Invest in processor or retina display?

I am looking to buy a MacBook Pro and am trying to determine if I should spend my money on Retina display/Iris or i7 Processor. I plan to upgrade both the memory and storage aftermarket, so take those out of the equation. I will mostly use the Macbook for Browsing, Steaming, Office and Outlook, iVideo.
Please provide your recommendation of the two models below:
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
vs.
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.9GHz Dual-core Intel i7

eiseyman wrote:
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.9GHz Dual-core Intel i7
I would recommend this model.
Note: This model is an year older.
Best.

Similar Messages

Is NVIDIA GeForce graphics processor in MacBook Pro 15" retina display on motherboard

Is NVIDIA GeForce graphics processor in MacBook Pro 15" retina display on motherboard? Or is it a separate component?

It is integrated on the logic board. it is not separate.

I have the macbook pro 13" retina display. Can I upgrade my 8gb ram to 16gb? my processor is 2.5Ghz intel core i5

i have the macbook pro 13" retina display. Can I upgrade my 8gb ram to 16gb? my processor is 2.5Ghz intel core i5

To save space on the computer, Apple has decided to solder the memory onto the logic board on the MacBook Pro with Retina display and the MacBook Air, and that's why you can't add more memory after buying the Mac. This only applies to these computers, not for the other ones

Processor speed and built-in memory of iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display?

Does anyone know the Processor Speed and Built-in Memory Size of iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display?
Header 1
Processor Speed
Built-in Memory
The New iPad (iOS7)
1 GHz
1 GB
iPad Air
iPad Mini with Retina Display
I tested them side-by-side in Apple Store today and after the same 10 apps loaded, I didn't feel significant speed gain from iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display from my New iPad.
I wonder what Processing Speed and Built-in Memory do the iPad Air and the iPad Mini with Retina Display have.
Can someone who has upgraded give any feedback?

Thanks Diavonex.
Header 1
Processor Speed
Built-in Memory
The New iPad (iOS7)
1 GHz
1 GB
iPad Air^
1.4 GHz
1 GB
iPad Mini with Retina Display#
800 MHz*
1 GB
iPhone 5S
likely 1 GB
* Battery Doctor app revealed.
# Apple APL0698 SoC A7 Processor
^ Apple APL5698 A7 Processor
No wonder I don't fee much speed improvement on iPad mini with Retina Display (128 GB WiFi + Cellular).

Macbook Pro Vs. Macbook Pro retina display

I'm starting my first year of University this fall and I'm looking to get a new Mac. My old mac laptop has sufficed during high school but I need an upgrade. I've been playing with the idea of getting the new mac with retina display but after looking at some reviews I'm having trouble deciding if it's worth the money to buy it or just go with the older version. My main problem with it would be the lack of DVD drive. It makes me uncomfortable but I am willing deal with it if it is a good investment.
Also I'm not doing anything with graphic design or art for university, but I do photoshop, movie editing and gaming on occasion.

Alright, one thing at a time:
no disc drive you said was an issue, so the nonRetina MBP might be better unless you're willing to buy an external superdrive.
the retina display: So far, adobe has not updated their apps to take advantage of the retina display, so so-far you won't benefit from that display for that; however, Final Cut Pro, which is popularly the best video editing software on the mac (and possibly on any platform) IS optimized for retina.
the retina display does however push a bit on the game front. Intensely graphical games have somewhat lower framerates because it takes a toll on the processor (and gpu) to push over 5 million pixels.
In summary, I honestly suggest the non-retina version for your use.
Also, the retina version does not have a kensington lock slot, which may or may not factor in for your security concerns.

