13-inch Retina MacBook Pro preview: Price, release date rumors

Apple is highly expected to roll out a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro at its October 23 iPad Mini media event. Alongside the smaller iPad, Apple may also launch the younger sibling of its Retina MacBook Pro 13, new iMacs and Mac Minis, reports say. 9to5Mac has even gone on to forecast price of the potential small MacBook Pro. The machine is to come for a price that starts around $1,699. Higher spec’ed models will be up for additional pays of $200 to $300, however.

“The base model Retina MacBook Pro retails for $2,199 in the United States, so the 13-inch varieties would create a more inexpensive option for those who also prefer a smaller device,” writes 9to5Mac. The new MBP will possibly hit stores soon after its launch, says the rumor. Well, it will be a path-breaking Ultrabook out in stores with stunning screen resolution and other traits. Though pricier, it will be a great product out there, of course.

Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro
Soon after the launch of 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, there have been talks of a smaller version of the machine. Apple, as per its tradition, has not yet spoken a single word on such a product. Still now, with its media event set to take place in California next week, the firm has said nothing about the device’s release. It is rumored that the event will bring forth the new iPad Mini. Plus, as per rumors, there will be some other products including the new MacBook Pro.

It is sure that the MacBook Pro will have a display with ground-breaking resolution. Well, it is hoped to be the most highlighted feature of the machine. Remember, thanks to Retina display, the 15-inch MBP has a record-breaking 2880 x 1800 resolutions at 220ppi. Further, the device will get Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processor, better RAM, increased built-in memory options, advanced connectivity options and more.

“It sounds like the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will have a 2,560-by-1,600-pixel display (the same as a 30-inch Cinema Display), with the effective area being the same as the 1,280-by-800 screens as the current MacBook Pros when used in pixel-doubled Retina mode,” says 9to5Mac.

The current 15.4-inch model is powered by a 2.3GHz or 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 6MB shared L3 cache, 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB flash storage. The machine is up with Intel’s superb HD Graphics 4000 processor and Nvidia’s GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory for fine performance.

When it comes to connectivity and other key features, the 15-inch MBP features a 720p FaceTime HD camera for video chats, MagSafe 2 power port, a pair of Thunderbolt ports and as many USB 3 ports. Moreover, there are a HDMI port, headphone port, SDXC card slot and more. Plus, the device is far slimmer and easier-to-carry than all its predecessors. Of course, we can expect almost all these features on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Apple Media Event; Other Products
Apple’s long-rumored media event is set to take place on Oct. 23 in California. As noted above, besides the 13-inch MBP, Apple will possibly unveil a set of other products in the event. They may mainly include a Mini iPad and it is even assumed that the event is itself set for releasing the new smaller iPad. The tablet has been long awaited from the tech maker, which currently dominates the tablet market with its 9.7-inch iPad.

Furthermore, we can expect a series of new versions of Apple’s flagship desktop PCs like iMac and Mac Mini. Of course, the company will be taking advantage to release newer versions of all devices. Fans are anticipating a slew of products from their favorite Apple. Let us keep our fingers crossed for the much-talked about media event now.