Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina Display gets low iFixit score

Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has been making headlines, but not all the news is positive. Renowned for their detailed gadget teardowns, the experts at iFixit have recently assessed the repairability of this sleek laptop, and the results are less than stellar. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has received a notably low repairability score, raising questions and concerns for potential buyers and current owners alike. Here’s an in-depth look at what this low score means and why it matters.

Understanding the iFixit Score

iFixit is a well-known resource for DIY electronics repair guides and toolkits. Their repairability score evaluates how easy it is to disassemble and repair a device. A high score indicates that a device is relatively easy to fix, with accessible components and a design conducive to repairs. Conversely, a low score suggests that the device is challenging to repair, often due to proprietary screws, glued components, or components that are difficult to replace.

The MacBook Pro's Low Score

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display received a repairability score of just 1 out of 10 from iFixit. This low score is due to several design choices made by Apple:

• Proprietary Screws: Apple uses proprietary pentalobe screws, which are not as commonly available as standard screws, making it harder to open the device without specialized tools.

• Battery: The battery is glued to the case, making it difficult and potentially dangerous to replace. This design choice significantly hampers the ability to perform a relatively common repair.

• Soldered Components: Key components such as the RAM and the SSD are soldered to the motherboard. This means that upgrading or replacing these components is not possible, limiting the laptop's lifespan and upgrade potential.

• Display Assembly: The Retina Display is fused to the top glass, meaning that if the screen gets damaged, the entire display assembly must be replaced, which is costly and complex.

Implications for Users

For consumers, the low repairability score has several important implications:

• Higher Repair Costs: Due to the complexity of repairs and the need for specialized tools and skills, getting a MacBook Pro with Retina Display fixed by a professional can be expensive. Apple’s official repair services are often costly, and third-party repair options may be limited.

• Limited Upgradeability: The soldered RAM and SSD mean that users cannot upgrade these components after purchase. This necessitates careful consideration of future needs when choosing the initial configuration, potentially leading to higher upfront costs for more storage or memory.

• Environmental Concerns: Devices that are difficult to repair are more likely to be discarded when something goes wrong, contributing to electronic waste. This is a significant environmental concern, as e-waste contains hazardous materials and is challenging to recycle.

• Longevity: A laptop that is difficult to repair and upgrade may have a shorter useful lifespan. Users might need to replace their device sooner than they would with a more repairable model, increasing long-term costs.

What You Can Do

If you already own a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display or are considering purchasing one, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate some of these concerns:

• AppleCare+: Consider purchasing AppleCare+ for extended warranty coverage. This can help offset the cost of potential repairs and provide peace of mind.

• Protective Measures: Invest in high-quality protective cases and screen protectors to reduce the risk of damage to the device.

• Configuration Choices: When buying, choose a configuration that will meet your needs for as long as possible, given the inability to upgrade later.

• Repair Resources: Familiarize yourself with reputable repair services and resources. Even if you don't plan to do repairs yourself, knowing where to go for help can be invaluable.

Conclusion

The low repairability score of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display is a significant consideration for anyone looking to purchase this model. While the device offers outstanding performance and a stunning display, the challenges associated with repairs and upgrades cannot be overlooked. As always, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider both the short-term benefits and long-term implications when making your decision.

Stay informed and consider all aspects of your tech purchases to ensure you get the best value and longevity from your devices.

Apple's latest and greatest 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has received a damming score from iFixit blaming the complete inability to repair the display among other things

 

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has been given a low score of just two out of 10 by iFixit after it discovered that many of the new MacBook's latest features have come at a high cost.

The company which famously pulls apart the latest tech so consumers are away of just how repairable their latest gadgets are, took a screwdriver to the new Retina Display MacBook and had some fairly frustrating news to impart.

The battery has been glued into the aluminium casing making it very difficult to remove or indeed replace. Pentalobe screws also cause them some difficult locking the entire closure from pyring eyes.

