What is the difference between the "MagSafe 2" power connector on the Retina Display MacBook Pro as well as the MacBook Air and the "MagSafe" power connector on earlier MacBook Pro models? Are they interchangeable?

The "MagSafe 2" power connector on all 13-Inch (A1425) and 15-Inch (A1398) Retina Display MacBook Pro models as well as the "Mid-2012" and subsequent MacBook Air models is similar to the earlier "MagSafe" connector, and it works in the same way, but they are not the same size nor are they interchangeable.

It is possible to use an earlier MagSafe adapter with a Retina Display MacBook Pro -- or connect a Retina Display MacBook Pro to a MagSafe-equipped display, like the Apple Thunderbolt Display -- but you must use the Apple MagSafe-to-MagSafe 2 adapter (MD504ZM/A) available from Apple or any Apple Authorized Reseller, like site sponsor PowerMax.

There is not a MagSafe 2-to-MagSafe adapter, so it is not possible to use a newer MagSafe 2 power adapter with an older MacBook that supports the original MagSafe standard.

How is it possible to physically secure the Retina Display MacBook Pro without a security port?

Eagle-eyed readers immediately noticed that unlike earlier MacBook Pro models, the Retina Display MacBook Pro models do not have a "security" port so it is not possible to physically secure these models with the long established standard Kensington Security Cable.

However, as first spotted by MacFixIt, Maclocks has designed a custom, clear polymer base "skin" that provides the standard security port and can be used alone or that also can be combined with a clear top "skin" as well to function as a protective case.

Who designed the Retina Display MacBook Pro?

Like all other recent MacBook Pro models, the Retina Display MacBook Pro line was designed in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, headed by Jonathan Ive.

Where can I buy a Retina Display MacBook Pro?

In the US, you may purchase a Retina Display MacBook Pro directly from Apple, but doing so often will require you to pay sales tax, which will exceed US$100. Those interested in getting the best deal would be best served by purchasing your MacBook Pro from an Apple Authorized Reseller that does not charge sales tax, like site sponsor PowerMax.

PowerMax also offers a large selection of used MacBook Pro models as does US site sponsor MegaMacs.

What are the custom configuration options for the Retina Display MacBook Pro?

EveryMac.com provides both the default configuration and lists many custom configuration options on the individual specs pages for each Retina Display MacBook Pro.

However, the primary custom configuration upgrade options (rather than the stock configurations) at the time of purchase -- processor, RAM, and storage for each of the Retina Display MacBook Pro models -- when applicable -- also are listed below.

13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro Custom Configuration Options

MacBook Pro	Subfamily	Processor	RAM	Storage
"Core i5" 2.5 13"	Late 2012	2.9 GHz Core i7 (I7-3520M)	N/A	512 GB SSD 768 GB SSD
"Core i5" 2.6 13"	Early 2013	3.0 GHz Core i7 (I7-3540M)	N/A	512 GB SSD 768 GB SSD

15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro Custom Configuration Options

MacBook Pro	Subfamily	Processor	RAM	Storage
"Core i7" 2.3 15"	Mid-2012	2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-3820QM)	16 GB	512 GB SSD 768 GB SSD
"Core i7" 2.6 15"	Mid-2012	2.7 GHz Core i7 (I7-3820QM)	16 GB	768 GB SSD
"Core i7" 2.4 15"	Early 2013	2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-3840QM)	16 GB	512 GB SSD 768 GB SSD
"Core i7" 2.7 15"	Early 2013	2.8 GHz Core i7 (I7-3840QM)	16 GB	768 GB SSD

If you are interested in a faster processor or more RAM (which is not an option at all for the 13-Inch models), it should be configured at the time of purchase as only the storage in the 13-Inch and 15-Inch models alike can be upgraded later.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a compatible Mercury Aura Pro storage upgrade kit for the Retina Display MacBook Pro models. Also in the US, Mission Repair offers an affordable Mac notebook upgrade service by mail with a 24 hour turnaround.