Non retina MacBook pro 2.3 vs 2.6 for design

I want to purchase a new MacBook pro. I don't want to get the retina because I plan on upgrading it. I am stuck between the 15in 2.3 ghz and the 2.6 ghz. I made both of them identical spec wise:
750 gb 7200 rpm
8 gb ram
Hi-res anti glare screen
The 2.3 ghz comes out to $2,014 and the 2.6 ghz is $2,134. Is it worth the 100+ upgrade? I plan to use this for design work for school (photoshop, illustrator) and some video editing. Also the 2.6 ghz has the NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory vs the 512mb in the 2.3. Which do you recommend for me to get? I'm buying this with my own money so I would like to save as much as possible. Thank you.

You will need a USB display adapter http://www.displaylink.com/shop/adapters

Similar Messages

Seems like non retina macbook pro is more expensive than retina macbook pro!

MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.6 GHz is $2,299.00 with the Antiglare Widescreen Display now. If I wanna upgrade it with Crucial 16GB kit ($80) and 256GB Crucial m4 2.5" SSD with Data Transfer Kit ($220) it's gonna coast $2,599.00 all together. On the other hand, with the base Retina version with the upgrades (2.6 GHz, 16GB) from Apple It only coasts 2,499.00. I even save $100 for my external DVD burner if I want to get one. Most people say on this forum non retina is cheaper than retina MAcbook pro but I couldn't figure it out how please tell me if I am missing anything!
I have been looking for most discussions in this forum about retina and non retina Macbook pro. Most people think that upgrading is the biggest issue with the Retina Macbook pro but can we upgrade the non retina version more than 16GB? if we can't it's not an issue. With the SDD I guess we can go with the external ones if we really need one and I assume that external SSD's are going to get cheaper in the time too or we can get external USB3 / Thunderbolt hard drives. I just decided to purchase one of these Macbook pro and started looking for more information online to figure out which one is better but I got more confused because the numbers say the Retina is cheaper and upgrading is not that big of a deal but most people who know about Apple products more than me on this forum say non Retina is cheaper and it can be upgraded after purchasing it.
I might be wrong with my thoughts but I need some info about upgrading. What rigs can I upgrade with the non retina Macbook pro?
(Only RAM and Hard drive or more than that?) I would like to know your thoughts and advises too?
Thanks for your help!
I am thinking of getting one of these for video editing (Final cut pro X)!

Yep, the only things that you can upgrade on the non-Retina models is the RAM and the HD/SSD. I'm assuming that your calculations are correct, so you've just got to decide if you want to the Retina display model or not. For me, there have been too many issues with the Retina models to buy one just now - but I'm sure that there are a lot of happy Retina owners out there - we only hear from those having problems.
Clinton

Non-retina MacBook Pro advice

Hi, I need your advice concerning a non-retina MacBook Pro 15".
I have a 5 years old MacBook Pro 15 (not unibody), upgraded with RAM and SSD. It's working fine but I would have to spend about 300€ to replace battery and fix another little problem. Again, the Mac is working fine and I'm pretty satisifed with it.
Anyway, a friend who is also a certified apple tech suggested me to go for a new one.
Being a significantly investment (around 2000€), I'd like to know your opinion about the retina vs non retina models.
He told me to go for the non-retina because:
- I already own a Sata3 SSD which can be installed on the new one
- save the money I would spend for my actual mac to get the high res antiglare option
- get the firewire and superdrive
- easy ram upgrade
- slightly cheaper
- it should serve another 5 years time frame
What about it?
My main field is web development, CS6, audio production, office and common daily stuff.
One last question. Since the latest update was in June 2012, is it worth to wait for a 2013 model?
Thank you very much!

