Is the higher-end 13" Macbook Pro worth the extra $300?

I know that it has a faster processor and larger hard drive, but does it justify the extra $300?

Well, if you are facile with some tools you could install a bigger drive yourself. You can install more RAM on your own without the need for tools. But you cannot replace the CPU and GPU if you need more processing power in the future. If that's a concern then it's better to get it now because you cannot add it later.
For what you describe you could easily get by with a much less powerful computer. My personal decision was the 2.4 GHz model, dual-core i5, 500 GB hard drive and 8GBs of RAM. I then got a DataDoubler and an SSD from OWC that replaced the optical drive. Total cost was under $1,600.00. I bought the computer from an authorized Apple reseller which came with the 8 GBs of RAM, 500 GB 7200 RPM hard drive, MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adaptor, and MiniDisplay Port to DVI adaptor. Total was $1,352.00 including shipping (no sales tax.) DataDoubler is $75.00 and the 60 GB SSD was $150.00.
The reseller is ExperCom.com if you're interested.

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