MacBook Air vs. Ultrabooks: Which is Better? What is the difference between a MacBook and a regular laptop?

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It has long been no secret that Apple products have conquered almost the whole world. And this is far from an accident, since computers from this manufacturer have always been distinguished by the highest performance, as well as the quality of the components and assembly used. Even though the price of these devices is much higher than that of practically similar devices from competitors, the choice of buyers still falls on Apple gadgets.

If we talk about the main advantages of Apple MacBook laptops, we can say that this particular series is distinguished by significant power, which is perfect for professional work. In general, Macbooks are almost head and shoulders above all competitors on the market, at least that’s what both users themselves and employees of a huge number of service companies say.

However, even unsurpassed reliability does not provide a 100 percent guarantee that the machine will not break down and require professional repair. Our company invites each of you to use the services of truly emergency and fully professional computer assistance, and at the most low prices. Among our services that are available to each customer are the following:

  • Reliable and prompt computer assistance in Maryino, as well as subscription services for individuals and various forms of ownership of organizations;
  • The most thorough diagnostics and repair of laptops and other computer systems;
  • We restore monitors, printers and other peripherals;
  • Requires installation of the latest software– also to us;
  • Interested in setting up the system and networks? wireless internet– we organize;
  • We will replace any burnt components in the car;
  • We will provide inexpensive but very reliable components and much more.

The main disadvantages of Apple MacBook laptops

We all understand perfectly well that having such an electronic assistant as a MacBook is simply wonderful. But if such a product breaks down, the user will face significant expenses, as well as a considerable headache, because not all computer services can carry out a truly reliable restoration. What are the main disadvantages of Apple MacBook laptops:

  • Possibility of overheating of the video chip, which burns out almost instantly;
  • Frequent malfunctions in the system motherboard that occur due to mechanical damage, as well as due to other reasons;
  • There may be a malfunction of the hard drive, which is quite difficult to restore;
  • There is a breakdown of the system used to backlight the display and much more.

Which is better: MacBook or regular laptop?

Whatever you say, the main advantages of Apple MacBook laptops are visible almost immediately. This type of device has very productive server processors, which were developed in Intel. Also, the manufacturer took care of a powerful graphics device. Still, most potential buyers cannot decide which is better: a MacBook or a regular laptop.

Our service staff believe that you should only purchase an Apple computer if you have expanded financial capabilities and are willing to easily shell out several thousand for system repairs. Just as mentioned above, the machine in question is necessary for its intended use, namely to solve some complex and voluminous problems. In any case, the choice always remains with the buyer, and we are only ready to organize repair of Reutov laptops, which will definitely revive any device, no matter what manufacturer it is.

Information provided by the website remont-noytbukov.ru. Laptop repair company Laptop Service.


Instead of making life easier for the user, as Steve Jobs once advocated, Apple seems to be doing the opposite. Take, for example, the MacBook line - now there are three varieties of it (ultra-thin 12-inch, thin Air and powerful Pro), so it is quite difficult for a potential buyer to figure out which laptop to choose. If you are not well versed in the Apple product line or cannot make a choice, we will try to help you with this.

First, let's define the characteristics of Apple laptops:

  • MacBook is a 12-inch ultra-thin laptop (thickness varies from 0.35 cm to 1.31 cm), weight 0.92 kg.
  • MacBook Air is a 13-inch thin laptop (thickness from 0.3 cm to 1.7 cm), weight 1.35 kg.
  • MacBook Pro (in this case we will talk about two versions of laptops) is a powerful, productive laptop with a screen diagonal of 13 and 15 inches, a thickness of 1.49 cm and a weight of 1.37 kg.

Display

This is perhaps one of the most important points to pay attention to when choosing a model. The fact is that the latest Apple laptops are equipped with excellent Retina displays, providing high-quality images with rich colors. The new MacBook screens are much better than most Windows competitors.


Simple arithmetic applies here - the larger the screen, the larger the work area, but also the more you have to carry, and weight can be critical.

The MacBook has a 12-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 2304 x 1440 (16:10) and a density of 226 ppi. This is exactly what a Retina display is, you really won’t be able to see the pixels with the naked eye, and the picture quality will pleasantly surprise you.

The MacBook Air is available only as a model with a 13-inch display (the 11-inch model has been discontinued) with a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels (16:10) and a density of 128 ppi. This is a standard pixel density, and from a normal distance the “grain” of the screen is noticeable.

MacBook Pro comes in 13-inch with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels (16:10) and a density of 227 ppi, or 15-inch with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 (16:10) and a density of 220 ppi. Both screens are also Retina.

