13.3

One reason Apple is hard to beat

Apple products aren't perfect, but they get a lot closer than most.

One reason for Apple's success can be summed up nicely in the 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina.

At first blush, it seems uncharacteristically pedestrian and unrefined for an Apple product. It doesn't have the usual Apple panache or design boldness. And it's thicker -- despite being smaller -- than the 15.4-inch Pro Retina. … Read more

MacBook Pro declared 'best-performing' Windows laptop

An Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro is the "best-performing" Windows laptop? Yes, says a PC services company that has done "frustration analytics" on some of the best-selling PCs.

The MacBook Pro won out over established PC makers like Dell, Acer, and Lenovo, according to Soluto, which was quick to explain its finding.

A main factor in this machine's metrics is the fact that every Windows installation on it is clean. With PC manufacturers loading so much crapware on new laptops, this is a bit of an unfair competition. But, on the other hand, PC makers should … Read more

Manager for Mac 13.3 Review

Those running small businesses need a way to track their accounts. Manager for Mac performs these basic functions well, although larger businesses may need software with additional capabilities.

Despite being a small program, Manager for Mac took longer than expected to download and install via a high-speed connection. In order to install the program, acceptance of a user agreement was required. During initial setup, the user must create an account with a name and e-mail address. Once through this step, a business name must be entered, which brings up the main screen. Instructions and support are available from the developer, … Read more

13-inch Retina MacBook settles in at $1,499 for 256GB

At retailers, Apple's 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro has found a happy medium between a fire sale and Apple's official pricing.

Online retailers like MacMall and MacConnection are selling Apple's smallest Retina MacBook for $1,499 -- with a bonus.

That price gets you a 256GB solid-state drive -- a step up from the $1,499 model that Apple offers with a 128GB drive.

And that 128GB model is even cheaper at MacConnection, which now appears to have settled on a less drastic discount of $1,399 after practically fire-selling it earlier this month for $1,299.

Why … Read more

How low can the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro go? $1,299

The 13.3-inch Retina MacBook Pro has plunged to $1,299 at one retailer, a whopping $400 off its original price.

The model debuted at $1,699 in October. But it didn't take long for Apple to cut the price to $1,499 in February after widespread discounting from retailers such as Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, and MacMall.

Today we have new low, courtesy of MacConnection: $1,299.

It's obvious now that the original pricing on the Retina MBP was a miscalculation by Apple. And the additional $200 discount at MacConnection may indicate that $1,499 may … Read more

Apple launches ad for 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro

Want to get a better look at all of the gorgeous angles of Apple's new 13.3-inch Retina MacBook Pro? A new Apple "Colors" ad does just that.

With "for the pro in all of us" as the tagline for the ad, it appeared during ABC's "Modern Family," as well as other shows earlier.

In the ad, Apple does a 90-degree pan and seems keen on showing the display from all angles to underscore the wide viewing-angle attributes of its IPS tech.

As a quick refresher, the just-announced 13.3-inch MBP has … Read more

13-inch Retina MacBook Pro due with iPad Mini, report claims

The iPad Mini isn't the only thing reportedly slated for an event later this month. Pencil in a new Retina MacBook Pro, too -- so a report is claiming.

Apple will unveil a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display alongside the iPad Mini, a report at 9to5Mac says, citing a "consistently reliable source" at a "high-profile U.S. retailer."

That would support a CNET report last week that said production of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is on track.

This wouldn't be Apple's first MacBook with a Retina display, of course. … Read more

13-inch Retina MacBook Pro on track, says analyst

A 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display is on track for production, according to an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch.

DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production in the fourth quarter. And today Shim reiterated that he sees no change in those production plans.

What's not clear is when Apple would release the new MacBook. Shim speculates that it would happen after the iPad Mini announcement -- which is expected to be released in the coming weeks -- though … Read more

How about a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina with that iPhone 5?

The iPhone 5 and iPad Mini buzz dominates headlines, but signs point to Apple also coming out with a new MacBook Pro that's nothing to sniff at.

DisplaySearch has been telling CNET for a few weeks now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production this quarter.

An Asia-based report followed suit today, saying that "mass production" has begun of the 13.3-inch Retina Pro. An Apple announcement is expected in either September or October, according to the DigiTimes report, citing "supply chain" sources.

That MBP 13-incher will … Read more

13-inch Retina MacBook Pro displays in production

Production is under way for a Retina display targeted at a more mainstream MacBook Pro, CNET has learned.

Production has begun of a 2,560-by-1,600 pixel density display that will land on a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET.

"The supply chain indications are that it's for a MacBook Pro 13.3 -- not a MacBook Air," said Shim.

Displays are being made by Samsung, LGD, and Sharp, he said.

Shim said that production volume is expected to be substantially higher out of the gate compared to the current 15.4-inch … Read more