Which computer for my needs?

[imjoee]

I'm out on the market for a new laptop. I want a Mac but not sure which one to purchase.

I do light photo editing with Lightroom and iPhoto. Nothing major.
Also, emails. Internet. Downloads. School papers. Etc

I was looking at the 2012 MacBook Pro RETINA for $1,300 at bestbuy, the base model.

And

The 2013 MacBook Air 8GB Ram & 128GB SSD $1,139 with student discount.

Which computer will last me the longest and still have the "brand new feel/ speeds" in 2-3 years?

 

[Dwinguel]

The graphic card in the MBA is better than the one in the 13" rMBP, also the SSD of the MBA is faster, so the MBA will definitely be the better performer here. The CPU of the rMBP is a bit faster, but nothing you will really notice in your case (we are talking like 10-20% faster).

I would recommend the MBA, also it is cheaper.

Now, if you want to wait, a new rMBP is likely to come out in September-October. I expect that the new rMBP model will be faster than the current MBA. In that case the new rMBP will last longer.

The advantage of the MBA over the rMBP is that it is lighter and thinner, i.e. easier to carry around, which should be important if you are bringing it with you at school.