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Is the screen really worth it coming from an Air?

Sensamic

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
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I've got a 2015 13' Air and while the screen looks decent, I'm thinking of buying the 2015 MBP, mainly for the better screen, but I'm reading that the best resolution is 1440x900 in that screen, the same as in the Air. I know text would look tiny with the native resolution, but what does this effective resolution really mean?

If 1440x900 is the best on the Pro, does that mean I wouldn't be able to watch YouTube videos in true Full HD 1920x1080?

I read that FHD videos don't look that great on the Pro.

If the resolution is scaled down (or whatever it's called), I'm I better off staying with my Air?

I would have to pay 835 euros to change from the Air to the Pro. Would it be worth it? I also get 8GB RAM 256SSD, double on my Air.

Thanks.
 
Firstly i just upgraded from a MBA as well and the screen on the rMBP is amazing. Secondly 1440x900 is the default setting, you can go as high as 1680x1050 within the display settings and even higher with a third party app such as SetResX.
 
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From what I've seen in Apple Stores, yes it is. I am growing tired of looking at non-retina screens from using an iPhone and iPad with retina displays.
 
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Sensamic said:
I've got a 2015 13' Air and while the screen looks decent, I'm thinking of buying the 2015 MBP, mainly for the better screen, but I'm reading that the best resolution is 1440x900 in that screen, the same as in the Air. I know text would look tiny with the native resolution, but what does this effective resolution really mean?

If 1440x900 is the best on the Pro, does that mean I wouldn't be able to watch YouTube videos in true Full HD 1920x1080?

I read that FHD videos don't look that great on the Pro.

If the resolution is scaled down (or whatever it's called), I'm I better off staying with my Air?

I would have to pay 835 euros to change from the Air to the Pro. Would it be worth it? I also get 8GB RAM 256SSD, double on my Air.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
While the resolution is scaled down, that only means what you see is the same size as it would've been on a 1440x900 display. The display will always output 2560x1600. Full HD videos look great on the MBP as well :) It will blow the Air's screen out of the water. Go see one if you have the chance, I'm sure you'll be happy with what you see.
 
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I can't go back after going to the higher res screen. One of those things you really notice after switching.
 
I mainly want it to use on the couch. The Air is great for its thinness and lightness.

Is the Pro to heavy and bulky to have it in your lap?

I think I remember watching YouTube 1080P videos on the store and they didn't look that great.
 
Sensamic said:
I mainly want it to use on the couch. The Air is great for its thinness and lightness.

Is the Pro to heavy and bulky to have it in your lap?

I think I remember watching YouTube 1080P videos on the store and they didn't look that great.
Click to expand...

the 13" pro has a smaller overall footprint than air, but is thicker undoubtedly and heavier

for couch use you will be fine I would imagine

and the screen is really worth it, 2560x1600 vs 1440x900 and IPS panel vs TN with poor viewing angles and contrast

maxresdefault.jpg
 
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I had a 2012 MBA 13" and gave it to my wife. I now have a 12" MB m5 and run it at 1440x900, same as the Air. Side by side, I know which one I'll use. No question, the leap is big. For other reasons, I'm moving to the 13" MBP base model and will run that at higher than 1440x900 and it will be fine. Checked it in the store, no issues.

Going to a retina, coming from the Air, is like moving to an HDTV from a 4:3 SD tube tv.
 
I'm also considering the MB, but I fear the 12 inch screen may be too small, despite the higher resolution.

Then the MBP is too bulky and heavy compared to the Air.

Argh.
 
Check them out in the store if you can. There is a big difference in screens, as many have said.
 
The 2016 123" weights the same as the air and has a smaller footprint. The screen is amazing. I switch from a 2011 Air.
 
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Sensamic said:
I'm also considering the MB, but I fear the 12 inch screen may be too small, despite the higher resolution.

Then the MBP is too bulky and heavy compared to the Air.

Argh.
Click to expand...

It's really not "bulky" at all. Like, not in the least. Definitely take a 12" for a test drive too.

The difference in screens is absolutely mind boggling to the point where it is insane that they're still selling the Air as is. The effective 1440x900 setting on the retina display will get you an image that's 4x as sharp but looks to offer the same amount of actual real estate, meaning the menus and UI will look identical in size.
 
Sensamic said:
I'm also considering the MB, but I fear the 12 inch screen may be too small, despite the higher resolution.

Then the MBP is too bulky and heavy compared to the Air.

Argh.
Click to expand...

Ummmm.....not it's not. I have a 2012 Air 13". Also, I was at the store yesterday and they had a 13" MBP sitting next to a 13" MBA...feel the same weight when you pick them up (or close) but the size of the little MBP is great!
 
kwandrews said:
Ummmm.....not it's not. I have a 2012 Air 13". Also, I was at the store yesterday and they had a 13" MBP sitting next to a 13" MBA...feel the same weight when you pick them up (or close) but the size of the little MBP is great!
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Even the old model was like 10 times better than an Air display. Period.

Edit: and also, the new 13-inch Pro versus Air is like 3.02 pounds vs 2.96 pounds. You likely can't even tell the difference, even if you do, it's most likely because it's denser.
 
By the way, 2016 rMBP have improved contrast and viewing angles. Just saying... but it's visibly better than my old rMBP's panel. I didn't really expect that
 
maratus said:
By the way, 2016 rMBP have improved contrast and viewing angles. Just saying... but it's visibly better than my old rMBP's panel. I didn't really expect that
Click to expand...

I will know eventually when my 2013's replacement arrives. In DEC hopefully sooner.
 
To add another question - 2011 15" pro, to retina, how much of a difference?
 
macTW said:
To add another question - 2011 15" pro, to retina, how much of a difference?
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Insane. Once I saw 15" retina in 2012, I dropped 3k$ immediately and it was the best consumer electronics purchase I've ever made. TN screens of old Macbooks was my biggest complaint for years!
 
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maratus said:
Insane. Once I saw 15" retina in 2012, I dropped 3k$ immediately and it was the best consumer electronics purchase I've ever made. TN screens of old Macbooks was my biggest complaint for years!
Click to expand...
I may have to go get one then. I recently had the mobo replaced from the 2011 gpu issues and it's had problems since then. I could get them to fix it... or new computer :)
 
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