I can dock it at my desk and hook it up to two huge displays and a bigger keyboard, and then not be burdened when traveling.
The current MacBook pro is only .05 pounds heavier than the 13 inch MacBook air, and noticably thinner than the air's thickest point. They are basically the same form factor at this point.
The 13" MacBook Pro with no touchbar is more or less the upgraded MacBook Air with Retina Display that everyone has been asking for for years.
Most annoying was that the MBP fan was kicking on in high gear consistently when I was doing nothing of note, while the air very rarely does so. It’s always cool and quiet, which I love.
If they just threw a retina screen on it, the current Air could be a hell of a computer for several more years.
But what I have realized is that in reality it's very rare that you have to actually use a laptop keyboard. Maybe only like once a week do I not use a proper USB keyboard, i.e. if having to visit a client or something.
Can you say what your needs are? I'm skeptical that I would be happy with the speed of my compiler on an Air.
I also usually have one or more Excel windows open for data analysis, possibly Powerpoint or Keynote, and then some other lightweight stuff (Spotify, Sublime, etc.).
I also am most frequently using this across two 27" Thunderbolt displays (and if I'm desperate for a 3rd, I can open the MBA screen in addition).
I'm not a developer, so my needs may be less intensive than yours.
Yep, I guess that was the root of my question, thanks. :)