Back-to-school time always brings some of the best deals on laptops, and this year is no exception. Amazon is offering insane deals on both the entry-level M4 MacBook Air ($799) and the baseline M4 MacBook Pro ($1299). While my gut reaction is in awe at how much power and value you get from the M4 MacBook Air at $799, after I stopped to think about it, the M4 MacBook Pro at $1299 could actually be the best bang for buck computer out on the market, but is it worth the $500 price difference?
That is what I wanted to break down in this post. Both are exceptional values, but what exactly are you getting from the MacBook Pro that justifies the extra $500? Let’s get into it.
Be sure to check out our hands-on video where we go in-depth with both computers!
Similiarities
Even with a $500 price gap, these two machines share more than you might expect. So, before diving into the differences, I want to share some context on how alike these two machines are, especially from a performance standpoint. Let’s highlight where they overlap.
Design and size
Visually, both the M4 MacBook Air and M4 MacBook Pro look pretty much the same. They both have that signature unibody aluminum design that feels premium, durable, and sleek. Of course, both are easy to carry around and comfortable to use on a desk, lap, or carry in your backpack. The MacBook Air is a tad lighter and smaller than the MacBook Pro:
MacBook Air: 2.7 lbs (for the 13.6in version)
MacBook Pro: 3.4 lbs (for the 14.2in version)
From a distance, both of these computers look pretty much the same. It’s not until you hold them side by side that you see that the MacBook Air’s footprint is a bit smaller and also a bit thinner. After having both of them in hand, the 0.7 lbs difference is not what will make or break my decision.
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