If we talk about the MacBook Pro 2016, they have a wider color gamut, so the colors look even brighter and more realistic. Other modifications use standard sRGB screens and display fewer colors than reality. The latest generation MacBook Pros offer a wider P3 color gamut—the color space is 25% wider, and with more colors, images look brighter, more realistic, and allow you to see even more detail. If you take a photo taken on an iPhone and compare it to the exact same photo in HDR, you'll see what we're talking about.

  • If you want a high-quality picture and don't need a large work area, feel free to choose a MacBook.
  • For full work with graphics would be better suited any MacBook Pro.
  • If color accuracy is a fundamental issue for you, then we recommend looking towards the MacBook Pro 2016.

External monitors

MacBooks are often used as a portable computer, to which external monitors can be connected if necessary. For example, at home or at work. And here too there are some nuances.


The MacBook can be connected to the monitor via USB-C or via HDMI (if an adapter is available). Here it should be immediately noted that at the same time you will not be able to charge the laptop, since it only has one connector. You can connect a monitor with a resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (30 Hz), or up to 4096 x 2160 pixels (24 Hz).

MacBook Air only works with Thunderbolt monitors with a resolution of up to 3840x2160 pixels.

The capabilities of the MacBook Pro are much wider: a monitor with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels is connected using Thunderbolt (you can have two at once), but if you bought a top-end package (with AMD Radeon R9 M370X), you can connect a monitor of 5120x2880 pixels (60 Hz). "Proshka" also works with displays with resolutions of 1920x1080 (60 Hz), 3840x2160 (30 Hz) and 4096x2160 (24 Hz).

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 supports connecting one monitor with a resolution of 5120x2880 (5K), but the 15-inch works with two such screens at once. Therefore, if you plan to use two external monitors, you should choose the MacBook Pro.

Camera

Perhaps one of the few elements in Apple laptops that requires serious improvement. The company allows you to use FaceTime video calls not only on the iPhone, but also on the MacBook, and video calls in general do not lose their relevance.


The 12-inch MacBook has a 480p camera, which is, to put it mildly, rather weak. The remaining models use a camera that shoots in 720p resolution. Even in the latest MacBook Pro – 1080p front cameras Apple laptops are not supported. Actually, the choice here is simple - if you want high-quality video shooting, buy an additional camera with a USB connection.

CPU

The processor is the second important point that you should pay attention to when choosing a MacBook. Hardware affects performance, and we need to understand what tasks we are buying a laptop for.


MacBook is considered the weakest laptop in terms of performance. The 12-inch model is based on chips Intel Core M with Skylake architecture, which are significantly weaker than Core i5 or i7. On the plus side, this processor doesn't require a fan, and the smallest MacBook is completely silent. Apple offers configurations with M3, M5 or M7 chips - they differ in performance, but not much.

The MacBook Air uses an outdated chip with Broadwell architecture, but this is a proven Intel Core i5 or i7, depending on the configuration. This laptop is more powerful than the previous one, although it is worth remembering about weak displays.

The MacBook Pro runs on Skylake (13-inch), the 15-inch version runs on Broadwell. Both laptops, depending on the diagonal, are equipped Core processor i5 (2.7 GHz and 2.8 GHz) or Core i7 (3.1 GHz and 2.8 GHz).

MacBook Pro 2016 runs on Skylake with almost identical parameters: 13 inches - Core i5 (2.0 GHz), Core i7 (2.4 GHz); 15 inches - Core i7 (2.6 GHz, 2.7 GHz, 2.9 GHz); Version with Touch Bar - Core i5 (2.9 GHz, 3.1 GHz), Core i7 (3.3 GHz)

  • If you want a thin and beautiful laptop but with decent performance, choose the M7-based MacBook.
  • If you need a portable machine, but with better performance– MacBook Air.
  • If needed powerful laptop for everyday use - yours MacBook selection Pro.
  • If you need a top-end laptop for complex tasks like video rendering, you'll have to fork out for a 15-inch MacBook Pro 2016 and forget about upgrading for three years.

Graphic arts

Apple laptops don't have super-powerful graphics, and you're unlikely to be able to fully play video games on a MacBook. Again, a lot depends on the configuration - the GPU power may not be enough to comfortably play games rich in 3D graphics, but Apple laptops can handle complex multimedia content quite well.


The MacBook uses the simplest Intel HD Graphics 515, which is enough to work on one Retina screen. The MacBook Air runs on HD Graphics 6000, which is better than the MacBook, but still may not be enough to handle complex processes.

The 2015 MacBook Pro is equipped with an Intel HD Graphics 6100 chip, which is slightly more powerful integrated graphics than the MacBook Air. The top version provides a fairly powerful AMD Radeon R9 M370X video card with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 received Intel Iris Graphics 540 (model without Touch Bar) and Intel Iris Graphics 550 (with Touch Bar) with the ability to upgrade to Radeon Pro 450/460. The 15-inch has Intel HD Graphics 530 and discrete graphics Radeon Pro 455 / 460.

