Macbook Pro 13"

[MBP*]

I'm going to be selling my old 15" from 2008 for something a little more updated. Originally, I was intending to get the new 13" with retina display, second off eBay. However, now I'm looking more towards the Air 13" for it's slim design and better battery life.

However, my main contention with the Air is that it's not as powerful as far as CPU goes. I"m not going to be doing anything massively CPU hungry, but the next time I upgrade is probably going to be another 5 years from now, so I need something that'll be able to cope with using software like Adobe suite (PS and Audition), statistics software like R. I do a lot of browsing with multiple tabs open, so 8GB RAM is essential.

Should I be considering the Air at all for it's weaker CPU (is it noticable), or should I futureproof myself with a more powerful MBP 13" which is a little more bulkier.

 

[Altemose]

The MacBook Pro with Retina Display is not much bigger than the MacBook Air. That being said, it brings a lot more to the table not only in CPU power but with faster SSDs and the better display. It is worth the extra half a pound for such a better computer for your needs.

 

[Naimfan]

Get a refurbished retina 2.4/8/256. $1159 from Apple.

 

[MBP*]

Are there any rumors on any new design Macbook Pros coming out this year? Maybe I should wait if there is anything being release re the "13?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Get a Mac that fits your needs and budget today.

Trying to future-proof a Mac for 5 years down the road is an exercise in futility.

 

[Velin]

Having used the 13" MBPro with the "retina" display, I would not go back to the current MBAir display (own both for work). Further, I prefer the keyboard on the MBPro, as well as the additional ports. Gave the Air to one of my assistants. Kept the Pro. If you do real work on the machine, you will want the Pro. Trust me on this.

Current Air was a good machine. 13" MBPro is better, and it's not much larger than the Air.

 

[luvmymbpr]

I would only want the baby air. For 13, the mbp is the far better choice.

 

[LittleLuth]

Get the Retina

I'd have to pile onto the sentiment here to get a retina macbook pro. I have the 13" Air. I love it for the reasons you mention (light, sleek, great battery life), but my iPhone Plus and iPad Air 2 have beautiful retina displays and now when I am working on my MBA, it's like looking through a screen door... much as I like the MBA, as others have said the small increase in weight and thickness are well worth it.

 

[Meister]

Get a Mac that fits your needs and budget today.

Trying to future-proof a Mac for 5 years down the road is an exercise in futility.

The truth.

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I do a lot of browsing with multiple tabs open, so 8GB RAM is essential.

Gotta love that sentence You don't need 8gb for browsing.
I would however recommend 8gb for Ps and your other usage.

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I'd have to pile onto the sentiment here to get a retina macbook pro. I have the 13" Air. I love it for the reasons you mention (light, sleek, great battery life), but my iPhone Plus and iPad Air 2 have beautiful retina displays and now when I am working on my MBA, it's like looking through a screen door... much as I like the MBA, as others have said the small increase in weight and thickness are well worth it.

I would also recommend the retina.
The screen and cpu bump is worth it for Ps.