Advice before purchasing MacBook Pro 13"

Hello

I am about to purchase MacBook Pro 13" before I do I want to ask your guys opinion about:

1. Touch Bar do you really need it? I will use the laptop mainly for internet watching movies? the only benefit I can see is the 4 type-c exits.

2. Upgrading the ram? Do you really need it? I am not using any type of programs this is not a working laptop.

3. Upgrading the SSD? Is 256GB will be enough? If I have a thunder bolt 8TB drive connected to it.

4. My last question will be I will need a good type-c hub with 4K 60Hz exit to watch HDR content some recommendations please.

Thank you for your answers.

 

Before purchase. Ask yourself this. Is MacOS the primary reason you are buying the device. If the answer is yes - proceed with the non-touchbard model. If the answer is no, consider the LG Gram, Dell XPS 13, Asus ZenBook series or HP's new Spectre

 

1.) No, you won't ever need the touchbar, it's completely dumb. it feels really gimmicky and feels inferior to the hotkeys you actually have.
2.) You cannot upgrade any ram, it's soldered, if u use apps like photoshop, then you need some ram it eats ram like nothing else.
3.) Depends what you need the macbook for.
4.) There are lots and lots of issues with the new macbooks and their dongles when connecting to a 4K TV. I don't know why but it causes all kinds of issues, some dongles won't work. When using dongles that work some macbooks just randomly shut dwn their wlan etc.

So I'd strongly suggest getting a MPB non dongle edition aka everything with 2015 and below or consider a windows notebook.

 

The 2010-2012 models are notorious for failing motherboards. Avoid those if going used. The 2013-2014 models are solid.

 

1. I like the touchbar but I could easily get by without it.
2. Ram is soldered and non user upgrade able so one area to not skimp on is maxing out ram
3. Depends on what you do, but worse case scenario is auxiliary external storage if needed as you noted. You also have
cloud storage options depending on content
4. Your best bet for a USB-C -> HDMI is to focus on single function dongles. For some reason, the multi function dongles end up
with a higher rate of problems.

With only USB-C ports, the pros are every port can be turned into anything you want and the power can be connected to either side. The cons are, well, you're going to need various dongles for specific functionality but I like the flexibility. I simply identified the functionality I required and acquired the proper dongles (USB 3.1, mDP, HDMI) and that was that.

The new Macbooks are decent, but make sure you go to an Apple Store (or other Apple dealer) and really give the keyboard a workout. It takes a little time adapting to it, but once you do you're good to go. I hated it at first, but after a few weeks I found myself really liking it. While the Radeon 560 isn't going to win any GPU awards, it is much more powerful than the anemic Nvidia 650/750 and Apple is going full steam ahead with native metal 2 support and Radeon as their GPU du jour up to and including Vega (yes, yes Nvidia is supported too natively for older hardware and with Nvidia's own web drivers).

 

Actual Mac owner unlike a lot of folks who will reply.

1. The touchbar for me wasn't particularly useful like it was for some of my family members. The nicest thing about the TB was the built in fingerprint reader for me personally. As for watching movies you need to be very careful about that. While your output may be full Display-Port over USB-C bear in mind just because your TV says it is 4k 60hz does not mean it actually is and could cause motion issues. Had an Alienware I intended to do what you suggested and the video for me was unwatchable for games despite having a *good* 120hz 4k TV.

2. Upgrading RAM on newer Macs is not possible

3. Upgrading SSDs on current generation Macs again is not possible. Whether it is enough or not is up to you; normally 256GB will manage. Not sure why you would need an 8TB drive when you could just as easily use a NAS or Time Capsule.

4. Apple uses USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 over Display Port for video output which is good for 8k @ 60hz so a dock wouldn't be needed. HDR is also depending upon the monitor and not so much the iGPU as Kabylake supports it natively.

---

If you're just watching movies have you considered an AppleTV, Shield, or even a XboxOneS instead? If you need it to be brought with you perhaps you should instead consider the Standard Non-Pro Macbook

 

I've had my Macbook 15" for a year now and I've concluded that I like the system but Touchbar has been more like Siri then anything else. Meaning if you use Siri regularly then you're probably the type of person who is going to like the touchbar and actually use it. If you don't, then you're probably only going to use it to do the common things like adjust volume and adjust brightness and that's it... Because that's pretty much me.

 

I've had both, TB and non TB. I chose to stay with the non TB because of better battery life. The only thing I miss the TB for was for the touch ID. It's a very convenient feature.

About the RAM, if you can afford it, go with the 16GB option because if you plan to keep the laptop for a long time you can't upgrade it later because it's soldered to the motherboard. Modern operating systems and programs are getting heavier and heavier.

