Air vs new MB Pro
So getting a computer for my daughter -- a bit of light photo stuff but a lot of surfing and writing. Limited illustration type stuff. Was going to get the Air 13 inch but looking at the specs the new MBP is not that much heavier or thicker - and I am a sucker for the retina screen. Also not sure of the real life benefit of the more powerful processor.
Thoughts on what sort of difference it would make in real life - or what sort of activiities a MBP would be a big advantage for? Figure it will last her the four years just fine either way but not sure what advantages the MBP would bring.
Comments
There's a rumor suggesting Apple will introduce a Retina Macbook Air later on this year. If this is true, I actually expect that it will replace both the 13" Pro and Air. But if Apple's plan is to make it fanless, this wouldn't arrive until next year's update.
I personally prefer the MBP design to the Air, the display is much better and it offers more working resolution, which is good for productive tasks. They have some pretty good refurb deals on just now too:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE865LL/A/refurbished-133-inch-macbook-pro-24ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
The only difference with those vs new is they might come with signs of use but I've never read any reports suggesting anything significant and they have a full warranty. That one has a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM, which are good amounts. A 128GB SSD can get pretty tight for space. The equivalent new would be $1499 and that's $1189 so you'd save $310. You can get the extended warranty on those too for up to 3 years but you can get it up to a year later.
You can get a cheap neoprene case off eBay too to help protect it if it's to be carried in a backpack:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/R53-Incase-Neoprene-Slim-Soft-Sleeve-Pouch-Case-for-MacBook-Pro-Air-13-BLACK-/351131040803
Good thoughts thanks - I'll count you down as a MBP vote!