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Do you have retina envy?

No envy because I upgraded 13" MBA to 13" retina. All happy now, but glad I passed on the first-gen retinas and waited for the Haswell refresh.

As for that comment someone made, I still have an iPad 2, its from work so I didn't have to pay for it, but that screen sure looks pretty bad now. Put an MBA side-by-side with the rMBP, and not only is it pixelated looking, all the colors are washed out.
 
Do you have retina envy?

No need to have envy. We will be the first owners of the first macbook airs with retina display when it is out. Why should we hae envy now? Macbook Air all the way!
 
MBA vs rMBP

I've owned a 13" MBA since 2011. I've also played with the rMBP and I prefer the MBA screen. Here's why: The rMBP "standard" resolution is 1280x800. Forget the "Native" resolution of 2560x1600; nothing is readable. So I played with the available resolutions and found that 1440x900 makes things perfectly readable yet provides the same real estate as my MBA. So what did the Retina display give me that my MBA did not? Nothing...except a machine that costs more, is virtually unrepairable, more expensive and a half pound heavier.

I supopse there will be instances where the rMBP is more desirable (512GB/1TB internal storage, 16GB RAM) but, frankly, consider how much more affordable (and lighter?) the MBP might be if it had the Air's screen.

While I'd love a 15" MBA, I don't suppose we'll see one until the 12" model replaces both the 11" and the 13"; then it might make sense marketing-wise.

Barry
 
Well I haven´t seen a retina display.

I´m perfectly happy with the 30" cinema hd display and the 13" mba display.
Both seem very nice and sharp to me, the mba screen has more pixels per inch so its even a bit sharper. Both give a very nice user experience for games and browsing. I don´t see any lag. The pixels are plenty small enough for my eyes such as that I dont see any pixellation. Yet the websites are very readable and most apps seem to work great.
 
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I do have retina envy, and wrestled with the idea of selling my 13-inch 2013 MBA "Ultimate Configuration." It could probably cover the price of the mid-range 13-inch rMBP.

However, after reading some user reviews here with the issues of lag, image retention, and now keyboard and trackpad issues, I have been persuaded to stick with my MBA.

I'm always plugged in, so the battery life isn't a factor. But, I do like that if I'm away from an outlet, I have that advantage. Plus, I use an external monitor, so I wouldn't even enjoy the Retina Display if I had an rMBP. Yes, I might choose not to use the external monitor if I had Retina, but I'm evaluating based on my current usage.

I'm also afraid that if I do go Retina, I would have a hard time working on non-Retina screens. I already have a hard time at work, forced to use crappy Windows laptop screens (13-inches at 1366 x 768 is like sandpaper on my eyes.) What more if I get used to Retina? I might go crazy. Sounds silly, but that's me.

So, I will still have retina envy and look longingly at the rMBP whenever I visit the Apple Store. But right now, I'm happy with my MBA.
 
MJedi said:
I'm also afraid that if I do go Retina, I would have a hard time working on non-Retina screens. I already have a hard time at work, forced to use crappy Windows laptop screens (13-inches at 1366 x 768 is like sandpaper on my eyes.) What more if I get used to Retina? I might go crazy. Sounds silly, but that's me.
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Not silly at all. My upgrade from 2008 Air to the lowly (by rMBP standards) 2013 Air screen forced me put an additional dent in my wallet and upgrade my Windows desktop dual monitors to Dell Ultra Sharps.

If I went retina I'd be screwed!
 
I must say, I do have some Retina envy. Not that the Air's screen is poor, but the Retina display is noticeably sharper. It's certainly a nice thing to have. Reading is easier and there is less strain on the eyes over time. Is it necessary? No, but I'd want it if given the choice.

That said, I use the power cord most of the time so optimum battery life is not that important to me. If I relied on the battery and the Retina display cut run time in half, I wouldn't want it. A resolution somewhere between the Air's current screen and the Retina display would likely be a good compromise between display quality and battery life.
 
badlydrawnboy said:
I'm trying to decide between the 13" MBA and 13" rMBP, and for me it simply boils down to retina vs. extra battery life. The other differences/factors don't matter to me.

I've been to the Apple Store to compare the displays, but that's 20 minutes in a single lighting environment. The extra battery life of the MBA really appeals because I'm going to be traveling a lot next year, but I'm worried that I'll miss the retina display.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from folks that have used both extensively.

Thanks!
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maflynn said:
Personally, if battery life is high on your list then the MBA may be the best choice. With Mavericks, I think the 13" rMBP is going to get fantastic battery performance as well.
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polee said:
On the 11" MBA, the screen is pretty sharp. Retina is much sharper I know but I'd prefer a longer battery life...
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helix142 said:
I have a 2013 MBA and love the screen, also the portability and battery life. I think the whole retina thing is more marketing then anything else. I actually hope that they don't go retina on the MBA as that would just consume more GPU and Battery for very little benefit.
Click to expand...

i now have a Haswell 13" rMBP.. and i assure you guys that the rMBP can hang with the new Air when it comes to battery life.

also, here's engadget's review showing the comparison between the two (look at the performance chart): http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review-13-inch-2013/

so at this point.. you should really be considering only the screen factor. personally, and imo.. i'm coming from an Air, and i know i can no longer go back to the Air's low res TN panel
 
helix142 said:
I have a 2013 MBA and love the screen, also the portability and battery life. I think the whole retina thing is more marketing then anything else. I actually hope that they don't go retina on the MBA as that would just consume more GPU and Battery for very little benefit.
Click to expand...

Marketing, BS, the Retina screen is amazing, it is why, I cannot choose the AIR
 
radiohead14 said:
i now have a Haswell 13" rMBP.. and i assure you guys that the rMBP can hang with the new Air when it comes to battery life.

also, here's engadget's review showing the comparison between the two (look at the performance chart): http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/macbook-pro-with-retina-display-review-13-inch-2013/

so at this point.. you should really be considering only the screen factor. personally, and imo.. i'm coming from an Air, and i know i can no longer go back to the Air's low res TN panel
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Well there is size and weight you know
 
From someone who Loves the 13MBA (owned a 2012) and hated the first 13R due to it being underpowered in MY eyes....

hands down get the new 13R. Base model with 8gb ram is a Real good deal.







btw, I would spend 2k over and over again on my 15R. It is simply an amazing computer.
 
Cheffy Dave said:
Marketing, BS, the Retina screen is amazing, it is why, I cannot choose the AIR
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I know. I can't get over how some people just think it is marketing. Did they (if they are old enough) say that the audio improvements in CDs over vinyl records was just marketing too?

Retina is the future and it is beautiful in my eyes.

Though its not officily a Steve Jobs invention, it is something that needs to attributed to his vision. The iPhone 4 screen led the way thanks to SJ and Apple. There were naysayers then too.
 
Yes. I really, really, REALLY want an 11" Retina Macbook Air/Pro. I've come close to pulling the trigger on a 13" Retina a few times now but it just feels bulky compared to my two 11" Airs.
 
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