Some Notes on the Retina MacBook Pro

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Retina mbp

What could well be the greatest computer to ever grace this earth recently arrived at the door. There are tons of great full-length reviews around the web, but here are just a few notes:

  • You don’t have to worry about accidentally sticking an SD card into the CD slot because there is not CD slot. And, of course, there is a convenient SD card slot.
  • The screen is just unreal. No. Actually, it looks so real. Typing in Byword, for instance, is like printing letters straight onto a page. It’s insane.
  • Much of the web, indeed Apple’s own site, is not optimized for Retina screens. It’s more slightly bothersome than actually annoying. Just sort of snaps you back to the reality of what most screens look like. Of course, it’s just a matter of time until the web catches up to these high-res screens.
  • The Retina MacBook Pro may well be the fastest computer you’ve ever laid hands upon. Again, “insane” is the word that comes to mind. You literally never have to wait while using it.
  • It usually instantly turns on when waking from sleep/lid closed but on occasion it will take a second or two longer.
  • Most all wallpapers you can find online will not be nearly big enough for the Retina screen. Apple provides you with a decent new selection in Mountain Lion though until sites like 50ft Shadows update to Retina images.
  • A personal note:
    The most interesting thing about this Retina MacBook Pro to me is that just a few short months ago I hoped Apple would update it’s desktop line (mainly the iMacs) and was worried that they seemed to be overly stressing their laptop line instead. Now, I don’t think I’ll ever buy a desktop again. You finally have all the power of a desktop in an ultra-light and thin portable. The screen is nice and roomy and is incredibly high resolution. So why not have the portable? Plus, the more that I think about it, I like the idea of using a laptop more than a desktop. It’s more homey. And, as strange as this may sound, more intimate. When I move my chair position I can just tweak the screen angle on the laptop. That’s much harder to do with an iMac. It’s sleeker, simpler, and tidier. It’s less “permanent” and more “temporary”. It can “up and go” at any point. It looks and fits great on any desk (even my curved one). I also find that I like looking down slightly at my screen than straight ahead. The laptop is just more friendly. The feeling is kind of ineffable, but it’s true. As usual, Apple was right.