Loved the rMB but Returned It - Here's Why...

[kingofwale]

After a lot of visits to the store and a lot of over-analyzing, I decided against ordering a MacBook. I didn't want to order one on day 1 and return it -- I've returned other Macs that way and really hate doing it.

What finally did me in was mimicking the effective resolution (1152 x 720) on my 15" rMBP and seeing what it's like to use all the Adobe apps. Even with all the elements much larger on the 15" screen than they would be on 12", I just felt cramped. Of course I could bump it up, but then you're really getting tiny on the 12" screen and missing out on enjoying the retina display. I guess I've been spoiled by the 15" size. Fortunately I don't have to travel much, but even if I did, I think using Photoshop and After Effects on a quad core 15" display with 16 GB of RAM, when sitting for more than an hour at a time, outweighs shedding a couple pounds. I really wanted to like it, though. I even have a retina iMac and still feel that way with it as a secondary machine. That's my advice for most Adobe users, unless you're a photographer in the field or something like that. I get that it's comfortable to whip out on the couch and browse the web, but I think the iPad is ideal for that. Glad I've figured out my arsenal and all my use cases!

if you never used 12 incher, then it will be a huge adjustment for you... I've had x200 from Lenovo from years ago, so It's not a huge transition from 15 inch rmpb (in fact, it's an easier transition from that than from 15 retina to non-retina 13 mba)

but I agree with you. unless you really need one, I think Apple will come out with bigger version of thin-retina line. (it's stupid not to)

 

[bcaslis]

After a lot of visits to the store and a lot of over-analyzing, I decided against ordering a MacBook. I didn't want to order one on day 1 and return it -- I've returned other Macs that way and really hate doing it.

What finally did me in was mimicking the effective resolution (1152 x 720) on my 15" rMBP and seeing what it's like to use all the Adobe apps. Even with all the elements much larger on the 15" screen than they would be on 12", I just felt cramped. Of course I could bump it up, but then you're really getting tiny on the 12" screen and missing out on enjoying the retina display. I guess I've been spoiled by the 15" size. Fortunately I don't have to travel much, but even if I did, I think using Photoshop and After Effects on a quad core 15" display with 16 GB of RAM, when sitting for more than an hour at a time, outweighs shedding a couple pounds. I really wanted to like it, though. I even have a retina iMac and still feel that way with it as a secondary machine. That's my advice for most Adobe users, unless you're a photographer in the field or something like that. I get that it's comfortable to whip out on the couch and browse the web, but I think the iPad is ideal for that. Glad I've figured out my arsenal and all my use cases!

Why on earth would you run it at that resolution? I have mine set to 1440x900 and run Lightroom and Photoshop just fine.

 

[johngwheeler]

After a lot of visits to the store and a lot of over-analyzing, I decided against ordering a MacBook. I didn't want to order one on day 1 and return it -- I've returned other Macs that way and really hate doing it.

What finally did me in was mimicking the effective resolution (1152 x 720) on my 15" rMBP and seeing what it's like to use all the Adobe apps. Even with all the elements much larger on the 15" screen than they would be on 12", I just felt cramped. Of course I could bump it up, but then you're really getting tiny on the 12" screen and missing out on enjoying the retina display. I guess I've been spoiled by the 15" size. Fortunately I don't have to travel much, but even if I did, I think using Photoshop and After Effects on a quad core 15" display with 16 GB of RAM, when sitting for more than an hour at a time, outweighs shedding a couple pounds. I really wanted to like it, though. I even have a retina iMac and still feel that way with it as a secondary machine. That's my advice for most Adobe users, unless you're a photographer in the field or something like that. I get that it's comfortable to whip out on the couch and browse the web, but I think the iPad is ideal for that. Glad I've figured out my arsenal and all my use cases!

By all accounts, and in my personal observation, the scaled resolutions are indistinguishable in clarity to the 1152 x 720 (exactly half the panel resolution).

In fact, Apple sets the default resolution at a scaled resolution (1280x800), so they must be fairly confident that it looks OK.

I used a rMB in the Apple Store at 1440x900, and it looked fine, and the right size for most software. The same resolution (default, and half-native) on my rMBP 15 looks way too big, so I have settled on 1680x1050

 

[thadoggfather]

1680x1050 scaled looks pretty nice on the retina 12" too

but i think 1440x900 is my daily driver, and 1280x800 when my eyes are really tired

 

[oldmacs]

Please don't kill me but I hope, I really do, that Apple doesn't use the Macbook as inspreation for its other lines.

