Is it really worth upgrading to the new MBP Retina yet?
Hey guys, like many of you out there, I’m a sufferer of R.G.A.S. and this new MBP is looking really good, but on the other hand I already have a fairly new MBP (2011) already. Now since it came out I’ve been trying to justify to myself reasons to get it even though technically I don’t really need it, as mine’s still rocking it.
Now I’ve also been reading about the USB 3 issues and how some DJ equipment does not want to work, it’s like the new MBP is ahead of it’s time. So with these things in mind, is it really worth selling my current MBP and getting the new one, maybe waiting it out bit until the companies in the market release firmware updates to iron out the issues? So what do you think, yes go for it, or wait?
simple answer is NO. If you have any of the controllers soundcard that don’t work with USB3 and you sell your current already working fully capable of what you need it to do, to get a new not working with your other gear. you could be without a working setup that might take months or even need new hardware to get working again. Just so you can have a better screen that has a resoltion you might not need in everyday work.
On the other hand if you do grapics or video then it’s an other storry. I have a 1280x800 screen and thats fine for 2 decks in traktor and ok for 4 decks. Your current mac works new might not so it’s a gamble and it’s you money. also worth to remember they are not upgradable so want more ram you need to buy a new one.
From the latest issue of MacLife (Kindle version);
“…The Retina display is a a beauty-depending on which app you’re using. If you use a lot of Apple apps (Mail, iCal, iPhoto or Aperture, iTunes, Safari, Final Cut Pro, and so on), everything looks great, with sharp text and bright images that look more like a printed page than a computer display. But if you’re using an app built for a lower-resolution display, it’s possible the text and images will appear blurry…”
Traktor Pro, or whatever software you’re using, may or may not look better with the Retina Display.
Also keep in mind that RAM, hard drive and the battery are NOT user upgradeable.
Since your current MBP is “still rocking it”, I say save your money for better things.
If you already have a newish mac book pro, then do not waste your money. You’re better off buying an SSD for your mac. The new ones are way over priced right now anyway, for what is basically a high resolution screen and a few other doodads. The only thing that makes the new one truly stand out is the SSD, which you can easily swap your HD out for. This will make your mac run like the new ones for about $200 - $400 depending on the size SSD you want. I plan to get a 256GB for mine this christmas when prices go down
Personally I can’t wait for other brands to bump up their resolutions in response. I’m not an apple fan in any way but man, I’m glad they made this move. Resolutions have been the same for way too long!
No - Traktor looks great. It isn’t full resolution like NI’s big three (Kontakt, Reaktor, Guitar Rig) but it certainly doesn’t display unusably small.
It will NOT look exactly the same. I have both a rMBP (which I’m typing on) and a MBP from the last generation.
Logic (which the OP uses), Ableton, Pro Tools, and the NI VSTs look so much better to me on my newer computer.
My dream computer right now is your current one, the new one doesn’t have much appeal to me. I’m hoping in the future releases the pro line is back to pro and user upgradable. I think you probably got the last of generation and probably the best sitting in front of you right now.
I chose the normal Macbook Pro over the retina display for a myriad of reasons.. But the main one being it had no CD drive. That probably sounds a bit ridiculous when I use Traktor/X1/Audio 8 but I’ve seen many times when the macbook is of no use. Poor setup in a club, booth too small for equipment, DJ forgetting the power cable for the mac and having to burn CD’s before the battery drains. Always need a back up.
The issues with USB 3.0 didn’t apply for myself.. Simply because they were present in both MBP and RMBP. Haven’t tried the beta drivers for Traktor for Mountain Lion OS.. I’m sticking with Lion for the time being with the USBKextEditor fix.
Also… upgraded my macbook pro from 4GB to 8GB with memory from crucial. Better to spend £40 with Crucial than £80+ with Apple.
Thanks for all the prompt responses guys, reminds me why I love this forum so much.
Anyway after reading all your thoughts and advices, I’m still thinking it through. I’m also wondering if it’s possible to up the speed of the RAM on my current MBP as it’s only a 2.0 GHZ i7, not like the all new powerful MBP. Is it possible to boost the power, cos then maybe I can pop in an SSD, and save some $$$.
This is a question I have as well. This is what I am planning to buy:
Numark 4 Track
F1 Kontrol
Midi Fighter 3D
Traktor 2.5
Ableton Suite 8
External HD which is Thunder compatible
I liked the idea of a clearer screen, but have also heard there have been glitches and issues of hardware not working (i.e. 4 Track or Traktor 2.5). Now I know they have a beta driver up but still not sure what to do either.
So the MBP Retina can not be user upgraded for things like memory, RAM, etc? Would I need to?
I just want to get a Mac that will be able to handle all the equipment I am getting (with more later) that will also give me a clear enough screen for looking at fine print stuff on the computer while playing (eyes aren’t what they used to be! lol).
