MacBook Air buying decisions

[212rikanmofo]

I'm seriously considering getting a MBA mainly for its size and portability. I currently own a MacBook Pro 17" unibody 2009 model, its a core 2 duo 2.93Ghz with NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor; 512MB of GDDR3 memory
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory3, and 4GB of Ram and 320GB HDD.

It's starting to show its age, I use it mostly for graphic design work. Adobe CC, and some audio and iMovie stuff.

Would a 2013/2014 MBA that has an 1.4Ghz i5 processor/Intel HD 5000/128GB SSD/4GB ram, be a lot faster than my old MacBook Pro?

Or should I do a custom to build with 8GB Ram and 256GB SSD since I heard you can't upgrade the memory on these. Only thing I would have installed on my machine is Adobe CC suite, iWork, Office and my music. So hopefully 128GB will be enough for me.

Another concern would be waiting for the new MBA with retina display, and the possibility of a 12" MBA.

I like to be able to carry this around the house or take it with me out, hopefully replacing my iPad. I love to surf and chat, email in bed, and I find that the iPad isn't satisfying to use since it has no real keyboard, and I can't really multitask on it, and the 17" MBP is just too big and uncomfortable to use in general.

Would like your thoughts and opinion on this.

 

[Meister]

Would a 2013/2014 MBA that has an 1.4Ghz i5 processor/Intel HD 5000/128GB SSD/4GB ram, be a lot faster than my old MacBook Pro?

yes, it will be worlds faster.
The config you named is the best bargain, since they are on sale everywhere.
Save the money for your next upgrade.

 

[jadAce]

I would honestly recommend waiting a little longer. MacRumors just published a story about Intel's very recent official introduction of Broadwell processors. There is a very high chance those will make it into the next MacBook Air. Speculation says a 12-inch with a Retina display, which would be pretty nice for you if you're doing graphic design/iMovie work (much nicer to look at, easier on the eyes, etc.).

If not, at the very least, I would recommend going with the 13" rMBP - it's just a little more costly than the MBA, but the benefits are worth it (much more powerful, nicer display).

 

[Ronnoco]

The 2013/14 MBA's would be a night and day difference from your 2009 MBP (I upgraded from a mid 2010 15" and it was a jaw-dropping experience). Seriously, you have no idea just how fast and powerful these new MBA's are today. Light years from the 2008/09/10 and even the 2011 models. If you are a power user with higher processor/display needs (video editor for professional photography) then yes, perhaps a rMBP would be optimum, but I'd bet a new MBA would handle just about anything else one could throw at it with relative ease. So light and fast and with that 12-15 hour battery life it is quite hard to top.
Either way, do check one out as they are IMO among the finest portables ever built by Apple (or any other manufacturer for that matter).