@ ease...
This thread is definitely a booster! Thanks for all the honest feedback, much appreciated.
This thread is definitely a booster! Thanks for all the honest feedback, much appreciated.
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Positive rMBP Feedback?
- Thread starter HighEndMac
- Start date
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Loving it and just ordered a "BookBook" case for it. Mountain lion will be here within 3 weeks !!!!!!
It is without a doubt best computer I ever have owned. I've been the owner of an aluminum PowerBook G4, a white MacBook, a 13" MacBook Pro, and a 15" unibody MacBook Pro. I purchased the base model (no upgrades) to replace an early-2011 15" MacBook Pro.
The screen is without a doubt the biggest upgrade. Nothing can even compare to it. Not only is the picture crisp, but the blacks are significantly darker than the previous model. Honestly, you have to see it in person to understand.
Also, the weight/size reduction really does make a difference. When I upgraded to a 15" MBP last year, I missed the size of my old 13" MBP. I found the 15" cumbersome to carry around. Now my 15" rMBP weighs less than my old 13" MBP. I'm really happy with the amount of power Apple manages to fit into such a small, sleek package.
Flash storage is awesome. I'm surprised how fast it can boot up. It was hard fitting everything into 256GB coming from a 500GB hard drive, but it is definitely manageable. If you have the money, I would recommend the upgrade to 512GB if you like having a lot of movies and large files on your computer. The speed increases definitely make up for the reduced space. The GPU is also incredibly fast. Performance in Skyrim is perfect. Speaking of the GPU, contrary to what others are saying, I find the lag in applications like Safari to be very minimal. I hardly noticed it until I read MacRumors.
Other more minor upgrades I noticed are the keyboard and speakers. The speakers sound significantly better. The sound that comes out of them is extremely powerful and sounds genuinely crisp. The keyboard feels much more firm and is more enjoyable to type on.
The lack of upgradability has been discussed thoroughly in this forum, and it's definitely something you should consider before you purchase it. Also, if you rely on legacy technologies like ethernet or an optical drive often, although adapters exist, the rMPB lacks integrated support. This is definitely something you should consider before you make your purchase.
More minor, the rMBP lacks the sleep indicator and the battery indicator LED lights. I personally never liked the sleep indicator, but I will miss the battery indicator.
All considered, it's the best computer I've ever owned. I haven't felt like I was using such a revolutionary machine since I picked up an aluminum PowerBook G4 in 2003. I would highly recommend and commend your purchase; I haven't regretted mine for a second
The screen is without a doubt the biggest upgrade. Nothing can even compare to it. Not only is the picture crisp, but the blacks are significantly darker than the previous model. Honestly, you have to see it in person to understand.
Also, the weight/size reduction really does make a difference. When I upgraded to a 15" MBP last year, I missed the size of my old 13" MBP. I found the 15" cumbersome to carry around. Now my 15" rMBP weighs less than my old 13" MBP. I'm really happy with the amount of power Apple manages to fit into such a small, sleek package.
Flash storage is awesome. I'm surprised how fast it can boot up. It was hard fitting everything into 256GB coming from a 500GB hard drive, but it is definitely manageable. If you have the money, I would recommend the upgrade to 512GB if you like having a lot of movies and large files on your computer. The speed increases definitely make up for the reduced space. The GPU is also incredibly fast. Performance in Skyrim is perfect. Speaking of the GPU, contrary to what others are saying, I find the lag in applications like Safari to be very minimal. I hardly noticed it until I read MacRumors.
Other more minor upgrades I noticed are the keyboard and speakers. The speakers sound significantly better. The sound that comes out of them is extremely powerful and sounds genuinely crisp. The keyboard feels much more firm and is more enjoyable to type on.
The lack of upgradability has been discussed thoroughly in this forum, and it's definitely something you should consider before you purchase it. Also, if you rely on legacy technologies like ethernet or an optical drive often, although adapters exist, the rMPB lacks integrated support. This is definitely something you should consider before you make your purchase.
More minor, the rMBP lacks the sleep indicator and the battery indicator LED lights. I personally never liked the sleep indicator, but I will miss the battery indicator.
All considered, it's the best computer I've ever owned. I haven't felt like I was using such a revolutionary machine since I picked up an aluminum PowerBook G4 in 2003. I would highly recommend and commend your purchase; I haven't regretted mine for a second
rMBP best computer experience - for me
One week in and I am loving it, and I've been working with computers since the Apple II and the Osborne 1.
rMBP has sooooo many great advantages that make the computer experience enjoyable - these differences are really noticeable each and every interaction with this beauty.
