i'd stay away from the 13 foot models and go for the 13 inch ones instead
But, they probably have amazing resolution!!!!
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13' MBA or 13'MBP for a college student
- Thread starter blugrn6
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But, they probably have amazing resolution!!!!
That's a tough call in your case. Some of us have the decisions made already by our needs, but i think either would serve you reasonably well.
I'm intrigued by palpatine's suggestion as well (iPad), although all of the forum links are busted, and assuming this would be your only computer while at campus, I'd tend to shy away from an iPad as your only computing device.
If you go with the Air, I'd suggest going all out on RAM, no matter which one you buy. I'd be most inclined to buy the 13" base model with the 128GB SSD, knowing that you can always upgrade the SSD later at more reasonable prices if you need to, as I think the $300 premium to go from 128gb -> 256GB on a med-range Apple branded SSD is just insane. That's the most flexible Air config that I see - I just don't see that much of a size difference from the 11", while the resolution bump to the 13" would be worthwhile, at least to me. I personally wouldn't bother with the CPU upgrades, unless you've got $ burning a hole in your pocket.
On the MBP 13", I'd go with the base model, for your use, with no options - you can always add extra RAM for $50 on your own, and go to a larger or faster HD or SSD for much less, while 320GB is likely 'enough' storage for your first/next year at the very least.
You won't really be doing much LAN gaming parties with either system with integrated graphics, but either would be a great general purpose student system, with a nod to portability on the Air, and expansion on the Pro. If you know you've got a *need* for more RAM, storage, gigabit ethernet, or firewire the pro is the only way to go, but I think either would work well for you from what you've said.
I'm intrigued by palpatine's suggestion as well (iPad), although all of the forum links are busted, and assuming this would be your only computer while at campus, I'd tend to shy away from an iPad as your only computing device.
If you go with the Air, I'd suggest going all out on RAM, no matter which one you buy. I'd be most inclined to buy the 13" base model with the 128GB SSD, knowing that you can always upgrade the SSD later at more reasonable prices if you need to, as I think the $300 premium to go from 128gb -> 256GB on a med-range Apple branded SSD is just insane. That's the most flexible Air config that I see - I just don't see that much of a size difference from the 11", while the resolution bump to the 13" would be worthwhile, at least to me. I personally wouldn't bother with the CPU upgrades, unless you've got $ burning a hole in your pocket.
On the MBP 13", I'd go with the base model, for your use, with no options - you can always add extra RAM for $50 on your own, and go to a larger or faster HD or SSD for much less, while 320GB is likely 'enough' storage for your first/next year at the very least.
You won't really be doing much LAN gaming parties with either system with integrated graphics, but either would be a great general purpose student system, with a nod to portability on the Air, and expansion on the Pro. If you know you've got a *need* for more RAM, storage, gigabit ethernet, or firewire the pro is the only way to go, but I think either would work well for you from what you've said.
You pretty much answered yourself. Apple just threw you a curveball with the Air and is making you so confused that you will end up with neither.
I'm kidding.
I was in the same predicament as you 6 months ago and decided to just go with the Macbook Pro 13" because it will be my only and main CPU for at least the next 2 years.
I also go to college and do the same things you do. The thing that made me change my mind from the Air was the fact that I could upgrade the harddrive, memory and add an SSD when I had the dough.
Even though the resolution is better on the 13" Air, I used the money I saved (along with student discount) to get a Incase sleeve, hardshell case, 22" external monitor and upgrades (500 GB internal HD and 8 GB memory).
Here's a more thorough review for you. LINK
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Depends... will you be using any software that could be cpu demanding?
Such as photoshop, adobe products, games, video editing, etc.
If so, get the MBP, you can also upgrade it to a SSD which makes it 2-3x faster than the MBA's SSD. You can also upgrade the ram to 8GB, unlike the MBA.
If the size really matters to you, get the MBA.
Such as photoshop, adobe products, games, video editing, etc.
If so, get the MBP, you can also upgrade it to a SSD which makes it 2-3x faster than the MBA's SSD. You can also upgrade the ram to 8GB, unlike the MBA.
If the size really matters to you, get the MBA.
my links were broken. *sigh* i need to become internet literate. it's probably for the best. i was too wordy anyhow
basically, it comes down to what you are doing. if you are going to campus to read, take notes, write and revise drafts of papers, surf the net, or write emails, then the iPad is a fabulous content consumption and creation device. i think it is great if paired with the mbp (or some other computer) at home.