The jury is still out on the retina display for the premium one has to pay. Personally, I would examine what is available in the refurbished section. The pricing is more favorable and you get essentially new MBPs with the same warranty and Apple support as virgin new ones.
If cutting edge performance is your preference, do wait for the next generation when ever that will be. I on the other hand went 'backwards' and recently bought a late 2011 MBP. The principle reason being that I wanted the 17" display. It may not have all of the latest 'speed' options but I find it to be an excellent machine.
I also have a 2006 Core Duo and it works perfectly within the constraints of the installed hardware. It is noticeably slower in certain situations compared to the newer MBPs but unless one's requirements are for really heavy duty applications, it is more than adequate.
Determine what your real needs are and what features are really required and go from there Try to extinguish emotion in your selection and do an impartial cost benefit analysis.
Ciao.

Non-Retina Macbook Pro Vs. Refurbished Early 2013 Retina Macbook Pro

Hey guys,
Im currently shopping around for a new laptop as I start University Monday and still have not decided on a Macbook. I originally thought I'd be completely fine purchasing a Non Retina Macbook Pro with student pricing at $999. I was ready to purchase it when I found myself gaining more interest in the Retina version, which seems to be better in every possible way except hard drive space, as well as the obvious difference in price. I feel as is 128GB will be not nearly enough, and the 256GB is $1500 at student pricing, which after tax will be way out of my budget. I've narrowed it down to two choices really, the Newest Non Retina Macbook Pro 13 inch $999, and a Refurbished February 2013 Retina Macbook Pro 13 inch, Non iris and 256 GB.
http://store.apple.com/ca/product/FE...retina-Display
There's the link for it... I guess I'm simply just asking for your opinions guys. My laptop will be used for Internet Browsing, Watching shows, Simple Movie editing, Music, and the occasional low requirement gaming (League of Legends).
One of my concerns is also Resale.. I believe by 2-4 Years I will want to sell my macbook, and Im not sure anyone will even want to purchase a non retina by then, or the value will just plummet.
Also, is the difference in hardware that crazy between the Earlier Retina and current non retina? I know the current retina blows the non retina out of the water, but Im not sure about the early 2013 retina.
I've been saying retina too much lately...
Anyways, let me know what you think guys
Thanks !

First let me address the issue of refurbished MBPs. Same warranty and telephone support as a new one. I have done this three times and will also probably do it next time. In every instance there have been NO detectable cosmetic flaws.
The rertina's fast performance to large extent is due to the SSD storage. Install a SSD in a conventional MBP and you will achieve similar results. The difference in performance between the 2013 and the current models will be slight. You would barely notice and difference in normal light resource applications. My personal feeling is that storage capacity is more important that CPU speed and even RAM. External HDDs are for backups, not for storing data because of storage limitations on the computer (if possible). When I go mobile, I do not want to take an external HDD with me.
Games on any MBP are not going to be a top notch experience. They do not excel in that department.
Ciao.

Can you install 16gbs of ram in a 2012/2013 non retina macbook pro?

the newest non retina macbook pro on the apple website. the reason im asking is that apple only offers 4gbs and 8gbs. does apple not sell 16gbs of ram on the macbook because of price or does the computer not support it? im getting the 2.9GHz dual-core intel core i7 btw thanks for the help.

According to this usually-reliable source, two @ 8GB will work:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.9- 13-mid-2012-unibody-usb3-specs.html

Should I buy the 13' non retina MacBook Pro or the RMbP

I am looking forward to buying a new MacBook Pro this year, but I am having a hard time choosing between the newer retina base model of the MacBook Pro or the older (2012) non retina MacBook Pro. I would use the laptop for non heavy gaming, web browsing, and creating documents for school. What would be better in the long run? I know that the newer retina is non upgradable but would the 128ssd and the 4gb of ram would still be good for a couple more years?

Personally, I would spend the extra $$ and get the 13" with 8GB of RAM and 256GB Flash Storage. I bought my daughter an early 13" Retina with 8GB of RAM and 128GB Flash Storage of which she only has ~27GB left. She'll be needing an upgraded Flash Storage (OWC) soon if she doesn't offload some files to an external drive. Her rMBP is not the PCIe flash storage.

