Macbook Air v/s Macbook Pro for apps developer.

[techwoman]

I have been using Macbook Pro 15" with DVD port model at office for programming and have got quite used to it. But when I looked at it's specifications and checked it on the Apple site, the price is beyond $2000 which is very costly for me right now.

I want to buy a Macbook to make iOS and Android apps so I would definitely be installing Xcode, Eclipse and may be RubyMine too along with other tools. I am confused between Macbook Pro and Macbook Air. I know Air is lighter and has more battery life, but I haven't tried using it so am not sure about it performance wise when it comes to coding or how is it in comparison to Pro.

Also which processor should I go for i5 or i7. For i7, I have to pay $150 more and since the basic model comes with 4GB RAM, I will have to pay more if I go for 8GB or 16GB.

An not much into gaming now, so it would mostly be used for coding, browsing internet and watching movies.

Any other tips?

 

[crazzapple]

Any other tips?

Check the apple refurb store for discounted macbook pros. Personally, I would get one of the refurbished retina mbp, because they display text far superior to the other models; very nice for coding. If you use an external monitor this might not be as important.

 

[techwoman]

Check the apple refurb store for discounted macbook pros. Personally, I would get one of the refurbished retina mbp, because they display text far superior to the other models; very nice for coding. If you use an external monitor this might not be as important.

Any idea if we can add AppleCare on refurb products too? If I plan to buy any Mac/Macbook, it would be my first Apple device so am not sure about the AppleCare. One of my friend is using MacBook Pro since last 2 years without AppleCare and haven't had any issues at all. I might plan to buy AppleCare along with the Apple device as my office mac had got into several issues within 2 years only and the device was sent back to Apple for repairs.

 

[techwoman]

Nevermind on one of the sites I read that I can add AppleCare on refurb MacBooks too.

 

[crazzapple]

Nevermind on one of the sites I read that I can add AppleCare on refurb MacBooks too.

Also depends on where you live. I believe European folks have a much longer warranty period than US, for example. Something like 3-5 years without having to purchase applecare. I personally did not purchase it and had no problems, but it might be worth it for peace of mind.