Part I: Overview MacBook Pro line in 2012, the design, performance, and stand-alone operation
Presenting at WWDC with a new MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina, Apple has made the expected sensation. Not one single laptop manufacturer had never boasted a display definition! But apart from this, the new MacBook Pro can offer a lot of interesting things: top quad-core Intel Core of the third generation (Ivy Bridge), the discrete graphics, and USB 3.0 connectors and Thunderbolt ... In general, Apple, obviously, set out to create the perfect working laptop. And today we have the opportunity to assess how they got it.
To begin let's get lineup Macbook Pro laptops which presented this year. Apple introduced an update only Macbook Pro 13 and 15-inch. The 17-inch MacBook Pro will get no updates, but it seems now completely removed from the lineup of Apple.
As for the Macbook Pro 15-inch, we are interested in the first place, they were released in two versions: with Retina Display and without. In fact, it is not even two versions, but in general very different model (how they differ will be discussed below, but it also applies to the design, and all the rest). In this case, both models are available in two basic versions, which differ only have accessories. There are total four options for MacBook Pro 15". And that's not counting the configuration options that you can choose when you order online through the U.S. website Apple.
| MacBook Pro 15 "screen Retina (younger version) | MacBook Pro 15 "screen Retina (older version) | MacBook Pro 15 ", a line of 2012 (the younger version) | MacBook Pro 15 ", a line of 2012 (the older version) | |
| Screen (size, type of matrix, resolution, number of pixels per inch) | 15,4 ", IPS, 2880 × 1800 (220 ppi) | 15,4 ", IPS, 2880 × 1800 (220 ppi) | 15,4 ", TN-film, 1440 × 900 (110 ppi) | 15,4 ", TN-film, 1440 × 900 (110 ppi) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-3615QM (4 core, 2.3 GHz) | Intel Core i7-3720QM (4 core, 2.6 GHz) or Intel Core i7-3820QM (4 core, 2.7 GHz) | Intel Core i7-3615QM (4 core, 2.3 GHz) | Intel Core i7-3720QM (4 core, 2.6 GHz) or Intel Core i7-3820QM (4 core, 2.7 GHz) |
| Graphic system | NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB GDDR5 | NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB GDDR5 | NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 512 MB of GDDR5 memory | NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB GDDR5 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR3L (expandable to 16 GB) | 8 GB DDR3L (expandable to 16 GB) | 4GB DDR3 (expandable to 8 GB) | 8 GB DDR3 |
| Optical Drive | no | no | DVD-optical drive 8x SuperDrive | DVD-optical drive 8x SuperDrive |
| SSD / HDD | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD (expandable to 768 GB) | 500 GB HDD (to order may be other options) | 750 GB HDD (to order may be other options) |
| Connectors | 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × Thunderbolt, HDMI, a slot for memory cards SDXC, headphone jack 3.5 mm | 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × Thunderbolt, HDMI, a slot for memory cards SDXC, headphone jack 3.5 mm | 2 × USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, FireWire 800, a slot for memory cards SDXC, headphone jack 3.5 mm, 3.5 mm microphone input | 2 × USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, FireWire 800, a slot for memory cards SDXC, headphone jack 3.5 mm, 3.5 mm microphone input |
| Internet, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g / n) / Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g / n) / Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g / n) / Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g / n) / Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Webcam | is (720p) | is (720p) | is (720p) | is (720p) |
| Weight (kg) | 2.02 | 2.02 | 2.56 | 2.56 |
| Price (U.S., excluding tax) | from 2199 dollars | from 2799 dollars | from 1799 dollars | from 2199 dollars |
Well, let's look at the differences between these models. The main difference with the Retina screen laptops from laptops without it is the resolution matrix display. In the first case, the revolutionary is 2880 × 1800 (with a dot density 220 ppi) and high-quality matrix IPS, similar to those used in the iPad, iMac and Thunderbolt Display, the second which has not updated TN-LCD with a resolution of 1440 × 900. In principle, even TN-displays at Apple is still very good, but ...
Moving on. The Macbook Pro 15-inch this year is powered by an Intel Core i7 (architecture Intel Ivy Bridge). All are equipped with a discrete graphics accelerator NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M. Differences in these parameters between the Retina-MacBook Pro and ordinary no. But the cheaper and more expensive options and not Retina-Retina is just different: the speed of the processor and the amount of video memory.
It should be noted that in the Macbook Pro Retina (as we call it for short) memory installed in more energy-efficient DDR3L, however, this is a necessary measure, as Retina Display power consumption is much higher than usual, so we have to win in energy efficiency at all than you can.
An important difference Retina - no optical drive, previously an integral part of the line devices Macbook Pro. Rejection of them is dictated, of course, the desire to make the device as thin and light - that is exactly the same reasons as in the case of the MacBook Air.
