Apple has made headlines with its newly unveiled 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display. During its recently concluded "Spring Forward" event held March 9 in San Francisco, aside from launching the Apple Watch, the Cupertino-based company also unveiled the new Air MacBook.
Now that the newest, lightest and slimmest MacBook has been announced, it's interesting to see how the new laptop will compare to Microsoft's highly-anticipated Microsoft Surface Pro 4.
Apple's New 12-inch MacBook Air Retina
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, has announced the new MacBook. The Verge notes that at just 2 pounds, the 12-inch device is Apple's thinnest laptop yet. It comes with a new keyboard that offers improved typing precision and sensor-equipped touch pad for pressure controlled functionality.
With 2,304 x 1,440 pixels, it has the higehst resolution specs offered by Apple in a MacBook Air. BGR reports that the laptop doesn't have an internal fan but does come equipped with an Intel Core M processor and single USB 3.0 port for charging, data transfers, HDMI and VGA capabilities.
The new 12-inch MacBook Air with retina display is set for release on April 10 and begins at a price of $1,299.
Anticipated Microsoft Surface Pro 4
There are a number of rumors regarding the next-generation Surface Pro 4.
As reported earlier, the Pro 3 line has be reduced in price and while there is no official talk of the Surface Pro 4 or its price tag, it's estimated to begin at about $799 to $1,549. It's rumored to carry Intel Core M Broadwell chip, 2160 x 1440 screen resolutions, 16 GB of RAM, run on Microsoft's recently unveiled Windows 10 platform and offer support LTE capabilities capable device.
The Surface Pro 4 is expected to launch during the second half of the year with many pegging a fall release.
The Verdict
Based on an initial analysis, Beta News cites a MacBook purchase may be more advantageous. Price wise, comparing the Pro 3 with the new Air, (assuming the Pro 4 will be priced the same as the Pro 3) a 512 GB Surface Pro 4 will cost nearly $2,000 plus the cost of the keyboard. For the new Air, 8 GB of RAM with a 256 GB super-fast SSD comes at $1,299.
Additionally, aesthetically speaking, the new MacBook is "sexier" and lighter making it more portable. Other specs outlined by the publication include a more stable keyboard and trackpad as well as its ability to run on both OS X and Windows.
It's important to note that both devices have their own niche, it all boils down to finding something that will suit your needs.
What is your take? Which would you prefer?
