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Apple Computing Products:
macOS - Notebook Hardware
Mac Pro 2.7 8GB vs Mac Pro Retina 2.6 16GB
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<blockquote data-quote="Checco" data-source="post: 1424882" data-attributes="member: 222519"><p>Hi Sofa,</p><p></p><p>there seems to be a lot of debate out there at the moment about the Retina. No doubt, it's a fast machine, has a beautiful screen and is compact. However, there are drawbacks: no upgrade path for RAM and possibly one in future for the SSD. Battery replacement also seems to be something that will need to be left to Apple. As you point out, it's also missing an Ethernet port and a DVD drive, although these can be bought as externals. But...if you spec a Retina system with 16GB RAM and at least 512GB SSD, I reckon it'll suffice for say 3-4 years, possibly even 5. Depends on your battery usage as well, obviously.</p><p></p><p>On the other hand, for less money you can buy the traditional Pro with a decent 7200rpm HDD, upgrade the RAM yourself (saving $$) and have a fair amount of money to put away either for your next Macbook or towards a future SSD upgrade. I don't think 0.1GHz is much, so that isn't what's going to be your decider. </p><p></p><p>The other factor is the amount you're going to be on the move. If you are frequently mobile, the Retina is lighter with more screen real-estate, which is nicer for coding. If quite seldom, then a normal Pro with a Thunderbolt Display becomes an option. </p><p></p><p>I'm not sure what your preference would be towards running Windows, but whether Bootcamp or Virtual, I'm sure both machines will run either option equally well. I run Win 7 x64 Pro in Fusion and develop in Delphi using SQL Server...runs like a dream on my mid-2011 iMac. </p><p></p><p>If I were to make a call, I'd say go with the normal Pro.</p><p></p><p>Good luck in deciding!</p><p></p><p>PS Check out the tear downs at iFixit.com</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Checco, post: 1424882, member: 222519"] Hi Sofa, there seems to be a lot of debate out there at the moment about the Retina. No doubt, it's a fast machine, has a beautiful screen and is compact. However, there are drawbacks: no upgrade path for RAM and possibly one in future for the SSD. Battery replacement also seems to be something that will need to be left to Apple. As you point out, it's also missing an Ethernet port and a DVD drive, although these can be bought as externals. But...if you spec a Retina system with 16GB RAM and at least 512GB SSD, I reckon it'll suffice for say 3-4 years, possibly even 5. Depends on your battery usage as well, obviously. On the other hand, for less money you can buy the traditional Pro with a decent 7200rpm HDD, upgrade the RAM yourself (saving $$) and have a fair amount of money to put away either for your next Macbook or towards a future SSD upgrade. I don't think 0.1GHz is much, so that isn't what's going to be your decider. The other factor is the amount you're going to be on the move. If you are frequently mobile, the Retina is lighter with more screen real-estate, which is nicer for coding. If quite seldom, then a normal Pro with a Thunderbolt Display becomes an option. I'm not sure what your preference would be towards running Windows, but whether Bootcamp or Virtual, I'm sure both machines will run either option equally well. I run Win 7 x64 Pro in Fusion and develop in Delphi using SQL Server...runs like a dream on my mid-2011 iMac. If I were to make a call, I'd say go with the normal Pro. Good luck in deciding! PS Check out the tear downs at iFixit.com [/QUOTE]
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Apple Computing Products:
macOS - Notebook Hardware
Mac Pro 2.7 8GB vs Mac Pro Retina 2.6 16GB
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