I definitely don't need one, but I would for sure want one!
For anyone who programs on a rMBP, is there a big difference? Worth it?
For anyone who programs on a rMBP, is there a big difference? Worth it?
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Do you NEED a Retina MacBook?
- Thread starter KittyKatta
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Future proofing is a myth from the past. Today's' tech developments move way too fast to be able to predict. Much less get more than just two years or so out of a 2013 MBP retina.
Apple's retina MacBook's components are packed in so tightly, then to make matters worse, there's a large amount of glue holding things together instead of screws, clips and fasteners. Apple's obsession with a "thin" laptop, is out of control to the extent it's just crazy.
Oh sure, I have a 15" MBP retina, but that's because I could easily afford one without giving up my much loved, ultra reliable, user serviceable Mid 2010 CTO 15" MBP, with hi-res, anti-glare, display.
And it was only because of my passion for technology that I bought one to see what it was like, and I might add I made that purchase the moment they were released. At that time none of us knew the way they were built. The glue and lack of upgradability was not known.
At .95" its plenty thin, but has room for air to circulate, and room for some spacing between components. The ability to do what I want with the configuration is very valuable to me and many others that are professional computer users.
Only Apple has thrown in the towel, and begun to build these retina throwaways. It's all part of their planned obsolescence. They are, after all, a hardware sales company. They have every reason to force their users into new computers as soon as possible.
When a retina works properly it's a great machine.
If it breaks down, and by some stretch of luck it's a repairable situation you better have Apple Care or a really fat wallet.
If it's not repairable it goes into the landfill after some recycling, not exactly the best of scenarios no matter how "completely recyclable Apple claims they are.
Apple's retina MacBook's components are packed in so tightly, then to make matters worse, there's a large amount of glue holding things together instead of screws, clips and fasteners. Apple's obsession with a "thin" laptop, is out of control to the extent it's just crazy.
Oh sure, I have a 15" MBP retina, but that's because I could easily afford one without giving up my much loved, ultra reliable, user serviceable Mid 2010 CTO 15" MBP, with hi-res, anti-glare, display.
And it was only because of my passion for technology that I bought one to see what it was like, and I might add I made that purchase the moment they were released. At that time none of us knew the way they were built. The glue and lack of upgradability was not known.
At .95" its plenty thin, but has room for air to circulate, and room for some spacing between components. The ability to do what I want with the configuration is very valuable to me and many others that are professional computer users.
Only Apple has thrown in the towel, and begun to build these retina throwaways. It's all part of their planned obsolescence. They are, after all, a hardware sales company. They have every reason to force their users into new computers as soon as possible.
When a retina works properly it's a great machine.
If it breaks down, and by some stretch of luck it's a repairable situation you better have Apple Care or a really fat wallet.
If it's not repairable it goes into the landfill after some recycling, not exactly the best of scenarios no matter how "completely recyclable Apple claims they are.
Thanks. Often times people nitpick on certain words in order to intentionally ignore the point. I wasnt trying to insult anyone. I really am curious what sort of user the rMBP is aimed at because its a bit confusing. If you're a photographer or gamer then you benefit from a gorgeous screen but you're forced to use an external drive because the internal SSD capacity may be limiting. And if you're someone who's entire life fits on 256GB then a $2100 laptop may be overkill.
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That is actually a problem that I have run into because, with the limited internal storage, it seems like a Retina Studio Display would make more sense for photographers. If I'm working with 16-25MB RAW files then I most likely would have my external plugged in. And if I've got things hanging off my MBP then I might as well be at my desk.Heck yes, another photographer!I wanted a MBP with a retina screen but was super disappointed when Apple chose to make it non-upgradeable. I'll take 16 GB for Aperture and Photoshop over 8 GB and a retina display any day. I already have a second, larger screen for photo editing, so the primary display isn't absolutely critical for me.
I have a great Dell 23" monitor that I used to use when doing an Aperture/Photoshop session. But with the Retina MBP then it just felt silly to use an external "normal res" monitor and make the superior Retina screen the secondary/pallette screen. So for me, my decision to keep or return the rMBP is dependent on if I can develop a workflow that takes advantage of a Retina screen in a practical manner.
Thats a good point and something I really need to consider. I tend to resell my Macs for 10% loss per year. 256GB right now is the absolute minimum for a $2100 "Pro" machine. But imagine 2 years from now when Retina 1TB SSD's and 32GB ram are standard, could you even find a "Pro" user in the market for a 256GB 8GB MBP at $1600 used?
