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.
I am going to hold off on purchase until at least July. I would purchase a MBA now, but I am really interested in the ivy bridge chipsets capabilities.
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.😀
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.
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.