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Long as performance doesn't suffer it would be fantastic. I would imagine the air would be the first mac to get one.
 
So is there an actual definition to "Retina Display" and is there something more to it than the resolution Apple chooses?

Yes, and it was mentioned during the new iPad presentation. "Retina" is nothing more than a term they chose to describe the extremely high resolution, with pixels packed so densely into a screen that the human eye cannot even see individual pixels when viewed from a certain distance. For example, with the "retina" display on the iPhone 4, the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels when held 10 inches away.

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I just got my first Macbook Air about a month ago, and I would definitely upgrade if the resolution was increased. As a software devleoper, I am pretty disappointed that it only goes up to 1440x900. I would like more screen real estate.
 
For me, I got an 11" Air that I loved at first due to the size but I've noticed myself unintentionaly leaning in more to read or getting eye strain that I've never had before.:D

I use my 13" 2011 Air on a "Rain M stand" and I find that the elevated position makes a HUGE IMPROVEMENT in viewing the display. I am 83 and have OK vision but I do have developing cataracts.
 
it seems like new retina macs are coming this year. how much of an improvement will they be over the already great macbook air? early impressions of the iPad retina display is its amazing. i didn't notice much of a difference between retina and non retina iPhones.

will a retina display mac get you to upgrade?

Absolutely.
 
I'm guessing that the retina will start on the air, then go up to pros.

:D

I would have thought the Pros first as they are more expensive and so more capable of absorbing any increase in manufacturing costs.

It would be great if there was an Apple event where they said all Macs are going Retina, but that is wishful thinking.
 
I would have thought the Pros first as they are more expensive and so more capable of absorbing any increase in manufacturing costs.

It would be great if there was an Apple event where they said all Macs are going Retina, but that is wishful thinking.

I'm guessing that it will go to the airs first only because it is 11 and 13 inch. That would probably be easier to make than 13-17.

But who knows...I just hope that this year we will get retina macs! :D
 
I'm guessing that it will go to the airs first only because it is 11 and 13 inch. That would probably be easier to make than 13-17.

But who knows...I just hope that this year we will get retina macs! :D

Airs will need to be thicker to accommodate a larger battery. iPad's battery is already as large as the MBA 11" and at max brightness, consumes 7W/h. MBA 11.6" will be at least 9W/h.

The MBP can get around this by removing the optical drive and use the space for a bigger battery, thus retaining the same form factor.

I think Apple will keep retina a MBP exclusive for at least a few years. They will release a 15" MBA and position MBA as their mainstream line while raising prices on MBP retina, making them truly "pro" machines again. Of course, every photographer and retina-luster in the world will buy the MBP regardless of price.
 
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