Need help with first Mac.

Razargh

Razargh

Razargh

Associate
Joined
9 Jan 2011
Posts
586
Location
Hereford
Looking to get my first Macbook for University. I don't know if I should go Pro, Air or even Retina. 11,13 or 15 and to go SSD or HDD? Any help would be great.
 
You really need to decide what you will be using it for. If you are going to be travelling a lot to class an Air would probably be more appropriate for example.

Also what course are you taking? Will you need the power/screen size of the 15" for your work?

Personally if money was no object I would get the retina, however I survived the whole of university with a white macbook and external display.
 
depends what you need it for. each will be different. if its a design degree. a pro as minimum. if your just typing. then all you need is an air. if you want to play a few games then i guess also get the pro. though the air can handle it these days
 
Air + external monitor would be fine I bet. Defo get your Student ID and drop in to a fruity store. (Don't pay full price).

I'd also suggest getting Office for Mac - even if you don't want to use it at least all those coursework assignments you are sent etc will be readable and looking how they should look!
 
There's only two questions you need to answer:
1) Will it be a desktop replacement?
A) No? Get a MBA
B) Yes? Go to Q2

2) Will you be taking/have room for a secondary monitor?
A) Yes? Get a MBA
B) No? Get a 15" MBP

SSD. Yes.
 
theheyes said:
Retina is overpriced, save your money and go for a Pro or Air.
Click to expand...

Don't know how you can say this when the hardware is truly something else compared to the competition, and under certain specifications it is cheaper than its inferior counterpart.

I'd suggest a base model 13" Air with 8GB of memory. Gives you the power of the Pro with none of the drawbacks, aside from the lack of optical drive. External drives can be found easily anyway.
 
Sorry to thread hi-jack, but is the ram upgrade 4gb to 8gb really noticable in the air, is it worthwhile? Im looking at getting the base 13" air for uni, also how much space are you left with on the 128gb hdd after the OS and what not? thanks.
 
Thanks guys going to go for the 13inch Air. I'm taking my PC to University with me so it would just be used for taking notes, browsing while out and to bring home during holidays and others stuff that may crop up.
 
Well I was in the same boat myself and ended up with a 13" Air i5/8GB/128SSD and I love it. It's a work machine to use whilst doing my masters degree and not a gaming toy so no need of the bells and whistles of the retina pro. I still think the screen on the air is excellent for what it is and I've saved 600 quid!

I wonder how much use out of my ipad I'll get now.....
 
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