Macbook Air vs Macbook Pro Retina for college

Question

Level 1

0 points

Macbook Air vs Macbook Pro Retina for college

I am wanting to but a new Mac to replace my early 2008 Macbook for college, but can't decide between a top specked Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro with Retina Display.

They are both about the same price ~$2200 with educational pricing

I'm leaning more towards the Air for portability but don't want to miss out on that awesome Retina desplay

plus the Retina is not that heavy

I am a nursing student and soon to be Biology/Pre-Med

I'm also wanting to get an iMac in companion with one of these Macbooks.

I want the best but can't decide

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Sep 30, 2012 3:49 AM

Reply

Answer 1

sig

Level 8

35,862 points

Sep 30, 2012 5:46 AM in response to Sergio25

good read:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57458148-37/13-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-inch-mac book-pro-which-should-you-buy/?tag=postrtcol;posts

Check for articles in Macworld as well.

Reply

Answer 2

Sep 30, 2012 6:06 AM in response to Sergio25

personally i've tried both the air and the 15" retina (I have the retina), and I like the retina much better. The battery life is about 6.5 hours if you are running basic programs such as Safari, Word, and Messages. And the retina screen is really clean too.

The Air is portable but I don't like it because it just seems so fragile.

Both computers don't have CD drives, but you can buy one from BestBuy. And I find the retina to be much better in general... faster and better in design, in my opinion

Reply

Answer 3

Sergio25 Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 13, 2012 6:31 AM in response to sig

Will the MPR fit in a backpack?

To carry it around?

dont want to carry around two different carrying cases

Reply

Answer 4

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Oct 13, 2012 4:29 PM in response to Sergio25

Sergio25 wrote:

Will the MPR fit in a backpack?

That would depend on what backpack you have. The measurements of the MBP-R are as follows according to Apple's web pages:

Size and Weight

Height: 0.71 inch (1.8 cm)

Width: 14.13 inches (35.89 cm)

Depth: 9.73 inches (24.71 cm)

Weight: 4.46 pounds (2.02 kg)²

Reply

Answer 5

Jevim

Level 1

15 points

Oct 13, 2012 4:46 PM in response to Sergio25

With the MacBook Pro with Retina Display (rMBP), you'll get a larger screen with cripser text and more processing horsepower with the faster, quad-core processor.

With the MacBook Air (MBA), you'll get a ligher system with more internal storage.

But in the end, the computer you like is going to be the computer that you're going to be happy with. The biggest trade-offs for the rMBP is the slightly larger size and heavier weight. If you don't mind those when you're carrying it around, go for the rMBP.

Whichever way you go, hope you enjoy your new computer!

Reply