I want to daisy chain my 15 inch mid 2012 non retina macbook pro to a 2012 27inch imac and then to a 27 inch thunderbolt display

I have a mid 2012 non retina 15inch macbook pro, and a 27inch 2012 imac, and a 27inch thunderbolt dsplay and I want to use the imac and the thunderbolt display as dual monitors for my macbook pro and daisy chain them together. I have an extra thunderbolt cable, How would I go about doing this, every time I try to connect it via Target Display mode it only shows up on the imac and the thunderbolt diplay shows the imac screen but I cannot access anything on it. I would love some help, I am probably just missing something simple.

Yes there is on Mac computers that do not come from the factory with "Built In", Note the Words Built In, DVD drive.
On all Mac computers that come with Built In DVD drive Apple has Restricted the installation of Windows from ONLY That Built In drive and Only when it is Physically installed inside the system.
Many people have tried what you want to do and to my knowledge None have been successful.
It is something that is Hard Wired, Written, into the Firmware of these Mac computers.
Some have tried installing Windows on the standard HDD and then moving that HDD to the optical bay or leaving it in the main bay and installing a SSD into either the main drive bay or optical bay and have been greeted with the system not booting to either OS or not booting to Windows.
Something about how boot camp sets up the drive and possibly makes changes to the Firmware or EFI partition on the drive that Windows is installed to or to both that restrict it. You can't even make another Mac OS X partition on that drive without screwing up the Windows install.
To your last post the Answer is NO as stated above.

My non retina macbook pro mid 2012 will read the display its connected to but does not display anything at all

Hi there,
I have a macbook pro mid 2012 non retina display and i tried using an external display for it. I hooked it up and the screen blacked out and turned back on like normal and the computer itself was reading that the display was there. The only problem is that on the display itself there is no image of the macbook being displayed. im using a thunderbolt to vga connector and all the connection check out the only problem is the display. the display works on my other macbook that i have just fine i dont understand why it wouldnt work on this new one. Keep in mind i have had this computer for only 5 days.
Thanks in Advance

Hi, cubingcouple.
Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.
I understand that your MacBook is not working with your external display. display shows a blank screen. Here is the best troubleshooting resource to go through when experiencing these symptoms.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201177
Cheers,
Jason H.

Best deal for Non-Retina Macbook Pro?

I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro (Non-Retina) in the next month or two, and I've narrowed it down to these three options.
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MD101LL-13-3-Inch-VERSION/dp/B0074703CM/ref= zg_bs_16368311_1
http://store.apple.com/us_edu_307542/cart
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/13
Which one of these pages offers me the best bang for my buck? I currently am using a Sony that's about a year old. It has 8 GB of RAM, an I5 2410M at 2.30 GHz, and Intel HD Graphics 3000, It's a 14.4 inch screen. I use it for gaming, watching and streaming movies, word processing and productivity, and internet browsing. I'd prefer to have 8GB of RAM in the new computer.
Looking to keep cost below $1300-$1400

phantom_tran wrote:
Honestly, I have some money to spend, and I might like to get a new laptop to play with. I've never had a Mac either. Just looking around.
OK. It was just that the one you had seemed like a decent machine already.
The prices seem so close that I would be inclined to go with the refurb i7 / 8GB RAM / 750GB storage model. But all the models have more CPU and disk space than you need for the tasks you listed, except maybe gaming where Macs are usually weak because of the graphics card. But I guess since you had an Intel 3000 graphics card the 4000 isn't a step back.
You can also save money by getting one of the 4GB RAM models and putting in a cheap non-Apple RAM upgrade yourself, ordering it from a place like OWC:
MacBook Pro 2012 upgrades
One note about Apple. I wouldn't buy refurbs from most companies, but the Apple refurb program is top-notch. They are like new, and come with a full warranty. I've had Apple refurbs that were 100% reliable, and "new" models I paid full price for that needed warranty service.

