05-29-2014, 02:04 PM
The guy at the Apple store seemed to think it would never be offered with a retina screen. I don't see how that could be true.
The "Never say 'Never' " thing aside, you'd probably be waiting for an MBAr like rg was waiting forGadot the next Mac mini.
The Retina screen needs a lot of juice compared to the same sized standard screen.
To put one in the air without sacrificing battery life (possibly the biggest plus of the Air) Apple would have to:
•Make a thicker, heavier Air (not frikken likely)
•Make an Air with shorter battery life (a marketing quandary for Apple given they tout extended run time)
•Develop new battery tech that allows for the same size and weight Air while giving the same battery life.
The first two mean some considerable back-pedaling, and the third means R&D which doesn't appear to be on the horizon.
So "never" may be as little as two, three, or more years unless Apple relents and opts for one of the first two (or a compromise of them).
The MBPr seems to be ok to you, great! I was going to suggest an MBA with an external 1920x1280 display, for natively larger text. But it looks like you want a portable solution.
I looked at the new MBAs and though their resolution is improved, I'll probably pass on another one until if and when it goes Retina. I love the Retina screens.
The "Never say 'Never' " thing aside, you'd probably be waiting for an MBAr like rg was waiting for
The Retina screen needs a lot of juice compared to the same sized standard screen.
To put one in the air without sacrificing battery life (possibly the biggest plus of the Air) Apple would have to:
•Make a thicker, heavier Air (not frikken likely)
•Make an Air with shorter battery life (a marketing quandary for Apple given they tout extended run time)
•Develop new battery tech that allows for the same size and weight Air while giving the same battery life.
The first two mean some considerable back-pedaling, and the third means R&D which doesn't appear to be on the horizon.
So "never" may be as little as two, three, or more years unless Apple relents and opts for one of the first two (or a compromise of them).
The MBPr seems to be ok to you, great! I was going to suggest an MBA with an external 1920x1280 display, for natively larger text. But it looks like you want a portable solution.
I looked at the new MBAs and though their resolution is improved, I'll probably pass on another one until if and when it goes Retina. I love the Retina screens.