Macbook Pro Retina display says "No batteries available" after legitimate system software update

Issue Description
On July 26, 2012 I placed an order with Apple store for the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display with the following configuration (Order # W269108641 Serial# C02J52S9DKQ5):
Processor 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Memory 16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM, Flash Storage 512GB Flash Storage
It was delivered August 8, 2012. It cost me $3,265.16
I have since equipped it with accessories like a wireless apple keyboard ($69), wireless mouse ($69), USB super drive ($79), VGA display adapter ($29), Ethernet Adapter ($29) and the excellent sleeve/pouch from Pack & Smooch GmbH (GBP60))
It's so heavily configured because it’s my main workstation. I additionally bought and installed Parallels 8 so I can run Windows 8 in a Virtual Machine because I have a few things on Windows that I need to be productive. This setup has been a dream machine until a little over a week ago.
In the one year since I bought it, I have had only 2 issues;
• A case of display flickering that resulted after a system software update on August 28, 2013
(Case ID 498560320 - not much help came from Apple Support but fortunately the problem went away a week later after another system software update)
• A case of battery failure that resulted after a system software update on October 11, 2013
(Case ID 516534003 - I have gone through all recommendations from Apple support as I will detail below)
Symptoms after system software update
• Battery Icon on status bar disabled with a message "No batteries available"
• Battery not charging
• LED on the Magsafe power adapter no longer show
• Keyboard backlights no longer show
• Notebook fan loud/noisy and permanently at high speed
• Date and time reset to a date in the past at each restart
• Notebook starts up the moment the Magsafe adapter is connected without waiting for power button to be pressed
• An update for "MacBook Pro Retina Display SMC Update 1.2" keeps appearing in Software Update
Recommendations from Apple Support
• Perform SMC Reset (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964)
(Done - no change in status)
• Run Disk Utility
(Done - no errors found)
• Run Apple Hardware test (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509)
(Done - no errors found, no change in status)
• Visit Apple Store
(Done - they confirmed no issue with Magsafe adapter. For a fee they are happy to change the battery if confirmed faulty and re-install the OS if the battery is not the issue but am uncertain that the OS re-install will resolve the issue because I have read online about a similar case where a re-install did not resolve the issue)
• Check System Report/Hardware/Power
(Done - Health Information/Cycle count:0, Battery installed: No)
• Perform NVRAM Reset (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US)
(Done - no change in status)
Comments and additional Observations
Please note the following;
• All of the symptoms above appeared after a system software update on October 11, 2013
• This update first appeared on October 10, 2013 but I was too busy to apply it especially because it required a system restart
• The battery was fully charged when I decided to apply the update on October 11 morning after I got to work
• Normally on full charge, the battery will typically deliver 3 - 4 hours depending on usage and up to 6 hours when idle
• The said update was not interrupted or anything of the sort
• On the day the symptoms were first observed when I first logged the case with apple, the system ran on battery while it performed the Apple Hardware Test while I was driving to the Apple support store on my way home even though the status bar was indicating "No battery available"
I make the following deductions solely based on my observations
• An apple authorized system software update broke the system
• The nature of the failure is communication related - the battery charging circuit and related systems are not getting the necessary instructions to function as they should (It's a known fact that rechargeable batteries do NOT die instantaneously, the total hours they run on full charge will gradually reduce over time as they degrade on use)
• It’s possible the update is not being applied correctly because the item “MacBook Pro Retina Display SMC Update 1.2” is still in Software update after subsequent attempts to apply it
• The high fan speed is nothing to do with high temperature or high processor load, according to the Activity Monitor utility the highest CPU utilization 1.9 – 4.7% is by kernel_task (PID 0) followed by activitymonitord at 1.8 – 2.2% (PID 481)
• The symptoms match what an SMC reset should resolve according to Apple documentation
• This is a known problem within Apple based on the documentation provided and the numerous similar cases reported online
Summary;
The system is running OS X 10.8.5
I have provided this detailed documentation in the hope that someone who understands this system can say exactly what is going on. It's meant to be a dream machine but now you can hear the fan from across a large room, the battery doesn't charge and is in fact not recognized so I lose data if the Magsafe adapter gets unplugged, and I have to reset the system date each time I restart the notebook.
I've used this notebook with utmost care for a little more than a year, this investment of over $3,500 could have bought 3 high end notebooks from DELL or HP but I chose Apple.
I have suffered untold loss in productivity in the last 10 days since this issue occurred, I respectfully request Apple to fix my notebook.

