Which Would last longer, the Regular Macbook Pro or the Retina Edition?

[seangrimes590]

Just want to clarify something here. I've noticed throughout this thread that people are referring to the rMBP as having SSD for storage, and even a post stating that it would be the only upgradable part of the computer. I want to point out that the rMBP does NOT have an SSD, at least not as people picture it (1.8 or 2.5 inch HDD looking device). It has individual memory modules soldered onto the motherboard. Thus, unless you feel competent enough to remove them and solder on some new ones (I'm certainly not), your SOL in terms of upgrading them. Therefore, go for the 768 GB and a nice external thunderbolt drive, for quite a nice chunk of $$$ of course.

 

[macidiot]

Just want to clarify something here. I've noticed throughout this thread that people are referring to the rMBP as having SSD for storage, and even a post stating that it would be the only upgradable part of the computer. I want to point out that the rMBP does NOT have an SSD, at least not as people picture it (1.8 or 2.5 inch HDD looking device). It has individual memory modules soldered onto the motherboard. Thus, unless you feel competent enough to remove them and solder on some new ones (I'm certainly not), your SOL in terms of upgrading them. Therefore, go for the 768 GB and a nice external thunderbolt drive, for quite a nice chunk of $$$ of course.

That is incorrect. The SSD (apple calls it flash storage, but it is an SSD, most likely identical to a current Samsung SSD), is on a daughtercard. Just like the MBA.

You are right in that it does not look like a typical SSD designed for a 2.5 drive bay. It is proprietary. But otherwise, it is an SSD.

It is not soldered on.

The RAM, however, is soldered on, and effectively non-upgradeable.

 

[afinch1992]

id say the regular pro would last longer. i think the second generation of retinas will be much more reliable. not being able to upgrade pretty much all of it is a major hit tho

 

[Snowshiro]

Just want to clarify something here. I've noticed throughout this thread that people are referring to the rMBP as having SSD for storage, and even a post stating that it would be the only upgradable part of the computer. I want to point out that the rMBP does NOT have an SSD, at least not as people picture it (1.8 or 2.5 inch HDD looking device). It has individual memory modules soldered onto the motherboard. Thus, unless you feel competent enough to remove them and solder on some new ones (I'm certainly not), your SOL in terms of upgrading them. Therefore, go for the 768 GB and a nice external thunderbolt drive, for quite a nice chunk of $$$ of course.

Really, that's terrible misinformation. I recommend you go watch the SSD replacement video at OWC. Once you take the back cover off, It takes no more than flipping a catch supplying the power and sliding the SSD card out. I was amazed how simple it is compared to the claims people have been making.

 

[Cassadian]

The rMBP is already struggling a bit with graphic intensive 2012 games. Next year or two, the rMBP with not be able to keep up with the new generation games; rendering it obsolete for the serious gamers.

The cMBP got a few more years before its graphic capability becomes obsolete; so the cMBP is a better long term investment.

Why would a serious gamer buy a Macbook Pro Retina for gaming? Even more puzzling, why would they buy a Mac? If you're going to argue screen, you might as well buy a 1500 dollar PC gaming laptop and an Apple Cinema Display.

 

[takeshi74]

We can argue this endlessly based on theory and not have a definitive answer without long term real world testing. Even then there would question regarding the validity and applicability of such testing as not all people have the same usage.

so based on your theoretical analyses on this situation and your knowledge about SSDs you've come across the net, if you were in my situation, which option would you "in your opinion" take action on?

Keep in mind that opinions are only relevant to you if the person holding the opinion has sufficiently similar needs/wants/preferences. It's important to understand the why behind the opinion and not just poll for random opinions as the why will help you to understand relevance to you.

Why would a serious gamer buy a Macbook Pro Retina for gaming? Even more puzzling, why would they buy a Mac? If you're going to argue screen, you might as well buy a 1500 dollar PC gaming laptop and an Apple Cinema Display.

Subjective matter. This sentiment gets parroted a lot but it's not always so black and white as it's made out to be. Use what works for you. Others will use what works for them.

 

[Cassadian]

We can argue this endlessly based on theory and not have a definitive answer without long term real world testing. Even then there would question regarding the validity and applicability of such testing as not all people have the same usage.


Keep in mind that opinions are only relevant to you if the person holding the opinion has sufficiently similar needs/wants/preferences. It's important to understand the why behind the opinion and not just poll for random opinions as the why will help you to understand relevance to you.


Subjective matter. This sentiment gets parroted a lot but it's not always so black and white as it's made out to be. Use what works for you. Others will use what works for them.

It may be opinionated, but an overwhelming number of gaming products and other features are suited for the PC and basically the Windows OS is more suited. Not only does it allow for more customization through 3rd party programs but it doesn't have forced mouse acceleration (although it can be disabled through a third party application, sort of, it isn't native) and for many game genres such as FPS that is a no-no. Furthermore, most games you'll need to bootcamp just to play and Macintosh computers just don't have adequate cooling systems compared to other gaming-oriented PC's with several fans and large heat sinks (generally why they look like tanks and weigh a ton).