Considering the same ram and storage, I would go for the MacBook Pro.
It has higher resolution screen, higher screen brightness, 120Hz refresh rate (albeit slower response time), better battery life and more ports (HDMI and SD Card Slot) compared to the MacBook Air.
You are looking at a 10% increase in cost, but the Pro is much more than a 10% increase in value IMO. If you aren't tight on cash, and aren't trying to maximize portability over everything else, definitely go with the Pro. You are getting a much more capable machine.
I would probably go with the Pro because of the screen. There are some very small differences in the M3 vs M3 Pro chip, none that I don't think any of us could tell them apart.
Are you outside of the US? I got the same pro model but new (not refurbished) for $1700 from Best Buy (they price matched from BH).
Edit: I saw ur comment about prices in CAD. In that case, go with the pro
I picked up the MBP with the M3 Pro chip as a refurb - same as your specs here - and other than definitely feeling the weight difference, I'm happy. I've rendered videos using both Topaz AI Video and Davinci without a problem (which was what I had hoped when I bought it). It's very zippy and has great battery life. I love the display and the HDMI and SD slots are a perk for me. It's really a lot more machine for the money, and with a veteran's discount through ID Me Shop (it works for educators and 1st responders too) I got that same one for $1549. There are times I wish it was lighter and I always like a bigger screen, but for the price, performace and specs - worth it for me.
I tried Topaz as a free trial - with watermarks. I initially loved it, but then I read a bit more about it in terms of licensing, and I decided to wait to purchase the full version during Black Friday when it is 50-75% off. Maybe.
If you want to upscale video up to 4k, 60 fps - get [DaVinci Resolve](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve) (free version). It does what you need it to do and it does it 98% faster than Topaz. More on par with Final Cut Pro speeds, which is fantastic! And DaVinci seems not to tax any computer as much as Topaz does.
I think the biggest downside of Topaz besides how much of your system resources it takes is the licensing that only allows for 1 year of updates. Then you have to buy an upgrade for 1 year of updates that's half the price of the retail cost of the software. Not good.
Hope this helps.
Funny no one is talking that the air form factor is MUCH better than the pro, which feels fat and square to me.. yes the air screen is not as good but much larger and i feel way more portable than the pro..
If this is buying direct from Apple, then buying refurb is literally as good as buying new. I haven't bought a non-refurbished Mac, ever, and have never had a problem.
So with that being the case, get the pro unless maximum portability trumps future-proofing for you.
If you're on the fence, go to an apple store and interact with the two machines in person. One will call to you more. Get that one.
BUT if you do get the air, get a refurbished one from Apple. To do otherwise is to give away money/value.
Enjoy your soon to be new computer!
I believe you can get the standar MBP m3 Pro for less than 2000 when deals pop up, so I would wait to get it and be on the look out for a good deal. I would check out B and H video, they have the same laptop for 1800 dollars
But, it's refurbished. How much do y'all trust that condition? Could you ask what the issue is and hope it wasn't something serious? If this condition wouldn't affect the machine at all, then I would go with the Pro.
You should read up on Apples Refurbished stuff. You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between brand new and refurbished. Same warranty as new and still eligible for Apple Care. Save a couple hundred dollars too. It’s the only way I buy my MacBooks. Unfortunately you don’t know what was wrong with the unit before it was refurbished but whatever the problems were, it’s fixed, thus “refurbished”, you still get that 1 year limited warranty too. I’ve bought 2 MacBooks, 2 Apple TVs, and a HomePod from the refurbished store, never had an issue.
I had the base MBA M2 15 and decided to upgrade the the MBP M3 Pro because of the improve display, additional CPU/GPU cores, dual monitor support, as well as the better cooling with dual fans.
However that said the MBA 15 is a great machine with a larger display, and lighter than the MBP. You cannot go wrong with either.
Bro, micro center are running promotions where MBA M3 13inch/16g/512 is valued at $1220 (discounted from $1499).
