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Ok.... Whats the big difference??

XrAdEr said:
I would not get the air. I'd pay a few hundreds more and get a uMBP instead. Not sure about you, but it bothers me if I can't upgrade my hardware as time passes. RAM, HDD, SSD. If I were in your shoes, I'd be deciding from the uMBP or the rMBP and forget about the air, but that's just me =]

Best of luck! :apple:
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I agree with this sentiment. For one I think you have a perfectly fine laptop that should last you a few upgrade cycles without being terrible outdated. Heck, my early 2008 MBP did everything I needed to with ease, until the logic board went out on it.

My real big issue the the rMBP/Air is the lack of use upgradability, you are stuck with what you pay for initially since the memory is soldiered onto the logic board and the ssd drives they use are proprietary. I hope thats not the future of Apple products, because it will drastically reduce the longevity of their products.
 
a part of me want the rmbp, but with all the complaining about some of the issues with the rmbp i kinda dont want the issue or the headache , also with all the people returning the defected rmbp models when will this appear on the apple refurb website?
 
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I was looking to upgrade my midyear 2009 17" MBP with high res display. The decision was between a fully loaded 13" Air and the 2.6GHz/8Gb/500GB stock MBPr

First, as already stated, adding memory and an SSD to your existing machine will increase performance considerably and will be plenty for your needs based on your stated use. The cost will be much less too.

OK...with that said. I went into my local apple store and played around with both machines. After looking at the displays side by side the clear choice for me was the MBPr, I do a lot of photo and video editing. The display and the additional performance of the components clearly justifies the cost difference if you have the $$ in my opinion.

Just google loaded MBA vs. MBPr...there are plenty of views on this topic, just figure out where you fit in. The answer will ultimately have to do with what you are doing with the machine. Both should easily satisfy your needs, the question is if you want to spend more $$ for the larger Retina display and computing power.


FYI, I was going in to buy the Air, left with the MBPr.


Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide!
 
MT0227 said:
I was looking to upgrade my midyear 2009 17" MBP with high res display. The decision was between a fully loaded 13" Air and the 2.6GHz/8Gb/500GB stock MBPr

First, as already stated, adding memory and an SSD to your existing machine will increase performance considerably and will be plenty for your needs based on your stated use. The cost will be much less too.

OK...with that said. I went into my local apple store and played around with both machines. After looking at the displays side by side the clear choice for me was the MBPr, I do a lot of photo and video editing. The display and the additional performance of the components clearly justifies the cost if you have the $$ in my opinion.

Just google loaded MBA vs. MBPr...there are plenty of views on this topic, just figure out where you fit in. The answer will ultimately have to do with what you are doing with the machine. Both should easily satisfy your needs, the question is if you want to spend more $$ for the larger Retina display and computing power.


FYI, I was going in to buy the Air, left with the MBPr.


Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide!
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nice!!!
 
The increased resolution will be useful in protools (provided you run it at 1680x1050 or 1920x1200 mode). Having more space is always useful in audio editing.

If money is of no object, you'll probably be happier with the Retina. Don't do any of the stupid screen tests everyone is doing. Ignorance is bliss. If an actual visible problem comes up with the screen in daily use, then you can worry about LG or Samsung. Otherwise, don't bother checking.

If money is important, though, then you'd best go with the air. It's a pretty capable machine, and if you're just going to be browsing and using protools, it will be capable.
 
Where the 2012 models can edge out the 2011 is in when the fans kick in and how loud they are. I am a protools user and have the 2011 MBP 15' i7 samsung 830 etc... (but up till now all protools stuff is still on a mac pro). When the fans kick in on my MBP it is annoyingly loud. If I were doing audio editing or recording this would be pretty much unacceptable. The fans kick in for me anything over 10% CPU.

From all I have read (no direct experience) the 2012 MBP and especially the Retina have better thermal management and new fin designs on the fans so that 1) they come on at higher CPU % and 2) they are still quieter for the same rpm vs the 2011.

If this is especially true on the Retina THAT is reason enough to do the rMBP for audio recording. I am also currently looking to move to a TB based audio system and am actively researching this very topic. Sadly, this is a low percentage of the user base that will care or know. I have seen at least a few posts (dgi user group, Gearslutz) though praising the rMBP as superior in these regards to the 2011 for protools with Thunderbolt interface.

Unless your protools use is REALY light a true quad core (that shows up as 8 cores in PT- you can use up to 7 there) vs a Duo that shows up as 4 cores (you can use 3) is a HUGE difference. Don't do the duo core :)

-Lee
 
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Anecdotal, but i've noticed since I've upgraded to 10.8.2 (or was it 10.8.1) the fans on my 2011 MBP Hires 15" come on later and are a lot quieter in general now (vs how they were with Lion).

Thermal / GPU management is so improved over Lion that I've actually gotten rid of my fan speed and GPU switching apps and left the machine to its own devices.
 
My advice is to go with the Retina. I had to make a few swaps to get a Samsung display but it was well worth the trouble. Machine is perfect: no lag, cosmetic issues, or display problems.