But if in the case with image super slim Air such a move was justified and was quickly adopted by the public, in relation to professional lines, it could be seen no longer as clear-cut. MacBook Pro computers are still not positioned as ultra model, and as a full desktop replacement (and this is a reason), and the best option for travel (including business trips). And in the case of the MacBook Pro Retina such use is not so obvious, because how would Apple not willing to, drives are still frequent in our lives.
But if in the case with image super slim Air such a move was justified and was quickly adopted by the public, in relation to professional lines, it could be seen no longer as clear-cut. MacBook Pro computers are still not positioned as ultra model, and as a full desktop replacement (and this is a reason), and the best option for travel (including business trips). And in the case of the MacBook Pro Retina such use is not so obvious, because how would Apple not willing to, drives are still frequent in our lives.
The last thing I would like to note, comparing the configuration - a set of connectors and slots. Here again, Apple presents us with a difficult choice. In one case, we offer an additional HDMI and Thunderbolt, in the other are FireWire 800 and Ethernet. The presence of HDMI - in itself a move unusual for Apple, but it is extremely useful for users. But here is the lack of Ethernet in the working laptop may seem very painful. But glad that everything Macbook Pro this year include USB 3.0.
Overall, I would call the configuration MacBook Pro Retina uncompromising, both in terms of quality / high cost to use the solution, and in relation to user habits. Use cable internet at home? Forget it. More precisely, buy a router (AirPort Extreme?).
Trim
MacBook Pro Box is made in the traditional style of Apple: white rectangular box, with a picture on the front of MacBook Pro Retina «in profile."
We slowly remove the lid ...
... And see what there is in addition to the laptop.
And there charger 85 watts which is connected to a laptop using proprietary magnetic connector MagSafe, and extension cable (again on the American outlet, but with a third grounding pin). Of course, in officially imported to Russia MacBook Pro will be charged with a Russian fork.
In this case, I would draw your attention to one detail: the magnetic plug MagSafe (now called Magsafe 2), which is connected to the charger MacBook, little changed shape, becoming thinner and wider, and so the new MacBook Pro Retina is not compatible with previous chargers Laptop Apple. Made it is probably the most well-meaning: to hold the old Macbook did not try to charge a new MacBook Pro Retina same charges.
Design
When I first took the MacBook Pro Retina out of the box, the design did not make a stunning impression, which is expected (especially if there is not an ordinary MacBook Pro). It is still quite heavy and large, and to the general appearance of Apple laptops we've been used to. But you would say "wow" when you open it.
At this point, just realize what a titanic work has been done to make such a fine (by the standards of professional notebooks) package. MacBook Pro Retina looks amazing when you open it! Apple points out that the thickness equal to the thickness of your MacBook MacBook Air at the base. The difference is that on the MacBook narrows, so the laptop is wedge-shaped, while the MacBook Pro Retina thickness is everywhere.
And yes, these dimensions only wined by MacBook Retina, regular updates of the MacBook Pro line retained their previous cabinet.
For thickness had, of course, sacrifice an optical drive. In fact, Apple is surely to ensure that even abandon them in their computer (and after Apple in the same way they went and other manufacturers with their ultrabook), but the MacBook Pro line before remained a stronghold of tradition, before the release of MacBook Pro Retina. The various aspects and consequences of the decisions we have commented above, so I will not repeat.
But on a number of connectors are not saved accurately. And let two Thunderbolt looks more future in mind, but the USB 3.0 and HDMI will be useful to the user today. Location of the following: on the left side - one USB 3.0, headphone jack 3.5 mm and two Thunderbolt.
On the right side - the second USB 3.0, a full-size HDMI and a slot for memory cards SDXC.
It should be noted that if the laptop is on the table, you can open it with one hand (despite the rather tight retention mechanism screen - however, it is nice tight). The laptop will not turn over and will not tip over.
In general, we can say that the MacBook Pro Retina is one of the best products from Apple in terms of design. It combines elegance and functionality MacBook Air MacBook Pro.
Screen
Screen is the main feature and advantage of the new MacBook Pro. You could even say revolutionary. In addition, it is directly related to the issues and software. Therefore, we have decided to devote this issue a separate article .
Platform
We have a tested a junior model of the MacBook Pro Retina. The laptop was set Intel Core i7-3615QM processor. This is a brand new (dated to the second quarter of 2012) Quad mobile processor architecture Ivy Bridge, made at rates of 22 nm. The frequency of each core at 2.3 GHz, and mode Turbo Boost - up to 3.3 GHz. Supported Hyper Threading, so the calculation can be performed in 8 threads.
We are already familiar with this processor, to be exact, it is very close to it Intel Core i7-3610QM (from a user perspective the difference between him and the 3615QM only in the graphics subsystem, which can be determined by the comparative table on the website Intel). Therefore, we recommend that you contact the testing Sergey Korogod. We content ourselves with a Mac-environment with a few popular benchmarks.
