Call me crazy, but it seems the general consensus is that the next Macbook Air will have a Retina display. At least, a lot of what I've read has included people assuming there will be a Retina display. At first it seems logical, but when you really think about it, I really don't think there will be a retina display in the MBA.
The Air is a really, really great computer as it stands. I don't think Apple would really benefit by including a retina display on the Air, because the 13'' rMBP is just too similar in comparison.
For reference:
Macbook Air:
Height: 0.11-0.68 inch,
Weight: 2.96 pounds
13'' rMBP:
Height: 0.75 inch,
Weight: 3.57 pounds
When it really comes down to it, the machines are very similar EXCEPT for the screen. Which is my point exactly. I think Apple would benefit more by keeping the lower-end MBA without a Retina Display and keep the rMBP at its premium, justifying the price difference between the 2 by including a retina screen with the rMBP, along with a more powerful processor, etc. Even with all of that aside, it seems Apple had to go to great lengths to support the retina screen on both models of the rMBP- what makes people think they would be able to fit a much, much larger battery into the same or a similar enclosure for the Air? Apple has a track record of not sacrificing the user experience (in this case, battery life), even if it means excluding clearly superior technologies in their products (hint: iPhone 4S and LTE). Which, in the end, is probably the best choice for consumers, because battery life makes the difference between a great device and a bad one.
What do you all think? Do you think we'll see a Retina Air, or will Apple keep the current lineup with minor upgrades later in the year?
The Air is a really, really great computer as it stands. I don't think Apple would really benefit by including a retina display on the Air, because the 13'' rMBP is just too similar in comparison.
For reference:
Macbook Air:
Height: 0.11-0.68 inch,
Weight: 2.96 pounds
13'' rMBP:
Height: 0.75 inch,
Weight: 3.57 pounds
When it really comes down to it, the machines are very similar EXCEPT for the screen. Which is my point exactly. I think Apple would benefit more by keeping the lower-end MBA without a Retina Display and keep the rMBP at its premium, justifying the price difference between the 2 by including a retina screen with the rMBP, along with a more powerful processor, etc. Even with all of that aside, it seems Apple had to go to great lengths to support the retina screen on both models of the rMBP- what makes people think they would be able to fit a much, much larger battery into the same or a similar enclosure for the Air? Apple has a track record of not sacrificing the user experience (in this case, battery life), even if it means excluding clearly superior technologies in their products (hint: iPhone 4S and LTE). Which, in the end, is probably the best choice for consumers, because battery life makes the difference between a great device and a bad one.
What do you all think? Do you think we'll see a Retina Air, or will Apple keep the current lineup with minor upgrades later in the year?
Last edited: