MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro: which laptop should you choose? How to choose a macbook? Should you buy an Apple laptop?

If you ask a consultant of a computer equipment and electronics store about which laptop is preferable to choose, then in most cases he will talk about a MacBook, if, of course, there are any on sale. Store employees can be understood: selling MacBooks is incommensurably more profitable than laptops. And an inexperienced user, faced with a choice, invariably asks the question: what is the difference between a laptop and a MacBook? Moreover, many present the latter as a fundamentally special device. In fact, the differences are minimal. Let's see what features we pay for.
A laptop– portable Personal Computer, which does not require the connection of peripheral devices for operation, combining in one housing system unit, screen, input devices and interface ports. The form factor of the laptop is clamshell.
Collective name " macbook” combines several lines of laptops from Apple. This includes the actual MacBook, Macbook Air and Macbook Pro. Were in lineups devices in various configurations, however, with Mac OS X preinstalled. Also, some hardware modules were designed and patented directly by Apple Corporation.
The main difference between a MacBook and a laptop is the manufacturer. All laptops that do not have a bitten apple on the lid are laptops. Everything with this same apple is a MacBook. It is believed that Apple controls the quality of its products much more strictly, applies Newest technologies, so that the default macbook is more reliable and more functional than a laptop. True, in independent tests with similar or identical characteristics, the indicators are actually equivalent.
Another difference between macbooks and laptops is the design chips. Often, with a general similarity in the appearance of devices, devices from Apple differ in interesting elements and ergonomics. Materials "Yabloko" also use far from cheap, technologies, for example, for screen matrices, are used advanced.
The operating system in all products from Apple is its own. In macbooks, this is Mac OS X of several versions. In principle, it is somewhat more difficult to master than Windows, but it is much less vulnerable to outside attacks.
The main difference is the price. Macbooks in similar configurations may end up in the windows of Russian stores with price tags several times higher than laptops from other manufacturers.

TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between macbooks and laptops is as follows:

Macbooks are manufactured by Apple Corporation.
Only MacBooks have an image of a bitten apple on the lid.
Macbooks are more expensive than laptops.
Every MacBook comes with licensed Mac OS X.
The design of MacBooks is given serious attention, because they are often more attractive in appearance.

Macbooks have been holding the title of cult laptops for several years now. Thanks to Apple's policy, these products are distinguished not only by design and simplicity, but also by reliability, which first of all pleases users. Macbooks are a symbol of prestige, as their market value differs from the budget solutions of competitors. Very often in various forums you can see questions like: help me choose a macbook, or what are the differences between macbook pro and air. So, is it worth buying an Apple laptop? If yes, which macbook to choose?

Macbooks have been divided into three families:

  1. macbook is a cheap version of Apple's laptop. Although it still impresses with its performance and simple design. The body is made of plastic.
  2. Macbook Pro– as the name implies, this is an improved version of the basic model. Aluminum is used as the body material. Currently, there are two types of Macbook Pro laptops available - equipped with a traditional 13-inch matrix or Retina screen (13 and 15 inches). Prices can be found here http://applekiev.com.ua/category/macbook-pro
  3. Macbook Air is a lighter and smaller version of the Macbook Pro. It can be compared with an ultrabook, which has proven itself very well when carried frequently or in the field.

Currently, on the official website of Apple, you can buy only two types of laptops: Macbook Pro and Air.

Choose macbook? What to pay attention to?

If in front of you macbook selection, then you should ask yourself one question: what will it be used for?

  • If the laptop will be used for simple office tasks, and will also move frequently, you should consider buying a lightweight Macbook Air.
  • If a photographer or professional graphics person is buying a laptop, a 15″ MacBook Pro would be an excellent choice.
  • If the laptop needs to be replaced home computer, you should think about buying a cheaper version in basic configuration Macbook Pro 13″.

The only obstacle to buying a new MacBook may be the price - so before doing the corresponding search, you need to determine the budget that you can allocate for the purchase in order to narrow down the models that can be purchased for a given amount.

Screen

Apple has several options in its range:

  • Macbook Air 11" and 13" (12" models due this year)
  • Macbook Pro 13" and 15"

The large screen (15 inches) is suitable for work and when watching movies, editing photos and creating graphics. By opting for a smaller matrix, the user gets more mobility. At home, a 13-inch MacBook can simply be connected to a TV (if the whole family wants to watch videos or other multimedia content).

In Apple laptops, the high resolution is also impressive. The 13-inch Macbook Pro displays at 2560 x 1600 pixels while the 15-inch model has 2880 x 1800 pixels. The Retina display is ideal for editing photos, graphics or videos.

