Compare Apple Laptop Models 2016 Q2

MacBook12_4 colors.jpg

There are currently six different retail models of Apple laptops, consisting of sixteen configurations to choose from: 

MacBook (12" two retail models, four colors each)

MacBook Air 11"  (two retail models)

MacBook Air 13" (two retail models)

MacBook Pro 13" (one retail model)

MacBook Pro 13" retina (three retail models)

MacBook Pro 15" retina (two retail models)

Add to the above, the non-retail custom configurations of assorted memory, drive size and processor, and there are over seventy-seven variants to choose between.

Key criteria to consider:

  1. Performance.
  2. Size (laptop footprint when closed).
  3. Weight.
  4. Screen Size.
  5. Screen Quality (retina displays are far better).
  6. Battery life.
  7. Storage (many models cannot have larger drives put in later).
  8. RAM (many models cannot have more RAM added later).
  9. Ports/Connectivity/Expandability.

Smallest, lightest, with the best screen is the MacBook (12" retina).

  • $1,299 8GB/256GB to
  • $1,599 8GB/512GB

The largest, most powerful with the best screen is the MacBook Pro 15" retina.

  • $1,999 16GB/512GB/2.2GHz/Intel Graphics
  • $3,199 16GB/1TB/2.8GHz/AMD Graphics

The MacBook Pro 13" retina is a nice sweet spot.

  • $1,499 8GB/256GB/2.7GHz i5

And of course the are the MacBook Air 11" and 13" models, and legacy MacBook Pro 13 which is highly serviceable. (These models have non-retina displays.)

For more informations see:

http://www.apple.com/mac/compare

iCloud Security

data in the cloud

presents a risk and safety

best to understand

 

Strong passwords

...When creating an Apple ID to use with iCloud, your password must have a minimum of 8 characters, a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter. Using a strong password is the most important thing you can do to help keep your data secure. Learn more about creating a strong password.

Two-step verification

...Apple offers an optional security enhancement for your Apple ID called two-step verification. Two-step verification requires you to verify your identity using one of your devices before you can make changes to your account information at My Apple ID, sign in to iCloud on a new device or at iCloud.com, or make an iTunes, iBooks, or App Store purchase from a new device. Learn more about two-step verification.

How does iCloud Keychain protect my information?

...iCloud Keychain keeps the passwords and credit card information that you save up to date only on the devices that you approve. When you turn on iCloud Keychain on an additional device, your other devices that use iCloud Keychain receive a notification requesting approval for the additional device. After you approve the additional device, your iCloud Keychain automatically begins updating on that device.