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Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published November 9, 2016
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What is the difference between the "MagSafe 2" power connector on the Retina Display MacBook Pro as well as the MacBook Air and the "MagSafe" power connector on earlier MacBook Pro models? Are they interchangeable?
The "MagSafe 2" power connector on all 13-Inch (A1425, A1502) and 15-Inch (A1398) Retina Display MacBook Pro models as well as the "Mid-2012" and subsequent MacBook Air models is similar to the earlier "MagSafe" connector, and it works in the same way, but they are not the same size nor are they interchangeable.
It is possible to use an earlier MagSafe adapter with a Retina Display MacBook Pro -- or connect a Retina Display MacBook Pro to a MagSafe-equipped display, like the Apple Thunderbolt Display -- but you must use the Apple MagSafe-to-MagSafe 2 adapter (MD504LL/A) available from Apple or any Apple Authorized Reseller, like site sponsor Adorama.
There is not a MagSafe 2-to-MagSafe adapter, so it is not possible to use a newer MagSafe 2 power adapter with an older MacBook that supports the original MagSafe standard.
How is it possible to physically secure the Retina Display MacBook Pro without a security port?
Eagle-eyed readers immediately noticed that unlike earlier MacBook Pro models, the Retina Display MacBook Pro models do not have a "security" port so it is not possible to physically secure these models with the long established standard Kensington Security Cable.
However, as first spotted by C|Net, Maclocks has designed an assortment of locking brackets and even a custom, clear polymer base "skin" that provides the standard security port and can be used alone or in combination with a clear top "skin" as well to function as a protective case.
Who designed the Retina Display MacBook Pro?
Like all other recent MacBook Pro models, the Retina Display MacBook Pro line was designed in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, headed by Jonathan Ive.
Where can I buy a Retina Display MacBook Pro?
The Retina MacBook Pro models have been discontinued, but remain available on on the used market.
In the US, Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping.
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.
What are the custom configuration options for the Retina Display MacBook Pro?
EveryMac.com provides both the default configuration and lists many custom configuration options on the individual specs pages for each Retina Display MacBook Pro.
However, the primary custom configuration upgrade options (rather than the stock configurations) at the time of purchase -- processor, RAM, and storage for each of the default Retina Display MacBook Pro models -- when applicable -- also are listed below.
13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro Custom Configuration Options
MacBook Pro |
Subfamily |
Processor |
RAM |
Storage |
Late 2012 |
2.9 GHz Core i7 (I7-3520M) |
N/A |
512 GB SSD |
|
Early 2013 |
3.0 GHz Core i7 (I7-3540M) |
N/A |
512 GB SSD |
|
Late 2013 |
2.6 GHz Core i5 (I5-4288U) |
16 GB |
N/A |
|
Late 2013 |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-4558U) |
16 GB |
1 TB SSD |
|
Mid-2014 |
2.8 GHz Core i5 (I5-4308U) |
16 GB |
N/A |
|
Mid-2014 |
3.0 GHz Core i7 (I7-4578U) |
16 GB |
1 TB SSD |
|
Early 2015 |
2.9 GHz Core |
16 GB |
256 GB SSD |
|
Early 2015 |
3.1 GHz Core |
16 GB |
1 TB SSD |
15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro Custom Configuration Options
MacBook Pro |
Subfamily |
Processor |
RAM |
Storage |
Mid-2012 |
2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-3820QM) |
16 GB |
512 GB SSD |
|
Mid-2012 |
2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-3820QM) |
16 GB |
768 GB SSD |
|
Early 2013 |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-3840QM) |
16 GB |
512 GB SSD |
|
Early 2013 |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-3840QM) |
16 GB |
768 GB SSD |
|
Late 2013 |
2.3 GHz Core i7 (I7-4850HQ) |
16 GB |
512 GB SSD |
|
Late 2013 |
2.6 GHz Core i7 (I7-4960HQ) |
N/A |
1 TB SSD |
|
Mid-2014 |
2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-4870HQ) |
N/A |
512 GB SSD |
|
Mid-2014 |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) |
N/A |
1 TB SSD |
|
Mid-2015 |
2.5 GHz Core i7 (I7-4870HQ) |
N/A |
512 GB SSD |
|
Mid-2015 |
2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) |
N/A |
512 GB SSD |
If you are interested in a faster processor or more RAM, it should be configured at the time of purchase as only the storage in the 13-Inch and 15-Inch models alike can be upgraded later.
Aftermarket SSD Upgrade Options
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a Mercury Aura Pro storage upgrade kit for select Retina Display MacBook Pro models.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells Retina Display MacBook Pro compatible SSDs with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
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