The Community-Driven Buyers Guide to the (Retina) MacBook Pro!

[Qaanol]

How about this for the rMBP side:

1. Do you prefer the 13" size or the 15" size (13/15)?
2. Will you be earning money based on how fast your computer runs (Y/N)?

13 N: Get a 2.4GHz 13" with 8GB RAM
13 Y: Get a 2.6GHz 13" with 16GB RAM
15 N: Get a 2.0GHz 15" with 8GB RAM
15 Y: Get a 2.3GHz 15" with 16GB RAM

Unless you hate having piles of money and want to spend lots of it, there's no reason to max the CPU (if you need serious horsepower, get a render farm and a server.)

 

[thomino]

How about this for the rMBP side:

1. Do you prefer the 13" size or the 15" size (13/15)?
2. Will you be earning money based on how fast your computer runs (Y/N)?

13 N: Get a 2.4GHz 13" with 8GB RAM
13 Y: Get a 2.6GHz 13" with 16GB RAM
15 N: Get a 2.0GHz 15" with 8GB RAM
15 Y: Get a 2.3GHz 15" with 16GB RAM

Unless you hate having piles of money and want to spend lots of it, there's no reason to max the CPU (if you need serious horsepower, get a render farm and a server.)

Thanks a lot Qaanol! Yep, i will be earning money based on comuter speed. Currently im on PC and its killing me Your recommendations are great! Few hours ago i just ordered the top 15'' Model.

I was basically torn between base and top 15'' but afterwards i thought about it as an investment, and I ordered the top 15'' model. Hope i will not regret it, but i dont think so Many thanks for your recommendations and advice!

 

[PDFierro]

Great thread here. Much like Macshroomer, I fit under the 13" power user category. I'm a fan of the smaller form factor who needs to get work done. Both the 13" and 15" can be used for serious work.

----------

How about this for the rMBP side:

1. Do you prefer the 13" size or the 15" size (13/15)?
2. Will you be earning money based on how fast your computer runs (Y/N)?

13 N: Get a 2.4GHz 13" with 8GB RAM
13 Y: Get a 2.6GHz 13" with 16GB RAM
15 N: Get a 2.0GHz 15" with 8GB RAM
15 Y: Get a 2.3GHz 15" with 16GB RAM

Unless you hate having piles of money and want to spend lots of it, there's no reason to max the CPU (if you need serious horsepower, get a render farm and a server.)

I kind of disagree with this. Yes, the extra processor power isn't going to be noticed most of the time, but if I've already maxed-out the RAM/SSD then might as well do the processor too. Doesn't seem like wasting money to me.

 

[Essenar]

Retina MacBook Pro 15" Early 2013 Edition - $1699.99 at my university's bookstore. Brand new so warranty is in tact as of the date of purchase. Has an i7 2.3/8GB/256GB.

For the student/working professional who wants a powerful machine, wants to save $300, would like to game and doesn't want to make compromises.

 

[simon48]

How about this for the rMBP side:

1. Do you prefer the 13" size or the 15" size (13/15)?
2. Will you be earning money based on how fast your computer runs (Y/N)?

13 N: Get a 2.4GHz 13" with 8GB RAM
13 Y: Get a 2.6GHz 13" with 16GB RAM
15 N: Get a 2.0GHz 15" with 8GB RAM
15 Y: Get a 2.3GHz 15" with 16GB RAM

Unless you hate having piles of money and want to spend lots of it, there's no reason to max the CPU (if you need serious horsepower, get a render farm and a server.)

This is not necessarily true, it depends on what you need speed for.

 

[cdubb80]

How about this for the rMBP side:

1. Do you prefer the 13" size or the 15" size (13/15)?
2. Will you be earning money based on how fast your computer runs (Y/N)?

13 N: Get a 2.4GHz 13" with 8GB RAM
13 Y: Get a 2.6GHz 13" with 16GB RAM
15 N: Get a 2.0GHz 15" with 8GB RAM
15 Y: Get a 2.3GHz 15" with 16GB RAM

any recommendations for someone who needs a portable machine (considering souped up versions of either 13" MBA or 13" MBP), but runs Windows on VMware fusion regularly to access hospital VPN desktop? also use online an electronic medical record and dragon dictate software

not sure whether retina screen (to see X-rays/CT scans) worth the additional weight/shorter battery time.