Friday, June 27, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina assessment
With its crazy-sharp 2880 x 1800-pixel solution, the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina put on show hard a new to the job standard on behalf of laptop screens whilst it debuted carry on time. Since followed by, Windows notebook makers give rolled banned Retina-like competitors, but at present Apple is banned to leapfrog the prevent again. Preliminary by the side of a let fall $1,999 ($2,599 to the same degree configured), the new to the job 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro adds Intel's fourth-generation meat computer on behalf of better performance and battery life along with much earlier flicker remembrance. Our config came fully loaded with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of flicker luggage compartment and Nvidia GT 750M graphics. Plus, Apple at present includes its new to the job iWork and iLife suites on behalf of complimentary. The consequence is a 4.5-pound castle in the sky machinery on behalf of power users.
Design
Apple didn't loose change no matter which with reference to the 15-inch MacBook Pro's design, but we're not complaining. The silver aluminum armature has the same solid and premium look and feel to the same degree ahead of, with a black bezel around the put on show only if a pop of contrast. On the lid you'll get hold of Apple's trade name backlit logo, and the deck houses a backlit baby grand flanked by two speakers.
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013)
Weighing 4.5 pounds and measuring 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.71 inches, the 15-inch MacBook Pro is trivial sufficient to fit on airline tray (we tried it), but it won't leave space on behalf of much to boot. This machinery isn't ideal on behalf of frequent travelers (it's with reference to a crush heavier than the new to the job 13-inch Pro) but if you really need a batch of horsepower on the road you'll probably survive fine with the bigger footprint.
Amid other 15-inch Windows notebooks with the aim of are comparable in the sphere of size to the MacBook Pro, the ASUS Zenbook UX51Vz weighs 4.6 pounds and measures a taller and wider 15 x 10 x 0.2-0.8 inches. The clearing XPS 15 contact is a contact bigger by the side of 14.6 x 10 x 0.3-0.7 inches, but weighs a small percentage excluding, by the side of 4.44 pounds.
Ports
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) PortsThe gone wall of the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro houses two new to the job Thunderbolt 2 ports with the aim of oath twice the bandwidth of the creative Thunderbolt. We're chatting up to 20 Gbps, or else four time earlier than USB 3.0. To the same degree the humankind waits on behalf of blazing-fast peripherals to match, you can function single of two USB 3.0 ports (one on the gone and on the right). The MagSafe 2 power connector, earphone jack and dual microphones additionally line the gone wall.
In the sphere of addition to a succeeding USB 3.0 docks, the totally wall of the MacBook Pro has an SD tag slot and HDMI docks. We still get hold of it maddening with the aim of remembrance cards protrude from the notebook whilst inserted.
Cook and blare
While running various benchmarks, the MacBook Pro's fan occasionally got loud sufficient on behalf of us to hear it from across the space, but it wasn't too disconcerting.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro can run quite cheerful under stress. Bearing in mind in performance "World of Warcraft" on behalf of 15 minutes, the substructure of the notebook and the spotlight of the baby grand reached 108 degrees, We consider no matter which beyond 95 degrees to survive uncomfortable. By the side of smallest amount the touchpad stayed a cool 80 degrees.
Fortunately, this laptop remained absolutely chilly bearing in mind streaming a Hulu capture on tape on behalf of 15 minutes. The substructure spotlight area registered 84 degrees, the touchpad 78 and the area concerning the G and H keys 91 degrees. With the aim of same scorching situation from our gaming test--the underside come up to the hinge-reached 94 degrees.
Put on show
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) DisplayEven bearing in mind a time we're still infatuated with the Retina put on show on the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This panel is lively and offers a fantastic amount of allocate along with rich and bold ensign. With a solution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, everything from app icons in the sphere of Launchpad and text on websites to high-resolution photos looked razor sharp-witted.
Whilst viewing the complete HD promo on behalf of "Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the Shire looked so verdant with the aim of it felt like we may well grasp banned and contact the grass. We may well additionally concoct banned each furrow in the sphere of Gandalf's brow. Gratitude to the 178-degree viewing angles, three nation can definitely group around this notebook to outlook content.
