Is it just me or is the 2013 MacBook Air's display actually pretty good?

[Brandon263]

I don't see any ghosting while playing Real Racing or watching movies. Perhaps you should consider sending it back.

Such strange habits you have

I do not read text while scrolling, but I play games and watch movies on my MBA and the ghosting is there. I put that example because it's the easy way to notice ghosting.

 

[achuandblessyou]

I personally think Apple should at least be meeting the standards of their competitors and at least put a 1080p IPS panel in the macbook air. I've been a PC person all my life and have never owned a macbook, but I've been around them in the development world, and now I no longer need a discrete gpu, but this one feature (or lack thereof) is putting me on the fence.

I don't need retina quality, I just need 1080p IPS because I don't need the price tag associated with the word "retina".

I hope Apple realizes this sooner or later because like the Iphone, they started the category, but I feel like they're no longer innovating in the space. Maybe they've gotten too big for their own good? Maybe they've got something better planned? Because I'm in the tech industry and I don't see anyone being laid off, yet I don't see anything really new with the MBA either.

 

[Saturn1217]

I personally think Apple should at least be meeting the standards of their competitors and at least put a 1080p IPS panel in the macbook air. I've been a PC person all my life and have never owned a macbook, but I've been around them in the development world, and now I no longer need a discrete gpu, but this one feature (or lack thereof) is putting me on the fence.

I don't need retina quality, I just need 1080p IPS because I don't need the price tag associated with the word "retina".

I hope Apple realizes this sooner or later because like the Iphone, they started the category, but I feel like they're no longer innovating in the space. Maybe they've gotten too big for their own good? Maybe they've got something better planned? Because I'm in the tech industry and I don't see anyone being laid off, yet I don't see anything really new with the MBA either.

I completely agree on the IPS panel. But 1080p without major changes to the OS would make the MBA unusable for me and a large segment of the population due to UI elements being too small to read. OSX will need to come with ways to increase the font size of things like the menu bar and program toolbars before they can increase the PPI any further. I'm pretty sure that is why Apple has taken the approach of retina or keep things the same.

 

[DisplacedMic]

I personally think Apple should at least be meeting the standards of their competitors and at least put a 1080p IPS panel in the macbook air. I've been a PC person all my life and have never owned a macbook, but I've been around them in the development world, and now I no longer need a discrete gpu, but this one feature (or lack thereof) is putting me on the fence.

I don't need retina quality, I just need 1080p IPS because I don't need the price tag associated with the word "retina".

I hope Apple realizes this sooner or later because like the Iphone, they started the category, but I feel like they're no longer innovating in the space. Maybe they've gotten too big for their own good? Maybe they've got something better planned? Because I'm in the tech industry and I don't see anyone being laid off, yet I don't see anything really new with the MBA either.

maybe i'm getting older but man, 1080p on this 11" air would probably ruin it for me. we'd all like to see "better" options across the board, but for what it is this display is exactly what i needed. for the 13" inch folks, the 13" retina is perfect if you want a "high-res" air... it's only .5lb heavier, costs $400 more ($300 if you consider that it comes stock with 8gigs ram...and that's not even taking into account the faster chip) and all of this might improve even more with the next generation of pros...

the point being, there was no reason to put a (much) better screen on this generation of Airs in my opinion.

 

[flowrider]

^^^^I agree

Lou

 

[achuandblessyou]

I realize that I may be approaching this from a very PC-centric point of view, but when i purchase gear, I always try to make sure I have the best, or at least close to the best. If apple is smart, then they'd just use vector graphics and everything would scale appropriately (ala Windows 8).

I don't *need* a retina, because you're literally quadrupling the number of pixels while keeping everything the same size (which to me defeats the purpose of a high resolution panel in the first place). Also, a retina panel would mean increased battery use, dimmer (possibly) screen and be extra taxing on the GPU. I would like at least 1080p because that's when you can have 2 browser windows side by side and not have to keep scrolling sideways (too much) and it's only 1.6 times more pixels vs 4 times more pixels.

