MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2012 roundup

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Editors' note: This post was updated October 26, 2012, with all 2012 MacBook Air and Pro reviews, including the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

As 2012 draws to a close, we've seen the death of one MacBook, the 17-inch Pro, and the addition of two new models -- 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros with thinner bodies and high-resolution Retina displays. All now have third-generation Intel Core i-series processors, Thunderbolt ports, and USB 3.0, while the two new Retina models even have HDMI outputs, a long-requested feature.

The Retina models are impressive reboots, walking the line between slim ultrabook and mainstream power, while maintaining excellent battery life. At this point, we'd say the 15-inch Retina Pro is the single most universally useful Apple laptop (unless you absolutely, positively need an optical drive), while the 13-inch Air should be the first stop for on-the-go types who plan to carry a laptop around with them every day.

For a full rundown, see below.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina Display
By adding a high-res Retina Display to a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple has taken the odd man out of its MacBook line -- the previous 13-inch Pro -- and turned it into a sleek, modern laptop that will be priced out of reach for many.
Read the full review of the Retina Display 13-inch MacBook Pro.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina Display
The newly redesigned MacBook Pro with Retina Display combines an amazing screen with just enough of the MacBook Air design to feel like a new animal, and to take its place as the best of the current MacBook breed.
Read the full review of the Retina Display 15-inch MacBook Pro.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, June 2012)
This year's MacBook Air opts for gradual improvements rather than anything revolutionary, but lowered prices continue to make it the go-to mainstream recommendation for any MacBook owner-to-be.
Read the full review of the new 13-inch MacBook Air.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, June 2012)
The new 11-inch MacBook Air is every bit as fast as the 13-inch Air, despite its smaller size, but you'll give up 2 hours of battery life in the bargain.
Read the full review of the new 11-inch MacBook Air.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, June 2012)
Another year of incremental improvements for the 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro helps it maintain its lead as a useful, powerful, attractive midsize laptop, but the competition is closer than ever to catching up.
Read the full review of the new 15-inch MacBook Pro.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, June 2012)
While the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a well-built laptop, it's fallen behind the MacBook Air and Retina Display MacBook Pro in design, lacks higher-end upgrades, and feels too expensive compared with the competition.
Read the full review of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro.