Roundup: Hands-On Impressions of the New Retina MacBook Pros - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Roundup: Hands-On Impressions of the New Retina MacBook Pros

by

A number of news sites have been able to go hands-on with Apple's newly announced 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Retina Display, both of which come with Intel's newest processors, offering increased battery life with improved performance.

macbookpro2013

Image courtesy of The Verge

TechCrunch says that the slightly slimmer 13-inch model is a "big change" compared to the older model and will likely be much easier to carry around.

The 13-inch version is a big change, however – the 3.46 lbs compared to the 3.57 of the last generation may not feel like much, but combined with a thickness of just 0.71 inches, it feels like a lot, and will probably be even more impressive if you’re carrying one around with you every day.

The Verge echoed that sentiment, noting that its new processor is a large improvement over the previous model.

Where the old model would stutter and lag on web pages and while working with images, the new model's Haswell processor with upgraded Iris graphics was totally smooth. Obviously we didn't get to test it too harshly, but if it holds up when we review it, the 13-inch Pro just reentered the conversation in a big way — especially since the base price is now just $1,299.

Unlike the 13-inch model, the 15-inch model doesn't seem to have a massive noticeable improvement on first impression. TechCrunch notes the new model seems "speedier" and "generally more responsive", while The Verge says the difference "isn't quite so clear."


Apple is offering the entry level 13-inch version for $1,299 and the entry level 15-inch model for $1,999. Apple's updated MacBook Pros are available today from its Online Store and at retail locations and come with Mavericks included.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

Kariya Avatar
164 months ago
No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.

Sorry it doesn't iron your clothes and make you a sandwich too.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
164 months ago
No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.

the entitlement is great with this one.

why not buy that Dell?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
164 months ago
Iris Pro and Nvidia 750m is a downgrade?

read. hes talking about the BASE model.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
164 months ago
13" was a big upgrade but 15" was almost downgrade on graphics.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rudy69 Avatar
164 months ago
I was debating maybe picking up a new 15" rMBP (gave mine to my wife), but the new one doesn't really look "better", I think I'll look on craigslist or buy a refurb from Apple
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fpsBeaTt Avatar
164 months ago
No IGZO display (even when Dell is now using it, with a higher red display), 15" has inferior battery life to 13", modest graphics bum (750), better wireless, faster storage with no standard capacity improvement, and no 17" reintroduction. Seriously, Apple? 16 months later and that's what you offer me? Are you smacked out of your minds?!? Everything else, great! 15" and above? Feels like a punch in the face.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apples Biggest Week of 2026 Details on Every New Product Announced Feature Sans Text

Apple Now Selling Parts for Seven New Devices Unveiled Last Month

Wednesday April 8, 2026 6:40 pm PDT by
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service repair program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones, iPads, Macs, Studio Displays, and Beats Pill speakers. Apple says the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Apple today started selling parts and tools for seven new...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

Apple to Upgrade These Two Devices With OLED Displays Later This Year

Friday April 17, 2026 7:49 am PDT by
Apple plans to release iPad mini and MacBook Pro models with OLED displays this year, according to industry sources who spoke to South Korea's ETNews. The current iPad mini and MacBook Pro models have LCD displays with either LED or mini-LED backlighting. The move to OLED technology would result in improved image quality, thanks to richer colors and higher contrast ratio with true blacks. ...
14 16 inch 2021 mbps back to back feature

MacBook Pro With Touch Screen and New Mac Studio Likely 'Postponed'

Sunday April 19, 2026 7:00 pm PDT by
The global memory chip shortage may result in the next MacBook Pro and Mac Studio models launching later than expected, according to the latest rumor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly stated that 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a touch screen are slated to launch in late 2026 to early 2027. In his Power On newsletter today, though, he said to be prepared for the laptops to...
Related Apple News: Ipad | Opinion | Mac | Technology | Iphone