New MBP, should I buy the one with the Retina screen?
I’ll buy the machine primarily for DJing, but it will also be used browsing, reading mail, Photoshop and Indesign. My question is simply if I should buy the MBP with Retina, or without. Will it make any difference at all when using Tractor?
Do you use MacBook Pro for DJ? Do you have the Retina option?
Save 600 bucks and buy an Ultra book.. hah
And if you are unsure if a high resolution screen is going to make a difference with a software application, you most likely dont need it. Its just a screen bro..
no its a waste of money. Would rather spend that 600 on upgrading the ram or HDD of the MBP
do you have good eyes? Traktor text might dam small on the retina display.
I have an 15" Macbook pro (no retina) and it’s perfect for Traktor
You won’t notice any improvement with Traktor, or many of the other music software packages, like Ableton Live. In fact, you may even notice a slight reduction in image quality as these applications haven’t been optimized for the retina resolution yet. So, if anything, things will look a bit blurry.
Personally, it doesn’t bother me that much. When you’re using a retina-ready app and go to something like Traktor, it’s pretty obvious, but then you forget about it pretty quickly. Especially for something like DJing, and you’re standing back from the screen quite a bit, you won’t notice it at all.
If I were you, just go for the retina display. Other computer companies are starting to do their own version of “retina displays,” so it’s definitely future-proofing yourself.
NOOOOOOOO, less USB ports, no CD drive I wouldn’t touch it. Get the older model = less money, more functionality.
The unibody pro only has 2 usb ports as well. I didn’t give a rip about losing a cd drive. I can share the one plugged into my mini, or throw it into my bag for that rare occasion (read: never) that I might want to play a cd when I’m not home.
If the non-retina optimized apps bother you, the resolution can be scaled from the display settings. It taxes the system a little bit more, but not enough that you’ll ever notice.
FWIW, I had a 2010 macbook pro with 8 gigs of a RAM and a Seagate Momentus XT prior to my upgrade and didn’t notice a dramatic difference in speed/load times. Cost after my upgrades was ~1300 +, and my retina was 1600 with the 256gb drive. So 300 bucks for the panel and the SSD, which I personally found to be worth it. Others may not.
Just remember you lose the ability for upgrades, so what you purchase is what you get. There are some 3rd party options for an SSD out there, but are expensive (not like it’s much cheaper from Apple).
I’m going to assume you mean the 13’ retina at which stage I’d say YES 100% the retina is well worth while in the 13’ model… especially for Photoshop, Traktor or Ableton.
If its the 15’ model, its really up to you as the screen has plenty of pixels anyhow and you can upgrade a lil bit yourself.
The 13’ has the same number of usb ports.
However factor in there will be some Macbook revisions shortly, probably in July which may make the older non-retina models obsolete.
I really don’t get why people can’t make their own decision on what laptop to buy…
All of the new laptops will be able to run any DJ/Production software easily…
As far as lack of CD drive… who actually uses CDs anymore?
ppl who use cdjs?
I had to choose between a MBP 15" retina/sans retina recently and decided to go with the non retina display. The reason for my choice was due to the ability to upgrade the RAM on the current non retina MBP, I believe the Retina display MBP doesn’t allow this as the RAM is soldered onto the board. In addition I understand the superdrive on the non retina MBP can be switched for a ssd should the fancy take you, obviously it cannot on the Retina version.
The above not withstanding I have yet to do either as it runs like a trooper in its standard build.
if you are about to buy a new MacbookPro, I would wait it out until June 10 as Apple is have their annual WWDC where they usually announce newer model. Rumors say they are going to refresh the MBP too.
It would def suck to spend 1k+ and it already be the “older” model after only three weeks.
Well I can tell you that I went into best buy dead set on a non retina 13" mbp and it almost worked. The problem is once you put the retina next to the regular mbp its not even a comparison. The screen is absolutely incredible in comparison, not to mention its much lighter and thinner. It’s like the form factor of an air with the functionality of the pro. I am 100% happy that I spent the extra money on the retina and would do the same again.
I mainly use it for traktor, photoshop, and ableton (though admittedly ableton isnt exactly optimized for the retina screen) but it makes reading text and viewing images so much easier on the eyes.
Choice is yours but I felt like if im already spending at least 1000 bucks on this, I want to feel like its not gonna be outdated in a year
I use a rMBP, and I find the increased resolution awesome for day to day things like web surfing and email. Traktor doesn’t look particularly bad with the retina, most apps don’t actually. Except Ableton Live, that still looks really bad on the retina. The biggest difference for me is my eyes are MUCH less stressed at the end of the day.
It definitely might pay to wait:
I use a rMBP - I highly recommend it.
Also, guys, you can make the Traktor text any size or font you’d like.
Can usually use USB sticks unless the club is running on ancient gear 
Portable CD Drive 
Ah now stop being sensible FFS
I run a rMBP 13’, do you guys know if I can upgrade my SSD ? I currently have 128GB but would like 256 or even 512! Is it something I can buy and change at home?