13 Inch Macbook Air i7 8GB RAM Sufficient for Computer Engineering?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>Been looking for a computer for a while now. Up till now, I was waiting on the new haswell processor 15 inch retina macbook pros. However, I checked out the Air the other day (which has already been updated with Haswell) and it felt awesome. It's only 2.96 pounds and has a battery that lasts literally all day (12 hours).</p>

<p>I'm considering ordering a 13 inch Macbook Air with 256GB SSD, Core i7 Processor (1.7 ghz with turboboost to 3.3 ghz) and 8GB RAM. Will this be sufficient to last 2-4 years as a Computer Engineering major? With the student discount it's only $1479 with a $100 iTunes card.</p>

<p>I start college in the next 3 weeks and will be biking around quite often and would prefer to carry my laptop with me.</p>

2

<p>Yes, excellent choice (I love mine), but if you’re splurging on i7 and 8GB, consider 512GB SSD; it costs 21 cents more per day over four years.</p>

3

<p>Not looking to spend $1850 ($1750 after student discount) on a Macbook Air. May as well get the Macbook Pro Retina 15" for $1899 lol.</p>

4

<p>Pro is 50% heavier with 42% less battery time. :eek:</p>

5

<p>I think the Air’ll be fine. What’s your concern about it?</p>

6

<p>Yes, but I’d still rather pay the extra $150 and get the gorgeous retina display. 2880x1800 beautiful resolution. </p>

<p>Yeah, the MBA is my 2nd choice but since its so thin and battery life is so good I seriously think its a better option for me right now.</p>

<p>Only concern is I’m spending ~$1600 on a 13 inch Macbook Air and that it might be underpowered, but now that I’m getting the i7 I think I should be good! I’m ordering it today :)</p>

7

<p>Someday soon all displays will have Retina resolution (and not just Apple’s). You might want to wait to see if Sept 10 brings anything new from Apple.</p>

8

<p>I ordered it yesterday! But theres a 14 day return policy so after 7 days for it to get to me, 14 days after that means i can return it within 3 weeks. If the retina isnt updated then, then oh well.</p>

9

<p>You made a great choice. I have my Air and I’m loving it!</p>