Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Hands On with Apple's New 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I've been holding out for a 13" rMBP but really hoped it would have a discrete GPU, or at least a BTO option.
Intel's pony IGP might just about hack high resolutions these days but I doubt I'd want to hook up a projector for a VJ gig with 3D visuals AND run a high res on the lappy screen.
Guess if I want a retina screen with a bit of serious 3D oomph I'll have to save up for the 15" then. Shame, I would have preferred something a bit more portable (and cheaper lol).
Intel's pony IGP might just about hack high resolutions these days but I doubt I'd want to hook up a projector for a VJ gig with 3D visuals AND run a high res on the lappy screen.
Guess if I want a retina screen with a bit of serious 3D oomph I'll have to save up for the 15" then. Shame, I would have preferred something a bit more portable (and cheaper lol).
The small factor is the thing. It means I have a very powerful laptop with a lot of utility - the same utility I can find in any other laptop. Not absurd at all. Please tell me how their use is "dwindling." I see discs as the MOST common means of passing (large file sized) information in my business. Until the bulk of the world catches on to your minority opinion, discs are still going to be very relevant.
Most common means of passing large files? lol so your saying people find it more convenient to burn a disc than simply transfer files over to a USB?
The price of Version A
The question many Apple fanboys may wish to ask themselves, if a retina screen is worth $600 to them?
Oh, and bragging rights in having the latest and (near) greatest, although if screen retention or any of the other teething problems of the 15" retina crop up, they might opt to remain quiet. Aside from this, lopping a whole pound off in a more svelte form factor is surely a benefit. But enough?
The base 13" non-retina has the same specs in CPU and GPU as the top end 13" retina. In fact, the top end non-retina has a better CPU. So where lies the difference, other than in the screen? Basically only in whether a standard hard drive or the SSD of the retina. Also in 4GB more RAM, but RAM being so inexpensive that hardly matters. The bigger cost lies in storage options. I'm automatically disregarding the low end retina due offering only 128GB of SSD. Apple might think everyone should be using iCloud, but anything with a "pro" moniker should be able to hold a decent amount of files; so I'm considering 256GB as the minimum acceptable. Upgrade the non-retina to that in SSD and Apple wants $500; the enterprising will install their own for less than half that, or about $200. So take a new base non-retina, install the SSD yourself, the trivial cost of RAM, and one is at parity with something costing $2,000for $600 less.
Without the beautiful screen. It better be worth it. And impeccable in operation without a single glitch (in lack of discreet graphics, etc.) Otherwise one might end up wondering what kind of idiot they are in helping Apple fatten their corporate revenue. That has to come from somewhere, and apparently everyone who will find a way to rationalize such an expenditure.
The question many Apple fanboys may wish to ask themselves, if a retina screen is worth $600 to them?Oh, and bragging rights in having the latest and (near) greatest, although if screen retention or any of the other teething problems of the 15" retina crop up, they might opt to remain quiet. Aside from this, lopping a whole pound off in a more svelte form factor is surely a benefit. But enough?
The base 13" non-retina has the same specs in CPU and GPU as the top end 13" retina. In fact, the top end non-retina has a better CPU. So where lies the difference, other than in the screen? Basically only in whether a standard hard drive or the SSD of the retina. Also in 4GB more RAM, but RAM being so inexpensive that hardly matters. The bigger cost lies in storage options. I'm automatically disregarding the low end retina due offering only 128GB of SSD. Apple might think everyone should be using iCloud, but anything with a "pro" moniker should be able to hold a decent amount of files; so I'm considering 256GB as the minimum acceptable. Upgrade the non-retina to that in SSD and Apple wants $500; the enterprising will install their own for less than half that, or about $200. So take a new base non-retina, install the SSD yourself, the trivial cost of RAM, and one is at parity with something costing $2,000for $600 less.
Without the beautiful screen. It better be worth it. And impeccable in operation without a single glitch (in lack of discreet graphics, etc.) Otherwise one might end up wondering what kind of idiot they are in helping Apple fatten their corporate revenue. That has to come from somewhere, and apparently everyone who will find a way to rationalize such an expenditure.
