Which MacBook Pro should I buy?

[Beatbeckham]

Hi guys.

I'm a student and I'm going to buy my first mac ever. I'm gonna use it for college; writing, watching movies, listening to music, surfing, music production, (may be gaming.) And, I like to have a lot of HD space, at least 500 GB.

I just ordered a MacBook Pro 15": 2,6 GHz (2011) without Retina on Apple Store, and will recive it tomorrow:

Specs:

2,6 GHz - Intel Core i7
8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM – 2 x 4 GB
750 GB Serial ATA-harddisk 5400 o/min
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
15-inch MacBook Pro Blank widescreen


Should I go for the Retina, if I have the money.. LOL already took loan to buy this one.. Is it worth the upgrade for my use? Please help me guys...

 

[Pharmscott]

It doesn't sound like you *need* the rMMP. Sure, we all want one! The machine you ordered should handle your listed needs nicely. It would be a big price jump to get the rMBP with 500gb (you can't upgrade the base model) so you're looking at $2800 (plus tax?).

 

[MrAnthonySutton]

Dude, those specs are fine for what you need. I wouldn't get the Retina. Honestly, if you want the retina for the SSD, upgrade 3rd party. It's so much cheaper. You don't NEED it.

 

[X Cruz 187]

I think I heard that the rMBP's processors aren't powerful enough to push the retina display? I'd go for the base model!

 

[Woogaloo]

I've been in the same position, except for the school part.

First, did you to the Apple Back to School thing (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/ca...s-naus-sea-bts-june2012-education-indexhero)? It gives you $100 towards apps which is nice. And here's another link for a better price on Macs for college peeps and such: http://store.apple.com/us-hed/findyourschool. (looks like it would start the price at $1999)

I ended up with the 15" model, but I've got the one before yours (2.3 i7/512MB video). I am tempted to get the better one just for the bigger video card and hard drive (instead of having to buy a bigger hdd outright)...

Other than that I don't see the retina be worth it. If you decide you "need" it (as I may do) just upgrade it third-party rather than now. Just my $0.02.