Deciding between 13" MBA or 13" rMBP

[Meister]

If you don't mind me asking; what configuration of the rMBP did you get? I was going to buy off the apple website and get the 256 gb and upgrade the ram to 16 gb for a little future proofing. Also to knock off $100 with the education discount.

Look here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1756865/

 

[uwdude]

I ended up with the 8gb ram and 128 gb flash model. The ram you can't upgrade so I didn't want to get stuck with 4gb, but the storage, I can always insert a memory card or get an external drive if I really need storage, but with the new icloud photo storage coming, and streaming everything from iTunes, I really don't see the need to store my iTunes library and photos all locally.

 

[Abstract]

I'd get the 13" rMBP or 11" MBA.

I find the 13" MBA to not have enough benefits, either in terms of battery life, or portability.

I suppose if you make a living from typing, then definitely get the 13" MBA. It's the best over-spec'ed typewriter in the industry, and battery life may be important.

I like the 11" MBA myself (I have one), but it's missing an SD card slot, which can be a dealbreaker for some.

 

[ChrisHemphill]

I'm stilling thinking of getting an older MBP though because I like the fact that I can fix it myself. Its just like to tinkerer in me I guess. Maybe like a 2011 or 2012 model. Honestly the retina screen doesn't really matter to me.

 

[jimboutilier]

I'd get the 13" rMBP or 11" MBA.

I find the 13" MBA to not have enough benefits, either in terms of battery life, or portability.

I suppose if you make a living from typing, then definitely get the 13" MBA. It's the best over-spec'ed typewriter in the industry, and battery life may be important.

I like the 11" MBA myself (I have one), but it's missing an SD card slot, which can be a dealbreaker for some.

I feel the same way. I'm thinking of replacing my 11" MBA and after looking closely across the current lineup my choices are a new 11" MBA or a new 13" RMBP. Although if Apple comes out with a new 12" MBA Retina with decent battery life and ports that would be tempting as well.