Digital Download or use an external [ USB ] CD-ROM.
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How so ? They both use the exact same processor, GPU [ ok slightly better in the rMBP because of the OC but a trivial difference in daily use ], and RAM.
In terms of power, they're both equal.
The screen, available HDMI port, thermal, weight, speakers, and keyboard make the rMBP my choice over the classic design.
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I believe you already answered your query....
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That's how I do it... Windows 7 and Linux to ext. monitors running via Parallels in a VM environment.
I wish people would read as well not just yack away.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1520194/