Which MacBook for my first mac?

12" MacBook should suffice, though if ultra-portability isn't high on your list I'd recommend the 13" Retina MacBook Pro, as you get a lot more bang-for-buck compared to the MacBook with regards to hardware specs, ports, and battery life. And it's still really portable/light, just not featherweight like the MacBook.

 

I agree with the post above. We have two 12" MacBooks in the family, and we love them. But I wouldn't get one as a primary or only computer. They're great as ultra-mobile 2nd systems. For a first computer, I'd also suggest the MacBook Pro 13. It's a great mix of portability, price, and power.

 

Yep, it's a head-over-heart argument, it's a toughy. One of the problems you'll encounter with Apple products - you'll always finding yourself pining after something you don't necessarily need. Personally I think the rMBP is prettier, but I'm a sucker for aluminium and a glowing Apple logo on the back

 

If you can hold off I definitely would. Although the refresh isn't likely to bring massive performance jumps, it's worth waiting anyway and then make the plunge when the new model is released.

Welcome to MR & the Mac family by the way!

 

Bump will be bigger on the rMBP 15" than the 13". The 13 will probably get a one get CPU bump, but the 15 will get two gens. I don't think it'll be an earthshaking improvement on the 13 as it's already fairly current. And there will always be a better model coming out in the future.

There are some great open-box deals on the 13" rMBP both on the Apple site and from online vendors.

 

Apple refurbished....
http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/13

Deals like this in lots of places.

 

Get the Macbook Pro especially for longevity. The 12 inch Macbook Retina is a nice machine, but its somewhat underpowered, especially in say 3 years time, I'd definitely prefer to be on a retina pro.

 

This 100%

I got the RMB as i wanted portability, in retrospect i've actually taken it a lot less places than i thought i would this year so i should have got the RMBP.

The RMP is very speedy, doesn't hang etc but then i don't game on it.

Once my lightroom library starts to spin a lot i won't bother with using a laptop at all and i'll get a 1tb SSD imac.

It all depends what you want it for.

 

If you don't absolutely need a retina display, I'd say the 13" MacBook Air remains the king of all laptops.

I love my 2013 MBA and think it is the best computer ever designed.

I hate the keyboard on the new MacBook, it is a dealbreaker.

 

+1 for the rMBP.
Good luck!