Less than two weeks ago, Apple released its new 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display. Like everyone in the technology space, I refreshed the Apple Store page every few minutes anxiously awaiting for it to open.
And then it did, and I immediately purchased the 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display hoping to get my hands on it within a few days.
I read a number of reviews about it, and as an Apple snob it didn’t take much to convince me that this would become my new machine. It HAD to be better, right?
Last Wednesday it arrived early – which is typical of Apple’s delivery history. I pretty much dropped everything I was doing to dig in and get things setup.
Day 1 of having the new Macbook Pro with Retina Display
So much for my productivity today. It’s here. instagr.am/p/MGTTAyK9DL/
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 20, 2012
I spent the entire day installing programs, copying over iTunes music and so on. It was pretty much an obsession to get it up and running so I could get back to work. Finally, late that night I completed the mission.
On Thursday, I woke up and was ready to play with my toy and take it for a test drive. I spent a majority of the day getting things done with work, but as the day went on, things started going downhill fast.
Day 2 of having the new Macbook Pro with Retina Display
Awesome, now that I have the 15″ retina display, 1/2 my experience is killer, and the other 1/2 is pixelated. #mac #apple
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 20, 2012
Not only was a majority of my visual experience pixelated, I also began to realize just how heavy it was compared to the 13″ Macbook Air. You see, I’ve been working exclusively on the Air for well over a year, and really began to like it.
What I really wanted Apple to do is release a 15″ Macbook Air with Retina Display, and I tried to convince myself that the visual appeal of the Retina Display would outweigh the weight of the 15″ Macbook Pro.
I knew I had reached the point of no return after I went on a Starbucks run and was unable to walk upstairs with my latte in one hand and the computer in the other.
That’s when I new I really missed the portability of the 13″ Macbook Air.
For those of you coming from a 17″ Macbook Pro (I’m looking at you Brian Clark), you might think the new 15″ Pro is light as a feather. And comparatively speaking it probably is.
So I decided to sleep on it, to see if I’d wake up on Friday and feel differently.
Day 3 of having the new Macbook Pro with Retina Display
Loving the retina display in the 15″ Macbook Pro. Hating the fact that it’s not, well, a 13″ Air.
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
Yeah, can you tell I was missing my 13″ Macbook Air? Then there was this:
I’m starting to believe in this: “Once you go Macbook Air, you never want anything else.”
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
And not much later that morning it went up for sale:
Didn’t take long, but any Chicago peeps interested in a 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display? Considering dumping it already.
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
But not too long afterwards, I called Apple and there was good news:
@jschuller Yeah. Just called Apple and you can return to store for full value. Will probably bring it back for a new Air.
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
An hour later, here’s what I had to say:
Returned the 15″ Pro with Retina Display and got a new 13″ Air. In and out in under 10 minutes. instagr.am/p/ML_ORfK9Nv/
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
Then all became good in the world again:
Dear 13″ Air, so nice to have you back again. Love you. Really I do.
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
Ok, so that was quite a stream of tweets that I placed here in the post, but I thought it might be helpful for you to fully understand what I went through this past week.
And apparently I’m not the only one who struggled with this:
I’ve seen a bunch of folks return their new MacBook Pros with Retina Display. Not surprising—15″ laptops are going the way of the dodo.
— pearsonified (@pearsonified) June 23, 2012
Don’t get me wrong here, as I really believe that the 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display is an incredibly awesome machine. And for most people, it’s perfect for what they want to do. So go out and buy one – I’m not telling you otherwise.
The Moral of the Story
For me, I realized (the hard way) just how much I love the size and experience of using something so lightweight like the 13″ Macbook Air.
It’s those “don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone” and “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side” lessons that I (re)learned through this experience.
Aside from the frustration of having to install two new machines within a few days of each other, I was floored with the way Apple handled this from a customer service perspective.
Here’s what I had to say right after I left the store:
Apple just put on a clinic with how to handle customers. I heart them.
— Brian Gardner (@bgardner) June 22, 2012
It was amazing just how easy it was for me to resolve the situation. The Apple rep on the phone answered my questions about their return and refund policy very confidently, and the rep in the store was a pleasure to work with.
He called it “buyer’s remorse” when entering it into his system, and I literally spent less than 10 minutes inside the store when I exchanged it.
So I’m typing out this blog post from my new 13″ Macbook Air and am as happy as can be. Not only do I have my “baby” back, I gave them another sale.
I also feel really good about the type of company that Apple is. In my experiences, they have always done the right thing.
Steve would be proud.
Apple and the new 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display
Now it’s time to talk about the company that makes our lives so enjoyable – from the iPhone to the iPad to the Macbook line of computers.
So who’s purchased the new 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display? What are your thoughts about it?
Do you like it, or are you like me, and can’t wait (if it ever happens) for a 15″ Macbook Air with Retina Display to come out?
Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
Well, if both you and Pearson say so, I guess I better return this beautiful 15 inch MBP w/ retina display right after I finish typing this (and my coffee).
Not.
I’m loving mine, because a 13-inch screen is too small for me. And I can’t believe you admitted you can’t carry one of these in one hand. It’s wafer thin!
Heh, considering you came from the 17″ line, the 15″ Pro feels light to you. And since I’m not old and have bad eyes, I can tolerate the 13″ screen.
Back at ya.
I have to agree with Brian. I laughed out loud when you said you couldn’t carry a latte in one hand and the laptop in the other. Your cred has been diminished, just a little bit
Good to hear some people got a chuckle out of it, because I’m getting flamed by a few for those very comments. :-/
That’s actually why I like the Retina display: turn off all the upscaling and the pure 2880×1800 is a welcome breath of fresh air. Like finally getting out of the cramped back seat of the family car en route to vacation.
As for the latte bit .. just how little are your hands?
I kid, I kid ;-x
I just got a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro as a replacement to my Mid-2010 17-inch unibody and I’ve grown to be ok with the slightly smaller green, however, I am learning to adjust to not having an ethernet port and only one USB port on the side. The 16GB RAM machine they gave me is very quick though, so I definitely will learn to adjust. This thing shutdown and reboot in the time it took for my 17-inch to just boot up!
Don’t surprise me at all. Those who are mobile and love their Airs will want to stick w/ them. The “ooohhh” factor on anything new wears off quickly.
The urge to have the latest and greatest can be hard to fight. But before you know it the year will be 2013 and you’ll have a retina display in an Air. We’ll see that before we see truly new Mac Pros.
Completely disagree with @pearsonified though – I know lots of people using 15″ MacBook Pros. And i’m one of those guys that currently owns a 17″ so i’m not going to have a problem w/ the weight. The thought of working long-term on a 11″ or even 13″ makes my eyes hurt just thinking about it.
I hear ya. When I first bought my 13″ Air, I tried out the 11″ and that was way too small. In fact it felt quite a bit like I was on a Netbook, which I hated. The 13″ screen was good enough to spend a few hours on if I had to, and since I connect to a 27″ external most of the time, it’s somewhat moot.
Ah, now this makes sense. I use my 17″ as my main machine, so 13″ sounds nutty small to me. It’s great for coffeeshops and mobility, but when I want to get real work done, I need to be able to have side by side windows.
Couldn’t agree with you more. I went from a 2011 13″ MBA to a 2011 17″ MBP. Form factor of the air was nice, but the screen was just too small and washed out. I understood improved display profiles in 10.8 improved the Air somewhat, but after getting used to my lovely glossy samsung screen, I don’t think I can go back to it.
Also popped for an SSD, which was the only other thing I really liked about the air.
Great article! I’m actually considering upgrading from a 13″ to a 15″. Now i’m going to take my time with that decision.
Do you ever find any lag issues because you’re running a video out? I’m concerned that if I attach my computer to a TV/Monitor, my computer will use too much ram/cpu to keep the video going.
Any thoughts?
Hey Brian! Great post.
Coming from being a 13″ Air user the past 18 months I was very interested in how I’d like the transition as well. I bought the fully loaded Retina 15″ immediately. After using a week now – I’ve decided there is a place for both. The 13″ Air is the perfect laptop for traveling. Unbeatable. Undisputed. But the new 15″ pro is such a powerhouse that I’m happy to use it for daily use. I run parallels regularly and the pro kills the air in terms of responsiveness.
I agree with you though….a 15″ Air would be the holy grail of laptops
Joe
Being a (hardcore) graphic designer, it makes sense for you to run the 15″ Pro. And while I probably could have swallowed my pride and kept it, I know there would have always been a part of me that yearned for the Air.
Besides, in a year or so, Apple will get me to shell out another few grand when that holy grail is released.
While I’m not a Mac guy, I get the weight issue of the laptop. I have a Samsung 9 series (same dimensions / weight / specs as a MBA) and I feel like a regular laptop is a concrete block.
