MacBook for a programmer. Is it worth it? Macbook Air for programming

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Hello everyone, today we will find out whether it is worth purchasing a macbook air 13 2017 as a work tool. Let's consider its use in areas such as

programming
design
video editing

Let me clarify right away that programming will include all stages of web development and mobile application development.
By design we mean web design, creation of interfaces and other graphic activities aimed at the web.

To give a specific answer, I will clearly show the launch speed and operation of the following programs:

Sublime Text 3
Koala
Xcode
Photoshop CC
Illustrator CC
Sketch
Final Cut Pro

Accordingly, in the field of programming, we will look at the Sublime Text 3 code editor, the Koala and Xcode CSS preprocessor compiler for developing mobile applications.
For design - Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch, and for video editing, a popular program on Mac OS - Final Cut Pro.

Before we start the analysis, I’ll tell you about the characteristics of my laptop. This is a 2017 Macbook Air and it has:

Core i5 processor
Processor frequency 1.8
RAM 8GB
SSD disk 256GB
Diagonal 13.3 inches
Resolution 1440x900

I chose the 256 GB SSD consciously. I understood that 128GB would not be enough, given the programs I planned to use. For example, there was a high probability that in order to edit a video clip, I would need to make cuts from 4K videos, which I would download from my iPhone. This video was no exception. However, if you plan to do only web development or design, then 128GB will definitely be enough for you. You can store all work materials on your laptop, and the rest of the content, for example, photos on an external hard drive.

Perhaps someone will ask why I didn’t choose the retina screen, which is in the pro versions, then I have a simple explanation for this. I have external peripherals in case I display a picture on a larger screen. A 23-inch monitor with a resolution of 1920×1080 copes with its task perfectly. This is more than enough for my work.

Moreover, the macbook air's screen characteristics are superior even to my old laptop, which has a 15-inch screen and a resolution of 1366x768.

For comparison, I am attaching a photo that shows that on the Wikipedia website we see more information on a 13-inch laptop due to the higher resolution.

I would also like to add a few words about the touchpad. Of course, its response is many times better than that of other laptop manufacturers, but I do not count myself in the group of people who claim that a mouse is not needed at all.
When it comes to serious work, where it is extremely important to concentrate 200%, then you cannot do without a mouse. However, if I'm relaxing, browsing social media, or doing light work, then yes, I can get by with just the touchpad.

Go ahead. Why did you choose an Apple laptop? There are several reasons.
Firstly, I didn’t want to install an additional hackintosh system in a laptop with Windows, but it was necessary to start learning how to use XCode and Sketch programs, because... In addition to website development, I am involved in drawing mobile interfaces, and Illustrator in this regard is significantly inferior to Sketch.
Secondly, I was looking for a portable and at the same time powerful laptop, because... I often leave the city, and the work must be done remotely. I'm pretty tired of constantly carrying a 4-kilogram laptop with me.
Thirdly, it was really time to replace my Windows laptop with a new one because of its endless lag. But that's a completely different story.

That’s how the idea of buying a MacBook came up. The only thing I doubted was the processor frequency. Let me remind you that the processor frequency in the Macbook Air is 1.8, while in my old laptop this value reached 2.7. Perhaps you also doubt that the macbook air is capable of handling serious work. That is why the purpose of this video is to show how well or poorly this laptop copes with the tasks that are relevant to me in my work.

Laptop autonomy

The autonomy of the laptop is the first thing I want to talk about. The laptop discharges in about 8-9 hours in quiet operation mode, without opening heavy programs, at low brightness. If you use it to watch movies or work hard, running several heavy programs, then it will work less - somewhere around 5-6 hours.

For the test, I decided to find out how much percent it would discharge if I taught a lesson. By the way, you can learn more about courses for layout designers by following this link. I will also duplicate the link in the description of the video. So, the lesson lasted 1.5 hours and from 100% it was discharged to 30. The following programs were active:
— Skype with video broadcast and screen sharing
— Quick Time, who recorded this lesson
—Photoshop
— Illustrator.

The last two programs are especially resource-intensive, so the result, in my opinion, is more than good.
For comparison, my old laptop discharged from 100 percent to 0 under such a load after 30-40 minutes. It was impossible to conduct a lesson without recharging. Therefore, draw conclusions whether this indicator is good or bad.