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) ScreenWe additionally enjoyed an ornate 2880 x 1800-pixel image of a Japan pagoda by the side of night. The gold-and- azure-blue assembly popped inedible the screen, and we may well detect very fine details in the sphere of the facade.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro's screen is masses lively, too. The panel measured 324 lux on our light indicator, compared to 267 lux on behalf of the Asus Zenbook UX51vz. The kind common is 202 lux.
Our just complaint with reference to this panel is with the aim of it can survive fractious to read outdoors due to glare. Viewing angles were narrow to the same degree we tried to take a little photos of the screen.
The just 15-inch notebook we've reviewed with the aim of comes close to this MacBook Pro in the sphere of conditions of solution is the Asus UX51Vz, which has a 2880 x 1660-pixel screen. Dell's new to the job XPS 15 has an even advanced 3200 x 1800-pixel put on show, but both it and the ASUS lack the Mac App Store's additional than 250 apps optimized on behalf of Retina Displays.
Audio
With two speakers on either wall of the baby grand, the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro offers patent audio even by the side of top figure volume. The notebook crammed nearly everyone of our lodge space with sound whilst we cranked up Ellie Goulding's "Burn." Her raspy vocals really penetrated yet balanced nicely with the alive beat. However, we accomplish hope for this MacBook had a richer substructure conclusion.
Webcam
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) Screen WebcamApple continues to outclass nearly everyone Windows notebook makers with its FaceTime HD cameras. The 1280 x 720p camera atop the 15-inch MacBook Pro captured a cheerful and accurate image of our features to the same degree we waited on behalf of a air travel. Near was a trace of fuzziness in the sphere of the shot, but we may well definitely concoct banned details in the sphere of our shirt and jacket.
Baby grand and Touchpad
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) KeyboardThe 15-inch MacBook Pro line keeps the same heroic explain to the same degree it predecessor, with black keys with the aim of provide masses of travel and snappy response. Both key in is individually backlit, making it comfortable to type in the sphere of dim lighting. We additionally noticed nil warm up to the same degree we typed this assessment. The top row houses several useful express measures keys, plus brightness controls, shortcuts on behalf of Mission Control and Launchpad and media controls.
The 4.1 x 3-inch goblet touchpad on this laptop is to the same degree smooth and trustworthy to the same degree still. We especially like the capability to present the desktop (spread with three fingers) and launch Mission Control (four fingers up). Swiping in the sphere of with two fingers from the totally shows your alerts in the sphere of the Notification spotlight. Unlike many Windows tackle, pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling is like butter.
Performance
We reviewed the high-end configuration of the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, which was built to delight multitaskers. Our type skin texture a fourth-generation 2.3-GHz Intel meat i7 quad-core computer, a whopping 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of PCIe flicker remembrance. There's additionally Nvidia GeForce GT 750M discrete graphics on board with 2GB of capture on tape remembrance.
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) PerformanceWhether you're handing out natural images or else transcoding capture on tape, you'll give a tough instant getting this procedure to cringe under a minder load. Plus, the Pro flew through various benchmarks.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro on track inedible resilient with a 14-second gumboot instant, which is a succeeding earlier than the last-gen type and additional than twice to the same degree fast to the same degree the common Windows notebook. However, the ASUS Zenbook UX51vz booted Windows 8 in the sphere of definitely 9 seconds.
On Geekbench 3, which measures overall performance, the hottest Pro jagged 13,652. With the aim of beats the elder model's already impressive 11,928 mark by 14 percent, which sported a 2.3-GHz quad-core Intel meat i7 computer, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of flicker luggage compartment and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics with 1GB of capture on tape remembrance. The new to the job MacBook additionally not quite doubles the kind common (6,971).
