Good idea or no

I'd need more info. Is it a 13" MBA? Is the rMBP the base model or does it have any upgrades?

 

Me personally, I wouldnt trade anything I got brand new for something that is used.

 

If you don't need the extra ports or RAM that the rMBP offers, I think that the newer MBA is a better computer.

 

This doesn't seem like a fair trade to me. I would keep the MBA, although it does depend on how important the Retina display is to you.

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Both have the same amount of RAM, 4 GB.

 

That's what I thought, but both MacTracker and everymac are telling me otherwise.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...5-2.6-13-early-2013-retina-display-specs.html

 

Oh, I see that you're right, should have checked first. Makes sense considering the $1,699 starting price the early 2013 had. I have only ever seen the i7 model which also has 8 GB.

 

i think it depends on:
1. how much you bought the MBA for, if you did the bestbuy deal (i was able to pick one up for around $760 after tax) and you are more leaning towards a rmbp then it would be a good trade.

2. if you spent the normal retail price on the MBA then might as well return and get a refurb rMBP from apple store for the same price knowing their quality.

3. if you really trust your trading partner (maybe a close friend?) then it would be similar to getting an certified refurb (i am always skeptical on used products so the only refurb solutions i use are the ones with virtually 0 negative feedbacks like apple refurb)

 

If it had Apple Care still active I would even pay a compensation to the rMBP's owner.

 

Would it actually be of any use to you though? If not, why bother?

 

I think its fair to assume that if he's considering the trade it is worth it to him.