Retina MacBook Pro 15″ that I did not keep

Remember I mentioned I tried and returned 2 Retina MacBook Pro 15″? Here is one of them.  I didn’t keep the hardware, I only have the photos of deboxing it in my photo library to share.  I still think it is a pretty damn good piece of hardware considering it cost the same as my current Retina MacBook Pro 13″.  However, moving from a MacBook Air, the 15″ MacBook Pro is too big of a difference in size and weight for me to be happy with it.  So here I can only share photos of the machine I didn’t keep with you.

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As always, the minimalistic packaging.

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Under the MacBook Pro lies the power adapter and some documentation.

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The power extension is standard.  I also found the power adapter very bulky compared to that of the MacBook Air.  But I guess to power a quad core CPU, you need a lot more power!?

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Before unwrapping the clear plastic sheet.

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Here it is, looks very thin :)

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Great port options on the left-hand edge (it is the same on the 13″ version).  I don’t have a thunderbolt device to test out the functionality and speed.

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Back of the computer is just as sleek.

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The right edge of the computer has even fewer ports.

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An SD card reader, HDMI and USB 3.0 are all welcome features.

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The display is very fine and at 15″, it is almost comfortable to use 1920 x 1200 resolution.

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What do you think this picture is?  This is actually the icon inside the About screen.  This is how good the retina screen actually is.

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And the little circle buttons are exceptionally clear.

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If it weren’t for the weight and some screen defects I experienced, I really would have kept it.

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8 replies
  1. coffeebugg
    coffeebugg says:

    While I do like the productivity a 15″ screen brings to laptops, they do kind of defeat the purpose of laptops being portable. I’ve had a Vaio and a Toshiba, both 15″. While the Toshiba I had was much lighter, I still find bringing it out to be quite cumbersome. 13″ is still a good compromise of viewing area and portability much like how it has been since the late 90’s

    Reply
    • Kam
      Kam says:

      For sure I would not be able to carry my work laptop and the 15″ rMBP with me at the same time. The 13″ rMBP is a bit easier but still makes a big difference comparing to the 13″MBA. If only Apple had released the 13″ MBA with retina display….

      Reply
  2. howie221
    howie221 says:

    I do think this size and thickness is the perfect size to be productive and still be able to carry around. Still not sold on the retina resolution yet.

    Reply
    • Kam
      Kam says:

      I really like the 15″ model as well. But it was a shock when I realized I cannot pick it up with one hand. I think the 27″ iMac would be a great addition as a serious work machine especially if one ends up paying for the SSD drive.

      Reply

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