The MBA also has two USB 3.0 ports. No difference there.
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Ah, that's really important to know. If I get the rMBP I'd probably be using it scaled. But this is bad news! Pushes me toward the MBA.
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13" Air vs "13 rMBP
- Thread starter hotttnickkk
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The MBA also has two USB 3.0 ports. No difference there.
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Ah, that's really important to know. If I get the rMBP I'd probably be using it scaled. But this is bad news! Pushes me toward the MBA.
I debated this very question from Monday-Friday, then ordered the retina. Here are my reasons:
1. There's no need for me to be away from an outlet for more than 4-5 hours, at the max. Even then, the two places I write at most frequently have convenient outlets. So I don't need the extra few hours of battery life the Air provides. Hopefully the retina book will get around 10, but, again, even that's overkill.
2. There was a big difference between the non-retina screen on my iPad 1 and the retina screen on my iPad 4. I assume the difference will be similar on a laptop.
3. For a couple hundred more, I liked that I was getting newer technology. Not that the Air is "long in the tooth".
4. More ports on the retina.
As it says in my siggy, I bought the 13" with 16 GB RAM and 516 Gb SSD. I maxed the RAM out to, hopefully, make it easier to sell in 3 or so years. With tax it came in at $2,005 with the education discount. And I got the 18-month interest-free financing. My wife choked at me buying a $2,000 laptop because she buys $700 laptops for faculty and admin where she works. Just wait until she spends some time on the Mac.
1. There's no need for me to be away from an outlet for more than 4-5 hours, at the max. Even then, the two places I write at most frequently have convenient outlets. So I don't need the extra few hours of battery life the Air provides. Hopefully the retina book will get around 10, but, again, even that's overkill.
2. There was a big difference between the non-retina screen on my iPad 1 and the retina screen on my iPad 4. I assume the difference will be similar on a laptop.
3. For a couple hundred more, I liked that I was getting newer technology. Not that the Air is "long in the tooth".
4. More ports on the retina.
As it says in my siggy, I bought the 13" with 16 GB RAM and 516 Gb SSD. I maxed the RAM out to, hopefully, make it easier to sell in 3 or so years. With tax it came in at $2,005 with the education discount. And I got the 18-month interest-free financing. My wife choked at me buying a $2,000 laptop because she buys $700 laptops for faculty and admin where she works. Just wait until she spends some time on the Mac.
If the Air had retina, it would be hands-down Air for mebut then again, it probably wouldn't be getting 15 hours of battery life, which negates one of its biggest advantages over the rMBP.
a lot of truth in this post...
additionally, the base air is the financial sweet spot; if you try bumping the specs, then maybe the rmbp makes more sense.
but many underestimate the air... I know I did; it will meet the needs of many.
While the 13-inch rMBP is definitely portable, the MBA is on another level IMO. It fits much better into a backpack or a briefcase, and the 0.5LB weight difference is actually noticeable after a while....especially if you carry it around all day. The 1440x900 resolution of the MBA is more than adequate for my needs, and i reckon it should be more than adequate for most people on here.
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My exact problem now. MBA 256/8 vs rMBP 256/8. In country where I live (Poland) the price difference will be probably neglible, since MBA in this configuration is BTO (and I have to buy it from Apple), but for rMBP it's one of the 'default' configurations and independent vendors will offer it slightly cheaper than Apple on-line store.
I'm using it 95% time with external monitor, so the Retina display is not very important. Time on battery? Everything more than 6h is great. I don't need 10hrs battery time.
So what counts is performance (MBP wins? I hope so) and portablity - because sometimes not often, but still I take my laptop with me out (and I agree that even slim difference in weight can make a difference).
Could one elaborate on performance difference between the two? If MBP is connected to external display does it waste processing power on Retina?
I'm using it 95% time with external monitor, so the Retina display is not very important. Time on battery? Everything more than 6h is great. I don't need 10hrs battery time.
So what counts is performance (MBP wins? I hope so) and portablity - because sometimes not often, but still I take my laptop with me out (and I agree that even slim difference in weight can make a difference).
Could one elaborate on performance difference between the two? If MBP is connected to external display does it waste processing power on Retina?
As far as performance goes, it depends on what you do. I wouldn't expect that big of a difference though. The i5 (I assume you are considering the i5 versions of both?) on the MBA turbo boosts to 2,6GHz.
Then again since it will be spending most of the time on your desk, I'd just go with the retina even if the performance boost is marginal. Then again, you effectively kill the one major advantage the rMBP has over the MBA, i.e. the screen.
(Pozdro
)
Please, read what Jeanloup told me in this thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661368/
you will understand why 13'' MBA is the proper choice (not the best, the proper...).
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661368/
you will understand why 13'' MBA is the proper choice (not the best, the proper...).
Considering the price of the new 13 rMBP, the maxxed out Air option, unless you're a portability fanatic, probably has to be one of the worst choices in the Apple range atm IMHO. You'd only get it if you wanted more power at the top end... in which case the rMBP is a much much better deal, you get more power for less money.