Macbook Air for programming

This section will be of interest to web developers, as well as those involved in application development. I’ll say right away that this laptop will be more than enough for you. Especially if you are involved in website layout. You will need a code editor, the Koala compiler, possibly programs for Git systems, as well as work with Photoshop, which can be partially replaced by the Avocode program.

But if you are a mobile application developer, then everything is not so simple here. In general, the work will also be comfortable, but there is one caveat. When you start the smartphone simulator, the smartphone itself on its native screen will be cropped for all models with a screen larger than 4.7 inches. Those. You can only work comfortably with iPhone 5, 5s, se. It will look something like this. I will demonstrate running the iPhone X in Xcode.
If you have an external monitor, then this problem will disappear by itself. You must evaluate whether this fact will prevent you from working comfortably with the program or not. If you don’t have an external monitor, then the right decision would be to look at the Pro versions, because the difference in cost between air and pro is exactly the cost of a good monitor. And the screen resolution in the pro version will just allow you to work on a laptop without connecting extra devices.

Macbook Air for design

This section will be of interest to web designers and interface designers. Let's look at working in Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch. To begin with, I will demonstrate the speed of launching these programs.
As we can see, Photoshop launches the fastest, but when working in Illustrator and Photoshop at the same time, I don’t notice any delays. Everything works much faster than on Windows. The only thing is that the programs begin to freeze a little when sharing the screen on Skype during lessons, because at this moment there is a serious load on the video card, which, by the way, is integrated. However, I don't think most of you plan to work in graphics programs by running screen sharing, do you?

Just like in programming, there is a nuance here. If you are professionally involved in graphics, especially 3D graphics or work with photography, then the best choice for you is the pro version. Air most likely will not suit you due to the weak characteristics of the video card and screen. For working with web interfaces and website design, Air will be a good helper, especially if you are just studying and want to learn the basics of this specialization. I can say with confidence, as a person who constantly opens several layouts and works with interfaces, that working in these programs takes place in a comfortable mode, without any brakes.

Macbook Air for video editing

The last section will be of particular interest to those who want to use this laptop for video editing. It’s difficult for me to give advice for professionals in this field, but if you want to create short videos, trim videos, make gluing, add simple special effects or work with video in at least 4K format, then the MacBook Air will definitely not let you down. The Final Cut Pro editing program will work stably and is unlikely to let you down. For example, this video was created from 4K video stitches and the program worked stably all this time. I didn’t even turn it off specifically for several days to check if it would somehow affect the speed of work in other programs. My conclusion is that the laptop worked equally stably both before installation and after the program was launched. My Windows laptop definitely couldn’t afford this, despite the fact that it had a geforce video card installed and 8 gigabytes of RAM.

What can be concluded?

The 2017 Macbook Air is a capable laptop that handles everything I ask of it. It is suitable for web development, mobile app creation, website design, interface design and video editing.

But it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t expect miracles from an integrated video card. If you are professionally involved in graphics, especially 3D, photography or video editing, then I would recommend taking a closer look at the pro versions.

I think you will make the right choice and I have helped a little for those who are now faced with the difficult choice of buying a macbook AIR or PRO version. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel if you haven't already. Bye everyone!

Video answer to the question: “Is it worth purchasing a 2017 Macbook Air 13 for programming, design and video editing”

We've selected the best laptops for programming.

If you're looking for the best laptop for programming, you've come to the right place. We've put together for software developers like you, whether you're trying your hand at HTML, CSS, JavaScript or VB.

First of all, target one of , as its performance plays a key role in compiling the code. Most modern laptops offer multiple cores, even more threads, and high clock speeds, but you should choose the fastest processor you can afford.

Next comes random access memory (RAM). You will definitely need at least 8 GB of fast memory. In terms of physical memory, it's worth considering one of the (SSD) as it will save minutes on the load of your project, files or applications that you will be using.

When it comes to the graphics card, you can save money here because modern Intel processors come with integrated graphics, which should be sufficient for programming tasks. However, if you plan to do some gaming after work, go for a discrete graphics card.

And of course, do yourself a favor and make sure you choose a laptop for coding with a good keyboard, since coding requires a lot of typing, you need a keyboard with good travel and high comfort. The high-resolution display will ensure that text remains easy on the eyes as you spend hours designing.

Taking into account all these factors, you will find the most suitable laptop for programming in our list.

