In my time. doing tech reviews for Esquire, I've taken a deep dive into Windows laptops. I've learned a lot of technical stuff, but most importantly I've learned most people still just use MacBooks. Even in my day-to-day, I find reasons to use a Mac as my main work laptop. From iMessage integration to iCloud notes, it's all about seamless integrating with my iPhone. Which I also... still use.

So I get it. A Mac user wants a new computer; they're going to buy a Mac. The the MacBook Air as Apple's latest M4 chip, and it's hitting digital shelves now. This is the period in the cycle where the Air and the Pro have the same chip. So, the big question is: Which is better, this new MacBook Air or last year's MacBook Pro?

Here's the skinny. Most of you just need a laptop for the basics, and you should just get a MacBook Air. They deliver premium performance for any day-to-day task. The MacBook Pro, even if it has the same processor at the moment, can handle heavier lifts because of bigger and better CPUs and GPUs. But unless you're doing serious uncompressed photo editing off your Leica or producing music, the Pro is a lot of computer for you. The Air has the same good stuff for a much more reasonable price with power to match most users needs.