Issue Description
On July 26, 2012 I placed an order with Apple store for the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display with the following configuration (Order # W269108641 Serial# C02J52S9DKQ5):
Processor 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Memory 16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM, Flash Storage 512GB Flash Storage
It was delivered August 8, 2012. It cost me $3,265.16
I have since equipped it with accessories like a wireless apple keyboard ($69), wireless mouse ($69), USB super drive ($79), VGA display adapter ($29), Ethernet Adapter ($29) and the excellent sleeve/pouch from Pack & Smooch GmbH (GBP60))
It's so heavily configured because it’s my main workstation. I additionally bought and installed Parallels 8 so I can run Windows 8 in a Virtual Machine because I have a few things on Windows that I need to be productive. This setup has been a dream machine until a little over a week ago.
In the one year since I bought it, I have had only 2 issues;
• A case of display flickering that resulted after a system software update on August 28, 2013
(Case ID 498560320 - not much help came from Apple Support but fortunately the problem went away a week later after another system software update)
• A case of battery failure that resulted after a system software update on October 11, 2013
(Case ID 516534003 - I have gone through all recommendations from Apple support as I will detail below)
Symptoms after system software update
• Battery Icon on status bar disabled with a message "No batteries available"
• Battery not charging
• LED on the Magsafe power adapter no longer show
• Keyboard backlights no longer show
• Notebook fan loud/noisy and permanently at high speed
• Date and time reset to a date in the past at each restart
• Notebook starts up the moment the Magsafe adapter is connected without waiting for power button to be pressed
• An update for "MacBook Pro Retina Display SMC Update 1.2" keeps appearing in Software Update
Recommendations from Apple Support
• Perform SMC Reset (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964)
(Done - no change in status)
• Run Disk Utility
(Done - no errors found)
• Run Apple Hardware test (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509)
(Done - no errors found, no change in status)
• Visit Apple Store
(Done - they confirmed no issue with Magsafe adapter. For a fee they are happy to change the battery if confirmed faulty and re-install the OS if the battery is not the issue but am uncertain that the OS re-install will resolve the issue because I have read online about a similar case where a re-install did not resolve the issue)
• Check System Report/Hardware/Power
(Done - Health Information/Cycle count:0, Battery installed: No)
• Perform NVRAM Reset (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US)
(Done - no change in status)
Comments and additional Observations
Please note the following;
• All of the symptoms above appeared after a system software update on October 11, 2013
• This update first appeared on October 10, 2013 but I was too busy to apply it especially because it required a system restart
• The battery was fully charged when I decided to apply the update on October 11 morning after I got to work
• Normally on full charge, the battery will typically deliver 3 - 4 hours depending on usage and up to 6 hours when idle
• The said update was not interrupted or anything of the sort
• On the day the symptoms were first observed when I first logged the case with apple, the system ran on battery while it performed the Apple Hardware Test while I was driving to the Apple support store on my way home even though the status bar was indicating "No battery available"
I make the following deductions solely based on my observations
• An apple authorized system software update broke the system
• The nature of the failure is communication related - the battery charging circuit and related systems are not getting the necessary instructions to function as they should (It's a known fact that rechargeable batteries do NOT die instantaneously, the total hours they run on full charge will gradually reduce over time as they degrade on use)
• It’s possible the update is not being applied correctly because the item “MacBook Pro Retina Display SMC Update 1.2” is still in Software update after subsequent attempts to apply it
• The high fan speed is nothing to do with high temperature or high processor load, according to the Activity Monitor utility the highest CPU utilization 1.9 – 4.7% is by kernel_task (PID 0) followed by activitymonitord at 1.8 – 2.2% (PID 481)
• The symptoms match what an SMC reset should resolve according to Apple documentation
• This is a known problem within Apple based on the documentation provided and the numerous similar cases reported online
Summary;
The system is running OS X 10.8.5
I have provided this detailed documentation in the hope that someone who understands this system can say exactly what is going on. It's meant to be a dream machine but now you can hear the fan from across a large room, the battery doesn't charge and is in fact not recognized so I lose data if the Magsafe adapter gets unplugged, and I have to reset the system date each time I restart the notebook.
I've used this notebook with utmost care for a little more than a year, this investment of over $3,500 could have bought 3 high end notebooks from DELL or HP but I chose Apple.
I have suffered untold loss in productivity in the last 10 days since this issue occurred, I respectfully request Apple to fix my notebook.

