Today's Bargain: The MacBook Pro (M4) by Apple is currently selling at its all-time lowest price

Today's Bargain: The MacBook Pro (M4) by Apple is currently selling at its all-time lowest price

The tech world is abuzz with the latest releases from Apple, specifically the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) and MacBook Air (M4). Both models boast the powerful M4 chip, but they differ significantly in battery life, storage, connectivity, and screen quality.

Let's dive into the key features that set these two devices apart:

Battery Life

The 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) boasts a longer battery life, with tests showing around 18 hours and 31 minutes [2]. Compared to the MacBook Air (M4), the Pro's battery capacity is larger, about 72.4 Wh for the 14-inch model, and can last several hours more [3][5].

In contrast, the MacBook Air (M4) has a good battery life, but it's notably shorter than the Pro. The battery capacity ranges from 53.8 Wh in the 13-inch Air to about 66.5 Wh in the 15-inch Air, which is approximately 9% less than the Pro [3][5].

Storage

Both laptops start with 256GB SSD, but the MacBook Pro (M4) is criticized for being small at its price point [1]. Higher storage upgrades are available, but they come at a cost [1].

The MacBook Air (M4), on the other hand, offers slightly better value-for-money due to its competitive pricing and configuration options [1][3][5].

Connectivity

The MacBook Pro (M4) offers more ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an SD card slot, and HDMI. It can support more external displays [2][3][5].

The MacBook Air (M4), however, has fewer ports, typically just two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, no HDMI or SD card slot. It can support up to two external 6K monitors, but the Air needs the lid to be open for both [4].

Screen Quality

The 14-inch (or 16-inch) Pro models feature higher-end screens with a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, nano-texture option to cut glare, higher brightness (up to 1000 nits), thinner bezels, and a sharper 12MP Center Stage webcam [2][3][5].

The MacBook Air screens have a 60Hz refresh rate, lower brightness (about 500 nits), thicker bezels, and lack the nano-texture option. The 15-inch Air provides a larger screen size, but it lacks the Pro's brightness and ProMotion advantages [1][3][5].

Portability and Price

The MacBook Air is lighter by about 310 grams (0.68 lbs), designed for portability with large-screen options (15-inch Air) at a more affordable price. However, it compromises on pro-level screen features and port variety [1][3][5].

The MacBook Pro is heavier and less portable but offers "strong sustained performance" especially favored by professionals who prioritize connectivity and screen quality [2].

Pricing

The 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) is pricier than the MacBook Air (M4). However, it's currently available at a discounted price of $1,299.00, which is 19% off its original price of $1,599.00.

The latest MacBook Air (M4) is available at a discounted price of $899.00, which is 17% off its original price of $1,199.00.

In summary, the MacBook Pro M4 excels in battery life, connectivity (ports), and screen quality (ProMotion, brightness, webcam), making it suited for professionals and power users. The MacBook Air M4 focuses on portability, affordability, and offering a larger screen in its 15-inch model but with shorter battery life, fewer ports, and less advanced display features.

[1] NBC Select [2] CNET [3] MacRumors [4] The Verge [5] Macworld

Note: This article was written based on the provided bullet points and does not include information about built-in speakers, microphones, or screen quality of the MacBook Air (M4), as well as any additional tech essentials, fitness trackers, Kindle alternatives, smartwatches, or IP ratings.

1. The tech world's latest discussions revolve around the gadgets' battery life and connectivity, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) excelling in both areas, offering longer battery life and more ports compared to the MacBook Air (M4).
2. When considering technology, storage capacity is key, and while both devices offer a starting 256GB SSD, users seeking greater storage upgrades might find more value in the MacBook Air (M4) due to its competitive pricing and configuration options.

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