BEST LAPTOP FOR PROGRAMMING:

HP Specter x360 (2019)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1
Apple MacBook Air (2019)
MacBook Pro 15 (2019)
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Google Pixelbook
Asus Chromebook Flip
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 13 (2019)

1 | HP SPECTER X360 (2019)

The best 2-in-1 laptop just got better.

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Core i7 | Graphic arts: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) – UHD (3840 x 2160) Touch | Physical memory: 256 GB – 2 TB PCIe SSD.

pros: Very well built | Powerful and slim;
Minuses: Expensive;

HP's Specter series delivers amazing laptops year after year. So when we say the Specter x360 (2019) brings design to another level, it means something. Not only is this one of the most beautiful laptops on the planet, thanks to its diamond-cut edges and stylish profile, but it's just as beautiful on the inside. HP has equipped the laptop with powerful Intel Whiskey Lake processors, which make for better battery life, a combination that makes it the best laptop for programming right now.

2 | LENOVO THINKPAD X1 EXTREME

Amazing performance comes at a huge price.

CPU: Intel Core i7 (up to 8th generation) | Graphic arts: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (Max-Q) | RAM: up to 64 GB | Screen: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) – 15.6" 4K UHD HDR (3840 x 2160) Multi-Touch | Physical memory: up to 1 TB SSD.

pros: Sea of productivity | Great 4K display | Experience;
Minuses: Heavy | Expensive;

If you have the cash to invest in an unstoppable workhorse, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation is the best laptop for programming. In 2019, the laptop earned the title of first on the list, for many reasons. Several configurations are available to the user, depending on needs and budget, but even in the basic configuration, the Lenovo laptop is quite powerful, equipped with a reliable graphics card in a carbon fiber and aluminum case that will fit into any office.

More details: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile WorkStation Review

3 | HP ELITEBOOK X360 1040 G5 2 IN 1

The best business laptop just gets better.

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (8th generation) | Graphic arts: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8 GB – 32 GB | Screen: 14" BrightView LED FHD (1920 x 1080) - UHD (3840 x 2160) | Physical memory: 128 GB – 2 TB SSD.

pros: Design and included stylus | Productivity | Ports;
Minuses: Battery life | Dear | Poor anti-glare;

The EliteBook x360 1040 G5 is without a doubt one of the predators of the business world. The laptop is not perfect, but it has many features useful to a programmer that compensate for its shortcomings. Behind the attractive design is objective functionality that comes with plenty of ports, decent performance, and great sound. Simply put, this is a laptop for professionals who demand stable, uninterrupted productivity in their work, making the EliteBook the best laptop for programming in 2019.

More details: HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 review

4 | APPLE MACBOOK AIR (2019)

Solid laptop with a great screen.

pros: Design | Great screen | Opening hours | Lower price;
Minuses: Productivity | Not enough memory for data storage;

The 2019 model is thinner, lighter, and has a Retina display, making it the best MacBook Air we've ever used. With advanced hardware and affordable prices, the MacBook Air 2019 is a great laptop for programming. It retains a slim and lightweight silhouette that will allow you to throw it in your bag with ease, but it has enough features to make programming a joy. The updated screen and increased resolution make work more comfortable.

5 | MACBOOK PRO 15 (2019)

Apple laptop performance with the latest Intel technologies.

CPU: Intel Core i7 – Core i9 (9th generation) | Graphic arts: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16 GB – 32 GB | Screen: 15.4-inch (2880 x 1800) Retina Display | Physical memory: 512 GB – 4 TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 349.3 x 240.7 x 15.5 mm.

pros: Powerful | Selection of configurations | Great screen;
Minuses: Dear | Lack of ports | Keyboard problems;

When you're looking for the best laptop for programming, especially if you're developing software for MacOS, you'll eventually come to the MacBook Pro. And the new MacBook Pro 15 (2019) with a powerful processor and a ton of RAM, becomes the fastest MacBook ever created in Cupertino. No matter what your workload is, no matter what exactly you're developing, you can get it done on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro, and we recommend it to any software developer, as long as you have a decent budget.

6 | MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 6

Still the best Windows tablet.

pros: 4-core processor | Excellent portability;
Minuses: No USB-C;

Sometimes you just need to work on the go, and in those situations, you'll be grateful for the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. Thanks to its 4-core processors and plenty of RAM, you'll be able to compile code quickly and efficiently, even when you're on the move. Just remember that you'll have to pay extra for Type Cover—you don't want to be writing code on a touchscreen, trust us. And while Microsoft has released , in fact, we believe that the Surface Pro 6 is the best choice for programmers, since their hardware configuration is not different, but the price is significantly different.

