I really have been wondering the same thing. I may have a few answers that may help you! With the non retina you have more pros. The best non retina is you can add more RAM and HardDrive space if needed and can run games faster with the lower resolution. The newer retina models therefore cost more and you have to buy them just how you want them not being able to add RAM or flash storage but the resolution is almost twice the high definition making games appear better but run slower. I would get the retina if only for arts or designing. Hope i helped you some.

If you have the money. Not really though, you could find a computer with the same specs or better for much less. just ask r00t.

The Retina Macbooks are the best laptops your money can buy. Whether you think they're worth the money is something you have to decide for yourself.

Personally I'd get the 13" base model because of the price and 15" is huge anyway you look at it. If anyone can think of a better laptop, I want a link ASAP.

Kind wrote If you have the money. Not really though, you could find a computer with the same specs or better for much less. just ask r00t.

You're kidding me, right?

Same specifications as an rMBP or better? REALLY!? Find me another laptop with a high resolution IPS panel, never-mind a high capacity SSD, phenomenal trackpad, above average battery life, and no ridiculous bloat-ware installed from the start.

You can't because it does not exist. Apple is the only company who knows what they're doing in the laptop market and innovates. Since the rMBP is in a niche class and is the only one of its kind, people are going to pay the premium price to get the premium product. It's by the far the best laptop out there and just so happens to be the most expensive but it is still great value if you compare it to laptops that are similar in price or slightly lower.

Lol

Kind -If you have the money. Not really though, you could find a computer with the same specs or better for much less. just ask r00t.

r00t -The Retina Macbooks are the best laptops your money can buy.

Guess someone didnt get the support they were expecting, eh?

Destructive wrote Lol

Kind -If you have the money. Not really though, you could find a computer with the same specs or better for much less. just ask r00t.

r00t -The Retina Macbooks are the best laptops your money can buy.

Guess someone didnt get the support they were expecting, eh?

Nope not at all, I trust r00t much more though

no, its a mac so obviously its not good, stay straight, go pc

Are_you_a_bad wrote no, its a mac so obviously its not good, stay straight, go pc

Cut the bias and tell me why you think this is true. Even better, show me a laptop that's better than the retina Macbook Pro.

This is my opinion of this Macbook. Personaally i dont like the OS.. I rather have windows to be honest.. But like you said you are looking for a laptop for a universty so microsoft is your way to be! I got an alienware with close to the same stats but its 1500$ usd and i love it! Good for gaming and VERY fast. But hey its your money and my opinion