I guess what I'm asking is when considering performance do benchmarks tell the whole story?
I think that they're a fairly accurate representation of the relative difference between two computers. Benchmark scores are really the best you can do...since everyone's usage patterns are different.
I am considering the MBA with 1.7ghz i7 with 4gb ram vs the Base MBP w/ retina.
I'm not really that big of a fan of the retina MacBook Pro's...but...I think that the base retina MacBook Pro is a better overall deal compared to the MacBook Air. The MacBook Pro is a newer model, and has the better/faster Iris graphics.
Any opinions on which I should go with? Computer will be for personal/school use and other than netflix/HBOGO the most complicated thing I will be doing on it are some Microsoft office applications.
Either computer will get the job done...no problem.
One thing I would recommend (if you can afford it)...with either computer...get the 8gig ram upgrade for the extra $100. Ram cannot be upgraded later...and I think 4gig of ram is going to get tighter & tighter as time goes on.
Also be careful about the amount of storage. Each of these computers has 128gig of storage. For many folks...that's not enough. Many folks have 500gig, 750gig, and larger HD's. But of course we are also talking traditional rotating HD's vs. SSD's or flash storage (which is more expensive).
So I would say lean towards the MacBook Pro (better graphics hardware), seriously consider an 8gig ram upgrade, and think if 128 of onboard storage is enough for you.
Neither ram or storage can be upgraded. If I had to do one or the other...I would get the ram. You can always "off-load" items from the computers internal storage to an external if necessary.
HTH,
- Nick
p.s. Don't forget to check Apple's refurbished area. There might be something there that meets your needs.