7 | GOOGLE PIXELBOOK

The best Chromebook for programming.

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (7th generation) | Graphic arts: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen: 12.3" LCD (2400 x 1600 / 235 PPI) | Physical memory: 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB SSD.

pros: Beautiful laptop | Amazing keyboard;
Minuses: Disadvantages of Chrome OS relative to other systems;

Yes, a Chromebook (or two) made it onto our list of the best laptops for programming. That's because the Google Pixelbook is powerful (and attractive) enough to compete with Surfacs and MacBooks. Admittedly, ChromeOS is not as good for programming as Windows or macOS. However, the Pixelbook's support for Android apps makes it a must-have for every Android developer. The fact that this laptop replaces the discontinued Google Chromebook Pixel, which was designed directly by Google, should give the Pixelbook some credibility among developers and programmers.

8 | ASUS CHROMEBOOK FLIP

A premium yet affordable Chromebook.

CPU: Intel Pentium 4405Y – Intel Core m3-6Y30 | Graphic arts: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4 GB | Screen: 12.5" FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED | Physical memory: 32 GB – 64 GB eMMC.

pros: Gorgeous screen | Tablet mode | Good keyboard;
Minuses: Chrome OS is inferior in development to Windows or MacOS;

Another Chromebook that made it into our ranking of the best laptops for programming. The ASUS Chromebook Flip, which is one of the best Chromebooks of 2019, is purely because it offers a premium design, an excellent touchscreen, and fairly powerful components considering the price. While Chrome OS doesn't offer a ton of serious programming tools, the ASUS Chromebook Flip remains one for programming if you're deep into web development.

More details: ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 review

9 | MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 2 13.5

The most powerful 2 in 1 laptop in the world.

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Core i7 | Graphic arts: Intel HD Graphics 620 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 | RAM: 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen: 13.5-inch (3000 x 2000) touch screen | Physical memory: 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB PCIe SSD.

pros: Battery life | Performance;
Minuses: Dear | The stylus is not included;

The Surface Book 2 is a great choice for any programmer, as Microsoft has created one of the most powerful hybrid laptops on the planet. After all, it boasts components powerful enough to handle almost any task, including light gaming in your free time. If you need a larger display, there's a 15-inch model that offers an even more powerful configuration, although it's significantly more expensive.

10 | MACBOOK PRO 13 TOUCH BAR (2019)

Great compact MacBook for programming.

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Intel Core i7 (8th generation) | Graphic arts: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 – 655 | RAM: 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen: 13.3-inch LED IPS display (2560 x 1600) | Physical memory: 128 GB – 2 TB SSD | Dimensions: 304.1 x 212.4 x 14.9 mm.

pros: Much more powerful | More memory;
Minuses: The keyboard takes some getting used to;

If you want a MacOS laptop that's fast but light enough to carry anywhere, you'll love the MacBook Pro 13 (2019). It's not just the best laptop for programming, it's one of the best Macs we've ever used. If you need to code on the go, quad-core processors and 16GB of RAM ensure fast, smooth performance, while the lightweight, thin design means the laptop won't weigh down your shoulders. We simply cannot find words enough to recommend this laptop to programmers.

More details: MacBook Pro 13 (2019) review

Since the MacBook Air is a great computer, I can say yes for your use.

Another option is a MacBook Pro 13" without Touch Bar. More power, better screen (important when you're spending hours on line codes).

To answer your question about air: Yes.

You may want to consider broader options. For MacBook in general, the biggest advantage in app development is that you get XCode and the best experience when developing iPhone/iPad apps and Mac apps.

However, in your case, it sounds like you're not into mobile development and price and/or weight are an issue since you're considering a MacBook Air.

If you're open to windows, take a look at something like the HP x360 which is well reviewed and has advantages over the Air MacBook:

The MBA is limited to 8GB of RAM, while the HP allows 16GB. This may be important for software development.
MBA only supports old style USB 3. HP supports USB Type C 3.1 which can charge a laptop or drive an external monitor.
HP has a time zone hinge that allows you to fold the screen back down like a tablet. Not a big use case, but actually useful sometimes.
The MBA resolution is 1440x900, while the HP resolution is Full HD 1080p.

Price and battery life are very similar between the two in the 256GB/8GB configuration.

