Differences between the Macbook Air Models?

[Outlier_81]

I'm looking into buying a used Macbook Air. The differences between the models seem to be the processor and the graphics card.

I will be using the device for web development, so light photoshop use, text editors, and microsoft office.

With what I'm doing, will I notice a big difference between the Intel 5000 and the Intel 4000 graphics? What about the processor?

If it's the difference between a few hundred dollars, I'd like to go with the cheaper option, if I'm not going to notice a big performance drop.

 

[azca]

No, you won't. The difference between 5000 and 4000 will be minor; go for the cheaper model if you want to save money, just choose between 11" and 13", RAM size, SSD size, and CPU.

 

[Outlier_81]

Thanks for the quick answer! What about the CPU differences though? Is it as simple as the higher GHz is better? Or does the generation of the i5 have anything to do with it my choice.

 

[azca]

I have used 5 different generations of MacBook Air, and they are all pretty slow. It's an ultrabook, not a desktop gaming machine. If you can get 1 from this generation or last generation (2013), you are good to go.

Thanks for the quick answer! What about the CPU differences though? Is it as simple as the higher GHz is better? Or does the generation of the i5 have anything to do with it my choice.

 

[Outlier_81]

Would you trade off a better processor for an HDD? The older 2012 Macbook Pros that have the 2.5GHz i5's are similar in price. But they don't have the SSD. I'm trying to figure out what provides the most value.

 

[azca]

no HDD is super slow. Only buy Macbook Air with an SSD. it makes a big difference.

Would you trade off a better processor for an HDD? The older 2012 Macbook Pros that have the 2.5GHz i5's are similar in price. But they don't have the SSD. I'm trying to figure out what provides the most value.

 

[azca]

macbook air an ultraportable designed to have 12 hour batter life (with low clock speeds and little cooling), not a gaming laptop (which gets 2 hours tops)