That being said, I’m more with Clark on the sense that I can’t do a lot of real ‘work’ with it. I’m a slave to my actual desktop and the (4) 24″ LED HD monitors it has (along with a lot of other bells and whistles I could never get on ANY laptop currently). Maybe someday I’ll switch to the all laptop crowd, but today isn’t that day.
So what’s it gonna take for you to become an Apple snob like the rest of us?
I spend 75% of my work time in my office, so the 27″ LED more than compensates for the 25% of the time that I’m on my 13″ downstairs or at Starbucks.
Hi Brian,
This is a really useful discussion thread. I have been using 15″ MBP’s for a while and have the 2012 non retina with a 256gb main drive and a 750gb HD in the DVD bay and 16gb of RAM. I run Windows VM’s in Fusion for SQL Server stuff and Filemaker 12 Pro in OS X (rarely at the same time).
Mostly I work connected to my 27″ Thunderbolt display but do visit client sites where if DEV is on the cards I plug into an external monitor.
I am also starting to blog and present a bit and also work remotely from Spain.
I am seriously considering the 13″ MBA and offloading the majority of my DEV VM’s to a Mac Mini Server I have and copies to a slimline USB 3 drive for travel.
My main concern is the 8gb max RAM and the video card. Do you have any issues connecting into your 27″ display (I am assuming it is an Apple display)?
Regarding the 16gb down to 8gb, I am beginning to wonder if I really need all that grunt so I wondered if you had any input on that.
I am with you on the weight of the 15″ machines. I didn’t stump for a retina as at the time I really wanted the extra on board disk capacity, but hadn’t appreciated how swift the USB 3 drives are. As a DBA I am also a bit of a data hoarder which is my main target to prune my space usage.
Cheers
Eric
Yeah, I definitely need more insight on this. I’m still on a PC and I want to get a mac but now I’m not sure if I should splurge on the new macbook pro, or go for the Air… I’m a designer so I definitely don’t want to be seeing things blurry all the time, but the air doesn’t have a disc drive either, tough decisions
If you’re coming from a PC than ANY Apple product is going to feel light to you. In fact, it might be 1/2 the weight. That being said, I say to splurge and get the 15″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display.
Nice blog, thanks for sharing your experience!
I was wondering if any of you have ever tried the new sony Z. It combines the main quality of a macbook air and a MBP retina. Quad-core, full HD and lighter than the macbook air! Of course it is not Apple but its configuration is from far better than everything that Apple offers for a 13” laptop.
Nope, never tried any laptops or machines from Sony. Once I moved over to Apple from HP, it was over.
I am now filled with dread. My MacBook Pro Retina is on it’s way now. I have never loved any box as much as I love my MacBook Air, and today you hit me with this post, Brian.
Have the Gods of Technology no mercy for early adopters!?! Why do they mock us?
Anthony
Anthony, my situation is probably a “different strokes for different folks” kind of thing. I’m sure some people who’ve been on an Air will love the 15″ Pro with Retina Display. And if you don’t, then you can do what I did. Take it to the Apple store and in less than 10 minutes leave with a brand new 13″ Air that is maxed out and fully loaded.
I replaced a 4 year old 17″ MacBook Pro with a 13″ Mac Air last November and I don’t think I could go back to anything, but an air. I don’t even think about a larger screen, don’t miss it, don’t need it, but if a 13″ Mac Air came out with the retina screen I may think about replacing my current air, but then again these things are good enough for a few years.
I’m right there with you Artur. Camp #Air.
It’s been interesting reading your tweets over the last week Brian. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’ve used Toshiba laptops for years but having read great reports about Mac laptops, and loving the iPad, I decided it was time to change. I’ve been reviewing whether the 13″ Air was the right machine and your feedback has really help me decide!
It literally felt serene to me to get the 13″ Air back in my hands. In all honesty, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back to anything heavier. I’m assuming if Apple comes out with a 15″ Air, that’ll be ok – but anything else feels like a tank to me.
Stumbling across your tweets inspired me to do the same thing. I liked the MBPR, and I really wanted to love it, but there was just so much not ready for it. With the pretty penny it cost me, I didn’t want to have to wait for everyone to get ready – just wasn’t a sacrifice I was ready to make.
Since the nearest Apple Store is 2-2.5 hours away, it never occurred to me to go there – and while I don’t have anything against the postal system, I didn’t want to wait on them to deal with a return, and I didn’t want to be antsy for X days to make sure the return arrived in returnable condition. So I was content to just deal with it.
However, finding your tweets made me rethink that. I decided to head to the Apple Store the next day and return the beast and pick up an Air (and some other goodies) instead. Sadly, they didn’t have the configuration I wanted in stock, so I am waiting on my online order. On the plus side, this was my first visit to an Apple Store, and it was an unusual, but nice, experience. Super easy.
I’m back on my old MacBook (not Air or Pro) for a few days or so, and so far I don’t have any “returner’s regret.” Really looking forward to the Air, which is what I told myself I’d upgrade to before the shiny Retina display distracted me… Thanks for getting me back on track
Hey Kailey, first off thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Secondly, even though it’ll sting for a few days, once you get the Air it will be good. Very good.
I’ve owned a 12″ iBook, 17″ Powerbook, 15″ Powerbook, 12″ Powerbook, 13″ Macbook, two 13″ MBPs and now an 11.6″ MacBook Air and I’ve loved the smallest most of all.
While I agree with you about the weight, if you can’t carry a MBP one-handed up a flight of stairs, you should seriously think about some kind of workout regimen. 4.46 lbs, man.
Heh, the “can’t carry it in one hand” was more an exaggeration, just to illustrate the point that my life is “easier” with the Air. While I’ve lost a bit of muscle since I seriously got into running, I can still put up > 5 lbs. in one hand. Regardless of what Brian Clark likes to think.
To be fair, my wife’s 13″ MBP feels like a ton of bricks compared to my 11″ MBA.
Heh, I bet. That’s why I’m not so sure I’d even go with a 13″ MBP if they put the Retina Display in that before a 13″ Air.
Apple shaved 1lbs off the 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina, and reduced the thickness by 25%. For any Prosumer who is use to working on a 15-inch or 17-inch MacBook Pro the Retina MacBook Pro is a significant upgrade.
If you are a 13-inch Air users you’re in a completely different category of notebook consumers. It is not a Pro machine by any stretch of the imagination, and is limited in computing power, and capacity.
The MacBook Pro Retina is for people like me where this is my ONLY Prosumer machine. I don’t like or use desktop computers, and only use a notebook even when at a desk. I’m also a power user running CS6, 3-4 browsers at a time, Skype, Evernote, iTunes, multiple mail clients, VMware, and more sometimes all at the same time.
To over use the car analogy, a MacBook Air is Vespa, and the new MacBook Pro 15-inch is a Fisker Karma.
Good analogy there Trent… and I don’t know what some people do to machines, but I run my 13″ Air all day long with minimal amounts of Photoshop use and it runs just fine for me. Apparently there are folks out there running much more powerful programs, if the Air can’t handle certain things.
Hi there guys…. I´m a videographer and filmmaker and most of the time I edit my own creations on FCP 7 and Adobe Premier and at the moment I´m using an 13″ full configuration Air and I have no problems at all, I also use Photoshop, after effects, etc….
My last laptop before this one was a 2008 15″ MBP…… At the moment I´m thinking on getting an 27″ full configuration iMac since it seems like I will do more heavy work but I would never go for a different laptop other than a 13″ Air…. I feel is the perfect size and I love it
to be fair, most of the people who will buy the macbook pro 15 Retina don’t need that much “power.” Most people would be fine with a “Vespa.”
And what happened to your old Air?
Selling it to a very good friend of mine who’s currently using his wife’s 15″
TankMacbook Pro.I didn’t buy the new MBP, but I played around with one in the store. I had a 15″ Pro before my 11″ Air, and I agree, once you go air it is hard to turn back.
The footprint of the new MBP, although smaller than its predecessor, is still massive in comparison. I pretty much take my Air with me wherever I go which was just not possible with the 15″.
Now if they come out with a 13″ MBP with Retina that has discrete graphics I will be first in line. I used to have a 13″ Macbook, ultimately I think 13″ 16:10 is the right balance between power/portability. But my 11″ air will hold out till the next round of updates.
You bring up a very good point.
What is next – a 13″ MBP with Retina or a 13″ MBA with Retina?
hopefully 11″ air with Retina…
I’m hoping for a 13″ retina display at some point. I moved from a 1920×1200 14″ display to a 13″ Air and the horrid screen resolution still drives me a little nuts in comparison to my old clunker.
The reason why Apple is so successful is they make products that give us 90% of what we want, and make us wait for the other 10% in the next product.
Nice quote – just tweeted it
https://twitter.com/juicedaniel/statuses/217308068369801216
All I can say, is in the end it worked out well – for you and the person that got your old 13″ air – I’d say it was a win!
Heh.
If you’re a highly mobile ADD squirrel like I am, the 13″ Air is just about the perfect machine.
And my eyes *suck*, but I have no problem with the screen. I’m with you on netbooks … could never get used to them.
Netbooks make me shake, don’t know what it is. I literally want to stretch the screen so I can actually see something.
My 13″ Air has just about the same place in my heart as my Newton Running Shoes do. I literally want to buy 10 of them to make sure I have extras for when I wear one out.
Macbook Air is the best gadget I ever owned.
Coming from a 17″ pre-unibody 2008 MacBook Pro, any laptop would be an upgrade. Cannot wait for my retina MBP! I’ve considered getting a 13″ MacBook Air before but already have an iPad (retina) I regularly use and need a real portable powerhouse.
I also love that it doesn’t have a DVD drive. I hate carrying old technologies.
The day they released the new models, I priced out what I wanted for a replacement for my 2008 MacBook (not Pro) and it came out to $1700:
2.0GHz Intel Dual-Core Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
256GB Flash Storage
That should me more than enough to allow me to do whatever I need to downstairs that I can do in the office with my Mini Server for just twice the price of my Mini and complete portability.
Brian
I don’t own a Mac and probably never will, but I had to leave a comment complimenting you on the fabulous way you used embedded tweets to tell a story.
That has to be a first.
Thanks Keith, appreciate that. Good thing I learned how easy it was to embed tweets.
As a MacBook Pro Retina owner I can say I am overall very pleased with the device. I do notice differences with apps and UI elements all around with fuzziness and pixelation. It really has the same feel as when I bought the iPad Retina though. In time, the UI elements will update and it will improve. So I’m optimistic of that but able to enjoy the machine for what it is.
I couldn’t see using a MacBook Air as a replacement because I really need the processing power of the Pro as well.
Good post though Brian. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Like I’ve said in a few comments, it really boils down to who’s needs what for which reason. This post wasn’t about bashing the 15″ Retina Display, rather just my experience with it and why I chose to go back.
Since I don’t need such high processing power, I’m perfectly happy with my 13″ Air.
So, your only complaint was that it was heavier than a smaller macbook air? Wow, great tech read. Very insightful and knowledgeable about why or why not this machine would have been superior to a macbook air. Also, “15 inch laptops are going the way of the dodo?” I was crushed when they discontinued the 17 inch. I don’t now about you but the macbook pros have always been about photo and video editing, and the larger the screen, the easier it is.
Yes, for me it came down to machine size, weight and portability.
So Brian, your requirements are for a snazzy looking expensive machine for web browsing and posing in Starbucks. The small capacity SSD, small screen and lack of an optical drive are no problems for you. Whilst it is undoubtedly a cool gadget, the Air is extremely limited so cannot possibly replace a powerhouse laptop.
I was in BestBuy looking for a new laptop to replace my old Toshiba. I loved the Retina display in the MBPs but do agree the Airs light weight and slimness looked very attractive. Leaning towards Air but have some questions:
Does it display websites the same as on desktops?
Does it have enough power to run several programs simultaneously ie CS6, Word, FTP software, etc?
Does it have enough power and storage for video editing?
Do you think Retina Display will be the future standard for website design?
Considering Apple released the iPad 3 with it, and now the 15″ MBP with it, hard to believe it won’t be here to stay.
I love my MBP but you are right about the tank. Freaking kills me when I’m mobile. I’m always curious of the Air to see how it would be to work on it, but never willing to take the jump. Not sure I would be willing to bend on ‘pixelated’ for the Retina.
I think “tank” (even though I’ve used it) is a bit harsh, when you consider that 17″ PC laptops still exist.
Now THOSE are tanks.
Sounds to me like you’re complaining because you were having trouble holding your coffee and laptop at the same time.
That was to illustrate a point, obviously that wasn’t the only thing at play here.
Yea, I was a bit disappointed in the whole “pixelated” thing.
This was a good post on the subject…
http://blog.macsales.com/14111-15-macbook-pro-with-retina-display-lessens-web-experience
I think I am going to stick with the Air until the rest of the web catches up.
Very interesting read Fred, thanks for sharing. Like you said, until the web catches up – which is right about when I’m holding my breath that the 15″ Air will become available. Gasp.
Looking to upgrade as well. I currently own a 17″ Macbook Pro (mid-2010) and I’m on the fence. I like the specs of the Retina display (16GB, 512SSD, larger screen) but would rarely see the retina display since I work on a display 95% of the time.
The main issue I have is whether the 13″ 2.0 Macbook AIr can perform well with applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
“I knew I had reached the point of no return after I went on a Starbucks run and was unable to walk upstairs with my latte in one hand and the computer in the other.”
Ha! A ‘fella has to have priorities. And being able to safely balance a coffee and notebook is a *good* one to have. As gorgeous as that new MBP appears to be, you raise an excellent point about the trade-off on added weight with that particular model.
It’s only an issue if you are used to (or care a lot like I do) about the size and accessibility of the 13″ Air. I thought it wasn’t a big deal to move up to the 15″ Macbook Pro, but boy was I wrong.
Is the 27″ Monitor you use the Apple Cinema Display? Like I said on Facebook, I was thinking about an iMac + an Air or 15″ MacBook Pro, but this sounds like a solid setup. Maybe my (mid 2010) Mac Mini can just become my dedicated Home Theatre PC? I travel alot now and I use Dropbox and Google Docs for everything but media files. Damn it I love the Internet!
Yes, it is. I don’t use any other machine other than my 13″ Air, and just have it hooked up to the 27″ Display at home. Even though there is syncing devices available, I didn’t want to go down the iMac/Air route.
I returned my Retina too, but because the screen was too glossy for me.
This is not hyperbole – the Air is hands down my favorite purchase of all time.
And the carry it one handed thing is not just you Brian – it is very comfortable to carry from room to room while open with one hand. I’ve gotten so used to it that when I’ve almost dropped my wife’s Dell when I absentmindedly tried the same thing…
Yeah, a long time ago when I still held onto my 17″ HP laptop, I went to grab it from the top shelf of my closet and no joke almost broke my wrist trying to carry it down with one hand.
I read review after review which changes my opinion on MBP retina or MBA 13. You have done it again!! The pro looks great, but can I justify spending another £600 to go pro, just because I dabble in a hour or so a day in CS5?
The other 80% of the time I will be carrying it wherever I go, so I think I’ll go with the Air.
Thanks!
For a professional photographer , videographer and or graphic designer what are the merits and demerits of the MC PRO with retina display?
How will this screen be considering true colors and contrast? How does the screen accomodate for calibration of colors, contrast and so on.. Is it true that the MBP with retina display does not have this option ?
“I knew I had reached the point of no return after I went on a Starbucks run and was unable to walk upstairs with my latte in one hand and the computer in the other.”
This is pathetic.
Man, tough crowd on that one. I was JOKING when I said that.
I picked up my first Mac last Tuesday. It is the 2011 Air and I can see why you like it so much. My old laptop (from last year) weighs more than the new MBP but it does have a nice battery life, plenty of HDD space and an optical drive. Several things that are missing from the MBA.
On the other hand, in the last year I never, not once, used the optical drive and I have a 2 TB external hard drive, and the MBA has even better battery life.
I do have to say, I don’t like how small the screen is. I’m gonna have to start wearing my glasses so I can read the screen. Everything is crisp and clean, but just too small for my eyes.
Oh, one other thing, my old laptop has a multitouch trackpad, but it is nothing near as smooth as the MBA trackpad and doesn’t have all of the cool shortcuts.
I don’t think I’m getting another brand of laptop any time soon.
Yeah, I hear you. Doubt I’ll ever go back to a PC or anything to do with Windows. Is yours a 13″?
yep, MBA 13″ with 4GB mem and 128GB SSD. I really do like it but it will be a while before it can totally replace my PC. Gotta plan for things like photoshop and other tools I use
This is good to know, because I think I’ll need an upgrade later this year and really want the Air.
The new retina has me excited though, but I think the air is more suited for me. I need a lighter carry. I’m getting too old for this heavy macbook pro
How does the Air go with some Photoshop and occasional Imovie feat? I’m not a hardcore user of this, but do use it from time to time. Does it work ok?
Matthew (Turndog Millionaire)
I’ve been working on my Air for well over a year and a half and have Photoshop open most of the day. Purrs like a kitten.
Brian, I’ve been sitting on my old MacBook Pro just waiting for WWDC and hoping for a Mac Pro that would be more like the Air. Then I waffled on which new Mac to buy, visiting the Apple store, reading reviews, combing the features list. I went into the Apple store thinking I’d buy the Retina Mac but came out ready to order an upgraded Air online. I’m typing on that new MacBook Air right now and so very happy with my decision. When it came down to it, the Retina was more machine than I really needed and the new Airs had the kind of memory and weight that I really did need.