Need opinions / insights on retina vs non-retina Macbook Pro

Hi everyone! For weeks now, I have decided that I will be buying the new 13 inch Macbook Pro Retina as a replacement for my very old Acer laptop. I've been a Windows user all my life and this will be the first time that I'll be owning a Mac. So for weeks, I have been researching the pros and cons of the new MBPr versus the non-retina MBR but I have read that there's a huge problem about overheating with the new MBPr, the fans and some also say that the Mail is not working very well and the battery drains easily.
I still want to buy a MBPr because it's the newest from Apple, I love the resolution and I really like that they took the optical drive out. Does anyone of you know if they already solved the problem in overheating and the fan? This laptop is super expensive and I'll go crazy if I buy this and having to deal with these problems.
And also, I know the MBPr is the new laptop of Apple but is it that great compared to the ordinary MBP? The ordinary MBP doesn't have problems in overheating, etc... So... basically I just had doubts if I should buy the Retina or the Non-Retina of the Macbook Pro.
Thank you to anyone who will reply and give their opinions and insights

The 13" lacks a dedicated graphics processor, it's why it's hot, it's basically a dressed up $400 dual core office store computer with a fancy metal case, too small of a screen and a screen res too high that you really can't tell much from a non-retina anyway.
The machine is sealed up, you can't upgrade the memory or switchout the storage for something better.
Many are rather disappointed with the "Pro" label being attached to such a underperforming machine, especially the kids who come here whining they can't play many games on it.
As a power user and occassional gamer, I absolutely abhor anything below a 15" which does have the muscle with it's quad core goodness and dedicated graphics which it more than twice as fast and lasts twice as long as that stock Intel HD junk.
Run three operating systems at once if you need too. See the pics here.
Windows in BootCamp or Virtual Machine?
In fact I've got myself one of the last 17" MacBook Pro monsters which I treat with extra loving care as it's a collectors item now.
If your going to treat yourself to a expensive Mac, why short change your experience with a tiny cramped 13" screen that's going to be sitting on your chest half the time?
I want your first time experience on a Mac to be a good one, pony up for the top of the line 15" and AppleCare, use a external keyboard and mouse to keep the wear and tear off of it.
I do advise the non-retina anti-glare high res sold in the online store. That baby you can max the RAM out at 16GB, even put two drives in it if you wish with a Superdrive caddy.
Anti-glares are great for the fact that there is no reflections on the screen, use it nearly anywhere, outside etc. and not have to worry about not seeing the screen. There has been a long thread about the glossy screens bothering people's eyes here.
You can read the whole glossy vs matte screen debate online.
A little hidden secret about using Mac's, if you get one of the lower end models, you always feel like you should have gotten one of the better ones. It's because OS X is the same on all the machines regardless of performance, so it tends to feel crapped out quicker on the lower end models and the truth is, dual cores are a has been, quad cores are the new thing.
Your going to be hooked up to power regardless of what machine you buy to reduce your battery cycles as the more cycles, the less the battery lasts and will either have to be replaced, or the entire machine replaced!
IMO, getting the 13" is like walking into a Porchse dealer and walking off with one of the scratch and dent models.

New 2012 non retina MacBook Pro disk replacement

Hi Guys,
I'm attempting to replace my disk in my new MBP 2012 non retina. I have a really nice solid state disk that I was using in my older MBP, and I want to use that in my new one.
I've tried a couple things, and still can't seem to get it to boot to it though. Latest was to boot with Command -R and go to Lion Recovery and choose Install Lion 10.7.4 to my solid state disk plugged into USB. That seems to have copied files over to it, but does not want to boot to it. When I choose it, I see Lion install disk, but then just get the "no disk" icon.
I'm assuming I can boot to this USB disk. I don't want to take it all apart again and plug the solid state in to the mother board until I know it will work.
My next step is to do a disk util and wipe the Solid state and then try to install again using Lion Recovery.
Are there any tips I'm missing here? The Lion I have from the App store when I launch it, I get an error about not supported version.

try this. see if it sorts it out for you.
keep your ssd plugged in the USB.
open up disk utility. format/erase using Mac OS extended journaled.
once that's done, open carbon copy - free download if you don't have it.
start cloning your drive to your ssd. you will get a pop up message saying a lion recovery partition wasn't created. Create one with carbon copy.
Proceed to clone your drive. Once that's done, you can do a test boot buy selecting your ssd as your start up drive.
Once it boots up, install it in your macbook. Power up and you should be back in business.
One more thing, sometimes you have to select your SSD as your start up drive if you get issues.

