TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.The Insider Pick:Apples MacBook series offers its amazingly-designed macOS software combined with top-of-the-line hardware, and of all the MacBooks, theres no better choice than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.If youre in the market for a new laptop, its likely that you already have a pretty good idea of what you want. There are a ton of great options out there, but those used to a particular operating systemlike Windows or macOSwill generally stick to what they like.What you might not know, however, is which laptop you want. If youre looking for a Mac, there are quite a few options out there. For example, you could go for a high-powered MacBook Pro, or you could save some cash and go for a much cheaper MacBook Air.Perhaps the main thing youll want to consider when shopping for a new MacBook is what youre going to use it for. If youre a media creator, and will likely use your computer for things like video or audio editing, or a photographer who needs Photoshop to run without a hitch, the higher-powered MacBook Pro models are probably the right ones for you. If, however, youll mainly use your computer for things like social media, emails, and web browsing, then you dont need to spend all that cash on a MacBook Pro. You'll be just fine with the Air or the 12-inch MacBook.If youre still deciding between the different MacBook models, thankfully weve done the research so you dont have to.Read on in the slides below to learn why the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is our top pick and why you should also consider theMacBook, the MacBook Air, the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar.SEE ALSO:The best laptops you can buyThe best MacBook overallWhy you'll love it:The 13-inch MacBook Pro with its Touch Bar is the perfect mix of high performance and a compact footprint, plus, it's a decent price.The MacBook Pro is a classic computer. Long has it been the laptop of choice for those who want a high-powered, long-lasting laptop, and the latest range of MacBook Pros is no exception to that rule. New for 2017, Apple replaced the row of function keys with an adaptable, customizable touchscreen called the Touch Bar. It allows quick access to different keys that can change depending on the app youre using.Weve chosen the 13-inch MacBook Pro as our best MacBook choice because its super high-powered, but not as expensive as the larger 15-inch MacBook Pro. The computer offers a few options for different processors and storage amounts, but the base model, which boasts an Intel Core i5 chip and 256GB of solid-state storage, will set you back $1,769. Thats not a small sum of money, but this is most definitely a case of getting what you pay for.Not everything about the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is perfect. Some dont like the new Touch Bar, and the fact that the computer only has USB-C ports, and having no USB-A ports is frustrating for those who have older peripherals. Still, many argue that USB-C is the future, and as more peripherals start sporting USB-C connectors, it should become less of an issue.Pros: Elegant, high-powered, touch bar can be usefulCons: Expensive, only USB-C portsBuy the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar on Amazon for $1,769 and upThe best MacBook for portabilityWhy you'll love it:The 12-inch MacBook is still high-powered, but its also super compact, making it a great choice for anyone on the go.The MacBook Pro is a great machine, but not everyone needs its high performance and equally high price tag. For most, the standard MacBook, with its lightweight design and minimalistic feel, will be much more appropriate.The MacBook is somewhat basic, but thats all most people need. The base model comes with an Intel Core m3 processor, along with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Of course, all of those specs can be updated, including to an Intel Core i5 processor, if need be. The laptop costs $1,199, which is much less than the price of the MacBook Pro.Of course, there are a few things to consider here. For starters, the MacBook only has one USB-C port so for wired peripherals, you will need to invest in some dongles and adapters. On top of that, while cheaper than the MacBook Pro, $1,199 is still a lot of money.Still, most reviewers argue that its a pretty solid machine. The laptop got 9/10 from TechRadar.Pros: Compact, sleek, sharp screen, still powerfulCons: Still a little expensiveBuy the MacBook on Amazon for $1,199 and upThe best MacBook on a budgetWhy you'll love it:The MacBook Air may not be the most powerful MacBook out there, but its still super-sleek and comes at a reasonable price.Macs have a lot to offer, but theyre not traditionally hailed as being the most cost-effective machines on the market. Thankfully, however, buying a Mac doesnt necessarily mean having to break the bank. In fact, if youre willing for a slightly less powerful computer, the MacBook Air could be an excellent option.The MacBook Air offers many of the same design cues as other MacBooks. In its time, it was hailed as the lightest and thinnest Mac ever, and while the new standard MacBook and the MacBook Pro laptops have caught up in that regard, the MacBook Air is still very sleek for the price.Under the hood, its not a bad device, either. The base model of the laptop comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB hard drive. You can customize it up from there, though of course, that costs extra money.Perhaps the best thing about the MacBook Air has nothing to do with whats under the hoodit has to do with how much it costs. Instead of paying nearly $2,000, the base model of the MacBook Air comes in at under $1,000. Expensive, to be sure, but not for a new MacBook.Pros: Light, sleek, inexpensive compared to other MacBooksCons: Still expensive, specs could be better for the priceBuy the MacBook Air on Amazon for $890 and upSee the rest of the story at Business Insider
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