Differences between the standard 15 inch MBP versus 15 inch Retina MBP, even when compared with same configuration of processor, RAM and SSD drive:
New Retina Screen
+ Double the pixels
+ IPS for much wider viewing angles (178 degrees)
+ 50 % better contrast
+ 44 % deeper blacks
- 15 % less white whites (slightly worse)
+ Can drive at least one additional external monitor vs. standard 15
+ DDR3L RAM uses 15% less power so runs cooler
+ Better speakers (really nice)
+ Improved two microphone system
+ New fan and vent design with quieter acoustics and better cooling
+ HDMI port
+ USB ports on both left and right sides to provide more access flexibility
+ Two thunderbolt ports
+ MagSafe2 connection (it really is safer!)
+ More than 1 pound lighter than the 15 inch (21% lighter) and even 0.04 lbs lighter than the 13 inch MBP
+ Smaller in all three dimensions (mostly 25% thinner in height)
+ Same 7 hours battery life with 30 days standby (Im getting 8+)
+/- glare much less than 15 inch glossy,
glare more than 15 inch matte, but brighter than matte
To be fair, there are some things the rMBP is missing:
- Ethernet port (need a USB dongle)
- FireWire port (need a USB dongle)
- Kensington lock slot
- Separate audio line in
- Optical drive
- Battery status lights and sleep status light
- Apple remote IR connection
- no post purchase user upgradability of RAM*
- $200 replacement of battery vs about $130 with standard MBP ($80 DIYS)
- SSD not user upgradable but should be at some point in the future.
Life is good - enjoy!
One week in and I am loving it, and I've been working with computers since the Apple II and the Osborne 1.rMBP has sooooo many great advantages that make the computer experience enjoyable - these differences are really noticeable each and every interaction with this beauty.
Differences between the standard 15 inch MBP versus 15 inch Retina MBP, even when compared with same configuration of processor, RAM and SSD drive:
New Retina Screen
+ Double the pixels
+ IPS for much wider viewing angles (178 degrees)
+ 50 % better contrast
+ 44 % deeper blacks
- 15 % less white whites (slightly worse)
+ Can drive at least one additional external monitor vs. standard 15
+ DDR3L RAM uses 15% less power so runs cooler
+ Better speakers (really nice)
+ Improved two microphone system
+ New fan and vent design with quieter acoustics and better cooling
+ HDMI port
+ USB ports on both left and right sides to provide more access flexibility
+ Two thunderbolt ports
+ MagSafe2 connection (it really is safer!)
+ More than 1 pound lighter than the 15 inch (21% lighter) and even 0.04 lbs lighter than the 13 inch MBP
+ Smaller in all three dimensions (mostly 25% thinner in height)
+ Same 7 hours battery life with 30 days standby (Im getting 8+)
+/- glare much less than 15 inch glossy,
glare more than 15 inch matte, but brighter than matte
To be fair, there are some things the rMBP is missing:
- Ethernet port (need a USB dongle)
- FireWire port (need a USB dongle)
- Kensington lock slot
- Separate audio line in
- Optical drive
- Battery status lights and sleep status light
- Apple remote IR connection
- no post purchase user upgradability of RAM*
- $200 replacement of battery vs about $130 with standard MBP ($80 DIYS)
- SSD not user upgradable but should be at some point in the future.
Life is good - enjoy!
You have a serious axe to grind about the RMBP, eh?
I really have to ask: why is that? I mean, this is a thread seeking people's positive experiences. There's plenty of threads with negative experiences already (many of which you've contributed to), so why come in here and bring negativity when there's already several avenues for that?
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Also, totally unrelated to the thread: Small world - I've been listening to ND since Stone Flowers. Played y'all a bunch on my radio show for years. Don't stop being awesome.
I love love it!
I was going to get a 15 inch anyway once the upgrade released, the retina was definitely an added bonus and didnt mind paying extra to get everything. I love that it's lightweight, not significantly but definitely noticeable. I don't hear the fan and rarely get that rainbow timer like I did on my old Mbp.
The screen is beautiful. The retina is nice on my iphone 4s and new iPad.. But to see it on a 15 inch is absolutely stunning. There are images that are pixelated. However, I can't wait to see the improvements they make along the way, it only gets better from here.
Watching movie on this is fun!
Enjoy yours and decide for yourself if you really like it or not.
I was going to get a 15 inch anyway once the upgrade released, the retina was definitely an added bonus and didnt mind paying extra to get everything. I love that it's lightweight, not significantly but definitely noticeable. I don't hear the fan and rarely get that rainbow timer like I did on my old Mbp.