Non-Retina Macbook Pro 13" (2.9 GHz dual-core, 8 GB RAM, 750 GB HDD) or 15" (2.3 GHz quad-core, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD)?

Hello everyone,
I am a college student about to begin my Freshman year at the University of Georgia pursuing a degree in Landscape Architecture. I am for sure getting a Macbook Pro but I am still debating between the two models listed above. The degree I am getting is 5 years and I may seek a masters after. I need the computer to last for the entirety of my college career and be able to handle the various design programs I will be using. Screen size is not so much an issue as the processor and ability to handle certain programs. I'm asking for advice and opinions from anyone. Is it worth the $400 difference? Will the 13 inch handle the programs just fine? Any other issues? Thanks.

Hello everyone,
I am a college student about to begin my Freshman year at the University of Georgia pursuing a degree in Landscape Architecture. I am for sure getting a Macbook Pro but I am still debating between the two models listed above. The degree I am getting is 5 years and I may seek a masters after. I need the computer to last for the entirety of my college career and be able to handle the various design programs I will be using. Screen size is not so much an issue as the processor and ability to handle certain programs. I'm asking for advice and opinions from anyone. Is it worth the $400 difference? Will the 13 inch handle the programs just fine? Any other issues? Thanks.

Sharing my experience, water spill accident on my Retina Macbook Pro

I would like to share my experience to the community and to fellow mac users regarding my water spill accident on my 1-week fresh Retina Macbook Pro.
Before begining, i appologize for gramar or spelling mistakes since I am French and English is not my first language.
So lets begin ...
My 2006 macbook pro started giving away and i knew that i had to replace it very soon. So i opted for a high end machine because i knew i needed something for at least 5 years.
After much thought, i bought a Retina Macbook Pro since for work i needed a 15 inch screen laptop and portability was key for me.
Normally at work the Retina Macbook Pro sits on an aluminum Rain Design stand, but on thursday, i was at a co-worker office brain-storming for an important presentation. So i had my Retina macbook pro sitting on a small conference table and next to it i had a cup of water (THE CULPRIT), 200 ml to be precise.
I know, i know ... i shouldn't have been drinking a beverage while using my computer at the same time but i'm always careful with my stuff (proof my 2006 macbook pro still lives).
So enough introduction ... After taking a sip from that cup of water i accidently spilled the cup on my keyboard. To be precise i spilled around 160 ml of tap water on the keyboard while the computer was ON (on battery).
I froze for 5 seconds cursing in French, looking at the puddle of water on my keyboard, then i immediatley FORCED shut down the computer.
I ran for paper towels and started absorbing as much as i can, while absorbing the water my fellow co-worker was helping me, and since the power button is so tiny and placed on the keyboard, he accidently turned it back ON again ... I immediatly turned it back off (forced) and kept on absorbing as much liquid as i can.
To my surprise, we kept on bringing paper towels and absorbing ...The water was just sitting on top of the computer and i had the impression that not a whole much was making it inside.
After finsihing the first cleaning process ... i placed two dry paper towels on the keyboard and closed the screen, fliped the computer upside down so it was sitting on the screen. This was on thursday. I DID NOT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY (since i did not have the necessary tools for Apple's alien screws).
Friday morning, when i arrived at the office, i checked the laptop (still haven't turned it on) ... Paper towels were wet, so i changed them ....
I left it over the weekend at work .... doing some research on water spills ... i decided not to use rice or hair dryers or opening the machine ... i estimated that what could've made it through the inside of the laptop was roughly 20 ml of water that was absorbed by a plastic sheet seperating the keyboard from the logic board.
Monday, D-day, i tried turning the laptop ON and it booted normaly ... i was a bit skeptic, i was thinking maybe the RAM modules were fried or certain keys on the keyboard or the sound controller ... but nothing everything seemed normal.
I just finished running the Apple Hardware Extensive Test and everything seems running fine.
So to all persons who will be in the same case as mine - WATER SPILL - (not coffee, cola, or sugary acidic beverages spill). Turn off the machine as fast as you can, absorb water as much as you can, flip the computer on its screen side while placing paper towels to absorb humidity, time is on your side so the more you wait the better, in my case 3.5 days, and PRAY .
The waranty is probably voided since black sensors inside the machine turns to red as soon as they contact water, (like litnus paper with acids or bases)
Hope my experience will help you get through yours ...

