Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

keeywc

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Hi,

I recently purchased the newest updated macbook pro 15 with retina display and I wonder should I return it. I can't really decide so I think maybe posting here would help me out.

My previous setup:
Mac mini 2012, i7 2.3, 16gb ram, 128g m4 ssd + 1t stock hdd
Dell 2412, Bose C20, Razor Manba, HHKB pro 2.

comments:
I used this setup for one year and half. It works perfectly for me expect occasionally I need a laptop to do some work in class/ work with classmate at library. Thats when I came up the idea of buying a laptop.

My current setup:
Macbook pro retina 15, i7 2.5, 16gb ram, 512g ssd. - $2500
A stand to place my rmbp beside my monitor. - $65
A thunderbolt hub so I only need unplug 2 cords when I need to go. - $200
Also with everything list above except I planed to sell the Mac mini.

I have used this setup for 5 days now and below is what I think I gain from the purchase:
1, A beautiful and big screen laptop I can use in class to deal with any work that might require a laptop. I gotta say it boosts my mood up every time I turn on the monitor. Plus opportunity to code/ do work outside my room, for instance, a coffee shop, a library,or a quite place with beautiful view. Maybe watch a movie when I camp(once a month). The retina display may also help when I edit photos.

2, Extra screen estate to improve productivity when I work in my room. ( I placed my laptop beside my monitor.) I like the extra space.

3, Extra performance.
SSD vs fusion drive: I thought it would be at least some different but I haven't noticed yet...BTW for 512gb I only used 150gb..
Haswell CPU: Not a big difference.
A discrete graphics card: I only play HearthStone and sometimes League of Legend. The games did become more smooth but I think Intel 5000 series should handle them fine as well. I don't do video editing(maybe twice a year) nor high-end games.
I am not quit happy with my money for performance. I feel it is similar to my Mac Mini when I attach it to external monitor but using its own display and trackpad takes RMBP to a higher level.

Also something about myself:
I am currently a computer science major university student. The next fall is the start of my third year, which means lots of CSC major courses. I am also studying shooting photos and I play guitar. If you guys are in my situation, what would you do to get most of my budget(around 2500)? Maybe get a better screen+macbook air? Do you guys think what I gain worth 2500 dollars? or should student like me use such a high end laptop?

Thank you very much for reading my first post. Any advices will be appreciated.

PS: Since English is not my first language so sorry for any grammar mistakes or wrong use of word.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.