[lobotryas]

Since the Retina display sounds more like a hassle than a feature for you, I'd recommend considering a non-retina MBP: either a new machine or a refurb.

Unless you specifically want OSX, another option is to get an X-series Thinkpad.

[guybowden]

I might have done - but the extra resolution of the Air wins over the regular non retina Pro.. Some extra pixels is great, loads more might be overkill for my use!