Discrete graphics - also advanced: NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1 GB of memory GDDR5, using modern architecture NVIDIA Kepler. On mobile GPU architecture Kepler, as well as testing ultrabook with GeForce GT 640M can be read on our website.
On the rest of the system described above. So do not dwell on them and go straight to testing.
Testing
Processor speed and memory will help us test benchmarks Geekbench 2 and Novabench. Both are represented in the Mac App Store.
In Geekbench notebook scored almost 12,000 points. At the moment, it is a record of laptops Apple. Even last year's 17-inch MacBook Pro did not achieve the same results. On the other hand, the overall gap between 17" and 15" MacBook Pro 2011 is not as critical. For comparison, here are the results of our test model of the previous generation MacBook Pro 15" (with an i7-2675QM 2.20 GHz frequency) in the same benchmark.
Growth is evident (and, for all components), but it is not as dramatic. At least, according to this test.
In the complex free benchmark Novabench picture was repeated as a whole, although there were some nuances. Here's the result of a new MacBook Pro Retina:
But - last year's 15-inch MacBook Pro:
Last year's model is well behind on the part of memory (its volume at Retina twice more, and higher speed) and CPU speed, and in addition, much inferior to the speed of the drive. But it was clear: on MacBook Pro Retina installed SSD, while earlier MacBook Pro came with a HDD. The loss of the new items on the GPU, most likely due to the higher resolution innovations, making GPU can calculate the fewer frames per second.
The next benchmark Cinebench 11,5. It is interesting to us the result of testing GPU. Unfortunately, any comparison is not quite correct, because the passage of the benchmark at a resolution of 2880 × 1800, is clearly more difficult for the GPU, rather than at a resolution of 1440 × 900. And yet, here's the result MacBook Pro Retina:
Unfortunately, we have not tested in this benchmark previous MacBook Pro Generation, but our Western Counterpart did. THUS, the Testers MacWorld got the result 38.7 fps and 43.3 fps (for the Younger and the Older model MacBook Pro 15" late 2011). In Principle, given twice the number of pixels per inch MacBook Pro Retina result is to Recognize the very worthy. Well, IT is also important that IT is not less than 30 fps.
Testing the Performance of the Test of the Speed of Read/ write to the SSD using Disk Speed Test.
Here all is well expected. I would say it is fine. The reason is clear: SSD is SSD.
Note that in the process of working with the MacBook Pro Retina, we have never experienced with any slowdown or other manifestations of a lack of productivity. "It is true, we did not run", say Final Cut, or similar resource-professional bags. But a couple of stress tests carried out yet. One of them to play a video with a resolution of 4K (4096 × 2304) and bit 19,7 Mbps (AVC, High@L5.1). Movie run in QuickTime, and VLC Player. In both cases, the playback is perfectly smooth.
The second stress test is a relatively recent game «Deus Ex: Human Revolution» with maximum settings and the maximum resolution of 1440 × 900. Again, no "loose" was noted.
Hang on to the Performance index is a Screenshot of the Performance Window.
Noise and heat
Take three ingredients: powerful hardware, metal in the body material and the specific organization of cooling (with a rather thin shell). What dish we make of it? Hot. MacBook Pro Retina hot. Under load - quite strongly. Particularly heating up the metal surface between the keyboard and the screen. So much that can be downright burned. The surface of the keyboard and the side of it to run cooler, although still cold it will not name.
In normal operation, even when watching a movie in QuickTime to keep the laptop on your lap can, though even just typing it warm. But when just is not worth putting a laptop on your knees, it's in 3D-games. And during the game I advise putting on headphones, as the laptop is noisy under load fairly.
In general, the situation with the noise and heat is much worse than that laptops MacBook Air, which is almost not heated and silent (if they do not load something extreme).
Work Offline
Running time on a single charge is a major disappointment on MacBook Pro Retina. Apple on its website claims seven hours of web surfing, but the small sign at the bottom you can read clarification: it is with the screen brightness set to 50%. However, the comfort mode, which can be achieved, for example, the inclusion of automatic brightness is significantly higher than 50%.
Therefore, in reality, at work during the day you can count to six hours, and sometimes even less.On the one hand, it seems quite normal result: about the same "live" on a single charge Batteries 11-inch MacBook Air. But then ultraportable, ultra model. A professional working on laptop expect more.
The results were very sad to play back video. Movie from iTunes Store (that is optimized for viewing on the technology Apple) with a resolution of 720p and bitrate 4 Mbps, playing with QuickTime Player, fully discharge the MacBook Pro in 4 hours 20 minutes. This is in view of the fact that he employed hardware acceleration. And if you download a rip from the web and try to play it on VLC Player, then the battery can melt even faster.
In the second part, we will study in detail the screen itself, the software for the MacBook Pro Retina, and summarize.