I'm taking delivery of a 13" retina today..My reasons for buying:
1) Above all, the small form factor V screen...I'm hoping that the retina display will compensate for the lack of real-estate.
2) Bang for buck...I could afford to max the 13" out, the 15" I would have had to make compromises if I wanted one now...( I do)
Plan is to use it as my sole work tool this week...If the 13" screen proves to be lacking, I will return it and wait until I can afford the same spec 15", but from what I'm seeing, I should be good.
1) Above all, the small form factor V screen...I'm hoping that the retina display will compensate for the lack of real-estate.
2) Bang for buck...I could afford to max the 13" out, the 15" I would have had to make compromises if I wanted one now...( I do)
Plan is to use it as my sole work tool this week...If the 13" screen proves to be lacking, I will return it and wait until I can afford the same spec 15", but from what I'm seeing, I should be good.
Pretty? Seriously?
No, I don't need one, but I didn't buy it because it was pretty.
Seriously why make a poll and add a bunch of opinionated responses which makes the response irrelevant?
Example:
Do you like cheese?
Yes, I like to smell bad.
No, I don't eat it because I'll fart.
No, I like to fart, but I don't want to smell bad.
No, I don't need one, but I didn't buy it because it was pretty.
Seriously why make a poll and add a bunch of opinionated responses which makes the response irrelevant?
Example:
Do you like cheese?
Yes, I like to smell bad.
No, I don't eat it because I'll fart.
No, I like to fart, but I don't want to smell bad.
I don't know about "need", but I certainly wouldn't have bought it without the retina screen. I had a minimum resolution when specifying this computer, and the rMBP surprised me by exceeding all the specifications I wanted. The surprise was that I was looking for a Windows laptop...
Honestly, I don't. If its about benefits and disadvantages of the two MBP models, why not just ask the question this way? Instead, a provocative tone is chosen which suggests that one needs a 'justification' to get the rMBP. Its just a laptop! If you are in a market for a MacBook Pro (let us disregard the 'do you NEED a MBP?' question for now), you can only either get a cMBP or a rMBP. My opinion is that rMBP is a simply a way better bang for buck than the cMBP. If I were to ask the question, it would be: 'how does one justify getting the cMBP when you can get the rMBP for few hundreds more - which would give you a much more mobile machine with an SSD and a much better display?'. From my perspective, I see absolutely no advantage the classical model has over the retina one, except for the lower price - which is more then worth it considering that I have to carry half a kilo less on me and work with text for hours without getting eye fatigue.
I can't see it revolutionizing my photography work flow, but I can definitely see a use for it. I've had a number of photos that looked fine on both of my computer screens but then revealed flaws when on my iPad's retina screen. It seems like it would make it faster and easier to spot issues.
I suppose you could question the utility of that too, though. Prints are generally more forgiving of sharpness and detail issues than even non-retina computer screens. Even for creating digital content, the vast majority of viewers are on standard screens and websites are still using relatively low resolution images, so people wouldn't be able to appreciate any extra work that goes into making something shine on a retina display.
If I were a professional photographer and not a hobbyist then the retina would be something I'd absolutely want... but not before a higher-end camera body and lenses.
Not at the moment. My 2010 MBP works fine. My next MBP will probably end up being Retina, but that's a few years down the line.
No, in the same vein that one doesn't need a Mac or, for that matter, any computer at all.
However, it's a nice thing to have.
However, it's a nice thing to have.
go to the apple site, configure the cmbp with 256 ssd and add in some $ for the ram upgrade, check the price (i know, the nitpicking contrarian reply will be diy, i agree, but still there is $ there in the difference either way)
then take into account its thicker and heavier than the rmbp
screen basically ends up being a $100 savings if you want to straight compare apple.com prices, hell the rmbp even has the 2.4ghz base i7 now, cmbp doesnt.
i guess though if almost everything applying to the cmbp means the gfx and quad i7 than you may be right.
anyway, point was at the time of my purchase last fall ($1900 before refurbs were available) breaking down the increase in specs basically had the screen being gravy ontop of the other factors.
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I like how you say thicker and heavier. It's a one pound difference and a several millimeters thinner.
And to be honest, it's true that by "DIY" you can save a lot.
This is random, but I've been thinking about upgrading to a rMBP soon and I realized that the 13'' 2009 cMBP (which I'm using currently) is heavier than the 15'' rMBP !? That's crazy!
And yes, I need retina for video and photo editing purposes.
If you need the Retina, then get it. I'd recommend a 15" for video and photo editing because you'll have a dedicated GPU.
