Before you think what kind of crazy question this is, please consider the following.
I am a professional who uses Windows on Parallels on a daily basis primarily because I prefer using MS Office on Win. Other than that my usage is mostly confined to browsing, Skype, and VLC (for video playback) on OS X.
I've had a mid-07 black macbook for the last 5 years. And it has served me extremely well. But I feel the technology has progressed so far that I feel I'm overdue for a change.
In a new machine, I'm looking for the following:
1. I want to invest in a laptop that will last me at least another 3 years, if not more. By saying that I mean I don't want the technology I'm buying to become too obsolete a couple of years down the line. I'm worried the 4gb ram with the MBA won't be enough going a few years down the road. I'm located in India so I can't configure macs before purchase and have to accept the hardware sold "as is". That's why the 8gb ram with the rMBP is attractive.
2. Reasonable portability. In addition to the office I use the laptop alot at home as well (in the bed, on the sofa - basically not at a desk). In this regard the size and weight of my current macbook have never felt too much and I'm afraid a 15" laptop might be too bulky to handle, in spite of the drop in weight compared to my current macbook (2.02 kg vs. 2.3 kg).
Now based on the above most of you would say go for the rMBP. But as you can imagine the major hesitation is due to the price. The only reason I'm considering a rMBP is because the store I'll be purchasing from offers 0 down, 0% monthly instalment plans (3, 6, or 9 months). I'll be opting for the 9 month plan, so the monthly hit is a little easier to bear when compared to buying either of the machines outright.
Another concern with a rMBP is the look of apps not yet updated to handle retina resolution. I've read that to some users the non-retina apps on rMBP look worse than on a non-retina MBP. That is definitely a feeling I dont' want to have when paying a BOMB for a machine.
For those of you who are wondering why I'm in considering a 13" or 15" MBP, this is what I think. SSD is a must for me and I don't want to go for an aftermarket option (it's expensive and too much hassle for me). And I don't want to go for the MBP 15" because I figure if I'm willing to spend that much then might as well go for the rMBP. Also I'd prefer the MBA over MBP 13" since the MBA has a higher resolution display.
So there you go. Based on my usage and what I'm looking for in a new machine, what machine would you suggest? Do you think I can justify getting the rMBP for my usage?Also, I appreciate those that have been patient enough to read this long post. Any inputs are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I am a professional who uses Windows on Parallels on a daily basis primarily because I prefer using MS Office on Win. Other than that my usage is mostly confined to browsing, Skype, and VLC (for video playback) on OS X.
I've had a mid-07 black macbook for the last 5 years. And it has served me extremely well. But I feel the technology has progressed so far that I feel I'm overdue for a change.
In a new machine, I'm looking for the following:
1. I want to invest in a laptop that will last me at least another 3 years, if not more. By saying that I mean I don't want the technology I'm buying to become too obsolete a couple of years down the line. I'm worried the 4gb ram with the MBA won't be enough going a few years down the road. I'm located in India so I can't configure macs before purchase and have to accept the hardware sold "as is". That's why the 8gb ram with the rMBP is attractive.
2. Reasonable portability. In addition to the office I use the laptop alot at home as well (in the bed, on the sofa - basically not at a desk). In this regard the size and weight of my current macbook have never felt too much and I'm afraid a 15" laptop might be too bulky to handle, in spite of the drop in weight compared to my current macbook (2.02 kg vs. 2.3 kg).
Now based on the above most of you would say go for the rMBP. But as you can imagine the major hesitation is due to the price. The only reason I'm considering a rMBP is because the store I'll be purchasing from offers 0 down, 0% monthly instalment plans (3, 6, or 9 months). I'll be opting for the 9 month plan, so the monthly hit is a little easier to bear when compared to buying either of the machines outright.
Another concern with a rMBP is the look of apps not yet updated to handle retina resolution. I've read that to some users the non-retina apps on rMBP look worse than on a non-retina MBP. That is definitely a feeling I dont' want to have when paying a BOMB for a machine.
For those of you who are wondering why I'm in considering a 13" or 15" MBP, this is what I think. SSD is a must for me and I don't want to go for an aftermarket option (it's expensive and too much hassle for me). And I don't want to go for the MBP 15" because I figure if I'm willing to spend that much then might as well go for the rMBP. Also I'd prefer the MBA over MBP 13" since the MBA has a higher resolution display.
So there you go. Based on my usage and what I'm looking for in a new machine, what machine would you suggest? Do you think I can justify getting the rMBP for my usage?Also, I appreciate those that have been patient enough to read this long post. Any inputs are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