Now, with 1440x900, I could just zoom out, but because of the lack of pixels, things will be harder to see because you won't have enough pixels to accurately represent the image.

From what I can tell, the reason people here wouldn't want a 1080p (or 1200p to keep the 16:10 ratio) would be because things would be too small. Which I don't see as an issue depending on how Apple manages that change. Or even better, they should offer a 1200p option so it will satisfy those who don't want the increased battery drain, eye strain, etc. But then again, it's Apple, everything's going to be one size fits all...

 

[sofianito]

I realize that I may be approaching this from a very PC-centric point of view, but when i purchase gear, I always try to make sure I have the best, or at least close to the best. If apple is smart, then they'd just use vector graphics and everything would scale appropriately (ala Windows 8).

I don't *need* a retina, because you're literally quadrupling the number of pixels while keeping everything the same size (which to me defeats the purpose of a high resolution panel in the first place). Also, a retina panel would mean increased battery use, dimmer (possibly) screen and be extra taxing on the GPU. I would like at least 1080p because that's when you can have 2 browser windows side by side and not have to keep scrolling sideways (too much) and it's only 1.6 times more pixels vs 4 times more pixels.

Now, with 1440x900, I could just zoom out, but because of the lack of pixels, things will be harder to see because you won't have enough pixels to accurately represent the image.

From what I can tell, the reason people here wouldn't want a 1080p (or 1200p to keep the 16:10 ratio) would be because things would be too small. Which I don't see as an issue depending on how Apple manages that change. Or even better, they should offer a 1200p option so it will satisfy those who don't want the increased battery drain, eye strain, etc. But then again, it's Apple, everything's going to be one size fits all...

With Retina Display Manager app you could set your MBA resolution to 1920x1080... . I've just tested it on a 11" MBA at my local Apple store... But the fonts become tiny and ugly...

I hope next MBA release will get a IGZO display...

 

[PDFierro]

I realize that I may be approaching this from a very PC-centric point of view, but when i purchase gear, I always try to make sure I have the best, or at least close to the best. If apple is smart, then they'd just use vector graphics and everything would scale appropriately (ala Windows 8).

I don't *need* a retina, because you're literally quadrupling the number of pixels while keeping everything the same size (which to me defeats the purpose of a high resolution panel in the first place). Also, a retina panel would mean increased battery use, dimmer (possibly) screen and be extra taxing on the GPU. I would like at least 1080p because that's when you can have 2 browser windows side by side and not have to keep scrolling sideways (too much) and it's only 1.6 times more pixels vs 4 times more pixels.

Now, with 1440x900, I could just zoom out, but because of the lack of pixels, things will be harder to see because you won't have enough pixels to accurately represent the image.

From what I can tell, the reason people here wouldn't want a 1080p (or 1200p to keep the 16:10 ratio) would be because things would be too small. Which I don't see as an issue depending on how Apple manages that change. Or even better, they should offer a 1200p option so it will satisfy those who don't want the increased battery drain, eye strain, etc. But then again, it's Apple, everything's going to be one size fits all...

Interesting view. But what reasons could someone want a higher resolution yet having everything appear the same size? Well, let's see...I'm a writer so having my text be sharp and clear is a must. It's a huge deal for me. And then you have people who work with photos, videos, etc.

The issues you mention about extra battery and higher-taxing the GPU really aren't issues anymore.

 

[achuandblessyou]

With Retina Display Manager app you could set your MBA resolution to 1920x1080... . I've just tested it on a 11" MBA at my local Apple store... But the fonts become tiny and ugly...

I hope next MBA release will get a IGZO display...

Of course you can and of course it looks ugly, you're telling each pixel on that 11" MBA to act like 2 pixels, so now that one pixel needs to interpolate between itself and the ones supposedly around it.

Interesting view. But what reasons could someone want a higher resolution yet having everything appear the same size? Well, let's see...I'm a writer so having my text be sharp and clear is a must. It's a huge deal for me. And then you have people who work with photos, videos, etc.

