Macbook Air 13" 2011 vs Macbook Pro 13" for a uni student?

Hi all,
I am a university student studying Humanities and Psychology, so I write a LOT of essays. My other computer activities include watching movies, surfing the web, the occasional MMO (WoW and/or EVE Online) and listening to music.
I have a 1Tb external HDD connected to my wireless so hard drive space isn't an issue.
I am torn between the new MacBook Air 13" 256Gb, 4Gb RAM, and the 13" MacBook Pro 500Gb, 8Gb RAM.
The cost of either isn't an issue.
Let me know what your experiences are with either, and leave your opinion on which would be the best for me.
Thanks.

First off EatsRainbows, DO NOT get a new computer without a solidstate drive (SSD) it is the most important component of your computer (prorams open faster, saving is faster, transfering files is faster, everything happens fast). IMO the better screen, slightly better keyboard of the Air will be better for you. Also it wins in my hardcore comparision:
2011 13” MacBookAir vs. 2011 13” MacBook Pro
Both are the base models, the Pro has the optional128GB SSD to match the Air.
Cost:
MacBook Air - $1299
Macbook Pro - $1449
Winner = MacBook Air
Screen:
MacBook Air – 13.3” 16:10 1440x900
Macbook Pro - 13.3” 16:10 1280x800
Winner = MacBook Air
CPU Performance:
MacBook Air – i5-2557M
Macbook Pro – i5-2410M, Single Thread 5.5% faster,Multithread 13.5% faster
Winner = MacBook Pro
GPUPerformance:
MacBook Air – 384MB Intel HD 3000 (IntegratedGraphics)
Macbook Pro - 384MB Intel HD 3000 (IntegratedGraphics)
Winner = Tie
Size:
MacBook Air – 0.68 in thick max, 45.2 in^2
Macbook Pro – 0.95 in thick max, 108.5in^2
Winner = MacBook Air
Weight:
MacBook Air – 2.96 lbs
Macbook Pro – 4.5 lbs
Winner = MacBook Air
BatteryLife:
MacBook Air – 50WHr, 7 hours
Macbook Pro – 63.5WHr, 7 hours
Winner = Tie
Winner:
13.3”MacBook Air by A LOT
So you give up slight loss in single thread speed,for something that is much heavier, much larger, and has a worse screen. Basically you would be mad to pay more for aMacBook Pro.

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Here is an excellent video comparison between the 11” I5 vs. I7 2013 Macbook Air.
http://www.apple-tubes.com/apple-macbook-air-11-mid-2013-haswell-i5-vs-i7-compar ison/
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7113/2013-macbook-air-core-i5-4250u-vs-core-i7-465 0u/2
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11.7 I5 ……11.4 I7
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joolsca50 wrote:
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Macbook Air 13" 2011 vs Macbook Pro 13" for a uni student?

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