Questions about exterior Audio on MacBook Pro with Retina

[iRobby]

Coming from a PC desktop I am accustomed to not using internal speakers and also non-USB headphones.

Is there a aways I can still use USB headphones or am I only restricted to the audio port?

I understand that the internal speakers on the MBPR are advanced but if I choose to use external speakers will I be able to and if so which port I use?

 

[iMacDragon]

Coming from a PC desktop I am accustomed to not using internal speakers and also non-USB headphones.

Is there a aways I can still use USB headphones or am I only restricted to the audio port?

I understand that the internal speakers on the MBPR are advanced but if I choose to use external speakers will I be able to and if so which port I use?

Most standard usb audio devices should work fine if you don't want to use headphone port for whatever reason.

 

[iRobby]

Most standard usb audio devices should work fine if you don't want to use headphone port for whatever reason.

The reason for the USB headpghones is that they tend to better control the audio feedback when using the microphone on headset

 

[Trey M]

As long as your usb headphones are Mac compatible (most should be), then it'll work without any issues. You might have to download a driver or something, but you should be good.

For external speakers, you just use the headphone port. However, the headphone port supports line-out as well as optical. I currently have a Logitech Z-5500 hooked up to my rMBP through optical out- and all 5 speakers as well as my sub work flawlessly. If you just have 2 speakers and they support line-in, then you can get it to work by just plugging it in.

 

[iRobby]

As long as your usb headphones are Mac compatible (most should be), then it'll work without any issues. You might have to download a driver or something, but you should be good.

For external speakers, you just use the headphone port. However, the headphone port supports line-out as well as optical. I currently have a Logitech Z-5500 hooked up to my rMBP through optical out- and all 5 speakers as well as my sub work flawlessly. If you just have 2 speakers and they support line-in, then you can get it to work by just plugging it in.

Thank you Trey for your help today and yesterday. Perhaps I should put you on retainer as a "Genius"

Like others have said, it really depends what you are going to be doing on the computer and how you want to do it. For many, the Air is great because you can use it easily on any surface, whether it be a desk, laying on a couch, etc. The Pro, which has a bigger screen, is harder to use on surfaces other than desks simply because the footprint is different.

If you think you need a lot of extra horsepower, go for the Retina. From what it sounds like, though, you're going to notice a HUGE performance increase going from your current laptop and I don't think, as long as you're not using extremely intensive applications, you will notice a difference between the two. If the size of the display is important to you, go for the Pro. If you want to use a portable laptop that will do great in nearly all tasks, go for the Air.

From what you're saying, I think I'd get a RMBP. If you enjoy using your iPad on the couch, etc., and you're not left wanting, you'll definitely enjoy using the RMBP as your desktop replacement.

Thanks that was my dilemma was the air enough for a desktop replacement?

And the other reply said not to spend 2K+ on an Air and since this is a desktop replacement I'd at least need those configurations

 

[Aragorn234]

What about using a set of 5.1 speakers without optical out. I have a set of Logitech z530, that I want to use.

Any suggestions on an external USB sound card?