Which macbook? And transferring from old to new machine?

[LonelyGoatherd]

My 6-year-old macbook is getting sluggish and cumbersome. I use it for work and play, so need a better one. Considered a PC to economise, but think it's true that once you mac, you can't go back!

Have no idea whether to go for Air or Pro. I do a LOT of Word processing (office for mac), Adobe editing, a tiny bit of spreadsheets, music and photos.

And will the genius bar be able to transfer my software, photos and music without losing everything?

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Yes genius bar will do all that, or it's easy enough to do yourself. Personally I'd go for a Pro but I still use the dvd drive a lot. But apart from phones and iPads my Macbook is my only 'proper' computer so I like it being a bit more substantial.

[RustyBear]

Only the old non-retina 13" MacBook Pro has a DVD drive now - the new retina display MacBook Pros don't.

[LonelyGoatherd]

Ah, one of the things I do for work is check DVDs. Do I dare suss out some PCs?

[ThistledownAndCobweb]

The non retina pro is £999 and has a DVD drive. The pro retina doesn't (and is a bit more expensive) but you can get a DVD drive that you plug in when you want to use it.

I use both types and have to say the retina is a thing of beauty.

When you set up a new mac it gives you the option of transferring stuff across from an existing mac.

[LonelyGoatherd]

Thanks thistle. Pretty much decided on the non-retina pro.

[ThistledownAndCobweb]

It's a lovely machine as well. You'll enjoy using it - if you are involved in education (or have a child) you can buy it via the apple education site and I think it about £939

[LonelyGoatherd]

Ah, will take a look (that's how I got my current macbook, but am no longer in Education).

[Southeastdweller]

The new Pro Retina display model is a kilo lighter than the one with the disc drive so I'd get that. You can always buy a separate disc drive.

Don't forget that often you can buy a refurbished Mac from Apple to shave off a little of the cost compared to a brand new model.

[trashcansinatra]

Check other ways to get a discount too. My employer uses Edenred childcare vouchers, and that allows an employer discount too of 6-8% on MacBook Pro and Air. You get to it through the 'discounted shopping' link once logged in.

[LonelyGoatherd]

Great - we do use Edenred, so will get through them.

I may be really stupid or need to spend more time comparing in-store without toddlers kicking off, but I don't see the difference between retina and non-retina versions. The graphics look the same. I'm really short-sighted - could this be why?!?!

[ThistledownAndCobweb]

I'm short sighted but I can see a difference, although the graphics are still fine on the non-retina - when I move from one machine to another I really notice it.
The difference in weight is also surprising - I've been using a non-retina all day and I've just picked up the retina to use and it seems light as a feather.

Either way, you'll enjoy using it

[Southeastdweller]

I'm also short-sighted yet can see a difference.

Have a look here:

www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro/features-retina/

[LonelyGoatherd]

Will compare the two properly in a child-free moment... Plan to buy in next tax year, so have a bit of time.
Thanks so much for all your advice.