I went into an Apple store today and spent a fair bit of time on one.

Here is what I found that I didn't like.

1. The keyboard is the worst laptop keyboard I have ever used. I found it just horrible, cheap and almost like typing on nothing which I found disappointing. In addition to that the trackpad does not feel firm enough even on the hardest click setting. Now I've always thought that the keyboard and trackpad were two of the most attractive features of Apple's laptops, but this new combination is just horrible.

2. Magsafe. Where would I be without Magsafe. The number of times I've tripped over my Macbook Pro and the MagSafe connector have saved my laptop is not even funny.

3. Ports. I'm a cMPB user, and I use Firewire and Ethernet quite regularly, but that is not the point, since a lot of users don't use these ports. I've got a problem with the lack of thunderbolt and USB cables and the fact you need an adaptor to use both at once. It is just not practical unless you never use ports.

I do acknowledge that it is a thin laptop and it has a nice display, but I do hope Apple does not make sacrifices like the ons above with the Macbook Pro to get it thinner. I truly hope Apple keeps a broad range of laptops to suit all, including the MB, MBA, cMPB and rMPB as everyone has different needs.

 

[headcase]

Please don't kill me but I hope, I really do, that Apple doesn't use the Macbook as inspreation for its other lines.

I went into an Apple store today and spent a fair bit of time on one.

Here is what I found that I didn't like.

1. The keyboard is the worst laptop keyboard I have ever used. I found it just horrible, cheap and almost like typing on nothing which I found disappointing. In addition to that the trackpad does not feel firm enough even on the hardest click setting. Now I've always thought that the keyboard and trackpad were two of the most attractive features of Apple's laptops, but this new combination is just horrible.

2. Magsafe. Where would I be without Magsafe. The number of times I've tripped over my Macbook Pro and the MagSafe connector have saved my laptop is not even funny.

3. Ports. I'm a cMPB user, and I use Firewire and Ethernet quite regularly, but that is not the point, since a lot of users don't use these ports. I've got a problem with the lack of thunderbolt and USB cables and the fact you need an adaptor to use both at once. It is just not practical unless you never use ports.

I do acknowledge that it is a thin laptop and it has a nice display, but I do hope Apple does not make sacrifices like the ons above with the Macbook Pro to get it thinner. I truly hope Apple keeps a broad range of laptops to suit all, including the MB, MBA, cMPB and rMPB as everyone has different needs.

Fair enough.

I myself had some of those reservations about the rMB, and I'm still adjusting a little bit to the keyboard. But all-in-all, I'm likely going to stick with this as my daily driver in place of my MBA. To each their own, and lets hope Apple continues *choice*, as that's the operative word here.

 

[maflynn]

1. The keyboard is the worst laptop keyboard I have ever used

I haven't tried the keyboard, I hope to get to an apple store sometime next week. From the reports I've read, its one of those love/hate type of things. you instantly love the keyboard or hate it, there seems to be very little middle ground.

2. Magsafe. Where would I be without Magsafe. The number of times I've tripped over my Macbook Pro and the MagSafe connector have saved my laptop is not even funny.

I agree, magsafe as saved my bacon a number of times, I think it was a mistake to drop it.

3. Ports. I'm a cMPB user, and I use Firewire and Ethernet quite regularly, but that is not the point, since a lot of users don't use these ports. I've got a problem with the lack of thunderbolt and USB cables and the fact you need an adaptor to use both at once. It is just not practical unless you never use ports.

I don't get why apple went with a single port that doubles as the power input. Seems short sighted and will cause the user to buy dongles. Even if they added one other USB port this would have helped a lot.


Overall it is a beautiful laptop, but I wonder of the sacrifices in the name of thinness limit its functionality are too much.

 

[SBruv]

I don't get why apple went with a single port that doubles as the power input. Seems short sighted and will cause the user to buy dongles.

Er... you really don't get why Apple went with a single port? If I could just draw your attention to the middle of your own sentence:

"and will cause the user to buy dongles."

And again:

"and will cause the user to buy dongles."

Aaaaand one last time, for emphasis:

"and will cause the user to buy dongles."

Do you think that might possibly have had some bearing on the decision to go with a single port?


(I'm kinda half joking, but a bit of conspiratorial thinking's always fun, right?)