Only you know how much storage space you need. 256GB is enough for me for my use case. The base non TB model does have removable SSDs but the only way to upgrade it is finding one on ebay that was pulled from another machine. You can't use a standard M.2 drive or even one from the 2013-2015 Macbooks. Apple changed the proprietary interface with the 2016 and 2017 models.

 

Hi, I have owned my MBP 2016 since last December. I also own an Alienware 13 r3 with Oled. Before 2016 I never, ever used an Apple Laptop, exclusively Windows and 90% Alienware since 2007. That being said over this past year I have used the MBP 80% of the time. It goes with me everywhere the Alienware doesn't. Mac OS kills Windows. The Touch Bar is amazing and I use it all the time. Not only that but with it you get two more type C ports and an upgraded CPU. The larger the SSD the faster it is, so keep that in mind. Mine is 512gb. I have yet to need a hub though I do have a few dongles and my mobile charger has ports that help if I need it. I like the MBP so much so that I am thinking of upgrading to the Kaby Lake version with 16gb ram and a 1TB SSD to get more life and better use until I look again in 2020. I hope this helps.

 

Agree, once you get a Macbook it's hard to go back.

 

I disagree, I tried macbooks 3 times...and sold at a loss each time. Kept trying to like it because I wanted the integration of my iphone, ipad and computer. I just could not deal with how backwards and terrible the U.I. is in MacOS. As for the touchbar, that is apples lame attempt at pacifiying their users into thinking they do not need touchscreens. NOT the case...The future of computing is full touchscreen on EVERYTHING. Apple WILL release macbooks and imacs with touchscreen, in the next two years. Then maybe they will have alot of their backwards user interface fixed as well.

 

I hope not as I dislike them passionately.

 

It is however. Everything is being moved to touch. The good thing however, is, You don't HAVE to use it....but having it available is a necessity. Many many graphics professionals I know are all moving from mac to surface book and surface studio devices so they can have a clean work space instead of having to use Wacom drawing tablets etc. They just use the surface and dial with the pen and work WAY MORE efficiently, and effectively. One of my good friends owns a design company and recently sold 10 imacs and moved to surface studios in their office. He said they have pretty well cut time working on a given project by 15%. Not having to do finger gymnastics and moving from the keyboard to drawing tablet etc has saved a bunch of time.

 

You do realize that any self-respecting professional design firm has been using Wacom Cintiqs for a LONG time. The Surface Studio is still far away behind Wacom's designs and have a lot of catching up to do. Not to mention the pen comparison is also not in MS' favour - the Surface devices are fine for amateur or mobile design but anyone who is serious about design is using an Intuos or Cintiq.

On a side note - every review where an artist has given their opinion about the Surface dial has showed them say it's a gimmick and is sub-par when compared to proper keyboard shortcuts.

 

True using it is not required, but the glare from the glass used in the touch surface is a major drawback for most touch screens. Touch screens also add weight and lessen battery life due to the digitizer. They're also fingerprint magnets as well. Some people do really like touch screens, I've never wanted to touch my screen, but they're not in my opinion, the end all be all for screens.

I have a Mac and like it as something different, just as I like Linux too, but they're not any better or worse than the other or Windows for that matter too. Having to learn Mac shortcuts means you're not familiar with the OS, not that it is backwards. As always pointed debate is encouraged here, but civility is a must. Name calling is not welcome.

 

I took MacOS off my MacBook. I am using Linux mint. Much better OS. straight forward. and NO..I should not have to continually hit keyboard keys to use functions of the OS anymore...that day went away with windows 3.11. the reluctance of apple to have a "right click" just to be different is what is wrong. Just as Not having touchscreen as even an option is Just to be different. My son's MacBook air has a glossy screen. So, that's no big deal to introduce touch to it. I think if apple does touch, it will be awesome since IOS is a great system.

 

I disagree fundamentally - a matte non-touch display is worlds better when you are working in a brightly-lit environment - you also get less battery drain and the lack of glare is a great plus for media consumption.

As for the OS - MacOS is simply different - as with any new OS, once you get used to it, it's fine. Besides, the security, optimization and accessibility is far and away better than anything Windows has to offer. It's silly when you think about it. MacOS on a dual-core ULV runs better than Windows on a quad-core 7700HQ.

 

Can't believe it. I had to put a member on ignore...WOW! Never thought I would have to here. Oh well. again, I have a good friend who does design for a living. and they moved from their glossy screen Macs to the new surface devices, productivity went up ALOT and time to finish went down. A win win for business!

 

There's a reason every single large studio uses Wacom products over Surface products - it's the same reason people buy ThinkPads, EliteBooks and Latitudes over XPS 13/15 devices for work. One is a professional product designed to be the best it can be in terms of functionality and performance whereas the other is more focused on looks and aesthetics while making compromises with things like performance, latency, durability and etc.

 

And my team uses nothing but Macs for its design work, and we took an account from $0 to $56 million in 5 years. What, exactly, is your point?