To position this amount in the sphere of perspective, the MacBook Pro runs circles around the MSI GS70 gaming notebook with a 2.4-GHz Intel meat i7-4700HQ CPU with 16GB of RAM, dual 128GB SSDs and Nvidia GeForce GTX 765M GPU with 2GB of capture on tape remembrance. With the aim of rig scored 9,717 on the same test. The Asus ZenBook UX51Vz (2.2-GHz Intel meat i7-3632QM, 8GB of remembrance, 256GB SSD, Nvidia GT 650M graphics) registered just 8,672, but it used an elder third-gen Intel damage.
Subsequently, we fired up Cinebench R15, which measures CPU and graphics performance (more on the latter below). On the handing out portion of this test the 15-inch MacBook Pro scored 598, compared to 552 on behalf of the elder type.
The PCIe SSD inside the new to the job MacBook Pro agreed screams. The flicker luggage compartment duplicated 4.97 GB of library in the sphere of definitely 16.5 seconds, worthy on behalf of a hand over rate of 309 MBps. That's much advanced than the carry on MacBook Pro's 196 MBps and not quite seven time the kind common. The ASUS Zenbook UX51V was to some extent earlier by the side of 318 MBps, but the MSI GS70 was with reference to partly to the same degree fast by the side of 154 MBps. The hottest Alienware 17 reached 182 MBps.
To promote test the 15-inch MacBook Pro, we ran our OpenOffice Test, which matches 20,000 names and addresses using a Macro. The new to the job 15-inch MacBook Pro finished in the sphere of 4 minutes and 14 seconds, additional than a record earlier than the 5:35 kind common. The ASUS UX51V finished in the sphere of a to some extent slower 4:33 but the MSI GS70 (4:08) and Alienware 17 (3:42 were faster).
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013)Lastly, we transcoded a 720p capture on tape promo on both the new to the job and elder 15-inch MacBook Pro in the sphere of iMovie bearing in mind applying the castle in the sky effect and using the Enhance tool. The hottest type took 1 record and 6 seconds to completion our task, versus 1:20 seconds on behalf of the earlier MacBook. Apply with the aim of rate gain across a better project and this procedure may well save you a little serious instant.
Graphics
Our configuration of the MacBook Pro is a graphics powerhouse, to the same degree it skin texture both Intel Iris Pro graphics and a discrete GeForce GT 750M tag with automatic graphics switching. Even if you don't opt on behalf of the discrete GPU, Apple says the new to the job Pro ropes dual put on show output by the side of up to 2560 x 1600 pixels, a benefit on behalf of creative pros.
The 15-inch Pro proved its grit in the sphere of the OpenGL portion of Cinebench, scoring 54.08 fps. The prior type yielded 46 fps. On the separate and elder Cinebench 11.5, which we've run on several Windows laptops, the 15-inch Pro jagged 45.1 fps, compared with a advanced 60 fps on behalf of the MSI GS70 and 64 fps on behalf of the Alienware 17. However, the elder Pro just mustered 33 fps.
What did you say? With reference to gaming? You can in point of fact fool around evident titles by the side of a smooth frame rate, even by the side of the MacBook Pro's native solution. On "World of Warcraft," the procedure delivered 49 fps on worthy and 2800 x 1800 pixels (with an incredible level of detail) but with the aim of dropped to an unplayable 24.7 fps on Ultra. Whilst we dished the solution down to 1920 x 1200 pixels and gone the settings on worthy, the MacBook Pro's frame rate jumped to 80.7 fps.
The similarly priced ASUS UX51Vz with Nvidia GT650M graphics on hand comparable performance on the same tests. By the side of its native 2880 x 1620 solution, the ASUS registered 47 fps on worthy and 26 fps on Ultra.
Nonetheless, the 15-inch MacBook Pro is rebuff match on behalf of out-and-out gaming rigs -- even cheaper models. On the same game the MSI GS70 (Nvidia GeForce GTX 765M GPU with 2GB) reached 73 fps on pass with flying colors settings and 1920 x 1080 pixels. Although with the aim of solution option wasn't to be had on the MacBook, it posted a much let fall 39 fps on Ultra and 1920 x 1200 pixels. If you're willing to dial the setting back by the side of this solution, the Apple laptop can complete 81 fps. The Alienware 17 cracked 103 fps on Ultra and 1080p.