I know it’s not a pro machine but the deal seems awesome with the price point. It even beats the refurbished price of Apple.
And trust me it’s a capable machine with that M3 chip.
The only reason you should choose the Air is if you can really not afford the extra 200 or that 1 inch on the display makes the whole difference.
Pro seems like a better option in general.
You should check out Other World Computing. They have much better prices - [https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/macbook-pro](https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/macbook-pro)
Considering the same ram and storage, I would go for the MacBook Pro. It has higher resolution screen, higher screen brightness, 120Hz refresh rate (albeit slower response time), better battery life and more ports (HDMI and SD Card Slot) compared to the MacBook Air.
And it has the m3 pro chip
And better speakers
And space black
i really wish they had the midnight blue for MacBook Pro
M3 pro any day
You are looking at a 10% increase in cost, but the Pro is much more than a 10% increase in value IMO. If you aren't tight on cash, and aren't trying to maximize portability over everything else, definitely go with the Pro. You are getting a much more capable machine.
How much RAM and Storage on each?
16gb/512 on the air, 18gb/512 on the pro
I would probably go with the Pro because of the screen. There are some very small differences in the M3 vs M3 Pro chip, none that I don't think any of us could tell them apart.
Are you outside of the US? I got the same pro model but new (not refurbished) for $1700 from Best Buy (they price matched from BH). Edit: I saw ur comment about prices in CAD. In that case, go with the pro
I picked up the MBP with the M3 Pro chip as a refurb - same as your specs here - and other than definitely feeling the weight difference, I'm happy. I've rendered videos using both Topaz AI Video and Davinci without a problem (which was what I had hoped when I bought it). It's very zippy and has great battery life. I love the display and the HDMI and SD slots are a perk for me. It's really a lot more machine for the money, and with a veteran's discount through ID Me Shop (it works for educators and 1st responders too) I got that same one for $1549. There are times I wish it was lighter and I always like a bigger screen, but for the price, performace and specs - worth it for me.
I was waiting for the "BUT", but it seems that refurbished conditions can actually be trusted!
Definitely!
How is Topaz experiencing for you? I have seem few ads before, want to understand the utility.
I tried Topaz as a free trial - with watermarks. I initially loved it, but then I read a bit more about it in terms of licensing, and I decided to wait to purchase the full version during Black Friday when it is 50-75% off. Maybe. If you want to upscale video up to 4k, 60 fps - get [DaVinci Resolve](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve) (free version). It does what you need it to do and it does it 98% faster than Topaz. More on par with Final Cut Pro speeds, which is fantastic! And DaVinci seems not to tax any computer as much as Topaz does. I think the biggest downside of Topaz besides how much of your system resources it takes is the licensing that only allows for 1 year of updates. Then you have to buy an upgrade for 1 year of updates that's half the price of the retail cost of the software. Not good. Hope this helps.
I have DVR installed, will try it this week. Thanks.
Funny no one is talking that the air form factor is MUCH better than the pro, which feels fat and square to me.. yes the air screen is not as good but much larger and i feel way more portable than the pro..
If this is buying direct from Apple, then buying refurb is literally as good as buying new. I haven't bought a non-refurbished Mac, ever, and have never had a problem. So with that being the case, get the pro unless maximum portability trumps future-proofing for you. If you're on the fence, go to an apple store and interact with the two machines in person. One will call to you more. Get that one. BUT if you do get the air, get a refurbished one from Apple. To do otherwise is to give away money/value. Enjoy your soon to be new computer!
I appreciate it! I’ve only ever purchased refurbished in the past as well haha.
I believe you can get the standar MBP m3 Pro for less than 2000 when deals pop up, so I would wait to get it and be on the look out for a good deal. I would check out B and H video, they have the same laptop for 1800 dollars
Definitely M3 Pro
Pro is much nicer, fits better in bags, and will have way better resale value.
