How to choose a MacBook? Is it worth buying an Apple laptop? MacBook Air vs. Ultrabooks: Which is Better?

So, you have decided to buy a computer. And here you are faced with a whole series of questions. Which brand should you prefer? Should you overpay for a well-known brand? What should you pay attention to first? Which is better MacBook or regular laptop in 2015?

The model you choose should meet your wishes, be comfortable and easy to use. It should also take into account the operating features, if any. This could be the environment or human factor. Consider the case when you choose a MacBook.

In 2015, the most current model among MacBooks is MacBook Air. Undoubtedly it is the best in the Apple line. Let's look at its characteristics:

1. 10-12 hours battery life.
2. 13-inch screen.
3. It can rightfully be considered an ultra-thin gadget in 2015.
4. Weight only 2.13 kg.
5. Built-in camera that takes clear pictures or videos.
6. RAM 2 GB.
7. Suitable for all types of tasks, for gamers, for movie lovers and for business people.
8. Excellent design, polycarbonate body, which provides additional durability when dropped or bumped.
9. Protection against all types of viruses.

Disadvantages include the low-budget cost. When buying a MacBook, you must understand that you are paying for the world famous name Apple.

If you decide to buy a regular laptop, we recommend paying attention to the Lenovo Lavie Z. This amazing lightweight and handy gadget is the brainchild of Nec and Lenovo. There are 2 versions on the market - a regular laptop and a transformable laptop. The main advantages of this device are its 13-inch display and relatively low weight, only 720 grams. The lid and body of the laptop are made of magnesium-lithium alloy, which provides it with additional durability. Lavie Z has powerful processor fifth generation. The battery charge lasts from 6 to 9 hours of continuous use. However, the price of this gadget is far from affordable. The price starts from 1200 USD.

Another model worthy of your attention is the Acer Chrome book 15. Screen diagonal is 15.6 inches, RAM is from 2 to 4 GB, depending on the configuration. The undoubted advantages are the budget price, good speed of the operating system, low weight and small dimensions.

We can also recommend you the frameless 13.3-inch Dell XPS13. Working panel made of polycarbonate, volume random access memory from 4 to 8 GB depending on which configuration you choose. The battery charge will last approximately 10 hours of battery life. Among the disadvantages, one can highlight the rather noisy operation of the gadget and the inflated cost, as for Ukraine.

To summarize, we would like to note that choosing to buy a laptop is a responsible matter. However, it’s still worth taking a closer look at regular PCs. Taking into account the goals and category of the future user, you will definitely choose what you need.

What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop? This question can often be seen on forums and comments under various articles about computer equipment. However, initially the question was posed absolutely incorrectly. What is a laptop? In modern times, this is a compact computer that contains all the basic elements of a desktop computer, as well as a rechargeable battery that can hold a charge during active use from 1 to 9 hours. These have been sorted out. What is a MacBook? This is a laptop by definition, named differently by the manufacturing company.

Why do people so often perceive these concepts as completely different things? For the most part, all modern laptops initially run Windows, while the MacBook has a unique Mac OS X, developed by Apple specifically for its devices. Therefore in the minds ordinary users, a laptop and a MacBook are different things precisely because of the differences in the OS, and they calmly compare which is better. Another strange fact is that when purchasing a MacBook, people rush to install their native and beloved Windows on it, without even trying the original operating system. It is better to buy a laptop from another company that is optimized for it. Consider a MacBook and any other laptop.

Cons of Mac OS X

In order not to seem biased, let us first consider the disadvantages of the system. The first disadvantage is that operating system designed and optimized only for Apple devices. That is, you can install Windows on a Mac laptop, but the OS X operating system will not work on any Samsung. Even if you managed to install it on your laptop in some unknown way, it is unlikely to lead to anything good.

The second feature can be called the high price category. Yes, these are not budget gadgets. You spend a considerable amount of money on them, and if you need a laptop for gatherings in social network, a MacBook is simply not needed. The latest models of gadgets often feature updated Mac OS X systems that work even more clearly and well. The MacBook itself and the iPhone also do not stand still. Every year new modifications are released that amaze the entire civilized world. Naturally only in a good way.

The third disadvantage is the most noticeable - a very small number of applications, programs and games that are optimized for the system. Of course, many developers are already trying to correct this injustice, but it is not happening as quickly as we would like.

