Apple Devices for the Neptun Wave Spring 2019

In the next Neptun Wave, which starts on February 11^th, we will offer the new MacBook Air and the new iPad Pro models. As always, all other MacBook and iPad models as well as iMacs and the Mac Mini will also be available. The discount for our recommended configurations and for your own custom configurations will of course be the same. All hardware configurations, case colors, and keyboard layouts will get the same discount. This article will give you an overview of the new devices, as well as a short guide on how to decide between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro 13.

MacBook Air (2018)

The long-awaited update to the MacBook Air is now available, bringing upgrades to every aspect of the popular device. The MacBook Air now sports a high-resolution retina display with much better colors and viewing angles than the old non-retina LCD. The keyboard has been updated to a butterfly model like on the MacBook Pros and logins are simplified with the addition of the TouchID fingerprint reader. The Touchbar, however, is still only available on the MacBook Pro. All ports from the old MacBook Air have been replaced by two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, which also serve as charging ports. The new MacBook Air is now 100 g lighter and about 10% smaller in all dimensions than its predecessor.

iPad Pro (2018)

Both iPad Pro models (10.5” & 12.9”, now 11” & 12.9”) received an update with new, improved displays and large performance improvements to the CPU and GPU. Additionally, the second generation Apple Pencil now charges wirelessly and it features gesture controls. The lightning port has been replaced with a USB-C port, so the charger is interchangeable with any other device that uses USB-C. The iPad Pro now offers storage options of up to 1 TB for all those who need to carry a lot of data with them.

All other Apple devices

As always, all other Apple computers (MacBook, iMac, Mac Pro, etc.) will be available through our shop in all configurations, colors, and with any keyboard layout. For all those who like some guidance in selecting from the myriad of available options, we will also offer our recommended configurations for MacBooks and iPads, which are tailored to fit specific requirements and price points. The discount for recommended configurations and for custom configurations will of course be the same.

How to decide between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro 13

At first glance, the new MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro 13 without Touchbar look very similar, as both feature retina displays, dual core CPUs, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports, with both devices coming in at around the same price point when selecting the same amount of storage and memory. However, each device has a few features that the other one lacks: The MacBook Air is 100 g lighter, it has TouchID, and it offers about two hours more battery life (12 h total, according to Apple). The MacBook Pro 13, in contrast, is roughly 20% faster in most tasks (with the i5), has a brighter screen with better color reproduction, and it has a more powerful, faster charger, so you will spend less time tethered to the power outlet. Depending on which advantages you find more compelling you should be able to make a decision between the two devices. However, we think that the MacBook Air offers more for the money than the MacBook 13 without Touchbar.

The MacBook Pro 13 with Touchbar, on the other hand, is a different story in terms of price and performance, featuring a much faster quad core CPU, four Thunderbolt 3 ports instead of two, and it has the Touchbar. If you do not mind the small difference in weight (100 g more) and battery life (about 2 h less), then the MacBook Pro 13 with Touchbar will give you a lot functionality and performance for its price.

As always, you will get the chance to try out all of Apple’s laptop and tablet devices first-hand at our Demo Days, where our helpful staff will be happy to help you find the right MacBook or iPad for you. In case you cannot make it to the Demo Days, you can reach us via e-mail (kontakt@projektneptun.ch) or on Facebook and Twitter.