Is my iPad the retina display ipad or the ipad 2?

I'm not sure if I have a ipad 2 or ipad 3.
I should of got the newest one with the lightening charger but never I got my ipad in may, did the newest one come after may?
Help please thanks

The new iPad 4 (with the lightning connector) came out last month. The iPad 3 which came out in March this year also has a retina display, but a slower processor and a lower resolution front camera.
iPad model comparision : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_iOS_devices#iPad
You can tell which model that you have by typing in the serial (Settings > General > About > Serial Number) in on this page.

Ipad 4 retina display is slow after iOS 8

ipad 4 retina display is slow after iOS 8, also upgrade to iOS 8.0.1 i think and safari is slow, animations are slow, and i can't restore it to iOS 7, there it was great. i mean its like my iphone 4 with iOS 7 in its best days. i hope no to get stuck again, i mean please let me go to the iOS 7)).
also I've got message from apple that im not authorised to post this message, so if it goes online i think after many years of apple desktop and mobile i am done with it))).

Upgraded my ipad4 from ios6 to iOS 8 because the new WSJ app required it. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!! I can maybe understand some apps being slower but not Safari or Chrome. Apple must be throttling back the ipad4 processor even more with ios8 to force an upgrade to the next gen iPad whenever it arrives.

Ipad 4 retina display is slow after iOS 8, also upgrade the the iOS 8.0.1 i think and safari is slow, animations are slow, and i can't restore it to iOS 7, there it was great.

ipad 4 retina display is slow after iOS 8, also upgrade to iOS 8.0.1 i think and safari is slow, animations are slow, and i can't restore it to iOS 7, there it was great. i mean its like my iphone 4 with iOS 7 in its best days. i hope no to get stuck again, i mean please let me go to the iOS 7)).

Upgraded my ipad4 from ios6 to iOS 8 because the new WSJ app required it. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!! I can maybe understand some apps being slower but not Safari or Chrome. Apple must be throttling back the ipad4 processor even more with ios8 to force an upgrade to the next gen iPad whenever it arrives.

HT1338 my MAc Book PRO 13" Retina display will not update. It crashes every time I try to do an update. I have sent in the information on each update but so far nothing back from Apple.

my MAc Book PRO 13" Retina display will not update. It crashes every time I try to do an update. I have sent in the information on each update but so far nothing back from Apple. Also it does not matter what I am trying to update, the operating system, and application, each caused the same crash. This mac book is less than a month old.

That is the highest you will be able to go with 3g. You need 3gs or 4 to go any higher (multi processors and more memory needed). Version 4.2.1 marks the end of your updates for that device.

Is it possible to triple display a new macbook pro with retina display?

I'm looking to triple screen a new retina display macbook pro 15".
I have
a desktop iMac
sansung external monitor
soon macbook pro 15" with retina display.
is it possible to connect all 3? ... or at least use my macbook pro as the base (lid closed), and the iMac and Sansun as the 2 externals? please let me know!

iMAC
Model Name:          iMac
Model Identifier:          iMac10,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          3.06 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          12 GB
Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version:          IM101.00CC.B00
SMC Version (system):          1.52f9
Serial Number (system):          W801****5PC
Thunderbolt:          No hardware was found.
SAMSUNG Monitor:
generic RGB, and VGA input
does that help at all?
<Edited by Host>

Is it yet possible to upgrade the internal hard drive on a 13" Macbook Pro with Retina Display?

