stubbsonic wrote:I'm in the lucky position of needing to choose a new macbook pro! But I'm wanting to make this decision carefully. The most demanding thing I do is using DP, AU plugs & VI's, and occasionally audio for video. I use Pianoteq, Kontakt, and MainStage2.
As the OP for the wandering thread, I was in the same position as you recently.
stubbsonic wrote:
Though on some levels I'm a "power user" there are gaps in my knowledge. I could use some advice. I also can't put into perspective how much I might appreciate higher res display, flash storage, and a lighter laptop.
Sounds similar to me.
stubbsonic wrote:
Below I've pasted a breakdown of the features and some things I'm trying to weigh. Any thoughts or advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! Sorry it's a bit long-winded!!
I've done a fair amount of research, although I'm not the total Mac fanboy some folks are.
stubbsonic wrote:
FIREWIRE:
I have an RME FF800 and an Echo AudioFire4. The new standard MBPs have built-in FW, the Retina MBP does not. It is possible that both interfaces will work perfectly through a THUNDERBOLT-to-FW adapter.
I have no experience with the adapters, but I assume the FW 400-800 adapters (which come in cable form) are more reliable than the current crop of early Thunderbolt adapters. I'm looking forward to the high end interfaces (Apogee? RME? Lynx?) to adopt this new Thunderbolt standard. For now, I'm more comfortable with FW adapters. For reasons I explain later on, I'm not a fan of the Retina MBPs, especially for DAW purposes.
stubbsonic wrote:
AUDIO:
The Retina MBP has improved built-in speakers, and stereo mics, but lacks an audio input.
The Retina MPB is quieter because of improved fans and FLASH storage.
The hype from Cuppertino is better speakers, quieter fans. But I read a review that said the fans sound different though not really quieter. As for speakers, I wouldn't consider any laptop speakers to be remotely adequate for real audio work, same for mics.
stubbsonic wrote:
The STD MBPs have audio inputs. The speakers are not great.
Again, I doubt the RMBP is anything to crow about.
stubbsonic wrote:
PERFORMANCE:
I don't know how much I might gain from having quad-cores vs. dual-core. I can choose dual-core (13") or quad-core i7's in the standard 15" MBP, and the Retina MBP.
For 64-bit applications, where DP 8 is already and most the apps you cited are, or are going to be, you'll need lots of CPU cores (4 is better than 2) and lots of RAM. I just upgraded my late 2011 15" MBP with 16G RAM for $95 and ten minutes of work. As I use more 64 bit applications, I'll have tons of headroom.
stubbsonic wrote:
GRAPHICS:
I can choose integrated graphics only (at the bottom end) and super graphics at the top end, regardless of models. The retina display does look nice, but I don't know how important it is to me in the day-to-day.
I'm using a late 2011 15" MBP right now and frankly, the display is pretty amazing. I'm sure the retina model is better, but how good does it have to be to be a DAW?
stubbsonic wrote:
STORAGE:
I can choose an SSD option for STD MBP's for $900. Or I can get the integrated flash with the Retina MBP.
If money is at all an issue, you can save a ton by buying the base model and putting your own SSD in. I got a 256G Crucial M4 SSD for $179 when I bought my MBP from bhphotovideo.com. Apple charges waaaaay too much for an SSD and RAM. It's an easy upgrade too. I spent less than $2000 and I'm upgrading to 16G RAM, a 256 SSD and a secondary 7200 RPM HD in place of the optical drive. If I paid Apple to do it, I would mortgage my first born.
stubbsonic wrote:
STANDARD MBP
+ Includes FW
+ Includes audio INPUT
+ Integrated superdrive
+ Easier to service, swap out drive, battery, etc.
+ Optional 1680x1050 resolution
- Weak speakers in 13" MBP
- Heavier
The fact that it has legacy ports (FW, Ethernet) and user-upgradeable RAM and Storage is HUGE to me. As my audio needs evolve, I'll be able to evolve my MBP around them. This was the single biggest driver in my decision (that, and cost).
stubbsonic wrote:
RETINA MBP
+ Lighter
+ Super high-Res display 2880x1800
+ Integrated Flash (SSD)
+ Improved built-in speakers & mics
+ quieter (due to flash drive & quiet fans)
- No audio input
- Less servicable-- display, battery, etc.
- No native FW port (potential compatibility issues?)
- More fragile?
Since you can upgrade drive to SSD on the standard MBP, you've eliminated your pluses to Retina display and ALLEGEDLY quieter fan
stubbsonic wrote:
EDU PRICES (sans SSD):
$1582 13" MBP: 2.9 GHz dual-core i7, Standard 8GB RAM, AppleCare
$2208 15" MBP :2.3 GHz quad-core i7, 8 GB RAM, 750 GB ATA drive, Hi-Res Display, AppleCare
$3097 15" Retina MBP: 2.6 GHz Quad-core, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, add USB super-drive, AppleCare
If you really are concerned about cost, you can get the late 2011 models for very cheap. They are ever so slightly slower and only support USB 2.0, not 3.0 like the new non-Retina models. I got my 15" 2.2GHz late 2011 for $1499 from B&H. No sales tax, free shipping, half priced AppleCare, free Parallels software, and great discounts on RAM and SSD.
I could certainly be accused of giving you advice to defend my decisions, but I think my research has been objective and geared toward the same goals you're seeking. I may perhaps be a bit more of a penny-pincher and a fearless do it yourself.