I've decided to get a Macbook for university - the other day I went to Futureshop to check for prices and stuff and there's two Macbooks I'm stuck between
The newer Model:has a better processor, 8GB RAM, 258 GB flash storage/solid state, with better graphics (retina display maybe?) for $1449
Or, the older model: 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive/memory space, CD drive for $1199
I believe both are compatible with external hard drives but can't be upgraded (that's why the guy at the store said.)
They're both 13.3" laptops. I'm mainly going to be using it for writing papers, research, internet browsing and obviously for my music. Right now I have over 8000 songs in my iTunes library and obviously that number is only going to increase. So memory space is a huge thing for me, along with the ability to handle programs like Microsoft Office. I may also need to use programs like Solidworks or this coding software thing for a couple of my courses.
I'm not sure how I feel about not having a CD drive because mainly for just importing CDs - but nowadays there's a torrent for everything. I'm not into technology because it stresses me out so the only thing I really know or understand about RAM or the flash storage is that it's faster. But if those would allow me to operate the software I listed above then I think it's a sacrifice I could make.
Right now I have a Toshibia laptop with 4GB of RAM and 266GB of memory space with Windows 7. It's a massive laptop though, but I haven't experienced a boat load of problems with it - it gets the job done, but the lifespan and reliability of Windows laptops seem to be smaller or less than Macbooks. Price isn't really a concern - me and my father both expected them to be upwards of $2500.
Thoughts?
And yes Jake/Boni/Mitchell I'm well aware I've already asked you guys for input but I still don't know.