MacBook Pro w/Retina display

I'm starting to look for a new laptop. The Apple Retina display on the MacBook Pro has beautifully rendered colors and is very clear and sharp, even at an off angle.

But, since my laptop will probably spend at least 90% of its time with the lid closed and docked to a 24" display along with a real keyboard (with numeric key pad) and a (I hate trackpads) real mouse...

Is it worth spending the extra money for the Retina Display?

I really only use my laptop display when traveling.

Will the Retina capability improve the video when using an external monitor?

Thanks for your thoughts. From a tech challenged user.

 

Did I put this in the wrong place?

 

My wife has the laptop with Retina display.
The quality is spectacular as you say.
I don’t know about the external monitor though.....I suspect that is limited to what the external monitor is capable of.