This Q&A intends to show in detail the “pros & cons” of the 13-Inch and 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro lines.
Just like any other purchases you have made, the decision to go for a 13-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro is all up to you. To know if this notebook is for you, it is going to help to evaluate the pros and cons of the unit. Will the laptop meet all your needs?
13-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro (Photo Credit: https://theultralinx.com)
If you are looking for an in-depth evaluation of any MacBook product, Techable has a comprehensive comparison of the recent models from the “Early 2015” that you may find useful.
This is a rundown of the highlights of the mentioned unit.
Pros:
- Sophisticated and high-quality display at 2560×1600, 227 ppi.
- Portable with thin and lightweight built.
- Most models, from the discontinued Late 2012, Early 2013, Late 2013, and Mid-2014 series, including the recent Early 2015 units are reliably fast because of their dependable flash storage.
- The SSD module on the Late 2012 and Early 2013 models is attached in a drive caddy that enables diverse upgrades in the future. Even the Late 2013 series, and the lines after them, utilize a PCIe-based “blade” that is modifiable; however, there is limited physical space for the module upgrade that makes upgrading a struggle.
- Offers a magnificent battery with a long runtime most especially for the “Haswell” and “Broadwell” architectured models from the “Mid 2014” and “Early 2015” versions.
- Comes with two USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports, and an HDMI port plus an SDXC Card reader.
Cons:
- Unupdated applications for Retina Display are blurry and the scroll performance is slow and sluggish.
- Older integrated graphics may have a hard time driving the high-resolution visuals and display, like the earlier models.
- RAM cannot be upgraded for it is attached in a permanent place. This is different for the former “Mid 2014” and recent “Early 2001” versions that allowed modifications for as much as 16GB RAM, but only at the time of its initial purchase. On the other hand, the earlier models had a 4GB to 8GB RAM configured on their system by default. This cannot be upgraded even beyond.
- An end-user cannot upgrade the internal storage even after the initial purchase.
- The battery is permanently attached to a place and replacement can be a challenge.
- No Firewire or internal Ethernet but adapters are available for an extra cost when necessary.
- The internal optical drive is only available as an external option.
- MagSafe 2 power connector needs an adapter to work with Thunderbolt Display, LED Cinema Display, and even the previous MagSafe power adapter.
- Inferior in value and performance when compared to the 15-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro versions that are all offered at the same time.
- More expensive than the MacBook Air line that features less performance, but better battery runtime, compact packaging, and a more affordable price tag.
What’s the best model for you?
Definitely, if you are leaning towards a beautiful, and high-resolution computer display packed in an impressively small notebook, with reliable connectivity and performance – the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro may work for you. If you don’t mind the physical size and price as much, but you give high importance to the performance of the unit, then you should go with the 15-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro. This should be a better option for you.
For buyers who are price and physical dimensions sensitive, without giving much attention to display size and resolution, a MacBook Air would suffice. If your top priority is the display resolution and compactness of the laptop, and you don’t focus much on performance, connectivity, and value – the Retina MacBook should work best too.
Lastly, for those in need of upgrades and “legacy” connectivity including the Firewire and Gigabit Ethernet, including the internal optical drive – the MacBook Pro from the “Mid 2012” should be a better choice. If you want to save more money, you can go to the used market and access available models for MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro.
Buying Options for 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro
There are many places to buy a 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro. But, it would still be best to purchase from quality companies that have years of experience in selling Mac. This is a way to save money and time in the future. To be safe, read reviews online.