Pros of Mac OS X

It’s not even worth talking about the advantages for a long time. Advantages: simple controls with various Easter eggs; easy installation and operating system update; Stable operation better than any other system; a small number of “pests”; a simple and at the same time skillful security system (we are talking about passwords and other security mechanisms); availability of various drivers.

Cons of Windows

A Windows laptop often causes irritation due to software incompatibility. Microsoft at one time chose a profitable path, producing hardware for the OS from various manufacturers. And given the love of people in the post-Soviet space for “pirated” versions of the operating system, you will have to forget about licensed technical support. How many malicious files did your antivirus miss?

The second mistake we can name is the huge amount of energy that a laptop with Windows absorbs. It's best to take Charger always with you. You can work autonomously for only 4-5 hours. This is especially noticeable on older computer models. And games will generally eat up the charge in 1.5-2 hours. Therefore, no mobility. Do you want to sit in a cafe alone? Look for a place just next to an outlet. Do you like to travel? Well, then the laptop will happily sit for a couple of days without working if you forgot the charger.

The interface can also be considered a disadvantage, although people accustomed to stability may disagree. The bottom toolbar is clear and simple, but the Start menu is completely out of place. Also, the interface is often overloaded, there is absolutely no consistency.

Pros of Windows

We can honestly admit that the amount of software released over the entire period of its existence different versions The OS is simply amazing. Standard programs, however, leave much to be desired, but you can easily replace any of them.

Microsoft constantly corrects the system, releasing a large number of patches annually, updating and problem solvers operating system. This is good news, because raw versions often simply need improvements.

Optimization of a large number of programs and games that “sit like a glove” on the system. Of course, if the laptop itself allows you to do this. To be honest, the system is loved by a very large number of people due to the availability of a large number of “perks”. All these are also significant advantages.

Bottom line

Now you can make your own choice, choosing based on your own wishes. We advise, nevertheless, to lean towards the MacBook, because, despite its price, it will serve for a long time and with dignity. But the decision is always yours in almost everything! After all, only you know what is best for you.

“Does it make sense to buy a MacBook Air?” This question pops up on the Internet almost more often than the most common queries like “MacBook Air review” or “MacBook Air repair.”

Moreover, if previously there was nothing but Air in laptop stores with really thin cases, today with the advent of a whole class of so-called ultrabooks on the market, potential buyers have a lot of alternative options. At the same time, ultrabooks are literally becoming more sophisticated every day, i.e. more productive, lighter, thinner, etc. However, MacBook Air is also in stable demand. In general, despite the risk of sharp criticism from readers, this small review We still decided to compare Apple's ultra-thin laptop with some of its direct Windows competitors from the ultrabook family.

If you know nothing at all about these same ultrabooks, then you can get an initial impression of modern representatives of this class by reading some of our earlier articles (in particular). In short, ultrabooks today are commonly referred to as mobile PCs made in thin and light cases, equipped with systems for quickly waking up from sleep mode and capable of operating autonomously (without recharging the batteries) for at least 5 hours. In essence, ultrabooks are laptops based on Windows, created in the image and likeness of the MacBook Air. Something like this…

Apple to apple
After Apple began using Intel processors in their computers and introduced the Boot Camp system, users now have the opportunity to test hardware on Macs in the same way as on regular Windows PCs. In other words, you can actually directly compare machines with different OSes.

Thus, we have selected several ultrabooks that are similar in characteristics and configuration to the tested MacBook Air, which, in turn, is a version with a Core i5 processor.

Actually, the summary table of all compared ultraportable PCs is as follows:

Probably the first thing that attracts attention is the prices: contrary to popular belief, next to its competitors, the MacBook Air this time does not look like a toy for millionaires and, as we can see, the price is not too shocking. However, these are domestic retail figures. For obvious reasons, we will not say that the price ratio in foreign stores will be the same. For example, in the States, the same MacBook Air costs about $1,599, but the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook can be bought a little cheaper - for about $1,499. The price listed on Amazon for the Asus Zenbook in a similar configuration is $1,279.

Now let's look at the hardware. It is not difficult to notice that the MacBook Air's screen has a higher resolution than that of the Toshiba, but its processor operates at a lower frequency than that of the Zenbook UX31E and Portege Z830. The Toshiba also has more RAM and is significantly lighter than the Air.

