Is 16gb really worth the extra money?

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For your applications, 16 GB are worth. These apps take a lot of RAM and you may not have enough with 8 GB of RAM, and the MacBook Pro with Retina display has got the RAM soldered, so you can't modify it after purchasing the MacBook Pro, so it's important to get the computer with the RAM you think you will need, in your case, 16 GB. You may not use all the 16 GB of memory, but at least you will be able to do more tasks at the same time with better performance

Good question. Look at this diagram from the OWC web site and see what impact RAM has in using CPU intensive applications. It strongly suggests that with SSD, 16 GB RAM adds very little. You ultimately have to decide.

Ciao.

No it is not unless you find the currently installed amount of RAM is not enough to satisfy the programs you are running. Very few programs will use all 16GBs of RAM. I have 8GBs installed in my standard 2011 15" MBP and run lightroom and PS on it at the same time and I have never used all of the RAM. YMMV.

But then with the Retina models you can't upgrade the RAM after purchase. Personally I would not buy a Retina MBP for several reasons. Not being able to upgrade the RAM or the storage space along with not being able to install a second drive. And then you have everything is either soldered to the main board, Logic board, or glued to the case parts.

Well it all depend on what you consider better. The difference between the Retina and the standard MBP is just the screen and that the retina comes with a SSD. Both use the exact same CPUs, GPUs and RAM. The rotating HDD in the standard model can be upgraded by you to a SSD and that makes them exactly the same except for the screen. The Retina model is no better than any other Mac or other computer being built today.

I would definitely say YES. I upgraded my wife's MBP and she absolutely loves it. Everything runs faster. For my personal experience, and not my wife's anecdotal, there is a world of difference between running Photoshop on my Air with 4 gig and on any other computer with a comparable CPU and 16 gig.

As far as CPU speed is concerned, it's not quite as critical. I bought the second from the top CPU speed for my Air and I'm quite happy. I definitely agree with the comments about not buying the Retina display, they're much harder to service. I love my Air, but when it comes time to replace it in a few years I'll be getting another MBP and buying more RAM from Crucial to upgrade it.

With the SSD, a faster CPU would be helpful but I would endorse it only for a vocational environment where time is indeed money.. For the avocational user, I do not feel it is worth it.

Ciao.

All specifications must be determined before ordering. Retina MBPs cannot be altered at a later date. If you want 16 GB RAM, tell Apple that when you place your order.

Ciao.

The current standard model Macbook Pro uses the same exact Intel 3rd generation i7 CPU as the Retina and the model year is a Mid 2012. Although the basic design of the standard model is about 5 years old the hardware inside certainly is not. It is the same as what comes in the Retina model.

The RAM in the standard model MBP can be User Upgrade. The RAM is install in slots that the user can access. All MBPs from the Early 2011 model can use 16GBs of RAM. It is just Apple does not offer it as a standrard or upgrade option. The only reason they offer 16GBs in the Retina model is because the RAM in that model can not be upgraded by anyone after the system is ordered, built and shipped out.

rydog1 wrote:

the regular macbookpro, you cant order it with 16gb of memory and isnt that model like 10 years old or something?

If I was in the market for a new Mac notebook that is the one I would get. About the only thing I would change is from the 8GBs to 4GBs, if Apple offers that configuration with just 4GBs, then upgrade the RAM myself to either 8 or 16GBs.