Retina MacBook Pro on track, says analyst

A 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display is on track for production, according to an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch.DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production in the fourth quarter. And today Shim reiterated that he sees no change in those production plans. Related storiesCNET review of the 15.4-inch Retina MacBook ProWhat's not clear is when Apple would release the new MacBook.Shim speculates that it would happen after the iPad Mini announcement -- which is expected to be released in the coming weeks -- though he said he has no first-hand knowledge of this.Reports have been streaming out of Asia for some time, also.Shim confirmed today that the MBP 13.3-incher will have a 2,560-by-1,600 pixel density display. That compares with the 2880-by-1800 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro announced in June. Ironically, the expected 2,560-by-1,600 resolution is the same pixel density that's expected on a future Google Nexus 10-inch tablet. The 13-inch MBP Retina is also expected to be more consumer friendly, with a price tag well below the $2,199 entry point for the 15.4-inch model. This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play