The picture is also not the same with ports and connectors: firstly, all laptops are equipped with at least two USB ports, but Windows ultrabooks have at least one faster USB 3.0 port; secondly, some models use a special adapter for connecting external screens, which can be considered a disadvantage of the configuration.

It is also important to note that the Toshiba Portege Z830 is one of the few 13.3-inch ultrabooks that is equipped with an Ethernet connector and has not 2, but three USB ports, thereby being optimal choice in situations where many wired peripheral devices need to be connected to the PC.

Design
We consider this criterion to be very subjective, since it so happened historically that all felt-tip pens have different tastes and colors. Joke. Nevertheless, given the dynamics of the growth in the number of MacBook Air clones on the market, it is safe to say that Apple is a full-fledged trendsetter for ultra-thin laptops, as their official creator. And whatever one may say, both Asus and Dell began releasing their own ultrabooks after the whole world had already admired the shape and weight of the Air. Therefore, in the design of these two laptops it is not so difficult to find Apple’s proprietary discoveries, such as the famous one or the use of aluminum alloys to increase strength and reduce the weight of the machines.

In our humble opinion, it is very likely that a not very experienced buyer may confuse the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook and MacBook Air, even though the former is noticeably more compact in size. If we leave the lyrics and focus on choosing the thinnest and lightest laptop, then of all those listed above, this is certainly the Toshiba Portege Z830, made in a case with a supporting frame made of magnesium alloy and weighing only 1130 grams.

Performance and battery life
For testing MacBook performance Air, we used Boot Camp with Windows 7. To assess the overall system performance of all mentioned laptops, we used PCMark 7. At the same time, we were somewhat surprised by the result: despite the fact that all laptops are equipped with solid-state drives, the slowest in the PCMark 7 benchmarking was the leader in terms of RAM volume memory - Portege Z830.

In the next test - CrystalDiskMark (SSD performance) - it also turned out that in the case of the Z830, Toshiba engineers were clearly not aimed at developing a fast ultrabook, just like Apple specialists. Meanwhile, the developers of the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook clearly made the right decision by using the mSATA option solid state drive Samsung 830 SSD, which actually explains the success of the model in CrystalDiskMark.

It is important to understand here that it is the performance of the SSD that is the parameter that determines the speed at which the laptop wakes up from sleep mode, i.e. its startup speed, which should be no more than 15-16 seconds in order for the model to be called an ultrabook. By the way, on Mac OS X the MacBook Air can start in an average of 19.2 seconds, but in Boot Camp mode on Windows 7, unfortunately, it was not possible to do it in less than 48 seconds. However, it’s not Air that’s to blame here, but Microsoft’s OS.

TOTAL

So is the MacBook Air or one of its ultra-thin competitors worth buying? As you can see, the Air's performance is comparable to the best ultrabooks, but it certainly didn't win in the benchmarks. And its battery life is also not the best, even with Boot Camp and Windows 7, or with Mac OS X Lion. Fortunately for MacBook fans, there are other selection criteria besides performance.

First of all, design is what Air has always attracted and, we hope, will attract buyers. This laptop is always beautiful and elegant. Of course, some ultrabooks also boast similar body shapes and an equally successful combination of plastic and aluminum, but in this area the discussion will most likely come down to a discussion of the individual preferences of critics.

What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop? A question from the authors - how does an iPhone differ from a smartphone... However, people in whose minds this kind of dilemma arises can be understood. The Apple company, which produces these devices, is guilty of naming gadgets after the name of the product class - smartphone/iPhone, MacBook/laptop - this creates confusion.

In fact, there is no fundamental difference between a Macbook and any other laptop. Even so, a MacBook is a laptop. And yet, the Apple laptop has quite a few differences from the classic one. In this article we will look at these differences.

Macbook model line

However, before talking about how a Macbook differs from any other classic laptop, it is necessary to say what types of the first exist.

For a long time, the Apple laptop was represented by two lines - Macbook Pro (Pro) and Macbook Air (Air, Air, Air), but more recently it appeared New episode with a simple and concise name - Macbook - no prefixes or additions.

