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Many ask whether the Mac Retina display is worth it.

At the Apple store, a 15-inch Macbook Pro with Retina costs $2,199 (base) vs. $1,799 for the non-Retina 15" Macbook Pro, and $1,199 for the non-Retina 13-inch Macbook Air.

Retina screens make text look great, I'm comparing it with a 2007 Macbook Pro and I can tell you that for a fact. Retina pixel density = 220.5 PPI, vs. 135 PPI for the latest non-Retina MacBook Air (according to The Verge).

Recently, Gary Heiting, an optometrist told Mashable:

“A key factor in something that’s called computer vision syndrome, or just eye strain from computer use, is screen resolution,” Heiting says. “The new iPad, with twice the resolution of the iPad 2, 264 ppi (pixels per inch) instead of 132, people are going to notice less pixelation, especially in a small typeface. It’s not just an enjoyment issue or an aesthetic issue, but it’s definitely a visual comfort isue, over time.”

So... is it true that Retina gives less eyestrain than lower resolution screens?

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How do you measure eye-stain? How do you measure the difference in eye-strain between different people? Do you or I experience the same eye-strain? Are there people who experience worse eye-strain and others who experience less? How long is "...over time?" Does this mean that it's uncomfortable at first and we just get used to it? – jdstankosky Nov 27 '12 at 14:27
I am sure Retina display is eyesight killer. Eyes 6 muscles must work during the day and rest during the rest or night. Instead, one have info and make eyes lazy and finally catches himself that a bus number approaching bus-stop is not so clear as before. This logical info will always be put on hold :) – user11554 Feb 16 at 18:35
The only thing not related to Apple's marketing I've found on the subject, talks about healthy resolution being ".28mm dot pitch or less". That's 90dpi. – vartec Feb 18 at 8:56
Most people keep their monitors so bright that DPI is the least of their eyestrain issues. – Larry OBrien Feb 18 at 19:40

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