I was thinking maybe 2011 or 2012 model not sure if its a good idea I don't really think a new MBA with the haswell procers really make a difference seeing as the processor is faster in the mbp vs the air
The processor is only more powerful if you're comparing the i7 model to the haswell i5 (the haswell i5 model is SIGNIFICANTLY better in many ways compared to the Ivy Bridge i5).
I would not get the 2011 model over the 2012 because of the same type of argument...2011 came with Sandy Bridge, 2012 was an improved Ivy Bridge processor...and a bigger stock hard drive.
The 2012 will most likely be the last Macbook Pro with user swappable internals, so that will keep it relevant for some time...when the retina models come out with the haswell processors though, and an i7 haswell is offered, expect to see extreme battery life increases, and a big performance boost (as well as an almost assured graphics card improvement).
So pretty much a new model air with the haswell processors outshines the mbp by far and they can hold there own very well? I mainly want to use my laptop to play music videos use it for school and do some video editing and picture editing so pretty much a small photography studio would like to be able to burn DVDs and CDs but not sure if I can do it on the air...
As I do more and more research I think the MBA would be the better choice i7 haswell seems by far way better then an older i7 mbp that's more expensive plus the battery life is great and the portability is superb as well just one ? If I can't afford it at the moment to upgrade it air when buying it will I be able to install upgrades later on down the road?
So pretty much a new model air with the haswell processors outshines the mbp by far and they can hold there own very well? I mainly want to use my laptop to play music videos use it for school and do some video editing and picture editing so pretty much a small photography studio would like to be able to burn DVDs and CDs but not sure if I can do it on the air...
No optical drive on the Air of course so you'll need to buy an external one. Not typcially a big deal since they can be had for under $50 and most don't use optical drives enough for it to be annoying. Other than that, everything that you intend to do can certainly be done on the air. I just like the Pro size and ability to be easily upgraded whereas the Air is more of a task in that department. The air is probably the best for portability but the Pro is pretty good as well. It's smaller than most 13 inch notebook (that aren't ultrabooks) and not heavy. It's just the Air is super portable LOL. In my opinion when it comes to photgraphy and photo/video editing programs, RAM is very important. As long as you have one of the i5 or i7 processors you'll be good as long as you have enough RAM. I'd recommend at least 8 if you intend on doing those things very often. That's why I go pro because I can buy what suit my needs now and then tweak it later if my needs change rather than having to go through selling and buying another. But that's just me.
I want to do photo and video editing as well so I'm still debating...
Here's the bottom line...you're getting way too caught up in the little details that you'll probably never have to worry about. You said you want to do photography and video editing...Make sure whatever machine you get has a decent amount of RAM (decent to me is 8GB) and make sure you have some sort of legitimate storage (internal or external).
Any of the machines available from Apple will be able to do the things you're requiring of them, the retina models will be the best because of the resolution of the screen.
Thanks for the help I agree I'm looking into too many small issues I want the best option without spending to much money so rentia is definitely out the question I'm just going to have to see them in person and look at the prices myself it seems like if I got pro that I should get 2012 model and if I go air I should upgrade to 8gb ram so I'm gonna have to look through...