MBP or MBA?

[DRR]

iaJim wrote:
The retina screen seems to be the big deal to me. 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.

Guy at the Apple Store wants to eliminate the possibility of you walking out because you think something better is coming on the horizon. Once that possibility is eliminated you're left to choose between MBA or MBPR. Either way he wins.

[August West]

I'm considering a loaded MBA with an added monitor at home to use with clamshell. I'm tired of hauling the MBP 15 and my iPad doesn't cut it for the work I do.

[mattkime]

A MBA will be faster than your old MBP. I thought my 13" MBA display would be too small but i've found that its plenty for my needs.

[silvarios]

Doesn't the Air have a fairly low quality display. MacBook Pro retina might be a better buy solely for the display.

[Sam3]

The Air has a 1440x900 display, which is nicer than the pre-Retina 1280x800.

[silvarios]

Sam3 wrote:
The Air has a 1440x900 display, which is nicer than the pre-Retina 1280x800.

I thought Apple canned everything but the Retina MBP? I didn't see the old model when I went to the online store just now. Even so, the older non retina Macbook Pro model is an IPS display, and I believe the Air is only TN.

The displays on the Air are pretty average at best unfortunately. For $599, like the recent refurb deal, I might bite, for $1000+, no so much.

[sekker]

Get to a Best Buy or Apple Store, and see the screens for yourself.

I personally think you will come away planning to get a MBPR.

[iaJim]

Sekker, I did just that, and I think you are right.

[silvarios]

iaJim wrote:
Sekker, I did just that, and I think you are right.

It isn't just the retina, the viewing angles are better, than color should be better as well. I somehow managed to miss the fact the Air never got an upgraded display. I thought for sure they were IPS by now, but during research for a client, I noticed the same old average display.

[sekker]

Plus, 13 MBA stuffs all of the same text that came with an original 17" PB into that tiny screen. Hard to read unless you change the defaults.

13" MBP screen is ultra glossy and looks a little dated.

MBPR screen is the same text found on the 13 MBA but in 15 form factor.

13" MBPR is similarly ok for older eyes.