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Was going to order the new 13" rMBP, but.....

marc55

marc55

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 14, 2011
872
283
Was going to order the new 13" rMBP, but I have a few concerns.

a. It's only a duo-core compared to a quad-core on the 15" rMBP

b. Not sure how good the Intel 6100 graphics is compared to the 15" rMBP

c. Screen size,.....is it too small for older eyes?

Insight greatly appreciated; thank you

EDIT: Usage; mostly web surfing, uncomplicated Excel, Word, Powerpoint and video's/movies
 
Last edited:
marc55 said:
Was going to order the new 13" rMBP, but I have a few concerns.

a. It's only a duo-core compared to a quad-core on the 15" rMBP

b. Not sure how good the Intel 6100 graphics is compared to the 15" rMBP

c. Screen size,.....is it too small for older eyes?
Click to expand...
Your first two points depend entirely on your proposed usage. Most users never push the limits of even the lowest-performing Mac model. What do you plan to use it for?

As for the screen size, only you can determine what works best for you, but I'm posting this from my 13" rMBP and I can see it just fine with my old eyes.
 
I agree with GGJstudios that depending on how you plan to use your Mac the dual core processor and 6100 graphics could be enough. It could potentially only come down to screen size.
 
marc55 said:
Was going to order the new 13" rMBP, but I have a few concerns.

a. It's only a duo-core compared to a quad-core on the 15" rMBP

b. Not sure how good the Intel 6100 graphics is compared to the 15" rMBP

c. Screen size,.....is it too small for older eyes?

Insight greatly appreciated; thank you

EDIT: Usage; mostly web surfing, uncomplicated Excel, Word, Powerpoint and video's/movies
Click to expand...
None of the listed usage requires a quad core, or even a dual core to be performed. An iPad has enough computing power to cope with it.

You listed usage puts next to zero stress on a graphics card as well, so again you don't need the power.

The beauty of a retina screen is that you can use pretty much any resolution on it and it'll still look good. It's fine for older eyes. Small screen doesn't have to mean small text.

If worst comes to worst, there's a 14 day return window.
 
I love developing on a bigger display tbqh... I was gonna get the new rMB but the sheer enjoyment of the 15" display has me thinking twice about a 12" display. I currently have a 13" rMBP.
 
The 13" is plenty, but if you want a 15" and can afford it, get it.... You don't need it power wise, but up to you. You can always buy an external display #1 and #2 you can output the display signal to an Apple TV, which I personally connect to my 70" flat screen tv, for movies anyway....
 
Seems to me like you want the base 15" because of your "old eyes"

I have "young eyes" and I use a 24" external monitor for real work.

The 13" isn't big enough for me to do my work but that doesn't mean it won't work for you.

Go to an Apple Store or Best buy and check it out for a good 20 minutes each.
 
I vote for the 13''. You'll be fine with the laptop and it'll be more portable than a 15'' as well as weigh less (obviously). I'm 29 years old and have always preferred the 13'' size. I have owned bigger laptops (Windows) and find them cumbersome. Aforementioned, visit your local Apple store and play around with them.

You can increase the text size on a 13'' as well if your eyes are at the point of no return.
 
I was going to order a 13" rMBP too, but I've used one and the 13" screen is really too small. I couldn't convince myself otherwise. So instead I bought a used 15" mid 2012 rMBP for the same price
 
winkosmosis said:
I was going to order a 13" rMBP too, but I've used one and the 13" screen is really too small. I couldn't convince myself otherwise. So instead I bought a used 15" mid 2012 rMBP for the same price
Click to expand...

I got a mid 2014 rMBP 15 for $134 more than the new 13 off Craigslist and its only 6 weeks old and hardly touched. Deals are out there.
 
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