that Apple's product line in that category is a bit more crowded than in
other spots. The company has three distinct 13-inch models - the
MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Pro with Retina
Display. Which model should you get? Let's compare, but let me warn
you at the outset: I think you should wait. On the weekends I work at a local Apple Specialist. Anecdotally, I see
more 13-inch MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs go out the door than
any other model. They're all compact, lightweight and powerful
machines, so it's little wonder that they hit the sweet spot between
features and price.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is yeoman model of the bunch, priced the
same as the thinner, lighter MacBook Air. Its more conventional
technology appeal to people looking to maximize storage (500GB hard
drive comes standard; SSD is a pricey additional option) or who might
still need a DVD burner. The machine also sports a faster processor -
2.5 GHz. Options like a faster processor and more RAM are available -- a well-appointed model runs $1,499. The downsides of the standard 13-inch MacBook Pro include a heavier
weight - 4.5 pounds - and a thicker frame. But that thicker frame also
permits this workhorse to have dedicated Ethernet and FireWire 800
connections, along with Thunderbolt and two USB 3.0 connections.
Positioned next to a conventional 13-inch MacBook Pro, the MacBook
Pro with Retina Display shines. The stunning display with its 2560 x
1600 pixel resolution, rich color and fantastic detail make it easy to
differentiate, and its sleek chassis retains many of the benefits of the
MacBook Air like SSD storage and a thinner and lighter design (almost
a full pound lighter, and less than an inch thick). It's also priced at $1,499, though storage options can drive the price higher (upgrading
SSD storage isn't for faint-hearted or those planning on keeping their
warranty intact. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display wins for performance and
usability - an elegantly designed machine that's flexible enough to
handle everything that's thrown at it. And with SSD options stretching
to 768 GB, plenty of space for big files. If there's a downside to all three models, it's that the integrated
graphics processor - the Intel HD Graphics 4000 - can get overtaxed
especially when the Retina Display is driving scaled, higher resolution
modes. Also, these machines are all based around Intel's Ivy Bridge
architecture, which is about to be supplanted by something else that
could be a really big deal for Apple's mobile Macs - something that's as applicable to the 15-inch models as it is to the 13-inch ones. Intel's Haswell microprocessor should start shipping in quantity by the same time Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference happens next
month. Haswell sports much greater power efficiency and a significant
improvement in graphics performance. Even if Apple doesn't change
the form factor or feature list of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
significantly, the smart money is to put off any purchase until we see
how Apple's roadmap with Haswell plays out. Are you pining for new 13-inch hardware from Apple? Besides Haswell
processors, what else do you think the new models are likely to have?
Tell us in the comments.
