[pixelcamera]

I am in the process of considering which new MacBook 15" to purchase to replace the older one that cannot install Adobe's new PS and Lightroom. I see that the Retina version has a native alternate resolution of 1024x600 versus my projector, which is 1024x768. The non retina supports 1024x768. Does this mean that the projector's image will be distorted with the retina version?

[macnuke]

Mac's are usually pretty good about offering video settings that match what's plugged into them.
my bet is when you plug in the projector, detect displays will find it and give you an appropriate selection to choose from... native for the projector being one of them.

[EGM]

My 17" MacBook Pro (a few years old) has a native screen aspect ratio of 8x5 (1680x1050 pixels). I often use it with projectors that have a 4x3 aspect ratio (like your 1024x768, though I also run into 800x600). Display preference settings can mimic the projector aspect ratio on the built-in screen, with black bars down the sides, or use the full screen, which makes the image a bit wider than it ought to be. If the displays aren't mirrored, then each one can do whatever it does best.

I wouldn't worry.

[pixelcamera]

Thanks for the answers. Now have to decide on other issues.