Yep, sounds like we’re in the same boat Tammy. While the concept of the Retina Display was cool, it only affected a fraction of my time online. The portability and overall feel of the Air is something I experience on the hour.
Great read Brian! I have the MBP 15″ and will be upgrading real soon. I need something where I can monitor many different social media platforms for several clients.
I originally thought I’d get an iMac (quickly nixed that). Now with the new MBP w/ Retina, I thought maybe that would be the way to go. But now after reading your review on it I’m now thinking that perhaps a MBA would suit my needs then maybe just get a separate display monitor? Thoughts?
Thanks Brian!
I’d highly suggest getting an 13″ Air so that you can travel with it, but hooking up to a 27″ external monitor for when you’re at home and can have a few social media windows open on it.
The “one hand” thing cannot be underestimated! I have a 13″ Air as my portable and a Windows machine with dual monitors as my primary workstation. Not only is the Air light as well, air, it is incredibly cool to the touch and very fast. I’ve always been super careful with heavier laptops that I had a good grip and that whole feeling goes away with the Air.
Yep, you’ve got it. Unless you’ve spent an extensive amount of time on an Air, you won’t understand. It literally was a HUGE difference to be working on a MBP again, and to be honesty felt foreign.
Thanks for this! I was very tempted to get the new Retina MBP but ultimately decided to hold off for many of the reasons you mentioned.
I still have my first-generation super skinny 13″ MBA and it is holding up well.
The weight isn’t as big an issue for me as the blurriness would be. Maybe once more developers update their software for the retina interface.
John, sounds like we’re on the same team with countless others. Let’s all hope and send positive vibes to Apple that they appease us and supply what we want.
If you go with the Air, you also save yourself $1,000!
I think the Air is a better choice unless you know you’re going to spend most of your time on the new MacBook Pro using Final Cut Pro and other apps that can really harness that power and screen quality.
Worth noting it depends on which Air/Pro you’re talking about. The Pro I bought was $2199 and when all was said and done, that’s how much my Air cost as well.
Still waiting to get the cash together for the 15” pro with retina display.
I guess looking at it from my side as a photographer the retina display and performance updates and slimmer form factor are all big pluses!
And the previous macbook pro I have had for nearly 3 years now is one of the best computers I have ever owned.
Well, Brian, I’m surprised. I got so excited by your original tweet about getting your 15 inch MBP early that I couldn’t wait. I found one in stock Friday at MacMall, cancelled my Apple order (still two weeks from delivery) and had it shipped for Saturday delivery. I spent the weekend fresh loading everything and, well, here’s my experience.
http://www.pcmike.com/what-im-thinkin/macbook-pro-with-retina-display-doesnt-disappoint
I had a previous MBP. And I have had a MVAir, too. Loved its size and would love the new one, too, I’m sure. But I do a ton of Final Cut Pro video editing and the 13 inch screen is just too small.
I just put the new MBP with retina display in my backpack. Noticeable difference in weight.
Appreciate your sharing.
I enjoyed your post, Brian. I sold my 2011 13″ MacBook Air the day before WWDC in anticipation of new hardware announcements and struggled with the decision of updating my Air or “upgrading” to the Pro Retina.
Ultimately I decided to grab a 2012 13″ Air and skipped the step of buyer remorse, but I’m 100% confident I would have ended up returning the Pro just as you did if I had gone that route. While I do think there is a market for that machine, the 13″ Air is simply the best dang computer I’ve ever had and it goes with me everywhere. The bump to USB 3 has been awesome too and has made iTunes, iPhoto etc much more responsive for me.
A 15″ Air Retina is the holy grail though! I’m holding out hope with you.
Brian – I have Windows and Apple hardware. The Real Estate Software that I use only works in the Windows environment so for that I bought an ASUS i7 Zenbook (no moving parts) which is the PC version of the AIR. It’s all metal, sexy, and light as a feather.
I also have a 2yr old (15 inch) MBP. What an awesome machine! I love it and it’s solid as a rock – BUT as you know NOT light as a feather!
My point here isn’t about machinery… it’s about how weight sensitive I’ve become.
I’m a pretty big reasonably strong guy yet I wine like a spoiled baby now about the weight of my MBP which I never thought of as heavy before the Zenbook – so my next Mac will definitely be their biggest screen version of the AIR!!!
It’s so, so, weird that I just saw this post. What you went through with the retina display Macbook Pro is almost identical to what I went through with mine. And just like you, I returned it and went for the 13″ Air instead, which will be delivered to me on Monday.
I’m so excited to get the Air in a few days and to get back to work on the machine that’s right for me. I swear, this is the last time I buy through hype. The retina Macbook is a fantastic piece of technology, no doubt. It was just so wrong for me.
As a PC user I’ve never been quite able to adjust to a Mac–but I’ve never really had a chance either…so please, no pitchforks. When I finally decided to get with the program (pun unintended) the HP Jornada handheld computer was the item available, a precursor to the iPAQ’s. My first intro to a full-size OS was WindowsXP, which seemed to work with everything. I went to Vista when my old laptop was too slow to upload a manuscript to my publisher’s website. But I miss the old iPAQ with its tiny screen and folding keyboard.
Now I have a Lenovo ideapad, a ten inch notebook. The OS is XP but I’m not complaining since it loves the programs I downloaded with an external CD Drive. It’s a better size for me–although finding an appropriate size case seems impossible. I’ve also become more weight sensitive since the only case that allows for the power cord also–unfortunately–leaves lots of room for papers and books.
In no way am I trying to say anything negative about Macs. Several of my friends with graphics leanings swear by them. As a writer I love the feeling of a keyboard under my fingers and I’m happy with the word processing programs at my disposal.
BTW my favorite Starbucks is a grande wet cappuccino with whipped. And cinnamon. Coffee and cappuccino–sounds like it should be a rock band, yes?
I love using Apple Macbook but could not that yet and I was looking for something great as a review and I think I have made up my mind after reading this article. Thanks for sharing great review Brian
This post right here is the reason I ended up purchasing a macbook air yesterday.
I have to say, best choice ever made!
Yep, glad to hear it – I feel the same way!
I can’t talk about the MacBook Air, but I can talk about how Apple handles “buyer’s remorse” situations. I just purchased a 17-inch MacBook Pro this past February and in May, I was looking for a replacement for my desktop PC. I decided I wanted an iMac and got the one with the 21-inch display. My best friend, who is responsible for my Apple madness in the first place, told me I should have gotten the 27-inch display. I called Apple and told them I wanted to change my order. We canceled my current order, I sent the package back, and meanwhile had time to rethink things and decided to just order the 27-inch Display on its own, pairing it with my 17-inch MBP. I love how everything with Apple is “no problem.” And once you get something you love, you don’t want to give it up. THAT I completely understand!
Yeah, they pretty much are the prototype of how to handle customers the right way. I was floored at how great the experience was, even though I expected it.
And as far as being an Apple snob is concerned, I have held out for a long time. I’ve been a “DOS hoss” since MS-DOS 3.3 and “Windoze” thereafter. But once I got my hands on my first Mac, I am like an evangelist. Problem is, I still have a day job and have to work with PCs and Windows 8 hours a day. Not fun. If I could just convince Big Law to go Mac, life would be paradise. And all you guys out there grousing about how heavy the 15- and 17-inch MBPs are, try lugging a women’s tote bag around all day, in heels. Piece of cake.
Sounds like it’s time to quit the job and find one that allows for Apple products.
Wow, just reading your story about the 13″ Air Mac makes me want one badly. I’m a HP kinda girl.. However, I think i’ll change from the darkside to the other side. Thanks for sharing.
I was an HP guy for a long time, but once I finally dove into my first Apple experience, I’ve never looked back.
Hi, I’ve been using macbook pro 2.53gb 2009 mid model for primary using Logic Pro 9. Soon I will be finishing my univ and currently looking to get adv of educational pricing. Should I stick with the 2012 Macbook Pro (Non-retina) or try the new 2012 Macbook Air models? I am thinking of buying new iMac for my home usage in near future, and have the portable laptop on side in case of travelling, but will Macbook Air 2012 Ivy Bridge be able to handle Logic Pro 9 ? I’m looking for 13″ with 128SSD 8GB ram or 256SSD
Hi there friend! It so it happens that I own a late 2012 MBA full configuration and I use this computer using Logic Pro 9 with no problems, also I use it with Ableton Live to play music and never had an issue with it….. like you I will get an iMac very soon
from my experience i would never own any other laptop besides the MBA but if you feel you need more horse power…… go with Pro but going back to your question, the MBA has no problem dealing with DAW programs at all
Yesterday, I just got a 15″ MBP with retina display to replace my 2008 13″ Macbook (not even a pro!). I only use Mozilla as a browser, so I’m disgusted that Mozilla forced me to upgrade to the newest version, which makes the bookmark drop-down menu so wide that it’s ridiculous, but also everything’s pixelated since Mozilla hasn’t provided a plug-in or made some kind of improvement for retina displays.