Battery Life
Apple promised an optional extra hour of battery life, and it delivered. Gratitude to a combination of Intel's Haswell architecture and a little efficiencies gained in the sphere of OS X Mavericks, the 15-inch MacBook Pro lasted 8 hours and 57 minutes in the sphere of the LAPTOP Battery Test. This test continuously surfs the net by the side of 40 percent brightness. The prior MacBook Pro lasted 8:02. The 15-inch Asus Zenbook UX51Vz with Haswell lasted just with reference to partly to the same degree prolonged by the side of 4:38.
OS X Mavericks and Software
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) TabsThe 15-inch MacBook Pro comes with the new to the job OS X Mavericks software, which has masses of functional enhancements and new to the job skin texture. On behalf of instance, the Finder at present ropes Tabs, making it easier to multitask, to the same degree well to the same degree Tags on behalf of keeping linked items in the sphere of single place. We additionally value the capability to respond to emails and iMessages unequivocally from notifications, though we'd like to envision it go on to third-party apps such to the same degree Hipchat.
Other long-awaited new to the job goodies include improved support on behalf of outer displays (you can at present die complete screen with apps on the succeeding monitor) and iCloud keychain on behalf of keeping your passwords and payment info synced across your notebook, iPad and iPhone. Apple additionally throws in the sphere of its Maps --complete with 3D flyovers and the capability to throw commands to your iPhone -- and iBooks apps.
It gets better. Apple is additionally plus not just its revamped iLife suite (iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband) on behalf of complimentary but additionally iWork. Although it's still not quite intuitive sufficient on behalf of newbies, we had a blast in performance with the new to the job iMovie. You can enhance footage in the sphere of real instant (just to the same degree you would photos) and apply all sorts of fun possessions.
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) App StoreIf you're looking on behalf of a silky administrative center alternative, check banned the new to the job iWork suite. A new to the job contextual panel on the totally wall makes it comfortable to drive complete screen with no having to keep hunting on behalf of the menu inn up top. The new to the job Keynote is the start of the present, gratitude to splendid new to the job transitions and the capability to rouse your data.
The Mac App mass continues to survive a heroic source on behalf of downloads, plus Mint, Kindle Evernote and games such to the same degree "Grand Theft automobile San Andreas" and "Shadowgun: DeadZone."
Configuration Options
The preliminary $1,999 version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina put on show packs a 2-GHz quad-core Intel meat i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of PCIe luggage compartment. You'll additionally cause Iris Pro graphics. Stepping up to pricier $2,599 type gets you a earlier 2.3-GHz CPU, 16GB of remembrance and 512GB of flicker luggage compartment. This config additionally comes with Nvidia GeForce GT 750M graphics.
Verdict
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina (2013) OutroAt $2,599 on behalf of our configuration ($1,999 to start), the 15-inch MacBook Pro represents a serious investment, but it additionally delivers a serious dose of power and endurance in the sphere of a portable design.
The new to the job Retina MacBook Pro offers very fast quad-core performance paired with a little of the fastest flicker luggage compartment around and (optional) discrete graphics, making quick drive of pretty much in the least task. By the side of the same instant, this is the just 15-incher we've tested with this much muscle with the aim of can carry on not quite 9 hours on a charge. The just drawbacks we encountered were a to some extent toasty undercarriage near the back and moderate fan blare (both under minder use).
The approaching clearing XPS 15 may well let somebody have the Mac a run on behalf of its money. With the aim of procedure packs an even sharper 3200 x 1800 pixel put on show, Nvidia GeForce 750M graphics along with a meat i7 quad-core CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It additionally gets an estimated 11 hours on a charge. However, near isn't a single app in the sphere of the Windows mass yet with the aim of ropes Retina-like displays, and clearing doesn't offer to the same degree thorough a software suite banned of the box.
Folks with excluding demanding needs who travel often are better inedible with the considerably cheaper and lighter new to the job $1,299 13-inch MacBook Pro. But if you absence the fastest notebook on behalf of creative pros with the aim of can die the distance, the buck stops at this point.
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