Apple sells more than one MacBook model with the differences catering to the varying needs of consumers, and this includes size. MacBooks in general are highly portable notebooks, but for anyone looking to maximize the use while traveling, then the size is likely to be an important part of the decision-making process. However, it shouldn’t be the only one, with the weight and battery life of MacBooks also varying.

Over the years, Apple has released multiple versions of its MacBook. The most recent change was the introduction of models powered by the company’s own M1 chip. The MacBook Air, along with the Mac mini and the smaller MacBook Pro, were the first to get the chip upgrade. Speaking of size, Apple used to sell an 11-inch MacBook Air. Although the smallest MacBook overall, Apple discontinued the 11-inch version in late 2016.

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Technically, there is no smallest MacBook any more. The company’s MacBook Air comes with a 13.3-inch display, and even though the MacBook Pro can be purchased with a 16-inch display, there is also a 13.3-inch version available. Besides the display, the physical width and depth of the two MacBook models are the same. In terms of height, the MacBook Air varies between 0.16 and 0.63 inches, while the MacBook Pro 13 is 0.61 inches tall. Of course, there is a fairly major price difference between the two. The cheapest MacBook Air model costs $999 and this compares to $1,299 for the cheapest MacBook Pro 13 model. Therefore, anyone looking to pick up the smallest MacBook at the cheapest price will want to consider the standard MacBook Air.

Weight & Other MacBook Differences To Consider

In addition to the actual size of the MacBook, it is important to consider the weight as well. With this in mind, the MacBook Air is not only cheaper, but also lighter, weighing in at 2.8 pounds. In contrast, the MacBook Pro 13 weighs in at 3 pounds. Although not a major difference, it still might make a difference when transporting, and especially if carried with other equipment and items at the same time. However, the lighter and cheaper nature of the MacBook Air does come with some compromises, and battery life is a notably one. While the MacBook Air is rated to last up to eighteen hours on a single charge, the MacBook Pro 13 is rated to last as long as twenty hours. In addition, the MacBook Pro 13 also comes equipped with a Touch Bar and Touch ID, unlike the Touch ID-only MacBook Air.

Overall, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13 are relatively the same in terms of both physical and display size. Arguably, the MacBook Air is the better option for those looking for a portable notebook, as it is not only lighter but also cheaper. However, Apple’s MacBook Air does come with some limitations compared to the smallest MacBook Pro, including battery life and functionality.

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Source: Apple

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John Finn
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John Finn is a technology editor and writer for Screen Rant. John has been covering technology since 2014 and focuses on where tech meets the movie and TV industry. A Psychology graduate from England who now lives in the US, John previously worked in the aviation industry as an airline reviewer. You can find John on Twitter (@J_Finns) or contact directly at john [at] screenrant [dot] com.

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