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The difference is pretty huge, read some benchmarks. It's like the difference between the 4400 and the 5000.
I guess you missed something important. IR monitor problems in 13'' rMBP!
What? yes! read this:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661368/
Jeanloup is clear in his answers.
Iris 5100 is about 20% better than HD5000...is it a huge difference?
Please, read what Jeanloup told me in this thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661368/
you will understand why 13'' MBA is the proper choice (not the best, the proper...).
This is quite interesting. I had no idea about the image retention issues until now.
I suppose this makes the case of definitely purchasing an Applecare warranty after the first year warranty is drawing to a close.
This is quite interesting. I had no idea about the image retention issues until now.
I suppose this makes the case of definitely purchasing an Applecare warranty after the first year warranty is drawing to a close.
Besides, some other customers have experienced a similar problem (multiple monitor replacement without solution) and they've realized that there isn't any potential solution in the near future to fix IR problem in 13'' rMBP monitor.
Even if you buy APPLE CARE PROTECTION, you will not be safe! IR appears gradually any time....it is recommended a BTO 13'' MBA (safe side).
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I understand that the Applecare is not a means to the end. What I mean is that for those who only plan to keep their MBP around for the next few years, the Applecare will serve to help prolong the useful life of the machine (or in this particular case, the display), until it is time to move on.
For me, I intend to use an external display with my MBP anyway for half of my usage, and the other half of course will be on the Retina display. So for me, it theoretically should be a while before I start to see any problems. When I do, I'm sure I will be properly cared for by my local Apple store - one of the few great benefits of living right across the street from the mall.
With that said, is it disheartening that the problem still exists? Absolutely. Is it enough to persuade me to go with the Air? Maybe. Will I actually switch? Unlikely.
I understand that the Applecare is not a means to the end. What I mean is that for those who only plan to keep their MBP around for the next few years, the Applecare will serve to help prolong the useful life of the machine (or in this particular case, the display), until it is time to move on.
For me, I intend to use an external display with my MBP anyway for half of my usage, and the other half of course will be on the Retina display. So for me, it theoretically should be a while before I start to see any problems. When I do, I'm sure I will be properly cared for by my local Apple store - one of the few great benefits of living right across the street from the mall.
With that said, is it disheartening that the problem still exists? Absolutely. Is it enough to persuade me to go with the Air? Maybe. Will I actually switch? Unlikely.
Under these circumstances... what is so important to you to decide and buy a 13'' rMBP over 13'' MBA? You will mostly use your computer with an external monitor, correct?...in this case why you don't buy a Mac Mini? or 13'' BTO MBA? ...much cheaper solution and also, avoid IR problems in the near future!
Anyway, it's your decision!
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For those times that I do want to have the portability, I would like to use the Retina screen - image retention issues withstanding. Having the ability to scale higher and have more real estate on the screen has shown to be invaluable to me as I have multiple windows and browers tabs open at all times. Had the Air come with a Retina screen, I would be all over that now.
And actually I do have a Mini, which is attached to my 27" 1440p screen. However, the limitation of not being able to easily transport that around is what ultimately drove me to buy the rMBP.
For those times that I do want to have the portability, I would like to use the Retina screen - image retention issues withstanding. Having the ability to scale higher and have more real estate on the screen has shown to be invaluable to me as I have multiple windows and browers tabs open at all times. Had the Air come with a Retina screen, I would be all over that now.
And actually I do have a Mini, which is attached to my 27" 1440p screen. However, the limitation of not being able to easily transport that around is what ultimately drove me to buy the rMBP.
If you've got a Mac Mini + 27'' monitor (a complete desktop system) and you also need portability, then simply buy an 13'' MBA. You save money and you cover your needs, too.
Retina monitor is just fine but you are covered with your 27'' monitor and when you are working with your MBA outdoors you won't be able to find a huge difference in picture quality at a public place or in a room full of lights/sun...
To be fair, I think you are right - the Air is the perfect companion. I neglected to mention though that I am only planning on keeping one of the two around - so it looks like I will have a Mac Mini to be selling in the coming days.
To be fair, I think you are right - the Air is the perfect companion. I neglected to mention though that I am only planning on keeping one of the two around - so it looks like I will have a Mac Mini to be selling in the coming days.
In my opinion, before you buy a new computer, just wait for a couple of weeks to see if a new Mac Mini update is announced.
What you need is a fresh/cheap desktop (new Mac Mini) + your 27'' nice monitor....and a decent portable computer such as MBA.
Make your calculations and see what is "value for money"....if you want to spend more money, do it for other activities...
One guy complaining about IR issues, when the rest of the thread is full of people saying they haven't experienced it... yeah, plural of anecdote is not data. The BTO MBA is still a much worse deal than the rMBP.
Iris 5100 is faster than that, btw.
