If you were looking to buy a new Mac laptop...

[Speedy]

Microcenter still has 17" models eligible for AppleCare.

[sekker]

Almost all MBPs can run 10.9, assuming you drop in an SSD.
The quality of the battery is also an important consideration.

But here's how I'd classify current Apple laptops:

1) MBP 13" - jack of all trades. Replace the crappy Apple HD with an SSD, and / or do a Data Doubler solution by moving the Apple HD into the optical when you replace the HD with SSD.

2) Super mobile - MBA 11".

3) Great all-day battery life - MBA 13".

4) Good mobility, nice screen - 13" MBPR.

5) Good mobility, nice screen, can have a discrete CPU - 15" MBPR (and can drive 4k external monitor). Expensive.

[RAMd®d]

It would be an MBPr.

I am totally spoiled by the image.

An new MBA with the fastest processor would probably be good enough, but it doesn't have a Retina display. It's an all-around beautiful laptop, but it's not Retina.

[(vikm)]

Big thanks to everyone... Will pass it on