Is the new MBA enough?

[Kristers]

Hi guys

Sorry to post up something that has been asked over and over but I'm after some more straight forward (less technical) advice that I haven't been able to find.

My dilemma is: do I purchase the new MBA 13" i7 / 8gb / 512gb or RMBP i7 / 512

I don't specifically need a huge battery life nor the retina screen so will consider either to be a bonus in my final decision. My concern is whether the MBA will be able to handle casual video / photo editing - I like photography and would also like to be able to link up some gopro footage but nothing too serious - everything else will be general Internet use.

Will the new MBA be enough for this or would the RMBP be the better option?

Thanks!

 

[osofast240sx]

Hi guys

Sorry to post up something that has been asked over and over but I'm after some more straight forward (less technical) advice that I haven't been able to find.

My dilemma is: do I purchase the new MBA 13" i7 / 8gb / 512gb or RMBP i7 / 512

I don't specifically need a huge battery life nor the retina screen so will consider either to be a bonus in my final decision. My concern is whether the MBA will be able to handle casual video / photo editing - I like photography and would also like to be able to link up some gopro footage but nothing too serious - everything else will be general Internet use.

Will the new MBA be enough for this or would the RMBP be the better option?

Thanks!

What's the price difference? I would wait for the new rMBP we may see a slight price drop.

 

[Kristers]

What's the price difference? I would wait for the new rMBP we may see a slight price drop.

The RMBP is about USD240 more at that configuration. I was waiting till WWDC to see whether there would be a new RMBP but I can't really wait any longer. I am travelling without a laptop so looking to get something asap, thanks

 

[entatlrg]

rMBP, the screen is stunning, you'll appreciate it every day, great for editing photo's too!

 

[sick z33]

The Retina display is amazing and I think you would love it more with photo editing. Do it!

 

[designs216]

If you had said pro photography, video or retouching, the retina premium would be justifiable. For occasional shade-tree stuff, just get the Air you mentioned.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

My air from 2011 can do that sort of stuff, just make sure you get a large enough hard drive.

And personally, I prefer the non-retina non-glassy screen.

 

[osofast240sx]

The RMBP is about USD240 more at that configuration. I was waiting till WWDC to see whether there would be a new RMBP but I can't really wait any longer. I am travelling without a laptop so looking to get something asap, thanks

wait it out as Long as u can, then u still have 14 or 30 to return from that point.

 

[Kristers]

Thanks for the replies! I get the feeling that retina is a "once you go retina, you'll never go back" sort of affair. I think the RMBP may be the better option but I can't help feeling like if I get a RMBP, I will regret not waiting once the haswell version is released.

I guess the MBA would be a scapegoat for that somehow.. Either way, I am keen to order in the next day or two so I guess I need to bite the bullet and commit to one!

 

[merkinmuffley]

Get rmbp, you won't have to worry. If you can wait a bit, hang on until we see what they do with them.

 

[kis]

Hi guys

Sorry to post up something that has been asked over and over but I'm after some more straight forward (less technical) advice that I haven't been able to find.

My dilemma is: do I purchase the new MBA 13" i7 / 8gb / 512gb or RMBP i7 / 512

I don't specifically need a huge battery life nor the retina screen so will consider either to be a bonus in my final decision. My concern is whether the MBA will be able to handle casual video / photo editing - I like photography and would also like to be able to link up some gopro footage but nothing too serious - everything else will be general Internet use.

Will the new MBA be enough for this or would the RMBP be the better option?

Thanks!

ok, the problem here is: if you go Retina, you'll need to get the 15" version. I just went back from a 13" rMBP (got a defective unit, couldn't exchange it - long story) to a MBA and the latter feels massively faster than the 13" rMBP. If the 15" (which is much faster than the 13" - I also have a 15" rMBP that I use at home as my desktop replacement) is too heavy for you, I'd suggest waiting until a refresh comes out for the smaller version. The current one doesn't pack enough processing power to drive the high-res screen and it shows all over the system.

 

[sick z33]

ok, the problem here is: if you go Retina, you'll need to get the 15" version. I just went back from a 13" rMBP (got a defective unit, couldn't exchange it - long story) to a MBA and the latter feels massively faster than the 13" rMBP. If the 15" (which is much faster than the 13" - I also have a 15" rMBP that I use at home as my desktop replacement) is too heavy for you, I'd suggest waiting until a refresh comes out for the smaller version. The current one doesn't pack enough processing power to drive the high-res screen and it shows all over the system.

I agree with kis. This really affects gaming on the rMBP on native resolution (if you will playing any games).

 

[jmcube]

Does the MBA have enough power to:

Run a big screen
Run skype video
Run ~20 tab browser
Run pages
Run keynote
Run a few other processes...

all at the same time?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Kristers]

Thanks for all your replies! As appealing as the 15" retina is, as I'm travelling, I want to stick to a 13" unit. Having read up some more and with your advice, I think I will get the new MBA! It doesnt make sense to buy the rMBP so close to an upgrade and the MBA should be good enough for what I need plus I won't be feeling disappointed in a few months when the new rMBP is released. Maybe I can look to upgrade further down the line if I really find it necessary.

If anyone has any game changing comments, please say now before I pull the trigger!

 

[kis]

Does the MBA have enough power to:

Run a big screen
Run skype video
Run ~20 tab browser
Run pages
Run keynote
Run a few other processes...

all at the same time?

Thanks,
Jon

I'd say that shouldn't be a problem

----------

Thanks for all your replies! As appealing as the 15" retina is, as I'm travelling, I want to stick to a 13" unit. Having read up some more and with your advice, I think I will get the new MBA! It doesnt make sense to buy the rMBP so close to an upgrade and the MBA should be good enough for what I need plus I won't be feeling disappointed in a few months when the new rMBP is released. Maybe I can look to upgrade further down the line if I really find it necessary.

If anyone has any game changing comments, please say now before I pull the trigger!

I believe you made the right decision - buying a 13" rMBP right now isn't a good investment (unless you find it with a serious discount - and even then you'll be buying a system that is barely strong enough to power its display).