Why I chose rMBP over Macbook?

[manmit]

My workflow: Have these programs running simultaneously - slack, excel, 4 safari tabs, airmail, calendar, and powerpoint.

I recently posted a thread to help me decide between macbook (M7 - 2016) and 13-inch rMBP. Thank you for suggestions. I purchased macbook and tried for 10 days and then returned for rMBP. Just wanted to share my experience:

Macbook likes:
1. Keyboard (surprisingly)
2. Insanely light weight
3. Screen quality
4. Ability to charge with external battery packs
5. Truly a device that can be used on lap without feeling the weight

One port was really not an issue as most of my stuff is on cloud.

Macbook dislikes:
1. To get serious work done, I really missed the screen estate. I could not work long on macbook due to smaller fonts (did try to increase the fonts as well). I frequently had to lean forward to read and get the work done with concentration

2. Battery life was mediocre. I was getting about 7-8 hours. While this is far better than PCs.

3. The cost. Refurbished rMBP (256gb) was $200 cheaper than macbook

Bought rMBP and after 11 days, I am damn sure that rMBP is the right machine in terms of all aspects. Couldn't be much happier.

 

[MH01]

The 13" rMBP is a much better machine for the money. If the air got a Retina display it would be the best one

 

[RUGGLES99]

I agree with your decision. I bought the RMB almost a year ago and still have it and it is a pretty amazing little computer. But I got miffed with the small screen and weird keyboard. The longer I had it the less impressed I was with it. Recently got a 13" 2015 RMBP, 8/256 and it fits the bill perfectly.

 

[deeddawg]

The 13" rMBP is a much better machine for the money. If the air got a Retina display it would be the best one

Depends on your definition of "better". The rMB's strong point is its ultraportability. If that has little value to someone, then the MBA or rMBP is may be their better choice.

 

[MH01]

Depends on your definition of "better". The rMB's strength is it's ultraportability. If that feature has little value to someone, then the MBA or rMBP is may be the better choice.

When I combine the attributes of portability , power, battery , performance with equal weightings, the rMBP wins.

I own a rMP cause I bought it for its portability being the main priority