Hi there. This is my opinion of the rMBP. Bought it last month and loving it. All the while a PC user.
Pros.
1. Retina display, high res, beautiful. Looking at normal monitors is not so nice anymore. I am a photographer and somehow all my old photos I created since 2004 is very much nicer now than before. The best LCD i have prior to rMBP was the Dell Studio series, and now even that is not on par with retina display.
2. Battery life. i5/13/8gb/256ssd. So far with 51 cycles still achieving 97% capacity of 6330mAh. Runtime around 8 hours is normal. With light surfing not much power usage with safari. Games on the other hand uses much more processing power so around 5 hours. Charging is also quick, its probably just a tad after 1 hour from 15%.
3. Bundled software, with the mac version of word/excel/powerpoint/. I am liking the mac's pages/numbers/keynote. Easy to use and learn. I am relying less and less on my PC now. On top of that, there is garangeband, iPhoto, and many2 other softwares that help me move along the day smoothly.
4. Trackpad. Mac uses gestures and with 1 to 4 fingers, a lot of commands can be given. Its customisable too. With PC or a PC notebook, a mouse is a minimum for work. With rMBP its easy peasy with just the trackpad and gestures command. Easy to learn and master and very responsive.
5. No fear of virus attacks however malware is a concern. Apple tackles the virus issues at their side. Any issues, updated will be released and Mac auto updates seamlessly. For malware, there are good software to combat the issues and most are free downloadable from apple store itself.
6. On most parts, whatever can be achieved by PC can also be done on the MAC, but somehow the MAC does it easier though. Its more user friendly. Of course, being a new MAC user, one does need time to familiarise the commands etc but once you know how the MAC ticks, you are good to go.
7. Seamless sync with all your other Apple product. My iPad, iPod, iPhone sync in unison now.
8. Multiple desktop and multiple platform. I can now do multitude of tasks on different desktops which is cool. Also with proper software can also run windows on it. I wanted to do that previously but now do not see the need though. I am happy with just MAC. If I do want to get files or use softwares on the windows I use remote desktop instead. And its way easier to configure in MAC than in windows.
Cons.
1. Expensive softwares from the app store. Games are even more expensive. But I don't mind so much as I play my games on my iPad.IPad games are much much cheaper.
2. Extra effort in taking care of the casing. Sleek aluminium casing promotes scratches, dings etc. So manhandling the unit is a no-no.
3. rMBP does not come with any accessories except the power adapter , a cable and thats it. So prepare to fork out some RM for suitable bag/sleeves/for the notebook.
4. Does not have a built in dvd rom drive and apples' own version is expensive at RM249. If you need one, then any one from samsung or LG is recommended at just RM100 a pop.
5. Thunderbolt ready accessories still cost a bomb but usb3 is also fast enough.
6. Current versions of rMBP is not upgradeable unlike its predecessors, as the ram, processors etc are all soldered/mounted to the board. So when buying, think carefully what u need. My advise is get the best bang for your buck.
7. Certain websites with shockwave can't be displayed with MAC properly. So do expect this disadvantage. Nonetheless, my banking and most of my surfing areas are good to go.
I think thats covers it. Indeed Apple products is expensive, and yes it does have its limitations, but what it can do it does it with ease and proper. Best Rm4600 i've spent on a apple product
Good luck in your choices. All the best.
Thank you for the detailed insight.
1) Just curious on item 3, pages/numbers/keynote, do u feel any limitation compared to Office for PC? Can it be opened in Office for PC? This is my main concern actually since it's going to be meant for my assignments.
3) For those sites that can play shockwave properly (although there are Adobe Flash for Mac), what sites are these?
4) I know in the past Mac generally do last longer than PC but how about nowadays?
If i get it, it's defintely the 13" with 256Gb.. around Rm4399 if i remember correctly for students.