The screen is beautiful. The retina is nice on my iphone 4s and new iPad.. But to see it on a 15 inch is absolutely stunning. There are images that are pixelated. However, I can't wait to see the improvements they make along the way, it only gets better from here.
Watching movie on this is fun!
Enjoy yours and decide for yourself if you really like it or not.
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This. 2.6/16/768 and a week into transferring and reorganising everything. Does everything perfectly, except access my darned XP media computer. OTOH, Microsoft's networking is tripe too, so can't really blame it for that. It all went downhill after Netware 3. I wish one of the computer companies would forget this "My Computer" nonsense and get networks working properly.
Perhaps it would be easier to shove a mac mini as the media server instead.
Nice you have the 2.6/16/768 rMBP, i have the same on order (Well i got the 2.7, but its almost the same)
So you are not regretting your expensive investment/purchase? Like do you feel you should have gone with the base model?
I figured I could not go with the base because of the lack of SSD space and I want to keep everything on my MBP, no external storage. So I would have to get at least the mid-model and when I configured it, it was only around $500USD less than the fully maxed out version(It might have been slightly more than $500 but you get the idea that I could not afford to then purchase next years maxed out rMBP), so I was just like F it, go all out. So I wanted to hear ur thoughts on that as well as others in similar situations. Thanks for the feedback guys.
It truly is awesome !
Just got my 2.7/16/750gb rMBP today
And its a blast !
I'm coming from a 17" MBP and after worrying about the screen size and all the complains on this forum, I say (waiting for ML to fix the UI lag) it's better than any other laptop today.
Just got my 2.7/16/750gb rMBP today
And its a blast !
I'm coming from a 17" MBP and after worrying about the screen size and all the complains on this forum, I say (waiting for ML to fix the UI lag) it's better than any other laptop today.
Nice! Any other MacRumor "Demi-Gods" (Moderator, lol) input? You guys are the experts no?
I have had my rMBP for 9 days now and it is a real pleasure to use. I see this as the best Apple laptop yet. I have cloned off the original install, re-partitioned the 500GB SSD to 100/100/300 GB partitions and put Lion back on the first partition and then added my apps. The third partition is data such as music, video, photos and virtual machines. The second partition is for ML.
I am getting ready today to cut over to it 100% for my work where I will use two external monitors plus the Retina display.
Here are my benchmarks.
and
neil
I am getting ready today to cut over to it 100% for my work where I will use two external monitors plus the Retina display.
Here are my benchmarks.
and
neil
Love mine
Got the 2.6/8gb/512 Retina and love it. I was always curious about Mac's but was always hesitant as they lack the features I need like a good gaming graphics card (not highest end) and Blu-ray. I have a gaming laptop that has all that and a Sony Vaio SC for the true on the go. Since I didn't need all that with a Mac I was even more curious. When they announced the Retina version I was ready to take the plunge.
I felt if I hated it I could return it or sell it. This is my first computer with an SSD and man it's fast, 8-10 seconds from powering on to the login screen. No dead pixels and thankfully since this is my first Mac and I am not too technical I notice no lag(I am sure there is some). Mountain Lion will fix most of it anyways so even if I did it wouldn't be there for long. The screen is gorgeous and looking at photos on this thing is amazing.
It's got great specs besides the screen so I don't feel like I am getting gipped if I am not completely blown away by the screen (which I am). I was used to seeing $2000+ laptops only having 128gb ssd and such so the basic SSD and upgrade SSD options were a welcome site. It's plenty powerful for my basic needs. More apps will support the Retina in the future so I am not concerned about lack of support, it's the price you pay to be an early adopter.
Of course I knew it's not user upgradable, and omits ethernet, firewire, optical drive unless you buy dongles and a USB external drive but it's the price you pay if you want the slim and sleek package. It does get hot when gaming or watching Youtube clips but it's a quad core i7 that gets great battery life and is thin and light and is library quiet (gaming causes the fan to kick in as noticeable) so it's to be expected. No regrets so far, just purchased the Apple Care online for $250 and will be registering the minute I get it so I have 3 years of worry free computing. Love my new laptop and hope it provides me enjoyment for at least 5 years.
Got the 2.6/8gb/512 Retina and love it. I was always curious about Mac's but was always hesitant as they lack the features I need like a good gaming graphics card (not highest end) and Blu-ray. I have a gaming laptop that has all that and a Sony Vaio SC for the true on the go. Since I didn't need all that with a Mac I was even more curious. When they announced the Retina version I was ready to take the plunge.
