Macbook Pro or Macbook Air for a college student?

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Macbook Pro or Macbook Air for a college student?

Hi, I'm a typical college student and I will most likely use my macbook everyday at school (I'm a commuter btw). My major consist of basic classes, such as english, math, science, psychology, ect. I am NOT an arts major. I want a laptop that could last for at least throughout my college years (I'm a freshman in college), so at least 3-4 years? The Macbooks I'm debating on getting is the MacBook Pro13.3" 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive OR the MacBook Air 13.3" 4GB Memory 128GB Flash Storage.

I will most likely use it:

-To take notes everyday in classes

-For Microsoft office programs (word, excel, powerpoint)

-Online homework/Research

-Surfing the web

-Social networking (like facebook, twitter)

-Skype/Webcam (maybe 2-3 times a week or less)

-Watching videos online (netflix, youtube)

-and MAYBE just one game. (most likely not though...)

Which laptop is better for me? Macbook pro 13" or macbook air 13"? Is the macbook pro difficult to carry around in your backpack everyday?

MacBook

Posted on Jan 26, 2013 11:48 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 26, 2013 12:23 PM in response to Zeeeyah

The Macbook pro (non retna) would be my suggestion. You can upgrade the ram and hard drive at a later point as well. I used a MacBook Pro for college and it was more than sufficient to get me by (I was a Business Management major). The difference in weight is very nominal (1.5 lbs approximately). I would advise against stuffing any Mac notebook in a backpack that is filled tight with books as it may put pressure on the screen while it is closed and damage it. Get a messenger bag seperate for the mac to carry it in.

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Answer 2

Feb 7, 2013 4:25 PM in response to Zeeeyah

I would suggest going with the Air. I purchased my MacBook Pro before the retina was released so my MacBook weighs 4.5 pounds. I have one professor that does not allow electronic devices in his class, he also requires the book to come to class EVERY day. I have another class that an ebook is not an option. On the days I have to carry those books and my 4.5 pound MacBook Pro, my back is killing me (I never leave home without my iPad, it's in my backpack also). When I was at community college, the weight didn't bother me (less travel distance between classes at community college). I am at a university now and the campus is much bigger. I am looking to purchase a MacBook Air simply because its lighter than my MacBook Pro. As soon as I can convince my husband, my back will not hurt because of 4.5 pounds. I can't speak on how the 3.57 pound retina display will feel.

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Answer 3

Feb 7, 2013 4:27 PM in response to Zeeeyah

Your uses don't warrant the more powerful, more expensive MacBook Pro. The Air will work just fine.

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