Maxed-out 13 Air or Entry-level rMBP (need prompt help, thanks!)

Ok, here goes: I'm a heavy internet user. I run a blog that often requires me to load (simultaneously) 20-25 tabs at once. I also use Photoshop from time to time to edit images, etc.. I have a formidable Asus UX31E that I like quite a bit, but I've been itching to give Apple a try for a while now.

Here's the thing: Apple products cost 100% (!!!) more in my country than they do in the US/Canada. Yes, that's x2.

Here's the other thing: My father is traveling to Thailand on 5/5/13. This presents an oppurtunity to buy not only an iPad Mini (decided not to hold on this one), but also an Apple laptop.

However, looking at MacRumors Buyer Guide it says:

• Retina MacBook Pro - Neutral
• Macbook Air - Buy only if you need

So that pretty much scractches the air off...?

With the rMBP my concerns are as follows:

1. Rumors about bad screens? note that I will get very limited warranty in my country (despite Apple's international warranty) if my rMBP turns to be broken or something.

2. Neutral buy already? I wonder if this due to problematic hardware.

Update: 3. Is the most of the web optimized for Retina? I'd hate to have my "web" exprience "runied" just because the retina display is overly awesome...perhaps wait a year or two until we're a bit more ready..?

Considering the diffrence in price, should I go for a proven maxed out Air model ($100 more) , or swing the fences with the current 13'' rMBP?



OR - Hold out until newer models are rolled, and take the risk of nobody around me going abroad (and willing to buy it for me)..?

Note: the title and original post have been edited to better represent my dillemma.

garybUK said:

Blogging isn't real work, if you need a glorified browser why not look at a Chromebook?

The only 'Retina' optimisation is done by the Browser, Safari renders text for Retina, I don't use Chrome or other browsers so can't comment. It's only images you really noticed that are blurry or pixelated sometimes.

For your needs sounds like the Air is more than enough, if you need it BUY it, if not wait.

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Thanks. It's not only a matter of need but also a matter of want, so the rMBP is on my hotlist for that reason. I know a Macbook Air is probably enough, but I'm thinking:

1. More than enough
2. Beautiful screen
3. enough in 2 years

Again, what's holding me back right now are reports of faulty screens and the fact the web might look "ugly".

Retina certainly is an awesone screen, I have the 15" and the Intel Gfx is certainly the weak point, i'd wait out for haswell if you are looking at the 13" Retina.

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Yep, I'm only considering the 13''...haswell...?

And again: I'm not sure when is the next time I or any of my friends/relatives are going to be abroad to buy this for me.

splitpea said:

Doesn't sound like your photoshop work is heavy. The air is probably sufficient and will be for quite some time (although you might want to invest in 8GB RAM if you intend for it to last 3+ years).

If I had to buy this week, I'd probably go for the air. Especially given that if you get a bad rMBP you might have issues with return or replacement (not sure how that works internationally.) (The "don't buy" recommendation just means a refresh is expected soon, so wait if you can afford to. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the current models or even that they're badly out of date.)

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Actually, my Asus UX31E does a bit better than the Air in benchmark testing, so I'm not sure it will be sufficient as you guys are suggesting. I'd rather get an overkill and have maneuvering room than get something good enough that won't do with tomorrow's browsers/performance requirements. I am aware of the buyer's guide definitions, but it still sucks to buy something only to discover a better model is out by the time you're unboxing it

Hour situation? can you explain please?

And a non-retina MacBook is out of question, it's not portable enough for me. It's either an a 13'' rMBP or 13'' Air. Right now it seems right to avoid both?

Is Apple still selling them rMBPs with LG screens? anyone know?

I guess I'm just going to take the bite and buy the 13 rMBP.

Thanks people! I'm very close into making a decision. Is it safe to assume Apple got their faulty LG units out of the stores? I mean the Feb. 2013 patch is going relatively smooth right now isn't it?

Cheers,
S.K.

Ok boys, we got an Apple convert here! The retina will be in my possession in 20 days. Any must knows for a savvy Windows user? I'm assuming that learning the keyboard settings alone is going to be a nightmare.

What about warranty policies? How does that work with Apple? What is covered and not covered with AppleCare? (Which I'm def. getting)

Oh: and the mouse - the Apple mouse: people either love it, or hate it. Should I buy it?

designs216 said:

I say pull the trigger on the 13" Air and don't look back. There's no need to pay the retina premium and possibly buy trouble in the bargain. The product line refresh isn't likely to bring anything that will make this machine better for your purposes other than a price break for the '12 model. Just remember to get a decent size drive and max out the RAM.

Oops. Didn't see that your dilemma was resolved til I hit Save.

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Actually, it isn't quite resolved. I'm now contemplating a maxed-out 13'' Air with the i7 and 8GB RAM instead of the Retina's base model. I have about a week more to make up my mind since my father is traveling to Thailand.

It would be nice to have a Retina display, but for $100 more, the i7 8GB RAM Air is: a) a stronger machine? b) a more reliable purchase at this point in time c) more portable.

So the only argument left for the Retina is...a retina display? The device itself isn't any faster than the maxed out Air, it seems. Other than this and "future-proofing", i dont see any pros of getting a Retina. Am I missing something?

I have now updated the thread title and the original post's content to reflect my new dillemma, please chime in folks!