MacBook Pro Retina Late 2012

Following the 15-inch models, the 13-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro line packs a stunning, high-resolution 13.3-inch widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) LED-backlit "retina" display into a chassis weighing just over 3.5 pounds (1.62 kg).

Unfortunately, similar to the 15-inch version, the 13-inch models feature an essentially "sealed" design. The RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase, the storage is not intended for user upgrades, and the battery is not easily replaceable by end-users.

This specific model, the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display), is powered by a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.5 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (3210M). It has dual independent cores, a 3 MB shared L3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (not upgradable), and either 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage (128 GB only after Feb 13, 2013). Graphics are handled by an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor that shares system memory. It also includes an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam. It does not have an internal optical drive.

Connectivity includes 3-stream AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. Gigabit Ethernet and Firewire "800" require extra-cost adapters.

Additionally, this model has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and a sealed internal battery providing an estimated 7 hours of use.

The introduction of the Retina display to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in late 2012 was a landmark moment, with reviewers hailing the 2560x1600 resolution as breathtakingly sharp. However, this innovation came with compromises; the integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics struggled to smoothly drive the high-resolution panel, leading to noticeable lag in certain situations. The thinner and lighter unibody design was praised for its portability compared to the non-Retina model. A significant point of contention was its sealed construction, which eliminated user upgradability for RAM, a departure from previous Pro models that disappointed many enthusiasts. Despite the performance trade-offs, its stunning screen set a new standard for notebooks in its class.