Undecided between 2013 rMBP and 2015 MBA

[hibanzai]

I need help figuring this out. I am undecided between the two machines. Normally I would pick the rMBP because it has much better specs: 512 SSD,8GB, upgraded CPU vs the 2015 MBA basic spec (128,4,1.6GHz), but its age is making me hesitant.

I have owned apple products before but not mac computers, and I have noticed that the quality control has been decreasing with time, so I am not sure about the 2013+ models being able to last 5-6 years easy like older macs. But it is well spec'd and I see myself being content with it, as there might not be a reason for me to upgrade if it doesn't fail that is. No applecare either. I really can't afford to fix anything on it, should anything fail. Price is $730.

2015 MBA is a dated product spec wise, but under warranty and not used as much as a 2013 machine. still eligible for applecare. price is $610.

I type a lot. Pages, Word and a dedicated screenwriting software. Browse a lot (preferably on firefox). I open a lot of tabs at times. I open big PDF files. I edit my raw photos with lightroom. I edit 1080 footage from time to time. Nothing extensive, and I don't mind editing in proxy as opposed to in native resolutions. I also encode some media from time to time to make it compatible with my media player.

I am not leaning to either machine, very much undecided. I like the price of the air and I think I am getting a good deal. The price of the rMBP is not bad either, I think. Very much looking for a machine that will last me at least 3 years whilst getting the best deal at the same time. Need to make a decision by tomorrow.

 

[adam9c1]

Hmm.
I would lean towards the rMBP. If you decide at some point you can upgrade the SSD to a larger. It already has 8GB so it's pretty solid (non upgradeable).

I think with used machines it's a hit or miss.

I would inspect both computers physically and factor that into equation.
I'm rockin' a 2010 13" MBP that I paid $120 or so premium over what they were selling for but...
- one owner device
- two tiny scratches
- if not for the oily keyboard you could not tell it's a used machine

EDIT: I think I would go with the 8GB RAM vs 4GB RAM unit.

 

[hibanzai]

I like the rMBP as a laptop far more than the MBA, if they were the same age. it has a 512GB, so that's not too shabby. far better than the 128 in the MBA.

I will perform a diagnostic test and inspect the ports. what else can I do to put my mind at ease with a 3 year old machine?

 

[adam9c1]

Coconut battery app. Check health of battery.

If possible (long shot) take it to Apple Store to run their diag

 

[Samuelsan2001]

The retina MBP is still a better computer with better connections and a far better screen it should be fine for 3 years but any computer can die at any time for any number of reasons.

 

[Fancuku]

I type a lot. Pages, Word and a dedicated screenwriting software. Browse a lot (preferably on firefox). I open a lot of tabs at times. I open big PDF files. I edit my raw photos with lightroom. I edit 1080 footage from time to time. Nothing extensive, and I don't mind editing in proxy as opposed to in native resolutions. I also encode some media from time to time to make it compatible with my media player.

Easy decision then. 2013 rMBP and no looking back.