refurbished versus new 13 inch MBA/rMBP

[cdubb80]

Looking to replace a 2011 13in MBP that only gets 4 hours battery life. Had waited a year hoping for a 12in rMBA model but will bite the bullet and get one now.

Weighing going the refurbished route vs the new models with education pricing (plus $110 GC offer). More savings with the refurb rMBP's versus new (their regular pricing also went up by $50 Canadian with the recent modest refresh) than with the MBAs.

(a) 13 rMBp 2.6GHz i5 / 8GB / 512GB (released Oct 2013) = $1529 vs $1689 NEW* ($1799 - $110 GC)

(b) 13 rMBp 2.6GHz i5 / 16GB / 512GB (released Oct 2013) = $1689 vs $1869 NEW* ($1979 - $110 GC)

* comes with 2.8GHz i7 processor

(c) 13 MBA 1.7GHz i7 / 8GB / 256GB (released June 2013) = $1279 vs $1369 NEW ($1479 - $110 GC)

(d) 13 MBA 1.7GHz i7 / 8GB / 512GB (released June 2013) = $1539 vs $1639 NEW ($1749 - $110 GC)

There apparently were some mid-2014 refurb 13 MBAs in the CDN online store Friday, but not anymore.

I am looking for better battery life (which both MBA/rMBP seem to offer). I do run a Windows VM to look at Xray/CT/MRI images away from the hospital (but may be able to get away with 8GB RAM according to the recommended RAM thread). Usually will be connected to an external monitor.

Any recommendations? The refurb exchange policy is only 14 days versus 30 days for new so I would have to decide whether to keep the laptop sooner.

Edit: added a poll (didn't include the 256gb flash MBA option to make it easier comparison)

 

[anaqvi786]

I think option D would suit your needs, it is capable of some intensive work with a turbo boost, and the specs on that machine are also really nice. And it isn't as expensive with the MBP's. The only downside is that you won't have a retina screen but you said that you will connect it to an external display so I think that wouldn't matter that much.

Also, since it is an air, it will be lighter.