9 times out of 10, you cannot, will not, shall NOT get thru same,.......corrosion sets in.
Many people suffer the pain of a "dried out and working notebook".......... only to learn corrosion will soon ruin it.
Liquid spills, why your MacBook chassis is a one-way valve for spills
After a substantial spill many people will turn their notebook upside down and shake it, not only does this not work, but it spreads liquid havoc throughout your machine and makes things often as bad as possible.
The keyboard itself acts like a one way valve in the case of a substantial liquid spill. While liquid pours into the bottom chassis easy, it does not come out easily at all, and in the case of any spill, most of it will not come out by turning it upside down. Disconnect all power and contact Apple for diagnostics and repair.
Do not attempt to, after a spill, ‘dry out your MacBook’ and test it
After a spill most people invariably try to “dry out” their notebook by various methods, including hair dryers and otherwise. This both does not work, and after a substantial spill of any magnitude, even if the liquid was water, residue is left behind.
There are additionally many very tight places inside your notebook where liquids will linger for a very long time, and cause corrosion or worse.
Immediately unplug your notebook and contact Apple for in shop diagnostics and parts replacement.
In the case of very minor spills people will “dry out” their notebook and feel success that their notebook is working ok, however invariably in nearly all instances after 4-14 days an error / fault pops up and is usually followed by more.
In case of a spill, damage estimates are impossible,.....anything can be fixed, without question.......the question is cost.
contact Apple for in shop diagnostics and cost estimation ....possible parts replacement.

Shutdown takes forever for Retina MacBook Pro (rMBP)

I am running 10.8.1
anyone experiencing long shutdown? my startups are faster than my shutdown by 3 times
also, are the battery issues resolved in retina macbook pro?

Hello almostinverted,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
You can check the specifications for that computer here:
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) - Technical Specifications
Check under "Graphics and Video Support".
Regards,
Jeff D.

Retina MacBook pro video jumping!

HI all,
I have a Retina MacBook Pro 15", I have had it for about 6 months, I have noticed that the video jumps when playing at full screen.
I booked it in apple store today for the image retention problem and they were fantastic changed my screen same day. I showed the Genius a video taken on my iPhone of the screen jumping and he was baffled, he said he would look into it.
I received my rMBp back tonight with a sparkling new screen but I still have this problem.
i have noticed it does not do it on the "Best for Retina" screen resolution but i run at the scaled "More Space" resolution. as soon as I change to my resolution it jumps change it back and its fine. surely the machine should be designed to handle full screen playback at it supported resolutions shouldn't it?
Has anybody had this problem?
Has anybody dealt with Apple over this problem?
Here is a video of the jumping
http://youtu.be/qy1tcfPAkDo
Best Regards
Ben

HI all,
I have a Retina MacBook Pro 15", I have had it for about 6 months, I have noticed that the video jumps when playing at full screen.
I booked it in apple store today for the image retention problem and they were fantastic changed my screen same day. I showed the Genius a video taken on my iPhone of the screen jumping and he was baffled, he said he would look into it.
I received my rMBp back tonight with a sparkling new screen but I still have this problem.
i have noticed it does not do it on the "Best for Retina" screen resolution but i run at the scaled "More Space" resolution. as soon as I change to my resolution it jumps change it back and its fine. surely the machine should be designed to handle full screen playback at it supported resolutions shouldn't it?
Has anybody had this problem?
Has anybody dealt with Apple over this problem?
Here is a video of the jumping
http://youtu.be/qy1tcfPAkDo
Best Regards
Ben

Non retina MacBook pro 2.3 vs 2.6 for design

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for