 

[mattopotamus]

Please don't kill me but I hope, I really do, that Apple doesn't use the Macbook as inspreation for its other lines.

I went into an Apple store today and spent a fair bit of time on one.

Here is what I found that I didn't like.

1. The keyboard is the worst laptop keyboard I have ever used. I found it just horrible, cheap and almost like typing on nothing which I found disappointing. In addition to that the trackpad does not feel firm enough even on the hardest click setting. Now I've always thought that the keyboard and trackpad were two of the most attractive features of Apple's laptops, but this new combination is just horrible.

2. Magsafe. Where would I be without Magsafe. The number of times I've tripped over my Macbook Pro and the MagSafe connector have saved my laptop is not even funny.

3. Ports. I'm a cMPB user, and I use Firewire and Ethernet quite regularly, but that is not the point, since a lot of users don't use these ports. I've got a problem with the lack of thunderbolt and USB cables and the fact you need an adaptor to use both at once. It is just not practical unless you never use ports.

I do acknowledge that it is a thin laptop and it has a nice display, but I do hope Apple does not make sacrifices like the ons above with the Macbook Pro to get it thinner. I truly hope Apple keeps a broad range of laptops to suit all, including the MB, MBA, cMPB and rMPB as everyone has different needs.

The keyboard does grow on you, but I agree that chiclet style keys are better. It is easy for me to type with the rMB in my lap, but sitting at a desk the keys are a little strange for me.

 

[newellj]

Please don't kill me but I hope, I really do, that Apple doesn't use the Macbook as inspreation for its other lines.

I went into an Apple store today and spent a fair bit of time on one.

Here is what I found that I didn't like.

1. The keyboard is the worst laptop keyboard I have ever used. I found it just horrible, cheap and almost like typing on nothing which I found disappointing. In addition to that the trackpad does not feel firm enough even on the hardest click setting. Now I've always thought that the keyboard and trackpad were two of the most attractive features of Apple's laptops, but this new combination is just horrible.

2. Magsafe. Where would I be without Magsafe. The number of times I've tripped over my Macbook Pro and the MagSafe connector have saved my laptop is not even funny.

3. Ports. I'm a cMPB user, and I use Firewire and Ethernet quite regularly, but that is not the point, since a lot of users don't use these ports. I've got a problem with the lack of thunderbolt and USB cables and the fact you need an adaptor to use both at once. It is just not practical unless you never use ports.

I do acknowledge that it is a thin laptop and it has a nice display, but I do hope Apple does not make sacrifices like the ons above with the Macbook Pro to get it thinner. I truly hope Apple keeps a broad range of laptops to suit all, including the MB, MBA, cMPB and rMPB as everyone has different needs.

Fair comments, and a couple of observations.

First, I thought it was really hard to (literally) get a feeling for the keyboard in the store - those tables are at a terrible height for me.

On MagSafe, I've owned a couple of 11" MBAs and the rMB. These computers are light enough that (in the case of the MBAs) MagSafe wasn't as dependable a safety as you'd like. Certainly not nearly as effective as on a 3 pound 13" MBA or a 3.5 pound 13" rMBA (duh, i know ).

History says that the rMB is likely to change some over the next few years. Regardless of whether it scratches your itches, it's a really great piece of design and engineering and is only likely to get better over time.

 

[saifrc]

if you never used 12 incher, then it will be a huge adjustment for you... I've had x200 from Lenovo from years ago, so It's not a huge transition from 15 inch rmpb (in fact, it's an easier transition from that than from 15 retina to non-retina 13 mba)

I agree with this. For a long time, my personal laptop was a 15" MBP, and my work laptop was a string of 14" Dell Latitude laptops (D600, D620, E6400). Then I starting commuting by train, and traveling for work more often, so I decided to switch down in size. Instead of opting for a Lenovo ThinkPad T420, I chose the 12.5" X220, later swapped out for a X230. After spending so much time with a 12" laptop, anything 14" or larger just seems too big to me.

I decided that whenever the Air line got a retina display, I'd get a new personal laptop. However, I wasn't relishing the idea of going with either the 13" or 11" versions, though I would have leaned towards the 13". Then the 12" rMB came along, and so far, it's been like the Goldilocks size for me

Of course, now my 15" MBP seems so heavy and bulky to me that I'm using it as a server stead of a laptop. Once again, it's all relative!

 

[Scott6666]

I'm still struggling with the keyboard as well. I seem to miss a noticeable amount of keystrokes. I also find it feels like I have to push harder to register a key so it strains my hands more.

