Roundup: Hands-On Impressions of the New Retina MacBook Pros

[MacRumors]

A number of news sites have been able to go hands-on with Apple's newly announced 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Retina Display, both of which come with Intel's newest processors, offering increased battery life with improved performance.

Image courtesy of The Verge​

TechCrunch says that the slightly slimmer 13-inch model is a "big change" compared to the older model and will likely be much easier to carry around.

The 13-inch version is a big change, however - the 3.46 lbs compared to the 3.57 of the last generation may not feel like much, but combined with a thickness of just 0.71 inches, it feels like a lot, and will probably be even more impressive if you're carrying one around with you every day.

The Verge echoed that sentiment, noting that its new processor is a large improvement over the previous model.

Where the old model would stutter and lag on web pages and while working with images, the new model's Haswell processor with upgraded Iris graphics was totally smooth. Obviously we didn't get to test it too harshly, but if it holds up when we review it, the 13-inch Pro just reentered the conversation in a big way -- especially since the base price is now just $1,299.

Unlike the 13-inch model, the 15-inch model doesn't seem to have a massive noticeable improvement on first impression. TechCrunch notes the new model seems "speedier" and "generally more responsive", while The Verge says the difference "isn't quite so clear."

Apple is offering the entry level 13-inch version for $1,299 and the entry level 15-inch model for $1,999. Apple's updated MacBook Pros are available today from its Online Store and at retail locations and come with Mavericks included.

Article Link: Roundup: Hands-On Impressions of the New Retina MacBook Pros

 

[unplugme71]

I wonder how well the 13" base model with 8GB Memory handles video editing and handbrake/iTunes encoding.

Thinking about making a indie movie with FCX using the 13" model.

 

[pscl]

looks like the 13" is the better choice... great thing! im so happy!

 

[22mac]

13" was a big upgrade but 15" was almost downgrade on graphics.

 

[KylePowers]

Ugh. I want the 13in rMBP so badly. Someone buy my 13in 2011 MBA!

I'd probably go with the stock middle model - 2.4GHz i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD with education discount puts it at $1400 before tax

 

[Brian Y]

13" was a big upgrade but 15" was almost downgrade on graphics.

Haven't they removed the dedicated card from the 15" base model?

My retina really struggles with some stuff when I lock it to the integrated card. Maybe iris is better? But, for example, if you're rendering, that's a lot of pixels for an integrated card (especially if you're using a scaled up resolution).

 

[daneoni]

13" was a big upgrade but 15" was almost downgrade on graphics.

Iris Pro and Nvidia 750m is a downgrade?

 

[edgonzalez32]

Iris Pro and Nvidia 750m is a downgrade?


I was going to say. Plus 2GB to go along with the card. Definitely doesn't seem like a downgrade.

 

[rlycody]

Been waiting since the summer to upgrade my dusty '07 macbook. Ordered the middle 13" rMBP w/8gb ram, 256gb hd. Definitely glad I held out this long. Can't wait for it to get here

 

[Aeshaettr]

Been waiting since the summer to upgrade my dusty '07 macbook. Ordered the middle 13" rMBP w/8gb ram, 256gb hd. Definitely glad I held out this long. Can't wait for it to get here

same here only I opted for the 16gb RAM...its Christmas

 

[JayCee842]

That price and battery, though!

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Haven't they removed the dedicated card from the 15" base model?

My retina really struggles with some stuff when I lock it to the integrated card. Maybe iris is better? But, for example, if you're rendering, that's a lot of pixels for an integrated card (especially if you're using a scaled up resolution).

No. Both versions are available for the 15".

 

[pscl]

Iris Pro and Nvidia 750m is a downgrade?

read. hes talking about the BASE model.

 

[fpsBeaTt]

No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.

 

[Kariya]

No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.

Sorry it doesn't iron your clothes and make you a sandwich too.

 

[cclloyd]

13" was a big upgrade but 15" was almost downgrade on graphics.

It was for the baseline. You have the choice of $200 less for 3x integated only or $300 more than original for double ram/video.

 

[fpsBeaTt]

Sorry it doesn't iron your clothes and make you a sandwich too.

Well, I'm sorry, but I was honestly looking for a reason to upgrade; I WANTED to give them my money. Now, it's very difficult to justify.

Edit: The bump in graphics memory is nice, but insufficient. At this stage it's either IGZO, or 'go home MacBook Pro, you're a year late'.

 

[mdelvecchio]

No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.

the entitlement is great with this one.

why not buy that Dell?

 

[Vanilla35]

Iris Pro and Nvidia 750m is a downgrade

Yeah. Unless you want to pay $600 more for basically the same card that you got in last year's base model.

 

[mdelvecchio]

Well, I'm sorry, but I was honestly looking for a reason to upgrade; I WANTED to give them my money. Now, it's very difficult to justify.

the reason to upgrade is if the tool offers you value for the investment. not for upgrading's sake. for a lot of people, this will be a great tool. for some people, depending on what they currently own, it may not. iterative improvements arent designed to entice owners of the prior iteration to upgrade.

 

[Kariya]

Well, I'm sorry, but I was honestly looking for a reason to upgrade; I WANTED to give them my money. Now, it's very difficult to justify.

Edit: The bump in graphics memory is nice, but insufficient. At this stage it's either IGZO, or 'go home MacBook Pro, you're a year late'.

I don't think the upgrade is for current Retina owners but for those on Classic MBPs. IGZO absence just means IGZO yields aren't good enough for the scale of Apple shipments. Sharp already has a history of struggling to match Apple's shipping demands.

 

[NowConverted]

Can't wait for my salary to get the 13" with 512GB SSD, i7, and 16GB of RAM. This thing is so small and light, yet remarkably powerful.

Also the free iLife and iWork are a nice Christmas present!

 

[fpsBeaTt]

the entitlement is great with this one.

why not buy that Dell?

You're confusing entitlement with reasonable expectations, display-wise based on an inferior brand's offering. You know I won't choose Dell, I just won't upgrade (might buy an iMac, though).

 

[vpro]

Put orders in for both & maxed out. Can't wait to test drive em.

 

[Jaro65]

You're confusing entitlement with reasonable expectations, display-wise based on an inferior brand's offering. You know I won't choose Dell, I just won't upgrade (might buy an iMac, though).

How is that going to get you an IGZO display?