Most shocking was the news that the RAM has been soldered to the logic board so if you're thinking of upgrading your RAM in a years time or so think again.

Finally iFixit had particular beef with the Retina Display itself thanks to the fusing together of the parts allowing Apple to create such a thin display, so while it may look incredibly desirable the website advises that if anything goes wrong you'll have to replace the entire display.

Source: iFixit

New Apple iPad 4th generation launched

The new Apple with Retina Display is the LTE updated version of the iPad 3 which was unveiled just a few months ago and now features a faster A6X processor

Apple have just unveiled the new iPad 4th generation a completely updated version of the iPad 3 by offering new LTE compatability and a Lightning port which was first seen on the iPhone 5.

Apple iPad 4th generation specs:

 

Specs have remained pretty similar to that of the previous generation release just 6-months ago however there have been some big changes, most notably in the processing department.

The iPad 4th generation has a completely new A6X chip which is 2x faster than the A5 processor and will now beat even the iPhone 5 on processing grunt which has the A6 processor.

Elsewhere the iPad's Retina Display remains unchanged however there have been big changes for wireless performance with the 4th generation iPad now featuring LTE support which will almost certainly result in users being able to get the iPad 4th generation through the EE 4G network.

WiFi has been upgraded with the iPad with Retina Display now offering twice as fast WiFi speeds making it even more capable to deal with the new spectrums.

Apple iPad 4th generation release date and price:

The iPad with Retina Display will be available to pre-order from October 26 alongside the new iPad Mini with the release date being November 2 and will start at £399.

Source : rss[dot]feedsportal[dot]com

Apple unveils new 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina Display

Apple has revealed not one but two brand new products in the form of the iPad Mini and, now, the 13-inch MacBook Retina Display, sporting a new design

Apple has today unveiled the new 13-inch MacBook Retina Display with the Mac OS X laptop sporting a completely updated processor including

 

Apple 13-inch MacBook Retina Display Specs:

Complimenting the current 15-inch MacBook Retina Display the new 13-inch model comes with a screen resolution of 2560x1600 making it four times over the previous model.

Powering the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is are the Intel Dual Core i5 or i7 processors while there's 8GB of memory and up to 750GB in SSD storage making sure it'll handle any multi-media content.

Battery life has been hugely increased from the previous model to 7-hours by using a new battery system.

In terms of size the 13-inch MacBook Retina DIsplay is super thin at just 0.75-inches which makes it 20 per cent lighter than the original MacBook, while it is still bag-friendly weighing in at just 3.5ibs

Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina Display: Release date

It'll cost more than the previous model but there's no news on the UK pricing however in the US the Retina Display model will cost $500 more than the non-Retina Display version.

Source : rss[dot]feedsportal[dot]com

HTC J Butterfly has iPhone-beating Full HD 5-inch display

The HTC J Butterfly is currently a Japan-only phone but HTC say that the stunning Retina Display-beating panel will be coming to other smartphones

 

HTC have today unveiled the HTC J Butterfly, a 5-inch flagship smartphone sporting the first 5-inch Super LCD 3 display giving us the first 1080p Full HD screen on a smartphone and.

Running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean the smartohone was shown off by Japanese carrier KDDI and in addition to the 5-inch 1920-by-1080 pixel Full HD screen it also packs a 1.5Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor and 2GB RAM.

On the camera front there is an 8-Megapixel main camera, a 2.1-Megapixel front-facing camera and 16GB internal storage with microSDHC expansion as well as the expected WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and LTE.

If that wasn’t enticing enough the J Butterfly is also a global phone meaning it will work on CDMA and GSM networks so you could pick one up in Japan and use it here in Europe as long as it is unlocked. The J Butterfly is also waterproof with an IPX5 rating so it seems perfectly suited to the wet English weather.

Of course the main attraction is the 5-inch display, featuring a staggering 440-ppi the J Butterfly can claim to well and truly trump the new iPhone 5 which although features a Retina Display can only offer a ppi of 326.

