Tag Archives: retina display

Mac

Is the retina display worth the extra cost?

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If you’re in the market for a MacBook, you’ve got a lot of choices to consider, and a big one is whether or not it’s worthwhile to buy your new computer with retina display. The cost of doing so is higher, of course, but are the improved features worth the price?

The choice of whether or not to go for the retina display likely depends on a few factors. First, if you intend to work on graphic design, video or photo editing projects, you’ll appreciate the significantly improved picture quality. Second, if you have the extra money to spend and want the latest technology, then you may be inclined to go for the model with the new screen.

At present, a 13-inch MacBook Pro without retina display costs between $1199.00 and $1499.00 through the Apple Store, while the comparable model with retina display will set you back $1499.00 to $1699.00. The standard 15-inch model is $1799.00, while the price of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with retina display is a fair bit higher, priced between $2199.00 and $2799.00.

Retina Display Comparison
13-Inch MacBook Pro Retina Display Comparison

Some people don’t feel the extra expense is worthwhile for those who primarily use their Mac for tasks such as word processing, checking email and surfing the Internet. Others point out that the first generation of Macs with retina display have some drawbacks, and it may be wiser to wait for the next iteration with the bugs eliminated. However, plenty of early adopters are jumping on board, with many insisting that retina display makes user experiences for basic computing better and even text appear sharper.

The primary argument, besides price, for not purchasing a MacBook Pro with retina display is that some consumers with it have experienced various significant stability issues. Display defects, mainly with models that use the LG display as opposed to Samsung, have been reported. Other problems include graphics hiccups and troubles with battery life. Apple has now recognized the issues and is working with customers to address and rectify them.

Stability concerns aside, however, there is no denying the retina display looks stunning. The MacBook Pro with retina display features a tremendous 4 million pixels on the 13-inch model and 5 million on the 15-inch model. The retina display is also significantly brighter and glossier, boasting 263 lux and improved color saturation.

There are other advantages to choosing between the two types of MacBook Pro as well, including advanced all-flash architecture, more powerful Intel processors and additional RAM. Furthermore, more apps are being developed specifically to take advantage of Apple devices with retina display.

Whichever you choose, buying a new Mac is a significant investment. Start by identifying your specific needs and budget, and then access the many online resources that will allow you to read reviews and compare different models. Finally, it never hurts to pay a visit to the nearest Apple Store, even if you intend to purchase your computer online. Doing so will allow you to compare the standard and retina displays in person and make an informed decision.

While the standard Mac screen quality is still excellent, there’s no denying that retina display is the way of the future. At this time, sound arguments can be made for choosing either. Your best option is simply to do your research and pick what suits you best.

iPad

Apple fans rejoice over iPad Mini display and new iPad Air

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Apple’s latest announcement event revealed many new developments, but none more prominent than the changes to the iPad and iPad Mini. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the tech giant has come out with a revamped, renamed full-size tablet as well as an upgraded miniature version.

The latest-generation iPad, now called the iPad Air, is thinner and lighter than ever. At a mere 7.5 mm thick it’s 20% more svelte than the previous model. For those who recall how compact the first iPad seemed, just a few years ago, the iPad Air makes it seem like a cinder block in comparison.

Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air – Thinner and Lighter

Other features that make it the iPad Air awesome on the outside include its brilliant 9.7-inch retina display and choice of colors – consumers can choose whether they want a silver and white model or a space grey and black one.

But it’s not just pretty to look at. The iPad Air is also, of course, faster and more powerful than the last iPad. Taking a cue from the stunning iPhone 5s, it features the incredible A7 chip and M7 co-processor with 64-bit architecture. Whether you commonly use your iPad to watch Netflix, play the new CSR Classics or edit iWork documents, this makes it the ultimate, portable media centre, gaming console and on-the-go work machine.

Other updates for the latest iPad include a 5 MP iSight camera, which can shoot 1080P quality video, and MIMO technology, which includes multiple antennae in the iPad Air for improved Wi-Fi reception.

At $499 for a 16GB Wi-Fi-only model, $629 for a 16GB Wi-Fi and cellular edition or $799 for the brand new 128GB one, the new iPad Air isn’t cheap. However, the updates increase its computing power and make it a realistic alternative to a laptop for ultra-portable computing.

Apple has overhauled the handy little iPad Mini, too. Though not as powerful as the iPad Air, or even the new iPhone 5s, it has been upgraded to feature a 64-bit A5 processor. Consequently, it’s four times faster than its predecessor. It also has eight times the graphics capabilities.

Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display
Apple iPad Mini now with Retina Display

With a 7.9-inch retina display, 5 MP, 1080P iSight camera and 10 hours of battery life, the iPad Mini is no slouch. In fact, it may become the common option for the average consumer who’s after a tablet to play games and check Facebook on but doesn’t require something as powerful and expensive as the iPad Air.

At $329 for a 16GB Wi-Fi-only model or $529 for one that also includes cellular, the iPad Mini is easier on the wallet than the iPad Air. With its upgraded technology and lower price point, it’s likely to become a hot seller this holiday season. Whether you have a technology fanatic in the family, or even just someone who’d appreciate an e-reader that can do more than just store and display books, the iPad Mini is a popular choice.

While the iPad updates that did come out of Apple’s latest event were certainly buzz-worthy, there were a few rumored announcements that never got made. Among them was the noticeable lack of a gold iPad to coordinate with the gold iPhone 5s. More importantly, however, there was no upgrade to fingerprint-sensing Touch ID on the iPads just like the new iPhone 5s. Furthermore, many tech experts expected Apple to come out with smart covers that contain keyboards, similar to the Surface tablet, but those were skipped over as well.

Perhaps Touch ID and other updates that were missed this time will be included in the next iteration of the iPad. Regardless, the iPad Air and new iPad Mini are sure to have people lining up outside Apple stores worldwide very soon.