The Macbook Air uses two resolutions: 1366x768 pixels (for a smaller monitor) and 1440x900 pixels (for a 13-inch screen).

HDD

Currently, Apple is focused on selling laptops equipped only with "nimble" SSDs. This means that you don't need to allocate a large amount of space to store them (even if you choose the most expensive version of the Macbook Pro with hard drive 1 TB).

There are four containers to choose from:

  • 512 GB
  • 1 TB.

If the budget does not allow, you can choose the smallest HDD in a laptop, as well as separately purchase a traditional one for other data that should not be stored on a laptop.

Processor and video card

The latest MacBook models are equipped with the Intel Haswell platform. Dual-core options available Intel processors Core i5 and quad-core Core i7, which are only available in 15-inch Macbook Pro computers.

In Macbook Air computers, the Core i5 processors run at 1.5 GHz, and the 13-inch Pro at 2.6 to 2.8 GHz. Such processors can be useful in complex computing tasks or when using a demanding software. In other cases, Core i5 provides comfortable work and entertainment.

In each model, only the built-in video card was left. The exception is the expensive configuration of the Macbook Pro, which has an nVidia GeForce GT 750M chip installed.

Is it worth buying a macbook?

Many people think that buying a MacBook is too expensive a luxury. In particular, if we compare competing laptops, as well as their parameters. However, it should be borne in mind that the MacBook has many advantages that make it a unique offering on the market:

  • excellent trackpad that even recognizes gestures;
  • optimized, fast system with a simple interface;
  • long time battery life;
  • excellent screen;
  • very good performance and characteristic design;
  • easy-to-use keyboard.

So, you have decided to buy a computer. And here a number of questions arise before you. Which brand do you prefer? Should I overpay for a well-known brand? What should you pay attention to first of all? What 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 features of operation, if any. This may be the environment or the human factor. Consider the case where you choose a MacBook.

In 2015, the most current model among the MacBook is the MacBook Air. Undoubtedly he is the best in the Apple line. Consider its characteristics:

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

Among the shortcomings can be attributed non-budgetary cost. When buying a MacBook, you must understand that you are paying for the world-famous Apple name.

If you decide to buy a regular laptop, then we recommend that you pay attention to Lenovo Lavie Z. This amazing lightweight and convenient gadget is the brainchild of Nec and Lenovo. There are 2 versions on the market - this is a regular laptop and a laptop-transformer. The main advantages of this device are a 13-inch display and a relatively small weight, only 720 grams. The laptop's lid and chassis are made from magnesium-lithium alloy for extra durability. Lavie Z has a powerful fifth generation processor. The battery charge lasts from 6 to 9 hours of continuous use. However, the price of this gadget is far from democratic. The price starts from 1200 USD.

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

We can also recommend you a frameless 13.3-inch Dell XPS13 model. Working panel made of polycarbonate, volume random access memory from 4 to 8 GB, depending on which configuration you choose. The battery charge is enough for about 10 hours of battery life. Of the minuses, one can single out the rather noisy operation of the gadget and the inflated cost, as for Ukraine.

Summing up, we want to note that the choice of buying a laptop is a responsible matter. However, it is still worth looking at conventional PCs. Given the goals and category of the future user, you will definitely select what you need.

Apple is engaged in the production and sale of its own laptops called MacBook. This equipment is distinguished by outstanding working parameters, thoughtful interface, as well as high-tech design.

Often, it is he who becomes the main reason why consumers stop their attention on these devices.

What it is

The MacBook is one of Apple's family of portable PCs.. A distinctive feature of this device is its 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 one.

The laptops in question are distinguished not only by their aesthetic appearance, but also by their operating parameters. The hardware is one step ahead of analogues from other manufacturers. Also, high speed is available due to the conservatism of the operating system - the use of 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 the 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 prototype MacBook, which cost as much as $6,500, was not very popular. Since its price was quite high, and the operating parameters, even for that time, were far from the best. The next step towards the production of high-tech laptops became PowerBook. The series sold under this name is more successful.

The most popular were:

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

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

Modern models

The following models are currently the most popular:



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

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


Why is it loved and why is it invented?

The technique under consideration has a large number of advantages, and practically has no disadvantages. This is what makes it so common among users in various countries, not only the United States.

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

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


Photo: Apple MacBook with logo display

The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the devices of this type is their compact size. That is why you can easily carry it with you even on long journeys. And do not experience any inconvenience. The light weight also contributes to comfortable transportation. The keyboard is ergonomic, the layout of the keys makes it possible to use it with maximum convenience.

The display has a lot of advantages:

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

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

Macbook can be used to solve a variety of tasks.

