First, let me say I've purchased a lot of Apple products over the years and have loved every one, starting with the "dome" iMac and original osx. The rMBP is the first time I regretted a purchase.
The display IS amazing, much like the feeling you get using the new iPad. But that's all you can really say about it - there's little about this computer that adds real value to my work, in 2 important areas.
The Screen
As an avid graphic designer, I was excited about all the screen real estate I could use in 1920 x 1200 mode. But being hunched over and squinting while editing documents in InDesign just wasn't the productivity boost I was hoping for. I'd MUCH rather be plugged in to my 27' display, with it's lower resolution and all, being able to lean back and work in a more relaxed state. I suppose the hi res would come in handy if I was sandwiched in a corner at Starbucks all day, but that just sounds miserable. And when I bumped up the size for true retina, the Adobe apps just look terrible. Especially the text rendering in InDesign. I know eventually Adobe will tackle this - probably 2 years from now. Don't get me wrong - it's a great display to look at - it just isn't that important to me personally. If its the only screen you own, and you work on a laptop all the time, then it's great.
Speed
So I own a 2009 MBP, and I added an SSD to it a year and a half ago. It seems to me that the SSD is the great equalizer. I just didn't feel any faster on the new machine than on my crusty Core 2 Duo. I might feel differently if I used heavy processor apps, but I think for most EVERY daily use case, the SSD makes processor speed almost irrelevant. I remember when I put in the SSD I felt like I bought something 10 years ahead of my time. Using the rMBP, it's like I'm trying to talk myself into believing it's a LITTLE faster. And it's 3 years newer!
Anyway, those are my thoughts. The folks at the Apple Store were shocked when I brought it in, couldn't believe I was returning it. I know it's a hot item, and it really is fun to look at, just overrated in my opinion.
I remember my first Mac, being amazed that I could edit a family movie... Then my first PowerBook, a legitimate notebook I could take anywhere and do real work... And both the 24' and 27' displays were amazing upgrades for producing graphic design. I just don't see how this one is much of a leap, though I DO appreciate Apple's lead in developing better and better displays. Maybe I just need to wait for the software to catch up.
The display IS amazing, much like the feeling you get using the new iPad. But that's all you can really say about it - there's little about this computer that adds real value to my work, in 2 important areas.
The Screen
As an avid graphic designer, I was excited about all the screen real estate I could use in 1920 x 1200 mode. But being hunched over and squinting while editing documents in InDesign just wasn't the productivity boost I was hoping for. I'd MUCH rather be plugged in to my 27' display, with it's lower resolution and all, being able to lean back and work in a more relaxed state. I suppose the hi res would come in handy if I was sandwiched in a corner at Starbucks all day, but that just sounds miserable. And when I bumped up the size for true retina, the Adobe apps just look terrible. Especially the text rendering in InDesign. I know eventually Adobe will tackle this - probably 2 years from now. Don't get me wrong - it's a great display to look at - it just isn't that important to me personally. If its the only screen you own, and you work on a laptop all the time, then it's great.
Speed
So I own a 2009 MBP, and I added an SSD to it a year and a half ago. It seems to me that the SSD is the great equalizer. I just didn't feel any faster on the new machine than on my crusty Core 2 Duo. I might feel differently if I used heavy processor apps, but I think for most EVERY daily use case, the SSD makes processor speed almost irrelevant. I remember when I put in the SSD I felt like I bought something 10 years ahead of my time. Using the rMBP, it's like I'm trying to talk myself into believing it's a LITTLE faster. And it's 3 years newer!
Anyway, those are my thoughts. The folks at the Apple Store were shocked when I brought it in, couldn't believe I was returning it. I know it's a hot item, and it really is fun to look at, just overrated in my opinion.
I remember my first Mac, being amazed that I could edit a family movie... Then my first PowerBook, a legitimate notebook I could take anywhere and do real work... And both the 24' and 27' displays were amazing upgrades for producing graphic design. I just don't see how this one is much of a leap, though I DO appreciate Apple's lead in developing better and better displays. Maybe I just need to wait for the software to catch up.