The issues you mention about extra battery and higher-taxing the GPU really aren't issues anymore.

True, but have you ever used a 1080p 13" panel? It's sharp enough AND you can see more . Another reason why it's not sharper and clearer is because Apple uses a TN panel vs IPS (which pretty much every other high-end laptop in that category uses).

Extra battery and higher-taxing the GPU is an issue if you ever need to do anything graphically intense. Don't tell me running Photoshop on a Retina Macbook is the same as a regular macbook (doesn't count if you run Photoshop at the same resolution). Same for when you play games, etc.

Also, the more pixels you have, the more battery power you need to get a screen with the same brightness vs one with a lower pixel count.

 

[yliu]

It's hard to see pixels on the MBA from normal distances, but comparing side by side with a rMBP the retina display still looks crisper.

Before all this retina trend started, I've never really pain attention to pixel density. So normal screens looked just fine. But after using high pixel density screens, it hard to go back.

 

[michaelsviews]

you sir need to get your eyes checked. Like you I came from a 15" rmbp and the display on the air is clearly far far worse. viewing angles, colour gamut, resolution/piellation. Its basically going from apples best display to their worst and the difference is noticable. That said I prefer the air because of battery life and while I couldn't live with the LG display I returned it and got a samsung and its no retina but it is fine for my purposes

Ok so you returned it, but how did they determine that you were getting a Samsung display?

 

[newdeal]

Ok so you returned it, but how did they determine that you were getting a Samsung display?

there is no way to know I just got another one and hoped it had a samsung display, which it did

 

[michaelsviews]

there is no way to know I just got another one and hoped it had a samsung display, which it did

Well I guess you definitely were very lucky. Granted the Airs display is NOT retina, but coming from a 2008 MBP this is not far off from what I came from.

Played with the Rmbp retina and did not think it was all that great. 15" definitely nice, but having one and using a quad core for me is just not in the picture .

Money is not the problem it's having all that power and shiny screen with poor battery life and never coming close to using it.

Just my feeling is all.

I will say that after having this MBA, reset of the SMC per Apples suggestion for better battery life, don't know how but 12 hours on wireless is just fine, that include Youtube, email and surfing, VMware/Fedora and WebStorm for web dev.

Maxed out MBA is knock on wood working for me so far.

 

[Wicked1]

i avoid retinas so that i can continue to live in relative bliss with my 11"

You my friend have struck my funny Bone for the night and gave me a good laugh.

I have the money to get an Ultimate 13" rMBP and love Retina, I just can not go with the cost and thinking of getting the 11" bc of portability. I read your comment and it felt at home to my idea,,,,,Bravo!!!!

I will just kick myself in the Can if I go out and get the 11" and sometime in June-October Apple puts a Retina display in the MBA line, but Meh what can you do, I have to live for today, not what I don't know about tomorrow.

 

[Dweez]

No, it's not just you. I find the display on my 13" to be quite good for my use cases.

 

[cg006]

I have been debating n the Air and MBP.

I recently got a rMBP but am still debating on the air since the battery is much better. My main use is browsing the net wnd doing basic stuff... i know the air can do all that...but DAMNNNNNNN the retina on my rMBP 13 is SOOOOOOOOO NICE!

I went tot he apple store again to check the machines out.. the air screen is pretty crappy. I understand the trade off for battery life...but the screen should be of better quality at least

 

[capathy21]

I have been debating n the Air and MBP.

I recently got a rMBP but am still debating on the air since the battery is much better. My main use is browsing the net wnd doing basic stuff... i know the air can do all that...but DAMNNNNNNN the retina on my rMBP 13 is SOOOOOOOOO NICE!

I went tot he apple store again to check the machines out.. the air screen is pretty crappy. I understand the trade off for battery life...but the screen should be of better quality at least

Keep the rMBP. The Air's display is terrible by 2014 standards. The battery life is is not that different. I have both in my home and my rMBP gets 9 plus hours off of charge. There are very few who NEED 12 hours of battery. Even if you do, it's more than worth trading 3 hours of battery life for a retina display. Trust me, keep the retina.

