Final yr, Apple launched a brand new era of the 13-inch MacBook Professional, this time powered with the M2 chip. Whereas this laptop provides round 20-30% improved efficiency in comparison with its M1 counterpart, the Cupertino agency shouldn’t even have introduced this product within the first place. Listed here are the primary causes:
- It has an outdated design: The 13-inch MacBook Professional provides the identical design as its Intel fashions. Whereas the one profit for some customers could be the Contact Bar, it lacks a number of new options, akin to a greater show, an improved webcam, and a number of other new ports, together with the MagSafe, which helps you protect your Mac in case you step in its cable.
- It has the identical specs because the MacBook Air: Not solely does the MacBook Professional supply the identical M2 processor because the MacBook Air, however it prices $100 extra. On this case, you’re paying extra for fewer options however for a Professional identify in your laptop as a substitute.
That stated, of all of the Macs Apple at present sells, the 13-inch MacBook Professional with the M2 chip is probably the most controversial. For instance, you possibly can say that it doesn’t make sense for the corporate to supply the Mac Studio and the M2 Mac mini, because the M1 Max, in comparison with the M2 Professional, are very related. That stated, one may improve to an M1 Extremely Mac Studio or be glad with an M2 Mac mini.
For the 13-inch MacBook Professional, this logic doesn’t apply.
A MacBook Professional in a sea of Air fashions
When Apple launched the 13-inch MacBook Professional with the M1 chip in 2020, it made some sense, because the redesigned fashions, which got here out in 2021, didn’t exist. However after Apple launched the 14-inch and 16-inch variations of the MacBook Professional with extra succesful processors, a redesign, and new ports, this Mac simply regarded too outdated.
With the M2 chips, issues received bizarre. Apple nonetheless sells the M1 MacBook Air for $999 and the M2 MacBook Air for $1,199. For $1,299, you pay extra and take much less for the 13-inch MacBook Professional. So the query is, why does Apple nonetheless promote a “low-end” MacBook Professional if it has loads of Air choices?
The reply is straightforward: some customers choose to say they’ve a MacBook Professional as a substitute of a MacBook Air. Though it sounds dumb, that is the one motive. When you say you select the MacBook Professional for the fan, you need to get a higher-end mannequin. If you don’t use all of its powers, then a MacBook Air is greater than sufficient.
And, once more, paying $100 much less for the MacBook Air brings you extra worth than an outdated laptop with a Professional model.
That stated, in the event you’re contemplating shopping for a brand new Mac quickly, go for the M2 MacBook Air. And in the event you want actual energy, get the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Professional. You’re welcome.