That's the only thing about it I don't care for. The single port is really a non issue for me. Air dropping a lot more. I bought the san disk usb / usb-c flash drive and haven't found a need for it yet.

The keyboard gets another week to get used to it and if not it may go back.

I will say the rMBP is just sitting there - and feels like a brick in comparison.

 

[oldmacs]

I haven't tried the keyboard, I hope to get to an apple store sometime next week. From the reports I've read, its one of those love/hate type of things. you instantly love the keyboard or hate it, there seems to be very little middle ground.


I agree, magsafe as saved my bacon a number of times, I think it was a mistake to drop it.


I don't get why apple went with a single port that doubles as the power input. Seems short sighted and will cause the user to buy dongles. Even if they added one other USB port this would have helped a lot.


Overall it is a beautiful laptop, but I wonder of the sacrifices in the name of thinness limit its functionality are too much.

I agree it is a beautiful laptop, and I see a market for it, but I hope Apple does not decide to make changes to the Pro based on what they've done with the Macbook. I think the keyboard would just make it hopeless for me to use. I never had to 'adjust' to the Macbook Pro keyboard I have now.. When I got my 2008 Macbook White I remember just how good the keys were instantly, very different to the iBook but very good, and my 2012 cMPB is similar to the White Macbook - Instantly I loved the keys. I'm a Uni student as well and I do a LOT of typing so the keyboard is very important to me.

I think personally the 'Macbook' moniker is wrong. Macbook is the low end general purpose computer, and Macbook Air is meant to be the computer with all the sacrifices for thinness.

This is how I see Apple should brand its range:

- Macbook (Current Macbook Air) - General purpose Macbook.
- Macbook Air (Current Macbook) - The computer that is built around being light and thin.
- Macbook Classic - (Current Non Retina Pro) - The laptop for those who want optical, ports, storage and expandability.
- Macbook Pro - (Current Retina Macbook Pro) - The high end laptop for professionals.

----------

Fair enough.

I myself had some of those reservations about the rMB, and I'm still adjusting a little bit to the keyboard. But all-in-all, I'm likely going to stick with this as my daily driver in place of my MBA. To each their own, and lets hope Apple continues *choice*, as that's the operative word here.

This is exactly my point. I wish they'd offer choice. Right now the only laptop that actually fits my requirements is the 2012 cMBP and thats the same model I bought in September 2012..... Luckily I wish to get 4 or 5 more years out of this machine. I dread to think what will happen after. I call my Macbook the no compromises machine, and that is what it is (for me anyway).

 

[newellj]

Oldmacs, I have a 2007 Dell XPS M1330, the predecessor of the XPS 13, with 4GB RAM and a C2D T9300 CPU. The truth is that if I wanted to run Windows, that laptop still runs like a top - it actually runs better with Win 8.1 than it ran with Vista (original OS) or Win 7. I don't think you're being too optimistic, though that obviously depends on what you need the laptop to do for you.

 

[saifrc]

This is how I see Apple should brand its range:

- Macbook (Current Macbook Air) - General purpose Macbook.
- Macbook Air (Current Macbook) - The computer that is built around being light and thin.
- Macbook Classic - (Current Non Retina Pro) - The laptop for those who want optical, ports, storage and expandability.
- Macbook Pro - (Current Retina Macbook Pro) - The high end laptop for professionals.

I think Apple's done with optical drives. They're the new floppy disks. I hooked up a Samsung USB Blu-Ray drive to my rMB in order to install an old copy of Windows 7 in a VM, and now I'm pretty much done with optical discs. I highly doubt Apple will keep a laptop with an internal optical drive hanging around, when they themselves sell an external drive for such a low price.

 

[oldmacs]

I think Apple's done with optical drives. They're the new floppy disks. I hooked up a Samsung USB Blu-Ray drive to my rMB in order to install an old copy of Windows 7 in a VM, and now I'm pretty much done with optical discs. I highly doubt Apple will keep a laptop with an internal optical drive hanging around, when they themselves sell an external drive for such a low price.

There are still people who use optical drives and believe me the Floppy Drive in 1998 was completely different to the optical drive now.

There is no reason for them not to cater to choice, and the cMBP is perfect for many (and sells well still to this day).

 

[newellj]

There are still people who use optical drives and believe me the Floppy Drive in 1998 was completely different to the optical drive now.

