Retina 13" Running 1680x1050 Fuzzy? Lagging? Smooth?

[parestailor]

So im deciding to upgrade from a MBA 11" (Late 2010) model to a MBPr 13" as I really need some extra screen space and processing power. What attracts me about the MBPr is the fact i can run a resolution of 1680x1050.

What i would like to know is, and i've been trying to find the answers for hours...

1. Will I have performance issues running at 1680x1050 all the time? Scrolling? Switching apps and between desktop spaces?

2. Will fonts and apps look sharp in quality? or will i get blurry and fuzzy issues?

3. If issue 2 is a problem using Apple 1680x1050 mode, if i use 1680x1050 HiDPI using something like "Retina DisplayMenu" ****************W6xPgM will this fix any issue with the appearance of apps?

I've been reading the following tying to get my answers...

MacBook Pro Retina Display Analysis
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5998/macbook-pro-retina-display-analysis

How the Retina Display MacBook Pro Handles Scaling
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5996/how-the-retina-display-macbook-pro-handles-scaling

13" rMBP display performance @ 1680x1050?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1558746/

Poll - Favourite resolution on rMBP 13"? Do you find 1680x1050 fuzzy?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1678674/

Retina Macbook Pro 1680x1050 Scale
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1387779/

Thanks all! 😎

 

[Blue Sun]

Hi OP,

1. Yes, you will see lag. Although, there are some people on this board that deny it.
2. From my experience, everything looks pretty crisp at scaled resolutions (I have the 15" rMBP).
3. I can't answer that, sorry.

 

[gofry]

Uploaded two screenshots.
The text is crisp I guess, it's readable, but I guess it is sometimes too small.
Yes you will see some lag, but I can live with it, I mostly use it in the default best for retina resolution (see my other shot)

 

[perezr10]

I use mine (2012 I5 13" rMBP, Mavericks) at max resolution and I haven't noticed any lag. It's quite enjoyable.

I don't see why anyone would deny lag if there was.

 

[tigerintank]

i can see lag on my late 13 rMBP - but really only if i look for it. i think the reason you have a spread of views is because some are more sensitive to the issue than others.

I never use anything but 1680x1050 and it's plenty sharp for me.

I'd recommend a visit to an apple store to see and play - it's difficult to translate others opinions on here into a definitive buy/dont buy decision.

For what it's worth, would i buy again if I could go back a couple of months? Yes I would.

I do have one thing that bothers me - it takes a minute to boot. i'm about to post separately about this.