Looking to Purchase a 15" MacBook Pro for Media Studies

Currently studying Media Studies in college, in first year, and I was recently told I should purchase a MacBook Pro for audio and video editing.

I'm in the market for a new laptop anyway as my current one broke towards the end of summer.

I was told to go for a 15" model and upgrade it with at least 8GB of ram.

Never had a mac before and considering they are expensive I would like to have it for the next few years.

What I was wondering is if anyone had advice on what specs to go for and what model year.

I'm going to be working with large video files so I would like a model with USB 3, full HD screen (possibly retina if I can afford it), and a large hard drive (around 500GB - 1TB) as I would like to use it as my everyday laptop also.

I understand the newer Retina MacBook Pro's aren't user upgradeable so I have no problem purchasing an older model that is user upgradeable.

I live in Ireland if that makes a difference in terms of pricing.

With an education discount the top spec 15" MacBook Pro Retina costs €2,621.13 - obviously not cheap.

I understand Apple will introduce the newer model MacBook Pro's in early 2016 and I don't mind waiting a while before purchasing as I will obviously need to save up first.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

 

Would you know if this model can be upgraded or would I have to buy it with 16GB ram already installed?

 

Thank you all for the advice!

It'll probably be a while before I have enough money to purchase one but for now I know what to look out for.

All your help has been very much appreciated!.