Macbook Pro is a line of powerful Apple laptops. The most advanced hardware and Retina displays in recent versions allow devices in this line to easily replace full-fledged computers for home and work tasks. Moreover, when we say “workers” we do not mean only classic office programs, like typing and presentation utilities. Macbook Pro will satisfy even the most demanding graphic designer or design engineer, whose profession generally involves working in heavy programs - Photoshop, Autocad, etc.

Macbook Air is a more universal series. Laptops in this line are slightly less powerful, but at the same time they are thinner and lighter, and also show record autonomy. In short, the Macbook Air is perfect mobile laptop for everyday tasks, unless, of course, working in Photoshop is not your everyday task. No, of course, this device will easily open this and any other heavy program and allow you to work in it, but only the Macbook Pro will demonstrate lightning-fast, lag-free operation when working with these types of applications.

And finally, just a Macbook. This series is relatively new and it is difficult to say how Apple sees its future. We’ll just note that this device (the line is currently represented by one device) is a kind of lightweight version of the Air.

Macbook is the most beautiful in the world

Well, now let's talk about the differences. And the first thing is striking. The design is impeccable, no matter how you look at it. No laptop - and this is recognized by both Apple fans and critics - can boast such a perfect design as the Macbook.

Both the Air and Pro versions are very similar. There are differences, of course, but they are minimal and insignificant within the scope of this review. What do the models of all lines of Apple laptops have in common? All-metal thin aluminum body, minimalistic design, elegant “apple” on the lid, noble colors of the body, and generally incredibly high-quality and neat execution.

In short, if you are one of those for whom image is everything and thirst is nothing, then for you the difference between a Macbook and a traditional laptop is obvious already at the first stage of comparison.

Mac OS is my faithful friend

If you believe that appearance is not the main thing in technology and everything is determined by performance, then we move on. We have already talked about the power of Macbooks above, but the above information requires additions.

So, as you already understand, an Apple laptop, especially if we are talking about the current model listed on official sale, is a powerful thing. However, a device with powerful filling can be found from another manufacturer. That’s right, but only the Macbook can boast of an optimal combination - hardware + platform. And this, in fact, is very important, this is the very reason why a Macbook freezes and slows down extremely rarely, even if it was purchased several years ago. Agree, a classic Windows laptop can only dream of this. What's the matter?

The fact is that Apple itself creates devices and writes the Mac OS platform for them. With laptops from other companies, everything is different - the manufacturer designs the device and installs a ready-made Windows platform written by Microsoft on it. And here the same story begins as in the eternal confrontation between iPhone and iOS vs any other smartphone and Android. When the platform is optimally adjusted with all other hardware being equal, you can achieve more in all respects - performance, autonomy, etc.

Enough for a long time

Another difference between a MacBook and a classic laptop is autonomy. Here again the Macbook stands out positively. Macbook Air is a real unique product - productive and thin, but at the same time capable of working in quiet office mode for up to 12 hours without recharging! This is generally an impressive figure for a laptop, not to mention an ultra-thin and powerful device. The Macbook Pro is a little behind in terms of battery life, because it is more powerful and has a Retina display, but the figure is still good - 10 hours.

In standby mode, Apple laptops can last up to 30 days! And by the way, getting back to the lightning-fast response and fast response - the Macbook wakes up from standby mode almost instantly - that is, you literally open the lid and the next second you can continue working. Even if you haven’t approached the device for a couple of weeks, it will still react with lightning speed.

A few words about the display

We are all already accustomed to high-definition displays in flagship smartphones, but laptops have a large diagonal and this kind of screen, as they say, costs a pretty penny. And yet, in the latest Macbook Pro, Apple still decided to install Retina displays, which no matter how much you look at, you can’t see an individual pixel. This, of course, is another advantageous difference from classic laptops.

However, Air laptops also do not have Retina displays, but, in fairness, it is worth saying that not everything comes down to clarity. Apple uses advanced technologies in designing screens, so in fact, the display of any Macbook compares favorably with most classic laptops.

Important pleasant little things

Well, it seems that the significant differences are over, but there are still some pleasant little things that simply cannot be left out without mentioning. After all, isn’t it the little things that make up the big picture? In fact, the complex of all the pleasant little things can only be appreciated once you start using a Macbook, but some catch your eye right away. Firstly, there is a huge trackpad that is a pleasure to operate. Secondly, the keyboard is comfortable - the buttons and the distance between them are not small even on compact Macbooks. Thirdly, the keyboard backlight is a great addition when working in low light conditions.