The choice here is obvious - to work with multimedia content, you should take a closer look at the MacBook Pro 2015 or MacBook Pro 2016.

Autonomy

Everyone understands how important time is battery life laptops. Whether you are flying on a plane, traveling on a train or bus, or even just sitting with a laptop in the park, these “last” 15-20 minutes are usually not enough to finish an important report, finish a presentation, or watch an interesting video. Wherever we need a working computer, and there are no sockets nearby, an additional plus to the laptop’s autonomy will not be out of place.


Fortunately, the MacBook has no problems with this - all models work without recharging for a very long time.

  • MacBook: 10 hours of browsing, 11 hours of video playback, 30 days of standby time.
  • MacBook Air: 12 hours browsing, 12 hours video playback, 30 days standby time.
  • MacBook Pro 13 inches: 10 hours of browsing, 12 hours of video playback, 30 days of standby time.
  • MacBook Pro 15 inches: 9 hours of browsing, 9 hours of video playback, 30 days of standby time.
  • MacBook Pro 2016: 10 hours of browsing, 10 hours of video playback, 30 days of standby time.

If battery life is a key factor for you, the 13-inch MacBook Air is worth a look.

RAM

The more random access memory in a laptop, more apps you can run simultaneously without reducing performance, process photos or videos.

The MacBook only offers one option: 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 memory

The 13-inch MacBook Air also only comes with 8GB of RAM.

MacBook Pro 2015: 8 or 16 GB 1866 MHz LPDDR3 RAM for the 13-inch version. The 15-inch MacBook Pro 2015 has 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L memory.

MacBook Pro 2016: 8 GB 1866 MHz LPDDR3 RAM for the model without Touch Bar, upgradeable to 16 GB. The 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar comes with 8GB or 16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory. The 15-inch model is offered with 16 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 memory.

  • If RAM is important to you, choose the MacBook Pro.

SSD drive

MacBook: 256GB PCIe SSD, upgradeable to 512GB.

MacBook Air: 128 GB, expandable to 256 GB or 512 GB.

MacBook Pro 2015: 13-inch – 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB; 15-inch – 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB.

MacBook Pro 2016: 13-inch – 256 GB, 1 TB; 15-inch – 256 GB, 512 GB, 2 TB.

Ports

MacBook: one USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack.

MacBook Air: two USB port, one Thunderbolt 2 port, an SD memory card slot, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

MacBook Pro 2015: two USB ports, two Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port, an SD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

MacBook Pro 2016: two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for the version without Touch Bar, four Thunderbolt 3 ports for the version with Touch Bar, while on the 13-inch model two of them do not work at full capacity.

Force Touch trackpad and keyboard

Force Touch technology allows you to press with force. To do this, you need to press down on the trackpad and then apply additional force. In this way you can activate additional features many Mac programs and system features. The Force Touch trackpad is available on MacBook and MacBook Pro.


Laptop keyboards are different - the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 2015 are equipped with conventional keyboards with a mechanism called “scissors”, which has one significant drawback - the keys are slightly loose around the edges. If you press such a key closer to the edge, it may hit the bottom before the mechanism registers the press.

The 2016 MacBook and MacBook Pro feature a new keyboard that uses a butterfly mechanism. It is a solid element made of more rigid materials with a larger support area. Thanks to this, the keys are more stable, respond more accurately to pressing and at the same time take up less space in height.

Colors

MacBooks are available in different color options. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 2015 are available in silver; the MacBook is available in four shades (silver, gold, space gray, pink gold), MacBook Pro 2016 is available in two colors (silver, space gray).


conclusions

The MacBook is perfect for managers and travelers who need the thinnest and lightest laptop possible with modern technologies for comfortable work.

The MacBook Air will be the choice for those who need the most affordable laptop from Apple - the device still has almost all the necessary ports, but the model itself is quite outdated.

MacBook Pro 2015 is a good and high-quality laptop with all ports; it is suitable as an alternative to a desktop computer for almost any user. Although it is not very convenient for travel.

Well, if you need the most advanced and productive laptop, choose the MacBook Pro 2016 (but remember that the “apple” no longer lights up there, if this is important to you).

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.

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 - using 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 display in logo

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: MacBook Pro Retina 13″ equipment

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.

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.

Apple laptops have long been represented by two lines - Macbook Pro(Pro) and Macbook Air(Eir, Air, Air), but just recently 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 think that appearance in technology it’s not the main thing and everything is determined by productivity, 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 They also don’t have Retina displays, but to be fair, it’s 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 Macbook laptop premium class (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.



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