Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

13'' Macbook Pro Retina vs. 15''

Like most people, I have decided to get one of the Macbook Pro retina models. I don't have a budget, so I could buy either one.

The things I would do on the computer would be:

-720p - 1080p content on YouTube

-Constant web browsing with multiple tabs open, maybe Microsoft Word open as well

-Adobe Photoshop

-Medium to heavy programming/coding

-Movies/TV shows

And for the computer, I expect it to handle anything I throw at it, with no lag. I also would have some kind of thunderbolt display or TV connected to the device at my desk. Would I be just fine of the dual - core 13'' without the dedicated graphics card, or would I really need that dedicated graphics card and those extra computer cores?


Thank you in advance.


-AppleAlanF

Posted on Dec 1, 2013 5:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Dec 1, 2013 6:00 PM

Hi A,


The Geekbench score for the 13" 2.8GHz is 7899 vs 13287 for the 15" 2.6 (both are the high end build to order as you said no budget limit). That's a very large difference in speed and would easily make the choice for me if money wasn't an object. With that much more speed and the dedicated GPU, it should last you significantly longer and be much faster with better graphics. Easy choice for me. 😉

15 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Dec 1, 2013 6:00 PM in response to AppleAlanF

Hi A,


The Geekbench score for the 13" 2.8GHz is 7899 vs 13287 for the 15" 2.6 (both are the high end build to order as you said no budget limit). That's a very large difference in speed and would easily make the choice for me if money wasn't an object. With that much more speed and the dedicated GPU, it should last you significantly longer and be much faster with better graphics. Easy choice for me. 😉

Dec 3, 2013 2:03 PM in response to tjk

Actually, I do have another question for you tjk.


You said that the 15'' Macbook Pro would last longer. I would really only use this computer for around 4 years, because that is my purchase scheaduale for laptops, and also because of Moore's Law. Do you think that the 13'' Macbook Pro would last 4 years, or not? Because I could still save a significant amount of money (which everybody loves) if the 13'' could not get outdated in 4 years.


Sorry for the late reply.


-AppleAlanF

Dec 3, 2013 2:58 PM in response to AppleAlanF

Yes, I do think the 13" would last four years, but in comparison to the 15" it'll be getting a little long in the tooth. Depending on how you look at it, Moore's law is in favor of the 15"; it's so much faster now that it'll come close to withstanding a year of M's law (which I don't see is sustainable forever, but that's another story 😉). And during that four years, do you want to be "driving" a Chevy Impala (which will certainly do the job) or a Porche (quite a bit faster, and fun to drive) on the autobahn?


And yes, that money is nicer in your pocket than Apple's, but when you spread it out over four years, it comes out to peanuts per week.


EDIT: in rereading this thread, it sounds like I'm pulling for you to get the 15" and you're pulling to get the 13". I'm trying to look at it objectively for you, plus thinking of myself, so obviously you have to make your own decision. I do think you'll be satisfied with the 13" for four years, with the caveats I've expressed above, and without looking back.


Good luck on your decision; a new Mac is a new Mac and that usually brings smiles, at least for me. 😉

Dec 3, 2013 3:33 PM in response to AppleAlanF

Something you really should note is that ALL Retina Models currently are known to have a bunch of issues.


Reading what you wrote, you look like someone who wants a power PC sort of deal.


I'd either recommend get a PC/Windows Laptop for sure, with amazing power, and since there is no budget, you can really get a nice laptop/pc.


If you want to stick with Apple, get a refurbished Mid-2012 One. It will be somewhat slower, but if you bump up the hard drive etc, you'll be good. All you'll lose is the Size, Retina.


At the same time you gain a lot though, upgradibility, known to have WAY less issues, that are fixable.


Anyways, that's what I think.

Dec 3, 2013 3:37 PM in response to Csound1

Not a problem.


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4148726

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4058979?answerId=20150106022#20150106022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4735947

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4113552

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4148726


I honestly could keep going with the list, and the most major problem, which you can find everywhere is the trackpad freeze, mouse freeze which was supposed to be fixed by the EFI update, but yet the problem consists with many users. Not saying that it did not work for some.

Dec 3, 2013 3:50 PM in response to JaiJethani

1 and 5 are the same


3 was a 3rd party issue (Flash)


2 only happened at the OP's home and could not be duplicated under test


4 was regarding streaming, many posters (the ones who followed instructions) had the issue solved


5 was regarding an issue with 1 external monitor, and 1 was the same post.


So there are 4 complaints, most fixed, some 3rd party software and 1 involving an HP monitor.


You did actually read these posts didn't you, not just 1 page?


I don't need to see any more, thanks.

Dec 3, 2013 4:26 PM in response to Csound1

Hey everybody,


I was not aware of any of these problems that people are having with this product.


What confuses me more is that most of the problems were fixable, but that I should get a PC.


First off, I would not use the trackpad very often, because I would get some kind of mouse.


Csound1, do you think that I would have problems with my computer, I would be hooking this laptop up to a monitor, that is not a Thunderbolt Display.


Thanks for all of the feedback.


-AppleAlanF

13'' Macbook Pro Retina vs. 15''

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.