I have a 2011 MBA13 that is finally giving up the ghost, and while I wanted to wait a bit longer, I unfortunately need to get a new computer within the next couple weeks. I mainly use my computer for browsing the internet and watching tv. I do also use it for work, but I'm a lawyer so I really only need it to be capable of running Citrix without too many issues and to run Adobe Acrobat smoothly.
Personally I love my MBA and don't really think that it needs to be smaller or lighter (although I wouldn't mind that). I would probably just go for the MBA now, except I don't really want to go another 3-4 years without the retina screen, which is just so beautiful. I know I don't need it, but I like things that look nice. Price-wise I'm somewhat agnostic since I would have to buy the more expensive version of the MBA as 256GB is non-negotiable. The retina screen is so tempting, but I would like someone to help me allay my concerns about the downsides of either the rMB or the rMBP13 (I'm only considering as a retina alternative if the downsides of the MB are too much) that I discuss below.
MacBook
-The single port is somewhat of a problem for me, at least when I use the computer to work from home. I currently have a home office setup with a monitor and a mouse and I mostly use my laptop as a second screen. The dongle aspect isn't too stressful, but are there dongles that allow you to charge the computer and plug in peripherals at the same time? Not to mention that I would also need to connect to a monitor (something that is non-negotiable for me since I need the size when I work) and I'm contemplating switching to a double monitor setup. I almost never use peripherals outside of that context, so I'm not worried about losing/forgetting dongles, but I don't want to have to buy a bunch of expensive adapters/clutter my desk with them either.
-I've heard very mixed things about the keyboard. I've tried it and I was not a fan in the store and it worries me that people say its not just hard to type on, but somewhat unpleasant and even painful. Of course, when I switched to the MBA, I was initially not a fan and now when I type on my old 15 inch MBP it feels clunky and horrible.
-As I said above, I don't really need super intense processing power, but I worry that the new processor will feel like a step down, even from my late 2011 MBA. I'd prefer not to spend more money and/or get a new computer that feels slower than my 4 year old one.
MacBook Pro
-Weight and size. It's certainly not as clunky and heavy as the old MB/MBP and when I held it in the store it wasn't terrible, BUT its clearly a lot heavier and bulkier than my MBA.
-Price is sort of a concern since, unlike the MB, the base model comes with 128GB HD and it seems stupid to buy a computer that is more expensive almost solely due to things I don't want or need just to get a pretty screen.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Personally I love my MBA and don't really think that it needs to be smaller or lighter (although I wouldn't mind that). I would probably just go for the MBA now, except I don't really want to go another 3-4 years without the retina screen, which is just so beautiful. I know I don't need it, but I like things that look nice. Price-wise I'm somewhat agnostic since I would have to buy the more expensive version of the MBA as 256GB is non-negotiable. The retina screen is so tempting, but I would like someone to help me allay my concerns about the downsides of either the rMB or the rMBP13 (I'm only considering as a retina alternative if the downsides of the MB are too much) that I discuss below.
MacBook
-The single port is somewhat of a problem for me, at least when I use the computer to work from home. I currently have a home office setup with a monitor and a mouse and I mostly use my laptop as a second screen. The dongle aspect isn't too stressful, but are there dongles that allow you to charge the computer and plug in peripherals at the same time? Not to mention that I would also need to connect to a monitor (something that is non-negotiable for me since I need the size when I work) and I'm contemplating switching to a double monitor setup. I almost never use peripherals outside of that context, so I'm not worried about losing/forgetting dongles, but I don't want to have to buy a bunch of expensive adapters/clutter my desk with them either.
-I've heard very mixed things about the keyboard. I've tried it and I was not a fan in the store and it worries me that people say its not just hard to type on, but somewhat unpleasant and even painful. Of course, when I switched to the MBA, I was initially not a fan and now when I type on my old 15 inch MBP it feels clunky and horrible.
-As I said above, I don't really need super intense processing power, but I worry that the new processor will feel like a step down, even from my late 2011 MBA. I'd prefer not to spend more money and/or get a new computer that feels slower than my 4 year old one.
MacBook Pro
-Weight and size. It's certainly not as clunky and heavy as the old MB/MBP and when I held it in the store it wasn't terrible, BUT its clearly a lot heavier and bulkier than my MBA.
-Price is sort of a concern since, unlike the MB, the base model comes with 128GB HD and it seems stupid to buy a computer that is more expensive almost solely due to things I don't want or need just to get a pretty screen.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
