MacBook pros

[_Will_]

In b4 apple bashing and pc waffle, for the sake of sanity i'd like to keep this on topic.

Ok - so i'm after a laptop to replace my desktop(s) I have a display that works nicely for the main thing I do (photo editing) until now I have had a mini connected to that in the office and a 27" iMac at home but due to moving large amounts of data all the time wan't to smooth things out, so will get another display for home and use the one computer for both.

So that's the preface, now my choices and deliberation, do I go for a slightly older (2011) 17" iMac and pimp to spec (ram/ssd) or is the screen size difference negligible enough to plump for the latest 15.4" Retina, my main issue is screen space opposed to resolution (also a bit concerned that having too much detail will actually be a hindrance photos) from what i've read the latest model should be a fair bit quicker, the clock speeds are similar but as far as I know they became less relevant than newer architecture.

Anyone have a retina pro for a decent amount of photo editing work? (even better anyone come across this choice and gone either way?)
____________________
Past -Honda qr50 | 2004 Peugeot Tkr s 50| | 1996 Yamaha XJ600s Diversion|

[t121anf]

I use mine in Closed Clamshell mode, MBP screen is for home and out n about use only.

NB my MBP isn't actually closed in clamshell mode as it breathes through the keyboard iirc so a magnet is placed on the left side to trick it into thinking it is.

[jimbopea]

Screen space/resolution? A higher res is more screen space but we won't argue I'd still go for the older 17". Always liked a bigger screen/cheaper model. And macs tend to keep up spec wise, iv never done proper photo editing though.

[ferrisio]

Do they still let you choose shiny/matt screen finishes? This was the most important option for spec'ing a machine for professional work a few years ago.
____________________
BMW R1100R

[Llama-Farmer]

I considered a MBP Retina that is when my old macbook finally gave up after nearly 7 years, back in early 2013.

I ended up going for the final version of the 2nd generation non-retina MBP.

Went for the 17" i7 one then custom-specced it up to the max. I think I probably got more for my money that way, screen resolution on this one is more than good enough, Retina isn't essential in most uses. Although photo editing I can't comment on.


Go for the best specced one you can afford with your budget. Worry more about processors and memory and less about hard drive size (you can always increase storage space with an external HDD which is cheaper and easier than trying to improve other things later on)
____________________
Current Bike: 1999 Honda CB600 FX Hornet
Next Bike: I want a CBR-RR. And I want an F800 GS-A. And a VFR 800. Can I have all 3?
Dream Bikes: Honda VFR750R RC30, Honda NSR500, Ducati 996 R

[Seb]

Avoid the nvidia based 17" MBPs like the plague, absolute time bombs, they will fail, and replacing the logic board is a waste of money.

The end of line AMD based ones were dependable, but were never that well optimised due to being a short lived product.

Vs a rMBP 15", Retinas are 'zippier' and more responsive and Yosemite really rewards the quick IO on the latest macs. Personally I feel the extra pixel density easily overcomes the downgrade in size. They don't do a 17" as it's simply not needed imo.

The 17"s strength is of course the upgradability and having two drive bays on hand.

My opinion? Unless it's living on a desk and never moving, rMBP all the way, if it's never going to leave the house, an iMac would be a better purchase. The 17"s were supreme 5 years ago, but they are just too awkward and fragile compared to modern ultrabooks.

Just remember that the ram isn't upgradable down the line on the retina machines so as noted above, prioritise that over getting a bigger SSD.
____________________
2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[_Will_]

[Glen]

Not everyone's cup of tea but when I went for my macbook pro retina I ended up getting a US import off amazon. Saved me £500 off the uk list price and is still covered under apples global warranty.

[dangerousdave]

[ScaredyCat]

[_Will_]

[Seb]

The performance difference depends on the age really, if it's a first gen i5/i7 then most definitely yes. Second or third gen, not so much.
____________________
2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[_Will_]

[Seb]

Then yes, the performance boost will be very noticeable over a first gen i5.
____________________
2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[_Will_]

Leaning towards the retina, only concern is no upgrade path, but with the thunderbolt 2 and usb 3 connectors that shouldn't be too much of an issue so long as ram doesn't make any leaps or bounds in the next 2 years.
____________________
Past -Honda qr50 | 2004 Peugeot Tkr s 50| | 1996 Yamaha XJ600s Diversion|

[Seb]

I wouldn't sweat that too much, ram isn't going to mudflate anytime soon with DDR4 prices as they are
____________________
2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[dangerousdave]

[_Will_]

Went and had a look at the new models today, feels very light for a 'pro' and the screen looks serviceable for sofa overtime, have been looking around and theres a fair few deals to be had.

Edit: having a look at these benchmark scores looks like mine is a bit of a donkey.

[J.M.]

Worth noting that you can change the screen resolution to trade off readability vs usable working area.

Largest:
https://i.imgur.com/pAWwgTM.png

Recommended (too big.. in my opinion):
https://i.imgur.com/8Z8IjWv.png

Most screen space:
https://i.imgur.com/gnUZefd.jpg

Or 3rd party tools that allow you to get 1:1 resolution:
https://i.imgur.com/0lOBA9T.png
____________________
2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Stevie GooGs]

I went for a macbook last year and went for the 15" retina, i dont hold much data on it and is only really used for.

Photography - Lightroom - Photoshop - Photo Mechanic - EOS Utility
Emails
Browsing
FTP

I tether it in the studio for product shots (only works with newer cameras, older version of EOS utility maxes out CPU and the newer version does not work with 5dmk 2s but newer version works with 6D etc.

I find it works very well but it makes my PC feel really fecking slow, the 15" is big enough for me and dont fancy lumping a 17" around, i did that with an alienware laptop for years.
____________________
Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[_Will_]

Just won a brand new sealed 2014 model from fleabay.

2.5ghz haswell, 16gb ram, 512gb pcie ssd - £1420 inc delivery - spot on
____________________
Past -Honda qr50 | 2004 Peugeot Tkr s 50| | 1996 Yamaha XJ600s Diversion|

[instigator]

[_Will_]

[dangerousdave]