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Released June 2012 / Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost / Up to 1 GB GDDR5 Video RAM

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Retina Display Transplant Possible?

Apple has once again dropped the ball on the professional computer users. I'm a photographer that would benefit from the high res image quality of a Retina display, but at the same time I can't give up the flexibility of the traditional form factor. I need to be able to install 2 drives and have have a firewire and ethernet port without adaptors.

Since iFixit are about the only folks that have been inside both versions of the MacBook Pros do you think it's possible to transplant a retina display into the non-retina verson and have the best of both worlds?

The specs suggest that the non retina version is capable of driving the display. What are your thoughts?

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Yes. The same way as always: sell your old unit (complete) and buy a new unit (complete).

It would be cost prohibitive to try to do otherwise.

The entire top case/display is essentially one piece.. the display panel is the "front glass"... the extra 512K VRAM may be needed to run the display and AFAIK you can't swap out video chips on this laptop.

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The top end MBP and rMBP video specs are the same GT650M 1GB GDDR5. I'm wondering if the lids may be interchangeable.

Yes I know this is not going to be cost effective for 99% of users but neither are the 3.33GHz 12core upgrade, but those that need it, need it.

I'm hoping that someone that has had the parts personally in hand will speak from experience. Speculation is just that.

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Certain, output to external display.

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