I'm just curious - it seems like you keep having buyers remorse - you got the non retina, then returned it for the retina. You now have the retina and appear to be contemplating returning it for an Air. I think you really need to work out EXACTLY what you plan to do with the machine, determine your needs and wants and only after that consider what machine to get - buying/returning/buying/returning/buying isn't really a good way to find a machine to meet your needs (especially if you deal with a store that charges a 15% restocking fee on open items).
If you plan to do a lot of video work stick with the rMBP for the dedicated GPU
If you plan on playing games that have any serious 3D, stick with the rMBP for the dedicated GPU
If you want a higher resolution / sharper screen, stick with the rMBP for the retina display
If you plan on only doing light video editing, either machine is fine.
If you plan on not playing any games either machine is fine.
If you plan on using both thunderbolt adapters at some point, stick with the rMBP since the MBA only has one thunderbolt port (one good example of needing both is if you use a non-thunderbolt external display but still want to hook up either the thunderbolt -> gigabit ethernet or a thunderbolt storage device).
If you are doing tasks that require a lot of CPU power (transcoding) or potentially GPU power (depends on the software), stick with the rMBP as it has a faster CPU then the MBA
Basically, as I mentioned before, really write down what you will do with your computer, only then can you even begin to make a good choice.
Hi, thanks for your input.
As I believe I'll have this machine for a few years I want to make sure if I spend 2Grand I get the right one. There is no restocking fee. (My first return was unopened anyways)
Main use is photo editing. For my side bussiness (photography)
I go to school (online, due to work schedule.)
Only game I play on Mac right now is diablo 3.
I have been happy with the retina. I'm only was wanting to know if an MBA could suit my needs as well. Seeing I've found several posts online people returning their mbpR for a MBA.
Like I originally said I want to make sure my 2k is wisely spent.
A lot of people seem to like the MBA, due to its size and weight and portability.
However, when debating against MBA or MBP some people forget to mention the MBA has no dedicated graphics and the screen size 13vs 15.
I am happy with my machine however that won't stop me from wanting other peoples opinions and views.
Thank you for your time.