 

[cg006]

I was able to get a baseline Air 1.7/4gb/128 for $766 tax included.
I have been debating what to do... its a saving of almost $500.
My rMBP was 1300 (tax included) 2.5/8gb/256

Ive been using the pro mainly to just surf the web and run some simple applications. Realistically i wont be using the pros full potential.I really would like a beefed up mac mini to use it as my desktop replacement since the 13' mac pro cannot drive 2x 27s@2560x1440 and operate SMOOTHLY. Lots of chopiness.


I will try out the air for a bit as well and decide what i do. Worst come to worse.. i can sell the mba and take a small hit if they do release a retina mba soon or next year.

I know that screen is a beauty... but $500 in my pocket is also very nice lol
Since the macbook will be like my side machine not my main. i may be able to live with it.....

 

[gnasher729]

I realize that I may be approaching this from a very PC-centric point of view, but when i purchase gear, I always try to make sure I have the best, or at least close to the best. If apple is smart, then they'd just use vector graphics and everything would scale appropriately (ala Windows 8).

Assuming that vector graphics would "just work" is very, very optimistic. It works for fonts but only because there is an awful lot of work going into font design to make them work well at arbitrary scaling. For example, you will sometimes see retina icons that are not just redrawn in higher resolution, but have detail added that wouldn't work in a lower resolution.

 

[capathy21]

I was able to get a baseline Air 1.7/4gb/128 for $766 tax included.
I have been debating what to do... its a saving of almost $500.
My rMBP was 1300 (tax included) 2.5/8gb/256

Ive been using the pro mainly to just surf the web and run some simple applications. Realistically i wont be using the pros full potential.I really would like a beefed up mac mini to use it as my desktop replacement since the 13' mac pro cannot drive 2x 27s@2560x1440 and operate SMOOTHLY. Lots of chopiness.


I will try out the air for a bit as well and decide what i do. Worst come to worse.. i can sell the mba and take a small hit if they do release a retina mba soon or next year.

I know that screen is a beauty... but $500 in my pocket is also very nice lol
Since the macbook will be like my side machine not my main. i may be able to live with it.....

Oh yea for 500 difference, the Air is awesome lol. There is no way I can justify recommending the pro when it is 500 more.

 

[cg006]

granted.. i am getting HALF the memory, HALF the SSD and and a worse screen...so its not too bad... but for what i am doing... i may just keep the Air because of that and resell later....


Also... iphone 6 is on its way.... i am with verizon and have unlimited data... if i keep them i will need to again pay full price.... those 500 will come in handy... although that is a whole other dilemma..lol

 

[capathy21]

granted.. i am getting HALF the memory, HALF the SSD and and a worse screen...so its not too bad... but for what i am doing... i may just keep the Air because of that and resell later....


Also... iphone 6 is on its way.... i am with verizon and have unlimited data... if i keep them i will need to again pay full price.... those 500 will come in handy... although that is a whole other dilemma..lol

Oh yes another dilemma

Are you still within your return window for the rMBP?

 

[cg006]

I got 30 days.
Currently bought it form best buy and have the elite membership. I was advised they no longer have restocking fees. I got the rmbp on july28 i tihnk....

 

[capathy21]

I got 30 days.
Currently bought it form best buy and have the elite membership. I was advised they no longer have restocking fees. I got the rmbp on july28 i tihnk....

Did you use the student discount and mover's coupon? Reason I ask is, the 4/128 2013 rMBP is 1149 before any discounts. If you had student discount plus movers, you could get that model for 944 plus tax. In other words, if you exchange the 8/256 for a 4/128, you'd get all the benefits of the retina and save 300 bucks in the process which would make it only 200 more than the Air.

 

[cg006]

just had the student discount and have not been able to go to the post office