<p>I am a high school senior and am going to buy a MacBook this week. Which one should I buy?</p>
<p>I want one that will last for a long time (my pcs all lasted for less than 2 years before getting slow and outdated)</p>
<p>I won't be doing anything too heavy. Maybe some games here and there but I am far from a hardcore gamer.</p>
<p>I am currently (without any research) leaning toward the 13 inch MacBook Pro with the faster processor (the more expensive one)
I don't think the retina display is worth the extra $400 but I am open to suggestions!</p>
<p>Basically, just throw whatever tips and info you think will help me make the right choice.
If you have any more questions, just post them up!</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong w/ any of the MBPros… I prefer the bigger screen, but if you want the 13", that’s fine. The faster processor (and memory) isn’t really necessary since it doesn’t seem that you won’t be using any high-powered programs, but if you can afford it, go for it. Never can have too fast a processor :D</p>
<p>Does the weight get burdensome?
I am also considering the MacBook Air in 13 inch. It’s a lot lighter but it doesn’t have the same processing power. Is the extra weight worth it for the pro?
How is the durability of both the air and pro</p>
<p>The weight isn’t a problem, I believe it’s around 4lbs. Wouldn’t recommend the air, the loss in processing power is the reason… I don’t think that it really has enough for an average user. In my opinion, it’s for someone who would rarely use their computer.</p>
<p>Durability on both are great, Apple machines are actually quite reliable. Should last you at least 5-6 years.</p>
<p>Is the 15 inch too large for college use? I have heard from my friend that the 13 inch has a relatively low resolution screen. The 15 inch can be upgraded to an HD screen for $100 more which makes the retina seem like a waste of money. What is your opinion on the 13 inch? I don’t want to spend that extra $400 on a retina</p>
<p>Our D and I both switched from MB Pro to Air (large screen) and love the reduced weight; it has plenty of power. My wife is envious; her MB Pro is so heavy. Small screen Air will be even lighter, but we like the compromise.</p>
<p>13" is fine, resolution is fine. The retina screen isn’t even necessary. I just prefer the larger screen myself and recommend that to many people… the 13" screens just seem so tiny to me. But to get the 13" is just fine. Even the basic Mac Pro is perfectly fine.</p>
<p>Specs: 13-inch: 2.5GHz
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
4GB 1600MHz memory
500GB 5400-rpm hard drive1
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Built-in battery (7 hours)2</p>
<p>Sounds like you and your “D” need to start lifting some weights if you think 4 lbs is too heavy.
And I wouldn’t get a 13" laptop if it’s going to be your main computer, as your productivity will be severely handicapped. I know this from experience, I have a 23" display for my desktop and when I use my 14" laptop it just sucks in every way.</p>
<p>I will probably buy a large monitor to keep in my dorm when I need to do extra “productive” things. And many colleges have monitors scattered throughout the workplaces for the very purpose.</p>
<p>^^ We’re comparing the OLD 5.5 lb MBP to the new 3 lb 13" Air, so it was a big difference; 5.5 to 4 is less dramatic. But, okay, we’ll try the weights. </p>
<p>If you’re doing stuff that needs a big screen (CAD, spreadsheets), by all means, get a big screen. If it’s just papers, email, browsing, consider the light weight. Apple doesn’t care!</p>
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