Deciding between two models

[hornmann]

The university I teach at gives us free laptops to use and they're replaced every three years. This is the year for new ones and those of us that are Mac people have two models to pick from:

MacBook Pro w/Retina display, 2.6 dual core, i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash Storage, no internal DVD or network jack, USB network adapter, VGA adapter, 3.5 lbs., 13” screen

Apple MacBook Pro, 2.9 GHz i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, no internal DVD or network port, USB network adapter, VGA adapter, ~4.5 pounds, 13” screen

Most of my colleagues are planning to get the i7 with 500 GB hard drive but I'm thinking the flash drive and Retina display model is a better choice, despite the slightly slower processor. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[yjchua95]

The university I teach at gives us free laptops to use and they're replaced every three years. This is the year for new ones and those of us that are Mac people have two models to pick from:

MacBook Pro w/Retina display, 2.6 dual core, i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash Storage, no internal DVD or network jack, USB network adapter, VGA adapter, 3.5 lbs., 13” screen

Apple MacBook Pro, 2.9 GHz i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, no internal DVD or network port, USB network adapter, VGA adapter, ~4.5 pounds, 13” screen

Most of my colleagues are planning to get the i7 with 500 GB hard drive but I'm thinking the flash drive and Retina display model is a better choice, despite the slightly slower processor. Any input would be appreciated.

I'd go with the first option, because:

1. i7 is a very minuscule improvement if it's a dual core system.
2. The flash will prove to be far faster
3. The retina display is far better.

 

[MacMandy]

i'd go with the first option, because:

1. I7 is a very minuscule improvement if it's a dual core system.
2. The flash will prove to be far faster
3. The retina display is far better.

+1

 

[robertojorge]

I'd go with the first option, because:

1. i7 is a very minuscule improvement if it's a dual core system.
2. The flash will prove to be far faster
3. The retina display is far better.

I would also opt for the first option as mentioned. Specially the SSD and Retina will give you a far better experience.