• Hardware

  • Macbook Pro Retina Display or not?

Well I have a chance of getting a Macbook Pro 15" but I'm actually kind of confused of which one should I get.
Should I get the normal 15" inch MBP or the Retina Display MBP ?

I was thinking first of getting the RD MBP with a 16gb of RAM because it is clear that we can't upgrade the Retina Display Macbook Pro later on, the RAMs are soldered to the logic board. Also it's not possible to change batteries and to change the SSD. If I'm willing to get an RD MBP, then I have to wait till October 20 until my uncle comes to Lebanon. It will take a week till Apple ships a customized one.

I have another choice where I can get the normal MBP by Tuesday, a friend of mine is coming back to Lebanon. So I was thinking of getting the 8gb RAM, 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 and 750GB 5400-rpm hard drive. And over here I can get a 512gb SSD and 16gb of Ram (when needed) and upgrade the MBP manually myself.
By doing this, I'll be getting the same specs of a RD MBP + DVD Drive + Ethernet for a cheaper price and I can even sell the replaced hardware.

With student discount:
- The RD Macbook pro with 16gb ram + taxes will cost around $3k. (Not upgradable)
- The normal Macbook Pro 8gb ram, 750GB 5400-rpm....+ taxes for around $2.15k (Upgradable and no Retina Display)

What do you think is the best choice? What will you do in my place ?
I know the price is ridiculous but i would really really go for the RD. If you've seen it you would understand where i'm coming from with this. It is a really really nice screen. Crystal clear. Beats anything I've really seen.


However the cheap side of me would say "meh i don't need this luxury" and choose the much cheaper one. Honestly speaking, the non RD has more bang for your buck, especially if you go for all those upgrades. After doing those upgrades it sort of overshadows the need for a RD really.

Basically if you are NOT going to do those upgrades just get the RD, but if you are then definately go for the 8GB. That's my take here.
I did see it and it's not that big difference, also I'm willing to keep this laptop for like 5 years so i'm afraid if the battery died as it will be turned on 24/7. If it dies then I wont be able to fix it here, I need to send it back to an Apple store to fix it for me.
well try to see on your own experiences, have you ever upgraded any of your laptops? if not I don't think looking for upgradeable laptops is important.

as for the battery, no idea how long do they last but if you are running 24/7 on electricity the wear on your battery should not be much (of course 5 years is a lot of time)
Well after reading reviews and so on and hearing/reading the opinion of some friends, it seems I'll get the Retina Display with a 16gb of ram.
Retina display is incredibly awesome -For retina ready apps- otherwise you'll see no difference.