Of course, Apple constantly supports and knows how to use its stores.

If you have a strict requirement to stay on the Apple platform, I would suggest reconsidering the MacBook Pro 13. Overall it is a better development machine and it really isn't that hard to carry.

I'd get a MacBook over a MacBook Air if you can afford it.

better screen
better storage
better CPU

The MacBook has NVMe storage, which is superior to older technology in terms of IOPS and power savings - for container and Dev work and open source compilations. I'm very happy with the 2015 MacBook and the new ones are even better. Any processor in them is great, so don't feel like you have to pay for the m7/i7 if you'd rather spend money on storage or accessories or a better display. As for performance, you can program a raspberry pi or three if you think you need more "containers" to run. Unless I'm virtualizing something heavy like Windows, I won't miss the MacBook Pro processor and hardware with my MacBook. This is said: "Air" is also too qualified for what you are describing.

A good laptop for programming is a concept that includes laptops with different characteristics.

The list of mobile PCs that may be suitable for an IT specialist with or only experience includes different options - from models with large 17-inch screens.

All of them must meet a number of specific requirements.

Features of choice

When choosing the right laptop for programming in 2018, as before, are guided by the following criteria:

Dimensions (and associated weight). It is desirable that the laptop be quite compact and light - however, the size of its screen should not be less than a certain value. The best option is a display with a diagonal of 14", however, in some cases, a slight deviation to a smaller or larger direction is possible - from 12.5 to 17 inches.
Screen resolution. The minimum resolution that is suitable for creating a website, writing a program or testing ready-made applications is 1920x1080 or FullHD. The maximum value is not specified - if you have the financial means, you can buy a laptop with at least 4K format.
Autonomy. It is advisable that even when fully loaded, the laptop should work for at least 3 hours - the maximum time is also not specified, but for some models it reaches 10 hours or more. Although, on the other hand, the larger the battery capacity, the heavier the equipment.

For working with conventional software environments, not the most powerful hardware is suitable - for example, a dual-core processor and 4 GB of memory will be enough. However, given the need to include other programs and use the same laptop to perform a wide range of tasks (from startup to), it is advisable to have a more modern device.

Specific requirements should also be compared with the financial capabilities of the programmer, since price is also one of the most important criteria.

Technical specifications

Table 1. Characteristics of 10 models best suited for programming.

Name	Screen	Memory, GB	Storage, GB	Autonomy, h	Price, thousand rubles
Lenovo ThinkPad E470	14"/FullHD	16	256 (SSD)	8–9	55
Asus ROG Strix GL702VM	17.3"/	24	256 (SSD) + 1000 (HDD)	2–5	117
Apple MacBook Pro 13.3	13.3"/	16	256 (SSD)	7–10	135
Microsoft Surface Pro	12.3"/	16	512 (SSD)	3–7	160
Apple MacBook Pro 15″	15.4"/	16	512 (SSD)	5–10	120
Lenovo ThinkPad T560	15.6"/	8	256 (SSD)	5–13	70
ACER Aspire A515-41G-1888	15.6"/	8	128 (SSD) + 1000 (HDD)	3–7	45
HP 255 G5	15.6"/	4	1000 (HDD)	3–5	19
Mi Notebook Air 12 M3	12.5"/	4	256 (SSD)	5–11	37
Asus Chromebook Flip	12.5"/	4	32 (eMMC)	5–9	17,5

Lenovo ThinkPad E470 - best value for money

The ThinkPad E470 model from the famous Chinese brand Lenovo can be called the most optimal laptop option for a programmer.

The laptop has the best price-to-functionality ratio among all the options that the modern market offers.

This characteristic is enough for many users to immediately purchase the model; the rest will be interested in its impressive parameters.

Igor T.: I purchased the Surface Pro model with almost the maximum possible configuration. The price is a bit steep, but it is compensated by the presence of a powerful Intel processor. The downside is the very high price. Although it is unlikely that anyone will buy such a model for use as a multimedia or gaming (especially since the video card is built-in) laptop.

Apple MacBook Pro 15″ 2016 – “MacBook” with a large screen

Another MacBook in the review can be called a little outdated - it was released back in 2015 and 2016.

However, all the characteristics of the laptop still remain serious enough for its use when creating programs or websites, and for games, and for performing other tasks.