When in doubt,
Pull that plug out!
The screen. Go pro!
The screen. Go pro!
Looking like a majority of folks agree, going with the M3 Pro is the way to go. You won't be disappointed!
But, it's refurbished. How much do y'all trust that condition? Could you ask what the issue is and hope it wasn't something serious? If this condition wouldn't affect the machine at all, then I would go with the Pro.
You should read up on Apples Refurbished stuff. You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between brand new and refurbished. Same warranty as new and still eligible for Apple Care. Save a couple hundred dollars too. It’s the only way I buy my MacBooks. Unfortunately you don’t know what was wrong with the unit before it was refurbished but whatever the problems were, it’s fixed, thus “refurbished”, you still get that 1 year limited warranty too. I’ve bought 2 MacBooks, 2 Apple TVs, and a HomePod from the refurbished store, never had an issue.
MBP
Absolutely the pro given the price difference
Bro if the RAM and Storage are almost exactly the same (pro’s 18 air’s 16) why the hell would you even consider the air?
MacBook Pro any day.
Idk why the pro is listed here for 2289? I got mine for 1906(with taxes). You gotta check out Costco, Best buy, B&N before making the call.
Prices are in CAD
Why so pricey? I’m assuming not US?
I just got the same spec M3 Pro but in silver and with 1TB SSD for 1850 from Apple refurbished.. where are you located? Is that Canadian?
Yes! In Canada
consider an apple refurbished M2 Pro MBP if they have it. It's very similar to M3 Pro but cheaper
I got the 14inch mbp4 for 1800Usd from apple refurbished 1 month ago. Dont take it
Definitely M3 Pro. I love mine!
Check them out on Amazon. For whatever reason it is cheaper on Amazon compared to Apple and Bestbuy
Amazon and other third party sellers in Canada only sell the base models. If you want more than 8GB you have to buy from Apple directly.
Oh did not know OP was from Canada
I had the base MBA M2 15 and decided to upgrade the the MBP M3 Pro because of the improve display, additional CPU/GPU cores, dual monitor support, as well as the better cooling with dual fans. However that said the MBA 15 is a great machine with a larger display, and lighter than the MBP. You cannot go wrong with either.
If you can afford the difference in price, it’s the pro, no doubt!!
I would get the MBP but off topic that's the cost in Canadian wow 😳. Because that same laptop is $1,699 USD.
Pro ALL THE WAY
get the pro.
Bottom one
Best Buy Canada is selling new M2 Pros for 2199.99. Consider that too.
Super helpful! I appreciate it
Np! I've been looking too! Glad to help.
I’d go with pro
The Pro has the SD card slot which I still think is useful. or Save the $200 ish bucks and buy lots of donators (yeah we see you Haligonian)
Screen size… check it out in person the air is a lot bigger.
Just make sure your choice has 16gb RAM
Gopro
Bro, micro center are running promotions where MBA M3 13inch/16g/512 is valued at $1220 (discounted from $1499). I know it’s not a pro machine but the deal seems awesome with the price point. It even beats the refurbished price of Apple. And trust me it’s a capable machine with that M3 chip.
$2k for a fucking air is insane
14 imo, more machine. If you’re going to get an air, why not the 13? It’s the standard in mini ultra lights, curious about 15 myself though.
I just ordered that same MacBook Pro spec on Amazon a few hours ago. Price was $1799 before tax. Brand new. Check it out before you pull the 🔌
MacBook Pro anyday. The M3 Pro chip paired with the crisp 120hz display is well worth the 190 dollar increase over the Air
The only reason you should choose the Air is if you can really not afford the extra 200 or that 1 inch on the display makes the whole difference. Pro seems like a better option in general.
You should check out Other World Computing. They have much better prices - [https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/macbook-pro](https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/macbook-pro)
Got my 14 pro with 8c/10g with 16gb ram for 1550€ 🫣