I loathe Safari except on my iPad 3, but the iPad has been a disappointment also because most of my apps aren’t even optimized for the retina display.
I’m seriously considering just returning the new Macbook and buying a regular 15″ Macbook Pro and being done with it. I lived without retina display before and I could do it again! I’m also one of the last people on earth who uses a DVD drive and liked having it right in the laptop, so that would be another benefit of trading the new retina display one in. I’m used to heavy computers thanks to my four years with my previous Macbook.
Speaking of old technology and to really make all of you love your Airs even more, consider the old behemoth, Dell’s 20-inch, 20-pound XPS M2010 laptop, circa 2007.
Heh. 20 pounds.
Hi Brian. I’m not normally one to comment on articles, but feel obliged to do so here. Firstly, fantastic personal review! I appreciate “benchmarking” different machines is one way for the techy people out there to make their decisions, but if I see one more benchmark test I might go mad. Clearly, whether you can hold a Starbucks and a MacBook in different hands or not is far more scientific and personal (those who missed your joke on that have been looking too closely at benchmark tests!)
Anyway, I had my heart set on a 15″ Retina. It was new, and we all like new stuff. I probably would have bought one had it not been for the 4 week wait. However, after reading around, I started looking at the ultimate 13″ Air (minus the 512 SSD). Your article confirmed my thoughts and it arrives next week!
I have a 2010 27″ iMac and a 2011 15″ MBP, so the Air completes the set!
My one nagging concern is that I use my 15″ Pro 99% of the time, and have never had a 13″ laptop. From your experience, is it going to be much of a difference maker?
Thanks again for your thoughts and continued comments!
Hey Nick – thanks so much for the comment.
Prior to the 13″ Air, I had a 17″ Macbook Pro. I loved screen real estates, but started to get frustrated with the weight and lack of portability with that machine.
When the 13″ Airs came out, I went to the Apple store to check it out, and immediately bought one. I thought that the viewing experience would resemble a Netbook and didn’t think that I could spend hours on a machine with a screen that small.
I was totally wrong, as I’ve gotten used to the 13″ screen and completely love this machine.
I’m considering purchasing a Mac for work, which is technical writing and therefore helps to have a larger screen to view multiple documents at once, and have considered all of the following:
MBA 13″
MBP 15″ with retina
MBP 17″ refurbished
I do have a desktop at both home and work and would therefore be traveling with this laptop frequently. While I like the portability of the MBA I am concerned about the small screen size. I love the 17″ screen size but am concerned about the weight inhibiting traveling. Therefore I am defaulting to the MBP 15″ but have a nagging feeling I’m just compromising for screen size and mobility. Any thoughts? Particularly on getting a refurbished 17″ MBP? I’d appreciate any advice. Cheers!
Hey Rich – what I do is hook my 13″ MBA up to an external monitor when I’m at home. That way I have more than ample size for viewing (I have a 27″ Apple LED) and maintain the portability of the 13″ Air.
Thanks Brian for this great review. I’m on a late 2011 13″ MBA and was going through the same dilemma. I am still on the fence on whether to make the switch, but for now – also thanks to your review – I’m sticking to the portability of the Air
Cheers, Liam
For doing photo editing- aperture, cs5-6.
Wouldn’t the mbp r be a Better choice seeing the air doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card.
I have the mbp retina-
Challenge you to change my mind to an air
Hey Brian. I’m kind of new to your site but not at all new to Studiopress (been using the themes for over a year now) and I LOVE your blog. I’ll be back plenty of times.
I purchased my first ever 15.4″ MacBook Pro in 2010. I sold it in late 2011 for an 11.6″ MacBook Air and it was the greatest decisions of my life.
I owned an iPad last year for a few months as well and sold that. I loved it though so that is why I looked into getting an air since its kind of an inbetweener. I don’t see myself going back to a Pro for a very long time.
P.S. What font are you using for your blog? I absolutely love it and must have it on my blog immediately!
Hey Todd, thanks for the comment and glad you love the blog!
For my site, I’m using Proxima Nova from Typekit. For more on the new love affair, you can read this post if you haven’t seen it already.
I am moving from a 17″ MBP to the new 15″ retina. After spending a day transferring all my files I discovered my new computer was buggy. Returned for a new one and went through the whole transfer process again. Now I’m running both laptops. To be honest I haven’t really bonded with it yet.
While I can carry it in one hand with my Americano in the other, I’m finding 15″ really small:)
The thing that gets me with apple’s high res displays is my eyesight isn’t up to the job: Even on my 27″ Imac I’m zooming in to read detail on web pages. I’d love to get a laptop but worry I won’t see anything. The other issue is the same concern a bout an Air vs a Pro.
I want speed, power and lightness.
A 15″ Air would be perfect: I’ve been following Google news for weeks waiting for it and it didn’t arrive.
I’m thinkiing now of waiting for the new high speed Samsung flash chips to make their way into Macbook Airs http://goo.gl/rIkfu
Loved this post Brian. Written very honestly and the points you made were very viable. 114 comments so far….certain got people talking didn’t it?
I wanted to add my experience too if its ok.
I bought my first Mac 6 weeks ago and opted for the 13″ Air. Truth is I had looked into getting an ultrabook of some kind since January and did a lot of homework on them. It came down to 2 – The Asus Zenbook ux31 or the Mac Air.
In all fairness, the new Zenbook is quite a little machine, one that I feel is the Air’s first real competitor since the ultrabooks have taken rise. It even outdid the air in certain areas – Full HD (1600×900), thinner (9mm at its thickest), even a free carry sleeve in the box
. All this and it looks amazing with it’s spun aluminum casing. Anyway, this is the closest thing to being an “Air” without actually being an “Air” and thats why it had me wobbling. But the reviews (all 20 or so that I read) still swayed the advantage with the Air and I went for it.
I did for a time weigh up the retina with an air but knowing how big a 15″ screen when wanting to carry it around it just had to be the perfectly sized 13″ Air. I’ve only had it just over a month now but every time I open it up it impresses me. Without a doubt the best electrical purchase in my life so far. It shall only be bettered when I upgrade it 2 years down the line!
Great post for a first time reader,
I’m typing this from my phone as my early 2008 15″ MBP’s logic board finally failed. For me I can’t imagine losing the 2.” I think that as a medical student the air would be way more than enough after a bump to 8GB RAM, but with the college discount and no sales tax in Delaware, I can’t pass up the Retina. I’ve been lugging that old MBP around everywhere for over 4 years the last year and a half without a working battery. So the weight for me is going to be great.
Nice Post!
I’ve heard people say that an Air would do just fine. I’ve also heard people say that I will no doubd be missing my 15″ pro if I would deside on the Air.
Especially because I’m all ears when it comes to choosing between the top of the line 13″ Air or the retina MBP. I currently own a 15″ MBP (early 2008, core 2 duo 2.4ghz), which still works fine, but I do feel it getting a little slow every now and then. My one issue with my very much loved MBP is it’s weight. I have a bad back and the MBP makes me feel that every day I drag it to the office and back. So weight wise the 13″ Air would be great. I’m having some doubts about the smaller screen though and even more so about it’s power. I do own a 24″ cinema screen, but at work I’ll have to do with the 13″ screen. I’m a teacher in Media Design and next to that I do some part time design work. Having 2 or 3 Adobe programs running should go smoothly for me to be happy with my Mac. I’m still waiting for someone to let Photoshop generate a panorama out of several 25mb RAW files
I’ve waited a long time for the retina pro to come out, but now it’s here, It still feels heavy and I wonder what it’ll feel like when I cary it around instead of the old 15″ pro.
What would you guys say about this? Some help on deciding would be nice
Great post, I’ve always been an 17″MBP user and occasionally the wifes 15″ a year ago I went 11″ and I’ll never commute with anything larger now, well maybe the 13 MBA.
I like the retina alot, but I felt the weight instore and although I push a bit of weight I don’t want that on my back on a commute too heavy.
The MBA isn’t very good for running pro apps, so I have to use an iMac at home which is a bummer but as a fully functional iPad the 11″ MBA is great, I could never go back.
I started with an 11″ Air and an iMac combo for a year, but my wife talked me into a 13″ Air when I upgraded this year. I bought the base model with 8gb of ram and have been blown away by its abilities. I sold my iMac and solely use the Air now. Couldn’t be happier.
I know each user will vary, but I dabble daily in Photoshop and Illustrator and find it more than capable for just about anything but encoding and even that is acceptable.
