MBP 15 Late 2011 i7/500gb/16gb vs MBP retina

Since I am travelling to USA, i wondering if it is a good idea to buy a new MBP retina.

My Late 2011 15" quad i7 with 16GB is really fast, but it lacks two external display support (and of course, it lacks retina display).

I wondering if it worth spending for a rMBP with 16 gb to get the retina screen because it's 1000 US$ over the price of my MBP (used).

Any advise?

Hey leohans,

If you have the money, the rMBP is well worth the upgrade cost. It is like having a Mac Pro in a compact package. The speed and the display alone is worth the price. FCPX will play very nice with that setup and it's thinner & lightweight so it's perfect for travels. Just make sure you get the highest spec for RAM & SSD. Bottom line, get the top of the line because it is not user upgradeable.

Good luck!

I will say that a 15" screen is TINY. It is clear, but you have to squint really hard to see text and details. The GPU is not anything close to what you can put in a MP. My early 2008 MP with internal SATA drives editing 4K REDCODE RAW blows away my 15" rMBP with an external Tbolt drive.

A new MP replacement will be here "later this year", if you want to wait.

I only recommend a laptop is you need the portability, otherwise you can get more horsepower out of a desktop.

And there is personal taste. What works best for "you" specifically. And as already posted, if you do get a rMBP, get it maxed out right off the bat.

Like many of us here, I too have been contemplating getting a MBP with Retina display for portability with FCPX. However, I'm not rushing into it.

In case you haven't read the latest issue of MacUser (May 2013), it details a large class action lawsuit against Apple over the Retina displays. Some are made by LG others by Samsung. There is no way to know which is which when purchasing your Mac. The LG models burn images into the screen, the Samsungs don't. Apple has said they will replace them, but as of yet hasn't been forthcoming.

Ben's comments are intriguing, we all want maximum firepower to handle FCPX with multiple plugins & effects, plus the portability.

One reason I am considering rMBP is screen resolution even with non retina applications.
FCP7 have more working space on non native resolution than in my MBP 15 (Yes, I still use FCP7 a lot).

Ironically, those pursuing the lawsuit against Apple are also seeking resolution.

A 17" IPS Retina MBP would be greatly compliment FCPX. One can dream.

There is no way to know which is which when purchasing your Mac. The LG models burn images into the screen, the Samsungs don't. Apple has said they will replace them, but as of yet hasn't been forthcoming.

I asked Ben behind the scenes on which rMBP to get for FCPX a couple months back. He told me to get it ONLY if I needed the portability and that is exactly why I needed it. I have a iMac at home. Ben suggested that I get the maxed out rMBP and I am SOOO glad i listened to his advise. I got the 15" 16gb i7 rMPB and it is very fast and FCPX is super snappy. Also, mine didn't come with the image burning into the screen that trix was talking about (thankfully). I am very happy with my purchase. My 2 cents. Thanks Ben!