13" MBA vs 13" rMBP

[Usernameisvalid]

Hi everyone, it has come time for me to invest in Macbook. I'm really looking to pick between a13" MBA i7/256/8 or the rMBP i5/256/8.

I will use it for school but the weight doesn't concern me (it will be in a backpack). Basically I'll do work processing, browsing, the occasional game is mw3 in a windows partion and a little x code. My usage isn't too intensive but I want it to last so I'm concerned about buying a mid cycle macbook air and regretting not getting the iris graphics in the years to come.

Also if I buy a Mac and iPad in the US will it all function fine in Australia apart from the different charger?

Thanks

 

[danimal917]

I recently returned my 2013 13" MBA for the 13" rMBP (i5/256/8). Between the two configurations you're looking at the rMBP is actually $50 cheaper.

Pluses for the MBA:

Better battery life (I was getting about 14 hours on the MBA vs. about 10 on my MBP)
About a half-pound lighter and the tapered design makes it a little more portable.

Pluses for the rMBP:

Faster Processor
Iris Graphics
More ports including thunderbolt 2
Retina Display
Cheaper in your case

For me the decision was a no brainer, the Retina Display IPS panel is just gorgeous, while the MBAs display is very mediocre in comparison. The extra speed is also a nice bonus. The only reason to go with the MBA would be if you want the lightest Mac possible and need more than 9-10 hours of battery life. Just the screen of the rMBP alone makes it worth it IMO.

 

[Tfb]

They're both super capable machines so if you really don't care about the weight then, for me, it would come down to screen versus battery life.

 

[powaking]

I recently bought my wife a 13" rMBP. Let me tell you, the screen is gorgeous. Looking at any other laptop screen is crap. The new rMBP is amazingly thing and light. I'm surprised its only half a pound heavier. Yes you lose out on the increase battery life but really @ 9 hours battery life is pretty amazing as it is.

 

[Black.Infinity]

Go with rMBP.

 

[mattbaar26]

If you go with the air you don't need an i7 for what you said, that might effect your decision as it would be cheaper.

 

[royphoenix]

I've had the Air for 4 months now (i7/512/8) and it is seriously a great laptop. I'm doing reports, diagrams, surfing, a bit of coding, as well as running some Windows VMs. Hasn't missed a beat so far, and the 12 hour battery life is amazing if you're out and about a lot.