In this Q&A, we listed down the “pros and cons” of buying any unit from the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the 15-Inch versions too.
Just like any other purchase, you will have to think about getting a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro version before anything else – when that happens, you should look for the right notebook for you. As this is the case, it is just right to evaluate the pros and cons of the series so that you can properly analyze if it is the best for you, or not.
The 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro (Photo Credit: https://www.theverge.com)
We came up with an in-depth evaluation of the recent “Early 2015” models. This rundown should help you decide if this line is useful.
Pros:
- Beautiful, and ultra-high-quality resolution display that measures 2560×1600, 227 ppi.
- Thin and lightweight body with a vivid resolution display.
- Relatively fast models, even the now-defunct Late 2012, Early 2013, Late 2013, and Mid 2014 series, and the recent Early 2015
- An SSD module, attached through the drive caddy, is found at the Late 2012 and Early 2013 models which allows myriad and potential upgrades. On the other hand, the Late 2013 and later models employ the PCIe-based “blade” which is also simple to upgrade. But, the unit only has less physical space for this type of module.
- Versions come with superb and long battery life, particularly the “Haswell” and “Broadwell” based models for the Mid 2014 and Early 2015.
- Come with 3.0 USB ports.
- Feature two Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports and an HDMI.
- Reads SDXC cards.
Cons:
- Older applications not compatible with Retina Display may become blurry and there might be a delay in the scroll performance.
- Earlier models have slow integrated graphics that usually struggle to support high-resolution displays.
- RAM is not upgradeable for it is soldered in a specific place. It cannot be modified even after the initial purchase. This is different from the previous models like the “Mid 2014” and the recent “Early 2015” versions for they can be changed to as much as 16 GB RAM, but only at the time, you buy it. The lines older than those had 4 GB to 8GB RAM by default setting. There are also units that do not go beyond the 8 GB configuration.
- End users may not upgrade the internal storage.
- The battery is also attached into place, which makes it hard to replace when necessary.
- Adapters are bought separately. There is no Firewire nor internal Ethernet.
- No available internal optical drive.
- To use MagSafe 2 power connector, an adapter such as MD504ZM/A is needed for the Thunderbolt Display, LED Cinema Display, and as well as the previous MagSafe power adapter.
- Compared to 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions, these lines are inferior in value and performance.
- More expensive than the MacBook Air series that despite its lesser performance, offers a better battery life in a lightweight package and a more affordable price tag.
What’s the right model for you?
Basically, if you are into a sophisticated, and high resolution display assembled together in a small notebook, a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro may be ideal for your needs for it gives priority to performance and connectivity. However, if you are not really into physical size, but more on the display and performance, and you don’t mind the price as much, then a 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro could be a better choice too.
For buyers who are sensitive to price, but don’t mind the physical dimensions and display and size resolution, a MacBook Air should be suitable. If you lean towards an excellent display resolution and a more compact unit, but the performance, value, and connectivity are the least of your concerns, a Retina MacBook should be worth the expense.
There are those who give much value to “legacy” connectivity and upgrades though, such as the Firewire and Gigabit Ethernet, and internal optical drive. In this case, the traditional “Mid-2012” MacBook Pro would surely do the job. As to anybody who needs to save more money, it would be more practical to go for the likes of MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro models that are still available in the second hand or used market.
Purchase Options for 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro
There is a good number of places to buy a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro these days. But, it would be best to get from a quality company that has years of service and experience in the Mac market. This should save you more time and money in the process.
