Macbook Pro Retina or...

spookalili

Hi there everybody!

For the past four years I have had a 2010 Macbook Pro. I bought it because it was on sale and never looked back. It lasted for four years before the logic board died very recently. I tried my best to fix it but pretty much realised it was too expensive to do so.

I use my laptop for Netflix, listening to music and very basic internet. No gaming, no graphic design. What I love most about the Macbook Pro is the build quality, how smoothly it runs and how long they last for (most of the time!).

I purchased a new one two weeks ago, the baseline retina model (128GB SSD). It is more or less identical to my previous computer only much more powerful. It has no dvd drive and like my previous Macbook Pro, no HDMI. I paid £859 for it by using student discount and got an additional two years worth of Apple Care for £48.

I like it...I'm just not sure it's worth paying the above price for something that is far more powerful than I need. I've found a Lenovo computer for £299 and I'm wondering if that might be a bit more suited for me. Affordability isn't really an issue. I'm a bit gutted I cannot upgrade the Macbook if I wanted to but it's more than fast enough for me anyway.

I have literally one day to return this under Apples 14 day guarantee, for a full refund. I cannot make a decision either way and would really appreciate your input!

The alternative for £299

My current laptop purchased for £859 with discount

Please please please no arguments. I would just like to know whether it's worth me returning the super snazzy Macbook for a Lenovo, or whether it's worth spending more as an "investment".

imatt

Firstly it's your money. As such you need no real justification as to your initial choice. Macs are not for me, even as a designer. I could give reasons but they'd not be relevant here. The Mac does have a 'beefier' CPU an i5 compared to the Lenovo's i3. And no doubt has a great screen. That said, for what use your laptops for, neither would be overly taxed with regards their capabilities. Not much more to add except that the Lenovo does seem a good price considering. Any way you could get to your nearest PC World to see it in the flesh?

grumbler

spookalili wrote: »

I like it...I'm just not sure it's worth paying the above price for something that is far more powerful than I need. ...

I've found a Lenovo computer for £299 and I'm wondering if that might be a bit more suited for me.

I am no expert, but I think "for Netflix, listening to music and very basic internet" you don't need a lot of processing power. However, if you watch Netflix in HD, Lenovo's screen has worse resolution than HD, but Apple's one is overkill.

... whether it's worth spending more as an "investment".

Investment is supposed to yield some return. A laptop that breaks in 4 years isn't an 'investment'.

spookalili

imatt wrote: »

Firstly it's your money. As such you need no real justification as to your initial choice. Macs are not for me, even as a designer. I could give reasons but they'd not be relevant here. The Mac does have a 'beefier' CPU an i5 compared to the Lenovo's i3. And no doubt has a great screen. That said, for what use your laptops for, neither would be overly taxed with regards their capabilities. Not much more to add except that the Lenovo does seem a good price considering. Any way you could get to your nearest PC World to see it in the flesh?

Very easily, as there is one just down the road from me! I'm not too bothered about how it looks...if I can find an o2 Priority voucher (assuming they still have the deal on) I might be able to get £20 off, so for £279 I'm not going to split hairs on appearance.

The Macbook Pro has an absolutely stunning screen, works beautifully with my iPad and my iPhone and also organises my photos well which is something I love. I'm not sure that alone is worth spending an additional £600 for though.

What I don't want to do is go for something cheaper and end up having to replace it in two years time because it's slow or falling apart. Although I hoped to have kept my previous Macbook Pro for years and it died after four!

grumbler wrote: »

I am no expert, but I think "for Netflix, listening to music and very basic internet" you don't need a lot of processing power. However, if you watch Netflix in HD, Lenovo's screen has worse resolution than HD, but Apple's one is overkill.
Investment is supposed to yield some return. A laptop that breaks in 4 years isn't an 'investment'.

Very true - I was really disappointment with Apple in the end as firstly, the charged frayed and fell apart, then a very expensive component went and they quoted me a vast amount to replace it. I was hoping it was just bad luck on my side.