Especially if we are talking about a configuration with 16 GB of memory and 512 GB.

large and bright touch screen with a resolution of 2880x1800 - enough to work with any applications and play movies in FullHD and 2K format;
long operating time without recharging, reaching 9–10 hours. Although at maximum load this figure decreases to only 3 hours, this is also not bad, since it is not easy to fully load such a powerful laptop with work;
light weight for a 15-inch model and slim body.

Oleg S.: I bought an Apple MacBook Pro 15″ on the advice of friends who had already chosen it as a home mobile PC. I needed it for work - and it fit the bill perfectly. First of all, I would like to note the high-quality build and excellent keyboard with a comfortable trackpad. I liked the color rendition of the laptop and the screen, which is large enough for programming.

Lenovo ThinkPad T560 – big power in a thin body

The attractive-looking and thin body of the ThinkPad T560 model from the Lenovo brand contains quite decent hardware, the capabilities of which are enough for games, programming, and a huge number of other tasks.

The 15.6-inch mobile computer display is bright and anti-dust and anti-glare protected and has optimal FullHD resolution.

The storage capacity for storing information is 256 GB, RAM is 8 GB, and a fairly powerful dual-core chip is used as the CPU on the laptop.

processor and RAM with decent capabilities - if not for the built-in graphics, they would be enough even for modern games;
ability to open the screen 180 degrees;
availability, which increases the security of data stored on the laptop;
high strength of the case and large battery capacity, providing up to 13 hours of continuous operation without recharging;
built-in camera with HD resolution, which allows you to use the laptop for video conferencing.

Mobile PCs also have disadvantages - mainly they are associated with not the highest performance when used. However, taking into account the price category of the gadget and the fact that it will be used mainly for programming, these disadvantages can be neglected.

Nikolay O.: I was impressed by the ThinkPad T560's long operating time - you can use it for at least 10 hours. A small drawback is that some applications freeze - but only after some time after starting work.

ACER Aspire A515-41G-1888 is one of the most functional

The Aspire A515-41G-1888 laptop is an excellent example of a good and relatively inexpensive mobile computer that can be used for both programming and .

The model is equipped with a good 4-core and discrete video Radeon RX 540 with 2 GB of memory, 8 GB DDR4 and a 128 GB solid-state drive to speed up work with system applications.

The second drive, a 1 TB HDD, provides storage of a large amount of information.

a large number of connectors for connecting external devices;
a case surface that does not collect fingerprints and requires less maintenance time;
long working time.

There is only one noticeable disadvantage for this price category of laptops. The model does not have the most powerful video card for working with . Therefore, if you need to work with such graphics, you should look for a more functional laptop.

Andrey B.: Excellent model for its price. Plenty of storage space, ample memory and a large screen. At the same time, the laptop remains light and easy to carry. I found practically no cons.

HP 255 G5 – convenient and inexpensive

Rice. 8. Compact and affordable laptop HP 255 G5.

Business professionals, be they musicians, programmers, or anyone else, choose a MacBook for many reasons.

There are cases in which the consumer is forced to buy computers from Cupertino. For example, if a programmer wants to write products for iOS or macOS, then he has no choice but to buy a Mac. The fact is that the tools he needs are available only on this desktop platform.

So, here are 10 reasons why professionals choose laptops from Apple over HP, Acer, Asus or any other manufacturer.

Ecosystem

No operating system can boast such a perfect ecosystem as macOS. Many call this feature the main advantage of Cupertino, because all their devices are closely integrated with each other.

For example, if you are the owner of a MacBook and an Apple Watch, then you can configure both gadgets so that the second unlocks the first. Walk up to your computer with this device on your hand, and it automatically activates and instantly becomes ready to work.

When a call comes to your phone, a corresponding notification appears on the Mac screen with the “Accept” and “Decline” buttons. Moreover, the user of such a connection can make calls from a computer, if it is more convenient for him. And if you also have an Apple TV, then transferring the desired image to its screen is as easy as shelling pears.

To be fair, it is worth noting that sometimes users encounter problems when a particular function does not work or is buggy. This most often happens on older devices that have compatibility issues.

Screen

Apple equips most of its modern computers with high-quality displays, which it calls Retina. Essentially, these are ordinary LCD IPS panels with increased pixel density. Their pixels cannot be seen with the naked eye, which has a positive effect on the displayed image. Reading text and editing photos thus becomes a real pleasure. Accurate color display and high contrast ratio are another couple of advantages of Retina screens.

