MacBook Pro 13" Retina or MacBook Air?
I've been using Windows laptops since day one and I really feel as though Apple is the way forward. I'm sick of slow computing and I'm really not into Windows 8. (Currently using an Acer Aspire 7741G running Windows 7)
I'm thinking of buying a MacBook to use for when I go to university in September. I was wondering which model would be the most suited for me. I've heard mixed reviews, some say that the pro and air are basically the same just different external appearance and that the air is better value. I've also heard that from working distance you can't really differentiate between the retina and standard resolution screens unless you are to look closer. I intend to use my MacBook for:-
- Office software - i.e. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Adobe Photoshop (for my photography work)
- Surfing the internet - the usual Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Email etc.
- Music / iTunes including movies, apps etc. I have quite a large library at the moment
- Portability. For example taking with me to lectures/friends' houses and field trips.
- iPhoto, GarageBand and iMovie
- Watching DVDs / Burning CDs therefore I have been considering purchasing the Apple USB SuperDrive plus an external hard drive to hold all my docs etc.
- Needs to last at least 3-4 yrs
- A decent battery life. I don't want something that will die on me in the middle of a lecture.
- A smooth running computer/responsive.
I'd also be very grateful if you have any tips to do with the MacBook.
Thanks
Comments
Definitly the MacBook Air since you wan't portability and that your not gonna use it for heavy tasks such as rendering high definition videos with After Effects or Premier Pro and stuff. If your just gonna use Microsoft Office, iLife and browsing, the Air would do just fine and the new model of MacBook Air 11 inch has 9 hours of battery life while the 13 inch model has 12 hours of battery life for iTunes movie playbacks which means not gonna run out of battery in the middle of a lecture. It's fast and responsive with fourth generation Intel Core and Flash storage which will also be enough for Photoshop. It's cheaper than the Pro Retina as well. Some tips from me is... I prefer using iWork instead of Microsoft Office since i have an iPhone and an iPad which i can syncronize my work through iCloud and work on different platforms while updating it on others.
Sick of slow computing? Stop buying cheap crappy i3 laptops and buy a decent laptop with i7 and a good graphics card.
Those who complain that Windows is 'slow' buy cheap laptops and expect them to be superior, then they spend 4x more on a Macbook and wonder how it is so fast...
I have various friends who have high-end windows PC's and they're faster than any Mac I've been on. I once considered Mac too, however after trying out Macs at my school I quickly decided that I hated them.
I recently had the same problem! The way I saw it was that I only planned on using my MacBook for research, notes, etc. Then my friends told me the MacBook Pro is really only designed for faster programming (video games), playing CD's, and better for video editing.
Basically what I'm trying to say, you should definitely go for the MacBook Air. It's much lighter, it fits all your college needs, and it's insanely fast compared to Windows. And I'm speaking from first hand experience!!
Also, don't forget to get a keyboard cover as well as a screen protector, the computer cover, and a case to carry your MacBook in!