I had a 2011 13" Air until two weeks ago when I got a new 13" Pro Retina....honestly I liked my air better...the weight and size is similar on paper, but in real life I can definitely tell a difference. I wouldn't waste my money on a non-retina pro though, they are just a rebranded regular macbook. Nothing you really do in school would require the power of a pro retina, I only got this one because it was free through my military scholarship. Performance is identical but the noticeably extra weight and thickness is disappointing. When I graduate in 3 years and have to give this one up I'm going straight back to an air unless the pro retinas cut some fat out.