However, Apple laptops, of course, are not ideal - they also cannot do without unpleasant little things. The Apple giant, for example, really doesn’t like to make holes in its equipment, and therefore the set of connectors in the Macbook is minimal. In addition, as a rule, Apple laptops are equipped with a small amount of built-in memory, and although it can be expanded, what matters is what you have initially. And finally, the price. Like any product of the Apple giant, the Macbook is not cheap - the minimum price for the current model is about 60 thousand rubles, and for the cool Pro versions you will have to pay all 200 thousand!

Let's summarize

Well, in the broad sense of the word, a Macbook is a laptop. But if you take a closer look... Compared to a classic laptop, the Apple product has a lot of advantages, however, they all fade when you find out what the cost of a Macbook is. However, if you call a Macbook a premium laptop (and this, it seems to us, is the best epithet for this device), then everything will fall into place. And a lot of advantageous differences, and the price become logical.

Apple produces and sells its own laptops called MacBooks. This equipment is distinguished by outstanding performance parameters, a well-thought-out interface, and a high-tech design.

Often this is the main reason why consumers pay attention to these devices.

What it is

MacBook is one of the representatives of the family of portable PCs from Apple.. Distinctive feature of this device is relatively high cost. The cheapest laptop of this type was introduced on December 20, 2008. The last release took place in March 2015; at the moment, the modification presented in San Francisco is the most expensive.

The laptops in question differ not only in their aesthetic appearance, but also in their performance parameters. The hardware is one step ahead of analogues from other manufacturers. Also high speed work is available due to the conservatism of the operating system - use software from third-party manufacturers is extremely difficult.

History of appearance

Back in 1989, Apple released the first portable portable PC. It was called Macintosh Portable. You can rightfully call it a prototype of modern laptops from the manufacturer in question.

The device had the following operating parameters:

• CPU frequency: 16 MHz;
• amount of RAM: 1 MB;
• Hard disk size: 40 MB.

This MacBook prototype, which cost as much as $6,500, was not very popular. Since its price was quite high, and its performance parameters, even for that time, were far from the best. The next step towards the production of high-tech laptops was PowerBook. The series sold under this name is more successful.

The most popular were:

• PowerBook 170;
• PowerBookDuo 250;
• Aluminum PowerBook G4.

There are also quite a large number of various intermediate models. They all had their own advantages and disadvantages. But in fact they remained ordinary gadgets. Everything changed with the transition to architecture from Intel. The real revolution was the ultra-compact laptop with the Air prefix - released in January 2008. Its weight was 1.3 kg, thickness - 1.9 cm.

Modern models

Currently the most popular models are:

All of the modifications listed above exist with different screen diagonals (11.6 and 13.3 inches). The most significant difference between them is the size and type of hard drive. It can be 64, 128 and 256 GB (SSD or regular).

The latest modification is the Pro version. It can be equipped with either a 13 or 15 inch Retina screen. Also, a version of the MacBook equipped with a 12-inch screen was recently presented. Its feature is its thickness (only 13.1 mm), as well as its weight (0.9 kg).

Why is it loved and why was it invented?

The technique under consideration has a large number of advantages and practically no disadvantages. This is what makes it so widespread among users of the most different countries, not only the USA.

Laptops of this type are in great demand for the following reasons:

• compact dimensions;
• light weight;
• comfortable and functional keyboard;
• display;
• durable aluminum housing;
• interesting design.

Photo: Apple MacBook with logo display

The first thing that catches your eye when looking at devices of this type is their compact size. That is why you can take it with you even on long journeys without any difficulty. And not experience any inconvenience. Low weight also contributes to comfortable transportation. The keyboard is ergonomic, the location of the keys makes it possible to use it with maximum convenience.

The display has many advantages:

• it is coated with a special anti-reflective coating;
• it does not leave fingerprints;
• The viewing angle is very large.

The durable aluminum case not only makes the design stylish, but also reliably protects the insides of the PC from possible mechanical and other damage.

A MacBook can be used to solve a variety of tasks.

