Upgrade to a 15' rMbpro or keep my 2010 13' Mbpro?

Hey guys!

I'm currently using a 13 inch mid-2010 2.4ghz intel core 2 duo / 8gb ram / 128gb ssd macbook pro and I'm debating if I should pull the trigger on a 15 inch 2012 retina macbook pro with 2.3ghz quad core i7 (turbo boost up to 3.3ghz) 6mb L3 cache, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd.

I'm a college student and use my macbook for browsing (reddit, Facebook, youtube), taking notes, and heavy e-mailing (recruiting season hah). I've had no issues with my macbook so far but it tends to lag sometimes when typing on Facebook chat (odd), and scrolling is a bit laggy with I have multiple tabs open.

My question is, should I upgrade to the 15inch? I am absolutely in love with the retina screen and the trackpad/keyboard feels more sturdy in my opinion. I love the build and the additional real estate on the screen which allows me to better multi-task, as I often find myself jumping back and forth from messages -> browser -> Microsoft word. The added hours on the battery life doesn't hurt either.

People have advised against the 15 inch because I'm not into photo/video editing or require the powerful specs for my daily needs. I've turned to this forum for advice many times and I know that you guys will assist me in making the right choice.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

It depends on how much you are going to pay and if you have extra money to spend. The 2010 MBP is still decent for basic stuff.

I use a 2008 Fujitsu Lifebook T5010 for note taking and other basic tasks and it works quite well.
You don't need an expensive computer to take notes or do basic stuff in this day and age.

If you can afford a nice toy and really want it then it makes sense to buy it , but if you are surviving on loans you may want to rethink your choice.

BTW , the MacBook Pro Retinas are very hard or impossible to repair yourself so if you get one you should get an extended warranty on it.

 

College students don't buy 15" MacBook Pro Retinas because Facebook lags sometimes.

Keep your 13".

 

I should be financially sound after the purchase. Do you think that they will revamp the design of the unibody design? It'd be a shame to buy it and then Apple releases a new design a year or two later. Thoughts?

 

Absolutely nobody can tell what Apple will do next.

Nobody.

 

Good point... I'm so torn between what to do. I guess the 13' will suffice for now but the allure of the beautiful retina screen keeps pulling me back!

 

What about the 13" MBPr? It's considerably less expensive than the 15" MBPr and more portable than your current Mac.

 

I've considered that as well but I believe that it would feel too much like my current 13''. I really want something refreshing ya know?

 

Actually, it would feel significantly lighter because it weighs a pound less I believe. The 13" retina would be much more like its 15" cousin the the 13" pro. You'd get all the benefits of the retina plus a more portable less expensive machine. It seems like a win-win to me, but it is as always your choice. Good Luck.

 

I was in a very similar situation but with a 13' retina upgrading to a 15" retina and I couldn't have made a better decision. The screen real estate especially and everything about it is a much better more fluid experience for me compared to the 13" and I have no regrets getting it. I really suggest going by an apple store and demoing it out and deciding afterwards, and I'm not sure where you are but some bestbuys also carry demo units so I suggest looking around.

Also I understand a lot of people suggest getting the 15" if your very productive and in the animation etc industry but even if your not, its just a more satisfying experience - personally at least in using the 15" compared to the 13".

 

Mobile workstations are better than the 15" rMBP when it comes to productive work but some people just like the Mac OS more than any Linux distro or Windows 7/8.

 

Facebook "lag" sounds like an Internet connection issue and/or Facebook issue. I highly doubt that your computer's hardware would have any effect on how Facebook functions in your browser, or any of your other Internet activities like "heavy emailing".

So, if you're going to replace your current computer with something else, think real hard about why you want to, and if it's worth it. From what your OP states, it looks like you're considering the 15" rMPB simply because you want to buy it. Once you figure out pressing objective needs that your current laptop can't meet, then you should consider buying another laptop to meet those updated requirements.

There's nothing wrong from buying something just 'cause (I do that more than I like to admit), but that's really more of an impulsive reason rather than a true need.

 

Unless you absolutely need Apple-only programs (FCPX/Logic/Aperture) do not buy a rMBP for professional work. There are workstation laptops with way better performance, ISV certification, next-day replacement warranties and actual good keyboards out there, all for a lower price.

For college stuff, assuming you are a non-techie (and dislike Windows), buy a Macbook air or a Ubuntu Ultrabook.