To MacBook Pro or not to Pro

[nifets]

A hardware store here in Sweden is running a campaign on the current entry-model Retina MacBook Pro, 13", at around 20% off. This is one of those "agree with me that this is a good choice so I can buy the machine in good conscience" posts...

I have been thinking of upgrading my mid-2012 MacBook Air for a while - nice machine, but the CPU (2GHz i7) struggles a bit sometimes. I mainly use it for work (web & programming). It has a 256GB SSD, which is nice, but I can easily get by with the Pro's 128GB one. CPU-wise, I am guessing the Pro's i5 handily beats the older Air's i7. I am also guessing the Pro has way better cooling and will not sound like an airplane when pushed - which is really my main beef with the Air. Weight-wise they appear similar. I mainly use it as a stationary computer anyway, only taking it out in the field occasionally.

The Retina screen would be a sweet change from the by now arcane screen of the Air.

Anyway, what do you think? Is it a good upgrade?

Edit: should obviously have been posted in the Pro forum. Whoops!

 

[quackers82]

I have a 2012 Air (i5) and a 2013 Pro (i5) and when I'm ripping DVDs the Pro leaves the Air for dust, so CPU wise you should find a HUGE difference.

 

[kahkityoong]

I owned the MacBook Air 2013 i7 and 13"MBP i5 (2015). I personally didn't find a great deal of difference for my photo editing. The main step up was going to a 15 MBP due to the quad core processor.

 

[AFEPPL]

I agree with you.. its a step up for sure.
if you want portability, i could see why people bought the air in the past, but with the new rMB and rMBP the air is kinda pointless unless your only concern is money.

 

[redheeler]

I'm sure you'll find it a nice upgrade over your 2012 Air, especially the display.

 

[motrek]

I owned the MacBook Air 2013 i7 and 13"MBP i5 (2015). I personally didn't find a great deal of difference for my photo editing. The main step up was going to a 15 MBP due to the quad core processor.

That's because they are both Haswell processors.

The OP's processor is slow because it's "overheating" and clocking down to cool off.

For short bursts of work, the 2012 processors are not much slower than current processors. But if the OP's fan is spinning up, those are situations where a newer processor will stay cool and fast.