I have a rMBP (bought at a little higher price from S.Korea), and I soo hate it. Pixelated Mac Office, Photoshop, etc.
I never knew the pixelated apps, and I didn’t even notice the missing CD slot.
I hate it so much and I want an exchange for the regular MBP 2012 model…..
which leads to my next question: will Apple give me a 2012 model MBP as an exchange for my 3 week-old rMBP?
Thanks
The latte must have been super huge or your arms are super weak.
It was both. (and I hope you know that was a joke in my post…)
what’s the point to spend around “twice” of the cost on a laptop rather than a DIY desktopcomputer. It is the “ Mobility ”. I do agree with Brain. MBP 15 Retina definitely is still too heavy to be carried all around whole day inside your bag. Meanwhile don’t forget expect the laptop, there are still other accessories & stuff in your bag, such as, power pack / transformer, mouse (if you are a seriously CG / Cad application user) , and other personal belonging …etc All add-up with a solid weight.
I am a designer due with CG and Cad application. MBP 15” Retina absolutely is a good choice in term of the faster graphics chip & ultra high screen resolution and quality. It do boost up the productivity since it can “room” more content / dialogue box. But as a real “portable” device, I prefer to wait for other better coming choice: Acer S7 Ultrabook , Microsoft Surface Pro (i5 Ivy bridge), or 13” MBP Retina. Here is my practice . If I need a “real muscle”. Then stick to a desktop workstation. If I need a “real Mobility ” , weight is the first priority to be consider. That is the point to pay double to buy a laptop. Cheers !
Hi Brian,
I’m sitting in Starbucks now with my two week old MacBook Pro with Retina. Upgraded from an older 13 inch MacBook (the all white ones). Can’t see myself going back. I thought long and hard about the air and decided on the Pro because of it’s processing power over the Air. I’m often in a bunch of heavy apps at the same time like Dreamweaver (although I’m a StudioPress user), Fireworks, etc.
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro for my daughter and gave her the choice of the Air and surprisingly she chose the MacBook.
Thanks for the great post.
I am huge fan of Air too. I can put it into my shoulder bag and hardly feel that I am carrying a laptop.
I’ve been using it since 2011 and time has come to replace it. Looked at 15″ retina MBP, played a little and ordered my dream machine: Macbook Air 13″ with 8 GB of RAM. This is little monster.
Hi Brian,
I’m thinking about buying the 13″ Macbook Air and the 27″ Cinema Display. Is that the combo you’re using? And, I have a little concern about the processing power, on the other hand, I’m mostly using photoshop and Pages/Numbers/Keynote and Safari, Email etc..
Yes, that’s the setup I have. I use Photoshop, Elements and have a number of other things running and have never run into any issues.
Hi Brian,
As I’m about to make the switch from a 17″ HP notebook to 13″ MacBook Pro and am currently looking for a new secondary monitor I was wondering if you’d suggest people to go for a general 27″ IPS panel (to start with), or if you’d suggest people saving some more (double!) and go for a 27″ LED Cinema Display?
Best Regards, Jen
First off, I’d suggest getting the 13″ Air…
Second, I’d suggest saving and getting a 27″ LED from Apple, and then you will have all that you need. (and it’s the setup I’m using and totally love it.”
I have two 17″ MBP’s, they are nice laptops on the run, but at home i use a real computer with more screen real estate; I mostly use 3 x 24″ IPS screens in pivot run in eyefinity, with a 30″ single IPS screen on the side for large single objects and images.
I really don’t understand why people are prepared to use hardware as compromised as 13″ Air for serious work. To me , lugging a few more kilos is a small price to pay for a bigger screen , faster processing and more storage. Working with complex multifaceted tasks on a small screen is to me a bit like assembling furniture one-handed through the mailbox slot: pointless and inefficient.
If you truly are so weak that a few extra kilos seriously cramps your style, i suggest physical excercise and a careful gram-cutting regimen for your clothing, shoes, wallet and anything else you are carrying with you before you start sacrificing performance of important tools to save weight.
I think the truth is this: You like thin, slim and designed things, and there is no rational reasons behind this.
So stop pretending that there is!
I am in good physical fitness and am perfectly capable of carrying a 15-17 inch pro around all day. However when the option of carrying a fully functional machine that isn’t noticeably bigger or heavier than an iPad in a case (in the case of my 11 inch) presented itself I felt it was by far the more attractive option.
I can work fine on a small screen; my eyes are good. The res isn’t that far off my old 15 inch pro (1366×768 vs 1440×900) and the pixel density is much higher so everything looks a lot nicer/smoother.
Can I ask what on earth you need 3×24 inch + 30 inch screens for? (I don’t care if they are IPS panels or not).
I run FCPX on my air editing 100mbps avc-intra and it is buttery smooth. The machines are more than up to the job.
One final note; have you ever tried to use a 17 inch on a train? It’s impossible.
What I need screen real estate for? Instant overview and at a glance cross referencing. When writing a web-app, I’ll have the database manager on one screen, half a screen of browser to see what the results look like, source code on one screen, debugging information on the lower half of the screen with the browser and then reference documentation on the fourth screen; requirement specification, code reference, database model, and my email. When I go mobile, I have to constantly switch and flip between these windows, and since I often need two or three of these thing side-by-side at the same time, there’s a constant flipping re-positioning and re-sizing going on, feels like half-speed subjectively.
Hi Brian,
I am thinking about making the switch from an HP to the 13″ MBA. I am trying to decide what specs to get. I only use 140/400 GB on my current harddrive (I have a seagate external that I keep most things loaded on) and have 4GB RAM and a 2.5Ghz intel i5 processor. It is my understanding that these numbers mean different things on a Mac than a PC, though. I’m a law student and use my computer mostly for word processing but also for multimedia purposes (I’ll edit pictures and watch videos a bit but nothing too intense). What specs did you select, and which, if any, would you recommend for me?
Hey Maddie – thanks for the comment. First off, you’re making a great choice by moving from an HP to a Mac. That being said it makes sense to max your machine out as you’ll probably be using it for a few years. In other words, it’s worth it to get top of the line. Here’s the exact specs I got for my machine:
Processor: 2 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory: 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 512 MB
Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any other questions as I’ve been on a Mac for a number of years now.
Hello Brian,
I just want to buy a MacBook Air 2012. However, after stop by at apple web site, specifically in communities, I found out people have so many issues. Have you had any kind of problem with your MBa?. I know the computer is fast and portable because I tried one few days ago. I will using it for documents, lecture presentation and possible very light work with Photoshop CS6. I will appreciate you comments.
Thanks!
I totally agree nothing quite beats the 13″ mac air. I would consider a 15′ mac air, but not the 15″ mac pro. Gave one of those to my wife awhile back, and a really just can’t handle that again. Also, totally love the solid state drive. My mac pro desktop opens so much slower than the air, and crashes about ten times as much. The air is wonderful for most things. It is my favorite computer of all times. It is why I never need an ipad or anything like that. Nothing beats pulling out the mac air and using it in any situation.
FYI, the 15″ mac air – if the come out with it – I will likely get as a replacement for my desktop mac. Don’t need the massive power of it, plus, when I do extended traveling I am sick of connecting to my desktop. I could just also have it with me.
Great topic!
Hello,
I would like to get a Macbook (prefferably Air or Retina Pro). I like to play games such as FIFA 13/12 with Windows on the Macbook. I am really stuck with what I should get. I am a student but I don’t carry Mac everywhere so weight isn’t an issue. I preffer 13″ Air to 15″ Retina Pro. NOT 11″ Air. If I were to get an Air, I would fully spec it out but with the retina pro, just the base model. I would like to get Aperture and Final Cut Pro maybe in a year.
Check this blog post out: http://lea.verou.me/2012/06/why-i-bought-a-high-end-macbook-air-instead-of-the-retina-mbp/
Would love to get input — my use case is not about graphics. Rather, just standard business use – but for eight to ten hours a day. Have worked on a 15″ MBP for the last six years; only getting a new one because this one is finally falling apart. . My credit card is out; ready to get a new unit.
For those that have gone from a 15 to a 13, any regret with the loss of real estate? Ny more stressful on the eyes?
I’ve had zero regret concerning the 13″ Air that I use for work. I’m on at least 10-12 hours a day, most of which are on my Air. I’d definitely suggest it.
What sort of work do you do on it Brian? Do you use it to design at all? Photoshop, indesign, video editing – premier, final cut pro etc?
Marko
I’m primarily in web development, so I use programs such as Coda and lightweight graphic design programs like Photoshop Elements.
Do you think the 13 inch is possible to do some ocassional photoshop, indesign, premier video editing? I dont want to pay nearly £2,000 for 15 inc retina and the 15 mac book pro is too heavy, i carry a lot of other stuff aroumd during the day, and dont want to start using a wheely bag!