There is no reason for them not to cater to choice, and the cMBP is perfect for many (and sells well still to this day).

I still use one several times a month, but for my needs an external USB 3 drive works very well.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

...I highly doubt Apple will keep a laptop with an internal optical drive hanging around, when they themselves sell an external drive for such a low price.

I guess you mean the Apple USB SuperDrive. Since when 79 USD is "such a low price" compared to Samsung, LG, HP etc. external DVD drives ranging from 29 to 50 USD? (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-External-DVD-Drives/zgbs/electronics/1292113011).
Plus the Apple USB SuperDrive has never been the "best, most reliable" external drive ever. Ratings from the US Online Apple Store:

5 Stars - 33% 94 reviews
4 Stars - 11% 32 reviews
3 Stars - 7% 19 reviews
2 Stars - 11% 33 reviews
1 Star - 38% 109 reviews

 

[PDFierro]

There are still people who use optical drives and believe me the Floppy Drive in 1998 was completely different to the optical drive now.

There is no reason for them not to cater to choice, and the cMBP is perfect for many (and sells well still to this day).

Not gonna happen. There is also no way Apple reverses the naming of the Air and MacBook products...imagine how confusing that would be.

 

[Johnny Alien]

I think personally the 'Macbook' moniker is wrong. Macbook is the low end general purpose computer, and Macbook Air is meant to be the computer with all the sacrifices for thinness.

This is how I see Apple should brand its range:

- Macbook (Current Macbook Air) - General purpose Macbook.
- Macbook Air (Current Macbook) - The computer that is built around being light and thin.
- Macbook Classic - (Current Non Retina Pro) - The laptop for those who want optical, ports, storage and expandability.
- Macbook Pro - (Current Retina Macbook Pro) - The high end laptop for professionals.

The rMB will drop in price within the next two generations and will end up replacing the Air completely. Apple has only had 3 lines of laptops for short periods of time and typically sticks to just an entry line and a pro line. Soon there will be the MacBook and MacBook Pro and that's it (at least that is my opinion I have no inside knowledge). I would guess the Classic MacBook Pro will quietly be dropped soon as well.

 

[oldmacs]

Not gonna happen. There is also no way Apple reverses the naming of the Air and MacBook products...imagine how confusing that would be.

Its a terrible naming lineup. They've changed their naming before (Macbook aluminium to Macbook Pro). Its also confusing. Macbook is a general purpose computer, which is what the air is now.

----------

The rMB will drop in price within the next two generations and will end up replacing the Air completely. Apple has only had 3 lines of laptops for short periods of time and typically sticks to just an entry line and a pro line. Soon there will be the MacBook and MacBook Pro and that's it (at least that is my opinion I have no inside knowledge). I would guess the Classic MacBook Pro will quietly be dropped soon as well.

Oh god I hope not. Its not a replacement for the Air at all. The Air and the Macbook are very different. The Macbook is good for a Niche, just like the cMacbook Pro is good for a niche, but the Retina Pro and the Air are the most general purpose laptops.

I hope the Classic Macbook Pro stays around. No reason for it not to. It sells well and there is no problem with giving people choice. They have 5 different iPads at the moment.

 

[saifrc]

There are still people who use optical drives and believe me the Floppy Drive in 1998 was completely different to the optical drive now.

There is no reason for them not to cater to choice, and the cMBP is perfect for many (and sells well still to this day).

I guess you mean the Apple USB SuperDrive. Since when 79 USD is "such a low price" compared to Samsung, LG, HP etc. external DVD drives ranging from 29 to 50 USD?

Of course. I even mentioned that I have a Samsung Blu-Ray writer, not the Apple model. But Apple doesn't usually make decisions on functionality based on what other manufacturers offer: they'll keep you in the Apple ecosystem if they can. I'm saying that Apple doesn't need to go backwards and offer a niche option as a built-in feature, because they support those legacy users with a first-party accessory.


Furthermore, I wasn't saying that $79 is cheaper than what other manufacturers charge. I'm saying that *all* external optical drives are cheap enough that the lack of an optical drive isn't an obstacle to keeping up with current technology. Even if Apple can sell a lot of Classic MBPs, eventually it'll be more advantageous to cut the product line, and improve operational efficiency, than to maintain it.

Personal anecdote time: I've used an optical disc with a computer less than 5 times in the past year. The forecast for 2015 is no better...

