So I'm thinking of purchasing a new Macbook Pro. I am wondering if the performance of the non-retina and retina display models will be identical if they have the same specs? I am looking at a 2.7ghz with 18gb ram, mostly for video editing and 3D modeling.
I'm also wondering if higher resolution will affect the performance during graphics-intensive tasks compared to if I were using a regular anti-glare screen?
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Neither machine can handle 18 GB of ram.
Are you sure? I'm able to customize into 16gb ram on the Apple site, and there's plenty of 16GBs selling elsewhere.
Anyways I really think I prefer the Hi - Res Anti Glare screen over the Glossy Retina Display, but I don't want to sacrifice performance just to prevent glare if the Retina model does in fact run better/faster.
Also I noticed the retina models come with a "flash storage".. is this essentially the same as SSD? If so that means I'd save a bit on SSD by buying the retina so the prices would roughly even out?
Besides the ultra-hi-res screen, there's nothing a Retina has that a regular cannot be configured or upgraded to have, storage or performance-wise. Same CPU and GPU, same VRAM, same RAM (the regular CAN be upgraded to 16GB in spite of what Apple says), same storage (the HDD can be upgraded to a wicked big SSD if your wallet can take it). And yes, a Widescreen/Antiglare is 1680x1050, so you can get essentially half a Retina, screenwise.
For a whole less $$$.
And after all, you end up using the darn Retina at half-res, 1440x900 for all apps except maybe watching BluRay-grade movies. Else you'll go blind squinting at the minuscule letters....
That's what I was thinking too.. do people with rMBPs actually use it at full resolution ever? It almost seems like high res antiglare is the clear choice. If I want to throw an SSD on though it'll end up costing the same as a retina, essentially.
Last time I checked, reputable SSD brands were going for 1/4 to 1/3 what Apple asks for a similar capacity on the config option.
Good point so I'd be saving a good amount on a non-apple SSD. Well I'll have to think about it then. Would be an easier decision if I'd seen a rMBP in person.
I have. Was "tasked" with the cruel and grueling job of setting up my boss' 2.6GHz/512GB 15" rMBP, being the resident Mac expert. Can't imagine the suffering. The agony.... đ Took me a whole week to complete.
And no. I will NOT buy one. Even if I won the PowerBall.
But she's overjoyed with the results, is all that matters.... đ
Alright thanks a ton! I forgot to mention I also use an external monitor a lot of the time.. would the rMBP or cMBP benefit more from that? Wouldn't the extra resolution look pretty awesome on a larger monitor?
EIther one will work fine with an external monitor - I've a non-Retina model that I use with an Apple Thunderbolt Display.
Clinton
The resolution depends on the display, not the Mac. Both the Retina and the regular have the exact same GPU and VRAM. Just be sure to get the faster CPU model so you get the full GB of VRAM, the slower model only has 512MB.
I will begrudgingly recognize that at least the Retina has a direct HDMI output and can plug it directly to a suitably equipped monitor with just a cable, no extra dongle required. Unless you're like Clint, have money to burn and can purchase one of those humongously large wallet breakers from Apple.
So I can also buy and upgrade the 16gb RAM myself if I decide to go with the non-retina right?
Rizzice1 wrote:
So I can also buy and upgrade the 16gb RAM myself if I decide to go with the non-retina right?
Exactly, and that's thje only way to go, cause Apple continues to swear only 8GB will fit*. Same goes for the SSD and achieving your much desired savings. With the Retina, you're stuck with what you got, forever and everafter. Especially in the RAM and battery departments.
*Reminds me of the old tale of how scientists insisted that their calculations proved bumblebees where physically incapable of flight. The bugs, obvlivious of the fact, kept happily flittering on...
Will a retina display perform better?
