Firstly let me just say I use Apple products. I like them, but I would not say I’m a fan boy. I don’t think they are perfect at all.

As with all new Apple products releases, the new Macbook Pro with Retina display has caused the usual tear-downs to figure out how it was built and which components were used.  Almost all of the reports have stated that custom components were used meaning the machines are virtually impossible to upgrade due to the RAM being soldered onto the board and the SSD drives proprietary connector. I question these claims. Here is why:

Yes the RAM is soldered onto the board & not user upgradable. I can not question that claim really but I can claim that it does not actually matter. The minimum the machine comes with is 8 gigabytes of RAM. Thats a lot. I’m a power user and would struggle to max out 8 gigabytes. You can order an upgrade to 16 gigabytes at purchase time if you want, which is a massive amount. My point is, why would you want anything other than 8 or 16 gigabytes. Would you upgrade from 8 to 10? Doubtful. I have only ever once upgraded the RAM in on of my laptops form 4 gigabytes to 8 as the 4 was a little small for what I do. Everyone is making a big fuss about the RAM but the amounts available are ample & based on the current market prices, not overpriced at all. Out of intrest, how many of you have actually ever upgraded the RAM in your laptop? Did you ever consider the upgradability of the machine when you purchased it?

The SSD has a proprietary connector. Apple first used this setup in the Macbook Air. You can buy replacement, bigger faster SSD’s for these machines. All Apple have done is change the connector. You can change these drive, your just can’t buy a replacement with the same connector yet. Soon a third-party manufacturer will make them, 100%.

Will I be purchasing one? Not right now. It’s thin and powerful. The screen is stunning. Mesmerising infant. I am going to wait for the second generation as this one, power wise, is not that much of an improvement over my current Macbook Pro. The only selling point is the screen & while it is stunning, I just can’t justify it.