New Macbook Air v. Macbook Pro (non-retina)

[The Chalkster]

I think I am in the same position as the original post. I too am a teacher and will use the Mac for similar task. Looking at the same exact two Macs. The only additional task would be Photoshop Elements and Pixelmator. One day I may graduate to Photoshop CS 6 or whatever version is out at that time. But for right now Photoshop Elements would be the most graphic intense app use. Which configuration would be better?
Education pricing here still. Macbook Air $1139 (with 8GB RAM upgrade) or the Macbook Pro $1179 (with the 128 SSD upgrade).
I'd like to save as much money as possible so I'm also thinking if I got the Air I would have to buy a external disc drive as well. Not sure how the pricing on those are. Or could I get by for what I need without upgrading either Mac?
Thanks in advance for any reply.

 

[bobtomay]

... I'm also thinking if I got the Air I would have to buy a external disc drive as well.....

You need to buy an external drive for backup no matter which computer you get...

 

[The Chalkster]

I have an external drive for storage already 500gb. I probably explained it wrong but I was referring to an external optical drive for CDs and such.

 

[pigoo3]

I have an external drive for storage already 500gb. I probably explained it wrong but I was referring to an external optical drive for CDs and such.

If you were to get a MacBook Air...and you need to access CD's or DVD's...then certainly you will need to purchase an external optical drive...since the MacBook Air has no built-in optical drive.

This is one of the key differences between the MacBook Air and non-Retina MacBook Pro.

- Nick