Him 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 significant differences between MacBooks and similar devices from other manufacturers.

They are as follows:

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

On the Apple assembly line, there is extremely serious product control. The result is a very high quality. The probability of any defects and marriage is almost completely excluded. Also, Apple products are difficult to fake.

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


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

The cost of most of the latest, as well as earlier models, is usually expressed in four-digit dollar amounts. There is a lot of controversy regarding the price of equipment from this manufacturer. Since when comparing a MacBook with a similar device from another manufacturer, the result is far from always in favor of Apple.

How to choose

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

Gadget design

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

It depends on the display used in the design:



Otherwise, the design has no global differences. Except for the order and location of the various I/O 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 under consideration is rarely used for games. However, the graphics subsystem is important when choosing.

To date, there are models on sale that are equipped with the following video cards:



The modification with the prefix Air is equipped with a weaker video card. Despite the low performance, it is quite capable of handling video processing, as well as working in various environments that require a powerful 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 prefix are equipped with a more powerful graphics subsystem. Therefore, if the buyer is a professional photographer involved in video editing or other similar activities, he should stop at a device equipped with Geforce GT 750M 2 GB. This video card has sufficient performance to ensure the work with professional programs.


Photo: NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics card

SSD hard drive

Commercially available devices today are equipped with solid-state hard drives such as SSD. Their capacity can vary over a fairly wide range.

It all depends on the modification of the laptop, 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, which will be equipped with a computer, 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 Air modification will be enough.


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

Price and equipment

The most popular modifications today are:



The modification under the Pro label 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: Presentation of Apple Pro Retina

Benefits of a MacBook

The most important advantages of this gadget are:

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

All parts are fitted to each other as closely as possible, which minimizes the likelihood of dust or something like that getting inside. Small overall dimensions and low weight make transportation as comfortable as possible. Thanks to special batteries, battery life is usually at least 9 hours, even with intensive use.

Photo: MacBook Pro Retina 13″ package

The technique under consideration has a very large number of advantages and practically has no drawbacks. What makes it extremely popular and popular among various 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? This question can often be seen on forums and comments under various articles about computer equipment. However, initially the question was put absolutely not correctly. What is a laptop? In modern times, this is a compact computer, which contains all the main elements of a desktop computer, as well as accumulator battery, capable of holding a charge during active work from 1 to 9 hours. These have been dealt with. 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 originally run Windows, while the MacBook has a unique Mac OS X, developed by Apple specifically for its devices. Therefore, in the minds of 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. It is also a strange fact that when purchasing a MacBook, people are in a hurry to put their native and beloved Windows on it, without even trying the original operating system. It is better to buy a laptop from another company, optimized for it. Consider a MacBook and any other laptop.

Cons of Mac OS X


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

The second feature can be called a high price category. Yes, these are not budget gadgets. You spend a lot of money on them, and if you need a laptop for gatherings in social network You don't need a macbook. Updated Mac OS X systems often appear on the latest gadgets, working even more clearly and well. The MacBook itself and the iPhone also do not stand still. Every year new modifications come out 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 fix this injustice, but this is not happening as quickly as we would like.

Pros of Mac OS X

It's not even worth talking about the pros for a long time. Advantages: simple control with various "easter eggs"; easy installation and updating the operating system; stable operation is better than any other system; a small number of "pests"; simple and at the same time skillful security system (we are talking about passwords and other protective mechanisms); availability of various drivers.

Cons


A laptop with Windows often causes irritation with software incompatibility. Microsoft at one time chose a profitable path, producing hardware for the OS by 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. And how much malicious files skipped your antivirus?

The second oversight can be called a huge amount of energy that a laptop with Windows absorbs. Best to take Charger always with you. You can work autonomously for only 4-5 hours. On older models of computers, this is especially noticeable. And games generally eat up a charge in 1.5-2 hours. Hence, no mobility. Do you want to sit in a cafe alone? Look for a place only near the outlet. Do you like to travel? Well, then the laptop will be happy to lie down for a couple of days without working if you forgot the charger.

The interface can also be attributed to the minuses, although people accustomed to stability may not agree. 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 that has been released for various versions of the OS for the entire time of its existence is simply amazing. Standard programs, however, leave much to be desired, but you can easily replace any of them.

Microsoft is constantly fixing the system, releasing a large number of patches every year that update and problem solving operating system. This is good news, because raw versions often just need to be improved.

Optimization a large number programs and games that "sit like a glove" on the system. Of course, if the laptop itself allows it. 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 of these are significant benefits.

Outcome

Now you can independently make a 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 and in almost everything for you! After all, only you know what is best for you.