Macbook Pro 2015 Retina Screen Resolution

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Level 1

5 points

Macbook Pro 2015 Retina Screen Resolution

I've had a Macbook pro 2015 retina model for a few months, still learning how to use osx.

Something I can't get my head round coming from Windows, the screen resolution is 2560x1600 which on a Windows based PC would use the whole resolution where as on my Mac it doesn't or at least that's how I'm reading up about it online.

Currently the "scaled" resolution is 1440x900 because I like having more room on my screen, does this mean my Macbook is not using the full 2560x1600? I can't see an option to use the full 2560x1600 only a maximum of 1650x1050, I don't see the point in having a massive resolution screen when I can't use it.

Could someone explain?

Thank you.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on May 6, 2016 11:19 AM

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Answer 1

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 6, 2016 11:30 AM in response to Damowhite666

In ElCapitan SystemPreferences->Displays->Display tab: select the "scaled" resolution: then you see what you can set your screen to.

pixels are"combined"

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Answer 2

Courcoul

Level 6

18,558 points

May 6, 2016 11:39 AM in response to Damowhite666

If you were able to set it to the full 2880 x 1800 native 15" resolution, you would not be able to read any sort of text at the usual 6 to 12 points normally used for onscreen labels. So, what's the use? Graphics programs can and do use that resolution to present much improved graphics with extremely fine detail unavailable otherwise. This includes movies, games, images, etc.

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Answer 3

Damowhite666 Author

Level 1

5 points

May 6, 2016 12:32 PM in response to Courcoul

For example... If I were looking for a new wallpaper and my scaled resolution is 1440x900 should I be looking for a wallpaper at the resolution of 1440x900 or 2560x1600?

How does everything appear to be so clear? On windows based machines will larger resolutions if you select a smaller resolution other than the screens native resolution the screen appears very blurry compared to my Mac's screen.

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