If you'd like an example of someone who a 13" is perfect for, go no further. My 13" Pro is perfect for me. I'm in college and have a job, so I needed something pretty light, something a little less expensive, something with plenty of storage to use long-term, and at the time I wanted a CD drive (I'm mostly done with them now though). Besides, an 11" screen seems a bit too small for doing absolutely everything and at the time the 13" Air was more expensive than the Pro. I might prefer a 15" next time I update when I'm out of college, but there's certainly a market.
Frankly, that is just absurd.
There are these curious little devices in circulation called USB flash drives. They typically hold far, far more data than any optical media, are far more durable, easier to transport, and - gasp - work on any computer with a USB port. You should check them out! You could be the revolution your colleagues are waiting for...
What business do you run anyway? Drug cartel in a banana republic in South America? Because then I can see where DVDs might be cheap enough that you can't afford a USB flash drives.
Okay, a layman's question(s) to you technogeeks:
(Will I arouse consternation from my use of "technogeeks?")
I have a 13" MacBook Pro that's 4 years old. The logic board got fried by a bad battery 2-3 months ago, so I've been relying on the plug, which ain't a good way to go for someone who depends on his laptop. I'm not familiar with computers, but I can tell you it has 2 gigs RAM (was going to upgrade it till this happened) and 256 gigs memory (oops, it's really 160 - I just checked!). I had read a rumor about a 13" Retina so I decided to wait because I am one of those folks who likes to be slightly ahead of the curve when buying expensive equipment.
Well, today was the day, and I am not sure what to think. From my POV, I'm disappointed it has Flash memory because it's pretty damn expensive. I wanted memory larger than 256 gigs but will have to settle for that if I want the rMBP (see? I'm learning the terminology), although I know in the long run it's more secure.
But I'm reading 6 pages of quad cores and other complaints that simply may not apply to me. All I use my computer for is for typical Internet crap, writing (what I do for a living), and that's about it. I do take photos so the Retina is a nice feature but will having a dual-core processor limit my viewing enjoyment for movies and other stuff? I plan on keeping this computer for 4 years so I would like it to be flexible, especially since I can't expand the RAM.
There are very few voices in this forum that are not wrapped up in the specs and are surmising the situation with objectivity, but that's only from my inferences being a layman. Will this computer be fine for the average American clod like me? Or should I be worried and get a regular MBP? Or, perhaps, buy a cheap PC notebook and ride the tide for a year till Apple updates the Retinas?
Your advice, if not comments, would be much appreciated!
(Will I arouse consternation from my use of "technogeeks?"
)I have a 13" MacBook Pro that's 4 years old. The logic board got fried by a bad battery 2-3 months ago, so I've been relying on the plug, which ain't a good way to go for someone who depends on his laptop. I'm not familiar with computers, but I can tell you it has 2 gigs RAM (was going to upgrade it till this happened) and 256 gigs memory (oops, it's really 160 - I just checked!). I had read a rumor about a 13" Retina so I decided to wait because I am one of those folks who likes to be slightly ahead of the curve when buying expensive equipment.
Well, today was the day, and I am not sure what to think. From my POV, I'm disappointed it has Flash memory because it's pretty damn expensive. I wanted memory larger than 256 gigs but will have to settle for that if I want the rMBP (see? I'm learning the terminology), although I know in the long run it's more secure.
But I'm reading 6 pages of quad cores and other complaints that simply may not apply to me. All I use my computer for is for typical Internet crap, writing (what I do for a living), and that's about it. I do take photos so the Retina is a nice feature but will having a dual-core processor limit my viewing enjoyment for movies and other stuff? I plan on keeping this computer for 4 years so I would like it to be flexible, especially since I can't expand the RAM.
There are very few voices in this forum that are not wrapped up in the specs and are surmising the situation with objectivity, but that's only from my inferences being a layman. Will this computer be fine for the average American clod like me? Or should I be worried and get a regular MBP? Or, perhaps, buy a cheap PC notebook and ride the tide for a year till Apple updates the Retinas?
Your advice, if not comments, would be much appreciated!
My question is what is the practical every day differences between
MBP Retina
2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
MBA
1.8GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.8GHz
2.0GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz
Not just between MBP Retina and MBA choice, but the upgrade options against the base (what does 2.9 i7 really get - a few minutes less in converting a video?)
Obviously for gaming, dedicated graphics makes a big difference. Not sure what it matters for these models as they all have limited options...
