But the Thunderbolt screen is the same as the new iMac, maybe a little bit worse due to the gap between the screen and the glass panel
true, but maybe Apple will have a Thunderbolt some time next quarter, that will be of a similar build as the new iMac. the lack of real estate on this MBPr is changing my computer habits, but when i need the extra screen i scale up which look pretty good.
i guess my point is i am really starting to love this MBPr since it was only going to be around (for me, since i bought during the holiday return policy) until the new 27" iMacs came out. the daily "buyers remorse" rather the "damn, i wish i had waited for the iMacs" has left my mind. the iMac at the store was really good looking but i really found that i wasn't missing as much as i thought granted it was a 21" i was looking at. Anyways, i've loved and never had any real issues with any of my Apple products.
my OP was due to me missing/regretting the sale of my first 27" iMac (fully loaded). now i am completely happy with this 15" MBPr. it was a seriously good purchase on my part. sometimes the grass is greener on the other side...