Yes, absolutely – that’s what I use it for. (minus the video stuff.)
Yeah. I think you’d be surprised at how much grunt the diminutive air really does have!
Why go 13″MBA when you can go 11″? I’m still waiting on the MBAs to get retina displays.
Because I spend a lot of time on my machine, and the 11″ felt too much like a Netbook for me.
….and now? are you going for a retina 13”?
I’m holding out for a 13″ Macbook Air with Retina Display.
I have a 2012 15 Retina MBP and a 2011 13 MBA. The question is — do I need both? Sometimes the lightness of the MBA is handy and other times the screen size and screen brilliance not to mention the pure blazing speed makes up for the extra weight. I’m leaning towards selling the Air — but where I miss it is when I’m traveling and trying to work on a plane etc. . Does anyone here have both and can you justify it?
I wouldn’t justify having both – use one or the other and hook it up to an external LED when you want more screen space.
Thanks. Yes, I’m leaning that way. I’ll probably end up selling the MBA — can’t say that I won’t miss it though. I have a Thunderbolt Display that I use when I’m at my desk in my home office which works out well for either machine. What’s a nice, good condition mid 2011 MBA 13 with 256 GB worth these days? Is $1100 a fair price? Thoughts? Original cost of 1599 plus tax etc.
I’d like the 13″Retina MBP they just released if it were an equal in “grunt” to the 15″…but it’s not.
And it’s still not powerful enough to effectively run FCPX, 8gb being the max the 13″ can take, with no quad core option just dual core the rMBP 13 is basically a heavy 13″ MBA as the specs are very close, I’d go Air just for weight over “retina”.
Really? I edit 100mbps avc-intra on my 11 inch air (with 4gb ram!) in FCPX without any trouble at all..buttery smooth..
Reading this blog, along with everyone’s feedback, is really helpful for those in the market shopping for a new Macbook. I’m currently using an Early 2008 MBP 15″ that is really about on it’s last leg. It’s been an absolute pleasure to use with regards to it’s performance and functionality. I bought it as a gift to myself after finishing college, replacing an old iBook G3 during most of my time in school. The MBP 15″ was very easy to handle since I was living somewhat more rurally at the time. Now I live in the middle of a major city, where I’ve traded my old car in for public transit and a bicycle. Carrying a behemoth of 5.4 lbs on my shoulder is no fun, especially when it’s summer. As a writer like you, Brian, I’ve grown to adore portability over processing power. I’ll be happy to trade down in power and screen real estate for less weight. 13″ Air, it is!
Hi Brian,
I’d love your thoughts on the new 13″ rMBP vs the 13″ MBA. I am about to buy a new Mac, and I decided to buy the same as you, until I noticed the brand new 13″ rMBP
I’ve thought about buying that machine, but ultimately I decided to wait until either a) Apple comes out with a 15″ Air with Retina Display or b) Apple comes out with a 13″ Air with Retina Display.
Hi Brian,
Does your Macbook Air have any problems driving the 27″ monitor?
Barry
Nope, absolutely none at all – in fact I pretty much have that running all day long.
I received my mid 2011 13″ Macbook Air yesterday via UPS. 1.8ghz I7 with a 256gb flash drive. I have it hooked up to a 24″ Dell 1080p Monitor when I’m working at my desk. Upgraded it to 10.8.2. Works flawlessly…
This is what I am wondering : can I hook up my MBA to a monitor when working from desk? anything I should consider for power and size?
I received only yesterday my new MBA 11″ 8GB; 123GB (refurbished); but gosh – the screen is really too small and the flash drive is way too small too (thought it was bigger when I ordered it). Looks like I’ll return and move to 13″ 4GB; 256GB and… hope my wallet can still afford an external superdrive. Nervous as this will be my only computer. Hopefully in a year I can buy a nice big monitor.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the MBPr vs MBA.
I wish there would be a quad-core, 16GB ram, 13″ MBP retina but I think the available options for the new 13″ MBPr are overpriced. So, I am stuck between the 2.0 MBA, 8 GB, 256 SSD and the low end MBPr. To be very honest, I really liked the MBPr but the MBA would be ok for my needs (occasional Autocad, photoshop), but my concern is that Apple, most likely, will release a 13″ MBA retina in 1-2 years … Considering that scenario, wouldn’t it be wiser to get the MBPr (already “future-proof” for the next 2-3 years) instead of spending money on an “almost” outdated MBA? Although I think that 13″ is the best size (for me), I wouldn’t mind the 15″, if it is the better deal today, since I need the Mac now.
Appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks
Roberto
I had used a macbook air 11 inch as my primary machine since it came out, now I have a 15 inch retina, and I’m pretty happy with it. I only miss the portability about once every two weeks when I take it out of the house. Now that I’m used to retina, every other screen looks like complete sh*t! I could never go back EVER!
Glad I found this article. I currently own a 4 year old 17″ MacBook Pro, which I use to compliment my 27″ iMac production machine. I use the MacBook Pro for client meetings outside my office, etc., etc. It has been a great machine, but it is maxed out, slowing down, and heavy.
But about 2 years ago, I bought a Gen 1 iPad (about 2 months before the iPad2 came out). I bought the iPad for it’s portability, and for casual use with clients. I knew going in that I wasn’t buying a “real computer” when I bought it, but I thought that for most uses on the go, I could justify the cost of the thing. It has done exactly what it was designed to do, and I have no complaints in that regard, but it turned out to be inadequate for my needs as a portable computing device. The Air seems to fill that need nicely….lightweight and easily portable for on the go use, but an actual computer instead of a cellphone with a big screen.
But after looking repeatedly at comparisons between the MBA and the MBP (13″ for both) on apple.com, I decided that really needed to read someone else’s actual experience with both to help me make up my mind. Your post has helped me to do that. If I did not already own a really great desktop machine, I would choose the MBP. But I don’t have that limitation, so the 13″ MacBook Air it will be. The MBP may be the superior computing device, but the Air better fits my needs. Thanks for the review.
Ugh. Just got a new MacBook Air 11″ 64gb and it it too small to load stuff from my iMac. Didn’t realize this when I got it an hour ago. Can I still return it the one with more GB? The receipt says “Return Date December 7th” and today is 11/25. Does this mean I can take it back for full value and get the bigger one?
Hey Brian, cool post! I am currently the lucky owner of a MacBook Pro 13″ medio 2011, but I am strongly considering buying the 15″ retina model.
Was hoping to buy the 13″ retina model on release, but Apple turned me down by not installing an external graphics card, which is essential for me as a graphics designer and casual gamer.
Better save some money for the MacBook Pro 15″ retina model, always saving money – life of a student..
My MBPr story, I came from the 17″ and was very pleased with it, until Snow Mountain hit it… so I bought the 15″ MBPr
First CON it was very slow when you open the computer, the old MBP 3-4 sec and ready, the MBPr 10-20 sec and ready – like a Windows computer, first thought – it must not compete with the iPad? Found that the MBPr was set to hypernatemode 3 and I had to set it to 0, using UNIX commands, really user friendly
Second CON, I installed the Snow Mountain, very stupid idea, seems like the SM slow the machine by 15%, have someone run a speed test, that can establish some figures?
PRO:
I like the screen, its thin, and yes its not an air, my female friend uses the Air, its very very nice, but not for me
I think the next MBP comes with a detachable keyboard, like the Windows Surface, that could be very cool, then you can dump the iPad
A new OS will always be slower at first, but once they’ve had their time to improve, it should be just as fast and good as Lion.
Who can blame you? I’ve owned an 11″ MacBook Air for 13 months now and I can’t even stand the weight and bulk of the 13″ Pro.
Air for Life!
Good to hear someone else has the same “buyer’s remorse” that I do, but in reverse. I bought a 13″ MBA only a week ago as my first Apple. Coming from a Dell XPS Studio 17 (thats 17″ and about 7.5 lbs), this thing is like driving a Lotus Elise compared to a F250. I love it. And being in school, the military, and medicine, traveling for all 3, something portable was a must. That said, I kept thinking about that the 15″ rMBP and trading my MBA back in.
Congratulations, you have another convert to the MBA club.
I have never owned anything ‘Mac’ before my Macbook retina, not even an i-pod, or i-phone etc. I’d wanted a Macbook air for years but could never afford one, so when I hit 50 it was top of my present list. However after doing a bit of digging/research I opted for the retina as my laptop is my only computer and I don’t use a separate display/monitor and having used an 11.6 inch netbook I thought the 13 inch might be too small for me, and the retina offered better specs for my buck.