This involves a choice of which computer to buy and whether to upgrade. Neither is clear to me...
The 13-inch Retina is a great idea, but so overpriced. In the educational channel, just $100 separates the 13 inch 256GB SSD from the 15-inch one, and the bigger computer, besides the bigger display, also gives you quad-core, much better built-in speakers and discrete graphics.
Hrm... my rMBP 15" is "buttery smooth" (to borrow a phrase from the Android camp) when running on the integrated graphics card and doing all of the things you state. It was laggy as hell before 10.8.2, though. I would think that an rMBP 13" would do at least as well if not better.
If you've got the cash, I'd recommend the 15" rMBP over the 13", which is a little too overpriced considering what you get (truthfully, so is the 15", but it's a bit more justifiable). Considering what you intend on using it for, I'd suggest getting an Air if anything. It's got more than enough hardware for to type away in your favorite word processor while watching a movie in the background or flip through your photos. The Pro line is either for people who really want a Retina display, or who really need a great deal of processing power in their laptop. For everyone else, the Airs are perfect, and a good deal less expensive.
The only issue you'd run into with an Air would be storage space, but that can be easily remedied with a NAS, which would cost you about the difference between the 13" Air, and the Pro.
In the UK, the new 13" is only worth it in the base config, because if you get the better config:
http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MD213B/A?
It's ONLY £100 LESS then the base config 15" Retina MacBook Pro!!
http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MC975B/A?
Same storage, but 15" screen and better speakers and dedicated graphics and a quad core i7 all for that £100 more.
You REALLY need to want a 13" machine to buy one, IMO the Air is better?
http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MD213B/A?
It's ONLY £100 LESS then the base config 15" Retina MacBook Pro!!
http://store.apple.com/uk/configure/MC975B/A?
Same storage, but 15" screen and better speakers and dedicated graphics and a quad core i7 all for that £100 more.
You REALLY need to want a 13" machine to buy one, IMO the Air is better?
Retina worth it today?
Purchasing the 13" RMBP today will put you "ahead of the curve" relative to other 13" offerings from Apple. In a year when updated, likely behind, as the Version B models will probably offer some decided advantages in power, etc., for the same price.
If just in capability, the 15" models offer significantly more; Apple has unfortunately never chosen to offer similar capability in the smaller 13" size many prefer. Nevertheless, the base 15" retina would be a better value than the top end 13" retina: one is paying a premium for the smaller size.
For just writing, much of this is academic. Any laptop from Apple would be more than sufficient. The MacBook Air could be appealing due its light weight, being .5 pounds lighter than even the new 13" retina.
That either has an SSD might be viewed as an advantage. Yes, they are more expensive than a traditional hard drive, but also much more responsive. Try the two side by side, an SSD and non, and the difference will be quickly apparent. It is worth the cost, moreover something that definitely places one if not ahead of the curve, certainly not behind it. And no, one would not have to settle for 256GB of SSD storage with the 13" retina; if willing to shell out an additional $1,000, 758GB of SSD can be had. A question if that is worth it. But in principle SSD of some size is.
Bottom line, the low end 13" retina is underpowered for that price, and of questionable resale value; the top end 13" retina is for now desirable, assuming one willing to pay a significant premium for that retina screen. Recall that the original MacBook Air was novel, and quite expensive for limited capability. Its descendents have become what it should have been, and a good value (with their screens remaining the single biggest deficit). Future iterations of the 13" retina will probably follow this trend, being far more computer for the money.
If money no object, then the decision easier. If attempting to future proof towards some semblance of economy, then one might want to consider the wisdom of purchasing a retina today, particularly the 13" version.
Purchasing the 13" RMBP today will put you "ahead of the curve" relative to other 13" offerings from Apple. In a year when updated, likely behind, as the Version B models will probably offer some decided advantages in power, etc., for the same price.If just in capability, the 15" models offer significantly more; Apple has unfortunately never chosen to offer similar capability in the smaller 13" size many prefer. Nevertheless, the base 15" retina would be a better value than the top end 13" retina: one is paying a premium for the smaller size.
For just writing, much of this is academic. Any laptop from Apple would be more than sufficient. The MacBook Air could be appealing due its light weight, being .5 pounds lighter than even the new 13" retina.