Hi all,
I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014) with a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, a 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory and a 128GB built in flash storage drive.
I do a lot of video and sound work requiring a lot of space however 128GB is just not enough. When purchasing the MacBook I was hopeful that the built in drive could possibly be upgraded to at least 512GB of storage. I have read many blogs and forums suggesting that there is work being made on a replaceable drive however I have not seen any evidence of this being confirmed. Could someone possibly let me know if this is yet possible as I would urgently like to upgrade if so.
Many thanks
Silecta

For direction on how to upgrade SSD, read https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2014+SSD+Rep lacement/27849

I'd like to know how much performance difference there is in the 15 in MBP with Retina display?

Hi:
I have a legacy (2007) MBP that needs to be replaced. It still runs, but not well, given that the HD is nearly full. The headphone out jack is "hit or miss" in terms of working properly.....you get the picture.
I'll replace it with a 15 MBP with retina display, and also go with the 1 TB drive rather than the 512 as its actually cheaper (I think) to have Apple put the larger drive in than upgrade after the fact.
My question relates to the available processor speeds:
2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
2.8GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz
Is there any discernible difference between these processors, and if so, under what conditions do they manifest themselves, and how significant, generally speaking are the differences.
I'm sure it depends on the software being run and tasks being performed....video rendering, gaming, etc.
I should also mention that I'm not the most patient person (serious understatement) when it comes to the speed of even basic tasks....word processing, itunes, youtube videos, and the like.
I generally work with multiple windows open and with my current computer's age and remaining HD space get the "spinning pinwheel of death" with great frequency.
One last bit of information. I'm a musician and composer, who needs to get into the 21st century and actually use the notation software I've got (Sibelius). Any computer I have needs to be able to play back scores well, which means playing/processing multiple instrumental parts at the same time,
Thanks in advance for your advice,
Michael

The only way you can get a valid estimate is by someone examining the MBP directly. Since no one on these forums can see or examine your MBP, you will need to get this infomation from a qualified repair shop. It seems that you already have secured one estimate. You can also bring the MBP to an Apple store and have a genius bar examine it for FREE.
Ciao.

I have a macbook pro 15" Retina Display with 2.6 ghz and 8gb of ram yet when i try to download a HD movie from itunes it says my computer doesn't support HD?

i have a macbook pro 15" retina Display with 2.6 ghz and 8gb of ram when i try to download an HD movie from itunes it says my computer doesn't support HD? i went to the support on the apple website and looked at the specs that a computer has to meet in order to play HD movies and mine is well above them. Why can't i play the movies?

That would at least partially explain it.
These MacBook Pros drew more power than the power brick could readily supply, and so would only run at top speed when the power brick was supplemented by the battery.
Though the applicable tech note has been removed, it stated:
"If the battery is removed from a MacBook or MacBook Pro, the computer will automatically reduce the processor speed. This prevents the computer from shutting down if it demands more power than the A/C adapter alone can provide."

I am going to replace my 3 year old MacBook Pro with a new MacBook Pro Retina display machine. I have been told by Apple that I can use the Migration Assistant ON MY WIRELESS NETWORK (no cables) to transfer data... I've read this can take AGES.. True?

I am planning to replace my 3+ year old MacBook Pro with a new MacBook Pro, Retina display... I have been told by "chat" on the Apple site that I can transfer my data wirelessly... on my network.. Is is a good option? I don't want to invest in cables if I can help it... since the old machine has firewire and the new one has thunderbolt! Will the wireless transfer take forever... as in 30-50 hours??? I've been hearing these horror stories...

Ralph Landry1 wrote:
Recently did one MacBook Pro to another for my daughter...almost full 500 GB HD estimate wireless was 48 hours, wired took a little over an hour.
Wow, shocking in comparison. You have the patience of a Saint !

Invest in processor or retina display?

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