Macbook Air 13" Max or Macbook Pro 13" 2.4 Model?

[justacquiesce]

I just recently purchased the base Macbook Pro 13 2.4Ghz machine and am still within the return period. I'm considering a Macbook Air 13" maxed out version, but not sure what the better value is.

I'll be doing lots of web browsing, iTunes storage, iPhoto editing, occasional Illustrator and Photoshop creation and some Garage Band recording. I really do like the power of the MB Pro and the expandable ram up to 8GB. But love the light form factor and portability of the Macbook Air. Here's my comparison:

MACBOOK PRO 13" 2.4 Ghz Processor
Already upgraded to 320 GB 5400 rpm drive: $1250 for total MBP price
Adding a 200GB Vertex SSD: $569.00
Upgrading to 8GB RAM: $240
TOTAL: $2,069

MACBOOK AIR 13" 2.13 GHZ Processor
Upgrading to 4GB RAM: $90
Upgrading to 256 GB SSD: $90
TOTAL: $1,882

Based purely on price above, clearly the maxed out Macbook Air is cheaper, but for the long haul, will I see more power with the Macbook Pro 13" since I'll have 8GB RAM (vs. 4GB) and a faster processor 2.4 Ghz (vs. 2.13 Ghz)

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also trying to factor in other factors - better screen resolution on MB Air, but backlit keyboard and better iSight camera on MB Pro.

Please keep in mind that both of these are an addition to my 2007 iMac 2.4 GHZ Intel Core 2 duo desktop. I want the laptop to last me the next 3 years at least. The other option is just keeping the Macbook Pro 13", not upgrading RAM or hard drive just now, and my price point would remain at $1250.

Many thanks,
J

 

[SanFranKyle]

the footprint on the macbook pro is still quite small for a laptop. If it's heavy use and not just for traveling, you're gonna want the extra weight and ethernet port, and higher specs.

If you're traveling all the time, and need something tiny, go for the Air.

seems like you'll want the pro.

 

[maflynn]

Personally, I think the MBP gives you expandability and increasing the odds that it will last longer. You cannot upgrade the ram or SSD on the MBA, so you'll be locked in. The odds are usually pretty high that newer software will demand more ram, more storage, with the MBP, you can upgrade to 8gb, and swap out the drive.