The HTC J Butterfly will be available from December in Japan in a choice of red, white or black.

Source: Engadget China

Source : rss[dot]feedsportal[dot]com

Apple to launch 13-inch MacBook Retina Display October 23rd?

Apple could be moving one step closer to having a completely Retina Display range of MacBooks with rumours suggesting the company is working on a 13-inch model

 

A new 13-inch Apple MacBook Retina Display could be getting a release date of October 23rd with rumours suggesting that Apple will not only be launching a new iPad Mini but also a thinner iMac as well.

Reports now say that the new 13-inch display will boast a resolution of 2,560-by-1,650 pixels which is a pixel density of 230 pixels-per-inch, slightly higher than the 220 pixels-per-inch of the 15 inch model. The new model is also expected to gain the same thinner profile and solid state storage updates as the 15-inch model.

Apple were originally expected to launch the 13-inch Retina version of the MacBook at the same time as the 15-inch Retina model at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference back in June however to much surprise there was no mention of the 13-inch model.

Taiwanese electronics industry publication DigiTimes published details claiming that the original delay for the 13-inch model was down to “weak yields” of its high resolution display and that although Apple had improved the situation that the launch of the new model would have limited availability at first due to supply chain constraints.

T3 will have coverage of Apple’s rumoured event on the 23^rd October if it happens and you will find out here first if the iPad Mini is indeed joined by a new retina 13-inch MacBook Pro.

 

Source : rss[dot]feedsportal[dot]com

Samsung LED monitors: Upgrade your display

Computer monitors have for many years been seen as just another accessory to the CPU. However, Samsung, the world leader in consumer electronics, has pulled off a sensational innovation in the form of LED monitors that are compatible with the latest range of computers from practically all kinds of manufacturers. This basically means that now, as the configurations of PCs are advancing in the form of faster processors and RAMs, the monitor also has a transition. Elucidating the key features of the Samsung monitors, the first point is the Mega Dynamic contrast, which gives a whole new meaning to the word 'crystal clear' picture, with colours being more vibrant than they have ever been (comparing to previous models based on outdated technologies). The images seem so close to reality that one might think they are about to come to life, with the 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio (the highest contrast ratio level available till date) playing its role perfectly. Also, the blacks are displayed in their absolutely dark form, while the whites are just as they are supposed to be, i.e., bright and spotless. The clarity and intensity are clearly visible, to the point that one might even think it's not real! Summing it up, one might never want to look at another screen after experiencing what Samsung LED monitors can do.
The next generation of technology comes to life with Samsung LED monitors, as the most advanced motion sensors are used to build a monitor that gives every detail in each frame. Samsung LED monitors also have an in-built Pyrolectric Infrared Ray (PIR) sensor, which can detect movement within a particular area in front of the screen. This is a great benefit, since the monitor can go dim or power off automatically, after detecting that the person is not there any more. Also, as soon as the user is back, the screen will suddenly brighten up on its own. Not only is this extremely convenient, but also helps in conserving energy and utilising it in the right manner. The Samsung Eco Light sensor is also a great addition to the Samsung monitors. It adjusts the screen brightness to match the surrounding environment, creating a fantastic visual effect that also reduces energy consumption. The viewing experience is not at all strenuous, as the monitor brightness is adjusted to suit the ambient light, resulting in the screen having maximum visibility and perfect for viewing. For instance, in case the room is dark, the screen's brightness will reduce, whereas in case of it being extremely bright, the brightness will increase to ensure that all the colours are clearly visible.
Samsung LED monitors also come with the eco saving feature that is another means of conserving energy in conjunction with adjusting the brightness. However, the difference in this case is that the user can select how much energy he/she wants to save, for the monitor to comply. There are three choices - 50%, 25% and power saving off, which give complete control in the hands of the user. Quite simply, Samsung LED monitors are the best.

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