Ordering a Retina Display 15" MBP but have Some ?? Before I Order

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Level 1

7 points

Ordering a Retina Display 15" MBP but have Some ?? Before I Order

Is the turbo boost something that brings the installed processor up to the stated speed and really works as if that processor was installed? why not just have the higher processor available for install?

Is there anyway to get the Samsung Display opposed to the LG? I do not think so and I have not tried to call the Apple order phone number, but I am hoping that if I call and ask they might help me get the Samsung retina display. I can feel the "NOs" coming with this question but I thought I would ask anyway.

I have tried to look through these posts and see if there is anything else I should be aware of when configuring the retina MBP 15" If anybody has any suggestions I would appreciate it. I am upgrading the SSD and adding iWorks, or the 3 programs need to be added seperately.

Does the 15" retina display get 2880x1800 Retina display?

Is there anyway to get the machine with the SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) or do you have to order the SuperDrive? Does this take advantage of the USB 30 connection?

Finally, any good personal expereinces with added speakers that really make the sound beyond beleif? I wil be using this machine for teaching and many of the DVDs are produced by a guy who puts a lot of work into the sound. I would like to take full advantage of this with a great set of external speakers. Are they making any speakers that use the thunderbolt cable technology to connect the speakers into the retina MBP? what about the USB 3.0?

O, one more. this machine uses USB 3.0. If I purchase some of these cables to use for various connections, does the Apple MBP retina dispaly require any special kind of this cable?

thanks!

Posted on Nov 21, 2012 12:45 AM

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Answer 1

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clintonfrombirmingham

Level 7

30,100 points

Nov 21, 2012 12:57 AM in response to NObodE

Is there anyway to get the Samsung Display opposed to the LG?

Nope - it's luck-of-the-draw - like the lottery. Some people have had no problems with either display - some have had problems with both.

Does the 15" retina display get 2880x1800 Retina display?

Yes - that's twice the native resolution of a non-Retina standard 15" MBP.

Is there anyway to get the machine with the SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) or do you have to order the SuperDrive? Does this take advantage of the USB 30 connection?

No, you can't order an internal SuperDrive. But Apple does make a USB 2.0 SuperDrive (about $80) that you can order - doesn't take advantage of USB 3.0 speeds because optical drives are so slow anyway that you really don't need the speed bump.

Are they making any speakers that use the thunderbolt cable technology to connect the speakers into the retina MBP? what about the USB 3.0?

Not that I know of - there are plenty of good third-party speakers out there that connect via the headphone port or via USB.

one more. this machine uses USB 3.0. If I purchase some of these cables to use for various connections, does the Apple MBP retina dispaly require any special kind of this cable?

No - no special cable. USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables are backward compatible.

Good luck,

Clinton

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Answer 2

wjpjr

Level 1

101 points

Nov 21, 2012 2:22 AM in response to NObodE

You really need to read http://www.anandtech.com/show/6023/the-nextgen-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-r eview. That review should answer most of your questions.

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Answer 3

Ziatron

Level 5

4,186 points

Nov 21, 2012 11:43 AM in response to NObodE

Is there anyway to get the machine with the SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

No, not built in. I have seen pepole duct-tape an external SuperDrive on airlines.

I would get the non-retina display with a BUILT-IN SuperDrive.

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Answer 4

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:11 PM in response to Ziatron

Ziatron-

why do they have to duct tape the external drive when they can use a usb cable, for example? I am not following that comment.

What is your reasoning (if you feel OK to answer this) on not getting the retina display? If they do not have a built in SuperDrive how do people install programs like Office or Photoshop? is the only way with the retina dispaly to use an attached drive?

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Answer 5

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:07 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

clinton-

thaks for the info.

why do they not install the SuperDrive in the retina display MBP? I have several software programs I need to install if I get this machine. what are the options if the retina display MBP does not come with an installed SuperDrive?

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Answer 6

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:10 PM in response to wjpjr

wjphr-

Thanks for sending me the link. I will read the article. I have done a lot of research and the reasosn why I came here is because I have heard some negative things about the retina display, but people do not feel comfortable expressing their true feelings about Apple products, especially if they are not favorable to the product. That is unfortunate, because Apple produces many outstanding machines and products, in my opinion.

do you know when the current MPB (non retina display) was updated?

Thanks

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Answer 7

Nov 21, 2012 4:24 PM in response to NObodE

You can download the programs and install them. You don't need to buy these programs on DVD. Or, you can use an external DVD drive. The choice is yours.

I've been using my retina since they first came out without issue.

Using duct tape is not normal. You would have to ask those who have done this why they did so. I suspect they wanted to just attach their external DVD to the computer. A better method would be to use velcro. But there is no need to attach the DVD tot he computer. Just set the DVD on your desk and connect the usb cable.

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Answer 8

Ziatron

Level 5

4,186 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:25 PM in response to NObodE

why do they have to duct tape the external drive when they can use a usb cable

They want to watch a movie on an plane. They use both a USB cable and duct tape.

why do they not install the SuperDrive in the retina display MBP?

To force you to buy downloaded software and movies.

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Answer 9

Ziatron

Level 5

4,186 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:28 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

But there is no need to attach the DVD tot he computer. Just set the DVD on your desk and connect the usb cable.

If you are using the "tray-table" on an airline, duct tape works best.

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Answer 10

wjpjr

Level 1

101 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:29 PM in response to NObodE

"do you know when the current MPB (non retina display) was updated?"

Summer 2012.

See http://www.anandtech.com/show/6037/the-2012-macbook-pro-review for details.

"I have heard some negative things about the retina display"

Not sure what you heard but I'm very happy with my rMBP 13".

"why do they not install the SuperDrive in the retina display MBP?"

To reduce weight and thickness.

If you feel you need a SD then order the external USB SD, http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive?fnode=5f

"If they do not have a built in SuperDrive how do people install programs like Office or Photoshop?"

Most SW is now downloadable so the need for a SD is lessening. M$ and Adobe are two SW vendors trailing in this regards. Again, spend $79 and get the external SD if you feel its needed. The other way is to make disk images of the install DVD if you now have access to a SD.

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Answer 11

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:36 PM in response to wjpjr

ah, ok, I guess I do not know how the duct tape works since I have never used an external SuperDrive. The programs I have already that I would want to install came with a DVD. I do not have the ability to download the programs. However if this in an option in the future, I guess I could download them but not having the best internet service, it mike take awhile.

I just have the superdrives in the other MBPs I have access to.

thanks for your help.

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Answer 12

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:38 PM in response to Ziatron

Ziatron-

any feedback on why you suggest I not get the retina display or is this something that is not mentioned on this website?

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Answer 13

wjpjr

Level 1

101 points

Nov 21, 2012 4:51 PM in response to NObodE

NObodE wrote:

I just have the superdrives in the other MBPs I have access to.

Then use Disk Utility on one of those MBPs and created image files of the install DVDs and copy/move them to the rMBP and mount and install.

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Answer 14

Nov 22, 2012 7:10 AM in response to NObodE

Search the reviews. Retina is mentioned often here. FWIW, my retina works great and has not had any issues.

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Answer 15

NObodE Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 22, 2012 11:42 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

I have been searching the reviews on here and about 5 other forums that have a Mac area. what do you mean by "FWIW?" I just wish people on this forum could fell more open about expressing their real expereinces with the Apple products they have purchased and have been using.

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