MacBook Pro 15" 2017 model year

Also, engineers from Cupertino pay special attention to the quality of the fonts used in their products - they always remain readable and legible. Moreover, in its new 2016 MacBook Pro computers, Apple uses new technology that allows it to maintain beautiful font detail at any resolution.

Most of all, professionals are interested in various little things, such as the presence of a built-in Night Shift blue light filter, which, according to experts, protects against the influence of harmful radiation. There is also automatic screen brightness, which makes using the MacBook even more convenient.

Night Shift mode allows you to improve the quality of your sleep and get rid of the negative impact on your vision.

Keyboard and trackpad

Apple laptops have the best keyboard and trackpad on the market. I don't think MacBook owners will argue with me. Let's start with the keyboard. The company equips it with adjustable backlighting, which can change brightness depending on the ambient light. If your room is dark, then when you open the laptop, the keys will automatically light up.

The button pressing mechanism used is reliable and comfortable. In the latest iteration of the MacBook and MacBook Pro, Apple uses its own second-generation Butterfly technology, which features very short key travel. Writers and journalists speak especially well of it, noting that typing speed has increased slightly.

The Trackpad touch input panel, in the form in which the engineers from Cupertino offer it, will be more convenient than any mouse for most people. Firstly, when traveling, you don’t have to take a separate mouse with you - the built-in input device supports a huge number of gestures that make working on the computer easier. Secondly, the trackpad on every MacBook is very accurate at detecting finger position. For many people who edit videos or process photographs, it is enough. Moreover, this year Apple has increased the working space of these touch panels, so that their use has become even more convenient.

Versatility

This feature will be of interest to fewer users than a keyboard or trackpad, but it turns out to be key for many professionals. The fact is that the macOS platform, unlike any other, allows you to install Windows if necessary. The Windows operating system, in turn, does not have enough capabilities to install macOS. As I already said, for example, an iOS developer cannot do without an Apple computer, which is why consumers choose it for their purposes.

I note that you can launch the Microsoft desktop platform on a Mac not in one, but in two different ways. The first involves using the built-in Boot Camp Assistant tool, which installs a full Windows OS from your image. The second is implemented using a virtual machine.

The most interesting thing is the fact that all that is required from the user is to download the Windows image from the official Microsoft website and proceed with the installation, which occurs in semi-automatic mode.

Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion tools for working with virtual machines cost relatively little money, and if you often resort to using Windows, then purchasing either of these programs is completely worth it.

Autonomy and portability

Apple pays special attention to the autonomy of its portable devices, and the MacBook line of computers is no exception. If you're constantly on the go, you'll be hard-pressed to find a computer that lasts as long as a MacBook. Cupertino isn't lying when they say their new 2016 MacBook Pro lasts 10 hours on a single charge. Everyone's use case is different, so the numbers may vary.

These computers not only have long battery life, but also charge quickly. Cupertino residents equip their laptops with powerful power supplies that can charge a capacious battery in a short period of time. Speaking of the new MacBook models, they are equipped with USB Type-C ports, any of which can be connected to a power adapter. Moreover, the new universal interface (Type-C) allows you to receive power from portable batteries or Power Bank, as they are officially called. That is, if the laptop runs out of charge on the road, then we take such a gadget and recharge it.

I should also note that the batteries used in the MacBook are of unprecedented quality. Thus, these autonomous power supplies can operate for years, losing a small part of their capacity. As an example, I’ll give you my old MacBook Pro 15” from 2012, the battery of which still provides the computer with 5-6 hours of operation.

The dimensions of the laptops in this line allow you to carry them with you always and everywhere. The largest of the 2016 Pro models weighs just 1.83 kg and still offers excellent performance and autonomy. It is also very thin - 1.55 cm. The more compact 13-inch model already weighs 1.37 kg, with a body thickness of 1.49 cm. And the regular MacBook 12 boasts a weight of 0.92 kg and a thickness of 1.31 cm. Considering the compact dimensions of any of the above computers, you can easily put it in a bag or backpack and go on a trip around the world or a business trip.

Software and Security

The advantage of every Apple computer is its operating system and the applications available for it. The platform itself boasts a full set of utilities and tools that a professional needs. Everything available for Windows is also available on macOS. Today, Cupertino desktop OS is so widespread that developers no longer think about whether to release a version for Mac or not.

