Apple has only just unveiled their new 13″ MacBook Pro Retina Display system during the Apple Special Event earlier this week, but that hasn’t stopped the iFixit team from getting busy with their toolbox and dismantling the new Apple MacBook Pro 13″ Retina Display, revealing its workings for all to see.
“The MacBook Pro 13″ with Retina Display is thinner than non-Retina MacBook Pros, but slightly thicker than the 15″ MacBook Pro with Retina Display. It has two USB 3.0 ports, one on either side of the machine, two Thunderbolt ports, and a MagSafe 2 power adapter. This model also includes an SD card reader and an HDMI port.”
Teardown Insights and Discoveries
During the teardown, iFixit discovered that the MacBook Pro 13″ Retina Display’s battery is glued into the laptop’s case, making it extremely difficult to replace. The proprietary pentalobe screws prevent you from gaining access to anything inside without specialized tools. This design choice by Apple is likely intended to maintain the sleek and seamless design of the laptop, but it significantly hampers repairability.
The iFixit team also explained that the display assembly is almost impossible to take apart. If anything goes wrong with the display, the entire assembly will need to be replaced, which can be quite costly. This is a stark contrast to older models where individual components could be replaced or repaired more easily.
Repairability and User Experience
After completing the teardown, iFixit awarded the new MacBook Pro 13″ Retina Display with a repairability rating of 2 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair). This low score highlights the challenges that users and technicians will face when attempting to repair or upgrade the device. The glued-in battery and proprietary screws are significant barriers to DIY repairs.
Despite these repairability issues, the MacBook Pro 13″ Retina Display offers several advantages. The Retina Display itself provides stunning visuals with high resolution and vibrant colors, making it ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors. The inclusion of USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt ports ensures fast data transfer speeds, while the HDMI port and SD card reader add to the device’s versatility.
Moreover, the MagSafe 2 power adapter is a thoughtful feature that helps prevent accidental damage. If someone trips over the power cord, the magnetic connection safely detaches, reducing the risk of pulling the laptop off a table or desk.
For the full teardown, jump over to the iFixit website to see detailed images and step-by-step instructions. This comprehensive guide can be invaluable for those who are curious about the inner workings of their device or are brave enough to attempt repairs themselves.
Source: iFixit
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