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macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
63,279
30,340



While Apple's new Retina MacBook Pro includes a display measuring 2880x1800 pixels, the default display options do not allow users to run their systems at that raw resolution. Instead, the extra pixels are used to display a higher level of detail on a canvas representing the previous 1440x900 resolution. As a result, windows and user interface elements appear to be the same relative size as on a 1440x900 15" display, but with four times the detail. Users who wish to use a desktop with apparent resolution higher than 1440x900 can still do so, as System Preferences offers several different options ranging up to 1920x1200.

Those users who want even more screen real estate by tapping into the full 2880x1800 resolution mode of the display can also do so, but the option involves a workaround that is not authorized by Apple. Macworld has more details on the process, which involves using either a third-party app like the paid SwitchResX (as noted in our forums) or one of a number of free options that have sprung up such as Change Resolution.




Retina MacBook Pro running at 2880x1800
(Click for larger)
Running a 2880x1800 desktop on a screen measuring only 15.4 inches diagonally obviously results in very small text and user interface elements, but for those willing to sit close enough to their screens to make the onscreen content readable, it may be an interesting option.

As noted by developer Steven Troughton-Smith, users running Windows on the new Retina MacBook Pro can also take advantage of the full display resolution, simply setting the resolution in preferences within Windows.

Article Link: Running the Retina MacBook Pro at Full 2880x1800 Resolution
 

mkoesel

macrumors 6502
Mar 31, 2005
415
270
It seems to me that if you adjusted your font size and icon size this would be quite usable.
 

GFLPraxis

macrumors 604
Mar 17, 2004
7,152
460
Actually surprised this requires a hack.

I have great eyesight so I would actually love this.
 

echobucket

macrumors newbie
Jun 29, 2010
4
0
It seems to me that if you adjusted your font size and icon size this would be quite usable.

Um, this is what the retina display does by default.

How can you make the font size bigger without making the UI elements that contain the fonts bigger as well?
 

Dr McKay

macrumors 68040
Aug 11, 2010
3,430
57
Kirkland
Requires a hack in Mac OSX, but a simple setting in Windows....not surprised.

Both OS's have their advantages and disadvantages.


Um, this is what the retina display does by default.

How can you make the font size bigger without making the UI elements that contain the fonts bigger as well?

Is there a setting like this in OS X?

fyR57.jpg
 

iVoid

macrumors 65816
Jan 9, 2007
1,145
190
Seriously? I don't think so somehow.

Actually, this is apple's description in the rMBP specs:

Supported resolutions: 2880 by 1800 pixels (Retina); scaled resolutions: 1920 by 1200, 1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640 pixels


So if you can't set it to 2880x1800 directly without the hack, then the specs are false.

Lawyers have sued over much, much less. (eg. the recent fine from the Aussie government).
 

Sensation

macrumors regular
Apr 4, 2012
150
0
I dont get it, the desktop is normally 1440x900, I guess doubled up? So why not just use a normal 1440x900screen in it? :confused:
 
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