13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro: Pros and Cons: EveryMac.com

Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A

Update Published April 10, 2015

All Mac Q&As >> Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A (Home)

To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.

What are the "pros and cons" of the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?

This Q&A provides "pros and cons" for 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models, a "pros and cons" for 15-Inch models also may be of interest.

Like all other purchases, only you can decide whether or not a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro model is the right notebook for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the line to see if your needs are met.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro)

For those interested in a in-depth evaluation, EveryMac.com also provides a detailed comparison of the current "Early 2015" models.

For those most interested in the highlights, this "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

Beautiful, high-quality, ultra high-resolution display (2560x1600, 227 ppi).
Thin and lightweight considering the quality and resolution of the display.
All models -- the discontinued Late 2012, Early 2013, Late 2013 and Mid-2014 lines as well as the current Early 2015 models -- are relatively fast, particularly due to flash storage.
On the Late 2012 and Early 2013 models, the SSD module is mounted in a drive caddy which makes more diverse upgrades possible (the Late 2013 and later models use a PCIe-based "blade" that is upgradable, but there is less physical space for the module).
Generally excellent battery life, particularly for the "Haswell" and "Broadwell" based "Mid-2014" and "Early 2015" models.
Two USB 3.0 ports.
Two Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports and one HDMI port.
SDXC Card reader.

Cons:

Older applications not updated for the Retina Display can be blurry and scroll performance can be sluggish.
Slow integrated graphics can struggle to drive the high-resolution display, particularly on early models.
RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase at all. The previous "Mid-2014" and current "Early 2015" models can be upgraded to as much as 16 GB of RAM at the time of purchase only. Earlier models only were configured with 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM by default (and some could not be upgraded beyond 8 GB even by custom configuration).
Internal storage is not intended to be upgraded by an end user.
Battery is glued in place and is difficult to replace.
No internal Ethernet or Firewire (adapters are available at additional cost).
No internal optical drive (external option available).
MagSafe 2 power connector requires adapter (MD504ZM/A) to use with an LED Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Display, or earlier MagSafe power adapter.
Relatively poor value and performance compared to 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models offered at the same time.
Expensive, particularly compared to the MacBook Air line which offers a bit less performance, but often better battery life, and definitely less weight and a lower price tag.

So, is one right for me?

Essentially, if you really want a beautiful, high resolution display in a relatively small notebook and performance and connectivity are important to you, a 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro could be perfect for your needs. If physical size isn't quite as critical, but the display still is important and performance is even more so -- but price doesn't matter as much -- a 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro would be better.

If you are more price sensitive but physical dimensions still are important and the display size/resolution isn't a top priority, a MacBook Air likely would be a better choice. If display resolution and small size are top priorities, but performance, connectivity, and value are not, a Retina MacBook is well worth considering.

Finally, if upgrades and "legacy" connectivity -- like Gigabit Ethernet and Firewire -- as well as an internal optical drive are important, a traditional "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro would be better for you. Of course, anyone interested in saving money also would be wise to consider any number of MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro models on the used market.

13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Purchase Options

There are any number of places to purchase a 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro. However, purchasing from a quality company with years of service in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices

Suggest a New Q&A | Sign Up for Bimonthly Site Update Notices

<< Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A (Main) | All Mac Q&As

Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.