If you are a designer looking for a new Mac book which is best for you? MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air is a big debate online. But for me its a simple decision.
As web designer – what is important for you in a laptop?
In terms of operating system you’ve obviously already decided that a Mac is the best option for you. I can understand that – as most designers use Adobe software, most of which is optimized to run under MacOS.
If your new Mac is going to be your main work computer, then, particularly if you are working with video or photos, you probably need the Pro’s faster processor.
However, most designers will have more than one computer, if your main work horse is a Mac then it makes sense to stay with a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro for your portable machine.
But of the two which is the best range: Macbook Pro or Macbook Air? What are you going to use the laptop for? I suspect for many web designers it will be presenting to potential or current clients. In that case you need a combination of a light, and easy to carry computer, and a computer that will show off your designs to best effect.
That’s tricky because a larger screen is better for showing off design, but that obviously makes the machine heavier and larger to carry.
If your clients are sophisticated companies that have their own conference facilities then you can probably go for a compact and light 11″ Macbook Air or 13″ Macbook Pro (if you need an optical drive) or Air (if money is no object). Plug our MBP or Air into the client’s projection system and you are good to go.
If however you are pitching to small businesses you may have to get a larger MacBook Pro – say the 17″ and live with the weight! That’s because small businesses, particularly if they are more trades orientated, may not have a projector! At a pinch a large external monitor will do – but it can be a pain – particularly if the company has one of those old dinosaur CRT monitors!
Whichever you buy – the Macbook Pro and Air ranges are very nice machines which suit your graphic design requirements to a T. Choosing the right one though is very much up to you individual circumstances: what you need the machine for, what your budget is, and which other computers you already own!