I’m so glad I opted for the retina, I love it, coming from an elephantine Toshiba satellite via a HP G6 the retina feels like it’s made of feathers and snow flakes. Even the coffee run is a doddle just tuck it under my arm cradle in my palm, coffee in the other hand and off I go
. The display is beautiful and I rarely have any issues with pixelation. Oh and the speed, I can virtually feel my hair blowing in the internet wind as I surf. The quality of the casing is all I had hoped for too. What I have been surprised at though is the poor quality of the magsafe. I’ve only had the machine 4 months and the insulation has split and curled up around the connector. Still Apple have said I can return it for a new one so nice customer service there.
Still want to try out a macbook air though, as my ‘second’ machine, buttering the kids up for my 51st birthday already.
I’m currently using a Macbook Air 13″. Before this, i used a 15″ Macbook Pro. i made the switch mainly because traveling with the 15″ was a pain in the ass. However, I have yet again, decided to go back to the 15″ with Retina Display in hopes that the weight change is significant.It arrives tonight. I mean, the weight of the 15″ with retina is lighter than the older 13″ Pros. So I’m hoping that that’s enough of an improvement in weight. And I have always been a sucker for the screen size. While I have learned to love my Air, a part of me has always missed the 15′s screen size.
So here’s to hoping that I don’t end up regretting this purchase.
I dont want to come up as rude but really, what did you expect? I mean you must have check it out in the store before buying it, in Apple store it’s easy to visually compare the computers, touch them and see how it fits. Stating that you were unable to take your coffee and laptop with you upstairs screams “first world problems” right at my face.
I have came across a lot of folks, being Apple and PC guys/gals. The computers, be it desktops or laptops have become really powerful since the introduction of Sandy Bridge architecture. Laptops are becoming desktop replacements because they enable you to do lots of powerful stuff that just wasn’t possible back in the Core2Duo days.
The truth is: majority of the people overestimate their need for powerful computer. 90 percent of users are barely pushing the CPU in their 11″ Airs. You might think you need the best and latest but it’s not true. You don’t need to cut photo rendering by 50 percent, you probably don’t need to encode video all that often or fast. That is because you’re not a “pro” and that’s the market for Retina macbooks.
Apple is partly to fault. They have watered down the “pro” word with their 13″ MBPs that are the hot selling item. It’s great computer and good value for what it does. It definitely goes along their marketing campaign “for all pro inside of us” (or whatever it is). The word has become cliché. It is a smart marketing. Everybody is a “photographer” or “video guy” nowadays, it’s easy to create that need in people that they have a need for pro computer when in fact they don’t.
There is a certain line that’s being erased year by year but if you are a real pro (=working with 24 bit PSD files with dozens of layers, ingesting GBs of Red camera footage) you already know your needs. For the rest of the people, it’s really too powerful for them.
I don’t mean to sound arrogant or offensive but it is the way I feel, I came across a lot of people who bought really expensive Mac/PC because the sales guy told them that they’d utilize one when editing their holiday videos. Most of the people can’t say why they’re paying extra $$ for i7 CPU over i5.
I rarely comment on older posts, but I just came upon this. I’m baffled by this conversation. I’ve never been an Apple guy; I don’t care for the operating system and I HATE the company. I don’t like the way they do business, and every time I’ve been forced to deal with their personnel, it’s been an unpleasant experience. I’ve been underwhelmed when dealing with their support people (I have a friend who has Apple products, and I’ve had to help him), and as far as their salespeople are concerned – I seem never to walk out of an Apple store happy.
All that said, I’m in need of a new laptop and recently ordered a 13″ Air. I didn’t want to, but there’s nothing on the ultrabook side of the fence that matches it in terms of build quality and aesthetics. It’s been sitting in a corner of my apartment for a month. I haven’t opened the box; I haven’t even opened the shipping carton. I don’t want it. I keep going into the Apple store to look at it, and when I compare the screen on the Air to that on the Retina Pro, it looks sick. It’s unacceptably grainy. I don’t expect the Air to have a Retina screen at that price, but they’re already one, arguably two generations behind the ultrabooks on that score. I was thinking of returning it for a Retina, but I don’t want to spend an extra $300; the Air is overpriced as it is. By the time I’m through adding a SuperDrive, AppleCare (even with the $95 special from B&H) and Windows (which I have to have), it’ll be up to nearly $2,000. I simply can’t justify spending that much on a laptop, particularly one that doesn’t have discrete graphics.
Apple should have put a better screen on the Air this past summer (not Retina, but something on the order of 1600 x 900) – but then, the upgrade we got this last time was the upgrade we should have gotten a year ago, just as the iPhone 5 is the phone that should have come out instead of the 4s. This is how Apple does business, and it galls me. Each year they implement minor upgrades and avoid retooling for as long as possible (because, you know, they don’t make enough money), and everyone lines up down the block and spends the night on the sidewalk.
Just noticing a lot of complaints about screen size…
I am no Mac user however we use Air’s in our company without any complaints… It’s called an external monitor?
You sit down at your desk and bang your on a 24″ Adobe RGB screen… You get up and you can continue on your merry way with a lovely little 13″.
FYI UX31A user here. (MAC Air Clone but a bloody good one ;D)
What about those of us who don’t want to downsize from the 17″. As a designer I’ll put up with the weight to get a portable large screen.
First of all, why would anybody want to buy a MBP Retina Display, when they took away the DVD drive!!!!! You’d get a better deal on the MBA 11 inch (it’s practically the same dang.)
I had left a job where my laptop was a 13″ MBP and now needed something that would act as my only computer and capable of handling multiple apps running on an external display but also portable enough not to be a pain.
I was in the position of having all the latest line-up in front of me before deciding….so was looking at the 13″ and 15″ retina’s and the Airs.
It quickly came down to a choice between the 13″ Air and the 15″ Retina. The 13″ Retina just does not make sense…..once you have it specced to similar levels as a 15″ it isn’t far off the cost of the 15″ and you still don’t have discrete graphics.
Despite the incredibly cool display of the Retina, two things made me decide on the Air:
1) the weight and size is noticeable enough to be an issue carrying the 15″ Retina around
2) the Air with the SSD is very responsive in use, and runs multiple apps (mail, browsers, CS6 apps, Omnigraffle and Office) just fine.
So despite having the choice of the very latest Retina’s, I bought the Air.
That was a couple of months ago and I’m still very happy with the decision.
I was using an original Power Macintosh G5 right up until March 2012, when I upgraded to a 17″ MacBook Pro with the matte HD option. I can’t imagine ever using anything smaller for productive work; goodness knows using my iPad—which I bought for its always-on internet—is fairly excruciating for that purpose.
If a 13″ MBA works for you, great, but I can’t even imagine dropping to a 15″—nor have I ever understood why anyone thinks the 17″ is heavy. No, it’s not an iPad, but it’s what, six pounds? What the heck?
Having the same dilemma. I just returned my 15″ retina MacBook Pro due to the weight and I need a portable laptop but can only afford one. BUT, should I go back to me beloved 13″ air or 13″ retina MacBook Pro. The 11″ air cuts my palms and the screen is to small.
That is really amazing to know that someone else also feels the same way about these incredibly adorable MacBook Air’s!
It’s just been a week since I got my 13″ MBA and I am so so loving it. I am a graduate student and I have to carry my laptop around the campus almost all the time, for so many programming team meets, library, classroom etc.. But I always hated it!
But now, my life is so much easier with this MacBook Air. I don’t worry anymore about having to carry my laptop. And I don’t think I’ll ever buy a non-MBA-laptop in future. I might buy a huge Macintosh & keep it at home. But when it comes to a portable laptop, nothing can beat MBA.
I so love it. And it’s so comfortable to take it around. It’s something that you can only experience by working on a MacBook Air and I’m so glad that I’m lucky to have my Air.
Awesome post by the way
I’d agonized over this decision for a while, finally broke down and bought a 13″ MBAir (not that I needed it, but that’s another story). As soon as I did, Apple dropped the prices on the 13″ rMBPro — of course. So I went back to the store to reevaluate the decision, and ultimately decided to stay with the 13″ MBAir. Why? It’s light, it does everything I need it to do, I like the slimmer case (although I do realize that the overall form factor is a bit larger than the rMBPro). With the recent rumor of a retina MBAir I suppose I might consider replacing this for that, later this year, but we’ll see. For now, I could not be happier with the decision I’ve made.
Been using mac for very long time. I just got my new MBP retina. I was excited to start using this. But then, first time ever, screen almost hurts my eyes. I’ve tried to adjust the screen many times, but still it’s the same. Do I really need to sell this? Am I going to leave mac for good? I don’t know, but this screen issue is a major thing as every chance I get, I try to avoid using my macbook, even crappy PC feels better. And I don’t like PC. Weird isn’t it?
Tips for making this screen usable, anyone?
BTW. I decided to go with MBP over MBA because – and this might surprise you – I found it more stylish. When you open those two side by side, you see what I mean.