Bad Decision?

[AppleGoat]

So what did you buy

I haven't bought anything. It's a matter of whether I keep or buy.

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What I find really annoying is that all the late-2013 15" reviews cover only the high-end model, as if there's a negligible difference in price between it and the base model. For many, the base 15" is another level of accessibility for budget-conscious consumers. Also, one would think the base model would make for a much more compelling review as it poses the question, "Can a 15" Retina remain a professional notebook with Intel integrated graphics?" Tldtoday did a comprehensive review of the two ends and last generation's low end -- but he was one of few.

 

[AppleGoat]

Well, last night I resolved to keep my current '11 cMBP. I had a date tonight and stopped into a nearby Apple Store while biding the time. Not a good idea.

 

[irobots]

Well, last night I resolved to keep my current '11 cMBP. I had a date tonight and stopped into a nearby Apple Store while biding the time. Not a good idea.

i had a '12 13inch MBP. You'd be in love with the '13 15inch retina.

 

[AppleGoat]

i had a '12 13inch MBP. You'd be in love with the '13 15inch retina.

I would. But, it's a better idea to save money.

 

[Statusnone88]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I've been going back and forth. Conceivably the best thing about purchasing the 15" is that it would put an end to me thinking about purchasing the computer.



Do you mean in regards the 15"? No, I wholeheartedly want that computer, it's just a matter of whether it's the most financially responsible decision to replace a fine computer. I also have apprehensions that I won't be able to command as much for my 13" as I would like. A few of the keys have this weird "ghosting" flaw. Here's a picture:

Image

While I've outfitted this machine with two Samsung SSDs, I'm afraid this little cosmetic flaw will hurt the resale value.

At first glance, this looks like something.... Well let's just say it looks like you've been using your MacBook to watch "anatomy videos."

Obviously it's a cosmetic defect. Obviously.

 

[AppleGoat]

At first glance, this looks like something.... Well let's just say it looks like you've been using your MacBook to watch "anatomy videos."

Obviously it's a cosmetic defect. Obviously.

Lol ..

 

[Statusnone88]

Lol ..

Image

The fact that you responded to that with a .gif from my favorite show... You get an A+.

As to your computer woes, sorry you decided not to get one. I just bought the base model 15" rMBP a week ago today and it was the best 2 grand I've ever spent. Haven't had a Mac since 2008, but I love this thing. It's gorgeous, fast, and reliable. It completed my little Apple circle of products. Best of luck on your purchasing decision-making.

 

[jmdMac]

I would at least wait another year. I am a very frugal person and have been wanting to upgrade to a rMBP since their release however am in the same boat as you. My current MBP can do everything I need it for so there is no sense to spend the money. If you have the money to buy one now, invest it and wait a year.

 

[AppleGoat]

The fact that you responded to that with a .gif from my favorite show... You get an A+.

As to your computer woes, sorry you decided not to get one. I just bought the base model 15" rMBP a week ago today and it was the best 2 grand I've ever spent. Haven't had a Mac since 2008, but I love this thing. It's gorgeous, fast, and reliable. It completed my little Apple circle of products. Best of luck on your purchasing decision-making.

I don't really have computer woes, but, in some sad way, I wish I did to rationalize upgrading. No, my 13" 2011 performs like a champ. I like this computer. It has sentimental value. I watched the entire series, save a few episodes, of Breaking Bad on it. I just lust after the computer you have. That magnificent display. Do you use it for some form of work or is it merely for personal use?

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I would at least wait another year. I am a very frugal person and have been wanting to upgrade to a rMBP since their release however am in the same boat as you. My current MBP can do everything I need it for so there is no sense to spend the money. If you have the money to buy one now, invest it and wait a year.

It's good to be frugal and smart with money. A lot of the financial problems which have befallen this country the past few years stem from people like me being stupid with their money. Hopefully the sensible little guy on my shoulder prevails, but the Retina-lusting devil on my shoulder keeps prodding me with his trident.

I've considered upgrading to a 13" Retina refurb; I get to bask in Retina goodness but at half the cost. Seems like a reasonable compromise. Still, the 15" is what really strikes my fancy.

