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New Macbook vs. Macbook Pro (Retina) vs. Air

I'm looking to upgrade my laptop from a 2008 Macbook to a laptop that will last me as long as this one has...The problem is that this computer has become extremely slow when performing day-to-day tasks like surfing the internet.


I've done some research and I've narrowed it down to 3 models and was looking for some input on how some of the differences in RAM and CPU speed would affect my day-to-day activities.


I'm a health professions student so I use my computer mostly for note-taking, web-surfing, streaming music and Netflix, etc. Most of the things that normal college students will do. I don't play any games on my laptop nor do I use any video or photo editing software at the moment. That should give you an idea of my typical use.


My 3 candidates are:


12-inch Macbook (1.1 GHz dual-core M, 8GB ram, 256 GB SSD)

13-inch Macbook Pro w/ Retina (2.7 GHz i5, 8 GB ram, 256 SSD)

13-inch Macbook Air (1.6 GHz i5, 8 GB ram, 256 SSD)


Ideally I would like a Retina display so that may be the deciding factor along with a 13-inch screen. I will have to see the new Macbook in person when it comes out.


How do you see the different specs affecting day-to-day use over the next 5 years or so?

Posted on Apr 5, 2015 11:36 AM

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9 replies

Apr 6, 2015 5:03 AM in response to Wild_Bill1234

Depends on what you need/ want in the notebook.


The specifications of the Macbook Pro are definitely better.

However, I value extreme portability- having a computer with me, even if not as much of a powerhouse, beats NOT having a computer because it is too heavy/ difficult to transport.


For what I do (spreadsheets, word processing, wed usage) having the extra horsepower does not matter anyway.

The USB-C connector will be a stumbling block for the next year or so- but then I do not anticipate any problems. I plan on getting an adaptor meanwhile...


Hope this helps...

New Macbook vs. Macbook Pro (Retina) vs. Air

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