I just watch Netflix however it comes - it doesn't bother me how high definition something is. I'm worried my screen expectations will be much higher now though, as I've been spoilt by the Retina!

imatt

One good reason to see a laptop in the flesh of course is to test its keyboard. It sounds like you're no typist going by what you say you'd use it for. And of course a decent external USB keyboard for around £20 or less is an option. But still, it may be something worth considering. The main downside with the Lenovo (as with most Windows based models from DELL, HP, ASUS, Compaq, etc.) is the amount of 'crapware' you'll no doubt have to put up with. It could take you good hour or more to delete this properly. Otherwise it seems a decent spec pricewise - even better if you can get £20 off!

spookalili

imatt wrote: »

One good reason to see a laptop in the flesh of course is to test its keyboard. It sounds like you're no typist going by what you say you'd use it for. And of course a decent external USB keyboard for around £20 or less is an option. But still, it may be something worth considering. The main downside with the Lenovo (as with most Windows based models from DELL, HP, ASUS, Compaq, etc.) is the amount of 'crapware' you'll no doubt have to put up with. It could take you good hour or more to delete this properly. Otherwise it seems a decent spec pricewise - even better if you can get £20 off!

Thanks imatt. I've just been reading about how amazing the new Macbook Pro is considered to be and I did get a bit of a bargain, so I'm getting doubts about returning it! Today is unfortunately the last day I have to send it back though, so I think I'll probably return it and probably buy a new one if I decide I cannot live without it.

downinja

imatt wrote: »

One good reason to see a laptop in the flesh of course is to test its keyboard. It sounds like you're no typist going by what you say you'd use it for. And of course a decent external USB keyboard for around £20 or less is an option. But still, it may be something worth considering. The main downside with the Lenovo (as with most Windows based models from DELL, HP, ASUS, Compaq, etc.) is the amount of 'crapware' you'll no doubt have to put up with. It could take you good hour or more to delete this properly. Otherwise it seems a decent spec pricewise - even better if you can get £20 off!

Sorry but I disagree.

For me the trackpad on my macbook destroys anything else I have used, including probably 50 different models through work.

almillar

A 1366x768 (not full HD) screen is ancient technology and will make your eyes water after using a Retina screen. Check out the viewing angles (how it looks from up, down, left, right) to see if the picture gets worse.
Other features you might miss - lightness, battery life, better trackpad, backlit keyboard.

zarf2007

spookalili wrote: »

Thanks imatt. I've just been reading about how amazing the new Macbook Pro is considered to be and I did get a bit of a bargain, so I'm getting doubts about returning it! Today is unfortunately the last day I have to send it back though, so I think I'll probably return it and probably buy a new one if I decide I cannot live without it.

One thing you need to consider is the integration with your other apple products and the overall experience. Trust me, try windows 8.1 for ten minutes and you will be convinced you did the right thing keeping or buying another MacBook.

It really is a false economy buying the cheap windows laptop, trust me you will be tearing your hair out.

The only thing I would consider with your current purchase is I would prefer at least 250gb ssd storage but for your use 128 is probably adequate. You can also check out the refurb store for reduced price MacBooks (usually people have returned without using so brand new):

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/13

Fightsback

How about something like this, it's full IPS HD (1920 x 1080) too : £499

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-flex-2-pro-15-6-2-in-1-black-10106837-pdt.html

Processor - Intel® Core™ i5-5200U Processor
- Dual-core
- 2.2 GHz/ 3.7 GHz with TurboBoost
- 3 MB cache
Memory (RAM) 8 GB DDR3L (16 GB maximum installable RAM)
Graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GT 840M (2 GB DDR3)
Storage - 1 TB SSHD, 5400 rpm
SCREEN
Screen size 15.6"
Screen type IPS
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Touchscreen 10-point touchscreen
CONNECTIVTY
Wireless 802.11 b/g/n
Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0
USB - USB 3.0 x 1
- USB 2.0 x 2
Video interface HDMI x 1
Audio interface 3.5 mm jack
MEDIA
Optical disc drive No
Memory card reader 2-in-1 memory card reader
SOUND
Sound Dolby Home Theater
Speakers Integrated stereo speakers
FEATURES
Camera Integrated 1.0 MP webcam
Microphone Yes
Mouse / trackpad Multitouch trackpad
Keyboard Backlit AccuType keyboard with numeric keypad
Security features Kensington security lock slot
Other features Voice control
POWER
Battery type 4-cell 45WH Lithium-ion polymer
Battery life Up to 8 hours