Getting a bit confused

[lightning33]

So, I am looking to get a new laptop, but am getting a bit confused as I haven't had to research things in quite some time. The intended use for the new machine (which is replacing a Dell XPS M1530 from early '08) will include mainly Internet, movies, the occasional Office use, and the every-now-and-again game, like Splinter Cell.

So, I am looking at the Air or the 13" Retina. My question is not about that (I figure ANYTHING is heads and shoulders better than what I currently use); I was just giving background.

1) Even at the lower resolution of 1440x900 of the Air, is this considered "Full HD"? I know it doesn't have 1080 in it, but on a smaller screen.....

2) Would either of these two machines power the listed game (and those similar) well enough to play? I ran Splinter Cell: Double Agent on my XPS, so I figure it might work? Does more RAM help with this (system RAM, obviously)?

3) Is Haswell worth it for my intended uses? Like, would I see a noticeable difference in how I would use the machine?

Thanks in advance. I have seen all the Air-vs-Retina threads and the Haswell-is-coming threads, but I figure I'm not looking for the latest and greatest, just the greatest for me with price in mind. Again, thanks.

 

[B...]

First, if a Dell from 2008 can do something, a Mac from 2013 can do it much better. That includes games.And the Air will not be able to watch true HD videos without scaling, while the Retina can. Since Haswell computers should only be a week away, there is no reason not to wait to see what Apple does. Haswell should bring better graphics and maybe battery life, all great for a portable device without a dedicated GPU.

 

[lightning33]

Oh I fully plan to wait and see what gets announced at WWDC regarding the MBA and the 13" rMBP. Say Haswell gets announced as the upgrade and the current line-up goes on sale for like 1300. For my uses, take the deal or go with the update?

Also, with regards to gaming, I read on some site that based on FPS alone, HD4000 could NOT play SimCity. This seems odd to me. Something has got give, right? I think the site was Notebookreview.com or something like that.

 

[takeshi74]

Even at the lower resolution of 1440x900 of the Air, is this considered "Full HD"? I know it doesn't have 1080 in it, but on a smaller screen.....

Not sure what you mean by "full HD". 720 and 1080 are common HD resolutions. You know the specs of the screen. It exceeds one and it doesn't meet the other.

Sounds like you're confusing "retina" and "HD" since you mention the smaller screen. HD is HD regardless of the physical screen size. Either it is capable of HD resolutions or it isn't. PPI doesn't determine whether it's HD or not.

 

[Yahooligan]

"Full HD" is 1080p aka 1920x1080. 1440x900 isn't anywhere close to "Full HD" so no, the Air can't display 1080p HD on the built-in display. If you have a 1080p external display then sure, plug the Air into that and you get full HD.

 

[ericp99]

Speaking as someone who owns a 13 inch rMBP, I can say that the display does make a difference for everything from browsing the web to playing games. Neither is equipped for serious gaming given that fact that they don't have discrete graphics cards, but they are fine for light gaming. I run Minecraft on mine frequently, and it looks pretty cool with the Retina display. In regards to waiting for Haswell, I believe that it makes some pretty big improvements when it comes to integrated graphics, but it really comes down to how soon you need to purchase one, and if you have the time to wait for Apple to refresh your chosen model with Haswell. Remember to check the Apple refurbished store, I picked my rMBP there for $1270.

 

[lightning33]

By "Full HD" I mean 1080p. Thanks for answering the question. I didn't know if screen size factored in. Out of curiosity, how does HDness NOT have anything to do with PPI? Isn't that the whole point of HD?

I definitely have the time, and am planning to, wait for Haswell. I just didn't know if Haswell compared to an "older" model at a discounted price was a better option.

As far as gaming, calling my gaming "light" might be too heavy handed. Given this (although I am unfamiliar of Minecraft), sounds like it will be just fine.

Thanks to all who have answered and continue to answer.

 

[lightning33]

Here's what I referenced. If I am reading this correctly, SimCity is not even playable at low settings on an HD4000...

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000.69168.0.html

 

[ericp99]

In regards to Haswell vs. discounted Ivy Bridge, I would say that it depends if you are able to get a better model with your money. For example, for me:

Haswell 13 inch rMBP vs Ivy Bridge 15 inch rMPB: 15 inch Ivy Bridge for sure.

Haswell 13 inch base rMBP vs Ivy Bridge 13 inch rMBP w/ 256GB SSD 1.6ghz: I would go with the Haswell in this scenario.

Just depends on what you want to spend and your needs. Looking at the current models, for me its rMBP over MBA hands down, but we'll see what new models bring us.

 

[lcseds]

In regards to Haswell vs. discounted Ivy Bridge, I would say that it depends if you are able to get a better model with your money. For example, for me:

Haswell 13 inch rMBP vs Ivy Bridge 15 inch rMPB: 15 inch Ivy Bridge for sure.

Haswell 13 inch base rMBP vs Ivy Bridge 13 inch rMBP w/ 256GB SSD 1.6ghz: I would go with the Haswell in this scenario.

Just depends on what you want to spend and your needs. Looking at the current models, for me its rMBP over MBA hands down, but we'll see what new models bring us.

Might be better to see how Haswell actually performs in Macs before suggesting Haswell over IB or vice versa. Tad premature to offer "solid" advice.

 

[Stetrain]

By "Full HD" I mean 1080p. Thanks for answering the question. I didn't know if screen size factored in. Out of curiosity, how does HDness NOT have anything to do with PPI? Isn't that the whole point of HD?

Full HD 1080p means it has a total of 1920x1080 pixels. A 4" phone with a 1920x1080 screen is Full HD 1080p as is a 60" TV with a 1920x1080 screen.

As far as performance questions go we really have to wait and see what kind of chips Apple chooses to put into the Haswell 13" rMBP. They could go with something that's almost the same as the current CPU/GPU, or they could choose to use one of the more expensive chips that have really good new integrated graphics.

 

[ericp99]

Might be better to see how Haswell actually performs in Macs before suggesting Haswell over IB or vice versa. Tad premature to offer "solid" advice.

True, but we do know two things for sure: 1. It will be faster (to what degree, we don't know) and 2. It will offer much better integrated graphics performance.

 

[Dragoro]

You do realize that 13" is tiny right?

 

[B...]

You do realize that 13" is tiny right?

Who you been dating?

Joking aside, 13" is a great computer size for portability and "workability."

 

[lightning33]

You turned my decision-making thinking on it's head with the suggestion of a 15" rMBP IvyBridge! Now, what to do, what to do...?