Hey guys,
So I decided to create an account just to start up this thread, because I'm still having trouble deciding after reading many threads on Macrumors.
So I'll be getting a new laptop for University soon. I'm in my final year and I'm studying Design/Photography, so I'll be preparing for my graduation exhibition all year. I also have a pretty big music collection (around 60GB) and I don't game. If I ever decide to play a little games, my aging PC sort of gets the job done. This new laptop will sort of be a desktop replacement. I handle a lot of large RAW files and from time to time, I do a bit of Graphic Design-related tasks (pamphlet designs, book designs, etc.). Programs I use are the usual Adobe products: Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign and sometimes Illustrator.
My dilemma is basically deciding between the 13" or base 15" MBP haswell. As much as I would love to own the high end 15", it's just way too expensive for me right now. I currently own a 2010 15" MBP with the faulty graphics card/motherboard issue. Before it died, I think it was sufficient enough for my needs. Based on that, I'm assuming the 13" graphics will be okay. But that's just me assuming, I haven't exactly used it so I don't know for sure. I'm leaning towards the middle model for the 13". I know the size will probably take some time for me to get used to, but I'll probably hook it up to an external monitor when working at home.
For the 15" I'm only able to afford the base model. I think the quad core would help me greatly if if I ever decide to explore filmography. Plus the screen size would make working outside of home much easier. In terms of portability, I think if I managed to lug around my 15" around with me, I'll be perfectly fine with the slimmer retina models. The problem with the base 15" is obviously the graphics. I think it may be sufficient enough for my needs, but I don't know if I can justify the price.
So basically, I just want to hear some opinions or recommendations on what I should purchase.
TL;DR: Australian photography student having trouble deciding between 13" and base 15" rMBP.
So I decided to create an account just to start up this thread, because I'm still having trouble deciding after reading many threads on Macrumors.
So I'll be getting a new laptop for University soon. I'm in my final year and I'm studying Design/Photography, so I'll be preparing for my graduation exhibition all year. I also have a pretty big music collection (around 60GB) and I don't game. If I ever decide to play a little games, my aging PC sort of gets the job done. This new laptop will sort of be a desktop replacement. I handle a lot of large RAW files and from time to time, I do a bit of Graphic Design-related tasks (pamphlet designs, book designs, etc.). Programs I use are the usual Adobe products: Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign and sometimes Illustrator.
My dilemma is basically deciding between the 13" or base 15" MBP haswell. As much as I would love to own the high end 15", it's just way too expensive for me right now. I currently own a 2010 15" MBP with the faulty graphics card/motherboard issue. Before it died, I think it was sufficient enough for my needs. Based on that, I'm assuming the 13" graphics will be okay. But that's just me assuming, I haven't exactly used it so I don't know for sure. I'm leaning towards the middle model for the 13". I know the size will probably take some time for me to get used to, but I'll probably hook it up to an external monitor when working at home.
For the 15" I'm only able to afford the base model. I think the quad core would help me greatly if if I ever decide to explore filmography. Plus the screen size would make working outside of home much easier. In terms of portability, I think if I managed to lug around my 15" around with me, I'll be perfectly fine with the slimmer retina models. The problem with the base 15" is obviously the graphics. I think it may be sufficient enough for my needs, but I don't know if I can justify the price.
So basically, I just want to hear some opinions or recommendations on what I should purchase.
TL;DR: Australian photography student having trouble deciding between 13" and base 15" rMBP.