1. digitize everything (office quality scanner, digital camera + tripod, scansnap)
2. use ipad + bluetooth keyboard + incase origami workstation
why bother? well, you'll pay about half the price of an mba for something that can do everything i said with about 1.5x the battery life (one of those little portable batteries will extend this several hours, and it can also power all of your other stuff too--i bring that for international flights), about the same weight (including keyboard), the ability to function as a great e-reader (this is why you digitize everything), and it is quite liberating to have a room free of paper or books (i am on my way there with the library i have amassed over the years).
i use my mbp at home to do mass searches of scanned materials (have to do ocr to make this work) or do final formatting on papers (footnotes and so forth). basically, i've managed to reduce my bag to a tiny murse (man purse) and i actually seem to be more productive.
basically, it comes down to what you are doing. if you are going to campus to read, take notes, write and revise drafts of papers, surf the net, or write emails, then the iPad is a fabulous content consumption and creation device. i think it is great if paired with the mbp (or some other computer) at home.
1. digitize everything (office quality scanner, digital camera + tripod, scansnap)
2. use ipad + bluetooth keyboard + incase origami workstation
why bother? well, you'll pay about half the price of an mba for something that can do everything i said with about 1.5x the battery life (one of those little portable batteries will extend this several hours, and it can also power all of your other stuff too--i bring that for international flights), about the same weight (including keyboard), the ability to function as a great e-reader (this is why you digitize everything), and it is quite liberating to have a room free of paper or books (i am on my way there with the library i have amassed over the years).
i use my mbp at home to do mass searches of scanned materials (have to do ocr to make this work) or do final formatting on papers (footnotes and so forth). basically, i've managed to reduce my bag to a tiny murse (man purse) and i actually seem to be more productive.
My decision
Firstly, I really want to thank ALL the people that posted their suggestions in regards to my dilemma. It was really helpful and I finally decided that I will get the 13' Macbook Pro upgraded to an SSD. It wasn't that I loved the MBA's portability, sexy design, and very competitive processor equipped with an SSD, I just wanted the peace of mind that I had the processor power and ports in case I need it. I'm going to be in college, and though my nimble mind is set on pursuing a Biology major, there can be a major change down the road. Who knows what will happen. For all I know, I could fall in love with photography or architecture and just GO for them. The battery life of the MBP (according to anandtech) was superior than an MBA, and I believe that with the power saving capabilites of the SSD's (combined with the MBP's greater watt hour battery), it will be a significant change. And in the end, I'd like my computer to be sans-magsafe throughout the day because, knowing me, I'm bound to forget it in a class lol. Further, after going to the apple store (several times lol) and trying out both of the computers, I realized that the MBP is still a sleek and light machine. Sure, the Air is extra-light, but I realized that the weight difference (at least IMO) was not significant ENOUGH for the processor power sacrifice. So, if it looks like I picked the MBP over the MBA because of my fear of the unknown, you're exactly right. I wanted to sleep knowing that I have a screaming computer ready for the unexpected changes down the road. As shakespeare said, "Conscience makes cowards of us all".
P.S. I'll try my best to post a follow up 3 months down the road regarding my choice. I don't think I'll be dissapointed but we'll see.
Firstly, I really want to thank ALL the people that posted their suggestions in regards to my dilemma. It was really helpful and I finally decided that I will get the 13' Macbook Pro upgraded to an SSD. It wasn't that I loved the MBA's portability, sexy design, and very competitive processor equipped with an SSD, I just wanted the peace of mind that I had the processor power and ports in case I need it. I'm going to be in college, and though my nimble mind is set on pursuing a Biology major, there can be a major change down the road. Who knows what will happen. For all I know, I could fall in love with photography or architecture and just GO for them. The battery life of the MBP (according to anandtech) was superior than an MBA, and I believe that with the power saving capabilites of the SSD's (combined with the MBP's greater watt hour battery), it will be a significant change. And in the end, I'd like my computer to be sans-magsafe throughout the day because, knowing me, I'm bound to forget it in a class lol. Further, after going to the apple store (several times lol) and trying out both of the computers, I realized that the MBP is still a sleek and light machine. Sure, the Air is extra-light, but I realized that the weight difference (at least IMO) was not significant ENOUGH for the processor power sacrifice. So, if it looks like I picked the MBP over the MBA because of my fear of the unknown, you're exactly right. I wanted to sleep knowing that I have a screaming computer ready for the unexpected changes down the road. As shakespeare said, "Conscience makes cowards of us all".
P.S. I'll try my best to post a follow up 3 months down the road regarding my choice. I don't think I'll be dissapointed but we'll see.