My GF has a 2013 Air and the screen is very difficult to use after coming off the rMBP. Deep colors, high contrast, and awesome viewin angles make it very easy on he eyes for long periods of time.
 
Interesting about thermal management and ML!

I am still on lion for both MBP and MP... will have to try ML for the MBP at least!
 
coolweirdo said:
a part of me want the rmbp, but with all the complaining about some of the issues with the rmbp i kinda dont want the issue or the headache , also with all the people returning the defected rmbp models when will this appear on the apple refurb website?
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Well, I think this almost warrants a sticky thread, but MacRumors and such communities attract mostly people who have issues, and are trying to either fix their devices, or whine about it.

So it may "seem" like there are way too many faulty rMBP, but the reality might be broader than that. Otherwise the media would have made a big deal about image retention and what-nots. It's pretty evident from the iPhone that if the media can capture people's attention by discussing Apple's shortcomings (Maps, scuffgate, antennaegate, etc...), then they will surely exceed the expectation.

Also to say, I'm a happy rMBP owner myself. Never ran into issues. I don't think my kind is that rare.

That said, I believe Apple will only put on their refurbished section any returned computer that is in excellent cosmetic and operational condition. As in... it has to be comparable to a brand new machine before it gets a price tag. Otherwise, I have it on good authority that they send the bad ones back to China in order to recycle. Even if that turns out to be false, I have still found that refurbished Apple computers are of excellent condition. Much better than new ones at times. The only concerns are their battery cycle, and that you get no pretty box.
 
fleawannabe said:
There has been quite a few problems with the Retinas, I would stay away for now. If you can wait another year maybe some of the bugs will be gone, if you need now get the MBA with 8GB of RAM, or you could get the regular MBP 15 with a SSD.

What are you going to be using it for?
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People who say this annoy me. You probably have no experience with the machine. This is the BEST computer I've ever used. The problems are blown way out proportion. The reason you hear so much about them here is because:

1. The majority of Apple users don't go on MacRumors.

2. The users who do go on MacRumors, won't say something like: I bought a laptop and it works. People here will complain about problems; that's one of the reasons these forums are here. They don't come to brag about getting a machine that works as advertised.

Take a seat.


ixodes said:
You may be one of the "lucky ones".

Or perhaps you've avoided reading the many threads and posts here about iP5 problems. That _is_ one of the preferred methods for those who hate facing what is all too obvious. I'll make it really simple for you, here are some links.

You're just a few clicks away from reality.

.......

Oh, and you're welcome :)
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Read my previous text. The computer is fine; there'll be problems with any machine made by any manufacturer. Some people will experience problems - and some will get machines which are fine. You'll here more about the latter on here, due to the nature of the site.

The problems are blown way out of proportion.


---------------------------------------

OP: As said, the Retina has way greater overall computing power than the Air. But if all you're using it for is Protools and Browsing, than you may want to look at previous gen MBPs, or simply get a non-retina model. It's quite likely an Air will meet all your needs, but once again, if your needs develop, the MBP will give you a bit more room for change.

That being said... I love my rMBP and would recommend it to anybody, no matter what your needs are. Of course, you need to ask your wallet, first.
 
wiznet said:
People who say this annoy me. You probably have no experience with the machine. This is the BEST computer I've ever used. The problems are blown way out proportion. The reason you hear so much about them here is because:

1. The majority of Apple users don't go on MacRumors.

2. The users who do go on MacRumors, won't say something like: I bought a laptop and it works. People here will complain about problems; that's one of the reasons these forums are here. They don't come to brag about getting a machine that works as advertised.

Take a seat.




Read my previous text. The computer is fine; there'll be problems with any machine made by any manufacturer. Some people will experience problems - and some will get machines which are fine. You'll here more about the latter on here, due to the nature of the site.

The problems are blown way out of proportion.


---------------------------------------

OP: As said, the Retina has way greater overall computing power than the Air. But if all you're using it for is Protools and Browsing, than you may want to look at previous gen MBPs, or simply get a non-retina model. It's quite likely an Air will meet all your needs, but once again, if your needs develop, the MBP will give you a bit more room for change.

That being said... I love my rMBP and would recommend it to anybody, no matter what your needs are. Of course, you need to ask your wallet, first.
Click to expand...

I hope your logic board catches on fire, no need to be rude about it dude.
 
ok so i've decided to go with the rmbp!!!!!! i'm super excited, but do you guys think i can tell the big difference in the screen size since i'm use to the 13"?
And how will i know,and how could check to see if i have the better models with less defects?
 
Go with the Retina; by far the vast majority of machines have no issue, remember on forums such as this, those with issue, those that believe they have been aggrieved and the "Haters" will by far make the most noise. If you search carefully you will find several poll`s that reflect this.

The Retina is not for all, however it is not a flawed product, if you dig into anything deep enough you will always find something that`s not 100% no Mac is perfect nor any other computer for that matter. Buy your Mac and enjoy it, use it as normal, don't get into performing an array of obscure tests that are completely out of your normal usage as the only result likely, is you will end up felling frustrated and unhappy over essentially a non event...
 
