Which MacBook Pro should I buy for college: retina vs. standard?

I've done a lot of research, including visiting an Apple Store, talking with a specialist, and playing with both machines. I can't decide whether I should buy the new MacBook Pro with Retina Display or just the standard 15" MacBook Pro.

I think that the deciding factor should be this: are there going to be significant improvements that will make either computer obsolete in the next 2 years?

My budget is $2,000. I would spend the money on to get the second standard configuration of the 15" MacBook Pro (2.6 GHz quad core i7, 8GB RAM, 750GB HD).

I might have to run the 64-bit BootCamp on it, depending if AutoCAD releases full versions of all of the software I'll need in 2 years (which I think they plan on doing).

I'll also be using Adobe CS6 frequently to create presentations, posters, handouts, etc.

I think that what I've discovered is that the 256GB flash drive on the Retina display only lasts for about 100,000 saves, which is an average person's 5ish years. Is a drive that small worth paying the premium price for? Don't get me wrong, the display is gorgeous and I would love it, but will the computer it's attached to last for the laung haul? I could use an external HD for files, but that's another device to carry around. I'm sure 256GB would be fine for a fair amoutn of photos, my iTunes library, and the software I'll need on it.

I think the ports are worth considering, too. The Retina is ambitious in it's limited ports, but will everything switch over to Thunderbolt soon enough to make the investment?

The other alternative is that I purchase the Retina computer and work a little extra over the summer to be able to buy the latest and greatest two years from now, which might be a good alternative.

Thanks for your insight!

Posted on Jun 13, 2012 6:26 PM

19 replies

Shootist007

Level 6

16,709 points

Jun 14, 2012 1:10 PM in response to etresoft

That is not misleading info. It came from the Apple store website and I listed the upgrades that brought it to that price.

Again you post without proper knowledge and belittle someone else. Just goes to prove what I posted before.

I have no PC issues and my Mac runs just fine, so far. I'm typing this reply on it.

I have been to one of the top Graphic art schools and even if the students do Poster, Presentations and hand out as a class assignment they must be done in the Adobe suite of tools, as you call them. As that is what will be required in their Work environment. That is what School is all about.

Thanks.

Shootist007

Level 6

16,709 points

Jun 14, 2012 1:23 PM in response to Caleb Amundson

Caleb Amundson wrote:

Okay. Well no matter what anyone has said, I've made my decision, so let's all just go our separate ways. No need to continue arguing.

Right and good luck with it.

Oct 13, 2012 6:34 PM in response to etresoft

Adobe Creative suite is NOT mostly bloatware. It is a professional product amied at pro-level designers.

....

IF you are going to design school, then the Adobe Creative suite CS6 is exactly what you need.

I love CS6 personally.

Oct 14, 2012 10:00 AM in response to conorfromvictoria

I've used it every day since I got it. It's incredible and I'm surprised how it actually feels much more intuitive than CS5.

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Which MacBook Pro should I buy for college: retina vs. standard?