Firstly, I really want to thank ALL the people that posted their suggestions in regards to my dilemma. It was really helpful and I finally decided that I will get the 13' Macbook Pro upgraded to an SSD. It wasn't that I loved the MBA's portability, sexy design, and very competitive processor equipped with an SSD, I just wanted the peace of mind that I had the processor power and ports in case I need it. I'm going to be in college, and though my nimble mind is set on pursuing a Biology major, there can be a major change down the road. Who knows what will happen. For all I know, I could fall in love with photography or architecture and just GO for them. The battery life of the MBP (according to anandtech) was superior than an MBA, and I believe that with the power saving capabilites of the SSD's (combined with the MBP's greater watt hour battery), it will be a significant change. And in the end, I'd like my computer to be sans-magsafe throughout the day because, knowing me, I'm bound to forget it in a class lol. Further, after going to the apple store (several times lol) and trying out both of the computers, I realized that the MBP is still a sleek and light machine. Sure, the Air is extra-light, but I realized that the weight difference (at least IMO) was not significant ENOUGH for the processor power sacrifice. So, if it looks like I picked the MBP over the MBA because of my fear of the unknown, you're exactly right. I wanted to sleep knowing that I have a screaming computer ready for the unexpected changes down the road. As shakespeare said, "Conscience makes cowards of us all".
P.S. I'll try my best to post a follow up 3 months down the road regarding my choice. I don't think I'll be dissapointed but we'll see.
Good deal.
You went with the logical, rational choice: The MBP. (In regards to your situation)
Firstly, I really want to thank ALL the people that posted their suggestions in regards to my dilemma. It was really helpful and I finally decided that I will get the 13' Macbook Pro upgraded to an SSD. It wasn't that I loved the MBA's portability, sexy design, and very competitive processor equipped with an SSD, I just wanted the peace of mind that I had the processor power and ports in case I need it. I'm going to be in college, and though my nimble mind is set on pursuing a Biology major, there can be a major change down the road. Who knows what will happen. For all I know, I could fall in love with photography or architecture and just GO for them. The battery life of the MBP (according to anandtech) was superior than an MBA, and I believe that with the power saving capabilites of the SSD's (combined with the MBP's greater watt hour battery), it will be a significant change. And in the end, I'd like my computer to be sans-magsafe throughout the day because, knowing me, I'm bound to forget it in a class lol. Further, after going to the apple store (several times lol) and trying out both of the computers, I realized that the MBP is still a sleek and light machine. Sure, the Air is extra-light, but I realized that the weight difference (at least IMO) was not significant ENOUGH for the processor power sacrifice. So, if it looks like I picked the MBP over the MBA because of my fear of the unknown, you're exactly right. I wanted to sleep knowing that I have a screaming computer ready for the unexpected changes down the road. As shakespeare said, "Conscience makes cowards of us all".
P.S. I'll try my best to post a follow up 3 months down the road regarding my choice. I don't think I'll be dissapointed but we'll see.
Congrats on your decision! I, too, went back and forth between both the MBA & MBP. I went with the 13" MBP because I felt it just fit my needs better and I am super happy with it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Enjoy!
The pro will probably last you longer, because it can be upgraded to much higher specs, at any time.
You can upgrade to up to 8 gigs of ram at anytime. The Air is locked at 2GB or 4GB
You can get up to a 750 GB HD, or a 256 GB SSD, and if you don't need the optical drive, you can have both at the same time. The size of the HDD, and the speed of the SSD all in your Macbook Pro.
Also to note, the 13' MBP is very portable. You'd be surprised how small and perfectly sized it is, for such a powerful computer. It may not be as thin as the Air, but it's definitely easy to carry.
You can upgrade to up to 8 gigs of ram at anytime. The Air is locked at 2GB or 4GB
You can get up to a 750 GB HD, or a 256 GB SSD, and if you don't need the optical drive, you can have both at the same time. The size of the HDD, and the speed of the SSD all in your Macbook Pro.
Also to note, the 13' MBP is very portable. You'd be surprised how small and perfectly sized it is, for such a powerful computer. It may not be as thin as the Air, but it's definitely easy to carry.
Although I agree with the rest of your post, this point doesn't make sense.
If he never uses more than 4 gigs of RAM for his applications, then it wouldn't matter if he got an Air, Pro, iMac, or Mac Pro.
In concept, what you're saying might be true, however in real life, that statement doesn't really make sense.
You could say "what if he needs more? What if his applications start taking up more space?"
I can run 3 browsers with 8 tabs in each, an HD 720p movie, Excel, and have Parallels running Windows 7 open. All at one time. That was on my 06 black Macbook.
If he isn'tdoing that in 3/4/5 years, he should be fine.
Based on your usage, you don't even need to future proof your computer. The air will last at least last you through college. If you want the air, get it. Especially since you will spend another couple hundred bucks upgrading to SSD in the pro.
You do know future proofing means getting something that will last you... well for as long as you want it? Technically that applies to everyone here. That's what we all want to do.
Not to rant and derail or anything, I think that term has trickled down into the consumer level and it honestly shouldn't be here.
People go around telling others to "future proof because you don't know" when in reality, people aren't ever going to go over 4 gigs of RAM. C2D machines are more than enough for 80 percent of the people here.
Just throwing that out there. If they are asking questions about clock speed; heck, any tech related questions at all, they DO NOT need to know about future proofing as they WILL NOT need that hardware.