MBP 2012 13" i7 vs MBA 2012 11" i7

What will you be using it for? People are still using the 2006 MacBooks with no issues. And those machines have been out for over 5 years now.

 

I would lean toward the Air but a 13". Better screen resolution. And a little more space for multiple windows

 

13" Pro with user added 8GB or 16GB ram (less than $100) and an 240-256GB SSD (less than $220).

The 13" will last the years you need it with upgrading the RAM and the HDD to SSD. I say the 13" Pro, no question.

 

This... The 2.5ghz will be plenty and the SSD and Ram will make it as quick as the air but have more power... As for the screen res, there isn't really anything you can do. There might be a way to connect it to the iMac if you ever want to use a higher resolution for photoshop.

Edit: Didn't read the part about wanting a i7... I personally think the ssd and ram are more important.

 

Screen size is the main difference, and we can't decide that for you.

 

I had a 2011 i5 MBA and absolutely loved it. Super fast, super light and good battery life. Majorly recommended!

 

Yes you can. As long as you are ok with the screen size, that will be a very nice student computer and very practical for class.

 

Definitely get an external HD and maybe even consider upgrading the ssd to 256

 

The differences aren't that huge. The 8GB ram option would be a good one if considering this for 4 years. 4GB already feels super tight to me. With the MBP, ssd replacements are much cheaper. Ram can go to 16. Display is marginally lower in resolution, but viewing angles are superior and color is a bit better. Personally I think either is easy to carry around. I mean would the Air go with you at times where you would leave the MBP at home? In terms of SSDs, I have no idea whether you're comfortable changing a drive without stripping screws or breaking anything. Cheap screwdrivers are bad for this. Note some of the stripped screw complaints on here.

 

Just from what you've written, I'd go with the MBP for the reasons others have said.

You could also get the base 13" MBP and upgrade to 16 GB RAM - it'll be faster than the Air, offers upgradable storage, etc.

 

I highly recommend apple refurb.

 

Get the Refurb (they are just as good as a new one) and install a 256gb ssd yourself. You will love it and you will still be below your budget. I personally believe that 128gb is not enough but that is because I don't enjoy moving things to my external constantly. Another benefit with the MBP is that you could use the hd as an external hard drive if you swap it for an SSD.