Question 2012 Macbook Air vs more recent Windows laptop

[Antonio_86]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a laptop to work on the go: web browsing, editing in Wordpress, writing in Word, some light Photoshop, watching movies... Nothing too demanding, but it's important that I can do it smoothly.

I have the chance to get a 2012 Macbook Air (i5-3427u, 4 GB RAM, 128 SSD) for 370 euros (I live in Spain). The battery only has 17 cycles and they give me a 1 year warranty.

I can't decide between getting it or a more recent Windows laptop. For example, right now I can get a Lenovo Ideapad 320S-14IKB (Intel Pentium 4415U, 8 GB RAM, 128 SSD) for just 350 euros (open box). Or a HP EliteBook 840 G2 (i5-5300U, 8 GB RAM, 256 SSD) for 415 euros (new).

It would be my first Apple computer, so I'm a bit lost. Will the Macbook last me some good years, or it's better to get some of the other options instead?

 

[velocityg4]

With only 4GB of RAM that MacBook air will struggle. That HP is likely the best option. Just look up reviews to see what sort of battery life it gets.

 

[izoli]

I'd go with the HP for sure. Not only will the 8GB RAM help in every aspect, as well as the slightly better CPU. But even for light photo shop, while all of them will not be great, the intel hd 5500 from the 5300u will fare better than the intel hd 4000 from the 3427u

 

[Antonio_86]

Thanks for your help.

Yes, I think 4GB is going to be too short... I like the Macbook quiet operation, but probably I'll get a Windows laptop instead.