That either has an SSD might be viewed as an advantage. Yes, they are more expensive than a traditional hard drive, but also much more responsive. Try the two side by side, an SSD and non, and the difference will be quickly apparent. It is worth the cost, moreover something that definitely places one if not ahead of the curve, certainly not behind it. And no, one would not have to settle for 256GB of SSD storage with the 13" retina; if willing to shell out an additional $1,000, 758GB of SSD can be had. A question if that is worth it. But in principle SSD of some size is.
Bottom line, the low end 13" retina is underpowered for that price, and of questionable resale value; the top end 13" retina is for now desirable, assuming one willing to pay a significant premium for that retina screen. Recall that the original MacBook Air was novel, and quite expensive for limited capability. Its descendents have become what it should have been, and a good value (with their screens remaining the single biggest deficit). Future iterations of the 13" retina will probably follow this trend, being far more computer for the money.
If money no object, then the decision easier. If attempting to future proof towards some semblance of economy, then one might want to consider the wisdom of purchasing a retina today, particularly the 13" version.
@Renzatic:
Not interested in the 15" as the 13" size is "just right."
And not interested in the Air because it doesn't have the memory I want. I consider my laptop my desk with lots of drawers, and I would like to have a decent amount of items in the HD without having to access an external.
Okay, on to read the other responses . . . to all! And, BTW, I asked a techie friend of mine and he thinks unless I'll be editing videos and stuff, the dual-core should be fine for my needs.
Not interested in the 15" as the 13" size is "just right."
And not interested in the Air because it doesn't have the memory I want. I consider my laptop my desk with lots of drawers, and I would like to have a decent amount of items in the HD without having to access an external.
Okay, on to read the other responses . . . to all! And, BTW, I asked a techie friend of mine and he thinks unless I'll be editing videos and stuff, the dual-core should be fine for my needs.
So make the shell 1/4" thicker like, oh, let's say, the macbook pro?
When you sacrifice that much performance to save 1/4", your engineers are idiots.
Should'a Would'a Could'a
If they had a 16gb option and made the entry level (1699) version ssd 256gb I would have sold my rMBP in a New York minute and bought the 13. I don't mind the Intel 4000 Graphics, my wife has a 2011 MBA 13 and hooks it up to an Apple Display with zero issues what-so-ever. Even watching Netflix in fullscreen has no issues and the MBA still runs super cool.
The lack of dedicated graphics wasn't going to curve my desires, it was the lack of a 16gb option mostly, and to a lesser extent 256gb ssd not standard. Though I'm sure next rMBP13 update the ram and ssd will see a bump.
If they had a 16gb option and made the entry level (1699) version ssd 256gb I would have sold my rMBP in a New York minute and bought the 13. I don't mind the Intel 4000 Graphics, my wife has a 2011 MBA 13 and hooks it up to an Apple Display with zero issues what-so-ever. Even watching Netflix in fullscreen has no issues and the MBA still runs super cool.
The lack of dedicated graphics wasn't going to curve my desires, it was the lack of a 16gb option mostly, and to a lesser extent 256gb ssd not standard. Though I'm sure next rMBP13 update the ram and ssd will see a bump.
If possible, wait until the new systems are in the stores. Compare the retina and non-retina 13" screens. Decide whether the better screen is worth the extra money. The retina version is about a pound lighter than the non-retina one. How much do you care about the weight?
Either system will perform way better than your current one, so you shouldn't have any worries for the type of work you described.
I have seen the Retina on the 15" and even though my techier friends said it wasn't worth the expense, I happen to check it out with my dad and he pointed out it was noticeably nicer. I can't fault him for his opinion, which is why I decided to wait to see if the rumors panned out.
Anyway, I'm gonna head to the store again and compare. Maybe I'll end up getting a desktop + iPad and fake having a laptop.
Anyway, I'm gonna head to the store again and compare. Maybe I'll end up getting a desktop + iPad and fake having a laptop.
IF you'd read my first post, you'd know that I can't do that. Many enterprise IT departments have been banning flash drives due to the risk of viruses and other threats. So they are out. Not to mention (and again, please bother to read my first post) I can''t just "leave" a flash drive with someone - it is too expensive. Discs are cheap and easy to give away.
It is unfortunately still a Windows world. As long as that is the case, I need discs.