I am thinking of trading in my MacBook Pro for a MacBook Air M3. May i have your thoughts on this. I only use for writing and internet browsing....

I like the sturdiness of the MacBook PRO, and I don't travel with it much but to be more frugal, I was wondering if I could get the same from the Air M3. I'm over a certain age and not that tech-savvy, but just need to write documents, books, scripts, etc. I also want more storage.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Mar 30, 2024 1:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 31, 2024 8:02 AM

I agree with what others here have already said.


  • Your uses aren't all that demanding on the Mac's CPU or graphics interface.
  • The above being said, be wary of the "base" models that have only 8GB RAM. It's way too easy to run low on RAM, especially if you have several documents, web browser pages, etc. opened at the same time. Most of us here recommend 16GB RAM.
  • If you prefer storing files on your Mac's internal storage rather than cloud services like DropBox, OneDrive, etc., then get internal storage of at least 512GB.
  • Shop carefully, as often upgraded Macs are available via third party resellers (such as baphotovideo.com).
  • Also, look at Apple's refurbished offerings. My experience with them is that, for the most part, they're indistinguishable from brand new, yet come with a significant savings. And the warranty is the same as brand new.
  • If by chance you're a veteran, Apple does offer a discount.
  • I always recommend adding AppleCare, as I think of it as "insurance". You most likely won't need it, but will be super glad you have it if it IS needed.


Just my $0.02 worth.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 31, 2024 8:02 AM in response to lzmaxwell

I agree with what others here have already said.


  • Your uses aren't all that demanding on the Mac's CPU or graphics interface.
  • The above being said, be wary of the "base" models that have only 8GB RAM. It's way too easy to run low on RAM, especially if you have several documents, web browser pages, etc. opened at the same time. Most of us here recommend 16GB RAM.
  • If you prefer storing files on your Mac's internal storage rather than cloud services like DropBox, OneDrive, etc., then get internal storage of at least 512GB.
  • Shop carefully, as often upgraded Macs are available via third party resellers (such as baphotovideo.com).
  • Also, look at Apple's refurbished offerings. My experience with them is that, for the most part, they're indistinguishable from brand new, yet come with a significant savings. And the warranty is the same as brand new.
  • If by chance you're a veteran, Apple does offer a discount.
  • I always recommend adding AppleCare, as I think of it as "insurance". You most likely won't need it, but will be super glad you have it if it IS needed.


Just my $0.02 worth.

Mar 30, 2024 4:24 PM in response to lzmaxwell

the low-end configurations with under 512 MB storage are intended for Students who never store anything on their computers. if you run out of space you can add an external drive.


low-end configurations with less than 16 GB or RAM can be problematic. RAM Memory can't be upgraded, EVER.


The M2 model is not much different in performance, and may save you money.

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I am thinking of trading in my MacBook Pro for a MacBook Air M3. May i have your thoughts on this. I only use for writing and internet browsing....

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