New Macbook (2015) for college?

Unless you are a "power user" with heavy graphics use I don't think you will notice the new MacBook being "slow" at all. The USB-C port will need an adapter to connect things like a flash drive if you want to do that while you have the MacBook powered by AC power. The adapter is about $79 and should give you the same connection capability of most any computer. If you do consider your Application needs, to require a more powerful processor you should consider the 13" MacBook Pro, which does offer the Force Touch trackpad and also the Retina Display.

My son attends the local university and two years ago, I bought him a MB Air 11". The only time it is plugged in is when he needs to charge it. The new MacBook with retina screen will suit you just fine because the primary needs of a collage student is light weight and small size. Did I mention light weight and small size?

To prove this, I offered to trade him my MacBook Pro Retina which I handed to him as I made the offer. As soon as it was in his grasp, he shoved it back at me with a look of distain due to the amazing difference in weight, size and thickness. The new MacBook is better than the Air because it is lighter, thinner and has a retina screen. Retina screens are a game-changer improvement.

During Apple's keynote introducing the new MacBook, a passing explanation was made about connectively - modern version, that is. To view content a TV, just use AirPlay Display to an Apple TV. Get one of the newest AirPort Extreme Base Stations and attach a USB drive or powered hub. WiFI ac is about as fast transferring over the ancient FireWire. No SD card slot? Well, you don't need that either. Most cameras today have WiFI built-in or Bluetooth. And if your camera is also your iPhone, there is the Photo App and the iCloud for that. Don't need no stinking wires!

Of course as WiseJD replied, if you are a heavy graphics user or even a super video editor, MacBook may not work so well if it is your only machine. If that is case, as is with my son, he also has an iMac back in his room for his video editing and such (but actually uses the Air for most stuff, there as well.) The Air - or as his next machine will be, the new MacBook, is for taking between classes during the day. In fact, sometimes he just uses his iPad with a bluetooth keyboard case around campus.

I have the new 12" macbook, and have been waiting for something "macbook air like" with retina since 2010 when i pic up an 11" MBA.

The new macbook is NOT an iPad with a keyboard. I'm a developer, and have had Eclipse, JBoss, and a VM instance of Linux running at the same time with no issues. Further, i loaded Diablo 3 and it plays fine at native 1440p resolution at low settings.

The so called "professional" reviews you see comparing this to an iPad are incorrect. the same folks assigned to reviewing the new macbook review the iPads, and really don't have any computer skills and can barely use an iPad for crying out loud.

As for the USB-C port, well that may matter for you. I've used a 2010 MBA since 2010 daily, and almost never had the need to use any of the USB slots. If you have a lot going on, constantly plunging in peripherals, it may be an issue, and you may want to consider a desktop if thats the case.

However, there is a standard USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter that's pretty cheap. If you only need something like a flash drive, i picked this up http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sandisk-32gb-usb-type-c-flash-drive-black/6162114.p? id=1219659376699&skuId=6162114

It a 32GB flash drive with USB-C on one side, and legacy USB 3.0 on the other. Makes it great for me to do quick file transfers from my macbook to my iMac.

I'd just like to know if buying the adapter(s) will be a hassle or a non problem?

A hassle.

I would buy a MacBook Pro with a built-in optical SuperDrive. I like having the ability to watch DVDs on the go. It's true, that this MacBook Pro will weigh about 2 pounds more, no big deal to me. Moreover, every possible connector is already there. No adapters!

It really depends on your personal needs. I, for example, have my entire movie library on iTunes and just stream them to the apple TV, Mac, or iPhone/iPad (i don't even download them anymore). If you're one that still has round pieces of plastic with microscopic holes in them (DVD/Blu-Ray disks), legacy technology may be better for you 🙂. I will make one recommendation; if you need all of these peripherals, you may want to consider a desktop computer like an iMac. Laptops are designed to be portable, and you may not be looking for that. Desktops are more static, and hold well for connecting a bunch of stuff to them like DVD/Blu-Ray drives, printers, scanners, and other uncommon wireless technology.