First Macbook, need input.

[Meitou]

Hey guys, I'm going to start my first year of college next month. I'm going to be a Computer Science major so I'm looking towards a Macbook Pro, but I can't decide which one I should get. I'm looking at a Macbook air or Macbook pro 13 inch but wasn't sure what specs I should get. And is it worth the extra money to get the 15 inch?

 

[MrAnthonySutton]

Hey guys, I'm going to start my first year of college next month. I'm going to be a Computer Science major so I'm looking towards a Macbook Pro, but I can't decide which one I should get. I'm looking at a Macbook air or Macbook pro 13 inch but wasn't sure what specs I should get. And is it worth the extra money to get the 15 inch?

I would suggest the 15 inch because of the quad core vs the dual core processor. Plus, you never know you may need the extra speed to process your programs.

 

[mrorph]

I would suggest the 15 inch because of the quad core vs the dual core processor. Plus, you never know you may need the extra speed to process your programs.

+1 on the 15 inch MBP. I have had one for almost 3 years now. I also have a 13 inch MacBook Air and the Pro is the one with the power for programming.

 

[tdhurst]

Remember weight...

I previously had a MBP 13" and a monitor, which was great.

In college, I lugged around a 12" iBook, 17" Powerbook, 15" Powerbook and 12" Powerbook (not all at once, and my job with Apple helped tremendously in buying those last three).

I found that the 17" was totally unnecessary.

The 15" felt like overkill, but it was cool to be able to play games on it.

The 12" was my favorite, but the most intensive programs I run are the iLife apps.

If you wear a backpack, the 15" won't be too much, but with a saddlebag, it's gets heavy quick (plus textbooks).

If you're worried, get the 15" with extra ram (8 is likely enough for now, 16 will come down in price way before your computer feels outdated).

 

[Bilalo]

If you play games 15 for sure, it is wayy worth it, and i think you should wait, in a month i assume 13" retina will come out.

 

[thasan]

i dont think u will need 15 inch unless u r handling really really big database or playing games or doing 3D graphics/modelling/rendering.
13inch macbook pro has more than enough power to handle undergrad stuffs imo.
if u were doing mechanical engineering, i would have suggested 15inch MBP.

for ur school work, 13 inch MBP or if u want light, air.

max out the ram (8 GB...must, 16 GB...if possible) and choose ssd size wisely.
good luck

Hey guys, I'm going to start my first year of college next month. I'm going to be a Computer Science major so I'm looking towards a Macbook Pro, but I can't decide which one I should get. I'm looking at a Macbook air or Macbook pro 13 inch but wasn't sure what specs I should get. And is it worth the extra money to get the 15 inch?

 

[Meitou]

I'm going to install the ram and SSD myself later on in order to save money.
I'm interested in buying the 15 inch MBP, but it's 600 dollars more than the 13 inch. Also, is it better to buy it from the applestore or from amazon? And is there a way to trade in the useless $100 dollar app store card for money or credit?

 

[thasan]

I'm going to install the ram and SSD myself later on in order to save money.
I'm interested in buying the 15 inch MBP, but it's 600 dollars more than the 13 inch. Also, is it better to buy it from the applestore or from amazon? And is there a way to trade in the useless $100 dollar app store card for money or credit?

applestore is better IMO, easier to deal with.

u need that to buy apps and maybe future upgrades, at least, office suit unless u r using free ones.

if its 8 GB u r after, you may not save much (havent checked the prices in crucial lately). ssd installation, not sure whether it breaches warranty. please check it with the nearest apple store/web.

and btw: i thought 15inch retina has a soldered ram?

 

[Meitou]

It does have soldered on parts, we were talking about the 15' macbookpro. It is 100 dollars to get 8gb of ram. I can spend the same price for 16gb.