 

[oldmacs]

Of course. I even mentioned that I have a Samsung Blu-Ray writer, not the Apple model. But Apple doesn't usually make decisions on functionality based on what other manufacturers offer: they'll keep you in the Apple ecosystem if they can. I'm saying that Apple doesn't need to go backwards and offer a niche option as a built-in feature, because they support those legacy users with a first-party accessory.


Furthermore, I wasn't saying that $79 is cheaper than what other manufacturers charge. I'm saying that *all* external optical drives are cheap enough that the lack of an optical drive isn't an obstacle to keeping up with current technology. Even if Apple can sell a lot of Classic MBPs, eventually it'll be more advantageous to cut the product line, and improve operational efficiency, than to maintain it.

Personal anecdote time: I've used an optical disc with a computer less than 5 times in the past year. The forecast for 2015 is no better...

I would think it would be more advantageous to update the cMBP and thus cater for a wider range of people.

I use my optical drive probably at least once a day to watch a DVD. I use it to play Windows games. It is still the easiest way to share videos with family members. However thats not the point. The point is that people have different requirements so shoehorning people onto laptops that don't meet those requirements isn't great. As I said before, for many the cMBP is the no compromise computer. For me. going to a Retina pro would mean paying extra for an optical drive to lug around, loosing the IR sensor that I frequently use, needing adaptors for firewire and ethernet, loosing the battery light indicator, loosing the sleep light, having to shell out to max the ram and SSD. These things are important to me. For someone else, the Retina display may be the biggest thing they need so the Retina MBP is their no compromise machine.

 

[Traverse]

Well it sounds like you made the right decision. No harm there. I get my 1.3/512 today. Enjoy your new rMBP.

I quoted you because I know you asked me before if I'd get one.

---

I decided against it. I've tried it out twice and I must say: I love it and would have a use case for it. However, in my current position, I think I'd get more use out of a new iPad for extensive reading of notes, textbooks, and PDFs. I will definitely miss the idea of the MacBook as a take with me anywhere writing machine. I don't care for carrying an iPad around with an awkward keyboard case. I suppose I can write on an iPad when out and about if inspiration strikes.

If I had tons of cash I'd LOVE one, it's honestly the most exciting device I've seen in awhile, but my logical self has taken hold. For the price of the new MacBook I can get another 1920 x 1200 monitor for a dual setup, a twelve south book arc stand, and a new iPad in the fall.

 

[PDFierro]

I quoted you because I know you asked me before if I'd get one.

---

I decided against it. I've tried it out twice and I must say: I love it and would have a use case for it. However, in my current position, I think I'd get more use out of a new iPad for extensive reading of notes, textbooks, and PDFs. I will definitely miss the idea of the MacBook as a take with me anywhere writing machine. I don't care for carrying an iPad around with an awkward keyboard case. I suppose I can write on an iPad when out and about if inspiration strikes.

If I had tons of cash I'd LOVE one, it's honestly the most exciting device I've seen in awhile, but my logical self has taken hold. For the price of the new MacBook I can get another 1920 x 1200 monitor for a dual setup, a twelve south book arc stand, and a new iPad in the fall.

You kept mentioning how you didn't want to give up the tablet form factor, so that makes sense. Meanwhile, my rMBP is now gone. I'm not sure I would have gone for the rMB if I didn't have a Mac to sell that actually made me money even after buying the rMB, but I love it as a take anywhere writing machine. And it's good enough to be my primary computer as well.

My iPad Retina Mini might be going soon too, but we'll see about that.

----------

I would think it would be more advantageous to update the cMBP and thus cater for a wider range of people.

I use my optical drive probably at least once a day to watch a DVD. I use it to play Windows games. It is still the easiest way to share videos with family members. However thats not the point. The point is that people have different requirements so shoehorning people onto laptops that don't meet those requirements isn't great. As I said before, for many the cMBP is the no compromise computer. For me. going to a Retina pro would mean paying extra for an optical drive to lug around, loosing the IR sensor that I frequently use, needing adaptors for firewire and ethernet, loosing the battery light indicator, loosing the sleep light, having to shell out to max the ram and SSD. These things are important to me. For someone else, the Retina display may be the biggest thing they need so the Retina MBP is their no compromise machine.

I honestly think you are giving Apple way too much credit if you think they might possibly keep both the Air and the cMBP aruond. Both are going to be gone in a matter of time. Many of us see the Air going the way of the cMBP, so it'll be there for a while...but it'll definitely lose importance.