His Hardware allows you to achieve various goals:

• process video files and images;
• work with text documents;
• surf the Internet.

If desired, the MacBook can be used for games.

Video: MacBook Review

What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop?

There are serious differences between MacBooks and similar devices from other manufacturers.

They are as follows:

• brand;
• design features;
• exclusive operating system;
• price.

Apple's assembly line has extremely stringent product controls. The result is its very high quality. The likelihood of any defects and defects is almost completely excluded. Apple products are also difficult to counterfeit.

The design of devices of this type is very unique. This is precisely one of the most important features that distinguishes them from other similar devices. The company strives for minimalism. All unnecessary details that negatively affect ergonomics and aesthetics are simply absent.

Apple equipment uses its own, exclusive operating system - Mac OS X. This is the reason that the number of programs from third-party developers that can run on the equipment in question is small.

Most recent models, as well as earlier ones, typically cost four-digit dollar amounts. There are many disputes regarding the price of equipment from this manufacturer. Since when comparing a MacBook with a similar device from another manufacturer, the result is not always in favor of Apple.

How to choose

Before you buy apple computer, you need to decide why such a technique is needed. And only with this in mind make your choice. Since various modifications have all sorts of features. Each of which makes it easier to complete a particular task.

Gadget design

The design of most models is the same, which is why this factor usually has minimal influence on the choice. But the most important difference in appearance concerns the thickness.

It depends on the display used in the design:

Otherwise, the design does not have any global differences. Except for the order and location of all sorts of input/output ports. This moment is purely individual; when choosing a particular model, the buyer should be guided by practical considerations and his own taste.

Graphics subsystem

The technique in question is rarely used for games. However, the graphics subsystem is important when choosing.

Today there are models available for sale equipped with the following video cards:

The modification with the Air prefix is ​​equipped with a weaker video card. Despite its low performance, it is quite capable of handling video processing, as well as working in various environments that require powerful performance. graphics accelerator. But don't expect too much from HD Graphics. This modification is suitable for those who work on the Internet or text editors.

Computers with the Proc console are equipped with a more powerful graphics subsystem. Therefore, if the buyer is a professional photographer engaged in video editing or other similar activities, he should choose a device equipped with GeForce GT 750M 2 GB. This video card has sufficient performance to ensure work with professional programs.

Photo: NVIDIA video card GeForce GT 750M

SSD hard drive

Devices available for sale today are equipped with solid-state hard drives SSD type. Their capacity can vary over a fairly wide range.

It all depends on the modification of the laptop computer, as well as the version:

1. 128 GB;
2. 256 GB;
3. 512 GB;

1. 256 GB;
2. 512 GB;
3. 1 TB.

Choose size hard drive with which the computer will be equipped should be based on the tasks for which it will be used. If the gadget is necessary for working on the Internet (processing Email, surfing) and text editor, as well as for other similar purposes, then the modification of Air will be quite sufficient.

If you need to store a large amount of information (video and audio files, disk images), then it is better to choose Pro models with a hard drive of at least 512 GB.

Price and equipment

The most popular modifications today are:

The modification labeled Pro has the following technical parameters:

• CPU: i5 2600 MHz;
• RAM: 8192 MB;
• SSD: 128 GB;
• screen diagonal: 13.3";
• weight: 1.57 kg;
• Battery life: 9 hours.

Air comes with the following components:

• CPU: i5 1400 MHz;
• RAM: 4000 MB;
• SSD: 128 GB;
• screen diagonal – 11.6“;
• weight: 1.08 kg;
• Battery life: 9 hours.

Video: Apple Pro Retina presentation

Benefits of MacBook

The most important advantages of the gadget in question are:

• high build quality;
• low weight and overall dimensions;
• performance;
• long battery life.

All parts fit together as tightly as possible, which minimizes the likelihood of dust or anything like that getting inside. Small overall dimensions and low weight make transportation as comfortable as possible. Thanks to special batteries The battery life, even with intensive use, is usually at least 9 hours.

Photo: equipment MacBook Pro Retina 13″

The technique under consideration has a very large number of advantages and practically no disadvantages. What makes it extremely popular and popular among a wide variety of categories of users: businessmen, students, schoolchildren and others. The disadvantages include the high cost - but it is quite justified in some cases, since the quality of the devices in question is extremely high.