Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, Summer 2012)

Pros: Fast SSD
Quick performance
Build quality
Backlit keybaord
Thin and light

Cons: Lacks raw power
Soldered parts
Pricey for some options
Weird big box store options

Summary: I sold my recent iMac because I never used and I decided between three computers.

Macbook Pro 13" Retina
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
8GB
128GB
Intel 4000
$1700

Macbook Pro 13" i7 Edition
2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
8GB
750GB
Intel 4000
$1500 ($1240 open box)

Macbook Air 13"
1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor
4GB
256GB
Intel 4000
$1500

Macbook Air 13" i7 Edition
2.0GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i7
8GB
256GB
Intel 4000
$1700 ($1450 refurbished)

First got the MBP open box for $1240 and just hated the size and weight. Went to Best Buy and got the MBA 13" i5 edition but was hesitant on the 4GB. Saw the i7 8GB 256GB MBA 13" refurbished and was sold!

I highly recommend refurbished. Same great 1 year warranty. Comes in perfect condition besides original box. Save hundreds of dollars!

I thought of Macbook Pro but for $250 more, I would be loosing 128 in memory and gaining half a pound in weight. The Retina is a great computer and wows but is un needed for the most part. I would have rather scene a MBP slim but with quad core.

Overall 13" has right balance of speed/quickness,durability and etc. If you need raw power go with the MBP line but if you just doing streaming video and basic stuff the MBA is perfect.