Is this Macbook pro (2.7GHz, 256GB) okay for grad school?

[middlenorth]

I know this isn't the best time to get a MBP, but I desperately need one when I move out and start grad school this week.

It seems that all of the laptops with higher processors are sold out for the next two weeks.

Here are my two options (excluding Apple Care and Tax):

1) 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
• 2.7GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
• 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM
• 256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
$1,679.00

2) 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
• 2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
• 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM
• 512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
$2,079.00

Is option 1 okay for school-related purposes (writing assignments, etc.)? I should pick Option 1, right? I save most of my stuff externally.

 

[Floris]

First one is just fine, and also a power beast.

 

[Greene]

Depends what you're using it for, but if the main productivity work is going to writing papers and doing research, option 1 will be more than sufficient.

FWIW, my work - issued laptop is a base model MBP, and I've been incredibly surprised how far 128 gigs will take me with little to no storage management. My job is somewhere between data science and client services.

 

[middlenorth]

Thank you! You both set my mind at ease. Looks like I'll go for option 1.

 

[happygodavid]

I echo that it depends on what you're using it for. If nothing more than internet, email, docs, etc. and if you need to save a few hundred bucks, there's the same computer as option 1 (with 128GB SSD) on the Apple refurb store for quite a bit less. http://www.apple.com/shop/product/F...-27ghz-dual-core-intel-i5-with-retina-display

 

[maflynn]

I like option 1, but other then saying you're going to grad school, we have no idea how it will be used. For typical business type stuff, word/excel and email. Yeah either one will work

 

[ISFPOWER]

i just bought the your first option for 1350 out the door brand new from best buy last week with their college student coupon. this computer is FAST