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Two questions: Is it worth spending the extra money to get the retina display? And in relation to Boot Camp, is it possible for me to predominantly use the computer with Windows rather than the original iOS software?

What makes the retina display worth-while compared to the original display?

And I prefer Windows to iOS so I was wondering if by using Boot Camp I could just make Windows the primary software? What would be some pros and cons of that?

I'm not very good with technology and I'd like to find out a bit more before buying.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, boot camp

Posted on Aug 1, 2014 10:48 PM

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12 replies

Aug 1, 2014 10:57 PM in response to Kappy

I have a preference for Windows software (particularly because of applications that I need to use for school) but I want a high quality laptop that is going to last me for several years, which most of my Windows machines have not. I know that Apple products are superior but I'm not the biggest fan of the software.


I was just wondering if it would be possible to make Windows the primary software and choose it as the default in my settings so I don't constantly have to change it back and forth.


Do you think the difference in screen resolution is worth the difference in price?

Aug 1, 2014 11:11 PM in response to KathyP4195

I don't think you are correct. There are some extremely well-made laptop computers from other companies. Furthermore, the best rule to apply here is that first you purchase the software that is essential to your needs, then buy the computer that runs that software. You prefer using Windows software, so buy yourself a computer that runs Windows. Buy the best of that breed. Toshiba, Samsung, ASUS, HP, AlienWare are all excellent products. A few Google searches will provide you with a wealth of information on the topic.


I can't tell you if the resolution difference is worth the price differential. It's just how useful is the increased resolution for your needs. I don't see much need for that kind of resolution in school. But some feel that a 2560 x 1440 resolution is preferable even on a 15" screen.

Aug 1, 2014 11:33 PM in response to Kappy

I've researched several websites and nearly all of them state that Mac laptops are superior in quality. I also asked a cousin who worked at Best Buy a few years back and frequently works with computers now and he told me the same thing. I'm not tech savvy at all which is why I thought to ask online. I figure if I'm going to be spending $800 on an HP I might as well spend the extra $200 to get the Mac which is likely to last me longer. I've had Toshiba, HP, Dell, etc. and they've all broken within 1-2 years (and I'm always very careful with my laptops). I just happen to have a preference for the Windows software and was wondering if that was a possibility.


I'm looking to go into medical school in a few years so I might consider the higher resolution for image study purposes I suppose.

Aug 2, 2014 9:43 AM in response to KathyP4195

Get a Windows computer to run Windows and Windows programs. An Apple computer can do it but since you stated "I'm not tech savvy at all which is why I thought to ask online." you will get frustrated with the somewhat technical aspects of managing and using two operating systems on your Apple computer..


Windows computers last as long as Apple computers and are of similar quality. Many of the internal components are the same. If you are comparing cheaper Windows computers to expensive Apple computers of course you may see a difference in quality. Compare a $1200 Windows computer to a $1200 Apple computer. They will be of similar quality and will perform similarly.

Aug 2, 2014 5:14 PM in response to KathyP4195

I most certainly agree with BobTheFisherman.


Getting rid of OSX is a terrible idea with the reasons he gave.


Now, you do not necessarily need to have too much technical knowledge when running bootcamp etc, but since you are using a MacBook Pro using windows on it may turn out frustrating for you.


Honestly, going with a Windows PC is your best bet, or if you really want a MacBook Pro, then try to find someone who will easily setup everything for you for cheap, so you don't have any troubles yourself.


😀

Aug 2, 2014 10:53 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Honestly I've thought it over and I would probably split it roughly 60/40 but I was mostly just asking because I hadn't even known that it was possible before. I need a few applications for school that only work on windows but I really love a lot of the features that the Macbook has that some Windows computers don't. At least none that I've seen.


I mean I'm not completely hopeless when it comes to using computers, but I've never really had to do much in terms of altering software and whatnot. I've heard Boot Camp is relatively simple to do and once that's done it's really just a matter of rebooting whenever I want to switch from one to the other.


Thank you for being so helpful! Do you by any chance know any windows alternatives similar in quality to Macs? I haven't been very successful on that end which is why I'll probably go for this one.

Two questions: Is it worth spending the extra money to get the retina display? And in relation to Boot Camp, is it possible for me to predominantly use the computer with Windows rather than the original iOS software?

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