I debated this very question from Monday-Friday, then ordered the retina. Here are my reasons:
1. There's no need for me to be away from an outlet for more than 4-5 hours, at the max. Even then, the two places I write at most frequently have convenient outlets. So I don't need the extra few hours of battery life the Air provides. Hopefully the retina book will get around 10, but, again, even that's overkill.
2. There was a big difference between the non-retina screen on my iPad 1 and the retina screen on my iPad 4. I assume the difference will be similar on a laptop.
3. For a couple hundred more, I liked that I was getting newer technology. Not that the Air is "long in the tooth".
4. More ports on the retina.
As it says in my siggy, I bought the 13" with 16 GB RAM and 516 Gb SSD. I maxed the RAM out to, hopefully, make it easier to sell in 3 or so years. With tax it came in at $2,005 with the education discount. And I got the 18-month interest-free financing. My wife choked at me buying a $2,000 laptop because she buys $700 laptops for faculty and admin where she works. Just wait until she spends some time on the Mac.
Similar position. Currently have a 2011 13in MBP with SSD optibay drive that gets max 4 hrs battery life.
I am looking for something more portable to bring to and from hospital/office/home. I use an online EMR, and VMware fusion to run windows xp/7 (to access hospital VPN to see X-rays/CT scan) as well as potentially run dragon dictate software, so wonder if the Retina MBP with better display and better processor is more suited for me (over the superior battery life of MBA).
Cost is similar because would get a maxed out MBA.
Easy to judge...correct?
Please, read these threads:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1659672/
title: IR Problems New RMBP (Apple Forum Thread)
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4034848?start=8355&tstart=0
title: MacBook Pro Retina display burn-in? (APPLE SUPPORT COMMUNITIES)
I've a long list of complaints about monitor problems!
I don't want to argue with you. it doesn't have any meaning...
In my opinion, it is safer to buy a well-tested product such as MBA...value for money (for portability). I know, retina monitor is very fancy but IR ghost is very likely to appear gradually....and then? you start the "happy game"....multiple rMBP replacement, if you are still under warranty!
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under these conditions, yes! I agree with you!
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I've been going back and forth and received my rMBP 13" on Friday. However, I finally received an Air that was not defective out of box and will be sticking with it.
Ordered the mid model 2013 rMBP 13" - $1625 all in. The lag during scrolling around OSX is still there. Very bad at times in '1440x900' and '1680x1050'. It is not fixed. The specs were a bit overkill for me but it really did not feel faster than my MBA at all.
The display & build quality was beautiful. Very, very solid. The only criticism was that the display had 1 or 2 noticeable brighter areas stemming from the bottom, easily noticeable in Safari while scrolling in fullscreen. No IR.
However, took one last shot and got a MBA on sale, finally no defects and love the battery life. For rMBP, I love the retina screen however the hardware still cannot keep up. That bundled with the fact of IR could possible happen in the future (as they are all LG screens on 13"), I ended up returning it. It did not seem worth it to me as I wanted to mostly work in the scaled resolutions.
For cheaper than the rMBP, I can keep this Air and get an iPad Mini w/ Retina. Sounds great to me
Ordered the mid model 2013 rMBP 13" - $1625 all in. The lag during scrolling around OSX is still there. Very bad at times in '1440x900' and '1680x1050'. It is not fixed. The specs were a bit overkill for me but it really did not feel faster than my MBA at all.
The display & build quality was beautiful. Very, very solid. The only criticism was that the display had 1 or 2 noticeable brighter areas stemming from the bottom, easily noticeable in Safari while scrolling in fullscreen. No IR.
However, took one last shot and got a MBA on sale, finally no defects and love the battery life. For rMBP, I love the retina screen however the hardware still cannot keep up. That bundled with the fact of IR could possible happen in the future (as they are all LG screens on 13"), I ended up returning it. It did not seem worth it to me as I wanted to mostly work in the scaled resolutions.
For cheaper than the rMBP, I can keep this Air and get an iPad Mini w/ Retina. Sounds great to me
I agree with Jeanloup opinion:
The Pro is indeed faster than the air (Did I say the opposite anywhere ?) but the Air has plenty of power for his uses. Now is it foolish to buy the air over the pro ? I would say yes if IR was Indeed a fantaisy of "one or too people" but it´s not. It is a real issue and just because some people don't experience it right out of the box or don't want to see it does not mean it is rare nor real. As a previous owner of both a rmbp 15" and a rmbp 13" (all of them had IR and I tried to exchange the 15" 3 times) I have seen plenty of people saying "Mine is fine you are just unlucky" and then months later, those same people would come back and say "damn my screen is starting to experience IR, what can I do ?". Personnaly I do not care I'm just trying to save some people the hassle of wasting time with returning or exchanging their brand new computer and wasting an important amount of money. I really think if you are looking for a mac with the 13" form factor then because of IR the MBA is still the best choice at the moment. It is my opinion based on facts, take it or leave it, it is your problem in the end
(Still you are right that the Iris is a better graphic card.)