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lbhskier37

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 11, 2011
105
12
I wanted to hear from the people who have had both a hi res antiglare and a retina. I'm likely going to buy a refurb from apple and the high res antiglare is currently priced the same as the base retina. I currently have a 15" 1280x768 windows laptop. My biggest issue with it is desktop space. I was always looking at the antiglare because of the desktop space, but now I'm wondering if I should go with the retina for the same price. The laptop will basically live its live on my coffee table, so weight and thickness isn't a selling point. I've seen the retina and the standard screens but I've never seen a retina. How much of an improvement is the retina over the high res? Can I get the same desktop area with the retina as the high res?
 
You can get more desktop space with the retina. You can set the retina at equivalent desktop space of 1440x900, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200.
 
I tried running my rMBP in the native resolution 2880×1800 resolution - I found it unusable, as I could barely make anything out, particularly the text
 
If you read a lot of text, your eyes will thank you if you get the retina. Desktop space is a wash.
 
If you read a lot of text, your eyes will thank you if you get the retina.

No, no they won't, especially if an app you use is not optimized for a Retina display.

Desktop space is a wash.

Only if you run the rMBP at a scaled resolution of 1680x1050. At the Retina's default "best" of 1440x900, antiglare wins for desktop space.
 
I vote for Retina. It just offers more flexibility - you can choose any resolution you want.

Of course, if you don't use the native 1440x900, it will have to do some extra work, but in my opinion it can be lived with.
 
It is a package.

cMBP can have anti-glare which makes a LOT of sense if you are living in a nice sunny environment and like to work under natural light. Also, has space for an optibay for a second hard drive and you can upgrade the RAM yourself. And the resolution is great for the 15" display.

rMBP is a different beast, thinner, super screen, super resolution but not anti-glare (although better than glossy standard displays). Much harder to upgrade, too.

You may weigh your needs and choose, both are great for what they are supposed to do.

But, if it is going to be on the desk all the time, and desktop space is what you need, may I suggest you also look at the Mac Mini and a Thunderbolt Display. TB is glossy, though, not anti-glare, but you may also look at other 30" displays like Dell.
 
I wanted to hear from the people who have had both a hi res antiglare and a retina. I'm likely going to buy a refurb from apple and the high res antiglare is currently priced the same as the base retina. I currently have a 15" 1280x768 windows laptop. My biggest issue with it is desktop space. I was always looking at the antiglare because of the desktop space, but now I'm wondering if I should go with the retina for the same price. The laptop will basically live its live on my coffee table, so weight and thickness isn't a selling point. I've seen the retina and the standard screens but I've never seen a retina. How much of an improvement is the retina over the high res? Can I get the same desktop area with the retina as the high res?

Bold:
Get an iMac, or as the other poster said a mini and a screen.
 
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