, or at the very least, confident in its capability. I think this translates into work of any kind, whether you are a construction worker with a $5 Harbor Freight hammer that "gets the job done" vs. the $30 hammer that has a better, more ergonomic handle that is balanced just right, or a landscape professional who has a push mower vs. a ride-along. We all tend to be more productive when we have the right equipment, and THAT is a major draw to Mac. Not the necessity for it, rather the overall experience from start to finish.
Ok im all done now 🤣
Hopefully that sheds a bit of light on the situation. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Mark. This was a really good question that lead me down a whole slew of different thoughts and ideas, so thanks for that!! Have a great day! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Nigel, I understand your point of view. But I just thought about this this morning. Can Software Developers write a program that can take advantage of a particular chipset that is used in a computer? For example, If you purchased a program when the M1 was developed, I'm sure it worked faster than if you were using an older chipset. But, if you never updated the software program and loaded that original program onto a M3 Laptop, would the speed differences be significant or not? If a software program has been updated to take advantage of the M3 chipset, then it would be natural for the program to work faster and more efficiently versus the M2 or M1 chipset. Am I off base is this assumption? No, I am not a software developer. But it seems that Apple goes to a lot of effort to have people write that a particular chipset is faster then the chipset that was used before. I don't know how much Intel and AMD have people on UA-cam to do this extensive testing on a particular chipset.
Real talk : get the PrO if money is not an issue or if your name is Peter Mckinnon., otherwise AiR will be more than enough., its been this way for a few years now really 😊
I remember the moment they bridged the gap between Air and Pro-the introduction of Apple Silico! What was traditionally an underpowered Intel Atom and the like-based piece of hardware is now a well powered and fully capable media machine. The draw to them in the past was, they were really cool and lightweight, but you LITERALLY couldn't do anything other than general tasks. The fact that I can now edit a 4K UA-cam video on a MacBook Air without any performance issues is quite amazing! There are plenty of those out there who never experienced this era, but if they did, they would realize just how amazing the Air is and how capable a piece of hardware it has become.
Thanks for taking the time to comment on the video, Charvlim- i appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Not everything about the MacBook Pro screen is amazing. Actually, pixel response time is shockingly bad for 120 Hz. It's so bad it actually makes this screen incapable of displaying 120 Hz content, but Apple won't tell you this. Most reviewers don't seem to acknowledge that neither.
Not to be a grammar Nazi here, but that should read, "Most reviewers don’t seem to acknowledge that 'either.'"
For me personally, the benefit of the so-called ProMotion display resides in the sense of fluidity you get when moving throughout the UI or just pointing the cursor on your mouse around the screen. It’s a very snappy feeling experience, but when it comes to actual 120Hz content, I personally have not bothered with that because I don’t game on this computer at all. Outside of that, I don’t know what else would use that natively.
@@NigelWorkman you can point out my grammar, as English is not even my first language, so I'll appreciate any correction. Gaming aside, you can tell there's something off with this 120 Hz screen even if you're just scrolling. Good quality 120 Hz screens make scrolling look like real life objects. On the contrary, MacBook's ones are very ghostly, not a true 120 Hz experience. But surely it's a step up from their 60 Hz counterparts and I do agree that they feel nice and snappy. There's a lot of potential for improvement though.
Hey Rafad, I was totally just messing with you because you got me on the et cetera 😂
Jokes aside, I don’t have the greatest vision in the world, and I must admit that my eyes don’t pick up on any dragging or ghosting on this particular screen. I’m not suggesting that it’s not there, but I’m just not noticing it. Most of the work that I do has me sitting behind my C3 LG OLED monitor, which is connected to the HDMI 2.1 port of my M2 Pro Mac mini, and that so far has been a great experience! Noticeably better than the so-called 120 Hz on the laptop screen. Now that I’m typing that out, I think I kind of know what you mean. I wouldn’t have been able to explain it the same way you did, but there is a very distinct difference between the way the 120 Hz on my Mac mini connected to the LG looks versus this built-in screen.
I’m glad you stopped by to leave that comment because sometimes just typing out a response helps to build my own understanding of things that I may not have even been cognizant of before. Appreciate your time and knowledge, Rafad! 🤟🏼✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman you're welcome and good luck with your channel. You may like to take a look at Notebookcheck's reviews of these MacBooks, they are the most detailed ones I've found so far.
It's "et cetera", not "exetera".
It’s funny because I know that but I still say it wrong lol. For the love of God, Rafad, please help me!! 😂
@@NigelWorkman I think it's tempting for Americans to pronounce it that way, as it makes it sound almost like a native word 🙂
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Thanks, Salvaggion! Hope you liked that intro
P R O M O S M 💞
Not sure what this means, Steven!