 

[Statusnone88]

I don't really have computer woes, but, in some sad way, I wish I did to rationalize upgrading. No, my 13" 2011 performs like a champ. I like this computer. It has sentimental value. I watched the entire series, save a few episodes, of Breaking Bad on it. I just lust after the computer you have. That magnificent display. Do you use it for some form of work or is it merely for personal use?

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It's strictly for personal use. My iPad Air wasn't cutting it and I wanted to go full circle with Apple so I decided to buy it. The display is absolutely gorgeous. Wouldn't of bought it if it broke me financially though. I work for corporate AT&T so I got a sizable discount on it, but still spent a little over $2300 with the AppleCare and taxes.

Thumbs up for having a great paying job whilst being single and having no kids.

 

[AppleGoat]

Any new opinions on this ? Obviously, I haven't yet purchased the computer.

 

[Robster3]

Any new opinions on this ? Obviously, I haven't yet purchased the computer.

you need a loan

 

[voodoojar]

Designers that choose a laptop screen instead of a larger monitor at a desk are usually extremely inefficient or have very poor attention to detail. I'd keep the 13 and get a big monitor and maybe even a keyboard and mouse.

 

[Dave245]

I'm kind of having a upgrade dilemma myself, i currently have a Macbook Pro 2011, it runs fine and i use it daily at home. However i'm a second year university student in the UK, and i've been thinking about getting a MacBook Air, mainly because when i go back to university in September for my third year, i will be doing a lot more university work, such as dissertation writing.
In my first and second year at university, i have been using my iPad 3 for simple notes in lectures. However i find writing actual essays and doing university work much better on a laptop device, but because my Macbook Pro is a 15" and heavy to carry around i haven't been taking it with me to university.
Battery life and lightness are of importance to me because i commute too and from university using the bus. For this reason i have been thinking about a Macbook Air, but would it really be worth it, and with all the other Apple products i have, would i just be buying one for the sake of buying yet another Apple product.

 

[AppleGoat]

Designers that choose a laptop screen instead of a larger monitor at a desk are usually extremely inefficient or have very poor attention to detail. I'd keep the 13 and get a big monitor and maybe even a keyboard and mouse.

You don't think I could see details with a high DPI (Retina) screen that I could not see with a larger 1440p (or 1080p) IPS monitor?

 

[fig]

Designers that choose a laptop screen instead of a larger monitor at a desk are usually extremely inefficient or have very poor attention to detail. I'd keep the 13 and get a big monitor and maybe even a keyboard and mouse.

Stereotype much? I do agree it's nice to have an external display for some work though.

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You don't think I could see details with a high DPI (Retina) screen that I could not see with a larger 1440p (or 1080p) IPS monitor?

I do a lot of identity/light development work on a 13" laptop, for coding and larger scale pieces I go to the bigger display on the desktop. It's not so much detail IMO but the ability to get more information comfortably onscreen with a bigger display.

The idea that a designer on a small screen is inefficient or has poor attention to detail is quite entertaining, however

 

[saturnotaku]

Battery life and lightness are of importance to me because i commute too and from university using the bus. For this reason i have been thinking about a Macbook Air, but would it really be worth it, and with all the other Apple products i have, would i just be buying one for the sake of buying yet another Apple product.

Why not just buy a keyboard case for your iPad?

 

[Dave245]

Why not just buy a keyboard case for your iPad?

That's a good idea, I didn't think of that. It would be lighter to carry around campus and on and off the bus.

 

[AppleGoat]

you need a loan

I got a Barclays card in February which I'd use to finance the computer.

By the way, I haven't been eyeing the base model for a long time. I have my eyes set on the $1949 refurb (2.3ghz, 16GB, Iris Pro configuration). I don't need the faster processor but it's only way to get the extra RAM with the refurbs.

 

[AppleGoat]

It would cost around $1500 to upgrade from my existing machine which performs perfectly well. I resolved last night that it was silly. But 'tis morning I'm craving the Retina goodness. I have to remind myself it's only a screen. It's only a screen.