I felt if I hated it I could return it or sell it. This is my first computer with an SSD and man it's fast, 8-10 seconds from powering on to the login screen. No dead pixels and thankfully since this is my first Mac and I am not too technical I notice no lag(I am sure there is some). Mountain Lion will fix most of it anyways so even if I did it wouldn't be there for long. The screen is gorgeous and looking at photos on this thing is amazing.
It's got great specs besides the screen so I don't feel like I am getting gipped if I am not completely blown away by the screen (which I am). I was used to seeing $2000+ laptops only having 128gb ssd and such so the basic SSD and upgrade SSD options were a welcome site. It's plenty powerful for my basic needs. More apps will support the Retina in the future so I am not concerned about lack of support, it's the price you pay to be an early adopter.
Of course I knew it's not user upgradable, and omits ethernet, firewire, optical drive unless you buy dongles and a USB external drive but it's the price you pay if you want the slim and sleek package. It does get hot when gaming or watching Youtube clips but it's a quad core i7 that gets great battery life and is thin and light and is library quiet (gaming causes the fan to kick in as noticeable) so it's to be expected. No regrets so far, just purchased the Apple Care online for $250 and will be registering the minute I get it so I have 3 years of worry free computing. Love my new laptop and hope it provides me enjoyment for at least 5 years.
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I am really happy with my rMBP. While there are some quirks.. it is what you expect on Apple being the first in the industry. Some software glitches but I am sure it will be fixed in the coming updates. I accept this and the pros out weight the cons. Build finish and quality is excellent.
I'm just glad I am not in Windows environment all the time. I virtualize but the fact there are so many updates,the need for anti-virus and all the random issues in windows just isn't worth the hassle. Overall the OS X is more seamless and easier to use. I think that is a huge advantage regardless if you find the best available PC laptop that is currently available.
I'm just glad I am not in Windows environment all the time. I virtualize but the fact there are so many updates,the need for anti-virus and all the random issues in windows just isn't worth the hassle. Overall the OS X is more seamless and easier to use. I think that is a huge advantage regardless if you find the best available PC laptop that is currently available.
Definitely not. I wasn't looking for a Mac at all, but I needed more than 512Gb SSD and there are very few portables like that. The hardware specs defined which computer I ended up with. According to memory monitors I'm using around 8Gb most of the time, which is why I went for the 16Gb version, otherwise I'd be paging out all over the place and I haven't started working it hard yet. If the top spec of MBPr had been 8Gb RAM or 512Gb SSD I simply wouldn't have bought one at all.
My previous two desktops have had SSDs (256 and 512 respectively), so I knew that I couldn't manage with a single 512Gb SSD if there was no hard disk as a secondary storage in the machine. The MBPr isn't as fast as my desktop (for example, in converting video and suchlike), but it's close enough for most purposes. And, of course, I can use it watching TV!
The silent power
Best computer of all time. Period.
Coming from MBP3,1 (mid '07, the first one with LED backlit), the rMBP (10,1) is a beast. Surprise surprise! I have it for almost one week now and I’m testing it thoroughly (luckily being in summer holidays so I have enough time right now). Prior I’ve been using all kinds of computers for decades.
One of the best things: Despite of all the incredible power (yes, it’s FAST) it’s completely SILENT like an iPad (as long as you do not REALLY heavy jobs like watching 4K videos and then you have merely a non-obstructive pink noise without any humming or whining).
I’ve never been so happy with a technical device before (okay I have some classic cars but they NEED maintenance).
Best computer of all time. Period.
Coming from MBP3,1 (mid '07, the first one with LED backlit), the rMBP (10,1) is a beast. Surprise surprise! I have it for almost one week now and I’m testing it thoroughly (luckily being in summer holidays so I have enough time right now). Prior I’ve been using all kinds of computers for decades.
One of the best things: Despite of all the incredible power (yes, it’s FAST) it’s completely SILENT like an iPad (as long as you do not REALLY heavy jobs like watching 4K videos and then you have merely a non-obstructive pink noise without any humming or whining).
I’ve never been so happy with a technical device before (okay I have some classic cars but they NEED maintenance).
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utterly fantastic 2.7/16/512
fastest machine I've been anywhere near and despite being my first Mac I'm blown away by how simple os-x is to get to grips with.
trackpad is superb (I hate trackpads) screen amazing and everything happens instantly, its how computing should have been for years.
not an iota of regret - love it.
fastest machine I've been anywhere near and despite being my first Mac I'm blown away by how simple os-x is to get to grips with.
trackpad is superb (I hate trackpads) screen amazing and everything happens instantly, its how computing should have been for years.
not an iota of regret - love it.