 

He doesn't like MacOS and MacBooks - hasn't given a valid reason to me, though.

 

My point is times are a changing. The surface touchscreen/inking/dial equipped devices are coming on strong in the graphics industry. NOT JUST ME SAYING IT....I know that apple fans are against touchscreens....but they are awesome.

 

We only have a single device with a dial-like device currently and it's not only expensive but also not liked by the designers and professionals. I feel like Wacom will still hold a dominant position in the market the same way Apple devices do. Touchscreeens are optional and will remain so because the majority of people buying are currently looking for matte screens.

 

Have to agree with BlazerTrek and z31fanatic. The MBPs have their annoyances w/respect to PRICE but the conveniences are notable (even the TouchBar has it’s perks - although not essential IMO or worth the added cost). Had Mac laptops since 2005 and on/off with Lenovo Thinkpads (namely for work) and if you have no high-end user/gaming needs, MBP will do the trick. Again, just my opinion and go with your gut on the potentially uneccesary added TouchBar cost.

 

macbook pro 13 tb 2017's battery life is pretty bad at avg 5-6hr, considering XPS13 can get 10hr+

 

You may want to correct your statement, unless all you do with your XPS is leave it idling at 0% brightness.

According to NBC"s standerdized tests, the MBP 13 2017 gets 8:39 hours of web surfing vs 6:48 hours on the XPS 13 9370.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-XPS-13-9370-i5-8250U-4K-UHD-Laptop-Review.279736.0.html
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Pro-13-Mid-2017-i5-Touch-Bar-Review.227154.0.html

 

mine does not get anywhere close to 8hr, i'll be lucky to get 6 using nothing but chrome and spotify running on 10.13, 1 or 2 youtube videos will turn that into 5hr. you are also comparing apple and oranges XPS13 can get 10hr+ easy on 1080p screen

 

And according to NBC the Non-TB MBP 13 can get 11 hours as seen here: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple...017-i5-without-Touch-Bar-Review.234282.0.html

At any rate, until you provide a source or any verifiable data from a trusted reviewer, I'm just going to end the conversation at.

 

You are comparing apple to orange again, the non TB has a 15W CPU and a larger battery comparing to 28W on the TB version. Longer battery life is expected. Please do a basic google search before posting misleading information.

 

I could say the same - the TDP you are referring to is the maximum point at which the BIOS will limit performance and clockspeed - the CPUs themselves are identical dual-core ULVs with different iGPUs. And no, it's not apples to oranges - baseline MBP vs baseline XPS or top end XPS vs top end MBP - comparing apples to oranges would be taking the non-TB MBP and the 4K XPS 13.

 

Id consider any ultraportable with a quad core 8th gen and mx150 over the Macbook pro. I got sick of waiting for them to put some PRO into MBP13, ie a quad core and a small dGPU, or at least the dGPU. I sold my 2011 and havnt looked back since. Too many cheaper options with as good screens much more powerful CPUs and have a dGPU. If apple ever gets its act together and refreshes the 13 after a decade I may consider one again as I like OSX.

 

To me the Touch bar was a flailing attempt to do something new. MS just released its ahead of its time Surface range, especially the Surface Book and Surface studio. Apple had and still dont have any answer to those devices. Hence why they are showing up in TV programmes and movies now instead of the old piece of fruit. I have no Issue with the 15, ok its a bit underpowered for what you pay for it, but on the whole its worth of calling it Pro, I wont back down a dual core 15w cpu with no gpu in a 13" chassis Pro. There is nothing pro about the 13. Hopefully canon lake will resolve this, if macbooks are still humming on. iPhones keep apple bouyant as until MS release Andromeda, its either iPhone or Android and a lot of oldies and hipsters love the iPhones, which have great CPUs but terrible design and in the past displays.

Im not trolling or bagging Apple out, Im just a realist, Im not Bias to any company. I like using OSX. So lets just hope by end of Next year the 13 will be like a whole bunch of other 13" ultrabooks.

 

Macbook "Pro" hasn't been Pro level equipment since 2011-2012...the severe lack of ports, anemic hardware, removal of Magsafe (which I always thought was seriously Apple's best feature, and WISHED PC would adopt it), and a tragic keyboard makes it a complete fail. The ONLY good points Apple has is solid build quality thanks to a milled aluminum chassis, and good screens on the macbook pro (macbook air screen is atrocious..)

Your money is generally better spent elsewhere. And if you NEED Mac OS, I strongly encourage you to hackintosh.

 

The keyboard was the final straw for me along with the fact the top of the line 3.1 2017 Macbook Pro was slower than the 4930mx in my 18 and the 560 is pretty weak to boot. I ended up selling my Macbook Pro 15 2017 and hackintoshed my 775dm3 (My Macbook's parting gift was creating the installers for my 775dm3).