Queen6 said:
Go with the Retina; by far the vast majority of machines have no issue, remember on forums such as this, those with issue, those that believe they have been aggrieved and the "Haters" will by far make the most noise. If you search carefully you will find several poll`s that reflect this.

The Retina is not for all, however it is not a flawed product, if you dig into anything deep enough you will always find something that`s not 100% no Mac is perfect nor any other computer for that matter. Buy your Mac and enjoy it, use it as normal, don't get into performing an array of obscure tests that are completely out of your normal usage as the only result likely, is you will end up felling frustrated and unhappy over essentially a non event...
Click to expand...


Thanks for the great advice
 
Just gonna say,
Using a 2010 13" MBP with C2D instead of an i5/7 with only 4GB of RAM, and the fact I can run Logic perfectly fine, as well as Reason and light use of Pro Tools, I'm going to just add an SSD and upgrade eventually to 8GB of RAM, its gonna be a new machine and last me another 3 years or so hopefully.

Unless a Retina 13" comes out with Quad Core. That's gonna be mine instantly.
 
Queen6 said:
Go with the Retina; by far the vast majority of machines have no issue, remember on forums such as this, those with issue, those that believe they have been aggrieved and the "Haters" will by far make the most noise. If you search carefully you will find several poll`s that reflect this.
Click to expand...


Agreed but some issues do seem legitimate. There is a 305 page thread on Apple's support site regarding IR problems on the retina.
 
coolweirdo said:
ok so i've decided to go with the rmbp!!!!!! i'm super excited, but do you guys think i can tell the big difference in the screen size since i'm use to the 13"?
And how will i know,and how could check to see if i have the better models with less defects?
Click to expand...

I went from a 17" MBP to the 15" rMBP, my kids have 2010 13" MBPs. If you do photo and video editing, 13" is a bit small for a primary device IMO. The 15" rMBP weighs as much as the current 13" MBP, this weight loss makes the 15" that much more appealing to me. I prefer as much real estate as I can carry, comfortably.

I tend to agree with Qeen6 as well, however I will leave you this if you are interested:

terminal command:

ioreg -lw0 | grep \"EDID\" | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

command to check if you have a Samsung or LG display. If your display code begins with "LP," it's an LG display.
 
MT0227 said:
I went from a 17" MBP to the 15" rMBP, my kids have 2010 13" MBPs. If you do photo and video editing, 13" is a bit small for a primary device IMO. The 15" rMBP weighs as much as the current 13" MBP, this weight loss makes the 15" that much more appealing to me. I prefer as much real estate as I can carry, comfortably.

I tend to agree with Qeen6 as well, however I will leave you this if you are interested:

terminal command:

ioreg -lw0 | grep \"EDID\" | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

command to check if you have a Samsung or LG display. If your display code begins with "LP," it's an LG display.
Click to expand...


Thank you soo much you guys!!!!
which is better Samsung or the LG
 
ixodes said:
You may be one of the "lucky ones".

Or perhaps you've avoided reading the many threads and posts here about iP5 problems. That _is_ one of the preferred methods for those who hate facing what is all too obvious. I'll make it really simple for you, here are some links.

You're just a few clicks away from reality.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1460907/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1461071/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1461064/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1452390/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1455399/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1450585/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1450585/


Oh, and you're welcome :)
Click to expand...
You do realize that this isn't just the case for 1st gen apple products right? The iphone 4 had the antena gate problem and the back was easy to break as well as the front, and had yellow tint problems with the first few batches, the iPhone 4s was just as easy to break and had a battery that was complete trash compared to the 4, and it also had the yellow tint problem as well. I've yet to see an iPhone/iPad/macbook air/pro released without seeing a bunch of complaints on the forum (though generally the new product line releases have the most complaints... since they are new).

Does this mean apple is a **** company that releases awful products all the time? Not really, it means that they are a normal company that has some 'defective' products that leave the production line, the same thing happens with every company. The forum is filled with these complaints because there is a great deal of motivation to go on a forum and complain about a product (anger is a good motivator) while the happy people are going to be enjoying their product and rarely posting about it.

Just keep in mind that looking at a forum to judge the state of a company/product is a retarded idea, go to any video game forum and you'll find that they are practically disgusting and filled with complaints and threats, while if you just play the game itself you will find few people complaining.
 
AirThis said:
Agreed but some issues do seem legitimate. There is a 305 page thread on Apple's support site regarding IR problems on the retina.
Click to expand...

There will always be issue, just bear in mind how many units Apple are producing and selling and how many individuals are repetitively posting the same rhetoric. I don't suggest that Apple or their product are perfect, nothing is. What I am suggesting is that the vast majority of units produced are within Apples specifications and that people should not get overly drawn into issues that may in real life never effect them.

I have no doubt that the Retina is more prone to IR than previous models, however there is a vast difference between performing a test that is designed to induce IR, than normal usage. If you try hard enough you can induce failure in any product and the net result will be that you the consumer will be unhappy, nothing more, nothing less. If however IR is an issue in normal day to day use, the display most certainly needs to be replaced, and Apple will deal with it.

Like all things in life it`s always best to strive for a balance...
 
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