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    2010 White Macbook vs 2010 Macbook Air

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Shakenbake158, Nov 10, 2011.

  1. Shakenbake158

    Shakenbake158 Notebook Consultant

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    I am trying to decide between both of these, this is my first mac. Does the white macbook outperform the Macbook Air? If so is it that much of a difference, also HDD space isnt a problem, I'll just get a external hard drive if I need it. What would be better performance wise? And what would be the better overall choice?
     
    Shakenbake158, Nov 10, 2011
    #1
  2. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    mbp is faster with the full volt cpu, the air is a bit more portable. it all depends on what you plan on using it for.
     
    KCETech1, Nov 10, 2011
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  3. shriek11

    shriek11 Notebook Deity

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    I think he is asking about the white macbook.
     
    shriek11, Nov 10, 2011
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  4. xfiregrunt

    xfiregrunt Notebook Evangelist

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    MBA processor is weaker.

    MBA will seem faster for "normal use" because of the SSD, which is your primary bottleneck in normal use.

    MB will be faster in "real terms" ~ if you game or run matlab it will be faster for that.
     
    xfiregrunt, Nov 10, 2011
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  5. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    I'd go with the white Macbook for a couple reasons:

    1. Faster processor
    2. More storage room, the standard SSD is pretty small.
    3. I believe the cooling system is better on the MB 13, it has a little more room.

    I'm not sure if this is true, but does the MBA have a downclocked 320M? or is full clocks?
     
    Nick, Nov 10, 2011
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  6. FahrenheitGTI

    FahrenheitGTI Notebook Consultant

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    I'd say opt for a MBP, it's worth having the aluminum casing as opposed to the crack-prone plastic of the MB. If this is for basic, everyday tasks then I would go with the MBA. However, if you can't get the MBP, and want a little more oomph, then get the MB and just be a bit more cautious with the casing.
     
    FahrenheitGTI, Nov 10, 2011
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  7. Lieto

    Lieto Notebook Deity

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    I got both (different generations though) and air actually seem to be more quite. So even if there any heating issues it doesnt translate into any user disadvantage.
     
    Lieto, Nov 10, 2011
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  8. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    Yes it does actually, the processor and graphics card downclock when they get too hot. So, if the Air doesn't have as good of a cooling system, the components heatup quicker, then slow down to maintain a safe temp.
     
    Nick, Nov 10, 2011
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  9. Shakenbake158

    Shakenbake158 Notebook Consultant

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    I think I actually decided on a 2009 Macbook Pro, still trying to decide.
     
    Shakenbake158, Nov 12, 2011
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  10. formerglory

    formerglory Notebook Evangelist

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    The 2009 MacBook Pro is a good rig, probably better than the Air.

    With the Pro, you can have multiple hard drives (using an Optibay), and have both an SSD and HDD, like mine. I've got a SSD for boot & a 500GB HDD for storage. You also get a better cooling system & a faster processor.
     
    formerglory, Nov 12, 2011
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  11. Shakenbake158

    Shakenbake158 Notebook Consultant

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    Is yours a 2009 model too?
     
    Shakenbake158, Nov 12, 2011
    #11
  12. formerglory

    formerglory Notebook Evangelist

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    No, I'm using a 2010 model. The 2010 Air has a better GPU, but the '09 MBP has a better processor, along with the other benefits I added.
     
    formerglory, Nov 12, 2011
    #12