The second thing that attracts professionals is reliability and stability. When buying a MacBook, a person is sure that the computer will not let him down, since Apple optimizes its software for the hardware selected by its own engineers. This allows you to minimize the occurrence of system failures. Good optimization also has a positive effect on overall performance, which is one of the main advantages of this platform.

Equally important is the degree of security that the operating system offers. There are viruses, but they very rarely manage to integrate into the system and harm the computer. Moreover, there is no need for an antivirus, which can take up a significant portion of the budget.

Convenience and simplicity

I have already talked about the advantages of the ecosystem, keyboard and trackpad. But that's not all. First of all, the MacBook is a portable computer that you can carry with you everywhere and always – this is facilitated by its good battery life. On top of that, the included power supply is very compact in size, allowing you to take it with you on the road and not experience any discomfort. In older MacBook models, the charging cable is not removable and is wound on special hooks. In modern models, the power adapter cord is completely removable, which also has its advantages.

I’ll add that if you have an iPad or iPhone (as well as an Apple Watch), then you will have access to the extremely convenient “Continuity” function, which, in addition to making calls, creates a universal clipboard. It also allows you to continue working on any Apple device available to you if you started it on another. It's the same story with short messages. There is nothing stopping the user from starting to write an SMS on a smartphone and finishing it on a MacBook.

The simplicity lies in the fact that you do not need to study a complex manual to understand how this or that function works. I think the best example would be the AirPods wireless headset, which the user connects to the MacBook in a matter of seconds. And if you are faced with the task of connecting AirPods to an iPhone, then in this case you don’t need to do anything at all. Just open the case with the headphones - they will automatically connect to your smartphone, that is, they will be ready for use in just an instant.

Busy people who value their time are attracted to the MacBook for its ease of setup. Cupertino engineers did everything for the user. He can work calmly without being distracted by unnecessary opportunities.

Voice assistant Siri

Among desktop OSes, you won't find a voice assistant as advanced as Siri. It is deeply integrated into the system, and the number of commands seems innumerable. If you fully understand the usefulness of this assistant, then it will definitely be one of the main reasons for choosing an Apple MacBook.

In terms of capabilities, Siri on Macs can do the same things as on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. She happily answers all kinds of questions - nothing new. It is most convenient to search for files using it without interrupting your current affairs. For example, you can send any message while editing photos in Photoshop. You can simply click on the Siri icon in the upper right corner of the screen or press and hold a user-friendly keyboard shortcut. This assistant recognizes Russian speech quite well, I like it.

Performance

People can say as much as they want that the components inside the MacBook are outdated, but that's not the point. Apple may indeed be using a processor that is not the latest generation. However, the fastest SSD drive and RAM more than compensate for all the shortcomings. Thus, laptops in this line have enough power to remain relevant for 4-6 years from the date of release. This theory is once again confirmed by my 5-year-old 15-inch Pro.

Unlike competing Windows computers, MacBooks remain as fast as the first day they were used. I think no musician or programmer has the desire to reinstall the system because it has started to “slow down”. For example, I haven’t reinstalled macOS for so long that I’ve already forgotten how to do it.

Time Machine

Time Machine is a tool without which it is difficult to imagine the life of a true professional. It allows you to regularly backup all user data to an external drive, which ultimately guarantees their recovery. If, for example, you lost your laptop or it was simply stolen from you, you can restore the previously created backup on another MacBook and continue working as if nothing had happened. Time Machine will return every browser bookmark, password and application.

By making regular backups, the user will then be able to restore the document or file he needs that is lost somewhere. The time it takes to restore the necessary data depends on its weight and the reading speed of the external drive. I recommend purchasing a portable SSD rather than an HDD, as it is much faster, more reliable and safer.

An SSD-type disk is devoid of moving particles, so its resource is much higher than an HDD. Thanks to this, your backups will all be safe.

This tool is available on every Apple computer, including MacBook.

conclusions

There are enough reasons, in my opinion, for a user to choose a MacBook over any other computer. Apple's desktop operating system requires minimal intervention from the user, so he can focus on his work, and not on which antivirus or driver to install.

Do you know why MacBook laptops are so popular among DJs and their colleagues? It's not about the ecosystem, autonomy or banal convenience. The macOS platform, unlike Windows, has useful technology that allows you to minimize any delays during monitoring of audio recording or processing, although you will not notice any difference during audio playback.

I'm curious, for what reasons did you choose a MacBook?