MacBook Pro Retina Late 2012

Following the 15-inch models, the 13-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro series incorporates a stunning high-resolution LED-backlit 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "retina" display into a chassis that weighs slightly more than 3.5 pounds (1.62 kg).

Unfortunately, mirroring the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 13-Inch versions employ a virtually "sealed" design. The RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded post-purchase (not even as a purchase-time option), the storage is not meant for later upgrades, and the battery is not designed for end-user replacement.

This particular model, the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display), is technically a custom-ordered version of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display) but is also listed separately for user convenience. The only differences are the processor and its larger corresponding level 3 cache.

It is powered by a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3520M) with dual independent cores on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of non-upgradable onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM, and either 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage. It uses an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor that shares system memory and includes an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam. It lacks an internal optical drive.

Connectivity consists of 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. It does not include Gigabit Ethernet or Firewire "800," although adapters could be purchased separately.

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 Apple-estimated 7 hours of use.

As the top-tier custom configuration for the first-generation 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, this 2.9 GHz Core i7 model offered the best possible dual-core performance for those who adopted the new design early. The main attraction was the revolutionary Retina display, which was a game-changer for screen clarity in a portable machine. However, the performance of the integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics was often criticized for not being powerful enough to consistently drive the high-resolution display without some lag. The sealed, non-upgradable design was also a major point of contention for many users. This BTO model provided a speed boost but couldn't escape the first-generation trade-offs of its siblings.