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New 13" Air vs used rMBP 13"

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perry8912

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 3, 2013
24
0
I am going to college is fall and thinking of getting a new MBA or rMBP to replace my old windows laptop.
However, I am torn between getting the highest configuration of 13" MBA or a secondhand 13" rMBP.

13'MBA i5/8g/256g : $1339 (student discount+$100 mac gift card)
13'rmbp: i5/8g/256g:$1300 (3 months old)

I really really like the long battery life of the new mba but the display sucks compared with rmbp and i hate the silver bezel around the screen.

Any thought? I dont want to wait the new rmbp since my budget is $1400.
 
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If you want to take notes with your macbook during lectures buy a MBA. Yes the retina is pretty but often power outlets in lecture halls are scarce and most of the time already taken by others. (yes the rMBP has enough battery to last through a day but if you forget to charge it...) Get a nice external display for your room and you won't really need a retina. It has also a better graphics chip for a casual gaming session.
 
Does the rMBP have AppleCare? That would sway me towards the rMBP if it does. I imagine you're going to want whichever computer you get to last you through college, and AppleCare will extend that warranty for three years, which should help.
 
Personally, I'd go with the 13" MBA, higher resolution display (if you keep the rMBP at its native resolution) and you have an all day battery.
 
scaredpoet said:
Does the rMBP have AppleCare? That would sway me towards the rMBP if it does. I imagine you're going to want whichever computer you get to last you through college, and AppleCare will extend that warranty for three years, which should help.
Click to expand...

It's 3 months old, so it has 9 about months left. Otherwise some solid advice. AppleCare is almost essential for a college student who may not be able to afford a repair/ replacement.
 
What swayed me towards a 2013 MBA instead of waiting is that you still essentially see the same thing on the retina (with setting at best), but with better quality. Initially, I thought you'd see more on your screen with the retina.
 
perry8912 said:
I am going to college is fall and thinking of getting a new MBA or rMBP to replace my old windows laptop.
However, I am torn between getting the highest configuration of 13" MBA or a secondhand 13" rMBP.

13'MBA i5/8g/256g : $1339 (student discount+$100 mac gift card)
13'rmbp: i5/8g/256g:$1300 (3 months old)

I really really like the long battery life of the new mba but the display sucks compared with rmbp and i hate the silver bezel around the screen.

Any thought? I dont want to wait the new rmbp since my budget is $1400.
Click to expand...
Hate?

Then why are you 'torn'?

Get the used rMBP.
 
The apple care is so expensive. And does the macbook damages easily???
scaredpoet said:
Does the rMBP have AppleCare? That would sway me towards the rMBP if it does. I imagine you're going to want whichever computer you get to last you through college, and AppleCare will extend that warranty for three years, which should help.
Click to expand...
 
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Personally would go with the MBA as the latest chip and battery is AWESOME! For us, students, the display is fine. Unless you are a pro-gamer type..
Casual usage won't damage easily as it is very firm and sturdy. So AppleCare is quite unnecessary if you use your gadgets with care.
Just be careful with accidental errors like water spillage.
 
It sounds like you already want the rMBP though.

I'd personally go with the Air. The battery is amazing, it's new, and the display is seriously not bad (especially if you color calibrate it)

Meanwhile, the rMBP you want is old, and its battery doesn't last that long. Yes, the display is better but if you're gonna be doing casual stuff like taking notes then who cares? Also, the Air is faster than the 13" rMBP.
 
MBA hands down. Personally... I think the MBA is Apple's premium product. This is after years of owning two 15" MBPs. Mobility is king.

Heck... I would take a used MBA over a new MBP.

/Jim
 
ttran88 said:
What swayed me towards a 2013 MBA instead of waiting is that you still essentially see the same thing on the retina (with setting at best), but with better quality. Initially, I thought you'd see more on your screen with the retina.
Click to expand...

Not even that, as you see a little less on the Retina, it's got a usable of 1280*800 vs the Air's 1440*900
 
mattferg said:
Not even that, as you see a little less on the Retina, it's got a usable of 1280*800 vs the Air's 1440*900
Click to expand...

Hey Matt can you elaborate on this? I myself love my Air's screen as the screen is so tightly packed with pixels due to 1440x900 - but i really want to know the comparison of the Air 13" screen vs 13" rMBP Retina Screen. Your comment seems intriguing.
 
perry8912 said:
I am going to college is fall and thinking of getting a new MBA or rMBP to replace my old windows laptop.
However, I am torn between getting the highest configuration of 13" MBA or a secondhand 13" rMBP.

13'MBA i5/8g/256g : $1339 (student discount+$100 mac gift card)
13'rmbp: i5/8g/256g:$1300 (3 months old)

I really really like the long battery life of the new mba but the display sucks compared with rmbp and i hate the silver bezel around the screen.

Any thought? I dont want to wait the new rmbp since my budget is $1400.
Click to expand...

They both would fit your needs, but the question is what is your schedule/curriculum like? And what are your charging habits usually like?

My major (engineering) usually span into the night classes, but my other classes (english and maths) are usually in the morning. At that time I had the 13" MBP, and that lasted me all day. Granted, I do have a social life and dont need to spend 12 hours of my day at school in front of my computer, plus I charge it every night, so its full in every day when I go to school. With that in mind. If your classes span all day, and you will actually be on it all day, and you dont charge often Id say air is the way to go.

Though for power/performance/looks; I too hate the silver bezel around the screen, it pulls your eyes away more compared to the black. I also dont like the tapered feel of the air. As for power and performance, the air has better graphics, but overall they will perform about the same. As for resolution, I dont understand why everyone insists on the air, the pro has 2560 x 1600 resolution, which seems better than a 1440 x 900 resolution. But do note that not all applications are supported by the 2560 x 1600 resolution. So in terms of power/performance/appearance, Id personally go with the retina.

Depending on your needs, wants and uses. I hope we have provided enough information for you to make a decision.
 
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